Is there an error in my coordinate system transformation and vector matching?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transformation of coordinate systems and the matching of vectors between these systems. Participants explore the implications of orthonormal bases, the calculation of cross products, and the conditions under which vectors can be considered equivalent in different coordinate systems. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and technical explanations related to vector transformations and projections.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes transforming Cartesian axes to specific vectors and finding a third axis through the cross product, questioning if they are missing something when only finding the zero vector matches in both systems.
  • Another participant suggests that if the coordinate systems are orthonormal, they should be related by a rotation and emphasizes the need to find the axis of rotation. They propose a method to find a vector that projects onto both coordinate systems with the same components.
  • A third participant confirms the orthogonality of the transformed vectors and expresses confusion about applying the proposed formulas for vector matching.
  • One participant challenges the correctness of the calculated third vector, suggesting it may be a rational approximation to a more accurate vector.
  • Another participant discusses the transformation matrix derived from their calculations, questioning if the original and transformed vectors are indeed the same based on their findings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the correctness of the third vector and the methods for matching vectors across coordinate systems. There is no consensus on the validity of the calculations or the approach to finding equivalent vectors.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential issues with the orthogonality of the vectors and the accuracy of the derived transformation matrix. There are unresolved questions regarding the application of dot products and the implications of the transformation results.

tub08918
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So I am going through the exam guide for my exam tomorrow and there is a second problem that stump me. We transform the cartesian axis to <1/√3,1/√3,1√3> and <1/√2,0,-1/√2> which are orthogonal and we find the third axis by taking the cross product which gives <-881/2158,881/1079,-881/2158>

Then we have to find a vector that is the same in both coordinate systems
upload_2015-10-14_10-10-24.png

I plotted in MATLAB and the only vector I can find that matches the criteria is <0,0,0> is there anything I am missing?
 
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If you have two orthonormal coordinate systems, then they are related by a rotation. (I did not check if your basis vectors are indeed orthonormal. You should check that third one pretty carefully. I don't think it is correct.)

A rotation has an axis. Under this rotation, that axis does not change. You need to find the axis of rotation between the two coordinate systems. However, unless you have done quite a bit of geometry, that might not be particularly helpful for you.

Instead, what you want is a vector that projects onto both sets of coordinates with the same first, second, and third values. If that vector is V=(x,y,z), then the projection on the original coordinates is easy. It's just x, y, and z, in the first, second, and third directions, respectively.

Now you need to find an x, y, and z such that the following are satisfied.
V dot <1/√3,1/√3,1√3> = x
V dot <1/√2,0,-1/√2> = y
V dot <-881/2158,881/1079,-881/2158> = z

Then, the components of the vector V in the new coordinate system will be the same as in the old.
 
Hi DEvens

vector <1/√3,1/√3,1√3> and <1/√2,0,-1/√2> have a dot product equal to zero, and the vector <-881/2158,881/1079,-881/2158> was the result of crossing a and b sso te should be all orthogonal to one another but I could be wrong. Your three formulas are very interesting but I am confused as to what to plu g in where.

So I have three rotated vectors <1/√3,1/√3,1√3> <1/√2,0,-1/√2> <-881/2158,881/1079,-881/2158>
and the original vectors
<1,0,0> <0,1,0> <0,0,1>
so do I do
<1,0,0>dot<<1/√3,1/√3,1√3>> = x that is the same in both coordinate system?
 
tub08918 said:
<-881/2158,881/1079,-881/2158>
appears to be a rational approximation to the correct answer < -1/sqrt 6, 2/sqrt6, -1/sqrt6 >
 
So I spent yesterday emulating a video on khan academy to my data:
C=[a' b' c'] where
a=[1\3.5,1/3.5,1/3.5]
b=[1/2.5,0,2/6.5]
c=[-1/6.5, 2/6.5,-1/6.5]

D=[a' b' c'] where a'=[1 0 0] b =[0 1 0] c=[0 0 1]

So I find the transformation matrix as

T=CDC-1

which just gives me an identity vector. Is v and v' the same then?
 

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