Vector Ratios: Solving for Unknowns | Homework Help

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The discussion centers around solving for vector ratios in a homework problem, specifically regarding the relationships between points A, B, and P. Participants express confusion over the ratios between segments AP, PB, OA, and OB, noting discrepancies in their calculations. It is clarified that while the ratio between AP and PB is 5/3, the ratio OA to OB does not exist as a direct comparison of vectors. The importance of calculating the magnitudes of these vectors is emphasized to confirm the relationships. Correcting initial mistakes in calculations is crucial for understanding the ratios involved.
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Homework Statement



question attached

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The Attempt at a Solution


i can't understand III
i can't understand what he wants , if he wants the ratio , the ratio between AP and PB was 3/5
which is not the same as OA and OB
(λ=3/8)
 

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abdo799 said:

Homework Statement



question attached

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


i can't understand III
i can't understand what he wants , if he wants the ratio , the ratio between AP and PB was 3/5
which is not the same as OA and OB
(λ=3/8)

Show us how you arrived at these values.
 
Sure, the 3/8 ( i am sure it's correct ) was ii and it's a bit long to write it on the computer, but if it's important for you to know i can write it, as for iii.
As for AP, was mentioned that AP=λAB , AB=OB-OA=(2i+2j-2k)
AP= 3/8 * (2i+2j-2k) = ( 3/4 i + 3/4 j -3/4 k )
PB = OB-OP= (3i+4j) - (7/4 i + 11/4 j - 5/4 k )= (5/4 i+ 5/4 j - 5/4 k )
so ratio between them (if that's what he wants) is (5/4) / (3/4) =5/3
there is no ratio between OA and OB , what does he mean by (:) anyway?
 
abdo799 said:
Sure, the 3/8 ( i am sure it's correct ) was ii and it's a bit long to write it on the computer, but if it's important for you to know i can write it, as for iii.
As for AP, was mentioned that AP=λAB , AB=OB-OA=(2i+2j-2k)
AP= 3/8 * (2i+2j-2k) = ( 3/4 i + 3/4 j -3/4 k )
PB = OB-OP= (3i+4j) - (7/4 i + 11/4 j - 5/4 k )= (5/4 i+ 5/4 j - 5/4 k )
so ratio between them (if that's what he wants) is (5/4) / (3/4) =5/3
there is no ratio between OA and OB , what does he mean by (:) anyway?
There's no such thing as the ratio between two vectors, but you can calculate the ratio of their magnitudes or lengths.
The ratio OA:OB means |OA|/|OB|.
 
i tried to come with the ratio between the magnitudes , they were not equal , AP:PB gave 15/16 and OA:OB gave 3/5
 
abdo799 said:
i tried to come with the ratio between the magnitudes , they were not equal , AP:PB gave 15/16 and OA:OB gave 3/5
You have a mistake in what you have for |AP| or |PB|.
When λ = 3/8,
AP = (3/4)<1, 1, -1>
and PB = (2 - 3/4)<1, 1, -1> = (5/4)<1, 1, -1>.
It makes it much simpler to simplify the vectors as I have done, before you calculate the magnitudes.


If you fix your mistake, you should be able to confirm that
$$ \frac{|\vec{AP}|}{|\vec{PB}|} = \frac{|\vec{OA}|}{|\vec{OB}|}$$
 
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Mark44 said:
You have a mistake in what you have for |AP| or |PB|.
When λ = 3/8,
AP = (3/4)<1, 1, -1>
and PB = (2 - 3/4)<1, 1, -1> = (5/4)<1, 1, -1>.
It makes it much simpler to simplify the vectors as I have done, before you calculate the magnitudes.


If you fix your mistake, you should be able to confirm that
$$ \frac{|\vec{AP}|}{|\vec{PB}|} = \frac{|\vec{OA}|}{|\vec{OB}|}$$

okay..thanks
 
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