Pure

Further Mathematics 3

Revision Notes

June 2016
2 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB
1 Hyperbolic functions ......................................................................................... 3
Definitions and graphs.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Addition formulae, double angle formulae etc. ........................................................................................................ 3
Osborne’s rule ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Inverse hyperbolic functions .................................................................................................................................... 4
Graphs .................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Logarithmic form .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Equations involving hyperbolic functions ................................................................................................................ 5

2 Further coordinate systems ................................................................................. 6

Ellipse ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Hyperbola ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Parabola .................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Parametric differentiation ......................................................................................................................................... 8
Tangents and normals ............................................................................................................................................... 8
Finding a locus ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

3 Differentiation .................................................................................................. 10
Derivatives of hyperbolic functions ....................................................................................................................... 10
Derivatives of inverse functions ............................................................................................................................. 10

4 Integration......................................................................................................... 12
Standard techniques ................................................................................................................................................ 12
Recognise a standard function .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Using formulae to change the integrand ............................................................................................................................... 12
Reverse chain rule ................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Standard substitutions ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
Integration inverse functions and ln x .................................................................................................................................. 14
Reduction formulae ................................................................................................................................................ 15
Arc length ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
Area of a surface of revolution ............................................................................................................................... 20

5 Vectors .............................................................................................................. 22
Vector product ........................................................................................................................................................ 22
The vectors i, j and k ............................................................................................................................................. 22
Properties................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Component form .................................................................................................................................................... 23
Applications of the vector product ......................................................................................................................... 23
Volume of a parallelepiped .................................................................................................................................... 24
Triple scalar product............................................................................................................................................... 24
Volume of a tetrahedron ......................................................................................................................................... 25
Equations of straight lines ...................................................................................................................................... 25
Vector equation of a line....................................................................................................................................................... 25
Cartesian equation of a line in 3-D ....................................................................................................................................... 26
Vector product equation of a line.......................................................................................................................................... 26
Equation of a plane ................................................................................................................................................. 27
Scalar product form .............................................................................................................................................................. 27
Cartesian form ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Vector equation of a plane .................................................................................................................................................... 28
Distance from a point to a plane ........................................................................................................................................... 29
Distance from any point to a plane ....................................................................................................................................... 29
 Reflection of a point in a plane ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Distance between parallel planes ......................................................................................................................................... 31
Shortest distance from a point to a line ................................................................................................................................ 31
Projections – an alternative approach .................................................................................................................... 32
Shortest distance from a point from a plane. ........................................................................................................................ 32
Distance between parallel planes ......................................................................................................................................... 33
Shortest distance between two skew lines.............................................................................................................. 34
Shortest distance from a point to a line ................................................................................................................................ 35
Line of intersection of two planes .......................................................................................................................... 36
Angle between line and plane ................................................................................................................................ 37
Angle between two planes ..................................................................................................................................... 38

6 Matrices ............................................................................................................ 39
Basic definitions..................................................................................................................................................... 39
Dimension of a matrix ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
Transpose and symmetric matrices ...................................................................................................................................... 39
Identity and zero matrices .................................................................................................................................................... 39
Determinant of a 3 × 3 matrix ................................................................................................................................ 39
Properties of the determinant ............................................................................................................................................... 40
Singular and non-singular matrices ........................................................................................................................ 40
Inverse of a 3 × 3 matrix ...................................................................................................................................... 40
Cofactors .............................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Finding the inverse............................................................................................................................................................... 41
Properties of the inverse....................................................................................................................................................... 41
Matrices and linear transformations ....................................................................................................................... 42
Linear transformations ......................................................................................................................................................... 42
Base vectors 𝒊, 𝒋, 𝒌 ............................................................................................................................................................ 42
Image of a line ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
Image of a plane 1 .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Image of a plane 2 .................................................................................................................................................. 44
Method 1 .............................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Method 2, as in the book ...................................................................................................................................................... 45

7 Eigenvalues and eigenvectors........................................................................... 46

Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................. 46
2 × 2 matrices ......................................................................................................................................................... 46
Orthogonal matrices ............................................................................................................................................... 47
Normalised eigenvectors ...................................................................................................................................................... 47
Orthogonal vectors ............................................................................................................................................................... 47
Orthogonal matrices ............................................................................................................................................................. 47
Diagonalising a 2 × 2 matrix .................................................................................................................................. 48
Diagonalising 2 × 2 symmetric matrices ................................................................................................................ 49
Eigenvectors of symmetric matrices .................................................................................................................................... 49
Diagonalising a symmetric matrix ....................................................................................................................................... 49
3 × 3 matrices ......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Finding eigenvectors for 3 × 3 matrices. .............................................................................................................................. 51
Diagonalising 3 × 3 symmetric matrices .............................................................................................................................. 52

2 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

1 Hyperbolic functions
Definitions and graphs
𝟏 𝟏 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐡 𝒙 (𝒆𝒙 −𝒆−𝒙 )
𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐡 𝒙 = (𝒆𝒙 − 𝒆−𝒙 ) 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐡 𝒙 = (𝒆𝒙 + 𝒆−𝒙 ) 𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐡 𝒙 = = (𝒆𝒙 +𝒆−𝒙 )
𝟐 𝟐 𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐡 𝒙

3 y y 3 y
4
2 2

y=sinhx 3 y=tanhx
1 1
2
x x
−2 −1 1 2 y=coshx −2 −1 1 2
1
−1 x −1
−2 −1 1 2
−2 −2
−1

−3 −3

You should be able to draw the graphs of cosech x, sech x and coth x from the above:

cosech x sech x coth x

3 y 3 y 3 y

2 y=cosechx 2 y=cothx
2
y=sechx
1 1 1
x x x
−2 −1 1 2 −2 −1 1 2 −2 −1 1 2

−1 −1 −1

−2 −2 −2

−3 −3

Addition formulae, double angle formulae etc.

The standard trigonometric formulae are very similar to the hyperbolic formulae.

Osborne’s rule
If a trigonometric identity involves the product of two sines, then we change the sign to write
down the corresponding hyperbolic identity.
Examples:
sin(𝐴 + 𝐵) = sin 𝐴 cos 𝐵 + cos 𝐴 sin 𝐵
⇒ sinh(𝐴 + 𝐵) = sinh 𝐴 cosh 𝐵 + cosh 𝐴 sinh 𝐵 no change

but cos(𝐴 + 𝐵) = cos 𝐴 cos 𝐵 − sin 𝐴 sin 𝐵

⇒ cosh(𝐴 + 𝐵) = cosh 𝐴 cosh 𝐵 + sinh 𝐴 sinh 𝐵 product of two sines, so change sign

and 1 + tan2 A = sec2 A

sin2 𝐴
⇒ 1 – tanh2 A = sech2 A tan2 𝐴 =
cos2 𝐴
, product of two sines, so change sign

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 3

Inverse hyperbolic functions
Graphs
Remember that the graph of 𝑦 = 𝑓 −1 (𝑥) is the reflection of 𝑦 = 𝑓(𝑥) in 𝑦 = 𝑥.

y = arsinh x y = arcosh x y = artanh x

3 y 3 y 3 y
y=x y=x
y=sinhx y=x
2 2 2

1 y=arsinhx y=coshx 1 1
y=arcoshx y=tanhx
x x x
−3 −2 −1 1 2 3 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3 −3 −2 −1 1 2 3

−1 −1 −1

−2 −2 −2
y=artanhx
−3 −3

Notice arcosh x is a function defined so that arcosh x ≥ 0.

⇒ there is only one value of arcosh x.
However, the equation cosh z = 2, has two solutions, +arcosh 2 and –arcosh 2.

Logarithmic form
1) y = arsinh x
1
⇒ sinh 𝑦 = (𝑒 𝑦 − 𝑒 −𝑦 ) = 𝑥
2
⇒ 𝑒 2𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑒 − 1 = 0 𝑦

2𝑥±√4𝑥 2 +4
⇒ 𝑒𝑦 = = 𝑥 + √𝑥 2 + 1 or 𝑥 − √𝑥 2 + 1
2

But 𝑒 𝑦 > 0 and 𝑥 − √𝑥 2 + 1 < 0 ⇒ 𝑒 𝑦 = 𝑥 + √𝑥 2 + 1 only

⇒ 𝑦 = arsinh 𝑥 = ln�𝑥 + √𝑥 2 + 1�

2) y = arcosh x
1
⇒ cosh 𝑦 = (𝑒 𝑦 + 𝑒 −𝑦 ) = 𝑥
2
⇒ 𝑒 2𝑦 − 2𝑥𝑒 + 1 = 0 𝑦

2𝑥±√4𝑥 2 −4
⇒ 𝑒𝑦 = = 𝑥 ± √𝑥 2 − 1 both roots are positive
2

⇒ 𝑦 = arcosh 𝑥 = ln�𝑥 + √𝑥 2 − 1� or ln�𝑥 − √𝑥 2 − 1�

It can be shown that ln�𝑥 − √𝑥 2 − 1� = − ln�𝑥 + √𝑥 2 − 1�
⇒ 𝑦 = arcosh 𝑥 = ± ln�𝑥 + √𝑥 2 − 1�
But arcosh x is a function and therefore has only one value (positive)
⇒ 𝑦 = arcosh 𝑥 = ln�𝑥 + √𝑥 2 − 1� ( x ≥ 1)
1 1+𝑥
3) Similarly artan x = ln �1−𝑥� (|𝑥| < 1)
2

4 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

Equations involving hyperbolic functions
It would be possible to solve 6 sinh 𝑥 − 2 cosh 𝑥 = 7 using the 𝑅 sinh(𝑥 − 𝛼)
technique from trigonometry, but it is easier to use the exponential form.

Example: Solve 6 sinh 𝑥 − 2 cosh 𝑥 = 7

Solution: 6 sinh 𝑥 − 2 cosh 𝑥 = 7

1 1
⇒ 6 × 2 (𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 −𝑥 ) − 2 × 2 (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑒 −𝑥 ) = 7

⇒ 2𝑒 2𝑥 − 7𝑒 𝑥 − 4 = 0

⇒ (2𝑒 𝑥 + 1)(𝑒 𝑥 − 4) = 0
1
⇒ 𝑒𝑥 = − 2 (not possible) or 4

⇒ x = ln 4

In other cases, the ‘trigonometric’ solution may be preferable

Example: Solve cosh 2x + 5 sinh x – 4 = 0

Solution: cosh 2x + 5 sinh x – 4 = 0

⇒ 1 + 2 sinh2 x + 5 sinh x – 4 = 0 note use of Osborn’s rule

⇒ 2 sinh2 x + 5 sinh x – 3 = 0

⇒ (2sinh x – 1)(sinh x + 3) = 0
1
⇒ sinh 𝑥 = 2
or − 3

⇒ x = arsinh 0.5 or arsinh (–3)

⇒ 𝑥 = ln�0.5 + √0.52 + 1� or ln�(−3) + �(−3)2 + 1� using log form of inverse

1+√5
⇒ 𝑥 = ln � � or ln�√10 − 3�
2

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 5

2 Further coordinate systems
Ellipse
Cartesian equation
y
𝑥2 𝑦2 b
+ =1 x²/a²+y²/b²=1
𝑎2 𝑏2
Parametric equations
x
𝑥 = 𝑎 cos 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑏 sin 𝜃 −a
* * a
(−ae,0) (ae,0)

Foci at S (ae, 0) and S′ (–ae, 0)

𝑎 x=−a/e −b x=a/e
Directrices at x = ±
𝑒
Eccentricity e < 1, b2 = a2(1 – e2)

An ellipse can be defined as the locus of a point P which moves so that PS = e PN,
where S is one of the foci, e < 1 and N lies on the corresponding directrix.

y
P
N' N

x
*'
S *S

x=−a/e x=a/e

This is true for either focus with the corresponding directrix.

