CHAPTER 2

Vectors in the plane

2.1 Overview
2.1.1 Introduction
A vector is a directed line segment that is described using both magnitude and direction. The length of the
line segment is the magnitude of the vector and the direction is determined by a reference to the angle from
a fixed line. Wind is a vector as it is described using magnitude and direction, for example a north-easterly
wind of 20 km/h.
Consider the two yachts shown in the photograph. Could they be in danger of a collision? One yacht is
travelling at a speed of 15 km/h and the other at a speed of 12 km/h. Their speeds give no indication of their
direction. Their respective directions are as important as their speed for a correct analysis their path.
Vectors are used in physics to describe and analyse any quantity that has both magnitude and direction,
such as motion and force. Vectors can be used by coaches in many sporting areas to illustrate the importance
of the angle of contact with the ball or the optimum position to kick a goal. For example, by watching film
clips with vectors superimposed over their golf swings, professional golfers can determine the perfect angle
to hold their club to ensure the best outcome.

LEARNING SEQUENCE
2.1 Overview
2.2 Vectors and scalars
2.3 Position vectors in the plane
2.4 Scalar multiplication
2.5 The scalar (dot) product
2.6 The projection of vectors — scalar and vector resolutes
2.7 Review: exam practice

Fully worked solutions for this chapter are available in the Resources section of your eBookPLUS at
www.jacplus.com.au.

58 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

2.2 Vectors and scalars
2.2.1 Introduction
In mathematics, one of the important distinctions is between scalar quantities and vector quantities. Scalar
quantities have magnitude only; vector quantities have direction as well as magnitude. Most of the quantities
that we use are scalar, and include such measurements as time (for example 1.2 s; 15 min), mass (3.4 kg; 200 t)
and area (3 cm2 ; 400 ha). For some quantities it is very important that
we know both magnitude and direction.
Consider the force involved in Daniel and Anna fighting over
who gets to use the television remote control.
Daniel exerts a force of 40 N and Anna exerts a force of 50 N and
they apply these forces as shown.
In what direction will the remote control move and what is the
force in that direction? That is, what is the resultant force?
The resultant force depends not only on the size of each force but the direction in 40 N 150°
which the forces are applied. 50 N

A vector is a quantity that has magnitude and direction.

A scalar is a real number only.

2.2.2 Vector notation

A vector is shown graphically as a line, with a tail (start) and head (end). The length of B
the line indicates the magnitude and the orientation of the line indicates its direction.
In the figure, the head of the vector is at point B (indicated with an arrow), and the
A
tail is at point A.
When writing this vector, we can use the points A and B to indicate the start and end points with a special
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ Some textbooks use a single letter, in bold, such as w, but this is
arrow to indicate that it is a vector: AB.
difficult to write using pen and paper, so w ~ can also be used. The symbol (~) is called a tilde.

2.2.3 Equality of vectors

Vectors are defined by both magnitude and direction.

Two vectors are equal if both their magnitude and direction are equal.
w
~
In the figure, the following statements can be made:
u = ~v
~ u
u≠w ~
~ ~ (directions are not equal) v
≠ ~
~ ~z (magnitudes are not equal).
u
z
~
2.2.4 Addition of vectors — The triangle rule B
Consider a vector, ~ u, that measures the travel from A to B and another vector,
~v , that measures the subsequent travel from B to C. The net result is as if the u
~
v
~
person travelled directly from A to C (vector w ~ ). Therefore, we can say that
w~=~ u + ~v .
A w= u +v C
~ ~ ~

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 59

 To add two vectors, take the tail of one vector and join it to the head of another. The result of this
addition is the vector from the tail of the first vector to the head of the second vector.

Returning to Daniel and Anna who are fighting over the television remote control, we see that the forces
they apply to the remote control unit can be represented as a sum of two vectors.

Daniel’s
force
Resultant 40 N
force

Anna’s 50 N
force

From this figure we are able to get a rough idea of the magnitude and direction of the resultant force. In the
following sections, we will learn techniques for calculating the resultant magnitude and direction accurately.

–u
A ~
2.2.5 The negative of a vector
B
u is the vector from A to B, then −u
If ~ ~ is the vector from B to A. ~u

We can subtract vectors by adding the negative of the second vector to the first vector.

