Projection and Reflection of Vector WRT plane

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the projection and reflection of a vector with respect to a given plane defined by its normal vector. The specific vector and normal vector are provided, and participants are exploring the mathematical processes involved in these calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to apply formulas for projection and reflection, checking their calculations and addressing potential sign errors. There is discussion about the necessity of normalizing the normal vector before use in the formulas.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided corrections and confirmations regarding the calculations, indicating that there is productive engagement with the problem. However, there remains a focus on ensuring the accuracy of the mathematical approach and the application of the correct formulas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the extent to which complete solutions can be provided. There is an emphasis on verifying calculations and understanding the underlying principles rather than simply obtaining answers.

SP90
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Homework Statement



Given a plane \Pi with normal n=i-2j+k and a vector v=3i+4j-2k calculate the projection of v onto \Pi and the reflection of v with respect to \Pi.

The Attempt at a Solution



I need to check that I'm doing this is right.

I think I need v - (v \cdot n)n = 3i+4j-2k - 7(i-2j+k) = -4i +18j-9k

And for the refection:

v - 2(v \cdot n)n = 3i+4j-2k - 14(i-2j+k) = -11i +32j-16k

Are those correct?
 
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SP90 said:

Homework Statement



Given a plane \Pi with normal n=i-2j+k and a vector v=3i+4j-2k calculate the projection of v onto \Pi and the reflection of v with respect to \Pi.

The Attempt at a Solution



I need to check that I'm doing this is right.

I think I need v - (v \cdot n)n = 3i+4j-2k - 7(i-2j+k) = -4i +18j-9k
You made a sign error.

The projection of v onto the plane should be perpendicular to the plane, right? So what should your answer dotted with ##\vec{n}## equal? That's how you can check your answer.
SP90 said:
And for the refection:

v - 2(v \cdot n)n = 3i+4j-2k - 14(i-2j+k) = -11i +32j-16k

Are those correct?
Same sign error.
 
Makes sense, thanks for the quick response.

I get 10i-10k+5k which, when dotted with n obviously gives 0.

Correcting the sign error for the second yields 17i-24j+12k.

Thanks for your help
 
That's not correct either. You need to normalize the normal vector before you use it in your formulas.
 
Ah, I see.

So instead I use \hat{n}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{6}}(1i-2j+1k)

and that gives Pv=\frac{1}{6}(25i+10j-5k).

And Tv=\frac{1}{6}(32i-4j+2k).

Is that right now?
 
Yes, those are correct.
 

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