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PAST EXAMINATION QUESTIONS (FP1)

TOPIC 1: VECTORS

1. With 𝑂 as the origin, the points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 have position vectors

𝐢 − 𝐣, 2𝐢 + 𝐣 + 7𝐤, 𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤
respectively.
(i) Find the shortest distance between the lines 𝑂𝐶 and 𝐴𝐵. (𝟎. 𝟐𝟔𝟕) [5]
(ii) Find the cartesian equation of the plane containing the line 𝑂𝐶 and the common
perpendicular of the lines 𝑂𝐶 and 𝐴𝐵. (−𝒙 + 𝟒𝒚 + 𝟓𝒛 = 𝟎) [4]
Oct/Nov 2019/11/12/13/6

2. The lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 have equations 𝐫 = 6𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 7𝐤 + 𝜆(𝐢 + 𝐣) and 𝐫 = 4𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 𝜇(−6𝐣 +

𝐤) respectively. The point 𝑃 on 𝑙1 and the point 𝑄 on 𝑙2 are such that 𝑃𝑄 is perpendicular to
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝟑𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝟕𝐤, 𝑶𝑸
both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . Find the position vectors of 𝑃 and 𝑄. (𝑶𝑷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝟒𝐢 − 𝟐𝐣 + [8]
𝐤)
May/June 2019/11/12/3

3. The line 𝑙1 passes through the points 𝐴(−3,1,4) and 𝐵(−1,5,9). The line 𝑙2 passes through
the points 𝐶(−2,6,5) and 𝐷(−1,7,5).
(i) Find the shortest distance between the lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . (√𝟔 𝐨𝐫 𝟐. 𝟒𝟓) [5]
(ii) Find the acute angle between the line 𝑙2 and the plane containing 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐷 . [5]
(𝟐𝟕. 𝟔°)
May/June 2019/13/7

4. The plane 𝛱1 has equation

5 −4 0
𝐫 = (1) + 𝑠 ( 1 ) + 𝑡 (1).
0 3 2

(i) Find a cartesian equation of 𝛱1 . (−𝒙 + 𝟖𝒚 − 𝟒𝒛 = 𝟑) [3]

The plane 𝛱2 has equation 3𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧 = 3.
(ii) Find the acute angle between 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 , giving your answer in degrees. (𝜽 = [2]
𝟕𝟐. 𝟓°)
(iii) Find an equation of the line of intersection of 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 , giving your answer in the
form 𝐫 = 𝐚 + 𝜆𝐛. (𝐫 = 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤 + 𝒔(𝟒𝐢 + 𝟏𝟑𝐣 + 𝟐𝟓𝐤)) [5]
Oct/Nov 2018/11/13/8

5. The position vectors of the points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷 are

𝐢 + 𝐣 + 3𝐤, 3𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 5𝐤, − 𝐢 + 3𝐤, 𝑚𝐣 + 4𝐤.
respectively, where 𝑚 is a constant.
(i) 3 [1]
Show that the lines 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐶𝐷 are parallel when 𝑚 = .
2
(ii) 3 [5]
Given that 𝑚 ≠ 2 and find the shortest distance between the lines 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐶𝐷. (√𝟐)
(iii) When 𝑚 = 2, find the acute angle between the planes 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and 𝐴𝐵𝐷, giving your
answer in degrees. (𝜽 = 𝟏𝟐. 𝟐°) [6]
Oct/Nov 2018/12/10

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6. The line 𝑙1 is parallel to the vector 𝑎𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤, where 𝑎 is a constant, and passes through the
point whose position vector is 9𝐣 + 2𝐤. The line 𝑙2 is parallel to the vector −𝑎𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 4𝐤
and passes through the point whose position vector is −6𝐢 − 5𝐣 + 10𝐤.
(i) It is given that 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 intersect.
6 [3]
(a) Show that 𝑎 = − 13.
(b) Find a cartesian equation of the plane containing 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . (−𝟏𝟑𝒙 + 𝟓𝒚 − 𝒛 = [4]
𝟒𝟑)
(ii) Given instead that the perpendicular distance between 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 is 3√30, find the
value of 𝑎. (𝒂 = 𝟑) [5]
May/June 2018/11/12/10

7. The lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 have vector equations

𝐫 = 𝑎𝐢 + 9𝐣 + 13𝐤 + 𝜆(𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 3𝐤) and 𝐫 = −3𝐢 + 7𝐣 − 2𝐤 + 𝜇(−𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 3𝐤)
respectively. It is given that 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 intersect.
(i) Find the value of the constant 𝑎. (𝒂 = 𝟐) [3]
The point 𝑃 has position vector 3𝐢 + 𝐣 + 6𝐤.
(ii) Find the perpendicular distance from 𝑃 to the plane containing 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . [4]
(√𝟏𝟎 𝐨𝐫 𝟑. 𝟏𝟔)
(iii) Find the perpendicular distance from 𝑃 to 𝑙2 . (√𝟏𝟎 𝐨𝐫 𝟑. 𝟏𝟔) [4]
May/June 2018/13/7

8. The points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 have position vectors 2𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤, 3𝐢 + 4𝐣 − 𝐤 and −𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 4𝐤

respectively.
(i) 𝟑 [4]
Find the area of the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶. ( √𝟖𝟔)
𝟐
(ii) 𝟏 [3]
Find the perpendicular distance of the point 𝐴 from the line 𝐵𝐶. ( √𝟒𝟑𝟎)
𝟓
(iii) Find the cartesian equation of the plane through 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶. (𝟕𝒙 + 𝒚 + 𝟔𝒛 = 𝟏𝟗) [2]
Oct/Nov 2017/11/12/13/6

