Vector Operations Homework: Verify |xy|<=|x|+|y|

In summary, vector operations involve mathematical operations performed on vectors, including addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, and vector multiplication. To verify the inequality |xy|<=|x|+|y|, we can use the properties of absolute values and vector operations. This inequality is significant as it shows the relationship between the magnitude of the product of two vectors and the sum of their magnitudes. One real-life application of this inequality is in determining the maximum force that can be applied without compromising the stability of a structure. Other important properties of vector operations include commutativity, associativity, and distributivity, which allow for the manipulation and simplification of vector expressions.
  • #1
Bertrandkis
25
0

Homework Statement


Let x and y be to vectors
Verify whether |xy|<=|x|+|y| for all x,y


The Attempt at a Solution


My first problem with this question is that it does not tell us whether the operation xy is the same as x.y (dot product) or a cross product.
 
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  • #2
Your are right. That is a problem. I am also surprised that is not [itex]|x|^2+ |y|^2[/itex] on the right. I suspect that they mean dot product. I suggest you look at [itex]|(x-y)\cdot(x-y)|[/itex].
 

1. What are vector operations?

Vector operations refer to the mathematical operations that are performed on vectors, which are quantities that have both magnitude and direction. This includes addition, subtraction, scalar multiplication, and vector multiplication.

2. How do you verify the inequality |xy|<=|x|+|y|?

To verify the inequality, you can use the properties of absolute values and the properties of vector operations. First, you can rewrite the inequality as |x||y|<=|x|+|y|. Then, you can use the fact that |xy|=|x||y| and that |x|+|y| is always greater than or equal to |x||y|. Therefore, the inequality holds true.

3. What is the significance of the inequality |xy|<=|x|+|y| in vector operations?

This inequality is significant because it shows that the magnitude of the product of two vectors is always less than or equal to the sum of the magnitudes of the individual vectors. This property is useful in various applications of vector operations, such as in physics and engineering.

4. Can you provide an example of how to use this inequality in real life?

One example of using this inequality in real life is in calculating the maximum force that can be applied in a certain direction without causing a structure to collapse. By representing the forces acting on the structure as vectors and using the inequality |F1F2|<=|F1|+|F2|, we can determine the maximum allowable force for each direction without compromising the stability of the structure.

5. What are some other important properties of vector operations?

Some other important properties of vector operations include commutativity (the order of vector addition or multiplication does not affect the result), associativity (the grouping of vector operations does not affect the result), and distributivity (the distribution of scalar multiplication over vector addition or subtraction). These properties allow us to manipulate and simplify vector expressions in various ways.

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