Matrix Algebra 2.0 Help: Solving Questions with Cosine Laws

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a problem related to matrix algebra and the application of cosine laws, particularly in the context of rotating points in polar coordinates. Participants are exploring methods to approach the problem and clarify their understanding of the concepts involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to solve a specific question and suggests that cosine laws might be relevant.
  • Another participant presents a mathematical formulation for representing a point in polar coordinates and describes the process of rotating that point through a counter-clockwise angle.
  • A later reply acknowledges the previous explanation and indicates that it has clarified some aspects of the problem for them.
  • One participant proposes the idea of reflecting across an axis and questions whether rotating the line of reflection to an axis, reflecting, and then rotating back would be a valid approach.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants are exploring various methods and ideas, but there is no consensus on a single approach or solution to the problem. Multiple viewpoints and methods are being discussed without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the applicability of cosine laws and the validity of proposed geometric transformations, which remain unverified within the conversation.

saifh
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Hey guys,

So I'm stuck on another question from the previous one that I posted and would absolutely love it if I can get some help regarding how to attempt this. I literally have no clue at how to go by solving it. I have a feeling for question one that the cosine laws might come in handy but I'm not sure..

View attachment 4833

Thanks in advance!
 

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Let's take part (i). You have a point, which we'll write in polar coordinates as
$$\mathbf{x}=r\begin{bmatrix} \cos(\varphi) \\ \sin(\varphi)\end{bmatrix}.$$
As the problem states, we need to rotate this point through a counter-clockwise angle $\theta$ so as to get the point
$$\mathbf{x}'=r\begin{bmatrix} \cos(\varphi+\theta) \\ \sin(\varphi+\theta)\end{bmatrix}.$$
Does this second expression suggest anything to you?
 
Ackbach said:
Let's take part (i). You have a point, which we'll write in polar coordinates as
$$\mathbf{x}=r\begin{bmatrix} \cos(\varphi) \\ \sin(\varphi)\end{bmatrix}.$$
As the problem states, we need to rotate this point through a counter-clockwise angle $\theta$ so as to get the point
$$\mathbf{x}'=r\begin{bmatrix} \cos(\varphi+\theta) \\ \sin(\varphi+\theta)\end{bmatrix}.$$
Does this second expression suggest anything to you?

Ahh ok thanks, I will work off that. That does make more sense thanks.
 
It's so much easier to reflect across one of the axes...hmm, I wonder...could we rotate our line of reflection to an axis, reflect, and rotate back-does that even work?
 

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