Vectors

This picture shows a sign post erected along one of the streets in
South Africa. Each panel provides two pieces of information, the
direction and the distance, of a place from the post. The two pieces
of information together give us an idea of what a vector is. From the
picture, how far is Singapore from the sign post?
 Five

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
• use vector notations,
• represent vectors as directed line segments,
• represent vectors in column vector form,
• add and subtract vectors,
• multiply a vector by a scalar,
• express a vector in terms of two non-zero and non-parallel coplanar vectors,
• express a vector in terms of position vectors,
• express translation by a vector,
• solve geometric problems involving the use of vectors.
 5.1 Vectors in Two
Dimensions

Scalars and Vectors

Class
Discussion
Scalar and Vector Quantities
Discuss in pairs.
Amirah walks 100 metres due North from point P, as shown in Fig. 5.1.
Nora also walks 100 metres from point P, but due East.
(end)
Amirah

100 km

P
(start)
Fig. 5.1
1. On Fig. 5.1, draw the route taken by Nora.
2. Although both Amirah and Nora walk the same distance of 100 metres each, do
they end up at the same point? Why or why not?
3. In the real world, distance is not enough to describe motion. What else do you need?

From the class discussion, we realise that there are two types of quantities.
The first type of quantity is called a scalar, which is a quantity with a magnitude
only. For example, distance is a scalar. In the class discussion above, the distance
covered by both Amirah and Nora is 100 metres (magnitude).
The second type of quantity is called a vector, which is a quantity with both a
magnitude and a direction. For example, displacement is a vector. In the class
discussion above, the displacement of Amirah from P is 100 metres (magnitude) in
the North direction.

Thinking
Time
Another real world example of a scalar is speed (e.g. 50 km/h), while another example
of a vector is velocity (e.g. 50 km/h southwards).
Can you think of other examples of scalars and vectors?

165 Chapter 5 Vectors

Representation of Vectors
A vector can be represented by a directed line segment, where the direction
of the line segment is that of the vector, and the length of the line segment
represents the magnitude of the vector.
Fig. 5.2 shows some examples of vectors.

N Y

P Q (Nora) X
100 m
(a) (b)
Fig. 5.2
→
In Fig. 5.2(a), the displacement vector is denoted by PQ , where P is the starting
or initial point, and Q is the ending or terminal point. The magnitude of PQ is
→ →
denoted by |PQ |. In this case, |PQ | = 100 m.
→
In Fig. 5.2(b), another way to denote the vector XY is a, and its magnitude is |a|.
When we write, we cannot bold the letter 'a', so we write it as a~ and |a~ |.

Vectors on Cartesian Plane

Fig. 5.3 shows two vectors lying on a Cartesian plane.
y

8 2 units
7 R
Q
6
5
3 units
4 –6 units
3 P
4 units
2
1
S
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Fig. 5.3
We can move P to Q by moving 4 units in the positive x-direction and 3 units
→
in the positive y-direction, so another way to describe the vector PQ is to use a
column vector, i.e.
→  4
PQ =   ,
 3
where the first entry 4 in the column matrix represents the number of units in
the x-direction and the second entry 3 represents the number of units in the
 4
y-direction. 4 and 3 are called the components of the vector   , where 4 is
 3
the x-component and 3 is the y-component.
Vectors Chapter 5 166
 →  2   2   1 
Similarly, RS =   . Is   equal to   ? Explain.
 −6   −6   −3 
→
To find the magnitude of PQ , we can use Pythagoras’ Theorem to find the length
of the line segment PQ, i.e.
→
|PQ | = 42 + 32 = 5 units.
→
What is the magnitude of RS ?

 x
In general, the magnitude of a column vector a =  y  is given by
 

|a| = x2 + y2 .

 x
In particular, the magnitude of a horizontal vector b =   is |b| = x and the
 0
 0
magnitude of a vertical vector c =  y  is |c| = y.
 

PRACTISE NOW SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

Express each of the vectors in the diagram as a column vector and find its magnitude. Exercise 5A Questions 1(a)-(e),
5, 10
y

8
7
B
6 c
f
5
4
D E
3
2 A
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

167 Chapter 5 Vectors

 Equal Vectors

Class
Discussion
Equal Vectors
Discuss in pairs. You may need to measure the length of the vectors.
Fig. 5.4 shows 5 vectors a, b, c, d and e.

a b c d
e

Fig. 5.4
1. Compare vector a with each of the vectors b, c, d and e respectively.
What is similar and different between vector a and each of the other vectors?
2. Compare the x and y components of the vectors a and b. What do you observe?

In summary, a, b, c and e have the same or opposite direction. We say that the
AT
vectors are parallel. In particular, TE
NTI
ON

• a and b have the same magnitude and direction. We say that the two vectors are ‘Opposite direction’ is not the same
equal and we write a = b. as ‘different directions’. In the class
discussion above, a and c are in
• a and c have the same magnitude but opposite in direction. c is called the opposite direction but a and d
have different directions.
negative of vector a and we write a = – c.

• a and e have different magnitudes but the same direction. We will learn more
about these vectors in Section 5.4.

Furthermore, the x and y components of two equal vectors a and b are equal.
∴ For equal vectors represented in column vector form,

 p  r
  =   if and only if p = r and q = s.
 q   s

Vectors Chapter 5 168

Worked
1
(Drawing a Vector on a Cartesian Plane)

Example On the 1 unit by 1 unit square grid below, draw the

 2   −4 
column vector   and  . P
 −3   5  So roblem
lvin
g T
ip

Solution:  2 
For   , choose any starting
y  −3 
point. Move 2 units in the positive
x-direction, and 3 units in the
10 negative y-direction to the ending
9 point. Join the starting and ending
points with a directed line segment.
8 Since the y-component of the
column vector is negative, the
7 starting point should be higher.
+2 5
6
5 INF
OR
−3 MA
TIO N
4
−4 Note that different students will
3 draw the column vectors using
different starting points but the
2 vectors are equal if the x and y
components are equal in magnitude
1
and direction.
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

PRACTISE NOW 1 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

Exercise 5A Questions 2(a)-(e),

Draw the following column vectors on the square grid provided in Worked
6(a)-(f), 11
Example 1.
 4   −2   4.5   0
(i)   (ii)   (iii)   (iv) Negative of  
 −6   3   0   1

Thinking
Time
 4   2 
(a) Is the vector   in (i) equal to the vector   in Worked Example 1?
 −6   −3 
Are there any similarities and differences? Compare their magnitude and
direction and describe the relationship between the two vectors.
 −2   2 
(b) Is the vector   in (ii) equal to the vector   in Worked Example 1?
 3   −3 
Are there any similarities and differences? Compare their magnitude and
direction and describe the relationship between the two vectors.

169 Chapter 5 Vectors

Worked
2
(Magnitude and Direction of Two Vectors)
 x−2
Example Two column vectors a and b are such that a =  
 3− y 
 4− x 
and b =  .
 y−6
(a) If a = b,
(i) find the value of x and of y,
(ii) write down the negative of a as a column vector,
13
(iii) show that |a| = |b| = .
4
(b) If |a| = |b|,
(i) express y in terms of x,
(ii) explain why a may not be equal to b.

Solution:
 x−2  4− x 
(a) (i) Since   =   , then
 3− y   y−6
x – 2 = 4 – x and 3–y=y–6
2x = 6 2y = 9
1
x = 3 y = 4
2
1
∴ x = 3 and y = 4
2

 x−2
(ii) a =  
 3− y 
 3− 2 
=  1

3 − 4
 2 
 1 
=  1
 −1 
 2 

Negative of a = –a

 1 
= − 1 
 −1 
 2 

 −1 
=  1
1 
 2 

Vectors Chapter 5 170

 2
 1
(iii) |a| = 12 +  −1 
 2
2
 3
= 12 +  − 
 2

9
= 1+
4

13
=
4

 4− x   1  2
 1
b=   =  1  , so |b| = 2
1 +  −1 
 y−6  −1 
 2   2
13
=
4
13
∴ |a| = |b| = (shown)
4

(b) (i) |a| = |b|

AT
(x − 2 ) + ( 3 − y )2 = ( 4 − x )2 + (y − 6 )2
2
TE
NTI
ON
x2 – 4x + 4 + 9 – 6y + y2 = 16 – 8x + x2 + y2 – 12y + 36 (squaring both sides)
For (b)(i), if x = 3, then
x2 – 4x + 4 + 9 – 6y + y2 = 16 – 8x + x2 + y2 – 12y + 36 39 − 4( 3) 1
y= = 4 , which is the
–4x + 13 – 6y = –8x – 12y + 52 6 2
value of x and of y in (a)(i). For
6y = –4x + 39 this special case, a = b. For other
values of x and y, a ≠ b.
39 − 4 x
y =
6

a may not be equal to b because only their magnitudes are equal but they
(ii)
may have different directions.

PRACTISE NOW 2 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

Exercise 5A Questions 3, 7-8, 12

 x+2  10 − x 
Two column vectors a and b are such that a =   and b =  .
 4− y  y−5 
(a) If a = b,
(i) find the value of x and of y,
(ii) write down the negative of a as a column vector,
145
(iii) show that |a| = |b| = .
4
(b) If |a| = |b|,
(i) express y in terms of x,
(ii) explain why a may not be equal to b.

171 Chapter 5 Vectors

Worked
Example 3 (Vectors in a Parallelogram)
The figure below shows the positions of the points P, A
→  3
and B where AB =   .
 1

B
A

→
(i) Express PB as a column vector.
(ii) Q is a point such that ABQP is a parallelogram.
→
Express BQ as a column vector.
(iii) R is a point such that ABPR is a parallelogram.
→
Express PR as a column vector.
→ →
(iv) Do the two vectors PQ and PR have the same
→ →
magnitude? Is PQ = PR ? Why or why not?

