How do I find the geometric definition of (i+J)cross(i-j)?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the geometric definition of the cross product of two vectors, specifically (i+J) and (i-j). Participants are exploring the angle between these vectors and how it relates to the cross product.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to determine the angle between the vectors using the dot product and questioning the validity of the solution manual's provided angle of pi/4. There is confusion regarding the notation of vectors and the interpretation of i and J versus j.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants expressing uncertainty about the solution manual's accuracy and sharing their own calculations. Some have suggested that the angle could be pi/2 based on their reasoning, while others are still trying to clarify the notation and concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential confusion due to the notation used for vectors and the possibility of dyslexia affecting one participant's understanding. Additionally, the use of LaTeX for clearer mathematical expression is being considered.

HappMatt
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heres the problem.

im supposed to use geometric definition to find. (i+J)cross(i-j)

I know: v x w=IIvIIIIwIISin[theta] and that The answer comes out to be -2k

But what i don't get is looking at the solution manual they show [theta]=pi/4 which i have know clue where that comes from.

I was thinking that i could use (v)dot(w) =Cos[theta] to get[theta] but that ends up being pi/2 not pi/4 like the solution manual says.

I think the solution maunual is wrong after futher review [Theta} should equal pi/2, not Pi/4
 
Last edited:
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I take it you did not preview your post. Or maybe I'm drunk and don't know it... but what are you saying?
 
well i think i may have wasted an hour due to 2 things,
1: the soution manual is wrong [theta]=pi/2
2:the dot product equals 2 and for somereason i was taking the inverse sign instead of the inverse cosine wheni entered it so that was confusing me. I think i can chaulk this mistake up to dyslexia possibly though.

if I am still wrong please correct me(ps but not on my spelling/grammar that has always sucked only slightly improves every yr).
 
Oh wait...

IIvII = [itex]|\vec v |[/itex]
 
I guess I'm confused with this:

[tex](i+J) \times (i - j)[/tex]

is [itex]i[/itex] supposed to be [itex]\hat i[/itex], or a complex number, or what?

You also have [itex]J[/itex] and [itex]j[/itex] so that is confusing...

you're grammar seems to be fine, it the way you express the mathematical statements that I'm unsure...
 
FrogPad said:
Oh wait...

IIvII = [itex]|\vec v |[/itex]

i totally need this latex thing to simplify life
FrogPad said:
Oh wait...

IIvII = [itex]|\vec v |[/itex]
no but i think this may be right
[itex]||\vec v ||[/itex]
 
sorry about the confusion i should probally go and figure out that whole latex way of writting stuff out as to make it easier to read.
 
So here is the question re stated what is the angle between the 2 vectors v and w where:
v=(i+j)
w=(i-j)
 
How do you find the angle between two vectors in two dimensional space?
 
  • #10
FrogPad said:
How do you find the angle between two vectors in two dimensional space?
yeah i guess that's another way of saying it, but i think i figued it out.
 
  • #11
what did you get?In regards to this question:
So here is the question re stated what is the angle between the 2 vectors v and w where:
v=(i+j)
w=(i-j)I got pi/2... but shoot, it's been awhile. Maybe I'm doing this wrong.
 
  • #12
FrogPad said:
what did you get?


In regards to this question:
So here is the question re stated what is the angle between the 2 vectors v and w where:
v=(i+j)
w=(i-j)


I got pi/2... but shoot, it's been awhile. Maybe I'm doing this wrong.
i think your right its the darn solution manual and the people at Wiley publishing that have no clue what they are doing.
 
  • #13
I hate crap like that. It makes you second guess what you are doing, even when you are doing it right.
 
  • #14
If you're typing equations in ASCII, you should use the pipe symbol (|) to denote absolute values, norms, and stuff:

||v x w|| = ||v|| ||w|| |sin theta|
 

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