2.1 Vectors in E, 53
Problems 2.19
1 As in Figure 2.191, let A, B, C, , H be equally spaced points on the
line P1P2 with C = PI and G = P2. Apply appropriate definitions of the text
to show that
PD=P1P2, PE=P1P2, P1F=APP, PIG=PIP2
P H = IP P , P1B = -TP;P2, F1-4 = -3P1P2, DE=xPIP2.
Observe that the vector PIP lies on the line P1P2 if and only if there is a scalar
(or number or constant) X (lambda) such that
PIP = XP1P2.
Observe that the points P1 and P2 separate the line into three parts and tell what
values of X correspond to points in the different parts.
2 Construct a figure similar to Figure 2.191 which
shows points PI and P2 and also points .4, B, C, D for
which
P1:4 = -gP P, PIB= 8P1P21
PIC = $PIP, PID= I P2-
3 Let 0 (an origin), PI, and P2 be three points in E3
with PI -7- P2 as in Figure 2.192. Verify that if P is a
point on the line P1P2, then there is a scalar X for which
and
so
P1P = XP1P2 = X (OP2 -
01P1)
OP = PI + PIP = OPI + A(PP2 - OPI)
OP = XOP2 + (1 - X)OP1.
Show that if M is the mid-point of the line segment PIP2,
then
PM = (PPI + OP2).
4 Let i, j, and k be mutually perpendicular vectors
which run along bottom and back edges of a cube as in
Figure 2.193. Let PI, P2, P3, P4 be the mid-points of the
top edges upon which they lie. Show that
OPI=yi+k, OP2=i+-'ffj+k,
P4
Figure 2.193
and write similar formulas for U A, 0P41 and QP2.
(^5) Supposing that the vectors i, j, k of the preceding problem are unit vectors,
apply the definitions of products of vectors to prove that
1Xi=O, 1Xj=k.
Hint: In each case, write the definition of the product and use the angle correctly.
Figure 2.191
PI, k
P3