How to avoid “if statement” in Mathematica?












5















I have a list of 100 vectors 2D (x,y) defined by RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}] and a given forward vector such as {1, 1}. My ultimate objective is to find the vector on the most right hand side of the forward vector. If there is non such a vector, then pick up the first vector on the left of the forward vector.



I can do this by firstly classifying the initial list of vectors into 2 lists: 1 list contains all vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector. The second contains all vectors on its left hand side. The criterion to define whether a vector on the right hand side of the forward vector is that its cross product between the considered vector with the forward vector is positive. A negative result would mean it is on the left of the forward vector.



The next step would be to check if the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty. If not, check the relative position of the first 2 vectors in that list, only keep the vector on the right hand side, and then check the relative position between the kept vector and the third vector in the list and continue to do so until the end of the list.



If the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty, do the above process on this list instead.



My questions here are:
1. This algorithm contains a lot of "if" statements, is it that we should try to stay away from that sort of thing in Mathematica? If that's the case, how can I do it without "if" ?
2. If "if" cannot be avoided, how can I implement the above algorithm in a nice way in Mathematica.



(For more info: I've done this in VB.net but got I stuck in Mathematica. This is the task that I have to find a cycle in a graph. The vertices are defined by its 2D coordinates. It requires the cycle to start at the most left vertex and the keep "turn right" at every vertex until the path comes back to the initial vertex.)










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  • 1





    Similar question here: mathematica.stackexchange.com/q/171968/363

    – Chris Degnen
    Jan 2 at 10:19
















5















I have a list of 100 vectors 2D (x,y) defined by RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}] and a given forward vector such as {1, 1}. My ultimate objective is to find the vector on the most right hand side of the forward vector. If there is non such a vector, then pick up the first vector on the left of the forward vector.



I can do this by firstly classifying the initial list of vectors into 2 lists: 1 list contains all vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector. The second contains all vectors on its left hand side. The criterion to define whether a vector on the right hand side of the forward vector is that its cross product between the considered vector with the forward vector is positive. A negative result would mean it is on the left of the forward vector.



The next step would be to check if the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty. If not, check the relative position of the first 2 vectors in that list, only keep the vector on the right hand side, and then check the relative position between the kept vector and the third vector in the list and continue to do so until the end of the list.



If the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty, do the above process on this list instead.



My questions here are:
1. This algorithm contains a lot of "if" statements, is it that we should try to stay away from that sort of thing in Mathematica? If that's the case, how can I do it without "if" ?
2. If "if" cannot be avoided, how can I implement the above algorithm in a nice way in Mathematica.



(For more info: I've done this in VB.net but got I stuck in Mathematica. This is the task that I have to find a cycle in a graph. The vertices are defined by its 2D coordinates. It requires the cycle to start at the most left vertex and the keep "turn right" at every vertex until the path comes back to the initial vertex.)










share|improve this question




















  • 1





    Similar question here: mathematica.stackexchange.com/q/171968/363

    – Chris Degnen
    Jan 2 at 10:19














5












5








5


0






I have a list of 100 vectors 2D (x,y) defined by RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}] and a given forward vector such as {1, 1}. My ultimate objective is to find the vector on the most right hand side of the forward vector. If there is non such a vector, then pick up the first vector on the left of the forward vector.



I can do this by firstly classifying the initial list of vectors into 2 lists: 1 list contains all vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector. The second contains all vectors on its left hand side. The criterion to define whether a vector on the right hand side of the forward vector is that its cross product between the considered vector with the forward vector is positive. A negative result would mean it is on the left of the forward vector.



The next step would be to check if the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty. If not, check the relative position of the first 2 vectors in that list, only keep the vector on the right hand side, and then check the relative position between the kept vector and the third vector in the list and continue to do so until the end of the list.



If the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty, do the above process on this list instead.



My questions here are:
1. This algorithm contains a lot of "if" statements, is it that we should try to stay away from that sort of thing in Mathematica? If that's the case, how can I do it without "if" ?
2. If "if" cannot be avoided, how can I implement the above algorithm in a nice way in Mathematica.



(For more info: I've done this in VB.net but got I stuck in Mathematica. This is the task that I have to find a cycle in a graph. The vertices are defined by its 2D coordinates. It requires the cycle to start at the most left vertex and the keep "turn right" at every vertex until the path comes back to the initial vertex.)










share|improve this question
















I have a list of 100 vectors 2D (x,y) defined by RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}] and a given forward vector such as {1, 1}. My ultimate objective is to find the vector on the most right hand side of the forward vector. If there is non such a vector, then pick up the first vector on the left of the forward vector.



I can do this by firstly classifying the initial list of vectors into 2 lists: 1 list contains all vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector. The second contains all vectors on its left hand side. The criterion to define whether a vector on the right hand side of the forward vector is that its cross product between the considered vector with the forward vector is positive. A negative result would mean it is on the left of the forward vector.



The next step would be to check if the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty. If not, check the relative position of the first 2 vectors in that list, only keep the vector on the right hand side, and then check the relative position between the kept vector and the third vector in the list and continue to do so until the end of the list.



If the list of the vectors on the right hand side of the forward vector is empty, do the above process on this list instead.



My questions here are:
1. This algorithm contains a lot of "if" statements, is it that we should try to stay away from that sort of thing in Mathematica? If that's the case, how can I do it without "if" ?
2. If "if" cannot be avoided, how can I implement the above algorithm in a nice way in Mathematica.



(For more info: I've done this in VB.net but got I stuck in Mathematica. This is the task that I have to find a cycle in a graph. The vertices are defined by its 2D coordinates. It requires the cycle to start at the most left vertex and the keep "turn right" at every vertex until the path comes back to the initial vertex.)







list-manipulation






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edited Jan 2 at 16:56









GerardF123

1547




1547










asked Jan 1 at 10:36









N.T.CN.T.C

44128




44128








  • 1





    Similar question here: mathematica.stackexchange.com/q/171968/363

    – Chris Degnen
    Jan 2 at 10:19














  • 1





    Similar question here: mathematica.stackexchange.com/q/171968/363

    – Chris Degnen
    Jan 2 at 10:19








1




1





Similar question here: mathematica.stackexchange.com/q/171968/363

– Chris Degnen
Jan 2 at 10:19





Similar question here: mathematica.stackexchange.com/q/171968/363

– Chris Degnen
Jan 2 at 10:19










4 Answers
4






active

oldest

votes


















5














You can define a function that returns the positive angle between two vectors:



positiveAngle[{u1_, u2_}, {v1_, v2_}] := 
N@Mod[ArcTan[u2, u1] - ArcTan[v2, v1], 2 π]


Then, if your input is pts and vec:



pts = RandomReal[1.0, {10, 2}];
vec = {1, 1};


You can simply use:



min = First[MinimalBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]


to get the first vector with the smallest positive angle to vec



If we order the points by positiveAngle, we can see the order in which they would be picked:



enter image description here



Graphics[{
{Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]},
{LightGray, Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts},
{Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
MapIndexed[
Text[#2[[1]], #1] &, SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]
}]




If your points are in all 4 quadrants, they would be ordered like this:



enter image description here



pts = CirclePoints[.9, 24];    
Graphics[{{Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]}, {LightGray,
Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts}, {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
MapIndexed[Text[#2[[1]], #1] &,
SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]}]


Different orderings should be easy to achieved using e.g. Piecewise functions






share|improve this answer


























  • Why don't you use VectorAngle?

    – Henrik Schumacher
    Jan 2 at 8:47











  • @HenrikSchumacher: I tried that first, but the returned angle isn't signed - vectors "left" and "right" of vec both get positive angles.

    – Niki Estner
    Jan 2 at 9:40











  • Ah, now I get what you mean by positiveAngle. ^^ I suggest to call it orientedAngle. Nevermind; you already have my upvote.

    – Henrik Schumacher
    Jan 2 at 9:42






  • 1





    @HenrikSchumacher: I see your point. My idea was that the angle should never be negative, or MinimalBy will choose a negative angle if there is one. So I use a positive angle, in the range from 0..2 π.

