Dr. Kevin G. TeBeest
- Use the fact that i and j are orthogonal to determine:
- i × j. Hint: think of the right hand rule.
- So what is j × i ?
- Use the same reasoning to determine:
- j × k,
- k × j,
- k × i,
- i × k,
- i × i,
- j × j,
- k × k.
Notes:
- The triad i → j → k 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.,
j → k → i and k → i → j.
Therefore,
- i × j = k,
- j × k = i,
- k × i = j.
- Noncyclical arrangements do NOT form a right-handed basis for R3, i.e.,
i → k → j, k → j → i, and j → i → k.
Therefore,
- j × i = k,
- k × j = i,
- i × k = j.
- 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.