Find two vectors u and v such that: (i) both u and v are perpendicular to w=(1,-1,-1)

tikaj1x

tikaj1x

Answered question

2022-10-14

Find two vectors u and v such that: (i) both u and v are perpendicular to w = ( 1 , 1 , 1 ) and (ii) u is perpendicular to v
So, I know how to find a vector, u = ( 1 , 2 , 1 ), that is perpendicular to w, but how do I find the third vector, v that is perpendicular to both u and w?
I've already tried
v ( u + w ) = v u + v w
But the result that I get does not allow for u v = 0 and v w = 0
What am I doing wrong? How should I approach solving something like this?

Answer & Explanation

hanfydded1c

hanfydded1c

Beginner2022-10-15Added 17 answers

HINT
Here is a sketch of the solution, which you may be more interested in the future.
Take any vector x R 3 { 0 , w } then remove its projection on the direction of w.
The result of such operation is going to be denoted by u, which is orthogonal to w.
Precisely, one has that
u = x x , w w 2 w
Once you have u and w, you can take the cross product v = u × w, and you are done.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?