9. The position vectors of the points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷 are

𝐢 + 𝐣 + 3𝐤, 3𝐢 − 𝐣 + 5𝐤, 3𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤, 5𝐢 − 5𝐣 + 𝛼𝐤,
respectively, where 𝑎 is a positive integer. It is given that the shortest distance between the
line 𝐴𝐵 and the line 𝐶𝐷 is equal to 2√2.
(i) Show that the possible values of 𝛼 are 3 and 5. [7]
(ii) Using 𝛼 = 3, find the shortest distance of the point 𝐷 from the line 𝐴𝐶, giving your
answer correct to 3 significant figures. (𝟒. 𝟑𝟐) [3]
(iii) Using 𝛼 = 3, find the acute angle between the planes 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and 𝐴𝐵𝐷, giving your
answer in degrees. (𝟏𝟗. 𝟏°) [4]
May/June 2017/11/12/12

10. The plane 𝛱1 passes through the points (1,2,1) and (5, −2,9) and is parallel to the vector 𝐢 +
2𝐣 + 3𝐤.
(i) Find the cartesian equation of 𝛱1 . (𝟕𝒙 + 𝒚 − 𝟑𝒛 = 𝟔) [4]
The plane 𝛱2 contains the lines
𝐫 = 2𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 𝐤 + 𝜆(𝐢 − 2𝐣 − 𝐤) and 𝐫 = 2𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 𝐤 + 𝜇(2𝐢 + 3𝐣 − 𝐤).
(ii) Find the cartesian equation of 𝛱2 . (𝟓𝒙 − 𝒚 + 𝟕𝒛 = 𝟐𝟎) [4]
(iii) Find the acute angle between 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . (𝟕𝟖. 𝟕°) [3]
May/June 2017/13/9

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11. The lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 have equations [7]

𝒓 = 6𝒊 − 3𝐣 + 𝑠(3𝐢 − 4𝐣 − 2𝐤) and 𝐫 = 2𝐢 − 𝐣 − 4𝐤 + 𝑡(𝐢 − 3𝐣 − 𝐤)

respectively. The point 𝑃 on 𝑙1 and the point 𝑄 on l2 are such that 𝑃𝑄 is perpendicular to both
𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . Show that the position vector of 𝑃 is 3𝐢 + 𝐣 + 2𝐤 and find the position vector of 𝑄.
(𝐪 = 𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 − 𝟑𝐤)

Find, in the form 𝐫 = 𝐚 + λ𝐛 + μ𝐜, an equation of the plane 𝛱 which passes through 𝑃 and [3]
is perpendicular to 𝑙1 . (𝐫 = 𝟑𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝟐𝐤 + 𝒔(−𝟐𝟐𝐢 − 𝟏𝟗𝐣 + 𝟓𝐤) + 𝒕(𝟐𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝟓𝐤))

The plane 𝛱 meets the plane 𝐫 = 𝑝𝐢 + q𝐣 in the line 𝑙3 . Find the vector equation of 𝑙3 . (𝐫 = [4]
−𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝒕(𝟒𝐢 + 𝟑𝐣))
Oct/Nov 2016/11/12/13/11E

12. Find a cartesian equation of the plane 𝛱 1 passing through the points with coordinates [4]
(2, −1, 3), (4, 2, − 5) and (−1, 3, −2). (𝒙 + 𝟐𝒚 + 𝒛 = 𝟑)

The plane 𝛱2 has cartesian equation 3𝑥 − 𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 5. Find the acute angle between 𝛱1 and [3]
𝛱2. (𝟕𝟎. 𝟗° 𝐨𝐫 𝟏. 𝟐𝟒 𝐫𝐚𝐝)

Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of the planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2. (𝐫 = −𝐢 + 𝟒𝐤 + [4]
𝒕(𝟓𝐢 + 𝐣 − 𝟕𝐤))
May/June 2016/11/12/8

13. The position vectors of the points A, B, C, D are

𝐚 = 2𝐢 + λ𝐣 − 3𝐤, 𝐛 = 6𝐢 + 3𝐣 − 2𝐤, 𝐜 = 𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 𝐤, 𝐝 = 𝐢 + 7𝐣 + 4𝐤
respectively. It is given that the shortest distance between the lines 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐶𝐷 is 3.
(i) Show that λ2 + λ − 20 = 0. [7]
(ii) The planes 𝑝1 and 𝑝2 are the planes through 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐷 corresponding to the two [7]
values of λ satisfying the equation in the part (i). Find the acute angle between 𝑝1 and
𝑝2. (𝟔𝟔. 𝟏°)
May/June 2016/13/11O

14. The points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 have position vectors 𝐢, 2𝐣 and 4𝐤 respectively, relative to an origin 𝑂. [4]
The point 𝑁 is the foot of the perpendicular from 𝑂 to the plane 𝐴𝐵𝐶. The point 𝑃 on the
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line-segment 𝑂𝑁 is such that 𝑂𝑃 = 4 𝑂𝑁. The line 𝐴𝑃 meets the plane 𝑂𝐵𝐶 at 𝑄.
4
Find a vector perpendicular to the plane 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and show that the length of 𝑂𝑁 is . (𝟒𝐢 +
√21
𝟐𝐣 + 𝐤)
𝟐 𝟏 [5]
Find the position vector of the point 𝑄. (𝐪 = 𝟑 𝐣 + 𝟑 𝐤)
2 [5]
Show that the acute angle between the planes 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and 𝐴𝐵𝑄 is cos −1 (3).
Oct/Nov 2015/11/12/13/11E

15. The lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 have equations 𝐫 = 8𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 3𝐤 + λ(𝐢 − 2𝐣) and 𝐫 = 5𝐢 + 3𝐣 − 14𝐤 + [8]
μ(2𝐣 − 3𝐤) respectively. The point 𝑃 on 𝑙1 and the point 𝑄 on 𝑙2 are such that 𝑃𝑄 is
perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 .