WORKED EXAMPLE 1

Using the vectors shown, draw the results of:

a. u + v b. −u c. u − v
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ d.
~v − u
~. ~v

~u

THINK WRITE

a. 1. Move ~v so that its tail is at the head of ~

u. a.
~v ~v

~u
2. Join the tail of ~ u + ~v .
u to the head of ~v to find ~ u+v
~ ~
v
~
u
~

u to obtain −u –u
b. Reverse the arrow on ~ ~. b. ~

u
~
c. 1. Reverse ~v to get −v~. c.
–v
~

u
~

60 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 2. Join the tail of −v~ to the head of ~u to get −v + u,
–v + u
which is the same as ~ u + (−v~). ˜ ˜
u − ~v or ~ –v
~ ~ ~

u
~
d. 1. u to get −u
Reverse ~ ~. The vectors are now ‘aligned d.
properly’ with the head of −u v
~ joining the tail of ~v . ~

–u
~
2. Join the tail of −u
~ to the head of ~v to get ~v − ~
u.
v–u
Note that this is the same as (−u v ~ ~
~ + ~v ) ~

–u
~

WORKED EXAMPLE 2

The parallelogram ABCD can be defined by the two vectors ~

b and ~c . D C
In terms of these vectors, find:
a. the vector from A to D c
~
b. the vector from C to D
c. the vector from D to B.
A b B
~

THINK WRITE

a. The vector from A to D is equal to the vector from ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = c

a. AD
~
B to C since ABCD is a parallelogram.
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = −b
b. The vector from C to D is equal to the vector from B b. CD
~
to A and is the reverse of B to A, which is ~
b.
c. The vector from D to B is obtained by adding the ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = −c + b
c. DB
~ ~
vector from D to A to the vector from A to B. =~b − ~c

WORKED EXAMPLE 3

a, ~
A cube PQRSTUVW can be defined by the three vectors ~ b and ~c as T W
shown.
R
Express in terms of ~ a, ~
b and ~c : S
a. the vector joining P to V
c U
b. the vector joining P to W ~ V
b
c. the vector joining U to Q ~
P a
d. the vector joining S to W ~ Q
e. the vector joining Q to T.

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 61

 THINK WRITE

All of the opposite sides in a cube are equal in length

and parallel. Therefore all opposite sides can be
expressed as the same vector.
a. The vector from P to V is obtained by adding the a. ⃗
PV = ⃗
PQ + ⃗ QV
vector from P to Q to the vector from Q to V. ⃗
PV = ~
a+~ b
b. The vector from P to W is obtained by adding b. ⃗ ⃗
PW = PV + VW ⃗
the vectors P to V and V to W. ⃗ =a+b+c
PW ~ ~ ~
c. The vector from U to Q is obtained by adding the c. ⃗ = UP
UQ ⃗ + PQ ⃗
vectors U to P and P to Q. ⃗
UQ = −b~+~ a
=~a−~ b
d. The vector from S to W is obtained by adding the d. ⃗ = SR
SW ⃗ + RW⃗
vectors S to R and R to W. ⃗
SW = ~a+~ b
e. The vector from Q to T is obtained by adding the e. ⃗ ⃗
QT = QP + PS⃗ + ST
⃗
vectors Q to P, P to S and S to T. ⃗ = −a + c + b
QT ~ ~ ~
=~b + ~c − ~
a

2.2.6 Multiplying a vector by a scalar N

Multiplication of a vector by a positive number (scalar) affects only the magnitude of
the vector, not the direction. For example, if a vector ~ u has a direction of north and a W E

magnitude of 10, then the vector 3u ~ has a direction of north and magnitude of 30. S
If the scalar is negative, then the direction is reversed. Therefore, −2u ~ has a direction u 3u –2u
of south and a magnitude of 20. ~ ~ ~
Scalar multiples of a vector are all parallel as multiplication by a positive scalar only
affects the magnitude of a vector, and multiplication by a negative scalar only affects
the vector’s magnitude and reverses its direction.

WORKED EXAMPLE 4

Use the vectors shown at right to draw the result of:

a. 2r + 3s b. 2s − 4r . s
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
r
~

THINK WRITE

a. 1. Increase the magnitude of ~r by a factor of a.

