Can Cosine Affect Whether Three Nonzero Vectors Must Lie in the Same Plane?

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of sine and cosine in determining if three nonzero vectors lie in the same plane. The dot and cross products are mentioned and it is suggested to consider the directions of the vectors in the intermediate stages rather than focusing solely on the magnitudes.
  • #1
yosheey
2
0
If there are three nonzero vectors..
Do you think cosine effects this example:show the three vectors must lie in the same plane?
-------------
* -->dot product
X -->cross product
--------------
A*(BXC)=0

so we can change as..

|A||B||C|sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]cos[tex]\beta[/tex]=0

then... we can meet

sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]cos[tex]\beta[/tex]=0

so ...

Exactly sin can make vectors lie in same plane if sin=0 (because three of two vectors have same direction...)
but I'm not sure cos effects...?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you know the direction of the vector that results from a cross product?

Do you know how to write, in vector form, that two vectors are perpendicular to each other?

Don't worry so much about sine and cosine effects per se, but think about the two questions above. They are the answer to your problem.
 
  • #3
yosheey said:
|A||B||C|sin[tex]\alpha[/tex]cos[tex]\beta[/tex]=0

Hi yosheey! :smile:

Your approach is fundamentally wrong, because that equation only deals with the magnitude of the final result.

You must use a method that deals with the directions of the intermediate stages. :wink:
 

Related to Can Cosine Affect Whether Three Nonzero Vectors Must Lie in the Same Plane?

1. What is the difference between dot product and cross product?

The dot product is a mathematical operation that takes two vectors and produces a scalar value, while the cross product takes two vectors and produces a vector that is perpendicular to both of the original vectors.

2. How do you calculate the dot product and cross product?

The dot product can be calculated by multiplying the corresponding components of two vectors and then adding the results together. The cross product can be calculated by taking the determinant of a 3x3 matrix made up of the two vectors and the unit vectors in the x, y, and z directions.

3. What is the physical significance of dot product and cross product?

The dot product is used to calculate the angle between two vectors and can also be used to determine if two vectors are perpendicular to each other. The cross product is used to calculate the area of a parallelogram formed by two vectors and can also be used to determine the direction of a torque vector in physics.

4. Can the dot product and cross product be applied to vectors in any dimension?

Yes, the dot product and cross product can be applied to vectors in any dimension, as long as the number of components in each vector is the same. However, the cross product is only defined in three-dimensional space.

5. What are some real-life applications of the dot product and cross product?

The dot product is used in physics, engineering, and computer graphics to calculate work, power, and angles between forces. The cross product is used in physics, engineering, and navigation to calculate torque, magnetic fields, and navigation directions. It is also used in computer graphics to calculate surface normals and determine the direction of reflections of light.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
810
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
7
Views
7K
  • Linear and Abstract Algebra
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • Advanced Physics Homework Help
Replies
0
Views
627
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
21
Views
7K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top