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Find the position vector of the point 𝑃 and the position vector of the point 𝑄. (𝐩 = 𝟏𝟏𝐢 −
𝟒𝐣 + 𝟑𝐤, 𝐪 = 𝟓𝐢 − 𝟕𝐣 + 𝐤)

The points with position vectors 8𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 3𝐤 and 5𝐢 + 3𝐣 − 14𝐤 are denoted by 𝐴 and
𝐵 respectively. Find
(i) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ and hence the area of the triangle 𝐴𝑃𝑄. (𝟏𝟐𝐢 + 𝟔𝐣 − 𝟒𝟓𝐤, √𝟐𝟐𝟎𝟓 (=
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐴𝑄
𝐴𝑃 𝟐
𝟐𝟑. 𝟓))
(ii) the volume of the tetrahedron 𝐴𝑃𝑄𝐵. (You are given that the volume of a [6]
1 𝟕𝟑𝟓
tetrahedron is 3 × area of base × perpendicular height.) ( 𝟔 )
May/June 2015/11/12/11O

16. A line, passing through the point 𝐴(3, 0, 2), has vector equation 𝐫 = 3𝐢 + 2𝐤 +
λ(2𝐢 + 𝐣 − 2𝐤). It meets the plane 𝛱, which has equation 𝐫. (𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 𝐤) = 3, at the point
𝑃. Find the coordinates of 𝑃. (𝑷(𝟏, −𝟏, 𝟒)) [3]

Write down a vector 𝐧 which is perpendicular to 𝛱, and calculate the vector 𝐰, where
𝐰 = 𝐧 × (2𝐢 + 𝐣 − 2𝐤).
(𝐧 = 𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 + 𝐤; 𝐰 = −𝟓𝐢 + 𝟒𝐣 − 𝟑𝐤) [3]

The point 𝑄 lies in 𝛱 and is the foot of the perpendicular from 𝐴 to 𝛱. Use the vector 𝐰 to
determine an equation of the line 𝑃𝑄 in the from 𝐫 = 𝐮 + μ𝐯. (𝐫 = 𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝟒𝐤 + 𝒕(𝟓𝐢 + 𝐣 −
𝟕𝐤) [4]
May/June 2015/13/8

17. The line 𝑙1 is parallel to the vector 𝐢 − 2𝐣 − 3𝐤 and passes through the point A, whose
position vector is 3𝐢 + 3𝐣 − 4𝐤. The line 𝑙2 is parallel to the vector −2𝐢 + 𝐣 + 3𝐤 and
passes through the point 𝐵, whose position vector is −3𝐢 − 𝐣 + 2𝐤. The point 𝑃 on 𝑙1 and
the point 𝑄 on 𝑙2 are such that 𝑃𝑄 is perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . Find
(i) 𝟒 [5]
The length 𝑃𝑄, ( or 𝟐. 𝟑𝟏)
√𝟑
(ii) The cartesian equation of the plane 𝛱 containing 𝑃𝑄 and 𝑙2 , (𝟒𝒙 + 𝟓𝒚 + 𝒛 = −𝟏𝟓) [4]
(iii) The perpendicular distance of 𝐴 from 𝛱. ( 𝟑𝟖 or 𝟓. 𝟖𝟔) [3]
√𝟒𝟐
Oct/Nov 2014/11/12/13/10

18. The line 𝑙1 passes through the points 𝐴(2, 3, −5) and 𝐵(8, 7, −13) . The line 𝑙2 passes [5]
through the points 𝐶 (−2, 1, 8) and 𝐷(3, −1, 4). Find the shortest distance between the lines
𝟏𝟔
𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . ( 𝟑 or 𝟓. 𝟑𝟑)

The plane 𝛱1 passes through the points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐷. The plane 𝛱2 passes through the points [6]
𝐴, 𝐶 and 𝐷. Find the acute angle between 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 , giving your answer in degrees. (𝜽 =
𝟑𝟔. 𝟕°)
May/June 2014/11/12/11

19. With respect to an origin 𝑂, the point 𝐴 has position vector 4𝐢 − 2𝐣 + 2𝐤 and the plane 𝛱1
has equation
𝐫 = (4 + 𝜆 + 3𝜇)𝐢 + (−2 + 7𝜆 + 𝜇)𝐣 + (2 + 𝜆 − 𝜇)𝐤,
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 3𝑂𝐴
where 𝜆 and 𝜇 are real. The point 𝐿 is such that 𝑂𝐿 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ and 𝛱2 is the plane through 𝐿
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 3𝑀𝐿
which is parallel to 𝛱1 . The point 𝑀 is such that 𝐴𝑀 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ .

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(i) Show that 𝐴 is in 𝛱1 . [1]

(ii) Find a vector perpendicular to 𝛱2 . (𝟐𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝟓𝐤) [2]
(iii) Find the position vector of the point 𝑁 in 𝛱2 such that 𝑂𝑁 is perpendicular to 𝛱2 . [5]
(𝐧 = 𝟒𝐢 − 𝟐𝐣 + 𝟏𝟎𝐤)
(iv) Show that the position vector of 𝑀 is 10𝐢 − 5𝐣 + 5𝐤 and find the perpendicular [6]
distance from the line through 𝑂 and 𝑁, fiving your answer correct to 3 significant
figures. (𝟖. 𝟏𝟔)
May/June 2014/13/11O
20. 2 1 1 [3]
The plane 𝛱1 has equation 𝐫 = ( 3 ) + 𝑠 (0) + 𝑡 (−1). Find a cartesian equation of 𝛱1 .
−1 1 −2
(𝒙 + 𝟑𝒚 − 𝒛 = 𝟏𝟐)

The plane 𝛱2 has equation 2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 10. Find the acute angle between 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . [2]
(𝟕𝟓. 𝟕° or 𝟏. 𝟑𝟐 𝐫𝐚𝐝)

