Vector Multiplication and Angle Determination for d1 and 3d2

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the vector operations involving d1 = 4i - 2j + 4k and d2 = -5i + 5j - k. The user successfully adds the vectors to obtain d1 + d2 = -i + 3j + 3k and scales d2 by 3 to get 3d2 = -15i + 15j - 3k. The main challenge lies in calculating the angle between d1 and 3d2, with references to using the right-hand rule and the formula for magnitude involving the sine of the angle. Ultimately, the user concludes that the final answer to the problem is 0, which is affirmed by another participant.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition and scalar multiplication
  • Familiarity with the cross product of vectors
  • Knowledge of the right-hand rule for determining vector direction
  • Ability to calculate magnitudes of vectors in three-dimensional space
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the calculation of the cross product using the pseudo-determinant method
  • Learn how to derive the angle between two vectors using the dot product
  • Explore the application of the right-hand rule in vector analysis
  • Review the geometric interpretation of vector magnitudes and angles in 3D space
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Students studying vector mathematics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of vector operations in three-dimensional space.

1MileCrash
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Homework Statement



d1 = 4i - 2j + 4k
d2 = -5i + 5j - k

Find

(d1 + d2) * (d1 x 3d2)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



My first step was to add d1 and d2, which results in
-i + 3j + 3k

I then multiplied d2 by 3 to get
-15i + 15j - 3k

My problem is multiplying d1 and 3d2. I'm a bit confused on how to get the angle.

I believe the formula for the magnitude is absin(theta), however the angle is something I don't quite understand. It is also my understanding that I use the "Right hand test" to get the direction of C.

I think I can find the magnitudes by squaring i, j, k, then adding them, then taking the square root, so I have a and b. What should I do to determine the angle between d1 and 3d2? I think I've done this before, but lacking a third dimension, so it was just a 2 dimensional triangle.

EDIT: I just read the chapter again and got to a final answer of 0 for this problem. Agree?

Thanks!
 
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1MileCrash said:

Homework Statement



d1 = 4i - 2j + 4k
d2 = -5i + 5j - k

Find

(d1 + d2) * (d1 x 3d2)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



My first step was to add d1 and d2, which results in
-i + 3j + 3k

I then multiplied d2 by 3 to get
-15i + 15j - 3k
Both of these look OK.
1MileCrash said:
My problem is multiplying d1 and 3d2. I'm a bit confused on how to get the angle.
Haven't you seen a formula for calculating the cross product using the coordinates of the two vectors. This formula uses something called a pseudo-determinant, with i, j, and k across the top row, and the coordinates for the two vectors in the next two rows.
1MileCrash said:
I believe the formula for the magnitude is absin(theta), however the angle is something I don't quite understand. It is also my understanding that I use the "Right hand test" to get the direction of C.

I think I can find the magnitudes by squaring i, j, k, then adding them, then taking the square root, so I have a and b. What should I do to determine the angle between d1 and 3d2? I think I've done this before, but lacking a third dimension, so it was just a 2 dimensional triangle.

EDIT: I just read the chapter again and got to a final answer of 0 for this problem. Agree?

Thanks!
Yes, I agree.
 

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