⇒ PS = e PN and PS′ = e PN′
⇒ PS + PS′ = e (PN + PN′ ) = eNN′
2𝑎
⇒ PS + PS′ = e 𝑒
= 2a.

This justifies the ‘string method’ of drawing an ellipse.

6 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Hyperbola
y
Cartesian equation y=−bx/a
x²/a²−y²/b²=1

𝑥2 𝑦2
2
− =1
𝑎 𝑏2 −a a
x
*
S' *S
Parametric equations
𝑥 = 𝑎 cosh 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑏 sinh 𝜃
y=bx/a
(𝑥 = 𝑎 sec 𝜃 , 𝑦 = 𝑏 tan 𝜃 also work)
𝑥 𝑦 y
Asymptotes = ±
𝑎 𝑏 x²/a²−y²/b²=1
N
Foci at S (ae, 0) and S′ (–ae, 0) P

x
𝑎 * −a a *S
Directrices at x = ± S'
𝑒
Eccentricity e >1, b2 = a2(e2 – 1)
x=−a/e x=a/e

A hyperbola can be defined as the locus of a

y
point P which moves so that PS = e PN, S*

where S is the focus, e > 1 and N lies on the directrix. y²/c²−x²/d²=1

𝑦2 𝑥2 c
2
− =1 x
𝑐 𝑑2
−c
is a hyperbola with foci on the y-axis, y=−cx/d y=cx/d

S'
*

y
Parabola N P

Cartesian equation
𝑦 2 = 4𝑎𝑥
N x
Parametric equations * (a,0)
S
2
𝑥 = 𝑎𝑡 , 𝑦 = 2𝑎𝑡
Focus at S (a, 0) x=−a y²=4ax

Directrix at x = – a

A parabola can be defined as the locus of a point P which moves so that PS = PN,
where S is the focus, N lies on the directrix and the eccentricity e = 1.

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 7

Parametric differentiation
𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑥
From the chain rule = ×
𝑑𝜃 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝜃

𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒚
𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝜽 𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒕
⇒ = 𝒅𝒙 or = 𝒅𝒙 using any parameter.
𝒅𝒙 𝒅𝒙
𝒅𝜽 𝒅𝒕

Tangents and normals

It is now easy to find tangents and normals.
Example: Find the equation of the normal to the curve given by the parametric equations
𝜋
x = 5 cos θ , y = 8 sin θ at the point where θ = 3
𝜋 1 √3
Solution: When θ = 3 , cos 𝜃 = 2
and sin 𝜃 = 2
5
⇒ x = 2, y = 4√3
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑦 8 cos 𝜃 −8 𝜋
and = 𝑑𝜃
𝑑𝑥 = = when 𝜃 = 3
𝑑𝑥 −5 sin 𝜃 5√3
𝑑𝜃

5√3
⇒ gradient of normal is 8
5√3 5
⇒ equation of normal is 𝑦 − 4√3 = �𝑥 − 2�
8
39√3
⇒ 5√3 𝑥 − 8𝑦 + =0
2

Sometimes normal, or implicit, differentiation is (slightly) easier.

6
Example: Find the equation of the tangent to xy = 36, or x = 6t, 𝑦 = , at the point
𝑡
where t = 3.
Solution: When t = 3, x = 18 and y = 2.
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑥
can be found in two (or more!) ways:
𝑑𝑦 36
𝑑𝑦 −6𝑡 −2 xy = 36 ⇒ 𝑦=
= 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑥 = 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 6
𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑦 −36
⇒ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑥2
𝑑𝑦 −1 −1
⇒ = = , when 𝑡 = 3
𝑑𝑦 −36 −1
𝑑𝑥 𝑡2 9
⇒ = = , when x = 18
𝑑𝑥 182 9

−1
⇒ equation of tangent is 𝑦 − 2 = 9
(𝑥 − 18)

⇒ x + 9y – 36 = 0

8 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

Finding a locus
First find expressions for x and y coordinates in terms of a parameter, t or θ , then
eliminate the parameter to give an expression involving only x and y, which will be the
equation of the locus.

𝑥2 𝑦2
Example: The tangent to the ellipse + = 1, at the point P, (3 cos θ , 4 sin θ ),
9 16
crosses the x-axis at A, and the y-axis at B.

Find an equation for the locus of the mid-point of AB as P moves round the
ellipse, or as θ varies.
𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑦 4 cos 𝜃
Solution: = 𝑑𝜃
𝑑𝑥 =
𝑑𝑥 −3 sin 𝜃
𝑑𝜃

4 cos 𝜃
⇒ equation of tangent is 𝑦 − 4 sin 𝜃 = (𝑥 − 3 cos 𝜃 )
−3 sin 𝜃

⇒ 3𝑦 sin 𝜃 + 4𝑥 cos 𝜃 = 12 cos2θ + 12 sin2θ = 12

3
Tangent crosses x-axis at A when y = 0, ⇒ x = ,
cos 𝜃

4
and crosses y-axis at B when x = 0, ⇒ 𝑦 =
sin 𝜃

3 4
⇒ mid-point of AB is � , � ⇔ (X, Y)
2 cos 𝜃 2sin 𝜃

3 2
Here X = and 𝑌 =
2 cos 𝜃 sin 𝜃

3 2
⇒ cos 𝜃 = and sin 𝜃 =
2𝑋 𝑌
9 4
⇒ equation of the locus is + =1 since cos2 𝜃 + sin2 𝜃 = 1
4𝑋 2 𝑌2
9 4
or + = 1
4𝑥 2 𝑦2

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 9

3 Differentiation
Derivatives of hyperbolic functions
1
𝑦 = sinh 𝑥 = (𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑒 −𝑥 )
2

𝑑𝑦 1
⇒ = (𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑒 −𝑥 ) = cosh x
𝑑𝑥 2

𝑑(cosh 𝑥)
and, similarly, = sinh 𝑥
𝑑𝑥

sinh 𝑥
Also, 𝑦 = tanh 𝑥 = cosh 𝑥

𝑑𝑦 cosh 𝑥 cosh 𝑥−sinh 𝑥 sinh 𝑥 1

⇒ = = = sech2 𝑥
𝑑𝑥 cosh2 𝑥 cosh2 𝑥

In a similar way, all the derivatives of hyperbolic functions can be found.

𝒇(𝒙) 𝒇′ (𝒙)

sinh x cosh x
cosh x sinh x all positive
tanh x sech2x

coth x – cosech2x
cosech x – cosech x coth x all negative
sech x – sech x tanh x

Notice: these are similar to the results for sin x, cos x, tan x etc., but the minus signs do not
always agree.
1
The minus signs are ‘wrong’ only for cosh x and sech x �= cosh 𝑥�.

Derivatives of inverse functions

y = arsinh x
𝑑𝑦
⇒ sinh y = x ⇒ cosh 𝑦 𝑑𝑥
= 1

𝑑𝑦 1 1
⇒ = =
𝑑𝑥 cosh 𝑦 �1+sinh2 𝑦

𝑑(arsinh 𝑥) 1
⇒ = √1+𝑥 2
𝑑𝑥

10 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 The derivatives for other inverse hyperbolic functions can be found in a similar way.

You can also use integration by substitution to find the integrals of the 𝑓 ′ (𝑥) column

𝒇(𝒙) 𝒇′ (𝒙) substitution needed for integration

1
arcsin x 1 – sin2 u = cos2 u ⇒ use x = sin u
√1−𝑥 2
−1
arccos x 1 – cos2 u = sin2 u ⇒ use x = cos u
√1−𝑥 2
1
arctan x 1 + tan2 u = sec2 u ⇒ use x = tan u
1+𝑥 2
1
arsinh x 1 + sinh2 u = cosh2 u ⇒ use x = sinh u
√1+𝑥 2
1
arcosh x cosh2 u – 1 = sinh2 u ⇒ use x = cosh u
√𝑥 2 −1
1
artanh x 1 – tanh2 u = sech2 u ⇒ use x = tanh u
1−𝑥 2
1 1+𝑥 1
ln �1−𝑥� partial fractions, see example below
2 1−𝑥 2

1 1 1 1 1 1+𝑥
𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞 that � 𝑑𝑥 = � + 𝑑𝑥 = ln � �+ 𝑐
1−𝑥2 2 1+𝑥 1−𝑥 2 1−𝑥

With chain rule, product rule and quotient rule you should be able to handle a large variety of
combinations of functions.

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 11

4 Integration
Standard techniques
Recognise a standard function
Examples: ∫ sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = sec 𝑥 + c

∫ sech 𝑥 tanh 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = −sech 𝑥 + c

Using formulae to change the integrand

Examples: ∫ tan2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ sec 2 𝑥 − 1 𝑑𝑥 = tan 𝑥 − 𝑥 + c
1 1 1
∫ cos 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2
∫ 1 + cos 2𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2
�𝑥 + 2 sin 2𝑥� + 𝑐

1 1 1
∫ sinh2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = 2
∫ cosh 2𝑥 − 1 𝑑𝑥 = 2
�2 sinh 2𝑥 − 𝑥� + 𝑐

Reverse chain rule

Notice the chain rule pattern, guess an answer and differentiate to find the constant.