Solution: P
So roblem
lvin
g T
ip
Q
P In (ii), ABQP is a parallelogram
means that the vertices must be
2
in this order:
R −3 A → B → Q → P.
To draw the parallelogram
ABQP, we note that PQ = AB and
→ →
B PQ // AB, i.e. PQ = AB .

A
P
So roblem
lvin
g T
ip
From the above diagram,
Alternatively, for (ii),
→  2 →  1 →  −3 
(i) PB =   (ii) BQ =   (iii) PR =   → →  1
 −3   4   −1  BQ = AP =   .
 4
→ → → → → →  3
(iv) PQ and PR have the same magnitude but PQ ≠ PR because they do not have the For (iii), PR = – AB = −  
 1
same direction.  −3 
= .
 −1 

Vectors Chapter 5 172

 PRACTISE NOW 3 SIMILAR
QUESTIONS

→  4
The figure below shows the positions of the points P, A and B where AB =  . Exercise 5A Questions 4, 9, 13
 1

B
A

→
(i) Express PB as a column vector.
→
(ii) Q is a point such that ABQP is a parallelogram. Express BQ as a column vector.
→
(iii) R is a point such that ABPR is a parallelogram. Express PR as a column vector.
→ → → →
(iv) Do the two vectors PQ and PR have the same magnitude? Is PQ = PR ? Why or
why not?

Exercise
5A

1. Find the magnitude of each of the following 2. Write down the negative of each of the following
vectors. vectors.
 3  −5   12   −2 
(a)
  (b)   (a)
  (b)
 
 4  12   −7   0 
 0   4  −3 
 −7 
(c) (d)  1  (c)
  (d)  
   8   −1.2 
 −2 
 −6 
 2   0 
 8 
(e) 
(e)
   31 
 0  4 

173 Chapter 5 Vectors

  a  −2 
3. If p =   , q =   and p = q, find the value of 6. On a sheet of squared paper or graph paper, draw
 3  a + 2b 
the following column vectors. You need to draw
a and of b. the x-axis and y-axis, and indicate the scale on the
→  7 squared paper or graph paper.
4. ABCD is a parallelogram. It is given that AB =  
 0  3  −4.5 
→  −3  (a)
  (b)  
and BC =   .  2  8 
 4 
 0 
 −5   
D C (c)   (d)  1 
 7   −2
2 
 6   −3 
A B (e) Negative of   (f) Negative of  
 −1   0 
→
(a) Find the value of |AB|.
7. Two column vectors a and b are such that
(b) Express each of the following as a column  x−3  5− x 
vector: a=   and b =  .
→ →  2− y  y−9
(i) DC (ii) DA
(a) If a = b,
(i) find the value of x and of y,
(ii) write down the negative of a as a column
vector,
5. Express each of the vectors in the diagram as a 53
(iii) show that |a| = |b| = .
4
column vector and find its magnitude. (b) If |a| = |b|,
y (i) express y in terms of x,
10 (ii) explain why a may not be equal to b.
9
8 C →  −3  →  0
8. If AB =   and CD =   ,
 4   5
7 B p → →
(i) show that |AB | = |CD|,
6 D
U → → → →
5 (ii) explain why AB ≠ CD even though |AB | = |CD|.

4 A
3 q S R
2
1
T
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Vectors Chapter 5 174

9. The figure below shows the positions of the points
→  3  13s   6t + 20 
A, X and Y where XY =  . 12. If u =  , v =   and u = v, find the
 2  4 t   18 − 7 s 
value of s and of t.

13. The figure below consists of a square ADGJ and

A four identical rhombuses AJKL, GHIJ, DEFG and
ABCD.

H
I
K G
Y J
F

L
X D
A E
→
(i) Express AY as a column vector. C
(ii) B is a point such that XYBA is a parallelogram.
→ B
Express YB as a column vector. → →
(iii) C is a point such that XYAC is a parallelogram. (a) (i) Explain why AB = IJ .
→ (ii) Name two other vectors that are equal
Express AC as a column vector. →
→ → to AB .
(iv) Do the two vectors AB and AC have the same
→ → (b) Name all the vectors that are equal to
magnitude? Is AB = AC ? Why or why not? → →
(i) KL , (ii) DE ,
→ →
(iii) BC , (iv) AK .
→ →
(c) Give a reason why AG ≠ DJ .
 n 
10. If a =   , find the possible values of n such that (d) The line segments BD and HJ have the same
 −3  → →
length and are parallel. Explain why BD ≠ HJ .
|a| = 7, leaving your answer in square root form if
necessary. (e) Give a vector that has the same magnitude but
opposite direction to
→ →
11. On a sheet of squared paper or graph paper, draw (i) BC , (ii) EF ,
the following column vectors. You need to draw the →
(iii) LA .
x-axis and y-axis, and indicate the scale on the
squared paper or graph paper.
 5 
(a) Two times of  
 −3 
 −4 
(b) Three times of the negative of  
 3 

175 Chapter 5 Vectors

 5.2 Addition of Vectors
A boat left Changi Jetty (P) for Pulau Ubin (Q) 2.1 km away on a bearing of 298° (see
Fig. 5.5). Then it sailed 1.9 km away from Q on a bearing of 081°. Another boat left
Changi Jetty and travelled 1.3 km north. Did they arrive at the same destination?

N
R
Pulau Ubin 081˚ 1.9 km Pulau Sekudu
b
Q
a c
2.1 km
298˚
P
Changi Jetty

Fig. 5.5
Yes, they arrived at Pulau Sekudu (R).
→
This is the concept behind the addition of vectors. We can think of vector PQ as a
translation (i.e. movement) from P to Q. Moving from P to Q and subsequently from
Q to R is the same as moving from P to R.

b R
Q
c
a
P
→ →
We define the addition of two vectors PQ and QR as

→ → →
PQ + QR = PR or a+b=c
start end start end

must be the same point

for vector addition
→
PR is called the vector sum or resultant vector and we use a double arrow to
indicate it.

Vectors Chapter 5 176

Worked
4
(Vector Addition of Two Vectors)
The diagram shows two vectors a and b.
Example y Internet
Resources
8
There are several mini-applications
7 (also known as applets) on the
Internet to help students practise
6 vector addition. Search on the
Internet to find out more.
5
4
b
3
a
2
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(i) Draw the sum of the two vectors a and b.

(ii) Express each of a, b, and a + b as a column vector.
(iii) How do you obtain a + b from a and b using column
vectors directly?
(iv) Find the value of |a|, of |b| and of |a + b|.
(v) Is |a + b| = |a| + |b|? Explain why or why not, using the
diagram that you have drawn.

Solution:
(i) Method 1 (Triangle Law of Vector Addition)
 2
Copy the vector a on a sheet of squared paper by using its column vector  
 3
 4  INF
OR
as a guide. From the ending point of a, start drawing the vector b =   . MA
TIO N

 −5 
Then draw a directed line segment from the starting point of a to the ending point Can you draw b first, followed
by a?
of b. This is the resultant vector a + b.
The resultant vector is b + a.
y
Note: a + b = b + a
8
7
6
5
a
4 b
3
2
a+b
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
This method is the Triangle Law of Vector Addition.

177 Chapter 5 Vectors

 Method 2 (Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition)
Draw a and b from the same starting point. Then complete the parallelogram.
The resultant vector a + b also has the same starting point as a and as b.
y

10
9
8
a
7
6
a+b
5
4
b
3
2
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(ii) From the diagram,
 2  4   6 
a=  ,b=   and a + b =  .
 3  −5   −2 

(iii) We observe from (ii) that

 2  4 
a + b =   + 
 3   −5 
 
=  2+4 
 3 + ( − 5) 
 2+4
=  
 3− 5 

 6 
=  
 −2 

(iv) |a| = 22 + 32 |b| = 42 + ( − 5)2

= 13 = 41
AT
TE
NTI
|a + b| = 62 + ( − 2 )2 ON

= 40 In this case, |b| is even larger than

|a + b|.
(v) |a| + |b| = 13 + 41
= 10.0 (to 3 s.f.)
|a + b| = 40
= 6.32 (to 3 s.f.)
INF
OR
∴ |a + b| ≠ |a| + |b| MA
TIO N

From the diagram, the 3 vectors a, b, and a + b form the sides of a triangle. This method is the Parallelogram
Law of Vector Addition.
Since the sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is larger than the
length of the third side, |a + b| ≠ |a| + |b|.

Vectors Chapter 5 178

From Worked Example 4, we have learnt two methods to draw the resultant vector
for the addition of two vectors:

(i) Triangle Law of Vector Addition:

ending point of first vector a = starting point of second vector b.
(ii) Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition:
both vectors a and b, and the resultant a + b, all start from the same point.

In practice, it is usually easier to use the Triangle Law of Vector Addition.

However, if a parallelogram has already been drawn for a question, it will be easier
to use the Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition.
We have also learnt that for two non-zero vectors and non-parallel vectors, a and b,
|a + b| ≠ |a| + |b|.

For column vectors,

 p  r   p+r 
  +  = 
 q   s   q + s  .

Thinking
Time
When do you think |a + b| will be equal to |a| + |b|? Explain.

PRACTISE NOW 4 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

1. (i) Draw the sum of the two vectors a and b, y Exercise 5B Questions 1(a)-(c), 2,
9(a)-(d), 15(a)-(d), 16
using both the Triangle Law of Vector Addition 8
and the Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition. 7
Express each of a, b, and a + b as a column
(ii) 6
5 b
vector.
4 a
How do you obtain a + b from a and b using
(iii)
3
column vectors directly? 2
(iv) Find the value of |a|, of |b| and of |a + b|. 1
(v) Is |a + b| = |a| + |b|? Explain why or why not, x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
using the diagram that you have drawn.

