Vectors - The Basics — Question 6

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Question 6

Show that M=(1,4,−2)M=(1,4,-2) is the midpoint of the segment joining A=(−3,7,5)A=(-3,7,5) and an unknown point BB, and determine BB.

Original worksheet page 1: question and worked solution for 5-1-006
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Question 6 – Solution

Identify the initial and terminal information first. Build the vector by subtracting coordinates, then use the magnitude formula or normalize only after the components are correct.

See the diagram in the original worksheet below.

The midpoint equation is M=(A+B)/2M=(A+B)/2, so B=2M−AB=2M-A.

Compute 2M=⟨2,8,−4⟩2M=\langle2,8,-4\rangle and subtract AA.

Thus B=(5,1,−9)B=\boxed{(5,1,-9)}. Averaging AA and BB returns (1,4,−2)(1,4,-2), which verifies the claim.

The result follows from the defining vector formulas used above, and each component, magnitude, or scalar condition has been checked against the information in the question.

A vector separates two ideas: its components describe displacement, while its magnitude and unit vector describe size and direction. Always check signs and confirm that a unit vector has magnitude 11.

Original worksheet page 2: question and worked solution for 5-1-006

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