Math Problem Statement

Find the angle between the vectors 2i + 3j and i - j.

Solution

To find the angle θ\theta between the vectors A=2i+3j\mathbf{A} = 2\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} and B=ij\mathbf{B} = \mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j}, we can use the formula:

cosθ=ABAB\cos \theta = \frac{\mathbf{A} \cdot \mathbf{B}}{|\mathbf{A}| |\mathbf{B}|}

Step 1: Calculate the dot product AB\mathbf{A} \cdot \mathbf{B}

AB=(2)(1)+(3)(1)=23=1\mathbf{A} \cdot \mathbf{B} = (2)(1) + (3)(-1) = 2 - 3 = -1

Step 2: Calculate the magnitudes of A\mathbf{A} and B\mathbf{B}

A=22+32=4+9=13|\mathbf{A}| = \sqrt{2^2 + 3^2} = \sqrt{4 + 9} = \sqrt{13}

B=12+(1)2=1+1=2|\mathbf{B}| = \sqrt{1^2 + (-1)^2} = \sqrt{1 + 1} = \sqrt{2}

Step 3: Substitute into the cosine formula

cosθ=1132=126\cos \theta = \frac{-1}{\sqrt{13} \cdot \sqrt{2}} = \frac{-1}{\sqrt{26}}

Step 4: Find the angle θ\theta

θ=cos1(126)\theta = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{-1}{\sqrt{26}}\right)

Calculating this gives:

θ108.21\theta \approx 108.21^\circ

Thus, the angle between the vectors 2i+3j2\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} and ij\mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j} is approximately 108.21108.21^\circ.

Do you want details or have any questions? Here are some related questions you might consider:

  1. What is the geometric interpretation of the dot product?
  2. How do you find the angle between three-dimensional vectors?
  3. Can you provide an example of vectors with a right angle?
  4. What other methods can be used to find angles between vectors?
  5. How does the angle change if the vectors are scaled?

Tip: Always ensure your vectors are expressed in the same coordinate system before performing calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Algebra
Trigonometry

Formulas

Cosine formula for angle between vectors: cos(θ) = (A · B) / (|A| |B|)

Theorems

Dot product properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12