Let p=2 i+ j+3 k and q= i- j+ k. If for some real numbers , , and , we have 15 i+10 j+6 k= (2 p+ q )+ ( p-2 q )+ ( p q ), then the value of is .
Answer
2
Solution
Take dot product with p q; the first two terms vanish.
p q= vmatrix i& j& k\\2&1&3\\1&-1&1 vmatrix=4 i+ j-3 k, | p q|2=26.
(15,10,6) (4,1,-3)=60+10-18=52=26 =2.
Answer: 2