Area Parallelogram via Vector Product

The area of a parallelogram by using the Vector Product is illustrated. Initial data is four points in 3D. The graphing steps for the points are shown. Vector components are determined from the coordinates of the points and unit vectors. The Vector Cross Product is found via the determinant method from the components and unit vectors. Finally the length of the cross product is determined from its components. This is the area of the parallelogram.

This silent video uses a series of questions and answers (computer-assisted instruction, or programmed learning). You can use it for learning, or self testing by pausing the video, answering a question for yourself, and then resuming the video with the play button to check your response and continue. Some of the questions will ask you to draw a graph. I suggest that you pause to see if you can draw the graph on paper. You may find it helpful to play the video without pausing first, and then repeat with pauses for self testing.

See these links for similar problems: