243.12.5.27 - Verify vector identiy

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In summary, we discussed a problem regarding a set of points P (x, y, z) such that AP · OP − OA · OP = 2 − |OA|2, and showed that this set of points forms a sphere with center (x_A+x_O,y_A+y_O,z_A+z_O) and radius k. We also explored a more general problem with arbitrary distinct points O and A in the space.
  • #1
karush
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$\textsf{Write a complete solution.}\\$
$\textit{ok Let A be the point (1,2,3) and O the origin (0, 0, 0). }\\$
$\textit{Consider the points P (x, y, z) such that AP · OP − OA · OP = 2 − |OA|2.}\\$
$\textit{Show that the set of all such points is a sphere, and find its center and radius.}\\$

ok, will be dealing with this in the morning
but would like some suggestions?
 
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  • #2
Re: 243.12.5.27

I would begin by expressing the given directed line segments in component form:

\(\displaystyle \vec{AP}=\left\langle x-1,y-2,z-3 \right\rangle\)

\(\displaystyle \vec{OP}=\left\langle x,y,z \right\rangle\)

\(\displaystyle \vec{OA}=\left\langle 1,2,3 \right\rangle\)

And then:

\(\displaystyle \left|\vec{OA}\right|=\sqrt{1^2+2^2+3^2}=\sqrt{14}\)

Now, consider the definition of the dot product:

\(\displaystyle \text{a}\cdot\text{b}=\sum_{k=1}^n\left(a_kb_k\right)\)

Can you proceed?
 
  • #3
Re: 243.12.5.27

Are you certain the given equation isn't:

\(\displaystyle \vec{AP}\cdot\vec{OP}-\vec{OA}\cdot\vec{OP}=2-\left|\vec{OA}\right|^2\) ?

On a side note, can you generalize such that $O$ and $A$ are arbitrary distinct points in the space?
 
  • #4
Re: 243.12.5.27

View attachment 7333

$\textsf{the dot product $u\cdot v$ of vectors $u=\langle u_1, u_2, u_3 \rangle$}$
$\textsf{and $v=\langle u_1, u_2, u_3 \rangle$ is}$
$$u\cdot v=u_1v_1+u_2v_2+u_3v_3$$
 

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  • #5
Re: 243.12.5.27

I suspected that vector magnitude was to be squared...makes for a nicer problem. ;)
 
  • #6
Re: 243.12.5.27

$\displaystyle \vec{AP}\cdot\vec{OP}-\vec{OA}\cdot\vec{OP}=2-\left|\vec{OA}\right|^2$
so since
$\displaystyle \vec{AP}=\left\langle x-1,y-2,z-3 \right\rangle$
$\displaystyle \vec{OP}=\left\langle x,y,z \right\rangle$
$\displaystyle \vec{OA}=\left\langle 1,2,3 \right\rangle$
then
\begin{align}
&\, \, \, \, \, \, \left\langle x-1,y-2,z-3 \right\rangle \cdot \left\langle x,y,z \right\rangle
-\left\langle 1,2,3 \right\rangle \cdot \left\langle x,y,z \right\rangle\\
&=[(x-1)x+(y-1)y+(z-3)z]-[x+2y+3z]\\
&=x^2-x+y^2-y+z^2-3z-x-2y-3z\\
&1^2-1+2^2-2+3^2-3(3)-1-2(2)-3(3)=\color{red}{ -12}
\end{align}
and also
\begin{align}
2-\left|\vec{OA}\right|^2=2-14=\color{red}{ -12}
\end{align}
the standard equation of a sphere is
$(x - h)^2 + (y - j)^2 + (z - k)^2 = r^2$
$\textbf{so |OP|^2=14=radius}$
$\textit{not sure about the radius??}$
 
Last edited:
  • #7
Re: 243.12.5.27

Let's look at where you should have:

\(\displaystyle x^2-2x+y^2-4y+z^2-6z=-12\)

Hint: Try completing the square on $x,\,y,\,z$. To better appreciate this problem, I do recommend exploring the more general problem I spoke of in post #3.
 
