Vectors in the plane Linear Algebra

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the relationships between a set of vectors in the context of linear algebra, specifically focusing on orthogonality, directionality, and linear dependence.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss how to check for orthogonality by calculating the dot product of vector pairs. There is also a consideration of what it means for vectors to be in the same or opposite directions, with references to graphical representations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on how to approach the problem, suggesting methods for checking orthogonality and clarifying the concept of directionality in relation to normalized vectors. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored, particularly regarding the definitions of direction.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a lack of clarity in the original problem statement regarding the concept of direction, which has led to some assumptions and questions among participants. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the procedures to follow with multiple vectors.

Newbatmath
Messages
12
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Which of the below vectors are A). Orthogonal B.) in the same direction C). in opposite directions

Homework Equations



Vectors:

u1 = (1,2) u2 = (0,1) u3 = (-2,-4) u4 = (-2,1) u5 = (2,4) u6 = (-6,3)

The Attempt at a Solution



The text told me how to find if two vectors are orthogonal, (u*v = 0), but I don't know the procedure to use when 6 vectors are involved. :confused:

They never mentioned directions at all. :( I'm assuming it just refers to the graph running in either the same or opposite directions?

Thanks for your help!

Newb... (really!)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Since you are asked which of these vectors are orthogonal, it is meant to check this property for every possible pair of vectors in your given set.

Also, "to be in the same direction" means "to be linearly dependent".
 
For the first one, that's exactly what they want you to do: find pairs of vectors which are orthogonal. So just take the dot product of every pair you can find and check which ones give 0.

I don't know what you mean by "graph," but you can draw a vector as an arrow. When you draw two vectors like, for example (1, 1) and (2, 2), you will see that the arrows point in the same direction. In other words, the vectors are along a line.
On the other hand, if you draw (1, 2) and (-2, -4) you will see that, although they still lie along the same line, the arrows are pointed exactly opposite to each other. This is what they mean by "same" and "opposite" directions
 
For each vector, determine if it is meets the criteria with respect to either of the other vectors, and note which ones.

The direction of a vector is uniquely determined by the corresponding normalized vector. A normalized vector is an unit vector, and thus has length equal to 1. Two vectors point in the same direction if they, when normalized, are equal. They point in the opposite direction if each component of one of the normalized vectors is equal to the negative of the same component of the other normalized vector. Normalizing a vector means dividing each component by the vector's norm (its length).

(Edit: he beat me to it)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
11
Views
7K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K