Example: ∫ cos 2 𝑥 sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 ‘looks like’ 𝑢 2

𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑥
so try u3 ⇔ cos3 x

𝑑�cos3 𝑥�
= 3cos2 x (– sin x) = – 3cos2 x sin x so divide by –3
𝑑𝑥

1
⇒ ∫ cos 2 𝑥 sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = − 3 cos3 𝑥 + 𝑐

Example: ∫ 𝑥 2 (2𝑥 3 − 7)4 𝑑𝑥 ‘looks like’ 𝑢 4

𝑑𝑢
𝑑𝑥
so try u5 ⇔ (2𝑥 3 − 7)5

5
𝑑�2𝑥 3 − 7�
= 5(2𝑥 3 − 7)4 × 6𝑥 2 = 30𝑥 2 (2𝑥 3 − 7)4 so divide by 30
𝑑𝑥

1
⇒ ∫ 𝑥 2 (2𝑥 3 − 7)4 𝑑𝑥 = 30
(2𝑥 3 − 7)5 + 𝑐

Example: ∫ sech4 𝑥 tanh 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= ∫ sech3 𝑥 (sech 𝑥 tanh 𝑥) 𝑑𝑥 ‘looks like’ 𝑢3 𝑑𝑢

𝑑𝑥
so try u4 = sech4 x

𝑑�sech4 𝑥�
= −4 sech3 𝑥 sech 𝑥 tanh 𝑥 so divide by −4
𝑑𝑥

1
⇒ ∫ sech4 𝑥 tanh 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = − 4 sech4 𝑥 + 𝑐

12 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Standard substitutions
1
∫ 𝑎2+𝑏2𝑥2 𝑑𝑥 𝑏𝑥 = 𝑎 tan 𝑢 better than bx = a sinh u when there is no √

1
∫ √𝑎2+𝑏2𝑥2 𝑑𝑥 𝑏𝑥 = 𝑎 sinh 𝑢 better than bx = a tan u when there is √

1
∫ 𝑎2−𝑏2𝑥2 𝑑𝑥 𝑏𝑥 = 𝑎 tanh 𝑢 or use partial fractions

1
∫ √𝑏2𝑥2 −𝑎2 𝑑𝑥 𝑏𝑥 = 𝑎 cosh 𝑢 better than bx = a sec u when there is √

For more complicated integrals like

1 1
∫ 𝑝𝑥2 +𝑞𝑥+𝑟 𝑑𝑥 or ∫
�𝑝𝑥 2 +𝑞𝑥+𝑟
𝑑𝑥

complete the square to give 𝑝(𝑥 + 𝑎)2 + 𝑏 and then use a substitution similar to one of the
four above.
1
Example: ∫
√4𝑥 2 −8𝑥−5
𝑑𝑥 4𝑥 2 − 8𝑥 − 5 = 4(𝑥 2 − 2𝑥 + 1) − 9 = 4(𝑥 − 1)2 − 9
1
= ∫ �4(𝑥−1)2 −9 𝑑𝑥

Substitute 2(x – 1) = 3 cosh u ⇒ 2 dx = 3 sinh u du

1 3 sinh 𝑢
= ∫ �9(cosh2 𝑢−1) 𝑑𝑢
2

1 1 2𝑥−2
= 2
∫ 𝑑𝑢 = u+c = 2
arcosh � 3
� + c

Nice trick

1
𝐸𝑥𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒: 𝐼 = � 𝑑𝑥
�(2𝑥 − 3)2 + 25

1
Solution: Substitute u = 2x − 3, ⇒ dx = 2 du

1 1 1 𝑢
⇒ 𝐼 = � 𝑑𝑢 = arsinh � � + 𝑐, using standard formula
√𝑢2 + 52 2 2 5

1 2𝑥 − 3
= arsinh � �+𝑐
2 5

Important tip

𝑥𝑛
∫� 𝑑𝑥, etc., is best done with the substitution
𝑎2 ±𝑥 2

(i) u (or u2) = a2 ± x2, when n is odd,

or (ii) a trigonometric or hyperbolic function when n is even.

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 13

 Integration inverse functions and ln x
To integrate inverse trigonometric or hyperbolic functions and ln x we use integration by parts
𝑑𝑣
with =0
𝑑𝑥

Example: Find ∫ arctan 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑢 1
Solution: I = ∫ arctan 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 take u = arctan x ⇒ =
𝑑𝑥 1+𝑥 2

𝑑𝑣
and =1 ⇒ v = x
𝑑𝑥

1
⇒ I = x arctan x − ∫ 𝑥 × 1+𝑥2 𝑑𝑥

1
⇒ I = ∫ arctan 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = x arctan x − 2
ln (1 + x 2) + c

Example: Find ∫ arcosh 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑢 1
Solution: I = ∫ arcosh 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 take u = arcosh x ⇒ = √𝑥 2 −1
𝑑𝑥

𝑑𝑣
and =1 ⇒ v = x
𝑑𝑥

1
⇒ I = x arcosh x − ∫ 𝑥 × 𝑑𝑥
� 𝑥2 −1

⇒ I = ∫ arcosh 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = x arcosh x − √𝑥 2 − 1 + c

14 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

Reduction formulae
The first step in finding a reduction formula is often (but not always) integration by parts
(sometimes twice). The following examples show a variety of techniques.

Example 1: 𝐼𝑛 = ∫ 𝑥 𝑛 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

(a) Find a reduction formula,

(b) Find 𝐼0 ,
(c) Find 𝐼4

Solution:
(a) Integrating by parts
𝑑𝑢
𝑢 = 𝑥𝑛 ⇒ = 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣
= 𝑒𝑥 ⇒ v = e
x
and 𝑑𝑥

⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑛 𝑒 𝑥 − ∫ 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = 𝑥 𝑛 𝑒 𝑥 − 𝑛𝐼𝑛−1

(b) 𝐼0 = ∫ 𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ex + c

(c) Using the reduction formula

𝐼4 = 𝑥 4 𝑒 𝑥 − 4𝐼3 = 𝑥 4 𝑒 𝑥 − 4(𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 − 3𝐼2 )

= 𝑥 4 𝑒 𝑥 − 4𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 + 12(𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 2𝐼1 )

= 𝑥 4 𝑒 𝑥 − 4𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 + 12𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 24(𝑥𝑒 𝑥 − 𝐼0 )

= 𝑥 4 𝑒 𝑥 − 4𝑥 3 𝑒 𝑥 + 12𝑥 2 𝑒 𝑥 − 24𝑥𝑒 𝑥 + 24𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑐 since 𝐼0 = 𝑒 𝑥 + 𝑐

Example 2: Find a reduction formula for 𝐼𝑛 = ∫ tan𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution: 𝐼𝑛 = ∫ tan𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ tan𝑛−2 𝑥 tan2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = ∫ tan𝑛−2 𝑥 (sec 2 𝑥 − 1) 𝑑𝑥

= ∫ tan𝑛−2 𝑥 sec 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 − ∫ tan𝑛−2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

1
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = tann − 1x − In − 2 .
𝑛−1

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 15

 π
Example 3: (i) Find a reduction formula for 𝐼𝑛 = ∫0 �2 sinn 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 .
π
(ii) Use the formula to find 𝐼6 = ∫0 �2 sin6 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solution: (i) By splitting sinnx = sinn−1x sin x, we can differentiate sinn−1x reducing
the power, and we can integrate sin x
π� π
𝐼𝑛 = ∫0 2 sin𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫0 �2 sin𝑛−1 𝑥 sin 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑢
take u = sin n − 1 x ⇒ = (n − 1) sin n − 2 x cos x
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣
and = sin x ⇒ v = − cos x
𝑑𝑥
π� π
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = [ − cos 𝑥 sin𝑛 − 1 𝑥]0 2 − ∫0 �2 − cos 𝑥 (𝑛 − 1) sin𝑛 − 2 𝑥 cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
π
= 0 + (𝑛 − 1) ∫0 �2 cos2 𝑥 sin𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
π
= (𝑛 − 1) ∫0 �2�1 − sin2 𝑥 � sin𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
π π
= (𝑛 − 1) ∫0 �2 sin𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 − (𝑛 − 1) ∫0 �2 sin𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

⇒ In = (n − 1) In−2 − (n − 1) In
𝑛−1
⇒ In = In−2 .
𝑛

5 5 3 5 3 1
(ii) I6 = I4 = × I2 = × × I0
6 6 4 6 4 2
5 π� 5𝜋
⇒ I6 = ∫0 21 𝑑𝑥 = .
16 32

Example 4: Find a reduction formula for 𝐼𝑛 = ∫ sec 𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥.

Solution: By splitting secnx = secn−2x sec2 x, we can differentiate secn−2x reducing the
power, and we can integrate sec2 x
𝐼𝑛 = ∫ sec 𝑛 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 = ∫ sec 𝑛−2 𝑥 sec 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑢
take u = secn − 2x ⇒ = (n − 2) secn − 3x sec x tan x
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣
and = sec2 x ⇒ v = tan x
𝑑𝑥

⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = secn − 2x tan x − ∫ tan 𝑥 (𝑛 − 2) sec 𝑛 − 3 𝑥 sec 𝑥 tan 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

= secn − 2x tan x − (𝑛 − 2) ∫ tan2 𝑥 sec 𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= secn − 2x tan x − (𝑛 − 2) ∫(sec 2 𝑥 − 1) sec 𝑛 − 2 𝑥 𝑑𝑥
= secn − 2x tan x − (𝑛 − 2)𝐼𝑛 + (𝑛 − 2)𝐼𝑛−2
⇒ (𝑛 − 1)𝐼𝑛 = secn − 2x tan x + (𝑛 − 2)𝐼𝑛−2

16 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 0
Example 5: Find a reduction formula for 𝐼𝑛 = ∫−1 𝑥 𝑛 (1 + 𝑥)2 𝑑𝑥.
Solution: We can differentiate xn reducing the power, and we can integrate (1 + x)2
0 𝑑𝑢
𝐼𝑛 = ∫−1 𝑥 𝑛 (1 + 𝑥)2 𝑑𝑥 take u = xn ⇒ = nxn −1
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣 1
and = (1 + x)2 ⇒ v = 3 (1 + 𝑥)3
𝑑𝑥
1 0 0 1
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = �𝑥𝑛 × (1 + 𝑥)3 � − ∫−1 𝑛𝑥 𝑛−1 × 3 (1 + 𝑥)3 𝑑𝑥.
3 −1
3 2
Writing (1 + x) = (1 + x) (1 + x) allows us to write the integral in terms of In−1 and In.
3 1
Many reduction formulae need a fiddle like this − e.g. (1 − 𝑥 2 )2 = (1 − 𝑥 2 )2 (1 − 𝑥 2 )
𝑛 0
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = 0 − ∫ 𝑥𝑛−1 (1 + 𝑥)2 (1 + 𝑥)𝑑𝑥
3 −1
𝑛 0 𝑛 0
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = − ∫ 𝑥𝑛−1 (1 + 𝑥)2 𝑑𝑥 −
3 −1
∫ 𝑥𝑛 (1 + 𝑥)2 𝑑𝑥
3 −1
𝑛 𝑛
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = − 𝐼𝑛−1 − 𝐼𝑛
3 3
𝑛+3 𝑛
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = − 𝐼𝑛−1
3 3
𝑛
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = − 𝐼𝑛−1
𝑛+3

𝜋�
Example 6: Find a reduction formula for 𝐼𝑛 = ∫0 2 𝑥 𝑛 cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥

Solution: We can differentiate xn reducing the power, and we can integrate cos x
𝜋� 𝑑𝑢
𝐼𝑛 = ∫0 2 𝑥 𝑛 cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 take u = xn ⇒ = nx n −1
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣
and = cos x ⇒ v = sin x
𝑑𝑥
𝜋� 𝜋�
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = [𝑥 𝑛 sin 𝑥]0 2
− 𝑛 ∫0 2 sin 𝑥 × 𝑥 𝑛−1 𝑑𝑥

Integrating by parts again will change the sin x to cos x, and reduce the power further.
𝑑𝑢
take u = x n−1 ⇒ = (n−1) x n −2
𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑣
and = sin x ⇒ v = −cos x
𝑑𝑥

𝜋 𝑛 𝜋� 𝜋�
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = �2 � {
− n [ 𝑥 𝑛−1 (− cos 𝑥)]0 2
− ∫0 2− cos 𝑥 × (𝑛 − 1)𝑥 𝑛−2 𝑑𝑥 }
𝜋 𝑛 𝜋�
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = �2 � {
− n 0 + (𝑛 − 1) ∫0 2 𝑥 𝑛−2 cos 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 }
𝜋 𝑛
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = �2 � − n (𝑛 − 1) 𝐼𝑛−2