Find an equation of the line of intersection of 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 , giving your answer in the form [5]
𝐫 = 𝐚 + 𝜆𝐛. (𝐫 = 𝟔𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 + 𝒕(𝟐𝐢 − 𝟑𝐣 − 𝟕𝐤))
Oct/Nov 2013/11/12/8

21. The points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 have position vectors [4]

4𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 6𝐤, 5𝐢 + 7𝐣 + 8𝐤, 2𝐢 + 6𝐣 + 4𝐤,

respectively, relatively to the origin 𝑂. Find a cartesian equation of the plane 𝐴𝐵𝐶. (𝟔𝒙 +
𝟐𝒚 − 𝟓𝒛 = 𝟒)

The point 𝐷 has position vector 6𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 6𝐤. Find the coordinates of 𝐸, the point of [4]
intersection of the line 𝑂𝐷 with the plane 𝐴𝐵𝐶. (𝑬(𝟐, 𝟏, 𝟐))

Find the acute angle between the line 𝐸𝐷 and the plane 𝐴𝐵𝐶. (𝜽 = 𝟗. 𝟓° or 𝟎. 𝟏𝟔𝟔 𝐫𝐚𝐝) [3]
Oct/Nov 2013/13/8

22. The points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 and 𝐷 have coordinates as follows: [4]

𝐴(2, 1, −2), 𝐵(4, 1, −1), 𝐶(3, −2, −1) and 𝐷(3, 6, 2).
The plane 𝛱1 passes through the points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶. Find a cartesian equation of 𝛱1 . (𝟑𝒙 −
𝒚 − 𝟔𝒛 = 𝟏𝟕)

Find the area of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 and hence, or otherwise, find the volume of the tetrahedron [6]
𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷.
1 √𝟒𝟔
[ The volume of a tetrahedron is × area of base × perpendicular height.] ( (=
3 𝟐
𝟏𝟑
𝟑. 𝟑𝟗), 𝟑
)

The plane 𝛱2 passes through the points 𝐴, 𝐵, and 𝐷. Find the acute angle between 𝛱1 and [4]
𝛱2 . (𝜽 = 𝟒𝟎. 𝟓°)
May/June 2013/11/12/11O

23. The line 𝑙1 passes through the point 𝐴 whose position vector is 4𝐢 + 7𝐣 − 𝐤 and is parallel [8]
to the vector 3𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 𝐤. The line 𝑙2 passes through the point 𝐵 whose position vector is

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𝐢 + 7𝐣 + 11𝐤 and is parallel to the vector 𝐢 − 6𝐣 − 2𝐤. The points 𝑃 on 𝑙1 and 𝑄 on 𝑙2 are
such that 𝑃𝑄 is perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . Find the position vectors of 𝑃 and 𝑄. (𝐩 =
−𝟐𝐢 + 𝟑𝐣 + 𝐤, 𝐪 = 𝟐𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝟗𝐤)

Find the shortest distance between the line through 𝐴 and 𝐵 and the line through 𝑃 and 𝑄, [6]
giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures. (𝟓. 𝟓𝟐)
May/June 2013/13/11E

24. The plane 𝛱 has equation [4]

𝐫 = 2𝐢 + 3𝐣 − 𝐤 + 𝜆(𝐢 − 2𝐣 + 2𝐤) + 𝜇(3𝐢 + 𝐣 − 2𝐤).
The line 𝑙, which does not lie in 𝛱, has equation
𝐫 = 3𝐢 + 6𝐣 + 12𝐤 + 𝑡(8𝐢 + 5𝐣 − 8𝐤).
Show that 𝑙 is parallel to Π.

Find the position vector of the point at which the line with equation 𝐫 = 5𝐢 − 4𝐣 + 7𝐤 + [4]
𝑠(2𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤) meets 𝛱. (𝐢 − 𝟐𝐣 + 𝟓𝐤)

Find the perpendicular distance from the point with position vector 9𝐢 + 11𝐣 + 2𝐤 to 𝑙. [4]
(𝟐√𝟐)
Oct/Nov 2012/11/12/9

25. The points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 have position vectors 𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 2𝐤, 2𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 5𝐤 and 2𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 4𝐤 [3]
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ × 𝐴𝐶
respectively. Find 𝐴𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ . (𝐢 + 𝐣 − 𝐤)
Deduce, in either order, the exact value of
(i) The area of the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶, ( )
√𝟑
𝟐
(ii) 𝟑 [3]
The perpendicular distance from 𝐶 to 𝐴𝐵. (√𝟏𝟒)
Oct/Nov 2012/13/4
26. The position vectors of the points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷 are [7]
2𝐢 + 4𝐣 − 3𝐤, −2𝐢 + 5𝐣 − 4𝐤, 𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 𝐤, 𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 𝑚𝐤,
respectively, where 𝑚 is an integer. It is given that the shortest distance between the line
through 𝐴 and 𝐵 and the line through 𝐶 and 𝐷 is 3. Show that the only possible value of 𝑚
is 2.
𝟏𝟖 [3]
Find the shortest distance of 𝐷 from the line through 𝐴 and 𝐶. (√ (= 𝟏. 𝟎𝟑))
𝟏𝟕
1 [4]
Show that the acute angle between the planes 𝐴𝐶𝐷 and 𝐵𝐶𝐷 is cos −1 ( ).
√3
May/June 2012/11/12/11O

27. The plane 𝛱1 has parametric equation [4]

𝐫 = 2𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 𝐤 + 𝜆(𝐢 − 2𝐣 − 𝐤) + 𝜇(𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 2𝐤).

