Class-XII-Maths Vector Algebra

CBSE NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 10

Back of Chapter Questions

Exercise: 10.1
1. Represent graphically a displacement of 40 km, 30o east of north. [2 Marks]

Solution:

[1 Mark]

Here, vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝑂𝑃 represents the displacement of 40 km, 30o East of North. [1 Mark]

2. Classify the following measures as scalars and vectors. [1 Mark each]

(i) 10 kg
(ii) 2 metres north-west
(iii) 40o
(iv) 40 watt

(v) 10–19 coulomb

(vi) 20 m⁄s 2

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Solution:
(i) 10 kg is a scalar quantity because it involves only magnitude. [1 Mark]
(ii) 2 meters north-west is a vector quantity as it involves both magnitude and direction.
[1 Mark]
(iii) 40o is a scalar quantity as it involves only magnitude. [1 Mark]
(iv) 40 watts is a scalar quantity as it involves only magnitude. [1 Mark]

(v) 10–19 coulomb is a scalar quantity as it involves only magnitude. [1 Mark]

(vi) 20 m⁄s 2 is a vector quantity as it involves magnitude as well as direction. [1 Mark]

3. Classify the following as scalar and vector quantities. [1 Mark each]

(i) time period
(ii) distance
(iii) force
(iv) velocity
(v) work done

Solution:
(i) Time period is a scalar quantity as it involves only magnitude. [1 Mark]
(ii) Distance is a scalar quantity as it involves only magnitude. [1 Mark]
(iii) Force is a vector quantity as it involves both magnitude and direction. [1 Mark]
(iv) Velocity is a vector quantity as it involves both magnitude as well as direction. [1
Mark]
(v) Work done is a scalar quantity as it involves only magnitude. [1 Mark]

4. In Figure, identify the following vectors.[1 Mark each]

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(i) Coinitial
(ii) Equal
(iii) Collinear but not equal

Solution:

(i) Vectors 𝑎 and 𝑑are coinitial because they have the same initial point. [1 Mark]

(ii) Vectors 𝑏⃗ are 𝑑 equal because they have the same magnitude and direction. [1 Mark]

(iii) Vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are collinear but not equal. This is because although they are parallel, their
directions are not the same. [1 Mark]

5. Answer the following as true or false. [1 Mark each]

(i) 𝑎 and −𝑎 are collinear.
(ii) Two collinear vectors are always equal in magnitude.
(iii) Two vectors having same magnitude are collinear.
(iv) Two collinear vectors having the same magnitude are equal.

Solution:
(i) True.
Two vectors are collinear if they are parallel to line the same line.

Vectors 𝑎 and −𝑎 are parallel to the same line 𝑚

⃗⃗ . [1 Mark]

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So, 𝑎 and −𝑎 are collinear.

(ii) False.

Collinear vectors are those vectors that are parallel to the same line.

Here, 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are parallel to 𝑚

⃗⃗
Hence, collinear.

But, 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are not equal in magnitude. [1 Mark]

(iii) False.
Two or more vectors are collinear if they are parallel to the same line.

→ →
𝑎 and 𝑏 are equal in magnitude but not parallel to the same line

→ →
Hence, 𝑎 and 𝑏 are not collinear. [1 Mark]

(iv) False
Two or more vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and same direction
Collinear vectors may have the same magnitude but are not equal.
Hence false. [1 Mark]

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Exercise: 10.2
1. Compute the magnitude of the following vectors: [4 Marks]
1 1 1
𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ; 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 7𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂ ; 𝑐= 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂
√3 √3 √3
Solution:
1 1 1
Given vectors are 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ; 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 7𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂ ; 𝑐 = 𝑖̂ + 3 𝑗̂ − 3 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]
√3 √ √

Magnitude of 𝑎 is |𝑎| = √(1)2 + (1)2 + (1)2 = √3

Hence, |𝑎| = √3 [1 Mark]

Magnitude of 𝑏⃗ is |𝑏⃗| = √(2)2 + (−7)2 + (−3)2

= √4 + 49 + 9

= √62

Hence, |𝑏⃗| = √62 [1 Mark]

1 2 1 2 1 2
Magnitude of 𝑐 is |𝑐| = √( ) + ( ) + (− )
√3 √3 √3

1 1 1
=√ + + =1
3 3 3

Hence, |𝑐| = 1 [1 Mark]

2. Write two different vectors having same magnitude. [2 Marks]

Solution:

Let 𝑎 = (−𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ ) and 𝑏⃗ = (2𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂ )

Now, magnitude of 𝑎 is |𝑎| = √(−1)2 + (−2)2 + 32 = √1 + 4 + 9 = √14 [1 Mark]

|𝑏⃗| = √22 + 12 + (−3)2 = √4 + 1 + 9 = √14 [1 Mark]

Hence, 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are two different vectors having the same magnitude.

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3. Write two different vectors having same direction. [2 Marks]

Solution:

Let 𝑎 = (𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) and 𝑏⃗ = (2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ ).

The direction cosines of 𝑎 are given by,
1 1 1 1 1 1
𝑙= = ,𝑚 = = , and 𝑛 = = [1 Mark]
√12 +12 +12 √3 √12 +12 +12 √3 √12 +12 +12 √3

The direction cosines of 𝑏⃗ are given by,

2 2 1 2 2 1
𝑙= =2 = ,𝑚 = =2 = ,
√22 +22 +22 √3 √3 √22 +22 +22 √3 √3
2 2 1
And 𝑛 = =2 = [1 Mark]
√22 +22 +22 √3 √3

The direction cosines of 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are the same. Hence, the two vectors have the same direction.

4. Find the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 so that the vectors 2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ and 𝑥𝑖̂ + 𝑦̂ are equal [1 Mark]

Solution:
The two vectors 2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ and 𝑥𝑖̂ + 𝑦̂ will be equal if their corresponding components are equal.
Hence, the required values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 are 2 and 3 respectively. [1 Mark]

5. Find the scalar and vector components of the vector with initial point (2,1) and terminal point
(– 5,7). [1 Mark]

Solution:
Let the given points be 𝑃(2, 1) and 𝑄(– 5, 7)

The vector with the initial point 𝑃(2, 1) and terminal point 𝑄(– 5, 7) can be given by,
𝟏
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (−5 − 2)𝑖̂ + (7 − 1)𝑗̂
PQ [𝟐 Mark]

⇒ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
PQ = −7𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂

Hence, the required scalar components are – 7 and 6 while the vector components are −7𝑖̂ and
𝟏
6𝑗̂. [𝟐 Mark]

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6. Find the sum of the vectors 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = −2𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂ and

𝑐 = 𝑖̂ − 6𝑗̂ − 7𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

Solution:

The given vectors are 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = −2𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 𝑖̂ − 6𝑗̂ − 7𝑘̂
𝟏
∴ 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐 = (1 − 2 + 1)𝑖̂ + (−2 + 4 − 6)𝑗̂ + (1 + 5 − 7)𝑘̂ [𝟐 Mark]

= 0 ⋅ 𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ − 1 ⋅ 𝑘̂
𝟏
= −4𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ [𝟐 Mark]

7. Find the unit vector in the direction of the vector 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂. [1 Mark]

Solution:
The unit vector 𝑎̂ in the direction of vector 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂.
𝟏
|𝑎| = √12 + 12 + 22 = √1 + 1 + 4 = √6 [𝟐 Mark]

𝑎⃗ ̂
𝑖̂+𝑗̂ +2𝑘 1 1 2 𝟏
∴ 𝑎̂ = |𝑎⃗| = = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ [ Mark]
√6 √6 √6 √6 𝟐

8. ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ , where 𝑃 and 𝑄 are the points (1, 2, 3) and

Find the unit vector in the direction of vector,𝑃𝑄
(4, 5, 6), respectively. [2 Marks]

Solution:
The given points are 𝑃(1, 2, 3) and 𝑄(4, 5, 6).
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (4 − 1)𝑖̂ + (5 − 2)𝑗̂ + (6 − 3)𝑘̂ = 3𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂
∴ PQ
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √32 + 32 + 32 = √9 + 9 + 9 = √27 = 3√3
|PQ [1 Mark]
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is
Hence, the unit vector in the direction of 𝑃𝑄
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
PQ ̂
3𝑖̂+3𝑗̂ +3𝑘 1 1 1
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |
= 3√3
= 𝑖̂ + 3 𝑗̂ + 3 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]
|PQ √3 √ √

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9. For given vectors, 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = −𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂find the unit vector in the direction of the
vector 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ [2 Marks]

Solution:

The given vectors are 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = −𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂.

𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂

𝑏⃗ = −𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂

∴ 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ = (2 − 1)𝑖̂ + (−1 + 1)𝑗̂ + (2 − 1)𝑘̂ = 1𝑖̂ + 0𝑗̂ + 1𝑘̂ = 𝑖̂ + 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗| = √12 + 12 = √2

Hence, the unit vector in the direction of (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) is

⃗)
(𝑎⃗ +𝑏 ̂
𝑖̂+𝑘 1 1
⃗|
= = 𝑖̂ + 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]
|𝑎⃗ +𝑏 √2 2 √2

10. Find a vector in the direction of vector 5𝑗̂ − 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ which has magnitude 8 units.[2 Marks]

Solution:
Let 𝑎 = 5𝑗̂ − 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂

∴ |𝑎| = √52 + (−1)2 + 22 = √25 + 1 + 4 = √30

𝑎⃗ ̂
5𝑖̂−𝑗̂ +2𝑘
∴ 𝑎̂ = |𝑎⃗| = [1 Mark]
√30

Hence, the unit vector in the direction of vector 5𝑗̂ − 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ which has magnitude 8 units is
given by,

5𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ 40 8 16
8𝑎̂ = 8 ( )= 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂
√30 √30 √30 √30
5𝑖 − 𝑗 + 2𝑘⃗
= 8( )
√30
40 8 16
= 𝑖 − 𝑗 + 𝑘⃗ [1 Mark]
√30 √30 √30

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11. Show that the vectors 2𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ and −4𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂ are collinear. [2 Marks]

Solution:

Let 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = −4𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂.

It is observed that 𝑏⃗ = −4𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂ = −2(2𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ ) = −2𝑎 [1 Mark]

∴ 𝑏⃗ = 𝜆𝑎
Where,
𝜆 = −2
Hence, the given vectors are collinear. [1 Mark]

12. Find the direction cosines of the vector 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

Solution:
Let 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂
𝟏
∴ |𝑎| = √12 + 22 + 32 = √1 + 4 + 9 = √14 [ Mark]
𝟐
1 2 3 𝟏
Hence, the direction cosines of 𝑎 are ( , , ). [ Mark]
√14 √14 √14 𝟐

13. Find the direction cosines of the vector joining the points 𝐴(1,2, – 3) and 𝐵(– 1, – 2,1) directed
from 𝐴 to 𝐵. [1 Mark]

Solution:
The given points are 𝐴(1,2, – 3) and 𝐵(– 1, – 2,1).
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (−1 − 1)𝑖̂ + (−2 − 2)𝑗̂ + {1 − (−3)}𝑘̂
∴ AB
𝟏
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −2𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂
⇒ AB [𝟐 Mark]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √(−2)2 + (−4)2 + 42 = √4 + 16 + 16 = √36 = 6

∴ |AB

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2 4 4 1 2 2 𝟏
Hence, the direction cosines of ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 are (− 6 , − 6 , 6) = (− 3 , − 3 , 3). [𝟐 Mark]

14. Show that the vector 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ is equally inclined to the axes 𝑂𝑋, 𝑂𝑌, and 𝑂𝑍.[1 Mark]

Solution:
Let 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂
Then,

|𝑎| = √12 + 12 + 12 = √3
1 1 1 𝟏
Therefore, the direction cosines of 𝑎 are ( , , ). [𝟐 Mark]
√3 √3 √3

Now, let 𝛼, 𝛽, and 𝛾 be the angles formed by 𝑎 with the positive directions of 𝑥, 𝑦, and 𝑧 axes.
Then, we have
1 1 1
cos𝛼 = , cos𝛽 = , cos𝛾 =
√3 √3 √3
𝟏
Hence, the given vector is equally inclined to axes 𝑂𝑋, 𝑂𝑌, and 𝑂𝑍. [𝟐 Mark]

15. Find the position vector of a point 𝑅 which divides the line joining two points 𝑃 and 𝑄 whose
position vectors are 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ and −𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ respectively, in the ration 2: 1
(i) internally
(ii) externally

Solution:
The position vector of point 𝑅 dividing the line segment joining two points 𝑃 and 𝑄 in the ratio
m: n is given by:
⃗ +𝑛𝑎⃗
𝑚𝑏
(i) Internally: 𝑚+𝑛
[1 Mark]
⃗ −𝑛𝑎⃗
𝑚𝑏
(ii) Externally: 𝑚−𝑛
[1 Mark]

Position vectors of 𝑃 and 𝑄 are given as:

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OP = 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ OQ = −𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂
(i) The position vector of point 𝑅 which divides the line joining two points 𝑃 and 𝑄 internally in
the ratio 2: 1 is given by,

2(−𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) + 1(𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ ) (−2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ ) + (𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ )

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OR = =
2+1 3
̂
−𝑖̂+4𝑗̂ +𝑘 1 4 1
= 3
= − 3 𝑖̂ + 3 𝑗̂ + 3 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

(ii) The position vector of point 𝑅 which divides the line joining two points 𝑃 and 𝑄 externally in
the ratio 2: 1 is given by,

2(−𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) − 1(𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ )

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OR = = (−2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ ) − (𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ )
2−1
= −3𝑖̂ + 3𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

16. Find the position vector of the mid-point of the vector joining the points 𝑃(2, 3, 4) and
𝑄(4, 1, – 2). [1 Mark]

Solution:
The position vector of mid-point 𝑅 of the vector joining points 𝑃(2, 3, 4) and 𝑄(4, 1, – 2) is given
by,
̂
(2𝑖̂+3𝑗̂ +4𝑘)+(4𝑖̂+𝑗̂ −2𝑘 )̂ ̂
(2+4)𝑖̂+(3+1)𝑗̂ +(4−2)𝑘 𝟏
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OR = = [𝟐 Mark]
2 2
̂
6𝑖̂+4𝑗̂ +2𝑘 𝟏
= 2
= 3𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ [𝟐 Mark]

17. Show that the points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 with position vectors,

𝑎 = 3𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂ respectively form the vertices of a right-
angled triangle. [2 Marks]

Solution:
Position vectors of points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 are respectively given as:

𝑎 = 3𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂

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AB = 𝑏⃗ − 𝑎 = (2 − 3)𝑖̂ + (−1 + 4)𝑗̂ + (1 + 4)𝑘̂ = −𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂

∴ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑐 − 𝑏⃗ = (1 − 2)𝑖̂ + (−3 + 1)𝑗̂ + (−5 − 1)𝑘̂ = −𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ − 6𝑘̂
BC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑎 − 𝑐 = (3 − 1)𝑖̂ + (−4 + 3)𝑗̂ + (−4 + 5)𝑘̂ = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂
CA
2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = (−1)2 + 32 + 52 = 1 + 9 + 25 = 35
∴ |𝐴𝐵 [1 Mark]
2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = (−1)2 + (−2)2 + (−6)2 = 1 + 4 + 36 = 41
|𝐵𝐶
2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = 22 + (−1)2 + 12 = 4 + 1 + 1 = 6
|𝐶𝐴
2 2 2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | + |𝐶𝐴
∴ |𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = 36 + 6 = 41 = |𝐵𝐶
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |

Hence, 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is a right-angled triangle. [1 Mark]

18. In triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 which of the following is not true: [4 Marks]

A. ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
CA = ⃗0

B. ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC − ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC = ⃗0

C. ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC − ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
CA = ⃗0
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ − CB
D. AB ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + CA
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 0
⃗

Solution:

On applying the triangle law of addition in the given triangle, we have:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + BC
AB ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = AC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . . . (1)
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + BC
⇒ AB ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −CA
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⇒ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
CA = ⃗0 . . . (2)

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∴ The equation given in alternative A is true. [1 Mark]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC

⇒ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC − ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC = ⃗0
∴ The equation given in alternative B is true. [1 Mark]
From equation (2), we have:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ − CB
AB ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + CA
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 0
⃗

∴ The equation given in alternative D is true. [1 Mark]

Now, consider the equation given in alternative C:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC − ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
CA = ⃗0
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + BC
⇒ AB ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = CA
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . . . (3)
From equations (1) and (3), we have:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = CA
AC ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = −AC
⇒ AC ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⇒ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC = ⃗0
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗0
⇒ 2AC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 0
⇒ AC ⃗ , which is not true.

Hence, the equation given in alternative C is incorrect. [1 Mark]

The correct Answer is C.

19. If 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are two collinear vectors, then which of the following are incorrect:[4 Marks]

A. 𝑏⃗ = 𝜆𝑎, for some scalar 𝜆

B. 𝑎 = ±𝑏⃗

C. the respective components of 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are proportional

D. both the vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ have same direction, but different magnitudes

Solution:

If 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are two collinear vectors, then they are parallel.

