- #1
jtleafs33
- 28
- 0
Homework Statement
I need to prove the identity:
(a×b)[itex]\cdot[/itex](c×d)= (a[itex]\cdot[/itex]c)(b[itex]\cdot[/itex]d)-(a[itex]\cdot[/itex]d)(b[itex]\cdot[/itex]c)
using the properties of the vector and triple products:
Homework Equations
a×(b×c)=b(a[itex]\cdot[/itex]c)-c(a[itex]\cdot[/itex]b)
a[itex]\cdot[/itex](b×c)=c[itex]\cdot[/itex](a×b)=b[itex]\cdot[/itex](c×a)
The Attempt at a Solution
I really don't know where to begin. I need to prove this identity simply so I can use it on a problem, and I know it CAN be proven using these identities from the triple products, but I'm lost on how to attempt such a proof.