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 17

 sin 𝑛𝑥
Example 7: Find a reduction formula for 𝐼𝑛 = ∫ dx
sin 𝑥

sin[(𝑛−2)𝑥+2𝑥]
Solution: 𝐼𝑛 = ∫ sin 𝑥
dx

sin(𝑛−2)𝑥 cos 2𝑥 +cos(𝑛−2)𝑥 sin 2𝑥

= ∫ sin 𝑥
dx

sin(𝑛−2)𝑥 (1−2sin2 𝑥) + cos(𝑛−2)𝑥 ×2 sin 𝑥 cos 𝑥

= ∫ sin 𝑥
dx

sin(𝑛−2)𝑥
= ∫ sin 𝑥
dx + 2∫ cos(𝑛 − 2)𝑥 cos 𝑥 − sin(𝑛 − 2)𝑥 sin 𝑥 dx

= In − 2 + 2∫ cos(𝑛 − 1)𝑥 dx using cos(A + B) = cos A cos B – sin A sin B

2
⇒ 𝐼𝑛 = In − 2 + sin(n − 1)x .
𝑛−1

Arc length

All the formulae you need can be remembered from this

diagram Q

arc PQ ≈ line segment PQ

δy
⇒ (δ s)2 ≈ (δ x)2 + (δ y)2 δs
P
𝛿𝑠 2 𝛿𝑦 2
⇒ �𝛿𝑥� ≈ 1 + �𝛿𝑥 � δx

and as δ x → 0

𝑑𝑠 2 𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑦 2
⇒ �𝑑𝑥� = 1 + �𝑑𝑥 � ⇒ 𝑑𝑥
= �1 + �𝑑𝑥 �

2
𝑑𝑦
⇒ arc length = 𝑠 = � �1 + � � 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥

18 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 𝛿𝑠 2 𝛿𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥 2
Similarly �𝛿𝑦� ≈ �𝛿𝑦� + 1 ⇒ s = ∫ ��𝑑𝑦� + 1 𝑑𝑦

𝛿𝑠 2 𝛿𝑥 2 𝛿𝑦 2
and �𝛿𝑡 � ≈ � 𝛿𝑡 � + � 𝛿𝑡 �

𝑑𝑥 2 𝑑𝑦 2
⇒ �
𝑠 = � � � + � � 𝑑𝑡 or 𝑠 = � �𝑥̇ 2 + 𝑦̇ 2 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

for parametric equations.

2 3�
Example 1: Find the length of the curve 𝑦 = 3 𝑥 2 , from y
18
the point where x = 3 to the point where x = 8. 16 y=(2/3)x^(3/2)
14
Solution: The equation of the curve is in Cartesian form so we use
12
𝑑𝑦 2
s = ∫ �1 + � � 𝑑𝑥 . 10
𝑑𝑥
8

2 3� 𝑑𝑦 6
𝑦 = 3
𝑥 2 ⇒ = √𝑥
𝑑𝑥 4

8 2
⇒ s = ∫3 √1 + 𝑥 𝑑𝑥 x
2 4 6 8 10

2 3� 8 2 3� 2 3�
= � (1 + 𝑥 ) 2� = × (9) 2 − × (4) 2
3 3 3 3

2
⇒ s = 123 .

Example 2: Find the length of one arch of the cycloid x = a(t − sin t), y = a(1 − cos t).

Solution: The curve is given in parametric form so

y
we use s = ∫ �𝑥̇ 2 + 𝑦̇ 2 𝑑𝑡 .
x=a(t−sint), y=a(1−cost)
x = a(t − sin t), y = a(1 − cos t)
x
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
⇒ = a(1 − cos t), and = a sin t t=0 t=2π
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

⇒ 𝑥̇ 2 + 𝑦̇ 2 = a2(1 − 2 cos t + cos2t + sin2t) = 2a2(1 − cos t)

𝑡 𝑡
⇒ �𝑥̇ 2 + 𝑦̇ 2 = 𝑎�2 �1 − �1 − 2 sin2 �2��� = 2𝑎 sin � �
2

2𝜋 𝑡
⇒ s = ∫0 2𝑎 sin �2� 𝑑𝑡

𝑡 2𝜋
⇒ s = �−4𝑎 cos �2�� = 4a − − 4a = 8a.
0

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 19

Area of a surface of revolution
A curve is rotated about the x-axis.
y
To find the area of the surface formed δs

between x = a and x = b, we consider a

small section of the curve, δs, at a distance y
of y from the x-axis. x
When this small section is rotated about the a bb
x-axis, the shape formed is approximately a
cylinder of radius y and length δs.

The surface area of this (cylindrical) shape

≈ 2π yδs

⇒ The total surface area ≈ ∑𝑏𝑎 2π 𝑦δ𝑠

𝑏
and, as δs → 0, the area of the surface is A = ∫𝑎 2π 𝑦 𝑑𝑠.

𝑏 𝑑𝑠 𝑏 𝑑𝑠
And so A = ∫𝑎 2π 𝑦 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥 or A = ∫𝑎 2π 𝑦 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑦 2 𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦 2 2
We can use = �1 + � � or = �� � + � � , as appropriate,
𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

remembering that (δ s)2 ≈ (δ x)2 + (δ y)2

Example 1: A sphere has radius r. Find the surface area of the sphere between the planes
x = a and x = b.
y
Solution: The Cartesian form is most suitable here. x²+y²=r²
𝑏 𝑑𝑠
A = ∫𝑎 2π 𝑦 𝑑𝑥
𝑑𝑥

x2 + y2 = r2 x

𝑑𝑦 𝑑𝑦 −𝑥
⇒ 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 𝑑𝑥 = 0 ⇒ =
𝑑𝑥 𝑦

𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑦 2
and 𝑑𝑥
= �1 + �𝑑𝑥 � x=a x=b

𝑏 𝑥2 𝑏
⇒ A = ∫𝑎 2π𝑦 �1 + 𝑦 2 𝑑𝑥 = ∫𝑎 2π �𝑦 2 + 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
𝑏
= ∫𝑎 2π𝑟 𝑑𝑥 since x2 + y2 = r2

⇒ A = [2π𝑟𝑥]𝑏𝑎 = 2π𝑟(𝑏 − 𝑎) since r is constant

Notice that the area of the whole sphere is from a = −r to b = r giving

surface area of a sphere is 4π r2.

20 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Historical note.

Archimedes showed that the area of a sphere is equal to

the area of the curved surface of the surrounding cylinder.

Thus the area of the sphere is h = 2r

A = 2π rh = 4π r2 since h = 2r.

Example 2: The parabola, x = at2, y = 2at, between the origin (t = 0) and P (t = 2) is rotated
about the x-axis. y
P, (t = 2)
Find the surface area of the shape formed. *

Solution: The parametric form is suitable here. x

𝑏 𝑑𝑠
A = ∫𝑎 2π 𝑦 𝑑𝑡
𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑠 𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦2 2
and = �� � + � �
𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡 𝑑𝑡

𝑑𝑥 𝑑𝑦
𝑑𝑡
= 2𝑎𝑡 and 𝑑𝑡
= 2𝑎

𝑑𝑠
⇒ 𝑑𝑡
= �(2𝑎𝑡)2 + (2𝑎)2 = 2𝑎√𝑡 2 + 1

2
⇒ A = ∫0 2π 2𝑎𝑡 × 2𝑎√𝑡 2 + 1 𝑑𝑡

1 3� 2
= 8πa2 × 3 �(𝑡 2 + 1) 2�
0

8𝜋𝑎2 3�
⇒ A = �5 2 − 1�
3

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 21

5 Vectors
Vector product
The vector, or cross, product of a and b is
�
𝒏 b
a × b = ab sinθ 𝒏
�
θ
� is a unit (length 1) vector which is
where 𝒏
perpendicular to both a and b, and θ is the angle a
between a and b.

� is that in which a right hand corkscrew would move when turned

The direction of 𝒏
through the angle θ from a to b.

b
Notice that b × a = ab sinθ (−𝒏 � ), where −𝒏
� is in the
� , since the corkscrew would move in
opposite direction to 𝒏 θ
the opposite direction when moving from b to a. a
�
−𝒏
Thus b × a = − a × b.

The vectors i, j and k

For unit vectors, i, j and k, in the directions of the axes
𝒌
i × j = k, j × k = i, k × i = j,

i × k = −j, j × i = −k, k × j = −i. j

Properties
a×a = 0 since θ = 0

a×b = 0 ⇒ a is parallel to b since sin θ = 0 ⇒ θ = 0 or π

or a or b = 0

a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c remember the brilliant demo with the straws!

a × b is perpendicular to both a and b from the definition

22 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

Component form
Using the above we can show that

𝑎1 𝑏1 𝑎2 𝑏3 − 𝑎3 𝑏2 𝒊 𝒋 𝒌
𝑎
a × b = � 2 � × �𝑏2 � = �−𝑎1 𝑏3 + 𝑎3 𝑏1 � = �𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 �
𝑎3 𝑏3 𝑎1 𝑏2 − 𝑎2 𝑏1 𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3

Applications of the vector product

1
Area of triangle OAB = 2
𝑎𝑏 sin 𝜃 B
b
1
⇒ area of triangle OAB = 2
a × b O θ
a
A

Area of parallelogram OADB is twice the area B

of the triangle OAB b

O θ D
⇒ area of parallelogram OADB = a × b
a
A

Example: A is (−1, 2, 1), B is (2, 3, 0) and C is (3, 4, −2).

Find the area of the triangle ABC.
C
1
Solution: �����⃗ × �����⃗
The area of the triangle ABC = �2 𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐶 �

3 4 A
�����⃗
𝐴𝐵 = b − a = � 1 � and �����⃗
𝐴𝐶 = c − a = � 2 � B
−1 −3

𝒊 𝒋 𝒌 −1
�����⃗ × 𝐴𝐶
⇒ 𝐴𝐵 �����⃗ = �3 1 −1� = � 5 �
4 2 −3 2

1 1 1
�����⃗ × �����⃗
⇒ area ABC = �2 𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐶 �= √12 + 52 + 32 = √35
2 2

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 23

Volume of a parallelepiped
In the parallelepiped,

the base is parallel to b and c

� is a unit vector perpendicular to the base

𝒏 h a
𝒏
�
φ c
�,
and the height h = h 𝒏
θ
b
where h = ± a cos φ = ± a . 𝒏
�
± because φ might be obtuse

The area of base = bc sin θ

⇒ volume V = ± h × bc sin θ

⇒ ± V = a cos φ × bc sin θ

a . (b × c) = a . (bc sin θ 𝒏 � (bc sin θ )

�) = a . 𝒏

⇒ a . (b × c) = a cos φ × bc sin θ = ± V

⇒ volume of parallelepiped = a . (b × c)

Triple scalar product

𝑎1 𝑏2 𝑐3 − 𝑏3 𝑐2
a . (b × c) = �𝑎2 � . �−𝑏1 𝑐3 + 𝑏3 𝑐1 �
𝑎3 𝑏1 𝑐2 − 𝑏2 𝑐1

= 𝑎1 (𝑏2 𝑐3 − 𝑏3 𝑐2 ) + 𝑎2 (−𝑏1 𝑐3 + 𝑏3 𝑐1 ) + 𝑎3 (𝑏1 𝑐2 − 𝑏2 𝑐1 )

𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3
= �𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3 �
𝑐1 𝑐2 𝑐3

By expanding the determinants we can show that

a . (b × c) = (a × b) . c keep the order of a, b, c but change the order of the × and .

