Math Problem Statement

The angle between $\overrightarrow{x} = [1, -\sqrt(2), -\sqrt(2)]^T $ and $\overrightarrow{y} = [2\sqrt(2), 1, 1]^T $

Solution

To find the angle between two vectors x\overrightarrow{x} and y\overrightarrow{y}, we can use the dot product formula. The formula for the angle θ\theta between two vectors is:

cosθ=xyxy\cos \theta = \frac{\overrightarrow{x} \cdot \overrightarrow{y}}{|\overrightarrow{x}| |\overrightarrow{y}|}

Where:

  • xy\overrightarrow{x} \cdot \overrightarrow{y} is the dot product of the vectors.
  • x|\overrightarrow{x}| and y|\overrightarrow{y}| are the magnitudes (lengths) of the vectors.

Given: [ \overrightarrow{x} = [1, -\sqrt{2}, -\sqrt{2}]^T, \quad \overrightarrow{y} = [2\sqrt{2}, 1, 1]^T ]

First, we calculate the dot product xy\overrightarrow{x} \cdot \overrightarrow{y}:

xy=122+(2)1+(2)1\overrightarrow{x} \cdot \overrightarrow{y} = 1 \cdot 2\sqrt{2} + (-\sqrt{2}) \cdot 1 + (-\sqrt{2}) \cdot 1

xy=2222\overrightarrow{x} \cdot \overrightarrow{y} = 2\sqrt{2} - \sqrt{2} - \sqrt{2}

xy=2222=0\overrightarrow{x} \cdot \overrightarrow{y} = 2\sqrt{2} - 2\sqrt{2} = 0

Since the dot product is 0, the vectors x\overrightarrow{x} and y\overrightarrow{y} are orthogonal, meaning the angle θ\theta between them is 90 degrees.

Thus, the angle between x\overrightarrow{x} and y\overrightarrow{y} is θ=90\theta = 90^\circ or θ=π2\theta = \frac{\pi}{2} radians.

Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are some questions you might consider:

  1. How to compute the magnitude of a vector?
  2. Why does a dot product of zero indicate orthogonality?
  3. What are some applications of finding angles between vectors?
  4. Can you explain the geometric interpretation of the dot product?
  5. How to find the cross product of two vectors?

Tip: Always check your vector components and operations carefully to ensure accuracy in calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Dot Product
Orthogonality

Formulas

Dot product formula
Angle between vectors formula

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Advanced High School