2. Simplify
 6  2  8   −10   4
(i)   +  , (ii)   +   + .
 9  3  −3   −5   8

179 Chapter 5 Vectors

The principle of adding two vectors can be extended to any number of vectors.
In Fig. 5.6 below,
→ → → →  0   5   −2   3  →
AB + BC + CD = AD , or   +  +  =   = AD ,
 3   1   −5   −1 
→
i.e. AD is the result of the addition of all three vectors.
y

8
7
6 C
5 B

4
3
2
A
1
D
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Fig. 5.6

Worked
Example 5 (Vector Addition of Two and More Vectors)
The diagram shows a quadrilateral ABCD.
Simplify
→ →
C

(i) AB + BC , D
→ →
(ii) DB + AD ,
→ → →
(iii) AC + CB + BD .

A B

Solution: P
So roblem
lvin
(i) → → → g T
ip
AB + BC = AC
(Triangle Law of In fact, you can simplify all these
start end start end vector additions without even
Vector Addition) looking at the quadrilateral. Just
check these are
match the vertices:
the same
→ → →
→ → → → AB + BC = AC
(ii) DB + AD = AD + DB
→ start end start end
= AB (Triangle Law of Vector Addition)
must be
same vertex
→ → → → → →
(iii) AC + CB + BD = (AC + CB ) + BD
→ →
= AB + BD (Triangle Law of Vector Addition)
→
= AD (Triangle Law of Vector Addition)

Vectors Chapter 5 180

 PRACTISE NOW 5 SIMILAR
QUESTIONS

The diagram shows a quadrilateral PQRS. Exercise 5B Questions 3, 10

Simplify
→ → Q
R
(i) PQ + QR ,
→ →
(ii) SR + PS ,
→ → → P
(iii) PR + RS + SQ .

Zero Vector

Class
Discussion
The Zero Vector
In Fig. 5.5, at the start of Section 5.2, one of the boats travelled from Changi Jetty (P)
→
to Pulau Sekudu (R). Its journey is represented by the vector PR .

Suppose the boat travelled back from Pulau Seduku to Changi Jetty; its journey will
→
be represented by the vector RP .
→ →
1. What do you think is the meaning of PR + RP ?
→ →
2. How should you simplify PR + RP ?

For the above class discussion, the boat went from Changi Jetty (P) to Pulau Seduku (R)
INF
and then back to Changi Jetty, i.e. the result of the whole journey is a zero OR
MA
TIO N

displacement of the boat from Changi Jetty (P). In other words,

The zero vector 0 has a magnitude
→ → of 0, but it has no direction.
PR + RP = 0 However, it is still called a vector,
unlike the scalar 0. The zero vector
0 is called the zero vector. It is not a scalar. 0 is necessary to make vector
addition ‘closed’ as the addition of
two or more vectors will always be
a vector.

181 Chapter 5 Vectors

Worked
6
(Problem involving the Zero Vector)
 3   −3 
Example (a) Simplify   +   .
 −4   4 

(b) Copy and complete the following vector equation:

 5    0
  + =  
   −2   0 

Solution:
 3   −3   3 − 3 
(a)   +   =  
 −4   4   −4 + 4 
 0
= 
 0

 5   −5   0
(b)   +  = 
 2   −2   0

 0
From Worked Example 6,   is the column vector form of the zero vector 0,
 0
 0  3   −3 
i.e. 0 =   ;   and   are the negatives of each other.
 0   −4   4 

In general,
a + (–a) = 0 = (–a) + (a).

PRACTISE NOW 6 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

 8   −8  Exercise 5B Questions 4-6

(a) Simplify   +   .
 −1   1 
 −6     0
(b) Copy and complete the following vector equation:   +   =  
   7  0

Vectors Chapter 5 182

 5.3 Vector
Subtraction

Difference of Two Vectors

Worked
Example 7
(Vector Subtraction)
The diagram shows two vectors a and b.
y
8
AT
TE
NTI
ON

It is not clear if we just say ‘the

difference of two vectors a and
7 b’. We need to specify whether
6 we mean a – b or b – a.
5
4 a b
3
2
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(i) Draw the vector a – b.
(ii) By looking at the diagram that you have drawn,
express each of a, b and a – b as a column vector.
(iii) How do you obtain a – b from a and b using column
vectors directly?
(iv) Find the value of |a|, of |b| and of |a – b|.
(v) Is |a – b| = |a| – |b|?

Solution: INF
OR
(i) Method 1 (Addition of Negative Vector) MA
TIO N
 
Copy the vector a on a sheet of squared paper by using its column vector  2  Can you draw –b first, followed
 5 by a? What happens if you draw
as a guide. From the ending point of a, start drawing the negative of vector b, b first, followed by –a?
 
i.e. –b =  −6  . Then draw a directed line segment from the starting point of a to
 −3 
the ending point of –b. This is the resultant vector a + (–b) = a – b.
y
10
9
8
7 −b
6
5 a
4
3 a−b
2
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
183 Chapter 5 Vectors
 Method 2 (Triangle Law of Vector Subtraction)
INF
Draw a and b from the same starting point. Then draw a directed line segment OR
MA
TIO N
from the ending point of b to the ending point of a. This is the resultant vector
a – b since b + (a – b) = a. What happens if you draw the
resultant vector in the opposite
y direction?

10
9
8
7
a−b
6
5 a
4
3 b
2
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

(ii)
From the diagram,
 2  6  −4 
a =   , b =   and a – b =  .
 5  3  2 

 2  6
(iii) We observe from (ii) that a – b =   − 
 5  3
 2−6
=  
 5− 3 
 −4 
=  
 2 

(iv) |a| = 22 + 52 |b| = 62 + 32

= 29 = 45
= 5.39 (to 3 s.f.) = 6.71 (to 3 s.f.)
|a – b| = ( − 4 )2 + 22
= 20
= 4.47 (to 3 s.f.)

(v) |a – b| = 20 = 4.47
|a| – |b| = 29 − 45 = 1.32 (to 3 s.f.)
∴ |a – b| ≠ |a| – |b|

From Worked Example 7, we have learnt two methods to draw the resultant vector
for vector subtraction.
In most vector problems with a diagram, the diagram will look like the triangle in
Method 2 in Worked Example 7. Hence, we need to learn this method to obtain
a – b first.
In fact, we can also obtain b – a from the triangle in Method 2 by drawing the
resultant vector in the opposite direction.

Vectors Chapter 5 184

In general,

Triangle Law of Vector Subtraction:

both vectors a and b must start from the same point.

To determine the direction of a – b or b – a, just remember ‘end minus start’, as

shown in Fig. 5.7.

(i) a − b (ii) b − a
end start end start
The arrow starts from the The arrow starts from the
ending point of b and ends ending point of a and ends
at the ending point of a: at the ending point of b.

end start
a−b b−a
a a
start end

b 
b
(a) (b)
Fig. 5.7

PRACTISE NOW 7 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

The diagram shows two vectors r and s. Exercise 5B Questions 11(a)-(d)

y
8
7
6
5 r
4
3
s
2
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(i) Draw the vector r – s.
(ii) By looking at the diagram that you have drawn, express each of r, s and r – s as
a column vector.
(iii) Find the value of |r|, of |s| and of |r – s|.
(iv) Is |r – s| = |r| – |s|?

185 Chapter 5 Vectors

 Thinking
Time
When do you think |a – b| will be equal to |a| – |b|? Explain.

Worked
8
(Vector Addition and Subtraction)

Example Find the resultant vector represented by the double arrow

in each of the diagrams below.

q q q

p p p
(a) (b) (c)

q q

p p
P
So roblem
lvin
(d) (e) g T
ip

For (a), p and q start from the

same point. Applying the Triangle

Solution: Law of Vector Subtraction, the

resultant vector is:
(a) The resultant vector is q – p. q − p

(b) The resultant vector is p + q. end start

(c) The resultant vector is –(p + q) = –p – q. For (b), p and q do not start from
the same point, but q starts where
(d) The resultant vector is p + q. p ends. Applying the Triangle
(f) The resultant vector is –(p + q) = –p – q. Law of Vector Addition, the
resultant vector is p + q.
For (c), the resultant vector is the
negative of the resultant vector
in (b).
In fact, the arrows ‘go in a round
trip’, i.e. p + q + (–p – q) = 0.
If p and q are in the same
direction, what is the resultant
vector?

Vectors Chapter 5 186

 PRACTISE NOW 8 SIMILAR
QUESTIONS

Find the resultant vector represented by the double arrow in each of the diagrams Exercise 5B Questions 7(a)-(h)

below.

a a

m n
b b
(a) (b) (c)
w w

v v
(d) (e)

Worked
Example 9 (Vector Addition and Subtraction)
The diagram below shows a parallelogram OACB, where
→ →
OA = a and OB = b.
AT
TE

→
NTI
ON

→
Notice that OC and AB are the
B C
diagonals of the parallelogram.
One diagonal represents vector
b addition, a + b, and the other
diagonal represents vector
subtraction, a – b or b – a,
O a A depending on which direction.

Express the following vectors in terms of a and b.