2 and ~s by a factor of 3.
3s
~

2r
~
2. Move the tail of 3s~ to the head of 2r~. Then join 2r + 3s
the tail of 2r~ to the head of 3s~ to get 2r + 3s~. ~ ~
3s 3s
~ ~

2r
~

62 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 b. 1. Increase the magnitude of ~s by a factor of b.
2 and ~r by a factor of 4. 2s
~
4r
~
2. Reverse the arrow on 4r~ to get −4r~.
2s
~
–4r
~
3. Join the tail of −4r~ to the head of 2s~. 2s – 4r
~ ~
2s
~
–4r
~

Vectors can be used to solve real-world problems involving movement and direction. Direction is typically
referenced using a compass and expressed as the degrees from north. This is known as a bearing. We can
then use Pythagoras’ theorem and trigonometry to solve displacement and bearing problems through vector
addition.

WORKED EXAMPLE 5

A boat travels 30 km north and then 40 km west.

a. Make a vector drawing of the path of the boat.
b. Draw the vector that represents the net displacement of the boat.
c. Determine the magnitude of the net displacement.
d. Calculate the bearing (from true north) of this net displacement vector.

THINK WRITE

a. 1. Set up vectors (tail to head), one pointing north, a. W (40 km) N

~
the other west.
N (30 km) W E
~
S
2. Indicate the distances as 30 km and 40 km
respectively.
b. Join the tail of the N
~ vector with the head of the b. W (40 km)
~
W
~ vector.
N+W N (30 km)
~ ~ ~

c. 1. Let R km = length of N
~+W
~. c. W (40 km)
~
N (30 km)
R=N+W ~
~ ~ ~
√
2. The length (magnitude) of R
~ can be calculated using R= 302 + 402
Pythagoras’ theorem. √
= 900 + 1600

= 50 km

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 63

 d. 1. Indicate the angle between N ~+W
~ and N ~ as 𝜃. d.
~ (40 km)
W

N+W N (30 km)

~ ~ ~
θ

40
2. Use trigonometry to find 𝜃, where the magnitude of sin 𝜃 =
50
~ , was
the opposite side is 40. The hypotenuse, R
determined in part c as 50. = 0.8

𝜃 = 53.13°

3. The true bearing is 360° minus 53.13°. Therefore the true bearing is:
360° − 53.13° = 306.87°

Digital document: SkillSHEET Bearings (doc-26829)

Units 1 & 2 Area 2 Sequence 1 Concepts 1 & 2

Introduction to vectors Summary screen and practice questions

Operations on vectors Summary screen and practice questions

Exercise 2.2 Vectors and scalars

Technology free
1. a. Draw the result of:
WE1

i. r + s ii. r − s iii. s − r s
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
b. WE4 Draw the result of:
r
~
i. 2r + 2s ii. 2r − 2s iii. 3s − 4r
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
2. WE2 The pentagon ABCDE at right can be defined by the four vectors, s , t , u and v . C
~ ~ ~ ~ ~v u
Find in terms of these 4 vectors: ~
B D
a. the vector from A to D b. the vector from A to B
c. the vector from D to A d. the vector from B to E t
~
e. the vector from C to A. A s E
~
3. MC A girl travels 4 km north and then 2 km south. What is the net displacement vector?
A. 6 km north B. 6 km south
C. 2 km north D. −2 km north

64 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 4. In the rectangle ABCD, the vector joining A to B is denoted by ~ u and the vector B v
~ C
joining B to C is ~v . Which pairs of points are joined by:
a. u + v ? b. u − v ? u
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
c. v − u? d. 3u + 2v − 2u − v ?
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
5. MC Consider the following relationships between vectors u, v and w. A D
~ ~ ~
u
~ = 2v +
~ ~ w
~ = ~v − ~
w u
Which of the following statements is true?
A. u = w B. u = v C. u = 32 v D. u = 32 v
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
6. WE3 A rectangular prism (box) CDEFGHIJ can be defined by three J I
vectors ~r , ~s and ~t as shown at right. F
E
Express in terms of ~r , ~s and ~t : t H
G ~
a. the vector joining C to H b. the vector joining C to J
s
c. the vector joining G to D d. the vector joining F to I ~ C r D
~
e. the vector joining H to E f. the vector joining D to J
g. the vector joining C to I h. the vector joining J to C.
7. In terms of vectors a and b in the figure, define the vector joining O to D.
~ ~
D

