Prove that: (vec(u) xx vec(v)) xx vec(w)=(vec(w) * vec(u)) vec(v) −(vec(v) * vec(w)) vec(u) I'm trying to solve this question, and my only thoughts of proving it is just to substitute vec(u)=(u_1,u_2,u_3) and same for all vectors and open it up following the dot and cross product rules. But I was wondering if there's another creative way other than the straight forward way that I'm thinking about.

Rigoberto Drake

Rigoberto Drake

Answered question

2022-11-19

Prove that: ( u × v ) × w = ( w u ) v ( v w ) u
I'm trying to solve this question, and my only thoughts of proving it is just to substitute u = ( u 1 , u 2 , u 3 ) and same for all vectors and open it up following the dot and cross product rules.
But I was wondering if there's another creative way other than the straight forward way that I'm thinking about.
Appreciate any help

Answer & Explanation

Maffei2el

Maffei2el

Beginner2022-11-20Added 20 answers

MathJax(?): Can't find handler for document MathJax(?): Can't find handler for document The "creative" way first notes anything orthogonal to u × v is a linear combination of u , v . Since ( a u × b v ) × c w = a b c ( u × v ) × w , the coefficient of u needs to be bilinear in v , w . Further, it needs to be a scalr invariant under rotations, so it must be a multiple of v w . We can treat the v coefficient similarly, making it a multiple of u w . By u v -antisymmetry, some k satisfies
( u × v ) × w = k [ ( w u ) v ( v w ) u ] .
You can fix k=1 with e.g. u = i , v = w = j making both sides i
Aryanna Fisher

Aryanna Fisher

Beginner2022-11-21Added 6 answers

The vector (u x v)xw is perpendicular to uxv , therefore it's in the same plane as the vectors u and v. Therefore , (u x v)xw can be expressed as a linear combination of the vectors u and v because it's coplanar with both the vectors .
Now , let (u x v)xw = l.u + m.v ,...(1)
where l , m are constants .
Taking scalar product with w both sides ,
0 = l(w.u) + m(w.v)
Solving , we get ,
l/(w.u) = -m/(w.v) = k(say) , where k is a constant .
Therefore , l=k(w.u) and m=-k(w.v)
Putting these values in equation 1 , we get
(u x v)xw= k{(w.u)v - (w.v)u}
And more generally ,
(u x v)xw = (w.u)v -(w.v)u

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?