Math Problem Statement

Find the unit vector: v=5 i−3 j

Solution

To find the unit vector of v=5i3j\mathbf{v} = 5 \mathbf{i} - 3 \mathbf{j}, we follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the magnitude of vector v\mathbf{v}

The magnitude v|\mathbf{v}| of the vector v=5i3j\mathbf{v} = 5 \mathbf{i} - 3 \mathbf{j} is given by the formula:

v=52+(3)2=25+9=34|\mathbf{v}| = \sqrt{5^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{25 + 9} = \sqrt{34}

Step 2: Calculate the unit vector

A unit vector is found by dividing the vector by its magnitude. The unit vector u\mathbf{u} in the direction of v\mathbf{v} is:

u=vv=5i3j34\mathbf{u} = \frac{\mathbf{v}}{|\mathbf{v}|} = \frac{5 \mathbf{i} - 3 \mathbf{j}}{\sqrt{34}}

Thus, the unit vector is:

u=534i334j\mathbf{u} = \frac{5}{\sqrt{34}} \mathbf{i} - \frac{3}{\sqrt{34}} \mathbf{j}

If you'd like, I can also rationalize the denominators, but this is the simplest form.

Would you like any further details on the steps? Here are some related questions to explore:

  1. How is a unit vector used in physics and geometry?
  2. What is the significance of a vector's magnitude?
  3. Can you find the unit vector of a 3D vector?
  4. How does the concept of normalization relate to unit vectors?
  5. What happens to the direction of a vector when converted to a unit vector?

Tip: The magnitude of a unit vector is always 1, regardless of its direction.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Algebra
Unit Vectors
Magnitude of a Vector

Formulas

Magnitude of a vector: |v| = √(x^2 + y^2)
Unit vector formula: u = v / |v|

Theorems

Pythagorean theorem (for calculating magnitude)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12