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Expand a cross product for an area ratio

Referred to O, OA=aOA=\mathbf a, OB=bOB=\mathbf b, with OA perpendicular to OB. C,D lie on AB such that AC:CB=λ:(1−λ)AC:CB=\lambda:(1-\lambda) and AD:DB=μ:(1−μ)AD:DB=\mu:(1-\mu), where 0<λ<μ<10<\lambda<\mu<1.

(i) Find OC in terms of a,b,λ and OD in terms of a,b,μ. By considering their vector product, show that the area of triangle OCD is 12(μ−λ)∣a×b∣\frac12(\mu-\lambda)|\mathbf a\times\mathbf b|. marks

Now a=2i+3j−k\mathbf a=2\mathbf i+3\mathbf j-\mathbf k, b=−i+2j+4k\mathbf b=-\mathbf i+2\mathbf j+4\mathbf k and AC:CD:DB=2:3:4.

(ii) Use (i) to calculate the exact area of triangle OCD. marks

[2016/SAJC/Promo/10]

CJC · Review problems · Question 7

Expand the ordered vector product and use the sign change when reversing its factors.

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