# Math Help - The cross product and multiple sets?

1. ## The cross product and multiple sets?

Hi all,

Just a quick question...

I have a question in my Computer Science homework that goes as follows:

(S x S) x S where S= {3,4}

Now does that mean that I end up, after doing the first product, doing it normally across each of the four sets to make a total of 16 ordered pairs?

Or do I have it so that I have several sets of three elements each?

Thanks so much!!!

2. Originally Posted by srstakey
Hi all,

Just a quick question...

I have a question in my Computer Science homework that goes as follows:

(S x S) x S where S= {3,4}

Now does that mean that I end up, after doing the first product, doing it normally across each of the four sets to make a total of 16 ordered pairs?

Or do I have it so that I have several sets of three elements each?

Thanks so much!!!
S x S = 0,

so

( S x S ) x S = 0 x S = 0

RonL

3. Originally Posted by srstakey
I have a question in my Computer Science homework that goes as follows: (S x S) x S where S= {3,4}
I think that “cross product” here refers to Cartesian Cross Products of sets.
If that is correct, then (SxS)xS would be a set of eight triples.

4. Originally Posted by Plato
I think that “cross product” here refers to Cartesian Cross Products of sets.
If that is correct, then (SxS)xS would be a set of eight triples.
Yes-thank you Plato!

(I never thought I would be thanking Plato himself )