Vectors Problem - Find a unit vector perpendicular to a=(0,-2,1) and b=(8,-3,-1). Also Find the projection of vector a onto vector b. Please include steps.

Answer 1

To find a vector perpendicular to 2 other vectors, evaluate the cross product of the 2 vectors. To get a unit vector, divide the vector by its magnitude.

c = a x b

c is the perpendicular vector. The perpendicular unit vector is c/|c|.

The projection of a onto b is the dot product a•b.

You have the components of a and b. Plug them into the formulas for cross product, magnitude, and dot product, and evaluate. Your textbook should have all the formulas.