Vector Ratios: Solving for Unknowns | Homework Help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving vector ratios and the relationships between points A, B, and P in a geometric context. Participants are attempting to clarify the ratios between various segments defined by these points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion regarding the interpretation of the ratios between segments AP, PB, OA, and OB. There are attempts to calculate these ratios, with some participants questioning the validity of comparing vector magnitudes directly.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations for the ratios, while others have pointed out potential mistakes in these calculations. There is ongoing exploration of the definitions and meanings behind the ratios being discussed, with no clear consensus reached on the correct interpretation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that there may be misunderstandings regarding the comparison of vectors versus their magnitudes. The original poster and others are grappling with the implications of the problem's setup and the specific ratios requested.

abdo799
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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)
 

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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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