- #1
Jeno
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Homework Statement
(a)2 + a · b - c = 0
a and b are vectors which (in general) with different directions while c is a scalar. How to solve for a?
a and b are vectors which (in general) with different directions while c is a scalar. How to solve for a?
The Attempt at a Solution
(a)2 + a · b - c = 0
(a + (1/2)b)2 - (1/4)b2 - c = 0
(a + (1/2)b)2 = (1/4)b2 + c
(a + (1/2)b)2 - (1/4)b2 - c = 0
(a + (1/2)b)2 = (1/4)b2 + c
In this case, if i carry the square from left hand side to right hand side, it appears that the left hand side turns into a vector while the right hand side remains as a scalar. I wonder why this happens and what would be the proper way to solve this equation.