Unit vectors please check my answer

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the unit vector corresponding to the vector \(\vec{e_{1}} = 5\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}\). Participants are examining the calculations involved in determining the magnitude and subsequent unit vector.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of the magnitude of the vector and the formulation of the unit vector. There are attempts to confirm the correctness of the solution provided by the original poster.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed doubts about whether the original poster's answer represents a unit vector. Others have confirmed the calculations leading to the unit vector, indicating a mix of validation and inquiry.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster editing their response, suggesting that the discussion may involve clarifying misunderstandings or incomplete information regarding the definition of a unit vector.

jhosamelly
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Homework Statement


if [itex]\vec{e_{1}}[/itex] = 5[itex]\hat{i}[/itex] - 3[itex]\hat{j}[/itex] + 2[itex]\hat{k}[/itex] what is the unit vector [itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


here is my answer,, please confirm if I'm correct.

[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{\vec{e_{1}} . \vec{e_{1}}}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{(5\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) . (5\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k})}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{(5\hat{i}) . (5\hat{i}) + (-3\hat{j}) . (-3\hat{j}) + (2\hat{k}) . (2\hat{k})}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{(25+9+4)}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{38}[/itex]


[itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{5\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}}{\sqrt{38}}[/itex]

am i correct? Please check
 
Last edited:
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jhosamelly said:

Homework Statement


if [itex]\vec{e_{1}}[/itex] = 5[itex]\hat{i}[/itex] - 3[itex]\hat{j}[/itex] + 2[itex]\hat{k}[/itex]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution

That's not a unit vector.

Please state the problem you're trying to solve.
 
SammyS said:
That's not a unit vector.

Please state the problem you're trying to solve.

sorry i wasn't finished editing yet earlier.. please check my solution now. Thanks :))
 
Last edited:
jhosamelly said:

The Attempt at a Solution


here is my answer,, please confirm if I'm correct.

[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{\vec{e_{1}} . \vec{e_{1}}}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{(5\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) . (5\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k})}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{(5\hat{i}) . (5\hat{i}) + (-3\hat{j}) . (-3\hat{j}) + (2\hat{k}) . (2\hat{k})}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{(25+9+4)}[/itex]
[itex]|[/itex][itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex][itex]|[/itex] = [itex]\sqrt{38}[/itex]


[itex]\hat{e_{1}}[/itex] = [itex]\frac{5\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}}{\sqrt{38}}[/itex]

am i correct? Please check
Yes. That is correct .
 
Thanks.. Can you please check my other question.. I really appreciate it! Thanks again.
 

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