Why are my results not matching for orthonormalized vectors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the orthonormalization of vectors in a mathematical context, specifically focusing on the vectors v1 and v2. The original poster expresses confusion regarding discrepancies between their results and those found online.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to orthonormalize two vectors but finds inconsistencies in their results compared to an external source. They question their arithmetic and the correctness of their methods. Some participants point out potential errors in the original poster's definitions of the vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring the reasons for the discrepancies in results. Some guidance has been offered regarding the definitions of the vectors, and the original poster acknowledges a realization of their own mistakes.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that their part (b) is also incorrect, indicating that there may be multiple aspects of the problem that require review. There are references to arithmetic errors and the need for clarification on vector definitions.

Shackleford
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I found the final answer posted online, but my work doesn't match up.

v1 = 3t
v2 = 5t1/2 - 6t

Orthonormalized:

[itex] v_1 = \sqrt{3}t[/itex] is correct.

[itex] v_2 = \frac{1}{\sqrt{61}}(5t^{1/2} - 6t)[/itex] does not match.

Furthermore, my part (b) is wrong, too. I know my methods are correct. I don't understand why the answers aren't matching.

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/camarolt4z28/IMG_20120211_095108.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n149/camarolt4z28/File.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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I realized some of my arithmetic is wrong/incomplete towards the end on (b). It's even worse now.
 
Well, for one thing ##v_1## isn't ##3t##. It is ##t\sqrt 3 ##.
 
LCKurtz said:
Well, for one thing ##v_1## isn't ##3t##. It is ##t\sqrt 3 ##.

Okay, yeah. I see what I wrote down that wasn't exactly right. Let me see if I didn't anything else wrong for the second orthogonal vector.

I found the problem. Thanks!
 
Last edited:

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