For this reason the triple scalar product is written as {a, b, c}

{a, b, c} = a . (b × c) = (a × b) . c

It can also be shown that a cyclic change of the order of a, b, c does not change the
value, but interchanging two of the vectors multiplies the value by −1.

⇒ {a, b, c} = {c, a, b} = {b, c, a } = −{a, c, b} = −{c, b, a} = −{b, a, c}

24 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

Volume of a tetrahedron
The volume of a tetrahedron is
1
3
Area of base × ℎ
h a
The height of the tetrahedron is the same as 𝒏
�
the height of the parallelepiped, but its base φ c
has half the area θ
b
1
⇒ volume of tetrahedron = 6
volume of parallelepiped

1
⇒ volume of tetrahedron = 6
|{𝒂, 𝒃, 𝒄}|

Example: Find the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD,

given that A is (1, 0, 2), B is (−1, 2, 2), C is (1, 1, −3) and D is (4, 0, 3).

1
Solution: Volume = �����⃗, �����⃗
��𝐴𝐷 𝐴𝐶 , 𝐴𝐵�����⃗ ��
6
3 0 −2
�����⃗
𝐴𝐷 = 𝒅 − 𝒂 = �0� , �����⃗ = � 1 � ,
𝐴𝐶 �����⃗ = � 2 �
𝐴𝐵
1 −5 0
3
0 1
�����⃗, �����⃗
⇒ �𝐴𝐷 𝐴𝐶 , �����⃗
𝐴𝐵� = � 0 1 −5� = 3 × 10 + 2 = 32
−2 2 0

1 1
⇒ volume of tetrahedron is 6
× 32 = 5 3

Equations of straight lines

Vector equation of a line

l
P
r = a + λ b is the equation of a line through A
the point A and parallel to the vector b,
𝑥 𝑙 𝛼 a r
or �𝑦� = �𝑚� + 𝜆 �𝛽 � .
𝑧 𝑛 𝛾

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 25

 Cartesian equation of a line in 3-D
Eliminating λ from the above equation we obtain
𝑥−𝑙 𝑦−𝑚 𝑧−𝑛
= = (= λ)
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾

𝛼
𝛽
is the equation of a line through the point (l, m, n) and parallel to the vector � � .
𝛾

This strange form of equation is really the intersection of the planes

𝑥−𝑙 𝑦−𝑚 𝑦−𝑚 𝑧−𝑛 𝑥−𝑙 𝑧−𝑛
= and = �and = �.
𝛼 𝛽 𝛽 𝛾 𝛼 𝛾

Vector product equation of a line

l
�����⃗
𝐴𝑃 = r − a and is parallel to the vector b P
A
⇒ �����⃗ × b = 0
𝐴𝑃

⇒ (r − a) × b = 0 is the equation of a line a r

through A and parallel to b.

or r × b = a × b = c is the equation of a b
line parallel to b.

Notice that all three forms of equation refer to a line through the point A and parallel to the
vector b.

Example: A straight line has Cartesian equation

2𝑦+4 3−𝑧
𝑥 = = .
5 2

Find its equation (i) in the form r = a + λ b, (ii) in the form r × b = c .

Solution:

First re-write the equation in the standard manner

𝑥−0 𝑦−−2 𝑧−3
⇒ = =
1 2.5 −2

1 2
⇒ the line passes through A, (0, −2, 3), and is parallel to b, �2.5� or � 5 �
−2 −4

26 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 0 2
(i) r = �−2� + 𝜆 � 5 �
3 −4

0 2
(ii) �𝒓 − �−2�� × � 5 � = 0
3 −4

1 0 2 𝒊 𝒋 𝒌 −7
⇒ 𝒓 × �2.5� = �−2� × � 5 � = �0 −2 3� = �6�
−2 3 −4 2 5 −4 4

2 −7
⇒ 𝒓 ×� 5 � = �6� .
−4 4

π
Equation of a plane 𝒏
Scalar product form A
P

Let 𝒏 be a vector perpendicular to the plane π.

a
Let A be a fixed point in the plane, and P be a r
general point, (x, y, z), in the plane.

�����⃗ is parallel to the plane, and therefore

Then 𝐴𝑃 O
perpendicular to n

�����⃗ . n = 0
⇒ 𝐴𝑃 ⇒ (r − a) . n = 0

⇒ r. n = a . n = a constant, d

⇒ r. n = d is the equation of a plane perpendicular to the vector n .

Cartesian form
𝑎 𝑥 𝑎
If n = �𝑏� then r . n = �𝑦�. � 𝑏� = a x + b y + c z
𝑐 𝑧 𝑐
𝒂
⇒ a x + b y + c z = d is the Cartesian equation of a plane perpendicular to �𝒃� .
𝒄

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 27

 Example: Find the scalar product form and the Cartesian equation of the plane through the
points A, (3, 2, 5), B, (−1, 0, 3) and C, (2, 1, −2).

Solution: We first need a vector perpendicular to the plane.

A, (3, 2, 5), B, (−1, 0, 3) and C, (2, 1, −2) lie in the plane

−4 −1
�����⃗ = �−2� and 𝐴𝐶
⇒ 𝐴𝐵 �����⃗ = �−1� are parallel to the plane
−2 −7

⇒ �����⃗
𝐴𝐵 × �����⃗
𝐴𝐶 is perpendicular to the plane

𝒊 𝒋 𝒌 12 6
�����⃗ × �����⃗
𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐶 = �−4 −2 −2� = �−26� = 2 × �−13� using smaller numbers
−1 −1 −7 2 1

⇒ 6x − 13y + z = d

but A, (3, 2, 5) lies in the plane ⇒ d = 6 × 3 − 13 × 2 + 5 = −3

⇒ Cartesian equation is 6x − 13y + z = −3

6
and scalar product equation is r . �−13� = −3.
1

π
Vector equation of a plane 𝒏
P
A
r = a + λ b + µ c is the equation of a plane, π ,
a
through A and parallel to the vectors b and c.
r
b
O c

Example: Find the vector equation of the plane through the points A, (1, 4, −2), B, (1, 5, 3)
and C, (4, 7, 2).
0 3
Solution: �����⃗ = �1� and �����⃗
We want the plane through A, (1, 4, −2), parallel to 𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐶 = �3�
5 4

1 0 3
⇒ vector equation is r = � 4 � + 𝜆 �1� + 𝜇 �3� .
−2 5 4

28 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Distance from a point to a plane
Example: Find the distance from the point P (−2, 3, 5) to
the plane 4x − 3y + 12z = 21.
M
Solution: Let M be the foot of the perpendicular from P
to the plane. The distance of the origin from the plane is
PM.

We must first find the intersection of the line PM with 𝒏

the plane.
P
PM is perpendicular to the plane
4
and so is parallel to n = �−3� .
12

−2 4 −2 + 4λ
⇒ the line PM is r = � 3 � + λ �−3� = � 3 − 3λ � ,
5 12 5 + 12λ

and the point of intersection of PM with the plane is given by

4(−2 +4λ) − 3(3 − 3λ) + 12 (5 + 12λ) = 21

⇒ −8 + 16λ − 9 + 9λ + 60 + 144λ = 21
−22
⇒ λ = 169

4
−22
⇒ ������⃗
𝑃𝑀 = 169
�−3�
12

������⃗� = 22 √42 + 32 + 122 =

⇒ distance = �𝑃𝑀
22
169 13

22
The distance of the P from the plane is 13
.

Distance from any point to a plane

The above technique can be used to find the formula:-

distance, s, from the point P (α, β, γ) to the plane

M
n1x + n2y + n3z + d = 0 is given by

𝑛1 𝛼 + 𝑛2 𝛽 + 𝑛3 𝛾 + 𝑑
𝑠=� �
�𝑛1 2 + 𝑛2 2 + 𝑛3 2
𝒏
This formula is in your formula booklets, but not in your
P
text books.

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 29

 Reflection of a point in a plane
3
Example: Find the reflection of the point A (10, 1, 7) in the plane π, r . �−2� = 7.
1

Solution: Find the point of intersection, P, of the line through A and perpendicular to π with
�����⃗ , to give �������⃗
the plane π. Then find 𝐴𝑃 𝑂𝐴′ = 𝑂𝐴 �����⃗ + 2𝐴𝑃
�����⃗ .

Line through A perpendicular to π is

10 3 A
𝒓 = � 1 � + 𝜆 �−2�
7 1 π

This meets the plane π when

P
3(10+3λ) – 2(1–2λ) + (7+λ) = 7

⇒ 30 + 9λ –2 + 4λ + 7 + λ = 7

⇒ λ = –2
A′
10 3
⇒ �����⃗
𝑂𝑃 = � 1 � + (−2) �−2�
7 1
3 −6
�����⃗ = 𝑂𝑃
⇒ 𝐴𝑃 �����⃗ − 𝑂𝐴
�����⃗ = (−2) �−2� = � 4 �
1 −2
10 −6 −2
⇒ �������⃗
𝑂𝐴′ = �����⃗ �����⃗ = � 1 � + 2 � 4 � = � 9 �
𝑂𝐴 + 2𝐴𝑃
7 −2 3

⇒ the reflection of A is A′, (–2, 9, 3)

30 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Distance between parallel planes
π1
Example: Find the distance between the parallel planes
P
π 1: 2x – 6y + 3z = 9 and π 2: 2x – 6y + 3z = 5

Solution: Take any point, P, on one of the planes, and

π2
then use the above formula for the shortest distance,
PQ, between the planes. Q

By inspection the point P (0, 0, 3) lies on π1

𝑛1 𝛼 + 𝑛2 𝛽 + 𝑛3 𝛾 + 𝑑
⇒ shortest distance 𝑠 from 𝑃 to the plane 𝜋2 is � �
�𝑛1 2 + 𝑛2 2 + 𝑛3 2

2×0−6×0+3×3−5 4
⇒ shortest distance 𝑠 = � �=
√22 + 62 + 32 7
4
The distance between the planes is 7
.

Shortest distance from a point to a line P

Example: Find the shortest distance from the point
−2 2
P (3, –2, 4) to the line l, r = � 3 � + 𝜆 �−3�
0 6
Solution: Any plane 2x – 3y + 6z = d must be
X
perpendicular to the line l. If we make this plane pass l
through P and if it meets the line l in the point X,
then PX must be perpendicular to the line l, and so
PX is the shortest distance from P to the line l.

