Find the values of x such that the vectors <<

Rena Giron

Rena Giron

Answered question

2021-12-01

Find the values of x such that the vectors 3,2,x and 2x,4,x are orthogonal.

Answer & Explanation

tnie54

tnie54

Beginner2021-12-02Added 18 answers

Since ab=|a||b|cos0, the dot product is zero when the vectors are perpendicular.
Therefore, we need to find x, such that
3,2,x2x,4,x=0
Remember that:
a1,b1,c1a2,b2,c2=a1a2+b1b2+c1c2
This is because when it comes to the unit vectors i,j,k, their dot product with themselves is 1 and their dot product with the other two is 0.
(3)(2x)+(2)(4)+(x)(x)=0
6x+8+x2=0
Factorize
(x+2)(x+4)=0
Using the zero product property, we can write
x+2=0, x+4=0
x=-2, x=-4
Result:
x=-2, x=-4

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