Math Problem Statement

a,b and c are vectors. Given 2a+b = -5j + k, c = i - 2j +2k, a.c = 5 and b is a unit vector, find b.c

Solution

We are given the following:

  1. 2a+b=5j^+k^2a + b = -5\hat{j} + \hat{k}
  2. c=i^2j^+2k^c = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}
  3. ac=5a \cdot c = 5
  4. bb is a unit vector, i.e., b=1|b| = 1

We need to find bcb \cdot c.

Step 1: Express bb in terms of aa

From the equation 2a+b=5j^+k^2a + b = -5\hat{j} + \hat{k}, we can solve for bb:

b=5j^+k^2ab = -5\hat{j} + \hat{k} - 2a

Step 2: Use the dot product relation

We are given that ac=5a \cdot c = 5, and c=i^2j^+2k^c = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}.

Let's find the dot product between bb and cc:

bc=(5j^+k^2a)(i^2j^+2k^)b \cdot c = (-5\hat{j} + \hat{k} - 2a) \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k})

Expanding this:

bc=(5j^)(i^2j^+2k^)+k^(i^2j^+2k^)+(2a)(i^2j^+2k^)b \cdot c = (-5\hat{j}) \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) + \hat{k} \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) + (-2a) \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k})

Now calculate the individual dot products:

  1. (5j^)(i^2j^+2k^)=0(10)+0=10(-5\hat{j}) \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) = 0 - (-10) + 0 = 10
  2. k^(i^2j^+2k^)=0+0+2=2\hat{k} \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) = 0 + 0 + 2 = 2
  3. (2a)(i^2j^+2k^)=2(a(i^2j^+2k^))(-2a) \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) = -2(a \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}))

We already know that ac=5a \cdot c = 5, and c=i^2j^+2k^c = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}. So,

a(i^2j^+2k^)=5a \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) = 5

Thus,

(2a)(i^2j^+2k^)=2×5=10(-2a) \cdot (\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) = -2 \times 5 = -10

Step 3: Combine the results

Now combine all the terms:

bc=10+210=2b \cdot c = 10 + 2 - 10 = 2

Final Answer:

bc=2b \cdot c = 2


Would you like to go over any details of this solution? Here are some related questions you can explore further:

  1. What is the magnitude of vector bb?
  2. How can you express the vector aa in terms of bb and cc?
  3. What is the cross product of vectors aa and cc?
  4. If bb is a unit vector, how does that affect its components?
  5. How would you find the angle between vectors bb and cc?

Tip: When working with vectors, remember to always break them down into components for easier manipulation when performing operations like dot products or cross products!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Algebra
Dot Product
Unit Vectors

Formulas

a · b = |a| |b| cos(θ)
b = -5j + k - 2a
a · c = 5

Theorems

Dot Product Properties
Unit Vector Definition

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12