let be a non-zero vector of magnitude '' and is a non-zero scalar, then is a unit vector if
let be a non-zero vector of magnitude '' and is a non-zero scalar, then is a unit vector if
Solution
Given is a non-zero vector with magnitude (meaning ) and is a non-zero scalar.
A unit vector has magnitude equal to 1.
For to be a unit vector:
When multiplying a vector by a scalar, the magnitude becomes:
Note: is used because magnitude is always positive, even if is negative.
Setting the magnitude equal to 1:
This condition works for any value of (positive or negative). As long as the magnitude equals , the vector will be a unit vector.
Other options are insufficient:
- or only work when specifically, not as general conditions
- gives , which equals 1 only if
Therefore, the condition is:
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