→ → →
(i) BC (ii) CA (iii) OC
→ →
(iv) AB (v) BA

Solution:
→ →
(i) BC = OA = a
→ → →
(ii) CA = BO = –OB = –b
→
(iii) OC = a + b (Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition)
→ → →
or OC = OB + BC = a + b (Triangle Law of Vector Addition)
→
(iv) AB = b – a (Triangle Law of Vector Subtraction)
→
(v) BA = a – b (Triangle Law of Vector Subtraction)

187 Chapter 5 Vectors

 PRACTISE NOW 9 SIMILAR
QUESTIONS

→ →
The diagram below shows a parallelogram OPRQ, where OP = p and OQ = q. Exercise 5B Question 12

q
O Q

P R
Express the following vectors in terms of p and q.
→ → → → →
(a) PR (b) RQ (c) OR (d) PQ (e)
QP

For addition of vectors, we have seen at the start of Section 5.2 on page 176 that:
P
So roblem
lvin
g T
b R ip

→ → → →
PQ + QR = PR Q QR R

start end c=a+b Q

end start →
PR
must be a resultant
→
the same PQ
P P

Fig. 5.8(a)

For subtraction of vectors, in terms of the vertices of the triangle in Fig. 5.8(b):
P
So roblem
A lvin
g T
ip

→ → → a−b → → → →
OA – OB = BA OA − OB = OA + (−OB )
end end → →
a = OA + BO
start start
must be B = BO + OA
→ →

the same →
= BA
b
O
Fig. 5.8(b)

Notice it still has the same idea of ‘end minus start’.

Vectors Chapter 5 188

Worked
10
(Vector Addition and Subtraction)

Example Simplify the following if possible.

→ → → →
(a) PR + RQ (b) PQ – PR
→ →
(c) PQ – QR

P
So roblem

Solution:
lvin
g T
ip

We observe the following patterns in the labelling of the vectors. You can draw a diagram to help
→ → → you understand the relationship
(a) PR + RQ = PQ R between the three vectors.
→
start PR →
end start end RQ
check these
are the same P Q
resultant
→
PQ
→ → →
PQ − PR = RQ
(b) (start at R)
end end R
start start → resultant
check these PR →
RQ
are the same
→ → → → P Q
or PQ – PR = PQ + RP →
→ → PQ
= RP + PQ
→
= RQ

→ →
(c) PQ − QR R
→
RQ
These are the same. However, this
is not vector addition, so wecannot P → Q
simplify this further using P, Q and R. PQ

PRACTISE NOW 10 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

Simplify the following if possible. Exercise 5B Questions 13(a)-(f),

17, 18(a)-(f)
→ → → → → →
(a) AB + BC (b) AB – AC (c) AB – BC
→ → → → → → →
(d) PQ – PR (e) PQ – RQ (f) PQ + RP – RS

189 Chapter 5 Vectors

From Worked Example 7, we have also learnt that for two non-zero and non-parallel vectors a and b,
|a – b| ≠ |a| – |b|.

For column vectors,

 p  r   p−r 
  –  = 
 q   s   q − s  .

Worked
Example 11 (Addition and Subtraction of Column Vectors)
 3  5 
(a) Simplify   −   .
 4   −2 
(b) Find the values of x and y in each of the following
equations:
 x   10   −6 
(i)  y  +   =  ,
   −7   8 
 5   3  x + 2y 
(ii)   −   =  .
 4x   8   −2 

Solution:

3  5   3− 5 
 −
(a)   =  4 − ( − 2) 
4   −2 
  
 3− 5 
=  
 4+2
 −2 
=  
 6 

 x   10   −6   5   3  x + 2y 
(b) (i)  y  +   =   (ii)
  −  =  
   −7   8   4x   8   −2 
 x  −6   10   x + 2y 
 2 
 y  =   −     =  
  8 −7 
    4x − 8   −2 
 −16  2 = x + 2y ------ (1)
=  
 15  and 4x – 8 = –2 ------ (2)
∴ x = –16 and y = 15 From (2), 4x = 6
1
x = 1
2
1
Substitute x = 1 into (1),
2
1
1 + 2 y = 2
2
1
2y =
2
1
y =
4
1 1
∴ x = 1 and y =
2 4

Vectors Chapter 5 190

 PRACTISE NOW 11 SIMILAR
QUESTIONS

(a) Simplify the following:

Exercise 5B Questions 8(a)-(d),
 1  8   −2   −5   −6  14 (a)-(d)
(i)   −   (ii)   −   +  
 3   −6   −3   4   7 

(b) Find the values of x and y in each of the following equations:

 x   −5   8   3  x   4
(i)  y  +   =   (ii)  y  −   =  
   7   −3     −9   x

Exercise
5B

1. Simplify the following: 4. Simplify the following:

 2  7  3   −4   12   −12   5   −5 
(a)   +   (b)   +   (a)   +    +
 (b) 
 4  5  −5   1   −6   6   7   −7 
 −9   0   −3   x   −x 
(c)   +   +     +
(c) 
 −2   −8   7   y   −y 

 4  −7   1  5. Copy and complete the following:

2. If a =   ,b=   and c =  ,
 3  2   −5   9    0
(a)   +  =  
   −1   0
(a) determine whether a + b = b + a.
(b) determine whether (a + b) + c = a + (b + c).  −3   
(b)   +   = 0
   7
3. The diagram shows a quadrilateral PLMN.    −q   0 
P (c)   +  =  
N  p    0

6. Simplify the following:

L → → → → →
(a) AB + BA (b) PQ + QR + RP
M → → →
(c) MN + LM + NL
Simplify
→ → → →
(a) LM + MN, (b) PN + LP ,
→ → →
(c) LN + NM + MP .

191 Chapter 5 Vectors

7. Find the vector that is marked with double arrows 10. PQRS is a quadrilateral.
in each of the diagrams below.
P
Q
p p b a b

q q a T
(a) (b) (c) (d) S
n R
r s
r m m n Simplify the following:
s
→ → → →
(a) PT + TR (b) SQ + QR
(e) (f) (g) (h) → → → →
(c) TR + ST (d) SQ + QT
→ → → → → → →
8. Simplify the following: (e) SQ + QR + PS (f) RQ + QT + TP + PS
 5  3
(a)   −   11. The diagram shows three vectors a, b and c.
 4  2

 −1   −3 
(b)   −  a
 3   −4 
 2  5   7 
(c)   +  −  c
 3   −2   −3 
 4   −2   3  b
  −
(d)  − 
 7   5   −6 

On a sheet of squared paper or graph paper, use

the Triangle Law of Vector Subtraction to illustrate
9. The diagram shows three vectors a, b and c. the vector subtractions.
(a) a–b (b) b – a
(c) a–c (d) c – b

12. The diagram shows a parallelogram ORTS where

c → →
OR = r and OS = s.
O
b r
a s
R

S
On a sheet of squared paper or graph paper, draw
appropriate triangles to illustrate the following
vector additions:
T
(a) a + b (b) b + a
(c) a + c (d) b + c Express the following vectors in terms of r and of s.
→ → →
(a) RT (b) TS (c) OT
→ →
(d) RS (e) SR

Vectors Chapter 5 192

13. Simplify the following if possible. 16. (a) Illustrate graphically the following vector sums
→ → → → using the vectors given in the diagram.
(a) RS + ST (b) RS – RT
→ → → →
(c) RT – RS (d) RS – ST
→ → → → →
(e) RS – TS (f) RS + TR – TU

14. Find the value of x and of y in the following r

equations.
 x   −3   7  q
(a)  y  +   =  
   2   −5 
 3  x   −6 
(b)  y  −   =  
   −8   9 
 y   −4   p
6
(c)   +   =  
 3   2x   x
 2x   y − 3   4  (i) p + q (ii) q + p
(d)   −  =   (p + q) + r
(iii) (iv) p + (q + r)
 5   −10   3y 
(b) Is p + q = q + p? Explain.
Is (p + q) + r = p + (q + r)? Explain.
(c)

15. The diagram shows three vectors p, q and r. 17. PQRS is a parallelogram. O is the point of
intersection of its diagonals.
S R

p O
P Q
r
(a) Simplify
→ →
(i) PQ + PS ,
q → →
(ii) RO – QO ,
→ → →
(iii) PR – SR + SQ .
On a sheet of squared paper or graph paper, draw → →
appropriate parallelograms to illustrate the following (b) If PQ = a and PS = b, find in terms of a and/or
vector additions: b:
(a) p + q →
(i) SR ,
(b) q + p →
(ii) PR ,
(c) p + r
→
(d) q + r (iii) SQ .

193 Chapter 5 Vectors

 →
18. In the figure below, the diagonals of PQRS intersect (a) SK + u = 0
at K. Find, for each of the following equations, a → →
(b) SP + PQ + u = 0
vector which can replace u. → → →
(c) PS + SK + KR = u
P Q → →
(d) PK + (–SK ) = u
→ →
(e) PS + (– RS ) = u
K
→ → →
R (f) PQ + QR + (– PR ) = u

5.4 Scalar Multiples of

a Vector
In Section 5.1, we have learnt that two vectors are parallel if they have the same or
opposite direction, but they can have the same or different magnitudes.
Fig. 5.9 shows three parallel vectors where the length of a is twice the length
of b, and thrice the length of c.
y
15
14
13
12 c
11
b
10
9
8 c
a
7
6
5 b
c
4
3
2
1
x
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Fig. 5.9
We observe that a = b + b = 2b and a = (–c) + (–c) + (–c) = –3c.
2b and 3c are called the scalar multiple of b and c respectively.

Vectors Chapter 5 194

In general,
if a and b are two non-zero and parallel vectors,
then a = kb for some scalar or real number k ≠ 0.

In other words, if a and b are any two vectors and a = kb for some real number k,
then there are 3 possibilities. Either
(1) a and b are parallel,
(2) a = b = 0,
(3) k = 0.

Thinking
Time
If a = kb, a ≠ 0, b ≠ 0 and k ≠ 0, what does it mean if k is positive or negative?

