MathCastle
Multivariable CalculusHardVectors in Space

Vectors in Space · Hard problem

A triangle has edge vectors a\mathbf a, b\mathbf b, c\mathbf c, each pointing the way around the triangle from one vertex to the next, so that a+b+c=0\mathbf a+\mathbf b+\mathbf c = \mathbf 0. Their lengths are ∥a∥=3\lVert\mathbf a\rVert=3, ∥b∥=4\lVert\mathbf b\rVert=4, ∥c∥=5\lVert\mathbf c\rVert=5. Find a⋅b+b⋅c+c⋅a\mathbf a\cdot\mathbf b+\mathbf b\cdot\mathbf c+\mathbf c\cdot\mathbf a.