Vector Multiplication

Engr. Marcelo V. Rivera

Vector Multiplication
When two vectors A and B are multiplied, the result is either a
scalar or a vector depending on how they are multiplied. Thus
there are two types of vector multiplication:
1. Scalar (or dot) product: A • B
2. Vector (or cross) product: A X B
Multiplication of three vectors A, B, and C can result in either:
3. Scalar triple product: A • (B X C) or
4. Vector triple product: A X (B X C)
Dot or Scalar Product
The dot or scalar product of two vectors A and B, denoted by AB (read A
dot B). The product results in a scalar quantity.
Defined as the product of the magnitudes of A and B and the cosine of the
angle between them.

Where: – is the smaller angle between and ;

If and , then

If are orthogonal,
If are codirectional,
Dot or Scalar Product
The following laws are valid:
1) Commutative Law
2) Distributive Law
3) ,

Dividing a vector by a scalar value is just multiplying it with the

reciprocal of the scalar
 Example
Given vectors:

Find: a) and b) angle between and

 Answer
a)
b)
Calculator on Vector Mode

Mode 8, AC
Shift 5, 2, 1, 1 [ ], AC
Shift 5, 2, 2, 1 [ ], AC
 Example
Find the bet. vector and the x-axis.
Answer

𝜋
θ=
6
 Example
, , and .
Determine which vectors are orthogonal to each other.
 Answer

, therefore vectors u and w are orthogonal

Scalar Projection
- Scalar component of a vector in the direction of another vector.
- The length of projection of a vector on another vector.

(scalar projection of A on B)
Vector Projection
- Is the vector component of a vector in the direction of another
vector.

(vector projection of A on B)
 Example

a) Length of projection of A on B.
b) Vector projection of A on B .
 Example

c) Length of projection of B on A.
d) Vector projection of B on A .
 Answer
a)
b)
c)
d)
Cross or Vector Product

(read A cross B).

where is the smaller angle between "A" and "B" and is a unit vector
normal to the plane determined by "A" and "B"
when they are drawn from a common point. The direction
of is the same as the direction of advance of a
right-hand screw where "A" is turned towards "B".
Cross or Vector Product

where:
– is the angle between A and B in the plane containing them
– is a unit vector perpendicular to the plane A and B in the direction
given by the right-hand rule.

Magnitude of Cross or Vector Product:

Cross or Vector Product
 Cross or Vector Product
The following laws are valid:
1) (Commutative Law for Cross Products Fails)
2) (Distributive Law)
3) ,
where m is a scalar.
4) If and , then
 Cross or Vector Product
The area of the parallelogram having the vectors u and v as adjacent sides is

Area of triangle =
v

𝜽
u
 Example
Find if and .
Answer

A×B=i− j+k
 Example
Find if ; and . Determine also the angle between them.
Answer
 Triple Products
1.
2. (scalar triple product)

3.
4. (vector triple product)
 Scalar Triple Product
- It is scalar .
- The volume of the parallelepiped with , ,
and as adjacent sides is .
 Example
Three field quantities are given by:

Determine:
a)
b) A unit vector perpendicular to both Q and R
 Answer
a) 14
b)
 Example
Find the area of the parallelogram having adjacent sides u = i + j + k and v = j + k.
Answer
 Example
Find the volume of the parallelepiped with adjacent sides u = i + j,
v = j + k, and w = i + k.
Answer
 Example
Find the area of the triangle with vertices at , , .
 Answer
Area of triangle =
=
 Seatwork
1. Given and , determine
a) the scalar projection of B on A
b) the smaller angle between A and B
2.
End