COMEDK2022MathematicsVector Algebra
If x, y and z are non-zero real numbers and a =x i +2 j , b = y j +3 k and c =x i +y j +z k are such that a b =z i -3 j + k , then [ a b c ] is equal to
Options
- A3
- B10
- C9
- D6
Correct answer
C. 9
Step-by-step solution
Given vectors a = x i + 2 j , b = y j + 3 k , and c = x i + y j + z k . Calculate the cross product a b : a b = vmatrix i & j & k x & 2 & 0 0 & y & 3 vmatrix = i (6 - 0) - j (3x - 0) + k (xy - 0) = 6 i - 3x j + xy k . Given a b = z i - 3 j + k , compare the components: z = 6 , -3x = -3 x = 1 , and xy = 1 . Since x = 1 and xy = 1 , we get y = 1 . The scalar triple product [ a b c ] is defined as ( a b ) c . [ a b c ] = (z i - 3 j + k ) (x i + y j + z k ) . Substitute the values x=1, y=1, z=6 : [ a b c ] = (6 i - 3 j