AT
TE
NTI
ON

 3
2   means
 6   3  −2   6
In Fig. 5.9, in terms of column vectors, a =   , b =   and c =   .  3  2×3  6 
 12   6  −4  2×  =   =  .
6
   2 × 6   12 
 6   3  6   −2 
a =   = 2   = 2b and a =   = −3  = –3c.
 12   6  12   −4 
AT
TE
NTI
ON
Moreover, |a| = |2b| = 2|b| and |a| = |–3c| = |–3||c| = 3|c|.
In Book 1, we have learnt that the
absolute value of a number, e.g.
–5, is 5. We write |–5| = 5. For a
In general, positive number, e.g. 5, |5| = 5.
There is a difference between |k|
 x  kx  and |a|: |k| is the absolute value
if a =   , then ka =   and |ka| = |k||a|, for any real number k.
 y  ky  of the scalar or real number k,
while |a| is the magnitude of the
vector a.

195 Chapter 5 Vectors

Worked
12
(Parallel Vectors and Opposite Vectors)

Example (a) State which of the following pairs of vectors are

parallel.
 6  3  8   −6 
(i)   ,   (ii)   ,  
 8  4  −4   3 
 15   −5 
(iii)   ,  
 −6   3 
 −5 
(b) Write down two vectors that are parallel to   ,
 2 
one in the same direction, and one in the opposite
direction.

Solution: P
So roblem
lvin
 6  3  6  3 g T
ip
(a) (i) Since   = 2   , then   and   are parallel.
 8  4  8  4 Observe:

 8  × k (= ?)
4  −6   8   −6 
(ii) Since   = −   , then   and   are parallel.
 −4  3 3   −4   3   −6   8 
   
     3   −4 
(iii) If  15  and  −5  are parallel, then there must be a value of k that satisfies
 −6   3  × k (= ?)

    To obtain k, ask yourself:

 15  = k  −5  , but 15 = k(–5), i.e. k = –3 and –6 = k(3), i.e. k = –2 ≠ –3. –6  ? = 8, 3  ? = –4
 −6   3  8 4
So, k = =− .
−6 3
 15   −5 
∴   and   are not parallel. If both values of k are different,
 −6   3  then the two vectors are not
parallel.
     −10 
(b) A vector in the same direction as  −5  is 2 ×  −5  =  .
 2   2   4 
 −5   −5   5 
A vector in the opposite direction as   is −   =  .
 2   2   −2 

PRACTISE NOW 12 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

Exercise 5C Questions 1(a)-(c),

1. (a) State which of the following pairs of vectors are parallel.
2(a)-(c), 6(a)-(c), 7(a)-(b), 13-14
 6   2   14   −7 
(i)   ,   (ii)   ,  
 −9   −3   18   9 
 −3   4 
(iii)   ,  
 6   −8 

 4 
(b) Write down two vectors that are parallel to   , one in the same direction,
 −3 
and one in the opposite direction.

 4   12 
2. Given that   and  p  are parallel vectors, find the value of p.
 −3   

Vectors Chapter 5 196

Worked
Example 13 (Addition, Subtraction and Scalar Multiplication of
Column Vectors)
 7   −2 
(a) If a =   and b =   , express 2a + 3b as a
 −5   4 
column vector.
 x  −5   7
(b) If u =   and v =  y  and u – 2v =   , find the
 4    8
value of x and of y.

Solution:
 7   −2 
(a) 2a + 3b = 2   + 3 
 −5   4 
 14   −6 
=   + 
 −10   12 
 8
=  
 2

 7
(b) u – 2v =  
 8

 x  −5   7
  − 2 y  =  
 4    8
 x + 10   
  =  7 
 4 − 2y   8

∴ x + 10 = 7 and 4 – 2y = 8
i.e. x = –3 2y = –4
y = –2
∴ x = –3 and y = –2

PRACTISE NOW 13
SIMILAR
QUESTIONS
 1  −2   3 
1. If u =   , v =   and w =   , find a single column vector to represent Exercise 5C Questions 3(a)-(c),
 2  1   −4  8(a)-(c), 15
the following:
(i) u + 3v (ii) 3u – 2v – w

 x  2   5
2. If a =  y  , b =   and 2a + b =   , find the value of x and of y.
   −3   3

197 Chapter 5 Vectors

 Class
Discussion
Graphical Representation of Vectors
Discuss in pairs.
 1  2 
Given that a =   and b =   , illustrate each of the following on a sheet of
 3  −1 
squared or graph paper.
(a) 2a + 3b (b) 2a – 3b
Do you prefer to use the Triangle Law of Vector Addition or the Parallelogram Law of
SIMILAR
Vector Addition for (a)? QUESTIONS

Do you prefer to use the Addition of Negative Vector or the Triangle Law of Vector Exercise 5C Question 9
Subtraction for (b)?

Expression of a

5.5 Vector in Terms of

Two Other Vectors
We have learnt that the sum or difference of two vectors is also a vector. Can we do
the reverse? That is, can we express a vector as the sum or difference of two other
vectors?
→
Fig. 5.10(a) shows 2 non-zero and non-parallel vectors u and v, and the vector AB .

B
u

Fig. 5.10(a)

Vectors Chapter 5 198

 →
To express AB in terms of u and v, we start from the point A and draw a line parallel
to u (see Fig. 5.10(b)). Then we draw a line from B parallel to v (this line must be
in the opposite direction as v in order to intersect the first line). Name the point of
intersection of the two lines C.

u C
B
v

Fig. 5.10(b)
→ →
From the diagram, AC = 3u and CB = 2v (see Fig. 5.10(c)).
→
∴ AB = 3u + 2v

u C 2v
B
v
3u

Fig. 5.10(c)

Alternatively, we can start from the point A and draw a line parallel to v first (see
Fig. 5.10(d)). Then draw a line from B parallel to u to intersect the first line at C.

u B

A
C

Fig. 5.10(d)
→ →
From the diagram, AC = 2v and CB = 3u.
→
∴ AB = 2v + 3u = 3u + 2v

199 Chapter 5 Vectors

 →
We observe that there is only one way to write the vector AB in terms of u and v, i.e.
→ → AT
AB = 3u + 2v. We can also write AB = 2v + 3u, as the order is not important. TE
NTI
ON

3u + 2v = 2v + 3u as vector
addition is commutative.

Class
Discussion
Expressing a Vector in Terms of Two Other Vectors
Work in pairs.
→
Fig. 5.11 shows two non-zero and non-parallel vectors u and v and the vector PQ.
→
Express PQ in terms of u and v.

u P
v

SIMILAR
QUESTIONS

Fig. 5.11 Exercise 5C Question 10

Did your classmate and you get the same answer?

AT
TE
NTI
ON

→
In general, any vector AB can be expressed uniquely in terms of two other non-zero ‘Coplanar vectors’ means u and
v must lie on the same plane.
and non-parallel coplanar vectors u and v, i.e.

→
AB = mu + nv.

Vectors Chapter 5 200

 5.6 Position Vectors
In Section 5.1, we have learnt that we can express a vector lying on a Cartesian
plane as a column vector.
→  4
For example, in Fig. 5.3 on page 166, PQ =   .
 3
 4
In fact, we can draw another vector   on the Cartesian plane with a different
 3
starting point.
 2
For example, in Fig. 5.4 on page 168, a = b =   , but a and b have different starting
 4
points.

However, the position vector of a point P must have a fixed starting point. On a
Cartesian plane, this starting point or reference point is usually the origin O.
y

P(2, 5)

p Q(6, 3)

q
x
O
Fig. 5.12
Fig. 5.12 shows a point P(2, 5). The position vector of P relative to O (or with respect
→  2
to O) is OP =   . What is the position vector of Q relative to O?
 5
→
Fig. 5.12 shows another vector PQ, which does not start from O. However, we can
→ → →
express PQ in terms of the position vectors OP and OQ. Using the Triangle Law of AT
TE
NTI
Vector Subtraction, ON

→ → →
PQ = OQ – OP = q – p We can also use the law of
addition.
start end end start → → →
PQ = PO + OQ
→ →
must be = −OP + OQ
the same = −p + q
= q − p
Since the coordinates of P and Q are (2, 5) and (6, 3) respectively, then
→ → →  6  2  4 
PQ = OQ – OP =   −   =  .
 3  5  −2 

201 Chapter 5 Vectors

In general,

→  x
the position vector of P(x, y) is OP =  y  .
 
→
A vector PQ on the Cartesian plane can be expressed in terms of position vectors as
follows:
→ → →
PQ = OQ – OP = q – p
→
As mentioned in Section 5.2, vector PQ can be regarded as movement from P to Q
→
and we call this a translation from P to Q. PQ becomes a translation vector which
describes this movement. Translation vectors are expressed as column vectors, as
shown in Worked Example 14 below.

AT
TE
NTI
ON

Worked
14
(a) Write down the position vector of P(2, –3) and of A translation can be represented
→ →
by a translation vector AB .
Q(4, 1). Then express PQ as a column vector.
Example
A(–5, 3)
(b) A point A(–5, 3) is translated by the translation
→  9 
vector AB =   to the point B. Find the
 −6  →  9 
coordinates of B. AB =  
 −6 

Solution: B(?, ?)

→  2
(a) The position vector of P is OP =   .
 −3  AT
TE
NTI
ON
→  4
The position vector of Q is OQ =   . Alternative solution for (a):
 1 → → →
PQ = PO + OQ
→ →
→ → →  4  2   2 = –OP + OQ
∴ PQ = OQ − OP =   −   =    2   4
 1   −3   4 = −   + 
start end end start  −3   1 
 2
must be =  
 4
the same

→  9  Alternative solution for (b):

(b) AB =   →
Point A is translated by vector AB
 −6 
to B.
→ →  9  → → →
i.e. OA + AB = OB
OB – OA =  
 −6  →  5  9 
OB =   +  
 3   −6 
→  −5   9 
OB –   =    4 
 3   −6  = 

 −3 
→  9   −5 
OB =   +  
 −6   3 
 4 
=  
 −3 
∴ Coordinates of B are (4, –3)

Vectors Chapter 5 202

 PRACTISE NOW 14 SIMILAR
QUESTIONS

→
(a) Write down the position vector of P(8, –2) and of Q(–1, 7). Then express PQ as a Exercise 5C Questions 4(a)-(d),
5, 11-12, 16-17
column vector.

