Math-203, Multivariate Calculus
Section 12.4 — Cross Product

Dr. Kevin G. TeBeest

 
  1. Use the fact that i and j are orthogonal to determine:
    1.   i × j.   Hint: think of the right hand rule.
    2.  So what is   j × i ?

  2. Use the same reasoning to determine:
    1.   j × k,
    2.   k × j,
    3.   k × i,
    4.   i × k,
    5.   i × i,
    6.   j × j,
    7.   k × k.

Notes:
  1. The triad ijk forms a right-handed basis for R3. (See Figure 17(b) on page 796.)
    Furthermore, any cyclical arrangement also forms a right-handed basis for R3, i.e.,
                 jki        and        kij.
    Therefore,
    •   i × j = k,
    •   j × k = i,
    •   k × i = j.

  2. Noncyclical arrangements do NOT form a right-handed basis for R3, i.e.,
                 ikj,        kji,        and        jik.
    Therefore,
    •   j × i = –k,
    •   k × j = –i,
    •   i × k = –j.

  3. Recall that the cross product of parallel vectors is always the zero vector 0. As a consequence:
    •   i × i = 0,
    •   j × j = 0,
    •   k × k = 0.

Learn the properties in Theorem 11.

Here's an example showing how to use the triple scalar product to determine the volume of a parallelopiped.

Here's a summary of the cross product and vector properties.


DO THE HOMEWORK ON WEBASSIGN AFTER I COMPLETE THE SECTION.

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