Math Problem Statement

Find the scalar projection 

compuv

 of vector v onto vector u.

compuv =

Solution

The scalar projection of vector v\mathbf{v} onto vector u\mathbf{u}, denoted as compuv\text{comp}_{\mathbf{u}} \mathbf{v}, is given by the formula:

compuv=vuu\text{comp}_{\mathbf{u}} \mathbf{v} = \frac{\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{u}}{\|\mathbf{u}\|}

Given:

u=8i+3j,v=3i+5j\mathbf{u} = 8\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j}, \quad \mathbf{v} = 3\mathbf{i} + 5\mathbf{j}

Step 1: Calculate the dot product vu\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{u}

vu=(3)(8)+(5)(3)=24+15=39\mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{u} = (3)(8) + (5)(3) = 24 + 15 = 39

Step 2: Calculate the magnitude u\|\mathbf{u}\| of vector u\mathbf{u}

u=82+32=64+9=73\|\mathbf{u}\| = \sqrt{8^2 + 3^2} = \sqrt{64 + 9} = \sqrt{73}

Step 3: Compute the scalar projection

compuv=3973\text{comp}_{\mathbf{u}} \mathbf{v} = \frac{39}{\sqrt{73}}

Thus, the scalar projection compuv\text{comp}_{\mathbf{u}} \mathbf{v} is:

compuv=3973\text{comp}_{\mathbf{u}} \mathbf{v} = \frac{39}{\sqrt{73}}

This represents the length of the shadow or projection of v\mathbf{v} onto the direction of u\mathbf{u}.

Would you like further explanation or have any other questions?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How does the scalar projection differ from the vector projection?
  2. What does a negative scalar projection indicate?
  3. How would you calculate the scalar projection of u\mathbf{u} onto v\mathbf{v}?
  4. What is the relationship between scalar projection and the cosine of the angle between two vectors?
  5. How can scalar projections be used in real-world applications, such as physics or engineering?

Tip: Scalar projections help determine how much of one vector acts in the direction of another, which is useful in analyzing forces and motions in physics.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Dot Product
Magnitude of Vectors
Scalar Projection

Formulas

Scalar projection formula: comp_{u} v = (v \cdot u) / |u|

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

High School