Math Problem Statement

Find a vector of magnitude 10 that is parallel to the vector a = (-4, 3) and the unit vector in the opposite direction of a.

Solution

To solve the problem, we need to calculate:

  1. A vector of magnitude 10 that is parallel to vector a=(4,3)\vec{a} = (-4, 3).
  2. The unit vector in the opposite direction of a\vec{a}.

Step 1: Vector of Magnitude 10 Parallel to a\vec{a}

First, find the magnitude of a\vec{a}: a=(4)2+32=16+9=25=5\|\vec{a}\| = \sqrt{(-4)^2 + 3^2} = \sqrt{16 + 9} = \sqrt{25} = 5

To find a vector of magnitude 10 in the same direction, multiply each component by 105=2\frac{10}{5} = 2: v=2×(4,3)=(8,6)\vec{v} = 2 \times (-4, 3) = (-8, 6)

Step 2: Unit Vector in the Opposite Direction of a\vec{a}

First, find the unit vector in the direction of a\vec{a}: aa=15(4,3)=(45,35)\frac{\vec{a}}{\|\vec{a}\|} = \frac{1}{5}(-4, 3) = \left(-\frac{4}{5}, \frac{3}{5}\right)

Then, reverse the direction: Opposite Direction Unit Vector=(45,35)=(45,35)\text{Opposite Direction Unit Vector} = -\left(-\frac{4}{5}, \frac{3}{5}\right) = \left(\frac{4}{5}, -\frac{3}{5}\right)

So the answers are:

  1. (8,6)(-8, 6) or (8,6)(8, -6)
  2. (45,35)\left(\frac{4}{5}, -\frac{3}{5}\right)

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Operations
Vector Magnitude
Unit Vectors

Formulas

Magnitude of a vector |a| = √(x^2 + y^2)
Unit vector in the direction of a = a / |a|
Scaling a vector to a desired magnitude: v = k * a

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Unit Vector Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12