Vector cross product with coefficients

Click For Summary
To simplify a cross product involving vectors with coefficients, the coefficients can be factored out. For instance, in the expression (x/(y^3))\bar{r} X (x/(y))\bar{L}, the coefficients can be extracted. This follows the rule that (a\vec{u})\times(b\vec{v}) equals ab (\vec{u}\times \vec{v}). Thus, the simplification process involves multiplying the coefficients and then calculating the cross product of the unit vectors. This approach streamlines the calculation and clarifies the relationship between the vectors.
Stickybees
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
Anyone know how would I simplify a cross product where the two vectors have coefficients? For example (x/(y^3))\bar{r} X (x/(y))\bar{L}

Thanks!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Just pull the coefficients out.
 
In other words, (a\vec{u})\times(b\vec{v})= ab (\vec{u}\times \vec{b}).
 
Here is a little puzzle from the book 100 Geometric Games by Pierre Berloquin. The side of a small square is one meter long and the side of a larger square one and a half meters long. One vertex of the large square is at the center of the small square. The side of the large square cuts two sides of the small square into one- third parts and two-thirds parts. What is the area where the squares overlap?

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
8K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K