Find vector whose tail & head are midpoints of

In summary, the question is asking to find the components of a vector v whose tail is the midpoint of segment AC and head is the midpoint of BC. The wording of the question is ambiguous, but it can be interpreted as the tail and head being the midpoints of the segments. Clarification from the author would have been helpful.
  • #1
Nano-Passion
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Homework Statement


Find the components of the vector v whose tail and head are the midpoints of segments AC and BC.

A = (1,0,1). B = (1,1,0), & C = (0,1,1)


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know what the question is asking about exactly? I find the wording very awkward.
 
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  • #2
What is it you don't understand? Midpoints? Heads and tails?
 
  • #3
I take it to mean that the midpoint of AC is the tail of the vector, and the midpoint of BC is the head of the vector.
 
  • #4
Voko, see post below.

vela said:
I take it to mean that the midpoint of AC is the tail of the vector, and the midpoint of BC is the head of the vector.

Ohh.. that could be it. It would have helped if the author was a bit more careful with his wording. For example by saying:

Find the components of the vector v whose tail and head are the midpoints of segments AC and BC respectively.

or preferably

Find the components of the vector v whose tail is the midpoint of segment AC and head is the midpoint of BC.
 

FAQ: Find vector whose tail & head are midpoints of

What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It is often represented by an arrow, with the length indicating its magnitude and the direction indicating its direction.

How do you find the midpoint of a vector?

The midpoint of a vector can be found by adding the coordinates of its tail and head and dividing by 2. This will give you the coordinates of the point that lies halfway between the two points.

What does it mean for a vector to have its tail and head as midpoints?

When a vector has its tail and head as midpoints, it means that the coordinates of its tail and head lie equidistant from the origin. In other words, the vector is balanced and its magnitude is equal in all directions.

Can you provide an example of a vector with its tail and head as midpoints?

One example of a vector with its tail and head as midpoints is (2,2). This vector starts at the point (0,0) and ends at the point (2,2), with both points being equidistant from the origin.

How can this concept of midpoints be applied in real-world situations?

The concept of midpoints in vectors can be applied in navigation, physics, and engineering. For example, in navigation, the midpoint of a vector can be used to calculate the distance and direction of a ship or plane from its starting point. In physics, midpoints can be used to calculate the average velocity of an object. In engineering, they can be used to determine the balance and stability of structures.

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