Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

Let a⃗\vec a and b⃗\vec b be any two non-zero vectors such that a⃗⋅b⃗=0\vec a\cdot\vec b = 0 and ∣a⃗∣=∣b⃗∣|\vec a| = |\vec b|. a. (i) Prove that the vectors a⃗+b⃗\vec a + \vec b and a⃗−b⃗\vec a - \vec b are perpendicular to each other. b. (ii) For a⃗=3i^+4j^\displaystyle \vec a = 3\hat i + 4\hat j and b⃗=−4i^+3j^\displaystyle \vec b = -4\hat i + 3\hat j, verify numerically the result proved in part (i) by evaluating a suitable product. c. (iii) Show that ∣a⃗+b⃗∣=∣a⃗−b⃗∣|\vec a + \vec b| = |\vec a - \vec b| under the given conditions and explain the geometrical significance of this equality with reference to a square constructed on the vectors.

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