    – Niki Estner
    Jan 2 at 9:55











  • I am wondering if this method would still work if there is a change in the initial condition that the random point (x,y) has each component x or y now falls in range [-1,1], i.e. the vectors can point in all directions, not just 1 quarter of the plane like you've plotted?

    – N.T.C
    Jan 2 at 11:43



















9














pts = RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}];
vec = {1, 1};


Rotate the elements of pts such that you want the one with small positive first coordinate (or maximal negative first coordinate if no one has positive first coordinate):



rotated = Transpose[RotationMatrix[{vec, {0, 1}}].Transpose[pts]];


Add the vector {0, 0} at position 1 and make a list with the vector indices ordering the points from left to right:



order = Ordering[Prepend[rotated, {0, 0}]]


Now Ordering[order, 1] yields the position of {0, 0}



pts[[Extract[Append[order, order[[-2]]], Ordering[order, 1] + 1] - 1]]





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    3














    Here is an implementation of the algorithm that you describe:



    pts = RandomReal[2, {50, 2}];
    vec = {1, 1};

    rhsQ[vec_, pt_] := Sign@Last@Cross[Append[vec, 0], Append[pt, 0]] == -1

    onRHS = rhsQ[vec, #] & /@ pts;

    rhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];
    lhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];

    rightmost[v1_, v2_] := If[rhsQ[v2, v1], v2, v1]
    findRightmost[vecs_] := Fold[rightmost, vecs]

    res = If[
    rhs === {},
    findRightmost[lhs],
    findRightmost[rhs]
    ];

    Graphics[{
    Line[{{0, 0}, Normalize[#]}] & /@ pts,
    Red, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[vec]}],
    Green, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[res]}]
    }]


    Mathematica graphics



    There are two ifs in there, but I don't see it as a problem. I do however favor the type of solution that Coolwater posted.






    share|improve this answer































      2














      Another alternative using VectorAngle and Cross...



      vec = {1, 1};
      pts = RandomReal[1.0, {50, 2}];

      vectorAngles[v1_?VectorQ, v2 : {__?VectorQ}] :=
      With[{f = {#, Sign[Last@Cross[PadRight[v1, 3], PadRight[#, 3]]] VectorAngle[v1, #]} &}, f /@ v2]

      pickVector[pa : {{_?VectorQ, _?NumberQ} ..}] :=
      TakeSmallestBy[TakeSmallestBy[pa, Abs[Last[#]] &, 2], Last, 1]

      pickVector[vectorAngles[vec, pts]]

      Graphics[{LightBrown, Arrow[{{0, 0}, #}]& /@ pts, Blue, Arrow[{{0, 0}, vec}],
      Text["Forward Vector", vec], Darker[Green], Arrow[{{0, 0},
      pickVector[vecAngle][[1, 1]]}]}, Axes -> True]


      Vector Example






      share|improve this answer























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        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

        votes








        4 Answers
        4






        active

        oldest

        votes









        active

        oldest

        votes






        active

        oldest

        votes









        5














        You can define a function that returns the positive angle between two vectors:



        positiveAngle[{u1_, u2_}, {v1_, v2_}] := 
        N@Mod[ArcTan[u2, u1] - ArcTan[v2, v1], 2 π]


        Then, if your input is pts and vec:



        pts = RandomReal[1.0, {10, 2}];
        vec = {1, 1};


        You can simply use:



        min = First[MinimalBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]


        to get the first vector with the smallest positive angle to vec



        If we order the points by positiveAngle, we can see the order in which they would be picked:



        enter image description here



        Graphics[{
        {Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]},
        {LightGray, Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts},
        {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[
        Text[#2[[1]], #1] &, SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]
        }]




        If your points are in all 4 quadrants, they would be ordered like this:



        enter image description here



        pts = CirclePoints[.9, 24];    
        Graphics[{{Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]}, {LightGray,
        Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts}, {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[Text[#2[[1]], #1] &,
        SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]}]


        Different orderings should be easy to achieved using e.g. Piecewise functions






        share|improve this answer


























        • Why don't you use VectorAngle?

