What is the correct expression for \vec{OP}?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Argyron
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Beginners Vector
Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
4 replies · 2K views
Argyron
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I missed 2 weeks of class where we were introduced to vectors and now I have to learn it by myself from the book. I'm stuck on this problem that's part of the assigned homework. If anyone could help me that would be great thanks.
I'm sorry if it's a stupid mistake :/

Homework Statement


In triangle OAB, [itex]\vec{OA} = a[/itex] and [itex]\vec{OB} = b[/itex]
P is a point on AB such that [itex]\vec{AP} = 2\vec{PB}[/itex]
and Q is a point such that [itex]\vec{OP} = 3\vec{PQ}[/itex]

Express the following in terms of a and b.
a) [itex]\vec{BA}[/itex]
b) [itex]\vec{PB}[/itex]
c) [itex]\vec{OP}[/itex]
d) [itex]\vec{PQ}[/itex]
e) [itex]\vec{BQ}[/itex]

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


a) [itex]\vec{BA} = a-b[/itex]
b) [itex]\vec{PB} = 1/3(b-a)[/itex]

I got stuck on c)
My working out is
[itex]\vec{OP} = \vec{OB} + \vec{BP}[/itex] [Express both vectors in a and b]
[itex]\vec{OP} = b + 1/3(a-b)[/itex]
But when I check my answer the book said it was:
[itex]1/3(a+2b)[/itex]

Where did I go wrong?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Argyron said:
I missed 2 weeks of class where we were introduced to vectors and now I have to learn it by myself from the book. I'm stuck on this problem that's part of the assigned homework. If anyone could help me that would be great thanks.
I'm sorry if it's a stupid mistake :/

Homework Statement


In triangle OAB, [itex]\vec{OA} = a[/itex] and [itex]\vec{OB} = b[/itex]
P is a point on AB such that [itex]\vec{AP} = 2\vec{PB}[/itex]
and Q is a point such that [itex]\vec{OP} = 3\vec{PQ}[/itex]

Express the following in terms of a and b.
a) [itex]\vec{BA}[/itex]
b) [itex]\vec{PB}[/itex]
c) [itex]\vec{OP}[/itex]
d) [itex]\vec{PQ}[/itex]
e) [itex]\vec{BQ}[/itex]

Homework Equations


N/A

The Attempt at a Solution


a) [itex]\vec{BA} = a-b[/itex]
b) [itex]\vec{PB} = 1/3(b-a)[/itex]

I got stuck on c)
My working out is
[itex]\vec{OP} = \vec{OB} + \vec{BP}[/itex] [Express both vectors in a and b]
[itex]\vec{OP} = b + 1/3(a-b)[/itex]
But when I check my answer the book said it was:
[itex]1/3(a+2b)[/itex]

Where did I go wrong?

Solve it further.
[tex]\vec{OP} = b + 1/3(a-b)=b+a/3-b/3=a/3+2b/3[/tex]
 
Pranav-Arora said:
Solve it further.
[tex]\vec{OP} = b + 1/3(a-b)=b+a/3-b/3=a/3+2b/3[/tex]

That seems so obvious now that I see it. Thanks for that.
 
Argyron said:
That seems so obvious now that I see it. Thanks for that.

You are welcome! :smile:

Did you solve the rest of the questions?
 
Pranav-Arora said:
You are welcome! :smile:

Did you solve the rest of the questions?

Yeah, it was easy once I had c. :smile: