Magnitude of perpindicular vectors

In summary, to find all vectors of magnitude 4 that are perpendicular to v = (-4, -2), solve the simultaneous equations -4x - 2y = 0 and x^2 + y^2 = 16, using substitution. Each solution (x,y) corresponds to a valid vector of magnitude 4 perpendicular to v.
  • #1
Tankertert
4
0

Homework Statement




v = (-4, -2) and need to find alll vectors of magnitude 4 that are perpindicular to v

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried
let (x, y) be the vector of interest.

-4x -2y = 0
x^2 + y^2 = 16.

Is this the right track? If so, how do i solve from here?
 
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  • #2
Tankertert said:

Homework Statement




v = (-4, -2) and need to find alll vectors of magnitude 4 that are perpindicular to v

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I tried
let (x, y) be the vector of interest.

-4x -2y = 0
x^2 + y^2 = 16.

Is this the right track? If so, how do i solve from here?

Yes, right track. Just solve the simultaneous equation pair. Substitution is the easiest way. Use the first equation to get y in terms of x, then substitute into the second.

You should now get two values of y (remember to take both positive and negative square roots). Put that back into the first equation to get the corresponding values of x. Each solution (x,y) corresponds to a valid vector meeting the conditions.
 

FAQ: Magnitude of perpindicular vectors

What is the magnitude of perpendicular vectors?

The magnitude of perpendicular vectors is the length of the vector measured from its origin to its endpoint. It is represented by a positive number and is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem.

How do you calculate the magnitude of perpendicular vectors?

The magnitude of perpendicular vectors can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. In the case of perpendicular vectors, the hypotenuse is the magnitude and the other two sides are the components of the vector.

Why is the magnitude of perpendicular vectors important?

The magnitude of perpendicular vectors is important because it represents the size or strength of the vector. It is also used in various mathematical and scientific calculations, such as finding the distance between two points or determining the force of a vector.

How do you represent the magnitude of perpendicular vectors?

The magnitude of perpendicular vectors is represented by a positive number, usually denoted by the symbol ||v||, where v is the vector. It can also be represented graphically by the length of an arrow drawn to scale, with the direction of the arrow indicating the direction of the vector.

Can the magnitude of perpendicular vectors be negative?

No, the magnitude of perpendicular vectors cannot be negative as it represents a length or size. Negative numbers are used to represent direction or orientation, but the magnitude is always a positive value.

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