Find a cartesian equation of 𝛱1 . (𝟔𝒙 + 𝒚 + 𝟒𝒛 = 𝟏𝟑)

The plane 𝛱2 has cartesian equation 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 3𝑧 = 4. Find the acute angle between 𝛱1 [3]
and 𝛱2 . (𝜽 = 𝟖𝟑. 𝟑° or 𝟏. 𝟒𝟓 𝐫𝐚𝐝)

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Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . (𝐫 = 𝟐𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝒕(−𝐢 − 𝟔𝐣 + [4]

𝟑𝐤)
May/June 2012/13/9

28. The position vectors of points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, relative to the origin 𝑂, are 𝐚, 𝐛, 𝐜, where [3]
𝐚 = 3𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 𝐤, 𝐛 = 4𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 2𝐤, 𝐜 = 3𝐢 − 𝐣 − 𝐤.
√𝟑𝟗𝟎
Find 𝐚 × 𝐛 and deduce the area of the triangle 𝑂𝐴𝐵. (𝐢 − 𝟏𝟎𝐣 − 𝟏𝟕𝐤, 𝟐 (= 𝟗. 𝟖𝟕))
Hence find the volume of the tetrahedron 𝑂𝐴𝐵𝐶, given that the volume of a tetrahedron is [2]
1
× area of base × perpendicular height. (𝟓)
3
Oct/Nov 2011/11/12/2

29. Find a cartesian equation of the plane 𝛱 containing the lines [4]
𝐫 = 3𝐢 + 𝐤 + 𝑠(2𝐢 + 𝐣 − 𝐤) and 𝐫 = 𝟑𝐢 − 𝟕𝐣 + 10𝐤 + 𝑡(𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 4𝐤).
The line 𝑙 passes through the point 𝑃 with position vector 6𝐢 − 2𝐣 + 𝐤 and is parallel to the
vector 2𝐢 + 𝐣 − 4𝐤. Find
(i) The position vector of the point where 𝑙 meets 𝛱, (𝟒𝐢 − 𝟑𝐣 + 𝟓𝐤) [3]
(ii) 𝟐𝟏 [3]
The perpendicular distance from 𝑃 to 𝛱, ( (= 𝟏. 𝟖𝟑))
√𝟏𝟑𝟏
(ii) The acute angle between 𝑙 and 𝛱. (𝟐𝟑. 𝟔° 𝐨𝐫 𝟎. 𝟒𝟐𝟏 𝐫𝐚𝐝) [3]
Oct/Nov 2011/13/9

30. The line 𝑙1 passes through the point with position vector 8𝐢 + 8𝐣 − 7𝐤 and is parallel to the
vector 4𝐢 + 3𝐣. The line 𝑙2 passes through the point with position vector 7𝐢 − 2𝐣 + 4𝐤 and
is parallel to the vector 4𝐢 − 𝐤. The point 𝑃 on 𝑙1 and the point 𝑄 on 𝑙2 are such that 𝑃𝑄 is
perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . In either order,
(i) Show that 𝑃𝑄 = 13,
(ii) Find the position vectors of 𝑃 and 𝑄. (𝐩 = 𝟐𝐣 − 𝟕𝐤; 𝐪 = 𝟑𝐢 − 𝟐𝐣 + 𝟓𝐤) [9]
May/June 2011/11/12/6

31. The lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 have equations [4]

𝑙1 : 𝐫 = 6𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 4𝐤 + λ(𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤) and 𝑙2 : 𝐫 = 6𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 4𝐤 + 𝜇(4𝐢 + 6𝐣 + 𝐤).

Find a cartesian equation of the plane 𝛱 containing 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . (𝟓𝒙 − 𝟑𝒚 − 𝟐𝒛 = 𝟕)

Find the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from the point with position vector [4]
𝐢 + 10𝐣 + 3𝐤 to 𝛱. (𝟔𝐢 + 𝟕𝐣 + 𝐤)

The line 𝑙3 has equation 𝐫 = 𝐢 + 10𝐣 + 3𝐤 + ν(2𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 𝐤) . Find the shortest distance [5]
𝟏𝟎
between 𝑙1 and 𝑙3 . ( (= 𝟏. 𝟓𝟒))
√𝟒𝟐
May/June 2011/13/10

32. The plane 𝛱1 has equation 𝐫 = 2𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤 + λ(2𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 4𝐤) + 𝜇(−𝐢 + 𝐤) . Obtain a [4]
cartesian equation of 𝛱1 in the from 𝑝𝑥 + 𝑞𝑦 + 𝑟𝑧 = 𝑑. (𝒙 − 𝟐𝒚 + 𝒛 = 𝟒)
The plane 𝛱2 has equation 𝐫. (𝐢 − 4𝐣 + 5𝐤) = 12. Find a vector equation of the line of
intersection of 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . ( 𝐫 = −𝟒𝐢 − 𝟒𝐣 + 𝒕(𝟑𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 + 𝐤))

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The line 𝑙 passes through the point 𝐴 with position vector 𝑎𝐢 + (2𝑎 + 1)𝐣 − 3𝐤 and is [7]
parallel to 3𝑐𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 𝑐𝐤, where 𝑎 and 𝑐 are positive constants. Given that the perpendicular
15 2
distance from 𝐴 to 𝛱1 is and that the acute angle between 𝑙 and 𝛱1 is sin−1( ), find the
√6 √6
values of 𝑎 and 𝑐. (𝒂 = 𝟐, 𝒄 = 𝟐)

