Scalar projection of b onto a (vectors)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding a vector b such that the scalar projection of b onto vector a = <3, 0, -1> equals 2. The equation derived from the scalar projection formula is 2√10 = 3(b1) - 1(b3). The solution reveals that there are infinitely many vectors b that satisfy this condition, represented in the form b = (r, s, 3r - 2√10) for any real numbers r and s. This indicates a dependency on r and s to achieve the desired projection length.

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Homework Statement



If a = <3,0,-1> find the vector b such that compaB = 2

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



|a| =\sqrt{3^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{10}

compaB = \frac{ a\cdot b}{|a|}

2 = \frac{3(b1) - 1(b3)}{\sqrt{10}}

2\sqrt{10} = 3(b1) - 1(b3)

I don't know what to do from here
 
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You said, find the vector b whose projection on a is twice as long as a itself, but of course there are infinitely many such vectors. What you have shown here is that there is that a vector of the form b = (r, s, 3r - 2√10) for any real numbers r and s satisfies compab = 2.
 
CompuChip said:
You said, find the vector b whose projection on a is twice as long as a itself, but of course there are infinitely many such vectors. What you have shown here is that there is that a vector of the form b = (r, s, 3r - 2√10) for any real numbers r and s satisfies compab = 2.

Sorry but I don't understand.
 

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