Topic explanation

Standard explanation

Area of parallelogram = |a x b|. Triangle area = (12)|a x b|. Parallel vectors: a x b = 0. Unit normal n-hat = (a x b)/|a x b|.

Key points

• area = length of cross
• |a x b| = |a||b| sin theta
• direction: right hand
• a x b = - b x a
• GEOMETRIC MEANING OF CROSS PRODUCT: Area of parallelogram = |a x b|. Triangle area = (12)|a x b|. Parallel vectors: a x b = 0. Unit nor
• GEOMETRY: Area of parallelogram = |a x b|.
• WHAT — GEOMETRIC MEANING OF CROSS PRODUCT: Area of parallelogram = |a x b|. Triangle area = (12)|a x b|. Parallel vectors: a x b = 0. Unit nor
• WHY — Why it matters: This rule is a separate learning unit inside cross (vector) product. It can be defined, applied, and

Labelled diagram