Answers>Further Mathematics>A Level>Article

How do you calculate the cross product of two vectors?

To calculate the cross product of two vectors you take the coordinates of vector 1 which are (x1,y1,z1) and the coordinates of vector 2 which are (x2,y2,z2) and put these coordinates into a 3x3 matrix. On the first row of the matrix you have i, j, k; on the second row of the matrix you have x1, y1, z1; and on the bottom row x2, y2, z2. You then calculate the determinant of this matrix.

To do this you multiply i by (y1*z2 - z1*y2) then subtract j multiplied by (x1*z3 - x3*z1) and add k multiplied by (x1*y2 - x2*y1), the resultant vector is the cross product of the original vectors.

MK

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Prove e^(ix) = cos (x) + isin(x)

Pavan M. avatarAnswered by Pavan M.

Let f(x)=x^x for x>0, then find f'(x) for all x>0.

Michael F. avatarAnswered by Michael F.

Find the Taylor Series expansion of tan(x) about π/4 up to the term in terms of (x-π/4)^3.

Jack M. avatarAnswered by Jack M.

What is the value of x from (x+2)^2=4

Alexandru B. avatarAnswered by Alexandru B.