Math Problem Statement

Evaluate the dot product of the pair of vectors

Evaluate the dot product of the pair of vectors.

Solution

To evaluate the dot product of the two vectors C\vec{C} and D\vec{D} shown in the image, we can use the formula for the dot product of two vectors in terms of their magnitudes and the angle between them:

CD=CDcosθ\vec{C} \cdot \vec{D} = |\vec{C}| |\vec{D}| \cos \theta

where:

  • C=2|\vec{C}| = 2 (the magnitude of vector C\vec{C}),
  • D=3|\vec{D}| = 3 (the magnitude of vector D\vec{D}),
  • θ=140\theta = 140^\circ (the angle between vectors C\vec{C} and D\vec{D}).

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Convert the angle to radians (optional for calculator use): In this case, we can use θ=140\theta = 140^\circ directly in degrees.

  2. Calculate cos(140)\cos(140^\circ): We know that cos(140)=cos(40)\cos(140^\circ) = -\cos(40^\circ), because 140140^\circ is in the second quadrant, where cosine values are negative.

    Using a calculator, cos(140)0.7660\cos(140^\circ) \approx -0.7660.

  3. Apply the dot product formula:

    CD=(2)(3)(0.7660)\vec{C} \cdot \vec{D} = (2)(3)(-0.7660)

  4. Calculate the result:

    CD=2×3×0.7660=4.596\vec{C} \cdot \vec{D} = 2 \times 3 \times -0.7660 = -4.596

Answer

The dot product CD\vec{C} \cdot \vec{D} is approximately 4.596-4.596.

Would you like further details on the concept or any related questions? Here are some you might find interesting:

  1. How does the angle between two vectors affect their dot product?
  2. What is the significance of a negative dot product?
  3. How would the result change if the angle between the vectors were 90°?
  4. Can the dot product be used to determine if two vectors are orthogonal?
  5. What does a zero dot product indicate about the vectors?

Tip: When two vectors form an angle greater than 90° but less than 180°, their dot product is always negative.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Dot Product
Vector Magnitude
Cosine of an Angle

Formulas

\( \vec{C} \cdot \vec{D} = |\vec{C}| |\vec{D}| \cos \theta \)

Theorems

Dot Product of Vectors

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10-12