How Is the Shortest Distance Between Two Vectors Determined?

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SUMMARY

The shortest distance between two vectors, a and b, is not defined as a direct distance between the vectors themselves, but rather as the distance between their endpoints. The discussion clarifies that the lengths of the lines drawn from each vector to the other endpoint are represented by a.cosθ and b.cosθ. Therefore, the concept of distance applies to the endpoints of the vectors rather than the vectors in isolation.

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nokia8650
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Say you have two vectors: a and b.

Is the shortest distance between these two vectors when a line perpendicular to a meets vector b, or when a line perpendicular to vector b meets vector a?

Thanks
 
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nokia8650 said:
Say you have two vectors: a and b.

Is the shortest distance between these two vectors when a line perpendicular to a meets vector b, or when a line perpendicular to vector b meets vector a?

Thanks

Hi nokia8650! :smile:

The length of one line is a.cosθ, and of the other is b.cosθ.

But those are the distances between one line and the other endpoint.

There is no such thing as the distance between two vectors … only between their endpoints.
 

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