Plane passes through P (3, −2, 4)

⇒ 2x – 3y + 6z = 2 × 3 − 3 × (−2) + 6 × 4 = 36

⇒ 2x – 3y + 6z = 36

l meets plane ⇒ 2(−2+ 2λ) – 3(3 – 3λ) + 6(6λ) = 36

⇒ −4 +4λ – 9 + 9λ + 36λ = 36 ⇒ λ=1

⇒ X is the point (−2, 0, 6)

0 3 −3
�����⃗ = �0� − �−2� = � 2 �
𝑃𝑋
6 4 2

⇒ shortest distance is PX = √32 + 22 + 22 = √17

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 31

Projections – an alternative approach
Imagine a light bulb causing a rod, AB, to make a shadow, A′B′, on the line l. If the light bulb is
far enough away, we can think of all the light rays as parallel, and, if the rays are all
perpendicular to the line l, the shadow is the projection of the rod onto l (strictly speaking an
orthogonal projection).
l

A
A′

θ �
𝒏
B′
B

�����⃗ . 𝒏
The length of the shadow, B′A′, is BA cos θ = �𝐵𝐴 � � , where 𝒏
� is a unit vector parallel to
the line l.
Modulus signs are needed in case 𝒏 � is in the opposite direction.

Shortest distance from a point from a plane. π

To find AM, the shortest distance from A to the plane π , B

For any point, B, on π AM is the projection of AB onto the M

line AM

�����⃗ . 𝒏
⇒ AM = �𝐴𝐵 ��
𝒏
�

Example: Find the shortest distance from the point A (−2,

3, 5)
to the plane 4x − 3y + 12z = 21.

Solution: By inspection B (0, −7, 0) lies on the plane

0 −2 2
⇒ �����⃗
𝐴𝐵 = �−7� − � 3 � = �−10�
0 5 −5

4
n = �−3� ⇒ n = √42 + 32 + 122 = 13
12

2 1 4
22
⇒ �����⃗ . 𝒏
shortest distance = �𝐴𝐵 � � = ��−10� . 13 �−3� � = 13
−5 12

32 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Distance between parallel planes
Example: Find the distance between the parallel planes
π1

π 1: 2x – 6y + 3z = 9 and π 2: 2x – 6y + 3z = 5 A
X

Solution: Take any point, B, on one of the planes, π 2, and then

consider the line BX perpendicular to both planes; BX is then 𝒏
�
π2
the shortest distance between the planes.
B
Then choose any point, A, on π 1, and BX is now the
projection of AB onto BX

�����⃗ . 𝒏
⇒ shortest distance = BX = �𝐴𝐵 ��

� � , for any two points A and B, one on each plane, where

or shortest distance = ��𝒃 − 𝒂�. 𝒏
� is a unit vector perpendicular to both planes.
𝒏

By inspection the point A (0, 0, 3) lies on π1, and the point B (2⋅5, 0, 0) lies on π 2
0 2∙5 −2 ∙ 5
�����⃗
𝐴𝐵 = �0� − � 0 � = � 0 �
3 0 3

2
n = �−6� ⇒ n = √22 + 62 + 32 = 7
3

−2 ∙ 5 1 2
4
⇒ shortest distance = � � 0 � . 7 �−6� � =
7
3 3

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 33

Shortest distance between two skew lines
It can be shown that there must be a line
joining two skew lines which is l1 r=a+λb
A
perpendicular to both lines.
Y
This line is XY and is the shortest �����⃗
𝐴𝐶

distance between the lines.

X
The vector n = b × d is perpendicular C l2 r=c+µd
to both lines
𝒃×𝒅
⇒ the unit vector 𝒏
�= �𝒃×𝒅�

Now imagine two parallel planes π 1 and π 2, both perpendicular to 𝒏

� , one containing the line
l1 and the other containing the line l2.

A and C are points on l1 and l2, and therefore on π 1 and π 2.

We now have two parallel planes with two points, A and C, one on each plane, and the planes
�.
are both perpendicular to 𝒏

As in the example for the distance between parallel planes,

�����⃗ . 𝒏
the shortest distance d = �𝐴𝐶 ��

𝒃×𝒅
⇒ d = �(𝒄 − 𝒂) . �
�𝒃 × 𝒅�

This result is not in your formula booklet, SO LEARN IT − please

34 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Shortest distance from a point to a line
In trying to find the shortest distance from a point P to a
line l, r = a + λb , we do not know 𝒏 � , the direction of P
the line through P perpendicular to l.
�����⃗
l
𝐴𝑃
Some lateral thinking is needed.

� , the direction
We do know A, a point on the line, and 𝒃 X
of the line l A

� � = 𝐴𝑋, the projection of AP onto l

�����⃗ . 𝒃
⇒ �𝐴𝑃

and we can now find 𝑃𝑋 = √𝐴𝑃2 − 𝐴𝑋 2 , using Pythagoras

Example: Find the shortest distance from the point P (3, –2, 4)
−2 2
to the line l, r = � 3 � + 𝜆 �−3�
0 6

−2 2
Solution: If l is r = a + λb , then a = � 3 � and b = �−3�
0 6

𝟏 2
⇒ b = √22 + 32 + 62 = 7, ⇒ �=
𝒃 𝟕 �−3�
6

3 −2 5
�����⃗ = �−2� − � 3 � = �−5�
and 𝐴𝑃
4 0 4

5 1 2
10+15+24
� � = ��−5� .
�����⃗ . 𝒃
⇒ AX = �𝐴𝑃 7 �−3�� = = 7
7
4 6

⇒ 𝑃𝑋 = √𝐴𝑃2 − 𝐴𝑋 2 = �(52 + 52 + 42 ) − 72

= √17

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 35

Line of intersection of two planes

Example: Find an equation for the line of intersection of the planes

x + y + 2z = 4 I

and 2x − y + 3z = 4 II

Solution: Eliminate one variable –

I + II ⇒ 3x + 5z = 8

We are not expecting a unique solution, so put one variable, z say, equal to λ and find
the other variables in terms of λ.

8−5𝜆
z=λ ⇒ x=
3

8−5𝜆 4−𝜆
I ⇒ y = 4 − x – 2z = 4 − − 2λ =
3 3

𝑥 8� −5�
3 3
⇒ �𝑦� = �4� � + 𝜆 �−1� �
3 3
𝑧 0 1

𝑥 8�
3 −5
or �𝑦� = �4� � + 𝜆 �−1� making the numbers nicer in the direction vector only
3
𝑧 0
3

8 4 −5
which is the equation of a line through � , , 0� and parallel to �−1� .
3 3
3

36 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

Angle between line and plane

Let the acute angle between the line and the plane be φ.

First find the angle between the line and the normal vector, θ .

There are two possibilities − as shown below:

l l

n
θ φ φ

(i) n and the angle φ are on the same (ii) n and the angle φ are on opposite
side of the plane sides of the plane
⇒ φ = 90 − θ ⇒ φ = θ − 90

𝑥+1 𝑦−2 𝑧−3

Example: Find the angle between the line = =
2 1 −2
and the plane 2x + 3y − 7z = 5.
2 2
Solution: The line is parallel to � 1 �, and the normal vector to the plane is � 3 �.
−2 −7

a . b = ab cos θ ⇒ 21 = √22 + 12 + 22 √22 + 32 + 72 cos θ

7
⇒ cos θ = ⇒ θ = 27.3o
√62

⇒ the angle between the line and the plane, φ = 90 − 27.3 = 62.7o

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 37

 𝒏𝟐
Angle between two planes 𝒏𝟏

If we look ‘end-on’ at the two planes, we can see

that the angle between the planes, θ, equals the angle θ
between the normal vectors.

Example: Find the angle between the planes plane 1 plane 2

2x + y + 3z = 5 and 2x + 3y + z = 7
2 2
Solution: The normal vectors are �1� and �3�
3 1

a . b = ab cos θ ⇒ 10 = √22 + 12 + 32 × √22 + 12 + 32 cos θ

10
⇒ cos θ = ⇒ θ = 44.4o
14

38 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

6 Matrices
Basic definitions
Dimension of a matrix
A matrix with r rows and c columns has dimension r × c.

Transpose and symmetric matrices

The transpose, AT, of a matrix, A, is found by interchanging rows and columns

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑎 𝑑 𝑔
A = �𝑑 𝑒 𝑓� ⇒ AT = �𝑏 𝑒 ℎ �
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖 𝑐 𝑓 𝑖

(AB)T = BTAT - note the change of order of A and B.

A matrix, S, is symmetric if the elements are symmetrically placed about the leading
diagonal,

or if S = ST.

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
Thus, S = �𝑏 𝑑 𝑒� is a symmetric matrix.
𝑐 𝑒 𝑓

Identity and zero matrices

1 0 0
The identity matrix I = �0 1 0�
0 0 1
0 0 0
and the zero matrix is 0 = �0 0 0�
0 0 0

Determinant of a 3 × 3 matrix
The determinant of a 3 × 3 matrix, A, is

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
𝑑 𝑓 𝑑 𝑒
det (A) = ∆ = �𝑑𝑒 𝑓� = 𝑎 �𝑒 𝑓
� − 𝑏� � + 𝑐� �
ℎ 𝑖 𝑔 𝑖 𝑔 ℎ
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖

⇒∆ = aei − afh − bdi + bfg + cdh − ceg

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 39

 Properties of the determinant
+ − +
1) A determinant can be expanded by any row or column using �− + −�
+ − +

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑎 𝑐
𝑏 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 using the middle row and
e.g ∆ = �𝑑 𝑒 𝑓� = −𝑑 � � + 𝑒 �𝑔 𝑖 � − 𝑓 � � . leaving the value unchanged
ℎ 𝑖 𝑔 ℎ
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖
2) Interchanging two rows changes the sign of the determinant

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑 𝑒 𝑓
�𝑑 𝑒 𝑓� = − �𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 � which can be shown by evaluating both determinants
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖 𝑔 ℎ 𝑖

3) A determinant with two identical rows (or columns) has value 0.

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
∆ = �𝑎 𝑏 𝑐� interchanging the two identical rows gives ∆ = −∆ ⇒ ∆ = 0
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖

4) det(AB) = det(A) × det(B) this can be shown by multiplying out

Singular and non-singular matrices

A matrix, A, is singular if its determinant is zero, det(A) = 0
A matrix, A, is non-singular if its determinant is not zero, det(A) ≠ 0

Inverse of a 3 × 3 matrix
This is tedious, but no reason to make a mistake if you are careful.

Cofactors
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
In � 𝑑 𝑒 𝑓� the cofactors of a, b, c, etc. are A, B, C etc., where
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖

𝑒 𝑓 𝑑 𝑓 𝑑 𝑒
A =+� �, B = −� �, C = +� �,
ℎ 𝑖 𝑔 𝑖 𝑔 ℎ
𝑎 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏
D = −�𝑏 𝑐� , E = + �𝑔 𝑖� F = −� �,
ℎ 𝑖 𝑔 ℎ
𝑏 𝑐 𝑎 𝑐
G = +� �, H = − �𝑑 𝑓� , I = + �𝑎 𝑏�
𝑒 𝑓 𝑑 𝑒

These are the 2 × 2 matrices used in finding the determinant, together with the correct
+ − +
sign from �− + −�
+ − +

40 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Finding the inverse

1) Find the determinant, det(A).

If det(A) = 0, then A is singular and has no inverse.