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Therefore, we have:

𝑏⃗ = 𝜆𝑎 (For some scalar 𝜆) [1 Mark]

If 𝜆 = ±1, then 𝑎 = ±𝑏⃗

If 𝑎 = 𝑎1 𝑖̂ + 𝑎2 𝑗̂ + 𝑎3 𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 𝑏1 𝑖̂ + 𝑏2 𝑗̂ + 𝑏3 𝑘̂, then

𝑏⃗ = 𝜆𝑎
⇒ 𝑏1 𝑖̂ + 𝑏2 𝑗̂ + 𝑏3 𝑘̂ = 𝜆(𝑎1 𝑖̂ + 𝑎2 𝑗̂ + 𝑎3 𝑘̂)

⇒ 𝑏1 𝑖̂ + 𝑏2 𝑗̂ + 𝑏3 𝑘̂ = (𝜆𝑎1 )𝑖̂ + (𝜆𝑎2 )𝑗̂ + (𝜆𝑎3 )𝑘̂

⇒ 𝑏1 = 𝜆𝑎1 , 𝑏2 = 𝜆𝑎2 , 𝑏3 = 𝜆𝑎3
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏
⇒ 𝑎1 = 𝑎2 = 𝑎3 = 𝜆 [1 Mark]
1 2 3

Thus, the respective components of 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are proportional.

However, vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ can have different directions.

Hence, the statement given in D is incorrect.
The correct Answer is D. [2 Marks]

Exercise: 10.3

1. Find the angle between two vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ and with magnitudes √3 and 2, respectively having
𝑎 ∙ 𝑏⃗ = √6. [2 Marks]

Solution:
It is given that,

|𝑎| = √3, |𝑏⃗| = 2 and 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = √6

𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎||𝑏⃗|cos𝜃

Now, we know that

∴ √6 = √3 × 2 × cos𝜃 [1 Mark]

√6
⇒ cos𝜃 =
√3 × 2
1
⇒ cos𝜃 =
√2

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𝜋
⇒𝜃=
4
𝜋
Hence, the angle between the given vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ is [1 Mark]
4

2. Find the angle between the vectors 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 3𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ [2 Marks]

Solution:

The given vectors are 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 3𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂

|𝑎| = √12 + (−2)2 + 32 = √1 + 4 + 9 = √14

|𝑏⃗| = √32 + (−2)2 + 12 = √9 + 4 + 1 = √14

Now, 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = (𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ )(3𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ )

= 1.3 + (−2)(−2) + 3.1

= 10 [1 Mark]

Also, we know that 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎||𝑏⃗|cos𝜃

∴ 10 = √14√14cos𝜃
10
⇒ cos𝜃 =
14
5
⇒ 𝜃 = cos−1 (7) [1 Mark]

3. Find the projection of the vector 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ on the vector 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂. [1 Mark]

Solution:
𝟏
Let 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂. [𝟐 Mark]

Now, projection of vector 𝑎 on 𝑏⃗ is given by,

1 1 1 𝟏
⃗|
(𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗) = {1.1 + (−1)(1)} = (1 − 1) = 0 [𝟐 Mark]
|𝑏 √1+1 √2

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Hence, the projection of vector 𝑎 on 𝑏⃗ is 0.

4. Find the projection of the vector 𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 7𝑘̂ on the vector 7𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 8𝑘̂. [1 Mark]

Solution:
Let 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 7𝑘̂ and 𝑏̂ = 7𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 8𝑘̂.

Now, projection of vector 𝑎 on 𝑏⃗ is given by,

1 1 7−3+56 60
⃗|
(𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗) = {1(7) + 3(−1) + 7(8)} = = [1 Mark]
|𝑏 √72 +(−1)2 +82 √49+1+64 √114

5. Show that each of the given three vectors is a unit vector:

1 1 1
(2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 6𝑘̂ ), (3𝑖̂ − 6𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ ), (6𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂ )
7 7 7
Also, show that they are mutually perpendicular to each other. [2 Marks]

Solution:
1 2 3 6
Let 𝑎 = 7 (2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 6𝑘̂ ) = 7 𝑖̂ + 7 𝑗̂ + 7 𝑘̂,

1 3 6 2
𝑏⃗ = (3𝑖̂ − 6𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ ) = 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂
7 7 7 7
1 6 2 3
𝑐 = (6𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂ ) = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂
7 7 7 7

2 2 3 2 6 2 4 9 36
|𝑎| = √( ) + ( ) + ( ) = √ + + =1
7 7 7 49 49 49

3 2 6 2 2 2 9 36 4
|𝑏⃗| = √( ) + (− ) + ( ) = √ + + =1
7 7 7 49 49 49

6 2 2 2 3 2 36 4 9
|𝑐| = √( ) + ( ) + (− ) = √ + + = 1 [1 Mark]
7 7 7 49 49 49

Thus, each of the given three vectors is a unit vector.

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2 3 3 −6 6 2 6 18 12
𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = × + ×( )+ × = − + =0
7 7 7 7 7 7 49 49 49
3 6 −6 2 2 −3 18 12 6
𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 = × +( )× + ×( )= − − =0
7 7 7 7 7 7 49 49 49
6 2 2 3 −3 6 12 6 18
𝑐⋅𝑎= × + × +( )× = + − =0
7 7 7 7 7 7 49 49 49
Hence, the given three vectors are mutually perpendicular to each other. [1 Mark]

6. Find

|𝑎| and |𝑏⃗|, if (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) ∙ (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) = 8 and |𝑎| = 8|𝑏⃗|. [2 Marks]

Solution:

(𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗) ⋅ (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) = 8

⇒ 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑎 − 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑎 − 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 8
2
⇒ |𝑎|2 − |𝑏⃗| = 8
2 2
⇒ (8|𝑏⃗|) − |𝑏⃗| = 8 [|𝑎| = 8|𝑏⃗|]
2 2
⇒ 64|𝑏⃗| − |𝑏⃗| = 8
2
⇒ 63|𝑏⃗| = 8
2 8
⇒ |𝑏⃗| =
63
8
⇒ |𝑏⃗| = √63 [Magnitude of a vector is non-negative]

2√2
⇒ |𝑏⃗| = 3 7 [1 Mark]
√

8×2√2 16√2
|𝑎| = 8|𝑏⃗| = = [1 Mark]
3√7 3√7

7. Evaluate the product (3𝑎 − 5𝑏⃗) ⋅ (2𝑎 + 7𝑏⃗). [1 Mark]

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Solution:

(3𝑎 − 5𝑏⃗) ⋅ (2𝑎 + 7𝑏⃗)

𝟏
= 3𝑎 ⋅ 2𝑎 + 3𝑎 ⋅ 7𝑏⃗ − 5𝑏⃗ ⋅ 2𝑎 − 5𝑏⃗ ⋅ 7𝑏⃗ [ Mark]
𝟐

= 6𝑎 ⋅ 𝑎 + 21𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ − 10𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ − 35𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗

2 𝟏
= 6|𝑎|2 + 11𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ − 35|𝑏⃗| [𝟐 Mark]

8. Find the magnitude of two vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗, having the same magnitude and such that the angle
1
between them is 60o and their scalar product is 2. [1 Mark]

Solution:

Let 𝜃 be the angle between the vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗.

1
It is given that |𝑎| = |𝑏⃗|, 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = , and 𝜃 = 60° . . . (1)
2

We know that 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎||𝑏⃗|cos𝜃

1 𝟏
∴ = |𝑎||𝑎|cos60° [Using (1)] [ Mark]
2 𝟐

1 1
⇒ = |𝑎|2 ×
2 2
⇒ |𝑎|2 = 1
𝟏
⇒ |𝑎| = |𝑏⃗| = 1 [𝟐 Mark]

9. Find
|𝑥 | if for a unit vector 𝑎, (𝑥 − 𝑎) ⋅ (𝑥 + 𝑎) = 12. [1 Mark]

Solution:
(𝑥 − 𝑎) ⋅ (𝑥 + 𝑎) = 12
𝟏
⇒ 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑥 + 𝑥 ⋅ 𝑎 − 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑥 − 𝑎̅ ⋅ 𝑎 = 12 [𝟐 Mark]

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⇒ |𝑥 |2 − |𝑎|2 = 12
⇒ |𝑥 |2 − 1 = 12 [|𝑎| = 1 as 𝑎 is a unit vector]
⇒ |𝑥 |2 = 13
𝟏
∴ |𝑥 | = √13 [ Mark]
𝟐

10. If 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = −𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ are such that 𝑎 + 𝜆𝑏⃗ is perpendicular to 𝑐,
then find the value of 𝜆. [2 Marks]

Solution:

The given vectors are 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = −𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂.
Now,

𝑎 + 𝜆𝑏⃗ = (2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ ) + 𝜆(−𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) = (2 − 𝜆)𝑖̂ + (2 + 2𝜆)𝑗̂ + (3 + 𝜆)𝑘̂

If (𝑎 + 𝜆𝑏⃗) is perpendicular to 𝑐, then

(𝑎 + 𝜆𝑏⃗) ⋅ 𝑐 = 0 [1 Mark]

⇒ [(2 − 𝜆)𝑖̂ + (2 + 2𝜆)𝑗̂ + (3 + 𝜆)𝑘̂ ] ⋅ (3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂) = 0

