JEE Maths
JEEMathsVectors & 3D GeometryClass 12

What is the difference between dot product and cross product?

The dot product gives a scalar (zero when perpendicular); the cross product gives a vector perpendicular to both (zero when parallel).

The dot product gives a scalar (zero when perpendicular); the cross product gives a vector perpendicular to both (zero when parallel). A reliable way to keep them apart is to focus on what each one is defined by, not just the similar-sounding words.

Key point

dot product vs cross product

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