Calculus 10th Edition

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1-28505-709-0
ISBN 13: 978-1-28505-709-5

Chapter 11 - Vectors and the Geometry of Space - 11.1 Exercises - Page 757: 91

Answer

Both $\mathbf{u}$ and $\mathbf{v}$ are always unit vectors.

Work Step by Step

All we need to do here is find the magnitude of both $\mathbf{u}$ and $\mathbf{v}$. Magnitude of $\mathbf{u}$: $\|\mathbf{u}\|=\sqrt{u_x^2+u_y^2}$ $=\sqrt{\cos^2{\theta}+(-\sin{\theta})^2}$ $=\sqrt{\cos^2{\theta}+\sin^2\theta}=\sqrt{1}=1$ So no matter what $\theta$ is, $\|\mathbf{u}\|=1$ and therefore $\mathbf{u}$ is always a unit vector. Similarly $\|\mathbf{v}\|=\sqrt{v_x^2+v_y^2}$ $=\sqrt{\cos^2\theta+\sin^2\theta}=\sqrt{1}=1$ By the same reasoning as above, $\mathbf{v}$ is always a unit vector.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.