Linear algebra normalising a vector?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the normalization of a vector in linear algebra, specifically focusing on the components of a normalized vector derived from a given vector V = (x1, y1, z1). Participants are exploring the mathematical terminology associated with the normalized components.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to clarify the mathematical terms for the components of a normalized vector and questions whether these components can be referred to as norms. Some participants provide definitions and correct the original poster's notation regarding the components of the normalized vector.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying terminology and correcting assumptions about the normalization process. There is a focus on understanding the distinction between the components of the normalized vector and the concept of norms.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted inconsistency in the original poster's equations, where the same variable x1 is used for all components in the initial attempt, prompting corrections from other participants. This highlights the importance of accurate notation in mathematical discussions.

Chadlee88
Messages
40
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Let the vector V = (x1,y1,z1)

x1' = x1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)
y1' = x1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)
z1' = x1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)

What do you call x1', y1' and z1' in mathematics terms?

is x1' the norm of x1 and y1' the norm of y1?

Thanx



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
No. x1', y1', and z1' are the x, y, and z components, respectively, of the normalized vector- the unit vector parallel to V.
 
If [itex]\vec V = \langle a,b,c \rangle[/itex] is a vector and
[tex]|\vec V| = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2 + c^2}[/tex]
is its length, or norm, then the vector
[tex]\hat V = \frac 1 {|\vec V|}\ \vec V = \langle \frac a {\sqrt{a^2 + b^2 + c^2}},\frac b {\sqrt{a^2 + b^2 + c^2}},\frac c {\sqrt{a^2 + b^2 + c^2}}\rangle[/tex]
is called a unit vector. The components of this unit vector are sometimes called the direction cosines of [itex]\vec V[/itex].
 
Chadlee88 said:

Homework Statement



Let the vector V = (x1,y1,z1)

x1' = x1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)
y1' = x1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)
z1' = x1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)
I assume you mean
y1' = y1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)
z1' = z1/sqrt(x1^2 + y1^2 + z1^2)
rather than having "x1" as every numerator.

What do you call x1', y1' and z1' in mathematics terms?

is x1' the norm of x1 and y1' the norm of y1?

Thanx



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

Similar threads

Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
11
Views
10K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
11K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K