[Math] Three coplanar vectors – proving a statement

analytic geometryvectors

Is it true that three vectors $\vec{u}, \vec{v} , \vec{w} $ lie on the same plane if and only if there exists constants $A,B,C,D$ for which $A\vec{u} + B\vec{v} + C\vec{w} +D =\vec{0} $ ?

If so, how can I prove it ? I know that three vectors lie on the same plane if and only if $\vec{u}\cdot (\vec{v}\times \vec{w} ) =0 $ . Does it help ?

Thanks in advance

Best Answer

Your equation is inconsistant: you are adding vectors and numbers.

The good condition is: $\vec u, \vec v$ and $\vec w$ are copolanar iff there exists three real numbers $A,B,C$, not all zero, such as : $A\vec u + B\vec v + C \vec w =0$.

In linear algebra, it is the definition of "three vectors are coplanar".

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