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 8:47











        • @HenrikSchumacher: I tried that first, but the returned angle isn't signed - vectors "left" and "right" of vec both get positive angles.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:40











        • Ah, now I get what you mean by positiveAngle. ^^ I suggest to call it orientedAngle. Nevermind; you already have my upvote.

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 9:42






        • 1





          @HenrikSchumacher: I see your point. My idea was that the angle should never be negative, or MinimalBy will choose a negative angle if there is one. So I use a positive angle, in the range from 0..2 π.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:55











        • I am wondering if this method would still work if there is a change in the initial condition that the random point (x,y) has each component x or y now falls in range [-1,1], i.e. the vectors can point in all directions, not just 1 quarter of the plane like you've plotted?

          – N.T.C
          Jan 2 at 11:43
















        5














        You can define a function that returns the positive angle between two vectors:



        positiveAngle[{u1_, u2_}, {v1_, v2_}] := 
        N@Mod[ArcTan[u2, u1] - ArcTan[v2, v1], 2 π]


        Then, if your input is pts and vec:



        pts = RandomReal[1.0, {10, 2}];
        vec = {1, 1};


        You can simply use:



        min = First[MinimalBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]


        to get the first vector with the smallest positive angle to vec



        If we order the points by positiveAngle, we can see the order in which they would be picked:



        enter image description here



        Graphics[{
        {Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]},
        {LightGray, Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts},
        {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[
        Text[#2[[1]], #1] &, SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]
        }]




        If your points are in all 4 quadrants, they would be ordered like this:



        enter image description here



        pts = CirclePoints[.9, 24];    
        Graphics[{{Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]}, {LightGray,
        Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts}, {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[Text[#2[[1]], #1] &,
        SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]}]


        Different orderings should be easy to achieved using e.g. Piecewise functions






        share|improve this answer


























        • Why don't you use VectorAngle?

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 8:47











        • @HenrikSchumacher: I tried that first, but the returned angle isn't signed - vectors "left" and "right" of vec both get positive angles.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:40











        • Ah, now I get what you mean by positiveAngle. ^^ I suggest to call it orientedAngle. Nevermind; you already have my upvote.

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 9:42






        • 1





          @HenrikSchumacher: I see your point. My idea was that the angle should never be negative, or MinimalBy will choose a negative angle if there is one. So I use a positive angle, in the range from 0..2 π.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:55











        • I am wondering if this method would still work if there is a change in the initial condition that the random point (x,y) has each component x or y now falls in range [-1,1], i.e. the vectors can point in all directions, not just 1 quarter of the plane like you've plotted?

          – N.T.C
          Jan 2 at 11:43














        5












        5








        5







        You can define a function that returns the positive angle between two vectors:



        positiveAngle[{u1_, u2_}, {v1_, v2_}] := 
        N@Mod[ArcTan[u2, u1] - ArcTan[v2, v1], 2 π]


        Then, if your input is pts and vec:



        pts = RandomReal[1.0, {10, 2}];
        vec = {1, 1};


        You can simply use:



        min = First[MinimalBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]


        to get the first vector with the smallest positive angle to vec



        If we order the points by positiveAngle, we can see the order in which they would be picked:



        enter image description here



        Graphics[{
        {Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]},
        {LightGray, Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts},
        {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[
        Text[#2[[1]], #1] &, SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]
        }]




        If your points are in all 4 quadrants, they would be ordered like this:



        enter image description here



        pts = CirclePoints[.9, 24];    
        Graphics[{{Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]}, {LightGray,
        Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts}, {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[Text[#2[[1]], #1] &,
        SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]}]


        Different orderings should be easy to achieved using e.g. Piecewise functions






        share|improve this answer















        You can define a function that returns the positive angle between two vectors:



        positiveAngle[{u1_, u2_}, {v1_, v2_}] := 
        N@Mod[ArcTan[u2, u1] - ArcTan[v2, v1], 2 π]


