Rotation Matrix: Finding Two Expressions & Verifying Equivalence

In summary, there are two possible expressions for the matrix representing the rotation of a vector x in R^2 through an angle theta, which are (R)(R)(x) and (R^2)(x). To prove their equivalence, one can use trigonometric identities to show that (R^2)(x) is equivalent to rotating once by 2theta. For a vector x rotated n times through an angle theta, the matrix representing this rotation can be written as [cos(theta)n, -sin(theta)n; sin(theta)n, cos(theta)n], which implies the identity (cos(theta))^2 + (sin(theta))^2 = 1.
  • #1
yoyo
21
0

Homework Statement


A vector x in R^2 is rotate twice through an angle theta (it is rotated through theta and again through theta). Find two expressions for the matrix representing this rotation. Verify that these two expressions are equivalent


Homework Equations


rotation matrix R=[cos, -sin; sin, cos]


The Attempt at a Solution



I can only think of one expression:

(R)(R)(x).

Could (R^2)(x) be the other one? How would i prove that this is equivalent?
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
How about just rotating once by 2theta?
 
  • #3
follow up question: a vector x in R^2 is rotated n times through an angle theta. Find two expressions for the matrix representing this rotation. what identity is implied.

if what Ziox said is true then it should be [cos (theta)n, -sin(theta)n; sin (theta)n, cos(theta)n]

but i don't see what identity this implies?
 
  • #4
yoyo said:
follow up question: a vector x in R^2 is rotated n times through an angle theta. Find two expressions for the matrix representing this rotation. what identity is implied.

if what Ziox said is true then it should be [cos (theta)n, -sin(theta)n; sin (theta)n, cos(theta)n]

but i don't see what identity this implies?

You should probably find a second expression for the matrix first.
 
  • #5
First, what is
[tex]\left(\begin{array}{cc}cos(\theta) & -sin(\theta)\\ sin(\theta) & cos(\theta)\end{array}\right)^2[/tex]?

Second, can you use trig identities to write that in terms of [itex]cos(2\theta)[/itex] and [itex] sin(2\theta)[/itex]?
 

Related to Rotation Matrix: Finding Two Expressions & Verifying Equivalence

What is a rotation matrix?

A rotation matrix is a mathematical tool used to describe the transformation of a coordinate system in a three-dimensional space. It is a square matrix that represents the rotation of an object around a specific axis.

How do you find two expressions for a rotation matrix?

To find two expressions for a rotation matrix, you can use either the Euler-Rodrigues formula or the axis-angle representation. The Euler-Rodrigues formula uses three angles to describe the rotation, while the axis-angle representation uses an angle and a vector to represent the rotation.

Why is it important to verify the equivalence of two expressions for a rotation matrix?

Verifying the equivalence of two expressions for a rotation matrix is important because it ensures that both expressions produce the same rotation. This is necessary because different representations of a rotation can lead to different results, so verifying equivalence ensures that the correct rotation is being applied.

What are some real-world applications of rotation matrices?

Rotation matrices have various applications in fields such as computer graphics, robotics, and aerospace engineering. They are used to describe the orientation of objects, such as the rotation of a camera in computer graphics or the movement of a robotic arm in robotics.

What are some common mistakes when working with rotation matrices?

Some common mistakes when working with rotation matrices include using incorrect formulas or angles, not considering the order of rotations, and not verifying the equivalence of different expressions. It is also important to understand the difference between active and passive rotations and how they affect the final result.

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