Math Problem Statement

The user is asked to find the unit vector in the direction of vector \(\mathbf{v}\) which is defined by the points P(2, 3) and Q(-2, -6).

Solution

The image you uploaded presents a vector-related problem where you're asked to find a unit vector in the same direction as vector v\mathbf{v}. The vector v\mathbf{v} has the components given by the coordinates of two points, P(2,3)P(2, 3) and Q(2,6)Q(-2, -6), as shown in the diagram.

Steps to Solve:

  1. Find the Vector v\mathbf{v}: The vector v\mathbf{v} can be determined by subtracting the coordinates of point PP from QQ: v=QP=(22,63)=(4,9)\mathbf{v} = Q - P = (-2 - 2, -6 - 3) = (-4, -9)

  2. Calculate the Magnitude of v\mathbf{v}: The magnitude (or length) of vector v\mathbf{v} is given by: v=(4)2+(9)2=16+81=97|\mathbf{v}| = \sqrt{(-4)^2 + (-9)^2} = \sqrt{16 + 81} = \sqrt{97}

  3. Find the Unit Vector in the Direction of v\mathbf{v}: A unit vector in the same direction as v\mathbf{v} is obtained by dividing v\mathbf{v} by its magnitude: u=vv=(497,997)\mathbf{u} = \frac{\mathbf{v}}{|\mathbf{v}|} = \left(\frac{-4}{\sqrt{97}}, \frac{-9}{\sqrt{97}}\right)

Final Answer:

The unit vector in the direction of v\mathbf{v} is: u=(497,997)\mathbf{u} = \left(\frac{-4}{\sqrt{97}}, \frac{-9}{\sqrt{97}}\right)

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are five related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How would the unit vector change if the coordinates of points PP and QQ were different?
  2. What is the significance of a unit vector in physics or engineering?
  3. How would you find a unit vector if given a vector in three-dimensional space?
  4. What role does the magnitude of a vector play in normalizing it to a unit vector?
  5. Can a unit vector have negative components? Why or why not?

Tip: Always double-check the sign and magnitude calculations when dealing with vectors to avoid errors in the final unit vector.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Operations
Unit Vectors

Formulas

Vector \(\mathbf{v}\) = Q - P = (-2 - 2, -6 - 3) = (-4, -9)
Magnitude of \(\mathbf{v}\): |\mathbf{v}| = \sqrt{(-4)^2 + (-9)^2} = \sqrt{97}
Unit Vector: \(\mathbf{u} = \frac{\mathbf{v}}{|\mathbf{v}|} = \left(\frac{-4}{\sqrt{97}}, \frac{-9}{\sqrt{97}}\right)\)

Theorems

None explicitly stated, but underlying principles involve basic vector algebra.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12