→  −4 
(b) A point A(6, –7) is translated by the translation vector AB =   to the point B.
 5 
Find the coordinates of B.

Exercise
5C

1. State which of the following pairs of vectors are 5. If P, Q and R are the points (3, –2), (2, –4) and
parallel. (2, 3) respectively, express the following as
 −2   −8   9   18  column vectors.
(a)   ,   (b)   ,   → →
 1   4   7   21  (i) PQ (ii) QR
 6   −3  → →
(c)   ,   (iii) RP (iv) PR
 −8   4 

2. Write down two vectors that are parallel to each

of the following vectors, one in the same direction,
and one in the opposite direction.
 8   3 6. State which of the following pairs of vectors are
(a)   (b)  
 −7   9 parallel.
 6   −4   −5   −3 
 −6  (a)   ,   (b)   ,  
(c)    −3   2   15   9 
 −2 
 7   2 
(c)   ,  
 5  6   −3   −8   −3 
3. If p =   , q =   and r =   , find a single
 2  −3   −4 
 5  20 
column vector to represent the following:
7. (a) Given that   and  p  are parallel
1  2  
(a) p + 2q (b) 3p − q
2 vectors, find the value of p.
(c) 4p – 3q + r
 h  3 
(b) Given that   and   are parallel
4. Write down the position vectors of the following  12   −9 
points as column vectors. vectors, find the value of h.
(a) A(4, 7) (b) B(–2, 5)
(c) C(6, –1) (d) D(–4, –9)

203 Chapter 5 Vectors

8. For each of the following, find the value of x and
of y.
 a  c
 x  3  8 13. If   and   are two parallel vectors, explain
a =   , b =   and a + 2b =   .
(a)  b d
 y  4  9 a b
why = .
 2  1 c d
 x
u =  y  , v =   and 4u + v = 2  2  .
(b)  −15 
   2  
 9  14. It is given that u =   . If u = kv where k is a
 8 
  6
x  3 positive constant and |v| = 51, find the value of k.
p= 
(c)  , q =  y  and 5p – 2q =   .
 5    23  Hence find v.

 −1   1
9. Given that a =   and b =   , illustrate each →  −3  →  1  →  k 
 1   2 15. Given that AB =   , CD =   , EF =   and
of the following on a sheet of squared paper or  5   4  7.5 
 1
graph paper. →  
(a) 2a + b (b) 3a + 2b PQ =  4  ,
 1 
(c) a – 2b (d) 2a – 3b
→ →
(e) 4a + 3b (f) –3a + 4b (i) express 2AB + 5CD as a column vector,
→ →
(ii) find the value of k if EF is parallel to AB ,
10. The diagram below shows 2 non-parallel vectors a → →
→ (iii) explain why PQ is parallel to CD.
and b. Using the squared grid below, express LM,
→ → →
PR , ST and XY in terms of a and b.
16. L is the point (–3, 2) and M is the point (t, 6).
M Y →
(i) Express LM as a column vector.
a L  8
→
P S T (ii) If LM is parallel to p =   , find the value of t.
 1
→
(iii) If instead, |LM| = |p|, find the two possible
b values of t.

R →  8 
X 17. P is the point (2, –3) and PQ =   .
 −2 
(i) Find the coordinates of Q.
11. A point A(–3, 8) is translated by the translation (ii) Find the gradient of PQ.
→  −2 
vector AB =   to the point B. Find the →  x
 −4  (iii) If PQ =  y  , express the gradient of PQ in
 
coordinates of B.
terms of x and of y.
y →
(iv) If the gradient of PQ is , express PQ in terms
→  9  → 2 → x
12. AB =   and CD = AB . of x and of y.
 −15  3
→
(i) Express CD as a column vector.
(ii) Given that A is the point (–2, 7), find the
coordinates of the point B.
(iii) Given that D is the point (8, –5), find the
coordinates of the point C.

Vectors Chapter 5 204

 5.7 Applications
of Vectors

Vectors in Real-World Contexts

In the chapter opener, we observe that both magnitude and direction are
necessary to describe the position of a place from another place. Search for
the video ‘The Waggle Dance of the Honeybee’ on the Internet. It tells how
honeybees, after discovering a new source of food, communicate the direction
and distance of the food source to other honeybees when they return to their Internet
Resources
hive.

This is done by doing a waggle dance in the direction of the food source with An application of vectors is
reference to the direction of the Sun. What is amazing is that when the Sun in GPS (Global Positioning
System) which makes use of
changes its position in the sky as time passes, the honeybees will adjust the complex vectors and geometric
angle between the direction of the Sun and the direction of the food source trilateration to determine the
positions of objects. Search on
accordingly. The distance of the food source from the hive is communicated by the Internet for more information.
the duration of the dance. In general, every second of the dance indicates one
kilometre from the food source. Therefore, we see the importance of vectors in
real life.

In the Thinking Time in Section 5.1 on page 165, we have thought of some
real-life examples of vectors. But what about real-life examples of the resultant
of two vectors?

For example, Fig. 5.13 shows a boat crossing a river from A to B.

In Fig. 5.13(a), the boat tries to travel in the direction of B from A, as indicated
by p. However, the water current, as indicated by q, causes the boat to travel
in the direction indicated by the resultant vector p + q. So the boat will not
reach B.
B B
q
q

p p+q p+q
p

A A
(a) (b)
Fig. 5.13

To reach B from A, the boat must travel in the direction indicated by p in

Fig 5.13(b). Then the boat will end up travelling in the direction indicated by
the resultant vector p + q.

205 Chapter 5 Vectors

 Class
Discussion
Real-Life Examples of Resultant Vectors
Discuss in pairs.
Think of other real life examples to illustrate the resultant of two vectors. It can be
vector addition or subtraction.

Solving Geometric Problems involving Vectors

Vectors can be used to solve some geometric problems.

Worked
Example 15 (Geometric Problems involving Vectors)
The coordinates of A, B and D are (1, 2), (6, 3) and (2, 8)
respectively. Find the coordinates of C if ABCD is a
parallelogram.

P
So roblem

Solution:
lvin
g T
ip

Since ABCD is a parallelogram, then y 1. Obtain a vector equation

→ → C relating the position vectors of
DC = AB the known points and C.
→ → → → D(2, 8)
OC – OD = OB – OA 2. We use the properties of
parallelograms here,
→  2  6  1 → →
i.e. DC = AB .
OC –   =   −  
 8  3  2 → →
3. We can also use AD = BC to
→
→  6  1  2 obtain OC .
OC =   −   +  B(6, 3) → → → →
 3  2  8 OD − OA = OD − OB
 2  1 →  6
 7   −   = OC −  
=
 
A(1, 2) x  8  2  3

 9  O
→  2  1  6
OC =   −   +  
∴ The coordinates of C are (7, 9).   8  2  3
 7
=  
 9

PRACTISE NOW 15 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

The coordinates of A, B and D are (3, 7), (–1, 2) and (5, –4) respectively. Exercise 5D Questions 1, 6, 13

Find the coordinates of C if ABCD is a parallelogram.

Vectors Chapter 5 206

Worked
16
(Geometric Problems involving Vectors)
In the diagram, SPQR is a parallelogram where
Example → →
PQ = 10a and PS = 5b.
T

S U R
5b

P 10a Q
2
The point U on SR is such that SU = SR . The lines PS
5
and QU, when produced, meet at T.
(a) Express the following in terms of a and/or b.
→ → → →
(i) PR (ii) SU (iii) UR (iv) TU
(b) Calculate the value of
area of ΔTSU area of ΔTSU
(i) , (ii) .
area of ΔQRU area of ΔPSU
Solution:
→ → → → →
(a) (i) PR = PQ + QR = PQ + PS
= 10a + 5b
→ → →
or PR = PQ + PS (Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition) P
So roblem
lvin
g T
= 10a + 5b ip

2
(ii) SU = SR For (a)(ii), to decide whether
5 2 → 2 →
→ 2 → SU = SR implies SU = SR or
5 5
SU = SR → 2 →
5 SU = RS , we need to check the
2 → 5
→ → →
= PQ direction of SU and SR or RS in
5
the diagram.
2
= (10a)
5 Similarly for (a)(iii), to decide
= 4a 3
whether UR = SR implies
5
2 SU 2 → 3→ → 3→
(iii) SU = SR , i.e. = . UR = SR or UR = RS , we
5 5
5 SR 5 →
need to check the direction of UR
From the diagram, UR = 3 parts. → →
2 ? and SR or RS in the diagram.
UR 3 3
∴ = , i.e. UR = SR. S U R
SR 5 5
→ 3 → 3 → 3 5
UR = SR = PQ = (10a) = 6a
5 5 5
∆TSU and ∆QRU are similar. (corresponding angles equal)
(iv)
TU SU TU SU 2
∴ = , i.e. = = , from the diagram in (iii).
QU RU UQ UR 3
2
∴ TU = UQ
3
→ 2 →
TU = UQ
3
2 → →
= (UR + RQ )
3
2 → →
= (UR – PS )
3
2
= (6a – 5b)
3
207 Chapter 5 Vectors
(b) (i) Since ∆TSU and ∆QRU are similar, then
P
2 So roblem
  TU 2
area of ∆TSU =  TU  (where
lvin
= in (a)(iii)) g T
ip
area of ∆QRU  QU  QU 3
2 For (b)(i), since the two triangles
 2 are similar, we can use the
=  
 3 formula:
2
4 A2 l 
= = 2
9 A2  l1 