Oct/Nov 2010/01/12O

33. The lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 have vector equation

𝐫 = 4𝐢 − 2𝐣 + λ(2𝐢 + 𝐣 − 4𝐤) and 𝐫 = 4𝐢 − 5𝐣 + 2𝐤 + 𝜇(𝐢 − 𝐣 − 𝐤)
respectively.
(i) Show that 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 intersect. [3]
(ii) Find the perpendicular distance from the point 𝑃 whose position vector is 3𝐢 − 5𝐣 + [3]
𝟕
6𝐤 to the plane containing 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . ( (= 𝟏. 𝟏𝟒))
√𝟑𝟖
(iii) 𝟏𝟐𝟒 [4]
Find the perpendicular distance from 𝑃 to 𝑙1 . (√ 𝟐𝟏 (= 𝟐. 𝟒𝟒))
May/June 2010/11/12/7

34. The line 𝑙1 passes through the point 𝐴 whose position vector is 3𝐢 + 𝐣 + 2𝐤 and is parallel to
the vector 𝐢 + 𝐣. The line 𝑙2 passes through the point 𝐵 whose position vector −𝐢 − 𝐤 and is
parallel to the vector 𝐣 + 2𝐤. The point 𝑃 is on 𝑙1 and the point 𝑄 is on 𝑙2 and 𝑃𝑄 is
perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 .
(i) Find the length of 𝑃𝑄. (𝑷𝑸 = 𝟑) [4]
(ii) Find the position vector of 𝑄. (𝐪 = −𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝐤) [5]
(iii) Show that the perpendicular distance from 𝑄 to the plane containing 𝐴𝐵 and the line [4]
𝑙1 is √3.
May/June 2010/13/12E

35. Relative to an origin 𝑂, the points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 have position vectors [6]

𝐢, 𝐣 + 𝐤, 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 𝜃𝐤,
1
respectively. The shortest distance between the lines 𝐴𝐵 and 𝑂𝐶 is . Find the value of 𝜃.
√2
(𝜽 = −𝟏)
Oct/Nov 2009/01/2

36. The line 𝑙1 is parallel to the vector 4𝐣 − 𝐤 and passes through the point 𝐴 whose position
vector is 2𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤. The variable line 𝑙2 is parallel to the vector 𝐢 − (2 sin 𝑡 )𝐣, where 0 ≤
𝑡 < 2𝜋, and passes through the point 𝐵 whose position vector is 𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 4𝐤. The points 𝑃
and 𝑄 are on 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 , respectively, and 𝑃𝑄 is perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 .
(i) |𝟏−𝟐 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒕| [5]
Find the length of 𝑃𝑄 in terms of 𝑡. (𝑷𝑸 = 𝟐
)
√𝟒𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒕+𝟏𝟕
(ii) 𝝅 𝟓𝝅 [2]
Hence find the values of 𝑡 for which 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 intersect. (𝒕 = 𝟔 , 𝟔
)

(iii) 1 [5]
For the case 𝑡 = 4 𝜋, find the perpendicular distance from 𝐴 to the plane 𝐵𝑃𝑄,
giving your answer correct to 3 decimal places. (𝟎. 𝟐𝟏𝟗)
May/June 2009/01/11

37. The plane 𝛱1 has equation [4]

𝐫 = 𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 𝐤 + 𝜃(2𝐣 − 𝐤) + 𝜙 (3𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 2𝐤).

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Find a vector normal to 𝛱1 and hence show that the equation of 𝛱1 can be written as 2𝑥 +
3𝑦 + 6𝑧 = 14. (−𝟐𝐢 − 𝟑𝐣 − 𝟔𝐤)

The line 𝑙 has equation [4]

𝐫 = 3𝐢 + 8𝐣 + 2𝐤 + 𝑡(4𝐢 + 6𝐣 + 5𝐤).

The point on 𝑙 where 𝑡 = 𝜆 is denoted by 𝑃. Find the set of values of 𝜆 for which the
perpendicular distance of 𝑃 from 𝛱1 is not greater than 4. (−𝟏 ≤ 𝛌 ≤ 𝟎)

The plane 𝛱2 contains 𝑙 and the point with position vector 𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 𝐤. Find the acute angle [4]
between 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . (𝟕𝟕. 𝟒°)
Oct/Nov 2008/01/11

38. The position vectors of the points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷 are

7𝐢 + 4𝐣 − 𝐤, 3𝐢 + 5𝐣 − 2𝐤, 2𝐢 + 6𝐣 + 3𝐤, 2𝐢 + 𝟕𝐣 + λ𝐤
respectively. It is given that the shortest distance between the line 𝐴𝐵 and the line 𝐶𝐷 is 3.
(i) Show that 𝜆2 − 5𝜆 + 4 = 0. [7]
(ii) Find the acute angle between the planes through 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐷 corresponding to the values [7]
of 𝜆 satisfying the equation in part (i). (𝟏𝟐. 𝟏°)
May/June 2008/01/12E

39. The points 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶 have position vectors 2𝐢, 3𝐣 and 4𝐤 respectively. Find a vector [3]
which is perpendicular to the plane 𝛱1 containing 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶. (𝟔𝐢 + 𝟒𝐣 + 𝟑𝐤)
The plane 𝛱2 has equation [5]
𝐫 = 𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 2𝐤 + 𝜆(𝐢 − 𝐣) + 𝜇(𝐣 − 𝐤).
Find the acute angle between the planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . (𝟏𝟔. 𝟏°)
Oct/Nov 2007/01/6

40. The line 𝑙1 passes through the points 𝑃 and 𝑄 whose position vectors are 𝐢 − 𝐣 − 2𝐤 and
−2𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 13𝐤 respectively. The line 𝑙2 passes through the point 𝑆 whose position vector
is 𝐢 − 2𝐣 + 8𝐤 and is parallel to the vector 𝐢 − 𝐣 − 3𝐤. The point whose position vector is
−𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 2𝐤 is on the line 𝑙3 , the common perpendicular to 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 .
(i) Find, in the form 𝐫 = 𝐚 + 𝑡𝐛, an equation for 𝑙3 . (𝐫 = −𝐢 + 𝟑𝐣 + 𝟐𝐤 + [3]
𝒕(−𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 − 𝐤))
(ii) Find the perpendicular distance from 𝑆 to 𝑙3 . (√𝟏𝟏) [4]
(iii) Find the perpendicular distance from 𝑆 to the plane which contains 𝑙3 and passes [4]
𝟏
through 𝑃. ( )
√𝟓
May/June 2007/1/10

41. With 𝑂 as origin, the points 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 have position vectors [6]

𝐢, 𝐢 + 𝐣, 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 2𝐤
respectively. Find a vector equation of the common perpendicular of the lines 𝐴𝐵 and 𝑂𝐶.
(𝐫 = 𝐢 + 𝟎. 𝟐𝐣 + 𝒕(𝟐𝐢 − 𝐤))
2 [2]
Show that the shortest distance between the lines 𝐴𝐵 and 𝑂𝐶 is 5 √5.

