How many orthogonal vectors to a given vector

combinatoricsorthogonalityvector-spacesvectors

Let's say I have a vector:

$$
v = \begin{bmatrix}1 \\ 1 \\ 1\end{bmatrix}.
$$

I was wondering how many vectors would be orthogonal to it. I noticed that these are some of the vectors orthogonal to it.
$$
\begin{bmatrix}-1 \\ 0 \\ 1\end{bmatrix},
\begin{bmatrix}1 \\ 0 \\ -1\end{bmatrix},
\begin{bmatrix}1 \\ -1 \\ 0\end{bmatrix},
\begin{bmatrix}-1 \\ 1 \\ 0\end{bmatrix},
\begin{bmatrix}-2 \\ 1 \\ 1\end{bmatrix}.
$$

Obviously, there are more. Is there a principled way to count the number of orthogonal vectors to a given vector? Thanks!

Best Answer

Ummm... an infinite number, of course:

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Find a single vector orthogonal to yours, and rotate it by an arbitrary angle around your vector.

And if you also allow vectors of different magnitude, well then...

enter image description here

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