Computing Vector Projections

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 141 views

Introduction

Vector projections are a fundamental concept in linear algebra, and they have numerous applications in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science. In this article, we will explore the concept of vector projections and provide a step-by-step guide on how to compute them.

What are Vector Projections?

Vector projections are a way to find the component of a vector that lies in the direction of another vector. Given two vectors $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ , the projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ is denoted by $\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{a}} \vec{b}$ and is a vector that represents the component of $\vec{b}$ that lies in the direction of $\vec{a}$ .

Computing Vector Projections

To compute the vector projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ , we can use the following formula:

\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{a}} \vec{b} = \frac{\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}}{\|\vec{a}\|^2} \vec{a}

where $\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}$ is the dot product of $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ , and $\|\vec{a}\|^2$ is the magnitude of $\vec{a}$ squared.

Example: Computing Vector Projections

Let $\vec{a} = \langle 7, 9 \rangle$ and $\vec{b} = \langle 8, -9 \rangle$ . We want to compute the vector projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ .

Step 1: Compute the Dot Product

The dot product of $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ is given by:

\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = (7)(8) + (9)(-9) = 56 - 81 = -25

Step 2: Compute the Magnitude of $\vec{a}$

The magnitude of $\vec{a}$ is given by:

\|\vec{a}\| = \sqrt{(7)^2 + (9)^2} = \sqrt{49 + 81} = \sqrt{130}

Step 3: Compute the Vector Projection

Now we can compute the vector projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ :

\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{a}} \vec{b} = \frac{-25}{(\sqrt{130})^2} \langle 7, 9 \rangle = \frac{-25}{130} \langle 7, 9 \rangle = \langle -\frac{7}{26}, -\frac{9}{26} \rangle

Computing the Reverse Projection

We can also compute the vector projection of $\vec{a}$ onto $\vec{b}$ using the same formula:

\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{b}} \vec{a} = \frac{\vec{b} \cdot \vec{a}}{\|\vec{b}\|^2} \vec{b}

Step 1: Compute the Dot Product

The dot product of $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ is the same as before:

\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = -25

Step 2: Compute the Magnitude of $\vec{b}$

The magnitude of $\vec{b}$ is given by:

\|\vec{b}\| = \sqrt{(8)^2 + (-9)^2} = \sqrt{64 + 81} = \sqrt{145}

Step 3: Compute the Vector Projection

Now we can compute the vector projection of $\vec{a}$ onto $\vec{b}$ :

\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{b}} \vec{a} = \frac{-25}{(\sqrt{145})^2} \langle 8, -9 \rangle = \frac{-25}{145} \langle 8, -9 \rangle = \langle -\frac{8}{29}, \frac{9}{29} \rangle

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored the concept of vector projections and provided a step-by-step guide on how to compute them. We have also computed the vector projections of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{a}$ onto $\vec{b}$ using the formula:

\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{a}} \vec{b} = \frac{\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}}{\|\vec{a}\|^2} \vec{a}

\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{b}} \vec{a} = \frac{\vec{b} \cdot \vec{a}}{\|\vec{b}\|^2} \vec{b}

Q&A: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of vector projections?

A: Vector projections are used to find the component of a vector that lies in the direction of another vector. This is useful in various fields, including physics, engineering, and computer science.

Q: How do I compute the vector projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ ?

A: To compute the vector projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ , you can use the formula:

\operatorname{proj}_{\vec{a}} \vec{b} = \frac{\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}}{\|\vec{a}\|^2} \vec{a}

where $\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}$ is the dot product of $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ , and $\|\vec{a}\|^2$ is the magnitude of $\vec{a}$ squared.

Q: What is the difference between the vector projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ and the vector projection of $\vec{a}$ onto $\vec{b}$ ?

A: The vector projection of $\vec{b}$ onto $\vec{a}$ is a vector that represents the component of $\vec{b}$ that lies in the direction of $\vec{a}$ . The vector projection of $\vec{a}$ onto $\vec{b}$ is a vector that represents the component of $\vec{a}$ that lies in the direction of $\vec{b}$ .

Q: Can I use the vector projection formula to find the angle between two vectors?

A: Yes, you can use the vector projection formula to find the angle between two vectors. The angle between two vectors $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ is given by:

\cos \theta = \frac{\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}}{\|\vec{a}\| \|\vec{b}\|}

Q: What is the significance of the vector projection in physics and engineering?

A: The vector projection is used to find the component of a force or a velocity that lies in a particular direction. This is useful in solving problems involving motion, forces, and energy.

Q: Can I use the vector projection formula to find the shortest distance between two points?

A: Yes, you can use the vector projection formula to find the shortest distance between two points. The shortest distance between two points is given by the magnitude of the vector projection of one point onto the other.

Q: What are some common applications of vector projections?

A: Some common applications of vector projections include:

Finding the component of a force or a velocity that lies in a particular direction
Solving problems involving motion, forces, and energy
Finding the shortest distance between two points
Calculating the angle between two vectors

Conclusion

In this article, we have provided a comprehensive guide to vector projections, including a step-by-step guide on how to compute them and a list of frequently asked questions. We hope that this article has provided a useful resource for students and professionals who need to understand this important concept in linear algebra.