a
~ Ob
~
8. In terms of vectors ~
a and ~
b, define the vector joining E to O.
E

a
~ Ob
~
9. Which of the following are vector quantities? Justify your answer.
speed velocity displacement force volume angle
10. Which of the following are scalar quantities? Justify your answer.
speed time acceleration velocity length displacement
11. A 2-dimensional vector can be determined by its length and its angle with respect to (say) true north.
What quantities could be used to represent a 3-dimensional vector?

Technology active
12. A pilot plans to fly 300 km north then 400 km east.
a. Make a vector drawing of her flight plan.
b. Show the resulting net displacement vector.
c. Calculate the length (magnitude) of this net displacement vector.
d. Calculate the bearing
r. (from true north) of this net
displacement vecto
13. Another pilot plans to travel 300 km east, then
300 km north-east. Show that the resultant bearing
is 67.5 degrees. Determine how far east of its
starting point the plane has travelled, to 1 decimal place
14. An aeroplane travels 400 km west, then 600 km
north. How far is the aeroplane from its starting
point? Determine the bearing of the resultant
displacement. Give your answers to 1 decimal place.

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 65

15. Using technology or a piece of graph paper, draw a vector, ~ a, that is 3 units east and 5 units north of the
origin. Draw another vector, ~
b, that is 5 units east and 3 units north of the origin. On the same graph,
draw the following vectors.
a. a + b b. a + 3b c. a − b d. b − a e. 3b − 4a
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
f. 0.5a + 2.5b g. a − 2.5b h. 4a i. 2.5a − 1.5b j. b − 2.5a
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
16. Find the direction and magnitude of a vector joining point A to point B, where B is 10 m east and 4 m
north of A.
17. Consider a parallelogram defined by the vectors a and b, and its associated diagonals, as shown.
~ ~

~b

~a
Show that the vector sum of the diagonal vectors is 2a~.
18. Show, by construction, that for any vectors u and v :
~ ~
~ + ~v ) = 3u
3(u ~ + 3v~
(This is called the Distributive Law.)
19. Show, by construction, that for any three vectors a, b and c :
~ ~ ~
~+~
(a b) + ~c = ~a + (b
~ + ~c )
(This is called the Associative Law.)
20. Show, by construction, that for any two vectors r and s :
~ ~
3r~ − ~s = −(s~ − 3r~)
21. A girl walks the following route: 400 m north — 300 m east — 200 m north — 500 m west — 600 m
south — 200 m east.
Make a vector drawing of these six paths. Determine the net displacement vector.
22. As you will learn shortly, vectors can be represented by two values: the horizontal (or x) component and
the vertical (or y) component.
Consider the vector w~ , defined by joining the origin to the point (4, 5), and the vector ~v , defined by
joining the origin to (2, 3). Determine the horizontal and vertical components of each vector.
Demonstrate graphically that the sum w ~ + ~v has an x-component of 6 (that is, 4 + 2), and a
y-component of 8 (that is, 5 + 3).
23. Using the same vectors, w ~ and ~v , as in question 22, demonstrate graphically that the difference vector,
~ − ~v , has an x-component of 2 and a y-component of 2.
w
24. Using the same vectors, w ~ and ~v , as in question 22, demonstrate graphically that:
a. the vector 4w has an x-component of 16 and a y-component of 20
~
b. the vector −2v has an x-component of −4 and a y-component of −6.
~
25. Using the results from questions 22, 23 and 24, what can you deduce about an algebraic method (as
opposed to a graphical method) of addition, subtraction and multiplication of vectors?