→ → →
(ii) ST = SU + UT For (b)(ii), since the two triangles
→ → have the same height, then
= SU – TU
1
2 area of ∆TSU
× ST × h
= 4a – (6a – 5b) = 2
3 area of ∆PSU
1
10 × PS × h
= 4a – 4a + b 2
3 ST
10 = .
= b PS
3 →
Hence we need to find ST .
1
× ST × h
Area of ΔTSU
= 2 , where h is the common height of ∆TSU An alternative (and shorter)
Area of ΔPSU 1
× PS × h and ∆PSU. solution is to use the idea of
2 similar triangles.
ST ST ST
= =
PS PS RQ
10 2
b = (∆TSU is similar to
3
3 ∆QRU)
=
5b
10
b
= 3
5b

10
= ÷5
3
10 1
= ×
3 5
2
=
3

PRACTISE NOW 16 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

→
In the diagram, DABC is a parallelogram where AB = 8a Exercise 5D Questions 4-5
→ 1 E
and AD = 4b. The point F on DC is such that DF = DC .
4 F
D C
The lines AD and BF, when produced, meet at E.
4b
(a) Express the following in terms of a and/or b. 
→ → → → A B
(i) AC (ii) DF (iii) FC (iv) EF  8a

(b) Calculate the value of

area of ΔEDF area of ΔEDF
(i) , (ii) .
area of ΔBCF area of ΔADF

Vectors Chapter 5 208

Worked
Example 17 (Geometric Problems involving Vectors)

A
O

B
X

U V
→ → → 1 →
In the diagram, OU =15u, OV = 9v, OA = OU and
→ 1 → 5
OB = OV .
3
→ →
(i) Find the vectors UV and AB in terms of u and v.
→ 1 → →
(ii) Given that AX = AV , express the vector XB in
5
terms of u and v.

Solution:
→ → →
(i) UV = OV – OU = 9v – 15u or 3(3v – 5u)
→ 1 → 1
OA = OU = (15u) = 3u
5 5
→ 1 → 1
OB = OV = (9v) = 3v
3 3
→ → → P
∴ AB = OB – OA = 3v – 3u or 3(v – u) So roblem
lvin
g T
ip

→ 1 → → → 1 → →
(ii) Since AX = AV , then OX – OA = (OV – OA ). A common approach is to express
5 5 a given vector equation in terms
→ 1 of position vectors.
OX – 3u = (9v – 3u)
5 For example, in (ii), to obtain
→ 9 →
3 15 XB in terms of u and v, we need
OX = v – u + u →
5 5 5 to obtain OX . This can be done
by breaking down the given
9 12
= v+ u → 1 →
equation AX = AV in terms of
5 5 5
position vectors.
3
= (4u + 3v)
5
→ → → 3
∴ XB = OB – OX = 3v – (4u + 3v)
5
15 12 9
= v– u– v
5 5 5
6 12
= v– u
5 5
6
= (v – 2u)
5

209 Chapter 5 Vectors

 →
Alternatively, we can use the Triangle Law of Vector Addition to express XB
in terms of other known vectors.
→ → →
XB = XV + VB
4 → 2 →
= AV + VO
5 3
4 → → 2 →
= (AO + OV ) + VO
5 3
4 → 4 → 2 →
= AO + OV – OV
5 5 3
4 → 2 →
= AO + OV
5 15
4 2
= ( − 3u ) + ( 9 v )
5 15
12 6
= − u+ v
5 5
6
= (v − 2 u )
5

PRACTISE NOW 17 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

→ → → 1 → → 1 →
In the diagram OP = 9p, OQ = 3q, OR = OP and OS = OQ . Exercise 5D Questions 2-3, 7-12,
3 2 14-17
O

R
T S

P Q
→ →
(i) Find the vectors PQ and RS in terms of p and q.
→ 1 → →
(ii) Given that RT = RQ , express the vector TS in terms of p and q. 
4

Vectors Chapter 5 210

Worked
18
(Geometric Problems involving Vectors)
In the diagram, PQRS is a quadrilateral, and A, B, C and
Example D are the midpoints of PQ, QR, RS and SP respectively.
Q

A B

P R

D C

S
Show that
(i) PR is parallel to AB and PR = 2AB,
(ii) ABCD is a parallelogram.

P
So roblem
Solution: lvin
g T
ip

→ →
(i) Let QA = a and QB = b. (i) Showing that PR // AB and
→ → → PR = 2AB is the same as
→ →
Then, AB = QB – QA = b – a (Triangle Law of Vector Subtraction) showing that PR = 2AB
→ →
→ → → → (where PR and AB are in the
Since QP = 2QA = 2a and QR = 2QB = 2b, same direction as shown in
→ → → the diagram).
Then, PR = QR – QP = 2b – 2a
(ii) Showing that ABCD is a
= 2(b – a) parallelogram is the same
→ → →
= 2AB as showing that AB =DC
→ → (or AB is parallel to DC and
Since PR = 2AB , then PR is parallel to AB and PR = 2AB. AB = DC).

(ii) Using the same reasoning in (i) for ∆SPR, we can show that PR is parallel to DC
and PR = 2DC.
∴ AB is parallel to DC and AB = DC, i.e. ABCD is a parallelogram.

PRACTISE NOW 18 SIMILAR

QUESTIONS

In the diagram, PQRS is a quadrilateral, and A, B, C and R Exercise 5D Question 18

D are the midpoints of PQ, QR, RS and SP respectively. C

Show that D P
S
(i) PR is parallel to AB and PR = 2AB, B
(ii) ABCD is a parallelogram. A

 Q

211 Chapter 5 Vectors

 Exercise
5D

→ → → 2 →
1. The coordinates of A, B and D are (2, 3), (7, 5) and 5. Given that OA = a, OB = b and AC = CB , find in
3
(4, 9) respectively. Find the coordinates of C if terms of a and b,
ABCD is a parallelogram. A

2. ABCD is a parallelogram with M as the midpoint

of BC. C
a
D C

q b
M O B
→ → →
(i) AB , (ii) AC , (iii) OC.
A B
p
→ →
If AB = p and AD = q, express in terms of p
and/or q,
→ → → →
(i) CM, (ii) DB , (iii) AM , (iv) MD.
6. The coordinates of P, Q and R are (1, 0), (4, 2) and
3. A (5, 4) respectively. Use a vector method to
determine the coordinates of S if
(i) PQRS is a parallelogram,
M N (ii) PRQS is a parallelogram.

7. In the diagram, D is a point on BC such that

B C
BD = 3DC.
→ → A
In the diagram, if AB = u, AC = v, and M and N are
the midpoints of AB and AC respectively, express
in terms of u and/or v, p
→ → → →
(i) BC , (ii) AM , (iii) AN , (iv) MN .
→ →
What can you say about BC and MN ?
→ → B q D C
4. In the diagram, OA = a, OB = b and M is the
→ →
midpoint of OA. Given that BA = p and BD = q, express in terms of
A p and/or q,
→ → →
(i) BC , (ii) AD , (iii) CA .
a

O B
b
→
Find BM in terms of a and b.

Vectors Chapter 5 212

8. In the diagram, PQRS is a parallelogram. M is the 11. A
midpoint of PQ and N is on SR such that SR = 3SN.

S N R P

B 8p
a
O
8q
P2b M Q Q
→ → C
Given that PS = a and PM = 2b, express in terms of
OPA and OQC are straight lines, and PC intersects
a and/or b, → 2 → PB 1 →
→ → → QA at B. Given that OQ = QC, = , OP = 8p
(i) MR, (ii) RN , (iii) NM. → 3 BC 3
and OQ = 8q, express the following vectors as
→ → → 3
9. In the diagram, AB = u, AC = v, CD = u, and simply as possible in terms of p and q.
→ 2 → 2 → → → →
BE = BC . (i) PC (ii) PB (iii) OB (iv) QB
5
D
12. Relative to the origin O which is not shown in the
B diagram, P is the point (1, 11), Q is the point (2, 8),
E 3 R is the point (–1, 7), S is the point (–2, 8) and
u u
2 T is the point (–4, 6).
A C P
v
Express in terms of u and v, Q
→ → → S R
(i) BC , (ii) BE , (iii) AD,
→ →
(iv) AE , (v) BD.
T
10. (a) Express the following as column vectors.
R Q → →
(i) PQ (ii) SR
→ →
15b (iii) RQ (iv) TQ
A RQ
B (b)
Find the numerical value of the ratio .
TQ
O P
15a
OPQR is a parallelogram. The point A on PR is
→ 3 →
such that AR = PR . The point B on PQ is such
4
→ 1 → → → →  4 
that PB = PQ . Given that OP = 15a and OR = 15b, 13. Given that A is the point (1, 2), AB =   ,
3  −5 
express the following vectors in terms of a and b. →  6
AC =   and that M is the midpoint of BC, find
→ → → →  3
(i) PR (ii) PA (iii) OA (iv) OB → →
(i) BC , (ii) AM ,
(iii) the coordinates of the point D such that ABCD
is a parallelogram.

213 Chapter 5 Vectors

 → → → 1→
14. PQRS is a parallelogram. BQ = 2RB , AR = SR , 16. OABC is a parallelogram and ACT is a straight line.
→ → 3 →
PS = a and PQ = b. OC is produced to meet BT at R. BT = 4BR, OA = p,
→ →
S A R OC = q and TC = 3(p – q).