⇒ (2 − 𝜆)3 + (2 + 2𝜆)1 + (3 + 𝜆)0 = 0
⇒ 6 − 3𝜆 + 2 + 2𝜆 = 0
⇒ −𝜆 + 8 = 0
⇒𝜆=8
Hence, the required value of 𝜆 is 8. [1 Mark]

11. Show that:

|𝑎|𝑏⃗ + |𝑏⃗|𝑎̅ is perpendicular to |𝑎|𝑏⃗ − |𝑏⃗|𝑎̅,

for any two nonzero vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ [1 Mark]

Solution:

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(|𝑎|𝑏⃗ + |𝑏⃗|𝑎) ⋅ (|𝑎|𝑏⃗ − |𝑏⃗|𝑎)

2 𝟏
= |𝑎|2 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗ − |𝑎||𝑏⃗|𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑎 + |𝑏⃗||𝑎|𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ − |𝑏⃗| 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑎 [𝟐 Mark]
2 2
= |𝑎|2 |𝑏⃗| − |𝑏⃗| |𝑎|2
=0
𝟏
Hence, |𝑎|𝑏⃗ + |𝑏⃗|𝑎̅ and |𝑎|𝑏⃗ − |𝑏⃗|a⃗ are perpendicular to each other. [ Mark]
𝟐

12. If, 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏⃗ = 0, then what can be concluded about the vector 𝑏⃗? [1 Mark]

Solution:

It is given that 𝑎 ∙ 𝑎 = 0 and 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏⃗ = 0.

Now,
𝟏
𝑎 ⋅ 𝑎 = 0 ⇒ |𝑎|2 = 0 ⇒ |𝑎| = 0 [𝟐 Mark]

∴ 𝑎 is a zero vector.
𝟏
Hence, vector 𝑏⃗ satisfying 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏⃗ = 0 can be any vector. [ Mark]
𝟐

13. If 𝑎, 𝑏⃗, 𝑐 are unit vectors such that𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐 = 0,

find the value of𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 + 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎 [1 Mark]

Solution:
2 2
|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐| = (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) ⋅ (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) = |𝑎|2 + |𝑏⃗| + |𝑐|2 + 2(𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 + 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎)
𝟏
⇒ 0 = 1 + 1 + 1 + 2(𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 + 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎) [𝟐 Mark]
−3 𝟏
⇒ (𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 + 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎) = 2
[𝟐 Mark]

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14. If either vector 𝑎 = ⃗0 or 𝑏⃗ = ⃗0, then 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 0. But the converse need not be true. Justify your
Answer with an example. [2 Marks]

Solution:

Consider 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 3𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ − 6𝑘̂.

Then,

𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 2.3 + 4.3 + 3(−6) = 6 + 12 − 18 = 0 .[1 Mark]

We now observe that:

|𝑎| = √22 + 42 + 32 = √29

∴ 𝑎 ≠ ⃗0

|𝑏⃗| = √32 + 32 + (−6)2 = √54

∴ 𝑏⃗ ≠ ⃗0
Hence, the converse of the given statement need not be true. [1 Mark]

15. If the vertices 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 of a triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 are (1,2,3), (– 1,0,0), (0,1,2), respectively, then find
∠𝐴𝐵𝐶. [∠𝐴𝐵𝐶 is the angle between the vectors ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐵𝐴 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 ] [2 Marks]

Solution:
The vertices of Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 are given as 𝐴(1,2,3), 𝐵(– 1,0,0), and 𝐶(0,1,2).

Also, it is given that ∠𝐴𝐵𝐶 is the angle between the vectors ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐴 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 .

BA = {1 − (−1)}𝑖̂ + (2 − 0)𝑗̂ + (3 − 0)𝑘̂ = 2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = {0 − (−1)}𝑖̂ + (1 − 0)𝑗̂ + (2 − 0)𝑘̂ = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂

BC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ ) ⋅ (𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ )
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⋅ BC
∴ BA
= 2 × 1 + 2 × 1 + 3 × 2 = 2 + 2 + 6 = 10 [1 Mark]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √22 + 22 + 32 = √4 + 4 + 9 = √17

|BA

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √1 + 1 + 22 = √6
|BC
Now, it is known that:

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⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BA ⋅ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ||BC
BC = |BA ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |cos(∠ABC)

∴ 10 = √17 × √6cos(∠ABC)
10
⇒ cos(∠ABC) =
√17 × √6
10
⇒ ∠ABC = cos −1 ( ) [1 Mark]
√102

16. Show that the points 𝐴(1,2,7), 𝐵(2,6,3) and 𝐶(3,10, – 1) are collinear. [2 Marks]

Solution:
The given points are 𝐴(1,2,7), 𝐵(2,6,3) and 𝐶(3,10, – 1).
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (2 − 1)𝑖̂ + (6 − 2)𝑗̂ + (3 − 7)𝑘̂ = 𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂
∴ AB

BC = (3 − 2)𝑖̂ + (10 − 6)𝑗̂ + (−1 − 3)𝑘̂ = 𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

AC = (3 − 1)𝑖̂ + (10 − 2)𝑗̂ + (−1 − 7)𝑘̂ = 2𝑖̂ + 8𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ [1 Mark]
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √12 + 42 + (−4)2 = √1 + 16 + 16 = √33
|AB

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √12 + 42 + (−4)2 = √1 + 16 + 16 = √33

|BC

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √22 + 82 + 82 = √4 + 64 + 64 = √132 = 2√33

|AC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = |AB
∴ |AC ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | + |BC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |

Hence, the given points 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶 are collinear. [1 Mark]

17. Show that the vectors 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂ and 3𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂ form the vertices of a right
angled triangle. [2 Marks]

Solution:
Let vectors 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂ and 3𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂ be position vectors of points 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐶
respectively.

OA = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
i.e., ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ OB = 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂ and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OC = 3𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂

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Now, vectors ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

AB, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC represent the sides of Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶.
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , OB
i.e., OA ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂ and OC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 3𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂.

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (1 − 2)𝑖̂ + (−3 + 1)𝑗̂ + (−5 − 1)𝑘̂ = −𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ − 6𝑘̂

∴ AB

BC = (3 − 1)𝑖̂ + (−4 + 3)𝑗̂ + (−4 + 5)𝑘̂ = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

AC = (2 − 3)𝑖̂ + (−1 + 4)𝑗̂ + (1 + 4)𝑘̂ = −𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ [1 Mark]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √(−1)2 + (−2)2 + (−6)2 = √1 + 4 + 36 = √41

|AB

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √22 + (−1)2 + I 2 = √4 + 1 + 1 = √6

|BC

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √(−1)2 + 32 + 52 = √1 + 9 + 25 = √35

|AC
2 2 2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | + |AC
∴ |BC ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = 6 + 35 = 41 = |AB
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |

Hence, Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 is a right-angled triangle. [1 Mark]

18. If 𝑎 is a nonzero vector of magnitude ‘𝑎’ and 𝜆 a nonzero scalar, then 𝜆𝑎 is unit vector
If [1 Mark]
(A) 𝜆 = 1

(B) 𝜆 =– 1
(C) 𝑎 = |𝜆|
1
(D) 𝑎 = |𝜆|

Solution:
Vector 𝜆𝑎 is a unit vector if |𝜆𝑎| = 1.
Now,
|𝜆𝑎| = 1
𝟏
⇒ |𝜆||𝑎| = 1 [ Mark]
𝟐
1
⇒ |𝑎| = |𝜆| [𝜆 ≠ 0]
1
⇒ 𝑎 = |𝜆| [|𝑎| = 𝑎]
1
Hence, vector 𝜆𝑎 is a unit vector if 𝑎 = |𝜆|

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𝟏
The correct Answer is D. [ Mark]
𝟐

Exercise: 10.4
1. Find

|𝑎 × 𝑏⃗|, if 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ − 7𝑗̂ + 7𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 3𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

Solution:

We have, 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ − 7𝑗̂ + 7𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 3𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = |1 −7 7|
3 −2 2
𝟏
= 𝑖̂(−14 + 14) − 𝑗̂(2 − 21) + 𝑘̂ (−2 + 21) = 19𝑗̂ + 19𝑘̂ [ Mark]
𝟐
𝟏
∴ |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗| = √(19)2 + (19)2 = √2 × (19)2 = 19√2 [ Mark]
𝟐

2. Find a unit vector perpendicular to each of the vector 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ and 𝑎 − 𝑏⃗, where

𝑎 = 3𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 2𝑘̂ [2 Marks]

Solution:
We have,

𝑎 = 3𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ − 2𝑘̂

∴ 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ = 4𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂, 𝑎 − 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ + 4𝑘̂

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) × (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) = |4 4 0 | = 𝑖̂(16) − 𝑗̂(16) + 𝑘̂ (−8) = 16𝑖̂ − 16𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂
2 0 4
∴ |(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) × (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗)| = √162 + (−16)2 + (−8)2

= √22 × 82 + 22 × 82 + 82

= 8√22 + 22 + 1 = 8√9 = 8 × 3 = 24 [1 Mark]

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Hence, the unit vector perpendicular to each of the vectors 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ and 𝑎 − 𝑏⃗, is given by the
relation,

(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) × (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) 16𝑖̂ − 16𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂

=± =±
|(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) × (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗)| 24
̂
2𝑖̂−2𝑗̂ −𝑘 2 2 1
=± 3
= ± 3 𝑖̂ ∓ 3 𝑗̂ ∓ 3 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

𝜋 𝜋
3. If a unit vector 𝑎 makes an with 𝑖, angle with 𝑗̂ and an acute angle 𝜃 with 𝑘̂, then find 𝜃 and
3 4
hence, the compounds of 𝑎. [4 Marks]

Solution:
Let unit vector 𝑎 have (𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 ) components.