        Then, if your input is pts and vec:



        pts = RandomReal[1.0, {10, 2}];
        vec = {1, 1};


        You can simply use:



        min = First[MinimalBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]


        to get the first vector with the smallest positive angle to vec



        If we order the points by positiveAngle, we can see the order in which they would be picked:



        enter image description here



        Graphics[{
        {Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]},
        {LightGray, Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts},
        {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[
        Text[#2[[1]], #1] &, SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]
        }]




        If your points are in all 4 quadrants, they would be ordered like this:



        enter image description here



        pts = CirclePoints[.9, 24];    
        Graphics[{{Dashed, Line[{{0, 0}, vec}]}, {LightGray,
        Line[{{0, 0}, #}] & /@ pts}, {Red, Arrow[{{0, 0}, min}]},
        MapIndexed[Text[#2[[1]], #1] &,
        SortBy[pts, positiveAngle[#, vec] &]]}]


        Different orderings should be easy to achieved using e.g. Piecewise functions







        share|improve this answer














        share|improve this answer



        share|improve this answer








        edited Jan 2 at 11:57

























        answered Jan 2 at 8:34









        Niki EstnerNiki Estner

        30.8k374132




        30.8k374132













        • Why don't you use VectorAngle?

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 8:47











        • @HenrikSchumacher: I tried that first, but the returned angle isn't signed - vectors "left" and "right" of vec both get positive angles.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:40











        • Ah, now I get what you mean by positiveAngle. ^^ I suggest to call it orientedAngle. Nevermind; you already have my upvote.

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 9:42






        • 1





          @HenrikSchumacher: I see your point. My idea was that the angle should never be negative, or MinimalBy will choose a negative angle if there is one. So I use a positive angle, in the range from 0..2 π.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:55











        • I am wondering if this method would still work if there is a change in the initial condition that the random point (x,y) has each component x or y now falls in range [-1,1], i.e. the vectors can point in all directions, not just 1 quarter of the plane like you've plotted?

          – N.T.C
          Jan 2 at 11:43



















        • Why don't you use VectorAngle?

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 8:47











        • @HenrikSchumacher: I tried that first, but the returned angle isn't signed - vectors "left" and "right" of vec both get positive angles.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:40











        • Ah, now I get what you mean by positiveAngle. ^^ I suggest to call it orientedAngle. Nevermind; you already have my upvote.

          – Henrik Schumacher
          Jan 2 at 9:42






        • 1





          @HenrikSchumacher: I see your point. My idea was that the angle should never be negative, or MinimalBy will choose a negative angle if there is one. So I use a positive angle, in the range from 0..2 π.

          – Niki Estner
          Jan 2 at 9:55











        • I am wondering if this method would still work if there is a change in the initial condition that the random point (x,y) has each component x or y now falls in range [-1,1], i.e. the vectors can point in all directions, not just 1 quarter of the plane like you've plotted?

          – N.T.C
          Jan 2 at 11:43

















        Why don't you use VectorAngle?

        – Henrik Schumacher
        Jan 2 at 8:47





        Why don't you use VectorAngle?

        – Henrik Schumacher
        Jan 2 at 8:47













        @HenrikSchumacher: I tried that first, but the returned angle isn't signed - vectors "left" and "right" of vec both get positive angles.

        – Niki Estner
        Jan 2 at 9:40





        @HenrikSchumacher: I tried that first, but the returned angle isn't signed - vectors "left" and "right" of vec both get positive angles.

        – Niki Estner
        Jan 2 at 9:40













        Ah, now I get what you mean by positiveAngle. ^^ I suggest to call it orientedAngle. Nevermind; you already have my upvote.

        – Henrik Schumacher
        Jan 2 at 9:42





        Ah, now I get what you mean by positiveAngle. ^^ I suggest to call it orientedAngle. Nevermind; you already have my upvote.

        – Henrik Schumacher
        Jan 2 at 9:42




        1




        1





        @HenrikSchumacher: I see your point. My idea was that the angle should never be negative, or MinimalBy will choose a negative angle if there is one. So I use a positive angle, in the range from 0..2 π.

