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A unit direction has cos²α=1/t², cos²β=1/9. Find cos²γ.

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高二選擇性必修 第一册(A版).pdf · 1.3 · PDF 21 / printed page 16

Revisit first: Space vectors and their operationsThe fundamental theorem of space vectors

TOPIC 01

Coordinate representation of space vectors

Calculate spatial lengths, angles, projections and perpendicular directions from coordinates.

What you will be able to explain

  • Calculate spatial lengths, angles, projections and perpendicular directions from coordinates.
  • Justify the method and check the conditions in a new situation.

Try it. Leave your reasoning visible.

Use one hint at a time. A correction explains what changed, not just the final answer.

01 / Transfer#Your turn

A unit direction has cos²α=1/t², cos²β=1/9. Find cos²γ.

t=13t=13
  • Projection requires a nonzero direction; signed scalar projection can be negative.
Skills and prerequisite lessons

Working and explanation

BUILD THE REASONING

Hint 1
Use the dot product to connect coordinates with length or angle.
Hint 2
Use this intermediate relation.
cos2α+cos2β+cos2γ=1cos²α+cos²β+cos²γ=1
Worked solution
  1. Use the dot product to connect coordinates with length or angle.

  2. Apply the stated relation and retain its conditions.

    cos⁡2γ=1−1/169−1/9\cos^2\gamma=1-1/169-1/9
  3. The squared direction cosines sum to one.

The requested value is 0.882971729126.

Checks and common pitfalls: The squared direction cosines sum to one.

Think first. Reveal a hint when the class is ready.

Focus on one question

Teacher preparation and assessment

Question sequence

  • Calculate spatial lengths, angles, projections and perpendicular directions from coordinates.
  • Which condition is essential in coordinate representation of space vectors?
  • Predict what happens to projection when the direction vector is reversed.

Board plan

  • Coordinates: Subtract point coordinates to obtain a displacement vector.
    AB→=B−A\overrightarrow{AB}=B-A
  • Projection conditions: Projection requires a nonzero direction; signed scalar projection can be negative.
    proj⁡uv=v⋅uu⋅uu\operatorname{proj}_{u}v=\frac{v\cdot u}{u\cdot u}u

Anticipated thinking

  • A projection vector and its signed scalar component are different objects.

Assessment checklist

  • 1 mark: choose the correct representation and conditions.
  • 1 mark: establish the intermediate relation.
  • 1 mark: complete a connected calculation or proof.
  • 1 mark: interpret and check the conclusion.

No sign-in. Work stays in this browser. Export before clearing browser data. Written reasoning is assessed with a checklist.

Curriculum and source notes ↗