𝑎 = 𝑎1 𝑖̂ + 𝑎2 𝑗̂ + 𝑎3 𝑘̂
Since 𝑎 is a unit vector,|𝑎| = 1.
𝜋 𝜋
Also, it is given that 𝑎 makes angles 3 with 𝑖, 4 with 𝑗̂ and an acute angle 𝜃 with 𝑘̂. Then, we
have:
𝜋 𝑎1
cos =
3 |𝑎|
1 𝟏
⇒ 2 = 𝑎1 [|𝑎| = 1] [𝟐 Mark]
𝜋 𝑎2
cos =
4 |𝑎|
1 𝟏
⇒ = 𝑎2 [|𝑎| = 1] [𝟐 Mark]
√2
𝑎
Also, cos𝜃 = |𝑎⃗3|.
𝟏
⇒ 𝑎3 = cos𝜃 [𝟐 Mark]

Now,
|𝑎| = 1
𝟏
⇒ √𝑎12 + 𝑎22 + 𝑎32 = 1 [ Mark]
𝟐

1 2 1 2
⇒ ( ) + ( ) + cos2 𝜃 = 1
2 √2

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1 1
⇒ + + cos2 𝜃 = 1
4 2
3
⇒ + cos2 𝜃 = 1
4
3 1
⇒ cos2 𝜃 = 1 − =
4 4
1 𝜋
⇒ cos𝜃 = ⇒𝜃=
2 3
𝜋 1
∴ 𝑎3 = cos =
3 2
𝜋 1 1 1
Hence, 𝜃 = 3 and the components of 𝑎 are (2 , , ). [2 Marks]
√2 2

4. Show that

(𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) × (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) = 2(𝑎 × 𝑏⃗) [1 Mark]

Solution:

(𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) × (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗)
𝟏
= (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) × 𝑎 + (𝑎 − 𝑏⃗) × 𝑏⃗ [By distributive of vector product over addition] [𝟐 Mark]

= 𝑎 × 𝑎 − 𝑏⃗ × 𝑎 + 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ − 𝑏⃗ × 𝑏⃗ [Again, by distributivity of vector product over addition]

= ⃗0 + 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ + 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ − ⃗0
𝟏
= 2𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ [ Mark]
𝟐

5. Find 𝜆 and 𝜇 if (2𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ + 27𝑘̂) × (𝑖̂ + 𝜆𝑗̂ + 𝜇𝑘̂ ) = 0

⃗. [2 Marks]

Solution:

(2𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ + 27𝑘̂ ) × (𝑖̂ + 𝜆𝑗̂ + 𝜇𝑘̂ ) = ⃗0

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𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
⇒ |2 6 27| = 0𝑖̂ + 0𝑗̂ + 0𝑘̂
1 𝜆 𝜇

⇒ 𝑖̂(6𝜇 − 27𝜆) − 𝑗̂(2𝜇 − 27) + 𝑘̂ (2𝜆 − 6) = 0𝑖̂ + 0𝑗̂ + 0𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

On comparing the corresponding components, we have:
6𝜇 − 27𝜆 = 0
2𝜇 − 27 = 0
2𝜆 − 6 = 0
Now,
2𝜆 − 6 = 0 ⇒ 𝜆 = 3
27
2𝜇 − 27 = 0 ⇒ 𝜇 =
2
27
Hence 𝜆 = 3 and 𝜇 = 2
. [1 Mark]

6. Given that 𝑎 ∙ 𝑏⃗ = 0 and 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = 0

⃗.

What can you conclude about the vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗? [1 Mark]

Solution:

𝑎 ∙ 𝑏⃗ = 0
Then,

(i) Either |𝑎| = 0 or |𝑏⃗| = 0, or 𝑎 ⊥ 𝑏⃗ (in case 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are non-zero)

𝟏
(ii) Either |𝑎| = 0 or |𝑏⃗| = 0, or 𝑎 ∥ 𝑏⃗ (in case 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are non-zero) [𝟐 Mark]

But, 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ cannot be perpendicular and parallel simultaneously.

𝟏
Hence, |𝑎| = 0 or |𝑏⃗| = 0 [ Mark]
𝟐

7. Let the vectors 𝑎, 𝑏⃗, 𝑐 given as 𝑎1 𝑖̂ + 𝑎2 𝑗̂ + 𝑎3 𝑘̂ , 𝑏1 𝑖̂ + 𝑏2 𝑗̂ + 𝑏3 𝑘̂, 𝑐1 𝑖̂ + 𝑐2 𝑗̂ + 𝑐3 𝑘̂

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Then show that = 𝑎 × (𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) = 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ + 𝑎 × 𝑐 [4 Marks]

Solution:
We have,

𝑎 = 𝑎1 𝑖̂ + 𝑎2 𝑗̂ + 𝑎3 𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = 𝑏1 𝑖̂ + 𝑏2 𝑗̂ + 𝑏3 𝑘̂, 𝑐 = 𝑐1 𝑖̂ + 𝑐2 𝑗̂ + 𝑐3 𝑘̂

(𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) = (𝑏1 + 𝑐1 )𝑖̂ + (𝑏2 + 𝑐2 )𝑗̂ + (𝑏3 + 𝑐3 )𝑘̂

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
Now, 𝑎 × (𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) |𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 |
𝑏1 + 𝑐1 𝑏2 + 𝑐2 𝑏3 + 𝑐3
= 𝑖̂[𝑎2 (𝑏3 + 𝑐3 ) − 𝑎3 (𝑏2 + 𝑐2 )] − 𝑗̂[𝑎1 (𝑏3 + 𝑐3 ) − 𝑎3 (𝑏1 + 𝑐1 )]
+ 𝑘̂ [𝑎1 (𝑏2 + 𝑐2 ) − 𝑎2 (𝑏1 + 𝑐1 )]

= 𝑖̂[𝑎2 𝑏3 + 𝑎2 𝑐3 − 𝑎3 𝑏2 − 𝑎3 𝑐2 ] + 𝑗̂[−𝑎1 𝑏3 − 𝑎3 𝑐3 + 𝑎3 𝑏1 + 𝑎3 𝑐1 ] + 𝑘̂ [𝑎1 𝑏2 + 𝑎1 𝑐2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1 −

𝑎2 𝑐1 ] . . . (1) [1 Mark]

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 |
𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3

= 𝑖̂[𝑎2 𝑏3 − 𝑎3 𝑏2 ] + 𝑗̂[𝑏1 𝑎3 − 𝑎1 𝑏3 ] + 𝑘̂ [𝑎1 𝑏2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1 ] . . . (2) [1 Mark]

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
𝑎 × 𝑐 = |𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 |
𝑐1 𝑐2 𝑐3

= 𝑖̂[𝑎2 𝑐3 − 𝑎3 𝑐2 ] + 𝑗̂[𝑎3 𝑐1 − 𝑎1 𝑐3 ] + 𝑘̂ [𝑎1 𝑐2 − 𝑎2 𝑐1 ] . . . (3) [1 Mark]

On adding (2) and (3), we get:

(𝑎 × 𝑏⃗) + (𝑎 × 𝑐)
= 𝑖̂[𝑎2 𝑏3 + 𝑎2 𝑐3 − 𝑎3 𝑏2 − 𝑎3 𝑐2 ] + 𝑗̂[𝑏1 𝑎3 + 𝑎3 𝑐1 − 𝑎1 𝑏3 − 𝑎1 𝑐3 ]
+ 𝑘̂ [𝑎1 𝑏2 + 𝑎1 𝑐2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1 − 𝑎2 𝑐1 ] . . . (4)

Now, from (1) and (4), we have:

𝑎 × (𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) = 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ + 𝑎 × 𝑐

Hence, the given result is proved. [1 Mark]

⃗ or 𝑏⃗ = 0
8. If either 𝑎 = 0 ⃗ , then 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = 0
⃗.

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Is the converse true? Justify your Answer with an example. [2 Marks]

Solution:

Take any parallel non-zero vectors so that 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = 0

⃗.

