Chapter 11: Problem 37
(a) Given that \(\|\mathbf{v}\|=3,\) find all values of \(k\) such that \(\|k \mathbf{v}\|=5 .\) (b) Given that \(k=-2\) and \(\|k \mathbf{v}\|=6,\) find \(\|\mathbf{v}\|\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
(a) k = ±5/3; (b) \|\mathbf{v}\| = 3.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Vector Magnitude Multiplication
The magnitude of a vector \(k \mathbf{v}\) is given by the product of the absolute value of the scalar \(k\) and the magnitude of the vector \(\mathbf{v}\). Therefore, \|k \mathbf{v}\| = |k| \, \|\mathbf{v}\|\. In Part (a), we know that \|k \mathbf{v}\| = 5\ and \|\mathbf{v}\| = 3\. We will use this relationship to find \(k\).
02
Solving for k in Part (a)
Use the equation \|k\mathbf{v}\| = |k|\|\mathbf{v}\|\. Substitute the known values: \(5 = |k| \times 3\). Solve for \( |k| \): \[ |k| = \frac{5}{3} \] This means that \( k \) can be either \( \frac{5}{3} \) or \( -\frac{5}{3} \).
03
Part (a) Conclusion
The possible values of \(k\) such that \|k \mathbf{v}\| = 5\ are \( \frac{5}{3} \) and \( -\frac{5}{3} \).
04
Understanding Given Values in Part (b)
We know \( k = -2 \) and \|k \mathbf{v}\| = 6\. We need to find \|\mathbf{v}\|\. Use the formula \|k \mathbf{v}\| = |k| \|\mathbf{v}\|\ to determine \(\|\mathbf{v}\|\).
05
Solving for Magnitude of v in Part (b)
Given \( |k| = 2 \) and \|k \mathbf{v}\| = 6\, the equation becomes \(6 = 2\|\mathbf{v}\|\). Solve for \(\|\mathbf{v}\|\): \[\|\mathbf{v}\| = \frac{6}{2} = 3\]
06
Part (b) Conclusion
The magnitude of the vector \(\mathbf{v}\|\), when \(k = -2\), is 3.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Scalar Multiplication
Scalar multiplication in vectors refers to the process of multiplying a vector by a numerical value, called a scalar. This operation affects only the magnitude of the vector, not its direction. When you multiply a vector \( \mathbf{v} \) by a scalar \( k \), you scale the vector in proportion to \( k \).
- If \( k \) is positive, the direction of the vector remains unchanged, but the magnitude is scaled.
- If \( k \) is negative, the vector is not only scaled but also reflected (flipped) in the opposite direction.
- If \( k \) equals zero, the vector becomes the zero vector, losing its direction entirely.
Vector Magnitudes
The vector magnitude, or length, is a measure of how long a vector is. It can be visualized as the distance from the vector's tail to its head. Calculating the magnitude of a vector \( \mathbf{v} \) is straightforward using the formula based on its components:
- If \( \mathbf{v} = (x, y, z) \), then the magnitude is \( \|\mathbf{v}\| = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2 + z^2} \).
- This results in a non-negative scalar value that represents the size of the vector.
Vector Solutions
Solving vector problems often requires a step-by-step approach to ensure accuracy.
- Identify the given information and what needs to be found.
- Apply relevant vector equations to the problem.
- Rearrange equations to isolate the unknown variable.