Quaternion Algebra and Calculus

Abstract

This document provides a mathematical summary of quaternion algebra and calculus and how they relate to rotations and interpolation of rotations. The ideas are based on the article [1]. 1 Quaternion Algebra A quaternion is given by q = w + xi + yj + zk where w, x, y, and z are real numbers. Define qn = wn + xni + ynj + znk (n = 0, 1). Addition and subtraction of quaternions is defined by