Find the unit vector perpendicular to a and b

AI Thread Summary
To find the unit vector perpendicular to vectors a and b, the cross product can be utilized. The cross product of vectors a = 3i + 2j + k and b = 2i + j + 2k yields a resultant vector. This resultant vector should then be divided by its magnitude to obtain the unit vector. The discussion emphasizes that using the cross product is essential for solving the problem effectively. The approach is confirmed to lead to the correct answer.
anantchowdhary
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Homework Statement


there are two vectors a and b

a=3i+2j+k
b=2i+j+2k

Find the unit vector perpendicular to a and b

Homework Equations



| A|^a=A

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't kno how to start
 
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go to mathworld.com and find what it means to be a perpendicular vector to
2 other vectors.
 
Well, calling the third vector c=(l,m,n), you should be able to find 3 equations. They will come from the facts that (i) a is perpendicular to c, (ii) b is perpendicular to c, and (iii) c is a unit vector.
 
i tried to use the dot product and cross product but i still couldn't get the answer
 
Well what did you try?
 
anantchowdhary said:

Homework Statement


there are two vectors a and b

a=3i+2j+k
b=2i+j+2k

Find the unit vector perpendicular to a and b

Homework Equations



| A|^a=A

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't kno how to start
Do you know the properties of vector (cross) product ?
and this is precalculus math, not physics
 
try using crossproduct,

a x b = resultant(r)
divide a x b by the magnitude of r,
u will get ur unit vector
 
ya axb..will give us vector whose unit vector is required
 
yea..thnx...gt the answer long ago! thnx nywyz

help much appreciated
 
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