Orthogonal projection onto a plane spanned by two vectors

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the orthogonal projection of the vector x = <0, 10, 0> onto the plane spanned by the vectors v1 = <4, 3, 0> and v2 = <0, 0, 1>. The participant utilized the cross product to find the normal vector k = v1 x v2 = <3, -4, 0> and calculated the projection p = <-4.8, 6.4, 0>. The final step involved verifying the correctness of the projection by ensuring that the vector (x - p) lies in the plane and is perpendicular to p, confirming the solution's validity through dot product checks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically cross product and dot product.
  • Familiarity with the concept of vector projection onto a plane.
  • Knowledge of linear combinations of vectors.
  • Basic proficiency in vector algebra and geometry.
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  • Study the properties of vector projections in three-dimensional space.
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of the cross product and its applications.
  • Explore the concept of linear independence and spanning sets in vector spaces.
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Homework Statement


x = <0, 10, 0>
v1 = <4, 3, 0>
v2 = <0, 0, 1>

Project x onto plane spanned by v1 and v2

Homework Equations


Projection equation

The Attempt at a Solution


I took the cross product
k = v1xv2 = <3, -4, 0>

I projected x onto v1xv2
[(x*k)/(k*k)]*k = <-4.8, 6.4, 0 = p

I finished by
x - p = <4.8,3.6,0>

Is this correct?
 
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You can check this as follows:

Step 1: check that (x-p) is in the plane, ie check that it can be expressed as a linear combination of v1 and v2.
Step 2: check that (x-p) is perpendicular to p (take the dot product)
Step 3: check that (x-p) + p = p

If these are all correct then the solution is correct.
 

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