The applet on Page 2 simulates a 3-D view of the vector product of two vectors and . The value of the vector product is denoted

= ×

This notation is the reason for the alternate name "cross product" for this product.

Features of the simulation:

• Any of the four corners of the "table" (surface spanned by the vectors and ) can be dragged in order to change the orientation of the table and, thus, the perspective from which the vectors are viewed.
• The side of the table that has the product vector coming out of it is shown in blue-gray. The other side is shown in brown-gray.
• Either vector or can be changed by dragging its tip.
• The area of the grey parallelogram spanned by the two vectors and is equal to the magnitude of the product vector .
• The product vector is shown dimmed when it points to the side of the table away from the viewer.