Let 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = 4𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ + 8𝑘̂

Then,

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = |2 3 4 | = 𝑖̂(24 − 24) − 𝑗̂(16 − 16) + 𝑘̂ (12 − 12) = 0𝑖̂ + 0𝑗̂ + 0𝑘̂ = ⃗0
4 6 8
It can now be observed that:

|𝑎| = √22 + 32 + 42 = √29 [1 Mark]

∴ 𝑎 ≠ ⃗0

|𝑏⃗| = √42 + 62 + 82 = √116

∴ 𝑏⃗ ≠ ⃗0
Hence, the converse of the given statement need not be true. [1 Mark]

9. Find the area of the triangle with vertices 𝐴(1,1,2), 𝐵(2,3,5) and 𝐶(1,5,5). [2 Marks]

Solution:
The vertices of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 are given as 𝐴(1,1,2), 𝐵(2,3,5) and 𝐶(1,5,5).

The adjacent sides ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝐴𝐵 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 of Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 are given as:

AB = (2 − 1)𝑖̂ + (3 − 1)𝑗̂ + (5 − 2)𝑘̂ = 𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (1 − 2)𝑖̂ + (5 − 3)𝑗̂ + (5 − 5)𝑘̂ = −𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂

BC [1 Mark]
1
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Area of ΔABC = 2 |AB BC|

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB × BC = |1 2 3 | = 𝑖̂(−6) − 𝑗̂(3) + 𝑘̂ (2 + 2) = −6𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂
−1 2 0
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∴ |𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐶 | = √(−6)2 + (−3)2 + 42 = √36 + 9 + 16 = √61 [1 Mark]
√61
Hence, the area of Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶 is 2
square units.

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10. Find the area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are determined by the vector 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ −
𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 7𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂. [2 Marks]

Solution:

The area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ is |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗|.
Adjacent sides are given as:

𝑎 = 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 7𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
∴ 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = |1 −1 3 | = 𝑖̂(−1 + 21) − 𝑗̂(1 − 6) + 𝑘̂ (−7 + 2) = 20𝑖̂ + 5𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂[1 Mark]
2 −7 1
|𝑎 × 𝑏⃗| = √202 + 52 + 52 = √400 + 25 + 25 = 15√2

Hence, the area of the given parallelogram is 15√2 square units. [1 Mark]

√2
11. Let the vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ be such that |𝑎| = 3 and |𝑏⃗| = 3 , then 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ is a unit vector, if the
angle between 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ is [2 Marks]
𝜋
(A) 6
𝜋
(B) 4
𝜋
(C)
3
𝜋
(D) 2

Solution:
√2
It is given that |𝑎| = 3 and |𝑏⃗| = 3

We know that 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎||𝑏⃗|sin𝜃𝑛̂, where is a unit vector perpendicular to both 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ and 𝜃
is the angle between 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗.

Now, 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ is a unit vector if |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗| = 1

|𝑎 × 𝑏⃗| = 1

⇒ ||𝑎||𝑏⃗|𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃𝑛̂| = 1

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⇒ | ||𝑎||𝑏⃗|𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃| = 1

√2
⇒3× 3
× sin𝜃 = 1 [1 Mark]

1
⇒ sin𝜃 =
√2
𝜋
⇒𝜃=
4
𝜋
Hence, 𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ is a unit vector if the angle between 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ is 4 .

The correct Answer is B. [1 Mark]

1 1
12. Area of a rectangle having vertices 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, and 𝐷 with position vectors −𝑖̂ + 2 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ , 𝑖̂ + 2 𝑗̂ +
1 1
4𝑘̂ , 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ and −𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ respectively is
2 2
[2 Marks]
1
(A) 2

(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 4

Solution:
The position vectors of vertices 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, and 𝐷 of rectangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 are given as:
1 1 1 1
OA = −𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ , ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ OB = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ , ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OC = 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂ , ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OD = −𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂
2 2 2 2
The adjacent sides ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 of the given rectangle are given as:
1 1
AB = (1 + 1)𝑖̂ + ( − ) 𝑗̂ + (4 − 4)𝑘̂ = 2𝑖̂
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
2 2
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (1 − 1)𝑖̂ + (− 1 − 1) 𝑗̂ + (4 − 4)𝑘̂ = −𝑗̂
BC [1 Mark]
2 2

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐵𝐶
∴ 𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = |2 0 0 | = 𝑘̂ (−2) = −2𝑘̂
0 −1 0
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
|AB AC| = √(−2)2 = 2

Now, it is known that the area of a parallelogram whose adjacent sides are 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ is |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗|.

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⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Hence, the area of the given rectangle is |AB BC| = 2 square units.

The correct Answer is C. [1 Mark]

Miscellaneous exercise
1. Write down a unit vector in 𝑋𝑌-plane, making an angle of 30o with the positive direction of 𝑥-
axis. [1 Mark]

Solution:
If 𝑟 is a unit vector in the 𝑋𝑌-plane, then 𝑟 = cos 𝜃𝑗̂ + sin 𝜃𝑗̂.
Here, 𝜃 is the angle made by the unit vector with the positive direction of the 𝑥-axis.
𝟏
Therefore, for 𝜃 = 30o : [𝟐 Mark]

√3 1
𝑟 = cos30° 𝑖̂ + sin30° 𝑗̂ = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂
2 2
√3 1 𝟏
Hence, the required unit vector is = 2
𝑖̂ + 2 𝑗̂ [𝟐 Mark]

2. Find the scalar components and magnitude of the vector joining the points
P(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 ).and Q(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , 𝑧2 ). [2 Marks]

Solution:
The vector joining the points P(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 ).and Q(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , 𝑧2 )
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑃𝑄 =Position vector of 𝑄 −Position vector of 𝑃.

= (𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )𝑖̂ + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )𝑗̂ + (𝑧2 − 𝑧1 )𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2 + (𝑧2 − 𝑧1 )2
|PQ
Hence, the scalar components and the magnitude of the vector joining the given points are
respectively {(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ), (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 ), (𝑧2 − 𝑧1 )} and √(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 )2 + (𝑦2 − 𝑦1 )2 + (𝑧2 − 𝑧1 )2
[1 Mark]

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3. A girl walks 4 km towards west, then she walks 3 km in a direction 30o east of north and stops.
Determine the girl’s displacement from her initial point of departure. [2 Marks]

Solution:
Let 𝑂 and 𝐵 be the initial and final positions of the girl respectively.
Then, the girl’s position can be shown as:

Now, we have:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OA = −4𝑖̂
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑖̂|AB
AB ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |cos60° + 𝑗̂|AB
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |sin60°

1 √3
= 𝑖̂3 × + 𝑗̂3 ×
2 2
3 3√3
= 2 𝑖̂ + 2
𝑗̂ [1 Mark]

By the triangle law of vector addition, we have:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OB = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
OA + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB

3 3√3
= (−4𝑖̂) + ( 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂)
2 2

3 3√3
= (−4 + ) 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂
2 2
−8 + 3 3√3
=( ) 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂
2 2
−5 3√3
= 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂
2 2
Hence, the girl’s displacement from her initial point of departure is
−5 3√3
= 2
𝑖̂ + 2 𝑗̂. [1 Mark]

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4. If 𝑎 = 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐, then is it true that |𝑎| = |𝑏⃗| + |𝑐|? Justify your Answer. [2 Marks]

Solution:

In ΔABC, let CB ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑏⃗ and AB

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑎, CA ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑐 (as shown in the following figure)

Now, by the triangle law of vector addition, we have 𝑎 = 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐. [1 Mark]

It is clearly known that |𝑎|, |𝑏⃗| and |𝑐| represent the sides of Δ𝐴𝐵𝐶.
Also, it is known that the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is greater than the
third side.

∴ |𝑎| < |𝑏⃗| + |𝑐|

Hence, it is not true that |𝑎| = |𝑏⃗| + |𝑐|. [1 Mark]

5. Find the value of 𝑥 for which 𝑥(𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) is a unit vector. [1 Mark]

Solution:
𝑥(𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) is a unit vector if |𝑥(𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ )| = 1.
Now,

|𝑥(𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ )| = 1

⇒ √𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 + 𝑥 2 = 1

⇒ √3𝑥 2 = 1
𝟏
⇒ √3𝑥 = 1 [ Mark]
𝟐

1
⇒𝑥=±
√3
1 𝟏
Hence, the required value of 𝑥 is ± . [𝟐 Mark]
√3

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6. Find a vector of magnitude 5 units, and parallel to the resultant of the vectors 𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂
and 𝑏⃗ = 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ . [2 Marks]

Solution:
We have,

𝑎 = 2𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ and 𝑏⃗ = 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂

Let 𝑐 be the resultant of 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗.

