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me09
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Given x=(2,-5,4)^T and y=(1,2,-1)^T
How do you find the vector projection p of x onto y?
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- Projection Vector
In summary, a vector projection is a mathematical process used to find the component of one vector that lies in the direction of another vector. This is useful in many scientific and engineering applications. The formula for calculating the vector projection involves the dot product of the two vectors and scaling the result appropriately. The vector projection allows for a better understanding and manipulation of vectors and has practical applications in various fields. It is different from scalar projection in that it gives a vector as the result and shows both the magnitude and direction of the component. The vector projection can also be negative, indicating a direction opposite to the vector onto which it is projected.
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I like Serena
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MHB
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Welcome to PF, me09! 
I think you can find the answer to your question in the first couple of lines of the wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_projection
I think you can find the answer to your question in the first couple of lines of the wikipedia article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_projection
FAQ: How do you find the vector projection p of x onto y?
What is a vector projection?
A vector projection is a mathematical process used to find the component of one vector that lies in the direction of another vector. This is useful in many scientific and engineering applications, such as analyzing forces and motion.
How do you calculate the vector projection?
The formula for finding the vector projection p of x onto y is: p = (x ⋅ y) / (|y|^2) * y, where x is the vector being projected and y is the vector onto which x is being projected. The dot product (x ⋅ y) is divided by the squared magnitude of y to scale the projection appropriately, and then multiplied by y to get the final vector projection.
What is the significance of the vector projection?
The vector projection allows us to break down a vector into its individual components, which can help us better understand and manipulate the vector in different contexts. It also has practical applications in physics, engineering, and computer graphics.
What is the difference between vector projection and scalar projection?
The vector projection gives a vector as the result, while the scalar projection gives a scalar (a single number) as the result. Scalar projection only shows the magnitude of the component of one vector in the direction of another, while vector projection also shows the direction of the projected vector.
Can the vector projection be negative?
Yes, the vector projection can be negative. This indicates that the projected vector is in the opposite direction of the vector onto which it is being projected. This is important to keep in mind when using vector projections in calculations or applications.