Classroom note: A teaching method for the vector triple product identity

Abstract

In texts on vector analysis one finds many different methods of proving the vector triple product identity. Most of these rely on complicated geometrical constructions or theorems drawn from vector space theory. The component method is generally regarded as being merely long and tedious. Yet, viewed in the correct way, the component method is actually the simplest. With correct guidance students can easily construct the proof for themselves by this method.