Then,

𝑐 = 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ = (2 + 1)𝑖̂ + (3 − 2)𝑗̂ + (−1 + 1)𝑘̂ = 3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ [1 Mark]

∴ |𝑐| = √32 + 12 = √9 + 1 = √10

𝑐 (3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂)
∴ 𝑐̂ = =
|𝑐 | √10
Hence, the vector of magnitude 5 units and parallel to the resultant of vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ is
1 3√10𝑖 √10
±5 ⋅ 𝑐̂ = ±5 ⋅ (3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂) = ± ± 𝑗̂ [1 Mark]
√10 2 2

7. If 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂, find a unit vector parallel to the vector
2𝑎 − 𝑏⃗ + 3𝑐. [2 Marks]

Solution:
We have,

𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂

2𝑎 − 𝑏⃗ + 3𝑐 = 2(𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) − (2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ ) + 3(𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ )

= 2𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ − 2𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂ + 3𝑖̂ − 6𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂

= 3𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ [1 Mark]

|2𝑎 − 𝑏⃗ + 3𝑐| = √32 + (−3)2 + 22 = √9 + 9 + 4 = √22

Hence, the unit vector along 2𝑎 − 𝑏⃗ + 3𝑐 is

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⃗ +3𝑐
2𝑎⃗ −𝑏 ̂
3𝑖̂−3𝑗̂ +2𝑘 3 3 2
⃗ +3𝑐 |
= = 𝑖̂ − 22 𝑗̂ + 22 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]
|2𝑎⃗ −𝑏 √22 √22 √ √

8. Show that the points 𝐴(1, – 2, – 8), 𝐵(5,0, – 2) and 𝐶(11,3,7) are collinear, and find the ratio in
which 𝐵 divides 𝐴𝐶. [4 Marks]

Solution:
The given points are 𝐴(1, – 2, – 8), 𝐵(5,0, – 2) and 𝐶(11,3,7).

AB = (5 − 1)𝑖̂ + (0 + 2)𝑗̂ + (−2 + 8)𝑘̂ = 4𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 6𝑘̂

∴ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

BC = (11 − 5)𝑖̂ + (3 − 0)𝑗̂ + (7 + 2)𝑘̂ = 6𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 9𝑘̂

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (11 − 1)𝑖̂ + (3 + 2)𝑗̂ + (7 + 8)𝑘̂ = 10𝑖̂ + 5𝑗̂ + 15𝑘̂

AC [1 Mark]

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √42 + 22 + 62 = √16 + 4 + 36 = √56 = 2√14

|AB

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √62 + 32 + 92 = √36 + 9 + 81 = √126 = 3√14

|BC

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = √102 + 52 + 152 = √100 + 25 + 225 = √350 = 5√14

|AC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = |AB
∴ |AC ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | + |BC
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | [1 Mark]
Thus, the given points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 are collinear.
Now, let point 𝐵 divide 𝐴𝐶 in the ratio 𝜆: 1. Then, we have:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝜆OC OA
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ =
OB
(𝜆 + 1)
𝜆(11𝑖̂ + 3𝑗̂ + 7𝑘̂ ) + (𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂ )
⇒ 5𝑖̂ − 2𝑘̂ =
𝜆+1
⇒ (𝜆 + 1)(5𝑖̂ − 2𝑘̂ ) = 11𝜆𝑖̂ + 3𝜆𝑗̂ + 7𝜆𝑘̂ + 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ − 8𝑘̂

⇒ 5(𝜆 + 1)𝑖̂ − 2(𝜆 + 1)𝑘̂ = (11𝜆 + 1)𝑖̂ + (3𝜆 − 2)𝑗̂ + (7𝜆 − 8)𝑘̂ [1 Mark]
On equating the corresponding components, we get:
5(𝜆 + 1) = 11𝜆 + 1
⇒ 5𝜆 + 5 = 11𝜆 + 1
⇒ 6𝜆 = 4
4 2
⇒𝜆= =
6 3

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Hence, point 𝐵 divides 𝐴𝐶 in the ratio 2: 3. [1 Mark]

9. Find the position vector of a point 𝑅 which divides the line joining two points 𝑃 and 𝑄 whose
position vectors are (2𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) and (𝑎 − 3𝑏⃗) externally in the ratio 1: 2. Also, show that 𝑃 is the
mid point of the line segment 𝑅𝑄. [2 Marks]

Solution:

OP = 2𝑎 + 𝑏⃗, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
It is given that ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ OQ = 𝑎 − 3𝑏⃗.
It is given that point 𝑅 divides a line segment joining two points 𝑃 and 𝑄 externally in the ratio
1: 2. Then, on using the section formula, we get:
⃗ ⃗ ⃗ ⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 2(2𝑎⃗+𝑏)−(𝑎⃗−3𝑏) = 4𝑎⃗+2𝑏−𝑎⃗+3𝑏 = 3𝑎 + 5𝑏⃗
OR [1 Mark]
2−1 1

Therefore, the position vector of point 𝑅 is 3𝑎 + 5𝑏⃗

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ +OR
OQ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Position vector of the mid-point of RQ = 2

(𝑎 − 3𝑏⃗) + (3𝑎 + 5𝑏⃗)

=
2
= 2𝑎 + 𝑏⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
= OP
Hence, 𝑃 is the mid-point of the line segment 𝑅𝑄. [1 Mark]

10. The two adjacent sides of a parallelogram are 2𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂ and 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂.
Find the unit vector parallel to its diagonal. Also, find its area. [2 Marks]

Solution:
Adjacent sides of a parallelogram are given as: 2𝑖̂ − 4𝑗̂ + 5𝑘̂ and 𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ − 3𝑘̂

Then, the diagonal of a parallelogram is given by 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗

𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ = (2 + 1)𝑖̂ + (−4 − 2)𝑗̂ + (5 − 3)𝑘̂ = 3𝑖̂ − 6𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂

Thus, the unit vector parallel to the diagonal is

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⃗
𝑎⃗ +𝑏 ̂
3𝑖̂−6𝑗̂ +2𝑘 ̂
3𝑖̂−6𝑗̂ +2𝑘 ̂
3𝑖̂−6𝑗̂ +2𝑘 3 6 2
⃗|
= = = = 7 𝑖̂ − 7 𝑗̂ + 7 𝑘̂ [1 Mark]
|𝑎⃗ +𝑏 √32 +(−6)2 +22 √9+36+4 7

∴ Area of parallelogram ABCD = |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗|

𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
𝑎 × 𝑏⃗ = |2 −4 5 |
1 −2 −3
= 𝑖̂(12 + 10) − 𝑗̂(−6 − 5) + 𝑘̂ (−4 + 4)
= 22𝑖̂ + 11𝑗̂
= 11(2𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂)

∴ |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗| = 11√22 + 12 = 11√5

Hence, the area of the parallelogram is 11√5 square units. [1 Mark]

11. Show that the direction cosines of a vector equally inclined to the axes 𝑂𝑋, 𝑂𝑌 and 𝑂𝑍 are
1 1 1
, , .
3 3 3
[1 Mark]
√ √ √

Solution:
Let a vector be equally inclined to axes 𝑂𝑋, 𝑂𝑌 and 𝑂𝑍 at angle 𝛼.
Then, the direction cosines of the vector are 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼, 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼 and 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝛼.
Now,
cos2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼 + cos2 𝛼 = 1
⇒ 3cos2 𝛼 = 1
1 𝟏
⇒ cos𝛼 = [𝟐 Mark]
√3

Hence, the direction cosines of the vector

1 1 1 𝟏
which are equally inclined to the axes are , , . [𝟐 Mark]
√3 √3 √3

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12. Let 𝑎 = 𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ + 2𝑘̂ , 𝑏⃗ = 3𝑖̂ − 2𝑗̂ + 7𝑘̂ and 𝑐 = 2𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ + 4𝑘̂. Find a vector 𝑎 which is
perpendicular to both 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗, and 𝑐. 𝑑 = 15. [2 Marks]

Solution:

Let 𝑑 = 𝑑1 𝑖̂ + 𝑑2 𝑗̂ + 𝑑3 𝑘̂.

Since 𝑑 is perpendicular to both 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗

𝑑∙𝑎 =0
⇒ 𝑑1 + 4𝑑2 + 2𝑑3 = 0 . . . (𝑖)
And,

𝑑 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 0
⇒ 3𝑑1 − 2𝑑2 + 7𝑑3 = 0 . . . (𝑖𝑖) [1 Mark]
Also, it is given that:

𝑐 ⋅ 𝑑 = 15
⇒ 2𝑑1 − 𝑑2 + 4𝑑3 = 15 (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
On solving (𝑖), (𝑖𝑖) and (𝑖𝑖𝑖) we get:
160 5 70
𝑑1 = 3
, 𝑑2 = − 3 and 𝑑3 = − 3

160 5 70 1
∴𝑑= 𝑖̂ − 𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂ = (160𝑖̂ − 5𝑗̂ − 70̂𝑘̂ )
3 3 3 3
1
Hence, the required vector is (160𝑖̂ − 5𝑗̂ − 70𝑘̂ ). [1 Mark]
3

13. The scalar product of the vector 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ with a unit vector along the sum of vectors 2𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ −
5𝑘̂ and 𝜆𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ is equal to one. Find the value of 𝜆. [2 Marks]

Solution:
(2𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂ ) + (𝜆𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ )

= (2 + 𝜆)𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ − 2𝑘̂

Therefore, unit vector along (2𝑖̂ + 4𝑗̂ − 5𝑘̂ ) + (𝜆𝑖̂ + 2𝑗̂ + 3𝑘̂ ) is given as:
̂
(2+𝜆)𝑖̂+6𝑗̂ −2𝑘 ̂
(2+𝜆)𝑖̂+6𝑗̂ −2𝑘 ̂
(2+𝜆)𝑖̂+6𝑗̂ −2𝑘
= = [1 Mark]
√(2+𝜆)2 +62 +(−2)2 √4+4𝜆+𝜆2 +36+4 √𝜆2 +4𝜆+44

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Scalar product of (𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) with this unit vector is 1.

