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How do you compute the orthogonal projection of y=(7,6)y=(7,6) onto the line spanned by u=(2,1)u=(2,1)?

First, calculate the dot products y⋅u=20y \cdot u = 20 and u⋅u=5u \cdot u = 5. The scalar coefficient is 20/5=420/5 = 4. Multiply uu by 4 to get the projected vector (8,4)(8,4).

Conditions

  • y=(7,6)y = (7,6)
  • u=(2,1)u = (2,1)

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Compute the dot product y⋅u=(7)(2)+(6)(1)=14+6=20y \cdot u = (7)(2) + (6)(1) = 14 + 6 = 20.
  2. Compute the dot product u⋅u=(2)(2)+(1)(1)=4+1=5u \cdot u = (2)(2) + (1)(1) = 4 + 1 = 5.
  3. Calculate the scalar coefficient y⋅uu⋅u=205=4\frac{y \cdot u}{u \cdot u} = \frac{20}{5} = 4.
  4. Multiply the vector uu by the scalar coefficient: 4⋅(2,1)=(8,4)4 \cdot (2,1) = (8,4).
  5. Conclude that the projection is (8,4)(8,4).

Example

The script states: 'With y=(7,6)y=(7,6) and u=(2,1)u=(2,1), the coefficient is 20/5=420/5=4. Thus the projected vector is (8,4), which lies in the span of u.'

Common misconceptions

  • Calculating the dot product incorrectly.
  • Forgetting to multiply the scalar coefficient by the vector uu.
  • Assuming the projection is the scalar coefficient itself rather than a vector.

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