  • #8
Re: 243.12.5.27

MarkFL said:
Let's look at where you should have:

\(\displaystyle x^2-2x+y^2-4y+z^2-6z=-12\)

Hint: Try completing the square on $x,\,y,\,z$. To better appreciate this problem, I do recommend exploring the more general problem I spoke of in post #3.
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
&x^2-2x+y^2-4y+z^2-6z=-12\\
&x^2-2x+1+y^2-4y+4+z^2-6z×9\\
&=-12+1+4+9=2\\
&(x-1)^2+(y-2)^2+(z-3)^2\\
&=2\\
&=(\sqrt{2})^2
\end{align*}

radius=2
 
Last edited:
  • #9
Re: 243.12.5.27

karush said:
\begin{align*}\displaystyle
x^2-2x+y^2-4y+z^2-6z&=-12\\
x^2-2x+1+y^2-4y+4+z^2-6z×9&=-12+1+4+9=2\\
(x-1)^2+(y-2)^2+(z-3)^2&=2=(\sqrt{x})^2
\end{align*}

so is $\sqrt{2}$ the radius?

Yes, and I assume this is just a typo, but you want:

\(\displaystyle (x-1)^2+(y-2)^2+(z-3)^2=2=\left(\sqrt{2}\right)^2\)

Now, suppose we define:

\(\displaystyle \left(x_A,y_A,z_A\right)\) = point $A$

\(\displaystyle \left(x_O,y_O,z_O\right)\) = point $O$

And so we have:

\(\displaystyle \vec{AP}=\left\langle x-x_A,y-y_A,z-z_A \right\rangle\)

\(\displaystyle \vec{OP}=\left\langle x-x_O,y-y_O,z-z_O \right\rangle\)

\(\displaystyle \vec{OA}=\left\langle x_A-x_O,y_A-y_O,z_A-z_O \right\rangle\)

And then:

\(\displaystyle \left|\vec{OA}\right|=\sqrt{\left(x_A-x_O\right)^2+\left(y_A-y_O\right)^2+\left(z_A-z_O\right)^2}\)

Now suppose the given equation is:

\(\displaystyle \vec{AP}\cdot\vec{OP}-\vec{OA}\cdot\vec{OP}=k-\left|\vec{OA}\right|^2\) where $0<k$

We then find:

\(\displaystyle \left(\left(x-x_A\right)\left(x-x_O\right)+\left(y-y_A\right)\left(y-y_O\right)+\left(z-z_A\right)\left(z-z_O\right)\right)-\left(\left(x_A-x_O\right)\left(x-x_O\right)+\left(y_A-y_O\right)\left(y-y_O\right)+\left(z_A-z_O\right)\left(z-z_O\right)\right)=k-\left(\left(x_A-x_O\right)^2+\left(y_A-y_O\right)^2+\left(z_A-z_O\right)^2\right)\)

After some algebra, this becomes:

\(\displaystyle \left(x-\left(x_A+x_O\right)\right)^2+\left(y-\left(y_A+y_O\right)\right)^2+\left(z-\left(z_A+z_O\right)\right)^2=\left(\sqrt{k}\right)^2\)

And hence, the given equation describes a sphere with center \(\displaystyle \left(x_A+x_O,y_A+y_O,z_A+z_O\right)\) and radius $\sqrt{k}$. :)
 

FAQ: 243.12.5.27 - Verify vector identiy

What is a vector identity?

A vector identity is an equation or statement that is true for all vectors. It is used to describe properties or relationships between vectors in a mathematical or physical system.

Why is it important to verify vector identities?

Verifying vector identities is important because it ensures the accuracy and validity of mathematical or physical theories. It also allows for the identification of any errors or inconsistencies in the equations being used.

How do you verify a vector identity?

To verify a vector identity, you need to show that both sides of the equation are equal. This can be done by using algebraic manipulations, geometric proofs, or using vector properties such as commutativity, associativity, and distributivity.

Can a vector identity be proven wrong?

Yes, a vector identity can be proven wrong if it does not hold true for all vectors. This can happen if there is a mistake in the derivation or if the identity is being applied to a system that does not follow the assumptions or conditions of the identity.

Are vector identities only applicable in mathematics?

No, vector identities are also applicable in physics and other sciences. They are used to describe relationships between physical quantities that can be represented as vectors, such as forces, velocities, and magnetic fields.

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