        – Niki Estner
        Jan 2 at 9:55





        @HenrikSchumacher: I see your point. My idea was that the angle should never be negative, or MinimalBy will choose a negative angle if there is one. So I use a positive angle, in the range from 0..2 π.

        – Niki Estner
        Jan 2 at 9:55













        I am wondering if this method would still work if there is a change in the initial condition that the random point (x,y) has each component x or y now falls in range [-1,1], i.e. the vectors can point in all directions, not just 1 quarter of the plane like you've plotted?

        – N.T.C
        Jan 2 at 11:43





        I am wondering if this method would still work if there is a change in the initial condition that the random point (x,y) has each component x or y now falls in range [-1,1], i.e. the vectors can point in all directions, not just 1 quarter of the plane like you've plotted?

        – N.T.C
        Jan 2 at 11:43











        9














        pts = RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}];
        vec = {1, 1};


        Rotate the elements of pts such that you want the one with small positive first coordinate (or maximal negative first coordinate if no one has positive first coordinate):



        rotated = Transpose[RotationMatrix[{vec, {0, 1}}].Transpose[pts]];


        Add the vector {0, 0} at position 1 and make a list with the vector indices ordering the points from left to right:



        order = Ordering[Prepend[rotated, {0, 0}]]


        Now Ordering[order, 1] yields the position of {0, 0}



        pts[[Extract[Append[order, order[[-2]]], Ordering[order, 1] + 1] - 1]]





        share|improve this answer




























          9














          pts = RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}];
          vec = {1, 1};


          Rotate the elements of pts such that you want the one with small positive first coordinate (or maximal negative first coordinate if no one has positive first coordinate):



          rotated = Transpose[RotationMatrix[{vec, {0, 1}}].Transpose[pts]];


          Add the vector {0, 0} at position 1 and make a list with the vector indices ordering the points from left to right:



          order = Ordering[Prepend[rotated, {0, 0}]]


          Now Ordering[order, 1] yields the position of {0, 0}



          pts[[Extract[Append[order, order[[-2]]], Ordering[order, 1] + 1] - 1]]





          share|improve this answer


























            9












            9








            9







            pts = RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}];
            vec = {1, 1};


            Rotate the elements of pts such that you want the one with small positive first coordinate (or maximal negative first coordinate if no one has positive first coordinate):



            rotated = Transpose[RotationMatrix[{vec, {0, 1}}].Transpose[pts]];


            Add the vector {0, 0} at position 1 and make a list with the vector indices ordering the points from left to right:



            order = Ordering[Prepend[rotated, {0, 0}]]


            Now Ordering[order, 1] yields the position of {0, 0}



            pts[[Extract[Append[order, order[[-2]]], Ordering[order, 1] + 1] - 1]]





            share|improve this answer













            pts = RandomReal[1.0, {100, 2}];
            vec = {1, 1};


            Rotate the elements of pts such that you want the one with small positive first coordinate (or maximal negative first coordinate if no one has positive first coordinate):



            rotated = Transpose[RotationMatrix[{vec, {0, 1}}].Transpose[pts]];


            Add the vector {0, 0} at position 1 and make a list with the vector indices ordering the points from left to right:



            order = Ordering[Prepend[rotated, {0, 0}]]


            Now Ordering[order, 1] yields the position of {0, 0}



            pts[[Extract[Append[order, order[[-2]]], Ordering[order, 1] + 1] - 1]]






            share|improve this answer












            share|improve this answer



            share|improve this answer










            answered Jan 1 at 12:00









            CoolwaterCoolwater

            14.7k32553




            14.7k32553























                3














                Here is an implementation of the algorithm that you describe:



                pts = RandomReal[2, {50, 2}];
                vec = {1, 1};

                rhsQ[vec_, pt_] := Sign@Last@Cross[Append[vec, 0], Append[pt, 0]] == -1

                onRHS = rhsQ[vec, #] & /@ pts;

                rhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];
                lhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];

                rightmost[v1_, v2_] := If[rhsQ[v2, v1], v2, v1]
                findRightmost[vecs_] := Fold[rightmost, vecs]

                res = If[
                rhs === {},
                findRightmost[lhs],
                findRightmost[rhs]
                ];