(2 + 𝜆)𝑖̂ + 6𝑗̂ − 2𝑘̂

⇒ (𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂ ) ⋅ =1
√𝜆2 + 4𝜆 + 44
(2 + 𝜆) + 6 − 2
⇒ =1
√𝜆2 + 4𝜆 + 44

⇒ √𝜆2 + 4𝜆 + 44 = 𝜆 + 6
⇒ 𝜆2 + 4𝜆 + 44 = (𝜆 + 6)2
⇒ 𝜆2 + 4𝜆 + 44 = 𝜆2 + 12𝜆 + 36
⇒ 8𝜆 = 8
⇒𝜆=1
Hence, the value of 𝜆 is 1. [1 Mark]

14. If 𝑎, 𝑏⃗, 𝑐 are mutually perpendicular vectors of equal magnitudes, show that the vector 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ +
𝑐 is equally inclined to 𝑎, 𝑏⃗ and 𝑐. [4 Marks]

Solution:

Since 𝑎, 𝑏⃗ and 𝑐 are mutually perpendicular vectors, we have 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 = 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎 = 0. It is given

that:|𝑎| = |𝑏⃗| = |𝑐|.
𝟏
Let vector 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐 be inclined to 𝑎, 𝑏⃗ and 𝑐 at angles 𝜃1 , 𝜃2 and 𝜃3 respectively. [𝟐 Mark]

Then, we have:

(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) ⋅ 𝑎 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑎 + 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎
cos𝜃1 = =
|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐||𝑎| |𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐||𝑎|
|𝑎|2
= [𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑎 = 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎 = 0]
|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐||𝑎|
|𝑎⃗ |2
= ⃗ +𝑐 |
[1 Mark]
|𝑎⃗ +𝑏

(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) ⋅ 𝑏⃗ 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑏⃗
cos𝜃2 = =
|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐||𝑏⃗| |𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐| ⋅ |𝑏⃗|
2
|𝑏⃗|
= [𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 0]
|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐| ⋅ |𝑏⃗|

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2
⃗|
|𝑏
= [1 Mark]
|𝑎 ⃗ +𝑐 |
⃗ +𝑏

(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) ⋅ 𝑐 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑐 + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 + 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑐
cos𝜃3 = =
|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐||𝑐| |𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐 ||𝑐|
|𝑐|2
= [𝑎 ⋅ 𝑐 = 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑐 = 0]
|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐||𝑐|
|𝑐 |2
= ⃗ +𝑐 |
[1 Mark]
|𝑎⃗ +𝑏

Now, as |𝑎| = |𝑏⃗| = |𝑐|, cos𝜃1 = cos𝜃2 = cos𝜃3

∴ 𝜃1 = 𝜃2 = 𝜃3
𝟏
Hence, the vector (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ + 𝑐) is equally inclined to 𝑎, 𝑏⃗ and 𝑐. [ Mark]
𝟐

2
15. Prove that (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) ⋅ (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) = |𝑎|2 + |𝑏⃗| ,if and only if 𝑎, 𝑏⃗ are perpendicular, given 𝑎 ≠ 0
⃗ , 𝑏⃗ ≠
⃗.
0 [2 Marks]

Solution:
2
(𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) ⋅ (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) = |𝑎|2 + |𝑏⃗|
2
⇔ 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑎 + 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎|2 + |𝑏⃗| [Distributivity of scalar products over addition]
2 2
⇔ |𝑎|2 + 2𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + |𝑏⃗| = |𝑎|2 + |𝑏⃗| [𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑎 (Scalar product is commutative)][1 Mark]

⇔ 2𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 0

⇔ 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = 0

∴ 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are perpendicular. [𝑎 ≠ 0

⃗ , 𝑏⃗ ≠ 0
⃗ (Given)] [1 Mark]

16. If 𝜃 is the angle between two vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗, then 𝑎. 𝑏⃗ ≥ 0 only when [1 Mark]
𝜋
(A) 0 < 𝜃 < 2
𝜋
(B) 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2

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(C) 0 < 𝜃 < 𝜋

(D) 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 𝜋

Solution:

Let 𝜃 be the angle between two vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗.

Then, without loss of generality, 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are non-zero vectors so that. |𝑎| and |𝑏⃗| are positive.

It is known that 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ = |𝑎||𝑏⃗|cos𝜃

∴ 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ ≥ 0

⇒ |𝑎||𝑏⃗|cos𝜃 ≥ 0
𝟏
⇒ cos𝜃 ≥ 0 [|𝑎|and|𝑏⃗|arepositive] [ Mark]
𝟐
𝜋
⇒0≤𝜃≤
2
𝜋
Hence, 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ ≥ 0 when 0 ≤ 𝜃 ≤ 2 .
𝟏
The correct Answer is B. [ Mark]
𝟐

17. Let 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ be two unit vectors and 𝜃 is the angle between them. Then 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ is a unit vector if
[2 Marks]
𝜋
(A) 𝜃 = 4
𝜋
(B) 𝜃 = 3
𝜋
(C) 𝜃 = 2
2𝜋
(D) 𝜃 = 3

Solution:

Let 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ be two unit vectors and 𝜃 be the angle between them.

Then,|𝑎| = |𝑏⃗| = 1.

Now, 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ is a unit vector if |𝑎 + 𝑏⃗| = 1.

|𝑎 + 𝑏⃗| = 1

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2
⇒ (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) = 1

⇒ (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) ⋅ (𝑎 + 𝑏⃗) = 1
𝟏
⇒ 𝑎 ⋅ 𝑎 + 𝑎𝑏⃗ + 𝑏⃗ ⋅ 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗𝑏⃗ = 1 [𝟐 Mark]
2
⇒ |𝑎|2 + 2𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗ + |𝑏⃗| = 1

⇒ 12 + 2|𝑎||𝑏⃗|cos𝜃 + 12 = 1
𝟏
⇒ 1 + 2.1.1cos𝜃 + 1 = 1 [𝟐 Mark]
1
⇒ cos𝜃 = −
2
2𝜋 𝟏
⇒𝜃= [ Mark]
3 𝟐
2𝜋
Hence, 𝑎 + 𝑏⃗ is a unit vector if 𝜃 =
3
𝟏
The correct Answer is D. [𝟐 Mark]

18. The value of 𝑖̂. (𝑗̂ × 𝑘̂ ) + 𝑗̂. (𝑖̂ × 𝑘̂ ) + 𝑘̂ . (𝑖̂ × 𝑗̂) is [2 Marks]
(A) 0

(B) – 1
(C) 1
(D) 3

Solution:
𝑖̂. (𝑗̂ × 𝑘̂ ) + 𝑗̂. (𝑖̂ × 𝑘̂ ) + 𝑘̂ . (𝑖̂ × 𝑗̂)

= 𝑖̂ ⋅ 𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ ⋅ (−𝑗̂) + 𝑘̂ ⋅ 𝑘̂
𝟏
= 1 − 𝑗̂ ⋅ 𝑗̂ + 1 [𝟐 Mark]

=1−1+1
𝟏
=1 [𝟐 Mark]

The correct Answer is C.

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19. If 𝜃 is the angle between any two vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗, then |𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗| = |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗|

when 𝜃 is equal to [1 Mark]

(A) 0
𝜋
(B) 4
𝜋
(C)
2

(D) 𝜋

Solution:

Let 𝜃 be the angle between two vectors 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗.

Then, without loss of generality, 𝑎 and 𝑏⃗ are non-zero vectors, so that |𝑎| and |𝑏⃗| are positive.

|𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗| = |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗|

⇒ |𝑎||𝑏⃗|cos𝜃 = |𝑎||𝑏⃗|sin𝜃

⇒ cos𝜃 = sin𝜃 [|𝑎|and|𝑏⃗|arepositive]

𝟏
⇒ tan𝜃 = 1 [𝟐 Mark]
𝜋
⇒𝜃=
4
𝜋
Hence, |𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗| = |𝑎 × 𝑏⃗| when 𝜃 is equal to 4
𝟏
The correct Answer is B. [ Mark]
𝟐

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