Projection of vector a onto vector b?

[mitnord]

Hi,

I have to vectors:
Vector a is given as (1, 3)
Vector b is given as (7, 2)

How to find the projection of the vector a onto the vector b?

Thanks!!

[stapel_eliz]

Hmm... Your book and / or your instructor were supposed to have covered this material before assigning homework on it....

The "projection" of a onto b is defined as the vector c that is orthogonal (perpendicular) to b and satisfies |b|² + |c|² = |a|².

Since b and c are orthogonal, what can you say about their dot product? What can you do with the magnitudes?

For explanations and the formulas to use, try reviewing a few online lessons, such as:

. . . . .Projection of One Vector Onto Another (lesson)
. . . . .MathWorld: Projection (article)
. . . . .Dot Products and Projections (lesson)
. . . . .The projection of a vector
. . . . .Wikipedia: Vector projection
. . . . .How to Project One Vector onto Another
. . . . .Vectors (tutorial)

Once you have learned the basic terms and techniques, please attempt the exercise. If you get stuck, you will then be able to reply with a clear listing of your steps and reasoning so far.

Thank you!