Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Vector Projection
Vector projection is the process of projecting one vector onto another. The projection of vector v onto vector w, denoted as projᵥᵥ w, is calculated using the formula projᵥᵥ w = (v · w / w · w) * w, where '·' represents the dot product. This results in a vector that is parallel to w, representing how much of v lies in the direction of w.
Recommended video:
Dot Product
The dot product is a fundamental operation in vector algebra that combines two vectors to produce a scalar. It is calculated as v · w = v₁w₁ + v₂w₂ for vectors v = (v₁, v₂) and w = (w₁, w₂). The dot product is crucial for finding the angle between vectors and is used in the projection formula to determine how much one vector extends in the direction of another.
Recommended video:
Introduction to Dot Product
Vector Decomposition
Vector decomposition involves breaking a vector into two components: one that is parallel to a given vector and another that is orthogonal (perpendicular) to it. In this context, v₁ is the component of v that is parallel to w, while v₂ is the component that is orthogonal to w. This decomposition is useful in various applications, including physics and engineering, where understanding the influence of different directions is essential.
Recommended video: