What is the Dot Product of u+v?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of the dot product of the vectors \( u + v \) and \( 2u + 5v \). Participants are examining the mathematical steps involved in this computation and addressing discrepancies between their results and a book answer.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the vectors \( u = \langle -2, 3 \rangle \) and \( v = \langle 3, -4 \rangle \) and calculates \( (u+v) \cdot (2u+5v) \) resulting in \( \langle 11, 14 \rangle \).
  • Another participant points out a potential sign error and clarifies that the dot product should yield a scalar, not a vector, suggesting that the calculation may have been incomplete.
  • There is a mention of confusion regarding the notation for the dot product, with suggestions on how to properly denote it in the thread title.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct calculation of the dot product, and there are competing views regarding the steps taken and the notation used.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication of missing steps in the calculations, and participants express uncertainty about the correct notation for the dot product.

karush
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$$u=\left\langle - 2,3\right\rangle v=\left\langle 3,-4 \right\rangle$$
$$\left(u+v\right)\cdot\left(2u+5v\right)=\left\langle 11,14 \right\rangle$$

But the book answer is 25?
 
Last edited:
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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
 

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