Find, in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑, an equation for the plane containing 𝐴𝐵 and the [3]
common perpendicular of the lines 𝐴𝐵 and 𝑂𝐶. (𝒙 + 𝟐𝒛 = 𝟏)
Oct/Nov 2006/1/9

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42. The equation of the plane 𝛱 is [6]

2𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 48.
Obtain a vector equation of 𝛱 in the form
𝐫 = 𝐚 + 𝜆𝐛 + 𝜇𝒄,
where, 𝐚, 𝐛 and 𝐜 are of the form 𝑝𝐢, 𝑞𝐢 + 𝑟𝐣 and 𝑠𝐢 + 𝑡𝐤 respectively, and where 𝑝, 𝑞, 𝑟, 𝑠,
𝑡 are integers. (𝒑 = 𝟐𝟒, 𝒒 = −𝟔, 𝒓 = 𝟒, 𝒔 = −𝟔, 𝒕 = −𝟑)

The line 𝑙 has vector equation 𝐫 = 29𝐢 − 2𝐣 − 𝐤 + 𝜃(5𝐢 − 6𝐣 + 2𝐤). Show that 𝑙 lies in 𝛱. [3]

Find, in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑, the equation of the plane which contains 𝑙 and is [4]
perpendicular to 𝛱. (𝟑𝟎𝒙 + 𝟏𝟔𝒚 − 𝟐𝟕𝒛 = 𝟖𝟔𝟓)
May/June 2006/1/10

43. The planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 have vector equations [6]

𝐫 = 𝜆1 (𝐢 + 𝐣 − 𝐤) + 𝜇1 (2𝐢 − 𝐣 + 𝐤) and 𝐫 = 𝜆2 (𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 𝐤) + 𝜇2 (3𝐢 + 𝐣 − 𝐤)
respectively. The line 𝑙 passes through the point with position vector 4𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 6𝐤 and is
parallel to both 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . Find a vector equation for 𝑙. (𝐫 = 𝟒𝐢 + 𝟓𝐣 + 𝟔𝐤 + 𝒕(𝟑𝐢 + 𝐣 −
𝐤))

Find also the shortest distance between 𝑙 and the line of intersection of 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . (√𝟔𝟔) [4]
Oct/Nov 2005/1/9

44. The points 𝐴 , 𝐵 , 𝐶 have position vectors 𝑎𝐢 , 𝑏𝐣, 𝑐𝐤 respectively, where 𝑎 , 𝑏 , 𝑐 are all
positive. The plane containing 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 is denoted by 𝛱.
(i) Find a vector perpendicular to 𝛱. (𝒃𝒄𝐢 + 𝒂𝒄𝐣 + 𝒂𝒃𝐤) [3]
(ii) Find the perpendicular distance from the origin to 𝛱 , in terms of 𝑎 , 𝑏 , 𝑐 . [3]
𝐚𝐛𝐜
( 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐 𝟐)
√𝒃 𝒄 +𝒂 𝒄 +𝒂 𝒃
May/June 2005/1/3

45. The planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 have equations [2]

𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 3𝑧 + 4 = 0 and 2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 4𝑧 − 3 = 0
respectively. Show that, for all values of 𝜆, every point which is in both 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 is also in
the plane
𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 3𝑧 + 4 + 𝜆(2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 4𝑧 − 3) = 0
The planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 meet in the line 𝑙.
(i) Find the equation of the plane 𝛱3 which passes through 𝑙 and the point whose position [3]
vector is 𝑎𝐤. ((𝟏𝟏 − 𝟐𝒂)𝒙 + (𝟏𝟎 + 𝟓𝒂)𝒚 − 𝟐𝟓𝒛 = −𝟐𝟓𝒂)
(ii) Find the value of 𝑎 if 𝛱2 is perpendicular to 𝛱3 . (𝒂 = −𝟏𝟑𝟐) [3]
May/June 2005/1/7

46. The line 𝑙1 passes through the point 𝐴, whose position vector is 3𝐢 − 5𝐣 − 4𝐤, and is parallel
to the vector 3𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 2𝐤. The line 𝑙2 passes through the point 𝐵, whose position vector is
2𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 5𝐤, and is parallel to the vector 𝐢 − 𝐣 − 4𝐤. The point 𝑃 on 𝑙1 and the point 𝑄 on
𝑙2 are such that 𝑃𝑄 is perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . The plane 𝛱1 contains 𝑃𝑄 and 𝑙1 , and
the plane 𝛱2 contains 𝑃𝑄 and 𝑙2 .
(i) Find the length of 𝑃𝑄. (𝑷𝑸 = 𝟑) [4]
(ii) Find a vector perpendicular to 𝛱1 . (𝟖𝐢 + 𝐣 − 𝟏𝟒𝐤) [2]
(iii) Find the perpendicular distance from 𝐵 to 𝛱1 . ( 𝟒𝟐 ) [3]
√𝟐𝟗

