Given vectors a, b, and c are three non-zero vectors, which of the following statements are correct?
A: If ∣a−b∣=∣a∣+∣b∣, then a and b are collinear and in opposite directions.
B: If a∥b, b∥c, then a∥c.
C: Vectors a, b, and c are three non-zero vectors, if a•c=b•c, then a=b.
D: If ∣a+b∣=∣a−b∣, then a⊥b.
Multiple choice: answer with the letter of the option you want.
Solution
Let's break down the solution step by step, following the given rules:
Statement A:
Given ∣a−b∣=∣a∣+∣b∣, squaring both sides yields: ∣a−b∣2a2−2a⋅b+b2=(∣a∣+∣b∣)2=∣a∣2+2∣a∣∣b∣+∣b∣2 This simplifies to: −2a⋅ba⋅b=2∣a∣∣b∣=−∣a∣∣b∣ Since both a and b are non-zero vectors, it follows that: cos⟨a,b⟩=∣a∣∣b∣a⋅b=−1 As 0≤⟨a,b⟩≤π, we have ⟨a,b⟩=π, indicating that a and b are collinear and in opposite directions. Thus, statement A is correct.
Statement B:
Given a∥b and b∥c, there exist non-zero real numbers λ,μ∈R, such that: bc=λa=μb Hence, c=μλa, implying c∥a. Thus, statement B is correct.
Statement C:
Given a⋅c=b⋅c, it follows that: a⋅c−b⋅c(a−b)⋅c=0=0 This implies a−b=0 or (a−b)⊥c, meaning a=b or (a−b)⊥c. Thus, statement C is incorrect because it does not account for the possibility of (a−b)⊥c.
Statement D:
Given ∣a+b∣=∣a−b∣, squaring both sides gives: ∣a+b∣2a2+2a⋅b+b2=∣a−b∣2=a2−2a⋅b+b2 This simplifies to a⋅b=0, indicating that a⊥b. Thus, statement D is correct.
Therefore, the correct statements are: A, B, and D.
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