𝐴 𝐵 𝐶
2) Find the matrix of cofactors C = �𝐷 𝐸 𝐹�
𝐺 𝐻 𝐼
𝐴 𝐷 𝐺
3) Find the transpose of C, CT = �𝐵 𝐸 𝐻�
𝐶 𝐹 𝐼

1 𝐴 𝐷 𝐺
4) Divide CT by det(A) to give A–1 = �𝐵
𝐸 𝐻�
det (𝑨)
𝐶 𝐹 𝐼
See example 10 on page 148.

Properties of the inverse

1) A−1A = AA−1 = I

2) (AB)−1 = B−1A−1 - note the change of order of A and B.

Proof (AB)−1 AB = I from definition of inverse

⇒ (AB)−1 AB (B−1A−1) = I (B−1A−1)

⇒ (AB)−1 A (BB−1)A−1 = B−1A−1 ⇒ (AB)−1 A I A−1 = B−1A−1

⇒ (AB)−1 A A−1 = B−1A−1 ⇒ (AB)−1 = B−1A−1

1
3) det(A−1) =
det (𝑨)

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 41

Matrices and linear transformations
Linear transformations
T is a linear transformation on a set of vectors if
(i) T (x1 + x2) = T (x1) + T (x2) for all vectors x and y

(ii) T (kx) = kT (x) for all vectors x

𝑥 2𝑥
Example: Show that T �𝑦� = �𝑥 + 𝑦� is a linear transformation.
𝑧 −𝑧
𝑥1 𝑥2 𝑥1 + 𝑥2
Solution: (i) T (x1 + x2) = T ��𝑦1 � + �𝑦2 �� = T ��𝑦1 + 𝑦2 � �
𝑧1 𝑧2 𝑧1 + 𝑧2

2(𝑥1 + 𝑥2 ) 2𝑥1 2𝑥2

= �𝑥1 + 𝑥2 + 𝑦1 + 𝑦2 � = �𝑥1 +𝑦1 � + �𝑥2 +𝑦2 � = T (x1) + T (x2)
−𝑧1 − 𝑧2 −𝑧1 −𝑧2

⇒ T (x1 + x2) = T (x1) + T (x2)

𝑥 𝑘𝑥 2𝑘𝑥 2𝑥1
(ii) T (kx) = T �𝑘 �𝑦�� = T �𝑘𝑦� = �𝑘𝑥 + 𝑘𝑦� = k �𝑥1 +𝑦1 � = kT (x)
𝑧 𝑘𝑧 −𝑘𝑧 −𝑧1

⇒ T (kx) = kT (x)
Both (i) and (ii) are satisfied, and so T is a linear transformation.

All matrices can represent linear transformations.

Base vectors 𝒊, 𝒋, 𝒌
1 0 0
𝑖 = �0�, 𝒋 = �1�, 𝒌 = �0�
0 0 1
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
Under the transformation with matrix �𝑑 𝑒 𝑓�
𝑔 ℎ 𝑖

1 𝑎
�0� → �𝑑 � the first column of the matrix
0 𝑔

0 𝑏
�1� → �𝑒 � the second column of the matrix
0 ℎ
0 𝑐
�0� → �𝑓� the third column of the matrix
1 𝑖

This is an important result, as it allows us to find the matrix for given transformations.

42 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 Example: Find the matrix for a reflection in the plane y = x
0 0
Solution: The z-axis lies in the plane y = x so �0� → �0�
1 1

0
⇒ the third column of the matrix is �0�
1

1 0 0
Also �0� → �1� ⇒ the first column of the matrix is �1�
0 0 0

0 1 1
�1� → �0� ⇒ the second column of the matrix is �0�
0 0 0

0 1 0
⇒ the matrix for a reflection in y = x is �1 0 0� .
0 0 1

Example: Find the matrix of the linear transformation, T, which maps (1, 0, 0) → (3, 4, 2),
(1, 1, 0) → (6, 1, 5) and (2, 1, −4) → (1, 1, −1).

Solution:

1 3 3
Firstly �0� → �4� ⇒ first column is �4�
0 2 2

1 6 1 1 0 3 0
Secondly �1� → �1� but �1� = �0� + �1� → �4� + T �1�
0 5 0 0 0 2 0

0 6 3 3 3
⇒ T �1� = �1� − �4� = �−3� ⇒ second column is �−3�
0 5 2 3 3

2 1
Thirdly �1� → �1�
−4 −1

2 1 0 0 3 3 0
but �1� = 2 �0� + �1� − 4�0� → 2�4� + �−3� − 4T �0�
−4 0 0 1 2 3 1

3 3 0 1
⇒ 2�4� + �−3� − 4T �0� = � 1 �
2 3 1 −1

0 2 2
⇒ T �0� = �1� ⇒ third column is �1�
1 2 2

3 3 2
⇒ T = �4 −3 1� .
2 3 2

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 43

Image of a line
2 3
Example: Find the image of the line r = � 0 � + λ �−2� under T,
−3 1
3 −2 1
where T = �1 3 4� .
2 −1 1

Solution: As T is a linear transformation, we can find

2 3 2 3
T (r) = T �� 0 � + λ �−2�� = T � 0 � + λT�−2�
−3 1 −3 1

3 −2 1 2 3 −2 1 3
⇒ T (r) = �1 3 4� � 0 � + λ�1 3 4� �−2�
2 −1 1 −3 2 −1 1 1

3 14
⇒ T (r) = �−10� + λ � 1 � and so a vector equation of the new line is
1 9

3 14
r = �−10� + λ � 1 � .
1 9

Image of a plane 1
Similarly the image of a plane r = a + λ b + µ c , under a linear transformation, T, is

T (r) = T (a + λ b + µ c) = T (a) + λ T(b) + µ T (c).

Image of a plane 2
To find the image of a plane with equation of the form ax + by + cz = d, first construct a
vector equation.

Method 1
Example 1: Find the image of the plane 3x − 2y + 4z = 6 under a linear
transformation, T.

Solution: First construct a vector equation,

(i) Put x = z = 0 ⇒ y = − 3 ⇒ (0, −3, 0) is a point on the plane

3
(ii) To find vectors parallel to the plane, they must be perpendicular to n = �−2�. By
4
2
inspection, using the top two coordinates, �3�, and, using the bottom two
0
0 0
coordinates, �4� or �2� must be ⊥ to n (look at the scalar products), and so are
2 1
parallel to the plane.

44 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 0 2 0
⇒ The vector equation of the plane is r = �−3� + λ �3� + µ �2�
0 0 1
0 2 0
⇒ The image under the matrix M is M r = M �−3� + λM �3� + µ M �2�
0 0 1

2
Example 2: Find the image of the plane r . �−5� = 8 under a linear transformation T.
0

Solution: The equation can be written as 2x − 5y = 8

(i) Put y = 0 ⇒ x = 4 ⇒ (4, 0, 0) is a point on the plane z could be anything

2
(ii) To find vectors parallel to the plane, they must be perpendicular to n = �−5�. By
0
5 0
inspection, using the top two coordinates, �2�, and, using the 0 z-coordinate, �0�
0 1
must be ⊥ to n (look at the scalar products), and so are parallel to the plane.
Continue as in Example 1.

Method 2, as in the book

Fine until the vector n has a zero coordinate, then life is a bit more complicated.

Example: Find the image of the plane 3x − 2y + 4z = 6 under a linear transformation, T.

Solution: To construct a vector equation, put x = λ, y = µ and find z in terms of λ and µ.

6−3𝜆+2𝜇
⇒ 3λ − 2µ + 4z = 6 ⇒ z =
4

𝑥 𝜆 0 1 0
⇒ �𝑦� = � 𝜇 � = � 0 � + 𝜆� 0 � + 𝜇� 1 �
𝑧 6−3𝜆+2𝜇 6� −3� 1�
4 4 4 2

𝑥 0 4 0
⇒ �𝑦� = � 0 � + 𝜆 � 0 � + 𝜇 �2� making the numbers nicer in the ‘parallel’ vectors
𝑧 6� −3 1
4

and now continue as in method 1.

NOTE that M (b × c) is not equal to M (b) × M (c), since this does not follow the
conditions of a linear transformation, so you must use one of the methods above.

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 45

7 Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Definitions
1) An eigenvector of a linear transformation, T, is a non-zero vector whose direction is
unchanged by T.

So, if e is an eigenvector of T then its image e′ is parallel to e, or e′ = λ e

⇒ e′ = T (e) = λ e.
e defines a line which maps onto itself and so is invariant as a whole line.

If λ = 1 each point on the line remains in the same place, and we have a line of invariant
points.

2) The characteristic equation of a matrix A is det(A − λ I) = 0

Ae = λ e

⇒ (A − λ I) e = 0 has non-zero solutions eigenvectors are non-zero

⇒ A − λ I is a singular matrix

⇒ det(A − λ I) = 0

⇒ the solutions of the characteristic equation are the eigenvalues.

2 × 2 matrices
Example: Find the eigenvalues and eigenvectors for the transformation with matrix

A = �1 1
� .
−2 4

Solution: The characteristic equation is det(A − λ I) = 0

1−𝜆 1
⇒ � � = 0
−2 4−𝜆

⇒ (1 − λ)(4 − λ) + 2 = 0

⇒ λ 2 − 5λ + 6 = 0 ⇒ λ1 = 2 and λ2 = 3
For λ1 = 2
1 1 𝑥 𝑥
� �� � = 2�𝑦�
−2 4 𝑦

⇒ x + y = 2x ⇒ x=y

and −2x + 4y = 2y ⇒ x=y

⇒ eigenvector e1 = �1� we could use �

3.7
�, but why make things nasty
1 3.7

46 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 For λ2 = 3
1 1 𝑥 𝑥
� �� � = 3�𝑦�
−2 4 𝑦

⇒ x + y = 3x ⇒ 2x = y

and −2x + 4y = 3y ⇒ 2x = y

⇒ eigenvector e2 = �1� choosing easy numbers.

2

Orthogonal matrices
Normalised eigenvectors
A normalised eigenvector is an eigenvector of length 1.
1� 1�
In the above example, the normalized eigenvectors are e1 = � √2�, and e2 = � √5� .
1� 2�
√2 √5

Orthogonal vectors
A posh way of saying perpendicular, scalar product will be zero.

Orthogonal matrices
If the columns of a matrix form vectors which are

(i) mutually orthogonal (or perpendicular)

(ii) each of length 1

then the matrix is an orthogonal matrix.

Example:
1� −2�
� √5� and � √5� are both unit vectors, and
2� 1�
√5 √5

1� −2
� √5�
2�
. � 1��√5� =
−2
5
+
2
5
= 0, ⇒ the vectors are orthogonal
√5 √5

1 −2
� 5 � 5
⇒ M = �2 √ 1
√� is an orthogonal matrix
� 5 � 5
√ √

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 47

 Notice that
1 2 1 −2
� 5 � 5 � 5 � 5 1 0
M M = �−2 √
T √� �2 √ √� = � �
� 5
1
� 5 � 5
1
� 5 0 1
√ √ √ √

and so the transpose of an orthogonal matrix is also its inverse.

