What is the cross product of [2,-1,2] and [3,-1,2] ?

1 Answer
Dec 24, 2016

The cross product is (0i+2j+1k) or <0,2,1>.

Explanation:

Given vectors u and v, the cross product of these two vectors, uxxv is given by:

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Where

uxxv=(u_2v_3-u_3v_2)veci-(u_1v_3-u_3v_1)vecj+(u_1v_2-u_2v_1)veck

This process may look rather complicated but in reality isn't so bad once you get the hang of it.

We have vectors <2,-1,2> and <3,-1,2>

This gives a 3xx3 matrix in the form of:

enter image source here

To find the cross product, first imagine covering up the i column (or actually do so if possible), and take the cross product of the j and k columns, similar to as you would using cross multiplication with proportions. In the clockwise direction, starting with the number at the top left, multiply the first number by its diagonal, then subtract from that product the product of the second number and its diagonal. This is your new i component.

(-1*2)-(2*-1)=-2-(-2)=0
=>0veci

Now imagine covering up the j column. Similarly to above, take the cross product of the i and k columns. However, this time, whatever your answer is, you will multiply it by -1.

-1[(2*2)-(3*2)]=2
=>2vecj

Finally, imagine covering up the k column. Now, take the cross product of the i and j columns.

(2*-1)-(-1*3)=-2-(-3)=1
=>1veck

Thus, the cross product is (0i+2j+1k) or <0,2,1>.