Find a × b for a = -3i + 4j + 2k and b = 3i + 1j + 2k.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 6i + 12j − 15k

  1. Step 1: Use the determinant with rows (i, j, k), (a₁, a₂, a₃), (b₁, b₂, b₃). Step 2. Expanding gives 6i + 12j − 15k. Answer: 6i + 12j − 15k. Why not the others: -6i − 12j + 15k is what you get if you reverse the order of the cross product. 6i − 12j − 15k is what you get if you forget the minus sign on the j component. -9i + 4j + 4k is what you get if you multiply matching components.

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