This is true for all orthogonal matrices think of any set of perpendicular unit vectors

Another definition of an orthogonal matrix is

M is orthogonal ⇔ M TM = I ⇔ M −1 = M T

Diagonalising a 2 × 2 matrix

Let A be a 2 × 2 matrix with eigenvalues λ1 and λ2 ,

𝑢1 𝑢2
and eigenvectors e1 = �𝑣 � and e2 = �𝑣 �
1 2

𝑢1 𝜆 𝑢 𝑢2 𝜆 𝑢
then A e1 = �𝑣 � = � 1 1 � and A e2 = �𝑣 � = � 2 2 �
1 𝜆1 𝑣1 2 𝜆2 𝑣2
𝑢1 𝑢2 𝜆1 𝑢1 𝜆2 𝑢2 𝑢1 𝑢2 𝜆1 0
⇒ A �𝑣 𝑣2 � = �𝜆1 𝑣1 � = �𝑣 𝑣2 � � 0 � ………. I
1 𝜆2 𝑣2 1 𝜆2

Define P as the matrix whose columns are eigenvectors of A, and D as the diagonal
matrix, whose entries are the eigenvalues of A

𝑢1 𝑢2 𝜆1 0
I ⇒ P = �𝑣 𝑣2 � and D = � �
1 0 𝜆2

⇒ AP = PD ⇒ P −1AP = D

The above is the general case for diagonalising any matrix.

In this course we consider only diagonalising symmetric matrices.

48 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

Diagonalising 2 × 2 symmetric matrices
Eigenvectors of symmetric matrices
Preliminary result:
𝑥 𝑦
𝒙 = �𝑥1 � and 𝒚 = �𝑦1 �
2 2

𝑥 𝑦
The scalar product 𝒙 . 𝒚 = �𝑥1 � . �𝑦1 � = x1y1 + x2y2
2 2
𝑦
but (x1 x2) �𝑦1 � = x1y1 + x2y2
2

⇒ 𝒙𝑇 𝒚 = 𝒙 . 𝒚

This result allows us to use matrix multiplication for the scalar product.

Theorem: Eigenvectors, for different eigenvalues, of a symmetric matrix are orthogonal.

Proof: Let A be a symmetric matrix, then AT = A

Let A e1 = λ1 e1 , and A e2 = λ2 e2 , λ1 ≠ λ2.

λ1 e1T = (λ1 e1) T = (A e1)T = e1T A T = e1T A since AT = A, and (AB)T=BTAT

⇒ λ1 e1T = e1T A
⇒ λ1 e1T e2 = e1T A e2 = e1T λ2 e2 = λ2 e1T e2
⇒ λ1 e1T e2 = λ2 e1T e2
⇒ (λ1 − λ2) e1T e2 = 0

But λ1 − λ2 ≠ 0 ⇒ e1T e2 = 0 ⇔ e1 . e2 = 0

⇒ the eigenvectors are orthogonal or perpendicular

Diagonalising a symmetric matrix

The above theorem makes diagonalising a symmetric matrix, A, easy.

1) Find eigenvalues, λ1 and λ2, and eigenvectors, e1 and e2

2) Normalise the eigenvectors, to give 𝒆�𝟏 and 𝒆�𝟐 .

3) Write down the matrix P with 𝒆�𝟏 and 𝒆�𝟐 as columns.

P will now be an orthogonal matrix since 𝒆�𝟏 and 𝒆�𝟐 are orthogonal
⇒ P −1 = P T
𝜆1 0
4) P TA P will be the diagonal matrix D = � �.
0 𝜆2

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 49

 Example: Diagonalise the symmetric matrix A = � 6 −2
�.
−2 9
6−𝜆 −2
Solution: The characteristic equation is � � = 0
−2 9−𝜆

⇒ (6 − λ)(9 − λ) − 4 = 0

⇒ λ2 − 15λ + 50 = 0 ⇒ (λ − 5)(λ − 10) = 0

⇒ λ = 5 or 10

For λ1 = 5

6 −2 𝑥 𝑥
� � �𝑦� = 5 �𝑦�
−2 9

⇒ 6x − 2y = 5x ⇒ x = 2y

and −2x + 9y = 5y ⇒ x = 2y

⇒ e1 = �2�
1
2�
and normalising ⇒ 𝒆�𝟏 = � √5�
1�
√5

For λ2 = 10

6 −2 𝑥 𝑥
� � �𝑦� = 10 �𝑦�
−2 9

⇒ 6x − 2y = 10x ⇒ −2x = y

and −2x + 9y = 10y ⇒ −2x = y

⇒ e2 = � 1 �
−2
1�
and normalising ⇒ 𝒆�𝟐 = � √5 �
−2�
√5

Notice that the eigenvectors are orthogonal

2 1
� 5 � 5
⇒ P = �1 √ −2
√ �
� 5 � 5
√ √

D = P TA P = � 01 𝜆 � = �5 0 �.
𝜆 0
⇒
2 0 10

50 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

3 × 3 matrices
All the results for 2 × 2 matrices are also true for 3 × 3 matrices (or n × n matrices). The
proofs are either the same, or similar in a higher number of dimensions.

Finding eigenvectors for 3 × 3 matrices.

Example: Given that λ = 5 is an eigenvector of the matrix
3 −1 2
𝑀= �−2 1 −1�, find the corresponding eigenvector.
4 −1 −2

Solution: Consider Me = 5e
3 −1 2 𝑥 𝑥
⇒ �−2 1 −1� �𝑦� = 5 �𝑦�
4 −1 −2 𝑧 𝑧

⇒ 3x – y + 2z = 5x ⇒ –2x – y + 2z = 0 I

–2x + y – z = 5y ⇒ –2x – 4y – z = 0 II

4x – y – 2z = 5z ⇒ 4x – y – 7z = 0 III

Now eliminate one variable, say x:

I – II ⇒ 3y + 3z = 0 ⇒ y = –z

We are not expecting to find unique solutions, so put z = 1, and then find x and y.

⇒ y = –1, and,

from I, 2x = 2z – y = 2 + 1 = 3

⇒ x = 1⋅5

1∙5 3
⇒ e = � −1 � or �−2� as any multiple will also be an eigenvector
1 2

check in II and III, O.K.

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 51

 Diagonalising 3 × 3 symmetric matrices
2 −2 0
Example: A = �−2 1 2� .
0 2 0

Find an orthogonal matrix P such that P TAP is a diagonal matrix.

Solution:

1) Find eigenvalues

The characteristic equation is det(A − λI) = 0

2−𝜆 −2 0
⇒ � −2 1−𝜆 2� = 0
0 2 −𝜆

⇒ (2 − λ)[−λ (1 − λ) − 4] + 2 × [2λ − 0] + 0 = 0

⇒ λ3 − 3λ2 − 6λ + 8 = 0

By inspection λ = −2 is a root ⇒ (λ + 2) is a factor

⇒ (λ + 2)(λ2 − 5λ + 4) = 0

⇒ (λ + 2) (λ − 1) (λ − 4) = 0

⇒ λ = −2, 1 or 4.

2) Find normalized eigenvectors

2 −2 0 𝑥 𝑥
λ1 = −2 ⇒ �−2 1 2� �𝑦� = −2 �𝑦�
0 2 0 𝑧 𝑧

⇒ 2x − 2y = –2x I
−2x + y + 2z = –2y II
2y = –2z III

I ⇒ y = 2x, and III ⇒ y = −z choose x = 1 and find y and z

1�
1 3
⇒ e1 = � 2 � and e1 = e1 = √9 = 3 ⇒ 𝒆�𝟏 = ⎛ 2� ⎞
3
−2 −2
⎝ �3⎠

2 −2 0 𝑥 𝑥
λ2 = 1 ⇒ �−2 1 2� �𝑦� = 1 �𝑦�
0 2 0 𝑧 𝑧

⇒ 2x − 2y = x I
−2x + y + 2z = y II
2y = z III

52 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB

 I ⇒ x = 2y, and II ⇒ z = 2y choose y = 1 and find x and z

2
⇒ e2 = �1� and e2 = e2 = √9 = 3
2
2�
3
⇒ 𝒆�𝟐 = ⎛1� ⎞
3
2
⎝ �3⎠

2 −2 0 𝑥 𝑥
λ3 = 4 ⇒ �−2 1 2� � 𝑦 � = 4 � 𝑦 �
0 2 0 𝑧 𝑧

⇒ 2x − 2y = 4x I
−2x + y + 2z = 4y II
2y = 4z III

I ⇒ x = −y, and III ⇒ y = 2z choose z = 1 and find x and y

−2
⇒ e3 = � 2 � and e3 = e3 = √9 = 3
1
−2�
3
⇒ 𝒆�𝟑 = ⎛ 2� ⎞
3
1
⎝ �3 ⎠

3) Find orthogonal matrix, P

⇒ P = (𝒆�𝟏 𝒆�𝟐 𝒆�𝟑 )

1⁄ 2⁄ −2⁄
3 3 3
⇒ P = � 2⁄3 1⁄
3
2⁄ �
3 is required orthogonal matrix
−2⁄ 2⁄ 1⁄
3 3 3

4) Find diagonal matrix, D

𝜆1 0 0 −2 0 0
⇒ P TAP = D = � 0 𝜆2 0� = �0 1 0�
0 0 𝜆3 0 0 4

A nice long question! But, although you will not be asked to do a complete
problem, the examiners can test every step above!

FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB 53

 Index

Differentiation Matrices - eigenvalues and eigenvectors

hyperbolic functions, 10 2×2 matrices, 46
inverse hyperbolic functions, 10 characteristic equation, 46
Further coordinate systems for 3 x 3 matrix, 51
hyperbola, 7 normalised eigenvectors, 47
locus problems, 9 orthogonal matrices, 47
parabola, 7 orthogonal vectors, 47
parametric differentiation, 8 Matrices - linear transformations
tangents and normals, 8 base vectors, 42
Hyperbolic functions image of a line, 44
addition formulae, 3 image of a plane, 44
definitions and graphs, 3 Vectors
double angle formulae, 3 area of triangle, 23
inverse functions, 4 triple scalar product, 24
inverse functions, logarithmic form, 4 vector product, 22
Osborne’s rule, 3 volume of parallelepiped, 24
solving equations, 5 volume of tetrahedron, 25
Integration Vectors - lines
area of a surface, 20 angle between line and plane, 37
inverse hyperbolic functions, 14 cartesian equation of line in 3-D, 26
inverse trig functions, 14 distance between skew lines, 34
ln x, 14 distance from point to line, 31, 35
reduction formulae, 15 line of intersection of two planes, 36
standard techniques, 12 vector equation of a line, 25
Matrices vector product equation of a line, 26
cofactors matrix, 40 Vectors - planes
determinant of 3×3 matrix, 39 angle between line and plane, 37
diagonalising 2×2 matrices, 48 angle between two planes, 38
diagonalising symmetric 2×2 matrices, 49 Cartesian equation, 27
diagonalising symmetric 3×3 matrices, 52 distance between parallel planes, 31, 33
dimension, 39 distance of a point from a plane, 29, 32
identity matrix, 39 line of intersection of two planes, 36
inverse of 3×3 matrix, 40 reflection of point in plane, 30
non-singular matrix, 40 vector equation, 28
singular matrix, 40
symmetric matrix, 39
transpose matrix, 39
zero matrix, 39

54 FP3 JUNE 2016 SDB