66 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

2.3 Position vectors in the plane
2.3.1 Cartesian form of a vector
y
As a vector has both magnitude and direction, it can be represented in
2-dimensional planes. B
In the figure, the vector ~
u joins the point A to point B. u
~

Using the Cartesian plane, an identical vector can be considered to join the origin y
with the point C. C
It is easy to see that ~
u is made up of two components: one along the x-axis and u
~
one parallel to the y-axis. Let î be a vector along the x-axis with magnitude 1. ĵ
Similarly, let ĵ be a vector along the y-axis with magnitude 1. Vectors î and ĵ are
î D x
known as unit vectors, and are discussed in section 2.3.5.
We can say the vector ~ u is the position vector of point C relative to the origin.
Note: Unit vectors î and ĵ may also be shown as ~i and j respectively. y
~
u from the origin directly to C, or
With vectors, it is equivalent to travel along ~ C (6, 3)
3
to travel first along the x-axis to D and then parallel to the y-axis to C. In either ~u 3ĵ
case we started at the origin and ended up at C. Clearly, then, ~ u is made up of
some multiple of î in the x-direction and some multiple of ĵ in the y-direction. O D x
6î
For example, if the point C has coordinates (6, 3) then ~ u = 6î + 3ĵ. This is
the Cartesian form of a vector.

The Cartesian form of a vector from the origin to the point (x, y) is given by:
~ = xî + yĵ
u

2.3.2 Ordered pair notation and column vector notation

6
u = 6î + 3ĵ can be expressed as an ordered pair (6, 3) or in column vector notation as
The vector ~ .
[3]

u = xî + yĵ can be expressed as an ordered pair (x, y) or in column vector

Similarly, the vector ~
x
notation as .
[y]

2.3.3 The magnitude of a vector

By using Pythagoras’ theorem on a position vector, we can find its length, or magnitude.

u shown.
Consider the vector ~
The magnitude of ~u, denoted as ||~
u|| or r, is given by: y

√ C (6, 3)
||u|| = 62 + 32 u
~ ~
√ 3ĵ
||u|| =
45
~
√ 6î x
=3 5

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 67

 ~ = xî + yĵ, is given by:
The magnitude of a vector, u
√
r = |u
~| = x2 + y2

2.3.4 The polar form of a vector

From what we already know about trigonometry, we can work out the y
u makes with the positive x-axis (that is, anticlockwise
angle (𝜃) that ~
from the positive x-axis). This gives us the direction of ~
u. C (6, 3)
The angle 𝜃 can be calculated as:
u
~ 3ĵ
−1 3
𝜃 = tan
(6) 𝜃
−1 x
= tan 0.5 6î
= 0.464 radians
= 26.6°
The result obtained by this method needs to be adjusted if the angle is in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th quadrants.
√
This allows us to express the vector in polar form as [3 5 , 26.6°].

−1 y
~ = xî + yĵ, is given by 𝜃 = tan ( x ).
The direction of a vector, u
The polar form of vector u is [r, 𝜃 ],
~
where u is a vector of magnitude r in the direction of 𝜃 from the positive
~
direction of the x-axis.

WORKED EXAMPLE 6

Using the vector shown, determine: y

a. the magnitude of u
~
b. the direction of u (express the angle with respect
~
to the positive x-axis)
c. the true bearing of u. 𝜃 x
~
d. the expression of u in polar form.
~
u
~

(3, –5)

THINK WRITE
√
a. 1. Use Pythagoras’ theorem or the rule a. ||u|| = 32 + (−5)2 .
~
for magnitude of a vector with the x- and
y-components 3 and −5 respectively.
√
2. Simplify the surd. ||~
u|| = 9 + 25
√
= 34 (= 5.831 to 3 decimal places)

68 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 −5
b. 1. The angle is in the 4th quadrant since b. 𝜃 = tan−1
( 3 )
x = 3 and y = −5. Use trigonometry to
find the angle 𝜃 from the x- and
y-component values, recalling
opp
tan 𝜃 = .
adj
2. Use a calculator to simplify. 𝜃 = −59°
c. The negative sign implies that the direction c. True bearing = 90° + 59°
is 59° clockwise from the x-axis. The true = 149°
bearing from north is the angle
measurement from the positive y-axis to the
vector ~u.
d. 1. Recall the polar form of a vector is [r, 𝜃]. d. [r, 𝜃]
√
2. Write ~
u in polar form. u
~ is a vector of magnitude 34 in a direction of
−59° from the positive direction of the x-axis. In
√
polar form, ~u = [ 34 , −59°].

