What is the Dot Product of u+v?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter karush
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the dot product of the vectors \( u = \langle -2, 3 \rangle \) and \( v = \langle 3, -4 \rangle \). The correct computation of \( (u + v) \cdot (2u + 5v) \) yields a scalar result of 25, confirming the book's answer. Participants clarify the importance of distinguishing between the dot product and the cross product, emphasizing that the dot product produces a scalar, while the cross product results in a vector.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector addition and scalar multiplication
  • Familiarity with the dot product and its properties
  • Basic knowledge of vector notation and operations
  • Awareness of the distinction between dot product and cross product
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the dot product in linear algebra
  • Learn how to compute the cross product of vectors
  • Explore vector operations in Python using NumPy
  • Investigate applications of dot and cross products in physics
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and computer science who are working with vector calculations and seeking to deepen their understanding of vector operations.

karush
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,240
Reaction score
5
$$u=\left\langle - 2,3\right\rangle v=\left\langle 3,-4 \right\rangle$$
$$\left(u+v\right)\cdot\left(2u+5v\right)=\left\langle 11,14 \right\rangle$$

But the book answer is 25?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
karush said:
$$u=\left\langle - 2,3\right\rangle v=\left\langle 3,-4 \right\rangle$$
$$\left(u+v\right)\cdot\left(2u+5v\right)=\left\langle 11,14 \right\rangle$$

But the book answer is 25?
It looks like you stopped somewhere in the middle, but there's a sign error.

The dot product produces a scalar and you have a vector. Let's take a look.
u + v = <1, -1> and 2u + 5v = <11, -14>. Now dot these together.

-Dan

Addendum: Your thread title is (u + v) x (2u + 5v). There is another vector product called the cross product and is written A x B. Try to avoid the x's. The cross product here gives a vastly different answer.
 
Yes, it was dot product 🐴

Not sure how to put the dot in the title.
 
Last edited:
karush said:
Yes, it was dot product 🐴

Not sure how to put the dot in the title.
There are two options I've seen. The first is to write x dot y. The second is to write x.y

-Dan
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K