Math Problem Statement

Find the unit vector in the direction of the vector <-2, 5>.

Solution

To find the unit vector in the direction of the vector 2,5\langle -2, 5 \rangle, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the magnitude of the vector

The magnitude of the vector 2,5\langle -2, 5 \rangle is calculated using the formula: 2,5=(2)2+52=4+25=29\| \langle -2, 5 \rangle \| = \sqrt{(-2)^2 + 5^2} = \sqrt{4 + 25} = \sqrt{29}

Step 2: Divide each component by the magnitude

To obtain the unit vector, divide each component of the original vector by its magnitude: Unit vector=229,529\text{Unit vector} = \left\langle \frac{-2}{\sqrt{29}}, \frac{5}{\sqrt{29}} \right\rangle

Final Answer

The unit vector in the direction of 2,5\langle -2, 5 \rangle is: 229,529\left\langle \frac{-2}{\sqrt{29}}, \frac{5}{\sqrt{29}} \right\rangle

Would you like further details or clarification?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do we calculate the unit vector for a 3D vector?
  2. Why is the unit vector important in vector calculations?
  3. What does the direction of the unit vector represent in a coordinate system?
  4. How does this unit vector change if we reverse the original vector?
  5. Can the magnitude of any unit vector be different from 1?

Tip: A unit vector always has a magnitude of 1, making it a useful tool for indicating direction without altering the vector’s length.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Calculus
Magnitude of Vectors
Unit Vectors

Formulas

Magnitude of vector: |v| = √(x² + y²)
Unit vector: v̂ = v / |v|

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12