B Express, as simply as possible, in terms of p

(a)
a
and q,

Q T
P b
Express in terms of a and/or b,
(a)
→ → →
(i) SA , (ii) QB, (iii) PB , R
→ → C
(iv) QS , (v) BA . B
q
(b) Calculate the value of
BA area of ∆ABR O p A
(i) , (ii) , → → →
QS area of ∆SQR (i) OT , (ii) AT , (iii) OB,
area of ΔABR → →
(iii) . (iv) BT , (v) TR .
area of PQRS
→ 3
15. In the diagram, T is the point of intersection of the (b) Show that CR = q.
4
→ →
diagonals of the quadrilateral PQRS. PR = 3PT , (c) Find the value of
→ → →
PS = 5b, PQ = 4a + b and PR = 3a + 12b. CR
(i) , (ii) area of ∆TCR .
Q OC area of ∆TAB
→ →
P 17. In the diagram, OP = p, OQ = q, PS : SQ = 3 : 2,
T OQ : QT = 2 : 1 and OR : RP = 2 : 1.
S
R P
(a) Express, as simply as possible, in terms of a
and b, R S
→ → → T
(i) RS , (ii) RT , (iii) RQ. p
→ Q
(b) Show that QT = 3(b – a).
q
→
(c) Express QS as simply as possible, in terms of a
O
and b.
(a) Express, as simply as possible, in terms of p
(d) Calculate the value of
and/or q,
QT area of ΔPQT → →
(i) , (ii) , (i) QP, (ii) QS ,
QS area of ΔPQS
→ →
area of ΔPQT (iii) OS , (iv) ST .
(iii) . → →
area of ΔRQT (b) (i) Show that RS = k ST , where k is a constant.
(ii) Write down two facts about the points R,
S and T.

Vectors Chapter 5 214

18.
C
B

Q R

P S
D

A
In the diagram, P, Q, R and S are the midpoints of
AB, BD, CD and AC respectively. Show that
1
(i) PQ is parallel to AD and PQ = AD ,
2
(ii) PQRS is a parallelogram.

1. A scalar has magnitude only while a vector has both magnitude and direction.
2. Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and direction.
 x
3. The magnitude of a column vector a =  y  is |a| = x2 + y2 .
 
4. The Triangle Law or the Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition can be used to
find the sum of two vectors:

a
a a+b
b

a+b b

5. The Triangle Law of Vector Subtraction can be used to find the difference of
two vectors:
a−b b−a

a a

b b

215 Chapter 5 Vectors

6. The addition of a vector a and its negative –a will give the zero vector 0,
i.e. (a) + (–a) = 0.
7. If a and b are two parallel vectors, then a = kb for some scalar or real number
k ≠ 0.
 p    p+r   p   p−r 
r r
8. For column vectors,   +   =  ,   − =
  
 q   s   q + s   q   s   q − s 
 p   kp 
and k   =   .
 q   kq 
 
→
9. Any vector AB can be expressed uniquely in terms of two other non-zero and
→
non-parallel coplanar vectors u and v, i.e. AB = mu + nv.

→  x
10. The position vector of a point P(x, y) is OP =  y  .
 
→
11. A vector PQ on the Cartesian plane can be expressed in terms of position vectors
as follows:

P Q
→ → →
PQ = OQ − OP = q − p
p
start end end start q
must be
the same
O

5 →  −4 
3. Given that AB =   and CD = 
→  p 
 , find
1. Find the magnitude of each of the following
 2   −12 
vectors. →
(i) |AB |,
 5   −6   5 → →
(a)
  (b)   (c)   (ii) the positive value of p if |CD| = 3|AB |.
 −12   8   2
 −7   0   p+q  3 
(d)
  (e)  
 −1   −3  4. If a =  p  , b =  q + 1  and a = b, find the
   
value of p and of q.
→  p
2. Given that XY =   , find the possible values of
 −2 
→
p such that |XY |= 5 units.

Vectors Chapter 5 216

5. I H G F 7. The figure below shows the vectors u, v and r.
On a sheet of squared paper or graph paper, draw
appropriate triangles to illustrate the following
vector additions:
J K L E
u

A B C D v

(a) Without using negative vectors, name two r

vectors shown in the diagram that are equal to
the following vectors:
→ → →
(i) IJ (ii) AJ (iii) HI (i) u + v (ii) u + r (iii) v + r
→ →
(iv) BC (v) AK
(b) Name a negative vector of 8. C
→ → → D
(i) JH , (ii) AB , (iii) AJ .
(c) Explain why
→ → → →
(i) AB ≠ DE , (ii) AK ≠ AB .
A B

6. Copy and complete the equalities below in each ABCD is a quadrilateral. Simplify the following. 
→ →
of the diagrams (a) – (d). The first equalities in (a) (i) AD + DC
and (b) have been done for you. → →
(ii) AB + BD
R Q → → →
N M (iii) AC + CB + BD
→ → →
S P (iv) AB + BC + CA

K L 9. From the given diagram, find a vector which can

T U replace x in each of the following equations.
(a) (b)
N O S R
B C
M P
O
P Q
L Q
A D → → → →
(i) SO + x = SP (ii) PO + x = PR
S R
(c) (d) → → →
(iii) x + SQ = RQ (iv) PR + x = 0
→ → → → → → → → → →
(a) KN = LM (b) SR = UP (v) PQ + x + RS = PS (vi) QR + RS + x = PS
→ →
NM = ___ RQ = ___
→
 4  2  −3 
QP = ___ 10. If a =   , b =   and c =   , express as
→ →  3  1  1 
(c) AB = ___ (d) LM = ___
→ → column vectors:
BC = ___ MN →
= ___ (i) a – b (ii) b–c
NO = ___ (iii) a – (b + c) (iv) a – (b – c)
→
OP = ___
217 Chapter 5 Vectors
  4 
11. It is given that u =   and |v| = 20. If u = kv 16. In triangle PQR, the point N on PR is such that
 −3 
2
where k is a positive constant, find the value of k. PN = PR. M is the midpoint of PQ, L is the
3
Hence find v. midpoint of MN, and PL produced meets RQ at K.
→ 7 → → →
 5   2  20  PL = PK , PN = 2a and PM = 2b.
12. p =  12
 , q =   and r =  .
 −12   3  m
R
Express 2p + 3q as a column vector.
(a)
(b)
Find N K
(i) |p|, 2a L
(ii) | –p + 2q|,
giving your answers correct to the nearest P Q
whole number. 2b M
Given that r is parallel to p, write down the
(c) (a) Express, as simply as possible, in terms of a
value of m. and/or b,
→ →
(i) NM, (ii) NL ,
13. A, B, C and D are four points such that A is (–5, 3), → →
→  6 →  8  (iii) PK , (iv) PR ,
C is (7, 4), AB =   and AD =   . →
 1  −9  (v) PQ.
Find
→
(i) the coordinates of B and D, (b) Express RQ as simply as possible, in terms of a
→ → and b.
(ii) the vectors BC and CD.
→ 3
(c) Show that KR = (3a – 4b).
14. Two points A and B have position vectors a and b 7
respectively, relative to the origin O. Given that A KR
(d) Calculate the value of .
→  −3  QR
is the point (7, 4) and AB =   , find (e) Calculate the value of
 2 
area of ΔPKR area of ΔPKN
(i) b, (i) , (ii) .
area of ΔPQR area of ΔPQR
(ii) the coordinates of the point C, such that
→ →
OC = BA . 17. In the diagram below, M is the midpoint of OA
and BP = 3PM. Given that the position vectors of
15. In the diagram, ABCD is a trapezium with AD // BC A and B relative to O are a and b respectively, find
2 the position vector of P relative to O.
and AD = BC . P and Q are points on AB and DC
3
respectively such that P is the midpoint of AB and O
1
DQ = DC .
4
C M
Q P
D

v A
N B
A B
P u
→ →
Given that AB = u and AD = v, express in terms of
u and v,
→ →
(i) AC , (ii) DC,
→ →
(iii) AQ, (iv) PQ.

Vectors Chapter 5 218

 → → → →
18. S 20. In the diagram, OP = 2p and OQ = q. OP = 2PR
→ →
and OQ = QS . T is the point on QP produced
where TQ = 3PQ.
T

X
R Q
4b
O 4a P R
OPQR is a parallelogram and X is the midpoint of
→ 1 → P
QR. OR is produced to S so that OR = RS . Given
→ → 2
that OP = 4a and PQ = 4b, express the following 2p
vectors in terms of a and b, giving your answers in
the simplest form. O q Q S
→ → →
(i) OQ (ii) OX (iii) QS (a) Express the following vectors, as simply as
possible, in terms of p and/or q.
→ → →
19. In the diagram, OA = a, OB = b, OP = 2a, and → →
(i) QP (ii) OR
OQ : QB = 2 : 1, and M is the midpoint of AB.
→ →
(iii) SR (iv) ST
B
(b) Write down two facts about the points S, R
and T.
Q
area of ΔOPQ
b M (c) Find the value of .
area of ΔSPT

O P
a A
(a) Express, as simply as possible, in terms of a
and/or b,
→ →
(i) OQ, (ii) PQ,
→ →
(iii) OM, (iv) QM.
PM
(b) Find the value of .
MQ

219 Chapter 5 Vectors

 Challenge

1. By drawing a suitable diagram, show that for any 3. In the diagram, ABCD is a kite, and P, Q, R and S
two vectors a and b, are the midpoints of AB, BC, CD and DA
(i) |a + b|  |a| + |b|, respectively.
(ii) |a – b|  |a| + |b|. Show that PQRS is a rectangle.
B
2. In the diagram, ABCDEFGH is a regular octagon
→ → P Q
where O is its centre, AB = p and AE = q.

B C A C
p

A D
q S R

H E
D

G F
(a) Express, as simply as possible, in terms of p
and/or q,
→ →
(i) EF , (ii) BE .
→
(b) Given that |AE | = 2 units, find the exact value
→
of |BD |.
→
(c) Hence express BD , as simply as possible, in
terms of p and/or q.

Vectors Chapter 5 220