- #1
yashboi123
- 17
- 0
- Homework Statement
- What is the cross product of A X C?
- Relevant Equations
- A X B = ABSin(x)
Why are they using Cosine instead of Sine for Cross Product?
- Thread starter yashboi123
- Start date
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the use of cosine instead of sine in calculating the cross product of vectors, specifically in the context of a 25-degree angle. The negative sign in the answer arises from the right-hand rule, which dictates the direction of the cross product. The sine of angle AOC is derived using the sine of the sum of two angles, ultimately simplifying to cosine of 25 degrees. The confusion stems from the incorrect application of sine for the angle 295 degrees, which is clarified as being equivalent to -cos(25).
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of vector mathematics and cross products
- Familiarity with trigonometric identities and angle transformations
- Knowledge of the right-hand rule in vector analysis
- Basic proficiency in using scientific calculators for trigonometric functions
- Study the right-hand rule in vector cross products
- Learn about trigonometric identities, specifically sine and cosine transformations
- Explore vector mathematics, focusing on applications in physics
- Practice solving cross product problems using different angles and methods
Students of physics and mathematics, educators teaching vector analysis, and anyone involved in computational geometry or physics simulations.
- #2
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The answer is -96 times sine of angle AOC.
The minus sign arises from the right-hand rule. Take your right hand, point the thumb in the direction of the positive z axis, and curl your fingers. The direction your fingers curl, which is anti-clockwise as we look at the diagram, must be the direction from the vector that's the first argument to the cross product to the vector that's the second argument, in order to get a positive sign. Since in this diagram ##\vec A## is clockwise from ##\vec C## we get a negative sign.
Now what about that cos? The diagram does not mark angle AOC, but we know it it is 90 degrees minus the marked 25 degree angle.
So they just use the formula for sine of the sum of two angles, as follows:
\begin{align*}
\sin\ AOC &= \sin(90 - 25) \\&= \sin(90 + (-25))\\& = \sin 90\ \cos (-25) + \cos 90\ \sin(-25)
\\&= \cos(-25)\times 1 + 0\times \sin(-25)
\\&= \cos\ 25+0
\\&= \cos\ 25\end{align*}
The minus sign arises from the right-hand rule. Take your right hand, point the thumb in the direction of the positive z axis, and curl your fingers. The direction your fingers curl, which is anti-clockwise as we look at the diagram, must be the direction from the vector that's the first argument to the cross product to the vector that's the second argument, in order to get a positive sign. Since in this diagram ##\vec A## is clockwise from ##\vec C## we get a negative sign.
Now what about that cos? The diagram does not mark angle AOC, but we know it it is 90 degrees minus the marked 25 degree angle.
So they just use the formula for sine of the sum of two angles, as follows:
\begin{align*}
\sin\ AOC &= \sin(90 - 25) \\&= \sin(90 + (-25))\\& = \sin 90\ \cos (-25) + \cos 90\ \sin(-25)
\\&= \cos(-25)\times 1 + 0\times \sin(-25)
\\&= \cos\ 25+0
\\&= \cos\ 25\end{align*}
- #3
- 42,804
- 10,495
@andrewkirk , I would think @yashboi123 is looking for what is wrong with sin(295), following a standard method, rather than for an alternate method. Which method the book used is unknown.
There are some useful formulas:
cos(90-x)=sin(x)=sin(180-x)=-sin(-x)=sin(360+x)
So sin(295)=sin(360-65)=sin(-65)=-sin(65)=-cos(25).
As your calculator will tell you, sin(295)=-cos(25).yashboi123 said:
There are some useful formulas:
cos(90-x)=sin(x)=sin(180-x)=-sin(-x)=sin(360+x)
So sin(295)=sin(360-65)=sin(-65)=-sin(65)=-cos(25).
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