Representing points in 3d | Multivariable calculus | Khan Academy

Khan Academy
5 May 201606:38
EducationalLearning
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TLDRThis video script introduces the concepts of representing points and vectors in two and three dimensions, emphasizing the importance of understanding the basics before tackling multivariable calculus. It explains how points in 2D are represented by pairs of numbers and in 3D by triplets, while vectors are depicted as arrows with the same numerical components. The script also highlights the analogy between dimensions and the ability to visualize and understand abstract concepts through these representations.

Takeaways
  • πŸ“š The script introduces the concept of representing multivariable functions, emphasizing the importance of understanding three-dimensional representations of points and vectors.
  • πŸ“ It begins by reviewing the representation of points and vectors in two dimensions as an analogy to understand three dimensions, highlighting the value in recognizing patterns that extend to higher dimensions.
  • πŸ“ In two dimensions, points are represented by pairs of numbers corresponding to their position on the x and y axes, serving as instructions for movement in space.
  • πŸ” The script emphasizes the significance of recognizing pairs of numbers as indicative of two-dimensional concepts, which aids in visualizing and understanding inherently visual concepts.
  • πŸ“ˆ Transitioning to three dimensions, points are represented by triplets of numbers, each corresponding to movement along the x, y, and z axes, respectively.
  • πŸ€” The challenge of visualizing three-dimensional space is acknowledged, as it often requires movement or perspective changes to fully grasp a point's location.
  • πŸ”‘ The triplet of numbers serves as instructions for navigating three-dimensional space, similar to how pairs function in two dimensions.
  • 🏷 The distinction between points and vectors is made clear, with points being fixed locations in space and vectors representing motion or direction from a starting point, which can be anywhere.
  • πŸ”„ Vectors are typically represented in column form when considering their components as an arrow from the origin to a point, and they can be added together to find resultant vectors.
  • πŸ”’ Both points and vectors in three dimensions can be represented by triplets, but the context of their use (e.g., as a column for vectors) differentiates their meaning.
  • πŸ“Š The script concludes by foreshadowing the application of these concepts in the next video, where three-dimensional representations will be used to graph multivariable functions.
Q & A
  • What is the primary purpose of the video script?

    -The primary purpose of the video script is to explain how to represent points and vectors in three-dimensional space, using the understanding of two-dimensional representation as an analogy.

  • Why is it valuable to review two-dimensional representation before moving on to three dimensions?

    -Reviewing two-dimensional representation is valuable because it helps in identifying patterns that can extend to other dimensions, aiding in the understanding of concepts that may not be easily visualized.

  • How are points represented in two-dimensional space?

    -In two-dimensional space, points are represented by a pair of numbers corresponding to their positions on the x-axis and y-axis.

  • What does the pair of numbers representing a point indicate?

    -The pair of numbers indicates the distance to move along the x-axis and then the distance to move up along the y-axis from the origin to reach the point.

  • What is the significance of the analogy between pairs of numbers and points in space?

    -The analogy between pairs of numbers and points in space allows for the visualization of abstract concepts and the understanding of inherently visual ideas through numerical representation.

  • How does the representation of points differ in three-dimensional space compared to two dimensions?

    -In three-dimensional space, points are represented by a triplet of numbers, each corresponding to their positions on the x, y, and z axes, instead of just the x and y axes in two dimensions.

  • What is the z-axis in the context of three-dimensional space?

    -The z-axis is the third axis in three-dimensional space that is perpendicular to both the x and y axes, representing the depth or height in the space.

  • How are vectors typically represented in two-dimensional space?

    -Vectors in two-dimensional space are typically represented by an arrow with coordinates written in a column, indicating the direction and magnitude of the vector.

  • What is the difference between a point and a vector when represented by a pair of numbers?

    -A point is represented by a pair of numbers in parentheses, indicating a specific location in space, while a vector is represented by the same pair of numbers written in a column, indicating direction and magnitude from a starting point, which does not have to be the origin.

  • How can vectors be added together?

    -Vectors can be added together by placing the tail of the second vector at the head of the first vector and then drawing a new vector from the starting point of the first to the head of the second, resulting in the sum of the two vectors.

  • What is the term for a vector represented as a column of numbers in three-dimensional space?

    -A vector represented as a column of numbers in three-dimensional space is commonly referred to as a column vector.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ“š Introduction to Multivariable Functions and 3D Representation

This paragraph introduces the concept of multivariable functions and the importance of understanding how to represent points and vectors in three dimensions. The speaker begins by reinforcing the basics of two-dimensional representation as an analogy to understand three-dimensional space. They explain that points in 2D are represented by pairs of numbers corresponding to their position on the x and y axes. The speaker emphasizes the value of recognizing patterns between 2D and 3D representations to extend understanding to higher dimensions. The paragraph concludes with an introduction to representing points in 3D using triplets of numbers corresponding to the x, y, and z axes.

05:02
πŸš€ Vectors and Points in Three-Dimensional Space

The second paragraph delves into the representation of vectors and points in three-dimensional space. Vectors are represented by arrows with components along the x, y, and z axes, and their coordinates are typically written in a column, distinguishing them from points, which are represented by pairs or triplets in parentheses. The paragraph explains that vectors can represent motion and can be added together by placing the tail of one vector at the head of another, resulting in a new vector that represents the combined motion. The speaker also clarifies that points are static locations in space, whereas vectors convey direction and magnitude. The paragraph sets the stage for the next video, which will explore graphing multivariable functions in three dimensions.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘multivariable functions
Multivariable functions are mathematical functions that have more than one independent variable. In the context of the video, they are the subject of the discussion, as the video aims to explain how to represent these functions in a three-dimensional space. The script mentions that understanding how to represent points and vectors in three dimensions is crucial for dealing with multivariable calculus.
πŸ’‘three-dimensions
Three-dimensions refers to the spatial concept where objects are represented in a space that has three perpendicular axes: x, y, and z. The video script uses this concept to explain how to describe points and vectors in a space that is more complex than the two-dimensional plane, which is essential for understanding multivariable functions.
πŸ’‘two-dimensions
Two-dimensions is the concept of a flat, two-axis coordinate system where points are represented by pairs of numbers corresponding to the x and y axes. The script starts with two-dimensions to establish an analogy for understanding three-dimensions, emphasizing the value of comparing the two to see patterns that could extend to other dimensions.
πŸ’‘points
In the script, points are represented by coordinates in a given space. In two-dimensions, a point is represented by a pair of numbers, while in three-dimensions, it is represented by a triplet of numbers. Points are fundamental to the script's theme as they are used to illustrate the concept of representing positions in space.
πŸ’‘vectors
Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction and are typically represented by arrows in a coordinate system. The script explains that vectors can be represented by pairs or triplets of numbers, depending on the dimension, and these numbers indicate the components of the vector in the direction of each axis.
πŸ’‘origin
The origin is the point (0,0) in two-dimensions and (0,0,0) in three-dimensions, serving as the starting point for coordinate systems. In the script, the origin is used as a reference for defining vectors and for understanding how vectors can start from any point in space.
πŸ’‘coordinates
Coordinates are numerical values that define a point's position in a coordinate system. The script discusses how points in two-dimensions are defined by pairs of coordinates and in three-dimensions by triplets, using these to describe the movement along each axis to reach a specific point.
πŸ’‘x-axis
The x-axis is the horizontal axis in a two- or three-dimensional coordinate system. The script uses the x-axis as one of the reference axes for defining the position of points and the direction of vector components in the horizontal plane.
πŸ’‘y-axis
The y-axis is the vertical axis in a two- or three-dimensional coordinate system. Along with the x-axis, it is used in the script to describe the position of points and the vertical component of vectors in two-dimensions.
πŸ’‘z-axis
The z-axis is the third, perpendicular axis in a three-dimensional coordinate system, adding depth to the x and y axes. The script introduces the z-axis as essential for defining points and vectors in three-dimensions, allowing for movement into and out of the plane defined by the x and y axes.
πŸ’‘column vector
A column vector is a vertical arrangement of numbers that represent a vector in a mathematical context. The script mentions column vectors as a way to represent three-dimensional vectors, where the components are written in a column to distinguish them from points.
Highlights

Introduction to representing multivariable functions in three-dimensions.

The importance of understanding three-dimensional representation for points and vectors.

Starting with two-dimensional points and vectors as an analogy for three-dimensional concepts.

Describing points in two-dimensions using pairs of numbers.

The concept of coordinates as instructions for movement in two-dimensional space.

The power of pairs in visualizing and understanding two-dimensional space.

Transitioning to three-dimensional space with triplets of numbers.

Describing points in three-dimensions with a triplet of coordinates.

The challenge of visualizing three-dimensional points without movement or perspective changes.

The role of the z-axis in three-dimensional space for additional depth.

Understanding the movement along each axis as part of the three-dimensional coordinate system.

The connection between triplets and three-dimensional thinking.

Differentiating between points and vectors in two-dimensions with pairs and columns.

Vectors as representations of motion or direction from a starting point.

Adding vectors to represent combined motion or direction.

The concept of vector addition and its implications for understanding motion.

Extending the concept of vectors to three-dimensions with column vectors.

The flexibility of vectors starting from any point in space, not just the origin.

Upcoming discussion on graphing multivariable functions in three-dimensions.

Transcripts
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