Can Cosine Affect Whether Three Nonzero Vectors Must Lie in the Same Plane?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the geometric relationship between three nonzero vectors and their coplanarity, specifically examining the role of sine and cosine in vector equations. The equation A*(BXC)=0 indicates that the scalar triple product is zero when the vectors are coplanar. The participants emphasize that while sine can determine coplanarity when it equals zero, cosine's influence is less direct and requires consideration of vector directions. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding both dot and cross products in vector analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically dot product and cross product.
  • Familiarity with the scalar triple product and its implications for vector coplanarity.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions, particularly sine and cosine, in the context of vectors.
  • Ability to express vectors in component form and analyze their relationships.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the scalar triple product in depth.
  • Learn how to derive and interpret the cross product of two vectors.
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of dot and cross products in three-dimensional space.
  • Investigate the conditions under which vectors are perpendicular and how to express this mathematically.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with vector analysis, particularly those interested in understanding vector coplanarity and the implications of trigonometric functions in vector operations.

yosheey
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If there are three nonzero vectors..
Do you think cosine effects this example:show the three vectors must lie in the same plane?
-------------
* -->dot product
X -->cross product
--------------
A*(BXC)=0

so we can change as..

|A||B||C|sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]cos[tex]\beta[/tex]=0

then... we can meet

sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]cos[tex]\beta[/tex]=0

so ...

Exactly sin can make vectors lie in same plane if sin=0 (because three of two vectors have same direction...)
but I'm not sure cos effects...?
 
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Do you know the direction of the vector that results from a cross product?

Do you know how to write, in vector form, that two vectors are perpendicular to each other?

Don't worry so much about sine and cosine effects per se, but think about the two questions above. They are the answer to your problem.
 
yosheey said:
|A||B||C|sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]cos[tex]\beta[/tex]=0

Hi yosheey! :smile:

Your approach is fundamentally wrong, because that equation only deals with the magnitude of the final result.

You must use a method that deals with the directions of the intermediate stages. :wink:
 

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