Chapter 2: Problem 166
Determine the direction cosines of vector \(\mathbf{u}=\mathbf{i}+2 \mathbf{j}+2 \mathbf{k} \quad\) and \(\quad\) show \(\quad\) they \(\quad\) satisfy \(\cos ^{2} \alpha+\cos ^{2} \beta+\cos ^{2} \gamma=1\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
The direction cosines are \(\frac{1}{3}\), \(\frac{2}{3}\), \(\frac{2}{3}\) and they satisfy \(\cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta + \cos^2 \gamma = 1\).
Step by step solution
01
Calculate the Magnitude of the Vector
To find the direction cosines, we first calculate the magnitude of vector \( \mathbf{u} = \mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k} \). The magnitude is given by the formula: \[ \| \mathbf{u} \| = \sqrt{(1)^2 + (2)^2 + (2)^2} = \sqrt{1 + 4 + 4} = \sqrt{9} = 3 \]
02
Find Direction Cosines
The direction cosines are the cosines of the angles that the vector makes with the coordinate axes. They are calculated as follows: \( \cos \alpha = \frac{1}{3} \), \( \cos \beta = \frac{2}{3} \), \( \cos \gamma = \frac{2}{3} \).
03
Verify the Direction Cosines Condition
To verify they satisfy the condition, substitute the values into the equation: \[ \cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta + \cos^2 \gamma = \left(\frac{1}{3}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{2}{3}\right)^2 \] Simplifying, we get: \[ \frac{1}{9} + \frac{4}{9} + \frac{4}{9} = \frac{9}{9} = 1 \] This shows that the condition is satisfied.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Vector Magnitude
When we talk about a vector's magnitude, we are referring to its length or size. It's a measure of how long the vector is when drawn as an arrow in space. To find the magnitude of a vector, we use the Pythagorean theorem extended into three dimensions. For example, consider the vector \( \mathbf{u} = \mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k} \). To calculate its magnitude, we sum the squares of its components and then take the square root:
- Step 1: Square each component: \( 1^2 = 1 \), \( 2^2 = 4 \), and \( 2^2 = 4 \).
- Step 2: Add these squares together: \( 1 + 4 + 4 = 9 \).
- Step 3: Take the square root of the total: \( \sqrt{9} = 3 \).
Coordinate Axes
Coordinate axes are the foundation of the Cartesian coordinate system, which allows us to locate and describe points and vectors in three-dimensional space. These axes are imaginary lines: the x, y, and z-axes, that intersect at a single point called the origin.Vectors are expressed in terms of their components along each axis. For instance, in the vector \( \mathbf{u} = \mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k} \), the coefficients represent how far the vector extends along the x, y, and z-axes respectively:
- \( \mathbf{i} \) represents one unit along the x-axis.
- 2\( \mathbf{j} \) represents two units along the y-axis.
- 2\( \mathbf{k} \) represents two units along the z-axis.
Angle Cosines
Angle cosines, also known as direction cosines, describe how a vector is oriented with respect to the coordinate axes. Imagine a vector in space making angles with each of the three axes. The cosines of these angles are called the direction cosines.For the vector \( \mathbf{u} = \mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k} \), the direction cosines are calculated as follows:
- First, divide each component of the vector by its magnitude. This converts the vector to a unit vector pointing in the same direction.
- For \( \mathbf{u} \), with a magnitude of 3:
- \( \cos \alpha = \frac{1}{3} \)
- \( \cos \beta = \frac{2}{3} \)
- \( \cos \gamma = \frac{2}{3} \)
Mathematics Problem Solving
Solving mathematics problems often involves a systematic approach to unravel complex scenarios using fundamental concepts. These principles build on each other, helping students grasp the more advanced topics.Let's approach the problem of finding direction cosines systematically:
- Identify what is given and what needs to be found. In this example, you first determine the magnitude of vector \( \mathbf{u} \).
- Use known formulas, such as those for vector magnitude and trigonometric identities, to break down the problem. Analyze each part step-by-step, such as computing for direction cosines.
- Verify your results. After calculations, check if they satisfy the mathematical conditions given, like verifying \( \cos^2 \alpha + \cos^2 \beta + \cos^2 \gamma = 1 \).