What's the difference between magnitude and pythagorean's theorem

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that magnitude refers to the "size" or "bigness" of a quantity, while Pythagoras' theorem is a mathematical principle used to calculate magnitude in specific scenarios, particularly in a Cartesian coordinate system. For example, using the coordinates (4,3), the magnitude is calculated as the square root of the sum of the squares of the coordinates, resulting in a magnitude of 5. Additionally, magnitude is identified as an application of the Pythagorean theorem, particularly in vector analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cartesian coordinates
  • Basic knowledge of Pythagorean theorem
  • Familiarity with vector concepts
  • Ability to perform square root calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the applications of Pythagorean theorem in real-world scenarios
  • Explore vector magnitude calculations in physics
  • Learn about resultant vectors and their differences from magnitude
  • Investigate advanced applications of magnitude in engineering contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students, educators, and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who seek to understand the relationship between magnitude and the Pythagorean theorem.

bogoa
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
and what are the concepts of magnitudes..and how do we apply that in real life situations.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
bogoa said:
and what are the concepts of magnitudes..and how do we apply that in real life situations.

Magnitude just means "size" or "bigness" - so it can be used in many different situations.

Pythagoras' theorem just helps us to calculate magnitude in some situations:

If you imagine a graph with x going across and y going upwards, you can draw a line from the centre (where the axes cross at 0,0) to any point you like... for example the point 4,3 (x=4, y=3).

So if you then draw another line along the x-axis to 4, and another up to the end of your line, you have drawn a triangle, and you can use pythagoras to find the length (the magnitude) of your line

magnitude2 = x2 + y2

= 42 + 32

= 16 + 9 = 25
​
so magnitude in this case is sqrt (25) = 5

you could use this to calculate the size of a piece of wood you would need on a gate, or something much more advanced.

hope this helps,
Michael
 
Magnitude (in terms of vectors) is simply an application of the Pythagorean theorem. It's more of a subcategory than a side-by-side comparison.
 
ah..so meaning magnitude is the application of pythagorean theorem...ahhh... makes sense..

but how about resultant from magnitude??what is their differences??can you please help me?..im so confused right now..
 

Similar threads

High School Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
5K
High School New solutions to old, historic problems
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Magnitude vs. Size: Understanding the Difference
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
MHB Converse of Pythagorean Theorem
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
High School Confusion about the angle between two vectors in a cross product
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
High School Applications of Morley's Theorem
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
High School Cool ways to use the Pythagorean Theorem
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
4K
High School What geometry theorem is used in this figure?
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
High School Difference between powers of numbers equaling 1
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
High School Cartesian Space vs. Euclidean Space
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K