Math Problem Statement

(1 point) Find a vector a that has the same direction as ⟨−10,3,10⟩ but has length 5 .

Answer: a=

Solution

To find a vector a that has the same direction as 10,3,10\langle -10, 3, 10 \rangle but with a length of 5, we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the magnitude of the original vector

The magnitude of 10,3,10\langle -10, 3, 10 \rangle is calculated by: 10,3,10=(10)2+32+102=100+9+100=209\| \langle -10, 3, 10 \rangle \| = \sqrt{(-10)^2 + 3^2 + 10^2} = \sqrt{100 + 9 + 100} = \sqrt{209}

Step 2: Create a unit vector in the same direction

To get a unit vector (a vector of length 1) in the same direction, we divide each component by the magnitude: Unit vector=10209,3209,10209\text{Unit vector} = \left\langle \frac{-10}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{3}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{10}{\sqrt{209}} \right\rangle

Step 3: Scale the unit vector to have length 5

To get a vector with length 5, we multiply the unit vector by 5: Vector a=5×10209,3209,10209=50209,15209,50209\text{Vector } \mathbf{a} = 5 \times \left\langle \frac{-10}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{3}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{10}{\sqrt{209}} \right\rangle = \left\langle \frac{-50}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{15}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{50}{\sqrt{209}} \right\rangle

So, the vector a that has the same direction as 10,3,10\langle -10, 3, 10 \rangle and a length of 5 is: a=50209,15209,50209\mathbf{a} = \left\langle \frac{-50}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{15}{\sqrt{209}}, \frac{50}{\sqrt{209}} \right\rangle

Let me know if you'd like further details or have any questions!


Here are five related questions you might consider:

  1. How do you find the unit vector in the opposite direction of a given vector?
  2. What is the significance of a unit vector in vector operations?
  3. How do you determine if two vectors are parallel?
  4. How can you find the angle between two vectors using their dot product?
  5. What is the difference between scaling a vector and changing its direction?

Tip: Always check the magnitude of your final answer to ensure it matches the desired length!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Operations
Magnitude of a Vector
Unit Vector
Scaling Vectors

Formulas

Magnitude of a vector: ||v|| = sqrt(v1^2 + v2^2 + v3^2)
Unit vector: u = v / ||v||
Scaling a vector: a = k * u, where k is the desired magnitude

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12