Calculus › Section L · Vectors and the geometry of space › Topic L.3

The dot product

Vectors can be multiplied, and the first way, the dot product, turns two vectors into a single number that measures how strongly they point the same way. From that one number come angles, perpendicularity tests, shadows and work.

In this topic

  • Multiplying vectors into a number
  • The geometric meaning
  • Worked example: the angle between vectors
  • Perpendicularity
  • Worked example: building an orthogonal vector
  • Projections: one vector's shadow on another
  • Worked example: force and work
  • Direction angles and direction cosines
  • Common mistakes to avoid
  • Key takeaways

This topic is part of Wuanberri Pro. Checking your access…

Standards: Beyond AP

← Previous topicNext topic →