Chapter 11: Problem 42
Let \(\mathbf{u}\) and \(\mathbf{v}\) be adjacent sides of a parallelogram. Use vectors to prove that the parallelogram is a rectangle if the diagonals are equal in length.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The parallelogram is a rectangle if its diagonals are equal in length, as the sides are perpendicular.
Step by step solution
01
Vector Representation
Consider the vectors \( \mathbf{u} \) and \( \mathbf{v} \) as adjacent sides of the parallelogram. The diagonals \( \mathbf{d_1} \) and \( \mathbf{d_2} \) can be represented as vector sums: \( \mathbf{d_1} = \mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} \) and \( \mathbf{d_2} = \mathbf{u} - \mathbf{v} \).
02
Set Diagonal Lengths Equal
Set the magnitudes of the diagonals equal, i.e. \( \| \mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} \| = \| \mathbf{u} - \mathbf{v} \| \).
03
Use the Magnitude Formula
Using the magnitude formula, we expand the equation: \( \sqrt{(\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v}) \cdot (\mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v})} = \sqrt{(\mathbf{u} - \mathbf{v}) \cdot (\mathbf{u} - \mathbf{v})} \).
04
Expand the Dot Products
The dot products yield: \( \mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{u} + 2\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{v} = \mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{u} - 2\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} + \mathbf{v} \cdot \mathbf{v} \).
05
Simplify the Equation
Simplifying gives: \( 2\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} = -2\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} \).
06
Solution for Dot Product
This implies \( 4\mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} = 0 \). Therefore, \( \mathbf{u} \cdot \mathbf{v} = 0 \), which indicates that \( \mathbf{u} \) and \( \mathbf{v} \) are perpendicular.
07
Conclusion
Since the adjacent sides \( \mathbf{u} \) and \( \mathbf{v} \) are perpendicular, the parallelogram formed is a rectangle.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Parallelogram
A parallelogram is a four-sided figure with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length. When we talk about a parallelogram in vector calculus, we often represent its sides with vectors. These vectors help us calculate different properties, such as diagonal lengths, and determine whether a special case, like a rectangle, occurs.
- The opposite angles of a parallelogram are equal.
- The diagonals bisect each other.
- A parallelogram remains unchanged if rotated by 180 degrees around its center.
Vectors
Vectors are essential elements in this problem, representing sides of a parallelogram. A vector has both magnitude (length) and direction, often depicted as an arrow drawn from one point to another. In mathematical notation, vectors like \( \mathbf{u} \) and \( \mathbf{v} \) are used to define the sides of a parallelogram.
Key Points about Vectors:
Key Points about Vectors:
- Vectors can be added or subtracted to find resulting vectors.
- They are written in terms of their components, such as \( \mathbf{u} = (u_1, u_2) \) and \( \mathbf{v} = (v_1, v_2) \).
- Vector operations follow rules similar to algebraic equations but involve both direction and magnitude.
Diagonal Equality
In a parallelogram, the diagonals are segments connecting opposite corners. When these diagonals are equal in length, the parallelogram may exhibit special properties, such as forming a rectangle.
To investigate this, we must rely on the vectors representing the parallelogram's sides:
To investigate this, we must rely on the vectors representing the parallelogram's sides:
- Vector expressions for diagonals: \( \mathbf{d_1} = \mathbf{u} + \mathbf{v} \) and \( \mathbf{d_2} = \mathbf{u} - \mathbf{v} \).
- Diagonal lengths are equal if \( \|\mathbf{d_1}\| = \|\mathbf{d_2}\| \).
Dot Product
The dot product, also known as the scalar product, is a crucial concept in vector calculus. It provides a way to quantify the angle between two vectors, helping determine relationships like perpendicularity.
Calculate the dot product using the formula: \( \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = a_1b_1 + a_2b_2 \), where \( \mathbf{a} \) and \( \mathbf{b} \) are vectors.
Calculate the dot product using the formula: \( \mathbf{a} \cdot \mathbf{b} = a_1b_1 + a_2b_2 \), where \( \mathbf{a} \) and \( \mathbf{b} \) are vectors.
- A dot product of zero implies the vectors are perpendicular.
- A positive dot product indicates both vectors point in roughly the same direction.
- The dot product helps us solve problems involving diagonal equality by expanding equations to check perpendicular vector conditions.
Perpendicular Vectors
Perpendicular vectors meet at a right angle, which geometrically confirms that their dot product equals zero. In the context of this problem, proving that two vectors \( \mathbf{u} \) and \( \mathbf{v} \) are perpendicular leads to the conclusion that the parallelogram is a rectangle.
Why are perpendicular vectors important?
Why are perpendicular vectors important?
- They form the basis of right-angle triangles within vector spaces.
- The perpendicularity condition (i.e., dot product equals zero) is critical for rectangles.
- They simplify many calculations and proofs in vector geometry.