Prove that the following vectors are non–coplanar :
and
We have been given that, ,
and
.
We can form a relation using these three vectors. Say,
Comparing coefficients of ,
and
, we get
1 = 2x + y …(1)
2 = x + y …(2)
3 = 3x + y …(3)
Solving equations (1) and (2) for x and y.
Equation (1), 2x + y = 1
Equation (2), x + y = 2
⇒ x = –1
Put x = –1 in equation (2), we get
2 = x + y
⇒ 2 = (–1) + y
⇒ y = 2 + 1
⇒ y = 3
Substituting x = –1 and y = 3 in equation (3), we get
3 = 3x + y
Or 3x + y = 3
⇒ 3(–1) + (3) = 3
⇒ –3 + 3 = 3
⇒ 0 ≠ 3
∵, L.H.S ≠ R.H.S
⇒ The value of x and y doesn’t satisfy equation (3).
Thus, ,
and
are not coplanar.