Answer: a - (a.b/|b| 2 )b.
- A (a.b/|b|<sup>2</sup>)b
- B a + (a.b)b
- C a.(b/|b|)
- D a - (a.b/|b|<sup>2</sup>)b
Correct answer: D. a - (a.b/|b|<sup>2</sup>)b
Explanation: The projection of a along b is (a.b/|b|<sup>2</sup>)b. The perpendicular component = a - (a.b/|b|<sup>2</sup>)b.
Triangle law of vector addition: placing vector b at the head of vector a, the diagonal from the start to the final head gives the resultant a + b.
Concept context
Vectors, dot product, cross product, and geometric applications