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(iv) Find the angle between 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 . (𝟔𝟔. 𝟖°) [3]

Oct/Nov 2004/1/11

47. (i) Find the acute angle between the line 𝑙 whose equation is [3]
𝐫 = 𝑠(2𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 𝐤)
and the plane 𝛱1 whose equation is
𝑥 − 𝑧 = 0.
(𝟏𝟑. 𝟔°)
(ii) Find, in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 0, the equation of the plane 𝛱2 which contains 𝑙 [3]
and is perpendicular to 𝛱1 . (𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑𝒚 + 𝟐𝒛 = 𝟎)
(iii) Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of the planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 and hence, [3]
or otherwise, show that the vectors 𝐢 − 𝐤, 2𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 𝐤 and 3𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 3𝐤 are linearly
dependent. (𝐫 = 𝒕(𝟑𝐢 + 𝟒𝐣 + 𝟑𝐤))
(iv) The variable line 𝑚 passes through the point with position vector 4𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 2𝐤 and [5]
is perpendicular to 𝑙. The line 𝑚 meets 𝛱1 at 𝑄. Find the minimum distance of 𝑄
from the origin, as 𝑚 varies, giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures.
(𝟔. 𝟏𝟕)
May/June 2004/1/11E

48. The line 𝑙1 passes through the point 𝐴 with position vector 𝐢 − 𝐣 − 2𝐤 and is parallel to the
vector 3𝐢 − 4𝐣 − 2𝐤. The variable line 𝑙2 passes through the point (1 + 5 cos 𝑡 )𝐢 − (1 +
5 sin 𝑡) 𝐣 − 14𝐤, where 0 ≤ 𝑡 < 2𝜋, and is parallel to the vector 15𝐢 + 8𝐣 − 3𝐤. The points
𝑃 and 𝑄 are on 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 respectively, and 𝑃𝑄 is perpendicular to both 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 .
(i) |𝟐𝟎 𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝒕+𝟏𝟓 𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝒕−𝟏𝟒𝟒| [4]
Find the length of 𝑃𝑄 in terms of 𝑡. (𝑷𝑸 = 𝟏𝟑
)
(ii) Hence show that the lines 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 do not intersect, and find the maximum length of [3]
𝑃𝑄 as 𝑡 varies. (𝟏𝟑)
(iii) The plane 𝛱1 contains 𝑙1 and 𝑃𝑄; the plane 𝛱2 contains 𝑙2 and 𝑃𝑄. Find the angle [4]
between the planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 , correct to the nearest tenth of a degree. (𝟕𝟖. 𝟐°)
Oct/Nov 2003/1/9

49. Find the acute angle between the planes with equations [3]
𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 − 9 = 0 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧 + 2 = 0

The planes meet in the line 𝑙, and 𝐴 is the point on 𝑙 whose position vector is 𝑝𝐢 + 𝑞𝐣 + 𝐤.
(i) Find 𝑝 and 𝑞. (𝒑 = 𝟐, 𝒒 = −𝟑) [2]
(ii) Find a vector equation for 𝑙. (𝐫 = 2𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 𝐤 + 𝒕(𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 + 𝟑𝐤)) [3]
The non-coincident planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 are both perpendicular to 𝑙. The perpendicular distance [5]
from 𝐴 to 𝛱1 is √14 and the perpendicular distance from 𝐴 to 𝛱2 is also √14 . Find
equations for 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑. (𝒙 + 𝟐𝒚 + 𝟑𝒛 = 𝟏𝟑, 𝒙 + 𝟐𝒚 +
𝟑𝒛 = −𝟏𝟓)
May/June 2003/1/10

50. The planes 𝛱1 and 𝛱2 , which meet in the line 𝑙, have vector equations [5]
𝐫 = 2𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 6𝐤 + 𝜃1 (2𝐢 + 3𝐤) + 𝜙1 (−4𝐣 + 5𝐤),
𝐫 = 2𝐢 + 4𝐣 + 6𝐤 + 𝜃2 (3𝐣 + 𝐤) + 𝜙2 (−𝐢 + 𝐣 + 2𝐤),
respectively. Find a vector equation of the line 𝑙 in the form 𝐫 = 𝐚 + 𝑡𝐛. (𝐫 = 𝟐𝐢 + 𝟒𝐣 +
𝟔𝐤 + 𝒕(𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 − 𝐤), 𝐫 = 𝟒𝐢 + 𝟑𝐣 + 𝟐𝐤 + 𝒔(𝟐𝐢 − 𝐣 − 𝟒𝐤) + 𝒕(𝐢 + 𝟐𝐣 − 𝐤))

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Find a vector equation of the plane 𝛱3 which contains 𝑙 and which passes through the point [4]
with position vector 4𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 2𝐤. Find also the equation of 𝛱3 in the form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 +
𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑. (𝟗𝐱 − 𝟐𝐲 + 𝟓𝐳 = 𝟒𝟎)
Oct/Nov 2002/1/9

51. The line 𝑙1 passes through the points with position vectors 2𝐢 + 5𝐣 − 4𝐤 and 𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 3𝐤.
The line 𝑙2 has equation 𝐫 = −𝐢 − 2𝐣 − 11𝐤 + 𝑡(5𝐢 + 𝐣 + 2𝐤). The line 𝑙3 is perpendicular
to 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 , and passes through the point with position vector 𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 3𝐤.
(i) Find the equation of the plane which contains 𝑙1 and 𝑙3 , giving your answer in the [5]
form 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑. (𝟕𝒙 − 𝒚 − 𝟐𝒛 = 𝟏𝟏)
(ii) Show that 𝑙2 and 𝑙3 intersect. [4]
(iii) Find the shortest distance between 𝑙1 and 𝑙2 . (𝟑√𝟔) [2]
May/June 2002/1/11

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