Let a=⟨4,1,5⟩ and b=⟨−4,−4,2⟩. Compute:
abs(a). I know what the absolute value is, but it wants one number, not a vector answer. so what am I missing? does the absolute value symbol mean something else in this instance?

Question

Let a=⟨4,1,5⟩ and b=⟨−4,−4,2⟩. Compute:
abs(a).  I know what the absolute value is, but it wants one number, not a vector answer.  so what am I missing?  does the absolute value symbol mean something else in this instance?

alekos · Answer

ABS(a) is just the distance from the origin to (4,1,5)

anonymous · Answer

ok, so just sqrt(4^2+1^2+5^2).  got it.  thanks