                Graphics[{
                Line[{{0, 0}, Normalize[#]}] & /@ pts,
                Red, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[vec]}],
                Green, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[res]}]
                }]


                Mathematica graphics



                There are two ifs in there, but I don't see it as a problem. I do however favor the type of solution that Coolwater posted.






                share|improve this answer




























                  3














                  Here is an implementation of the algorithm that you describe:



                  pts = RandomReal[2, {50, 2}];
                  vec = {1, 1};

                  rhsQ[vec_, pt_] := Sign@Last@Cross[Append[vec, 0], Append[pt, 0]] == -1

                  onRHS = rhsQ[vec, #] & /@ pts;

                  rhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];
                  lhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];

                  rightmost[v1_, v2_] := If[rhsQ[v2, v1], v2, v1]
                  findRightmost[vecs_] := Fold[rightmost, vecs]

                  res = If[
                  rhs === {},
                  findRightmost[lhs],
                  findRightmost[rhs]
                  ];

                  Graphics[{
                  Line[{{0, 0}, Normalize[#]}] & /@ pts,
                  Red, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[vec]}],
                  Green, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[res]}]
                  }]


                  Mathematica graphics



                  There are two ifs in there, but I don't see it as a problem. I do however favor the type of solution that Coolwater posted.






                  share|improve this answer


























                    3












                    3








                    3







                    Here is an implementation of the algorithm that you describe:



                    pts = RandomReal[2, {50, 2}];
                    vec = {1, 1};

                    rhsQ[vec_, pt_] := Sign@Last@Cross[Append[vec, 0], Append[pt, 0]] == -1

                    onRHS = rhsQ[vec, #] & /@ pts;

                    rhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];
                    lhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];

                    rightmost[v1_, v2_] := If[rhsQ[v2, v1], v2, v1]
                    findRightmost[vecs_] := Fold[rightmost, vecs]

                    res = If[
                    rhs === {},
                    findRightmost[lhs],
                    findRightmost[rhs]
                    ];

                    Graphics[{
                    Line[{{0, 0}, Normalize[#]}] & /@ pts,
                    Red, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[vec]}],
                    Green, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[res]}]
                    }]


                    Mathematica graphics



                    There are two ifs in there, but I don't see it as a problem. I do however favor the type of solution that Coolwater posted.






                    share|improve this answer













                    Here is an implementation of the algorithm that you describe:



                    pts = RandomReal[2, {50, 2}];
                    vec = {1, 1};

                    rhsQ[vec_, pt_] := Sign@Last@Cross[Append[vec, 0], Append[pt, 0]] == -1

                    onRHS = rhsQ[vec, #] & /@ pts;

                    rhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];
                    lhs = Pick[pts, onRHS];

                    rightmost[v1_, v2_] := If[rhsQ[v2, v1], v2, v1]
                    findRightmost[vecs_] := Fold[rightmost, vecs]

                    res = If[
                    rhs === {},
                    findRightmost[lhs],
                    findRightmost[rhs]
                    ];

                    Graphics[{
                    Line[{{0, 0}, Normalize[#]}] & /@ pts,
                    Red, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[vec]}],
                    Green, Line[{{0, 0}, 1.1 Normalize[res]}]
                    }]


                    Mathematica graphics



                    There are two ifs in there, but I don't see it as a problem. I do however favor the type of solution that Coolwater posted.







                    share|improve this answer












                    share|improve this answer



                    share|improve this answer










                    answered Jan 1 at 13:10









                    C. E.C. E.

                    50.1k397202




                    50.1k397202























                        2














                        Another alternative using VectorAngle and Cross...



