Linear Algebra

Dynamical Geometric Problem Sheet 3: Vector space and basis


1. A Puzzle: Vector Space Operations

Instructions. The following JSP-applet construction contains a binary operation o and a multiplication by scalars operation * in the plane V. You may find it convenient to look at them separately - use the buttons!

You can drag by the mouse
the vectors x and y and
control the value of the real scalar c on the pink area.

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Problems

Try to figure out
a) what geometrical constructions create these operations.
b) what symbolical formulae stand behind.


Finally, you may look at an animation, where the vectors move along a line and the scalar along the real axis (unfortunately now only between 0 and 1!).

2. Coordinates with respect to a given basis

Instructions In the following two JSP-applet constructions you see two fixed plane vectors e and f, together with their linear combination ce + df.
You can control the values of the real scalars c and d by dragging the points on the real line, situated on the pink area.

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Problem 1

1. Find out the values of the coordinates of the vectors u and v.

For u:
c =
d =

For v:
c =
d =


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Problem 2

1. Find out the values of the coordinates of the vectors u and v.

For u:
c =
d =

For v:
c =
d =


Martti Pesonen