Find $|\vec{a} \times \vec{b}|$, if $\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} + \hat{j} + 3\hat{k}$ and $\vec{b} = 3\hat{i} + 5\hat{j} - 2\hat{k}$
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → $\sqrt{507}$ ##
We have
$\vec{a} \times \vec{b}= \begin{vmatrix} \hat{i} & \hat{j} & \hat{k} \\ 2 & 1 & 3 \\ 3 & 5 & -2 \end{vmatrix}$
$= \hat{i}(-2-15) - (-4-9)\hat{j} + (10-3)\hat{k} = -17\hat{i} + 13\hat{j} + 7\hat{k}$
Hence $|\vec{a} \times \vec{b}| = \sqrt{(-17)^2 + (13)^2 + (7)^2} = \sqrt{507}$