Vectors and matrices
Dot product
A scalar product that combines corresponding vector components and also equals the product of magnitudes times the cosine of their angle.
In one sentence
What does Dot product mean?
A scalar product that combines corresponding vector components and also equals the product of magnitudes times the cosine of their angle.
How it is written
a·b=Σaᵢbᵢ
A compact example
For vectors (1,2) and (3,4), the dot product is 1×3+2×4=11.
Other names and search terms
scalar product.
Where this fits
When should you learn Dot product?
The first encounter is not the final level. Many ideas begin visually, become computational in high school and become formal in college.
- 1Pre-high schoolPrepare foundations
- 2High schoolUsually introduced
- 3CollegeGreater depth
- 4AdvancedGreater depth
- Vectors
- Linear algebra
- Algebra
- Coordinates
- Functions
- Transformations
- Eigenvalues
- State spaces
States and operators are represented using vectors, matrices and linear transformations.
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Questions about Dot product
What does Dot product mean in mathematics?
A scalar product that combines corresponding vector components and also equals the product of magnitudes times the cosine of their angle.
How is Dot product written?
A common notation is a·b=Σaᵢbᵢ.
What is an example of Dot product?
For vectors (1,2) and (3,4), the dot product is 1×3+2×4=11.