MHB How Do You Calculate the Angle Between Two Lines?

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To calculate the angle between the lines represented by the equations x + 2y - 3 = 0 and -3x + y + 1 = 0, the normal vectors (1, 2) and (-3, 1) are identified. The discussion highlights the use of the dot product to find the angle, emphasizing the relationship between the vectors and their slopes. The correct method involves using the inverse cosine function to determine the angle. The topic may be better suited for a Pre-Calculus forum, but the participant successfully solved the problem. The conversation illustrates the application of vector mathematics in geometry.
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Decide the angle between line $$x+2y-3=0$$ and $$-3x+y+1=0$$ we use ON-cordinate
progress
I know that their normalvector is $$(1,2)$$ and $$(-3,1)$$ but what shall I do next?
Is this correctly understand
33paq7r.png

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Last edited:
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Re: the angle between two line

Don't you have two forms for the dot product, one involving the components and one involving the angle between them?
 
Re: the angle between two line

MarkFL said:
Don't you have two forms for the dot product, one involving the components and one involving the angle between them?
My picture did not work:S That is what I did, I just wounder if I can use the normal vector, cause normal vector got same slope if I understand correctly

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: The angle between two line

If two vectors are normal (if I understand you to mean orthogonal or perpendicular) then their dot product will be zero. What you did was correct, you just need to solve for the angle using the inverse cosine function.

edit: Unless you are to use some other method to find the angle subtending the lines, this topic should actually be in the Pre-Calculus forum. I'll wait until I know for sure before moving it.
 
Re: The angle between two line

MarkFL said:
If two vectors are normal (if I understand you to mean orthogonal or perpendicular) then their dot product will be zero. What you did was correct, you just need to solve for the angle using the inverse cosine function.

edit: Unless you are to use some other method to find the angle subtending the lines, this topic should actually be in the Pre-Calculus forum. I'll wait until I know for sure before moving it.
I solved it :) Thanks for the help!:)

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Last edited:
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