How do I Find the Vector Coordinates to Solve for Trihedral Angle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the coordinates of a unit vector C in 3D space, given two unit vectors A and B and the angle φ between them. The user, Julian, initially struggles to find a third equation to solve for the angles α and β, which satisfy the condition α + β = φ. The solution involves using the triple product equation A · (B × C) = V, where V is defined by the equation V² = 1 + 2*cos(α)*cos(β)*cos(φ) – cos²(α) – cos²(β) – cos²(φ). This approach effectively resolves the problem of finding the vector coordinates.

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Julian1
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Hi everyone,

Here's the problem I have.

Given two unit vectors A, B and angle φ between them. Find the coordinates (in 3D) of a unit vector C so that the angles between C and A,B be α and β respectively.
α + β => φ and α + β + φ <= 360°

It looks trivial to me and yet here I am asking for help:)

I have two equations from the dot products:
A.C = cos(α)
B.C = cos(β)

and I need a third one to solve the problem?

Thanks!Julian.
 
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Re: find the vector coordinates

I have found the solution.

The third equation is the triple product.

A.BxC = V

where

V2 = 1 + 2*cos(α)*cos(β)*cos(φ) – cos2(α) – cos2(β) – cos2(φ)

Trihedral Angle | OPEN MIND
 

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