Proof that the volume of a tetrahedron is given by a 4 xx 4 determinant

Levi Rasmussen

Levi Rasmussen

Answered question

2022-07-16

I have seen that the volume of a tetrahedron ABCD where
A = ( x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ) , B = ( x 2 , y 2 , z 2 ) , C = ( x 3 , y 3 , z 3 ) , D = ( x 4 , y 4 , z 4 )
and A being the top can be described as
V = 1 6 | det M | where M = [ x 1 y 1 z 1 1 x 2 y 2 z 2 1 x 3 y 3 z 3 1 x 4 y 4 z 4 1 ]
but I cannot find the proof anywhere. How is the following true?
B C ( B D × B A ) = det M
Any kind of explanation is welcome.

Answer & Explanation

Minbutastc

Minbutastc

Beginner2022-07-17Added 14 answers

Translate all points so B is at the origin; A,C,D now represent position vectors relative to B and the determinant does not change. By cofactor expansion, detM is
| x 1 y 1 z 1 1 0 0 0 1 x 3 y 3 z 3 1 x 4 y 4 z 4 1 | = | x 1 y 1 z 1 x 3 y 3 z 3 x 4 y 4 z 4 |
This smaller 3 × 3 determinant can be computed using the given triple product, which proves the last equation B C ( B D × B A ) = det M

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?