                        vec = {1, 1};
                        pts = RandomReal[1.0, {50, 2}];

                        vectorAngles[v1_?VectorQ, v2 : {__?VectorQ}] :=
                        With[{f = {#, Sign[Last@Cross[PadRight[v1, 3], PadRight[#, 3]]] VectorAngle[v1, #]} &}, f /@ v2]

                        pickVector[pa : {{_?VectorQ, _?NumberQ} ..}] :=
                        TakeSmallestBy[TakeSmallestBy[pa, Abs[Last[#]] &, 2], Last, 1]

                        pickVector[vectorAngles[vec, pts]]

                        Graphics[{LightBrown, Arrow[{{0, 0}, #}]& /@ pts, Blue, Arrow[{{0, 0}, vec}],
                        Text["Forward Vector", vec], Darker[Green], Arrow[{{0, 0},
                        pickVector[vecAngle][[1, 1]]}]}, Axes -> True]


                        Vector Example






                        share|improve this answer




























                          2














                          Another alternative using VectorAngle and Cross...



                          vec = {1, 1};
                          pts = RandomReal[1.0, {50, 2}];

                          vectorAngles[v1_?VectorQ, v2 : {__?VectorQ}] :=
                          With[{f = {#, Sign[Last@Cross[PadRight[v1, 3], PadRight[#, 3]]] VectorAngle[v1, #]} &}, f /@ v2]

                          pickVector[pa : {{_?VectorQ, _?NumberQ} ..}] :=
                          TakeSmallestBy[TakeSmallestBy[pa, Abs[Last[#]] &, 2], Last, 1]

                          pickVector[vectorAngles[vec, pts]]

                          Graphics[{LightBrown, Arrow[{{0, 0}, #}]& /@ pts, Blue, Arrow[{{0, 0}, vec}],
                          Text["Forward Vector", vec], Darker[Green], Arrow[{{0, 0},
                          pickVector[vecAngle][[1, 1]]}]}, Axes -> True]


                          Vector Example






                          share|improve this answer


























                            2












                            2








                            2







                            Another alternative using VectorAngle and Cross...



                            vec = {1, 1};
                            pts = RandomReal[1.0, {50, 2}];

                            vectorAngles[v1_?VectorQ, v2 : {__?VectorQ}] :=
                            With[{f = {#, Sign[Last@Cross[PadRight[v1, 3], PadRight[#, 3]]] VectorAngle[v1, #]} &}, f /@ v2]

                            pickVector[pa : {{_?VectorQ, _?NumberQ} ..}] :=
                            TakeSmallestBy[TakeSmallestBy[pa, Abs[Last[#]] &, 2], Last, 1]

                            pickVector[vectorAngles[vec, pts]]

                            Graphics[{LightBrown, Arrow[{{0, 0}, #}]& /@ pts, Blue, Arrow[{{0, 0}, vec}],
                            Text["Forward Vector", vec], Darker[Green], Arrow[{{0, 0},
                            pickVector[vecAngle][[1, 1]]}]}, Axes -> True]


                            Vector Example






                            share|improve this answer













                            Another alternative using VectorAngle and Cross...



                            vec = {1, 1};
                            pts = RandomReal[1.0, {50, 2}];

                            vectorAngles[v1_?VectorQ, v2 : {__?VectorQ}] :=
                            With[{f = {#, Sign[Last@Cross[PadRight[v1, 3], PadRight[#, 3]]] VectorAngle[v1, #]} &}, f /@ v2]

                            pickVector[pa : {{_?VectorQ, _?NumberQ} ..}] :=
                            TakeSmallestBy[TakeSmallestBy[pa, Abs[Last[#]] &, 2], Last, 1]

                            pickVector[vectorAngles[vec, pts]]

                            Graphics[{LightBrown, Arrow[{{0, 0}, #}]& /@ pts, Blue, Arrow[{{0, 0}, vec}],
                            Text["Forward Vector", vec], Darker[Green], Arrow[{{0, 0},
                            pickVector[vecAngle][[1, 1]]}]}, Axes -> True]


                            Vector Example







                            share|improve this answer












                            share|improve this answer



                            share|improve this answer










                            answered Jan 2 at 23:33









                            daviddavid

                            7911714




                            7911714






























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