Cross product for parallel vectors

In summary, the conversation discusses how to determine if two lines are parallel by using the cross product of their direction vectors. The question asks if the line through (4,1,-1) and (2,5,3) is parallel to the line through (-3,2,0) and (5,1,4). After some calculations, it is determined that the two lines are not parallel because their direction vectors cannot be written as scalar multiples of each other and the cross product is not zero.
  • #1
adoado
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Homework Statement



Is the line through (4,1,-1) and (2,5,3) parallel to the line through (-3,2,0) and (5,1,4)?

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Line one 'direction' = (-2,4,4) = A
Line two 'direction' = (8,-1,4) = B

I remember that the cross product of two vectors is zero if they are parallel, but AxB is not the zero vector; the answer in the book says they are indeed parallel...

Is this not the right method?

Cheers,
Adrian ^^
 
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  • #2
If they were parallel, you could write one direction as a scalar multiple of the other. Since you cannot do that as well as the cross-product is not zero, the vectors are not parallel.
 
  • #3
Cheers, thanks for that. I got it all figured out now..

Thanks,
Adrian
 

What is the cross product for parallel vectors?

The cross product for parallel vectors is a mathematical operation that results in a vector that is perpendicular to both of the original parallel vectors. It is also known as the vector product.

When is the cross product for parallel vectors equal to zero?

The cross product for parallel vectors is equal to zero when the two vectors are either collinear or antiparallel. This means that the vectors lie on the same line in the same or opposite direction.

What is the formula for calculating the cross product for parallel vectors?

The formula for calculating the cross product for parallel vectors is given by:
A x B = 0
where A and B are the two parallel vectors.

What is the geometric interpretation of the cross product for parallel vectors?

The geometric interpretation of the cross product for parallel vectors is that it results in a vector that is perpendicular to the plane formed by the two parallel vectors. This perpendicular vector is also known as the normal vector to the plane.

Why is the cross product for parallel vectors important in physics and engineering?

The cross product for parallel vectors is important in physics and engineering because it is used to calculate torque, angular momentum, and magnetic fields. These concepts are essential in understanding the behavior of objects in motion and the principles of electromagnetism.

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