TI | THINK WRITE CASIO | THINK WRITE

d. 1. Put the calculator in Degree d. 1. Put the calculator in Degree
mode. mode.
On a Calculator page, On the Run-Matrix screen,
complete the entry line as: press OPTN, then press F6
[ 3 −5 ] to scroll across to more
Press MENU, then select: menu options. Select
7: Matrix & Vector ANGLE by pressing F5,
C: Vector press F6 to scroll across to
4: Convert to Polar more menu options, then
then press ENTER. select Pol( by pressing F1.
Note: The matrix template can Complete the entry line as:
be found by pressing the Pol (3, −5)
Templates button. then press EXE. √
2. The answer appears on the
~u = (5.831, −59°) 2. The answer appears on the u = ( 34 , −59°)
~
screen. screen.
Note: The calculator will give
decimal values, not exact
values.

2.3.5 Unit vectors

As we have seen, any vector ~ u is composed of x- and y- components denoted by xî, yĵ. The vectors, î, and ĵ are
called unit vectors, as they each have a magnitude of 1. This allows us to resolve a vector into its components.

If a 2-dimensional vector ~u makes an angle of 𝜃 with the positive x-axis and it has a magnitude of
r, then we can find its x- and y-components using the formulas:

x = |r| cos 𝜃
y = |r| sin 𝜃

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 69

 WORKED EXAMPLE 7

Consider the vector u, whose magnitude is 30 and whose bearing y N

˜
(from N) is 310°. Determine its x- and y-components and write u
~ in ~u W E
terms of î and ĵ, that is, in Cartesian form.
x S
310°
THINK WRITE
y
1. Change the bearing into an angle with respect to the
positive x-axis (𝜃). 50°
~u
2. The angle between u and the positive y-axis is 𝜃
~
360° − 310° = 50°. x

3. Calculate 𝜃. 𝜃 = 90° + 50°

= 140°
4. Find the x- and y-components using trigonometry. x = |r| cos 𝜃 y = |r| sin 𝜃
= 30 cos 140° = 30 sin 140°
= −22.98 = 19.28
5. Express u as a vector in Cartesian form. u = −22.98î + 19.28ĵ
~
~

TI | THINK WRITE CASIO | THINK WRITE

1. Determine the angle that u 𝜃 = 50° + 90° = 140° 1. Determine the angle that u 𝜃 = 50° + 90° = 140°
~ ˜
makes with the positive makes with the positive x-axis.
x-axis.
2. Put the calculator in Degree 2. Put the calculator in Degree
mode. mode.
On a Calculator page, On the Run-Matrix screen,
complete the entry line as: press OPTN, then press F6 to
(30∠140) scroll across to more menu
Press MENU, then select: options. Select ANGLE by
7: Matrix & Vector pressing F5, press F6 to scroll
C: Vector across to more menu options,
5: Convert to Rectangular then select Rec( by pressing
then press ENTER. F2.
Note: The ∠ symbol can be Complete the entry line as:
found by pressing CTRL Rec (30, 140)
and the Catalogue button. then press EXE.
3. The answer appears on the
~u = −22.98î + 19.28ĵ 3. The answer appears on the
~u = −22.98î + 19.28ĵ
screen. The first value is the screen. The first value is the
x-component and the second x-component and the second
value is the y-component. value is the y-component.

WORKED EXAMPLE 8

A bushwalker walks 16 km in a direction of bearing 050°, then walks 12 km in a direction of

bearing 210°. Determine the resulting position of the hiker giving magnitude and direction from
the starting point. State the resultant vector in polar form.

70 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 THINK WRITE

1. Draw a clear diagram to represent 210°

y 240°
the situation.
km 30°
16

km
50° a~

~b 12
x

2. Resolve the position vectors into a = 16 cos 40°î + 16 sin 40°ĵ

~
their x- and y-components by b = 12 cos 240°î + 12 sin 240°ĵ
~
recalling the component formulas,
x = |r| cos 𝜃 and y = |r| sin 𝜃, where 𝜃
is the angle from the x-axis.
3. Simplify position vectors. a = 12.2567î + 10.2846ĵ
~
b = −6î − 10.3923ĵ
~
4. Usethe triangle rule of addition of a+~
~ b = (12.2567 − 6)î + (10.2846 − 10.3923)ĵ
vectors. = 6.2567î − 0.1077ĵ
~a
𝜃 ~b

~a + ~b

−0.1077
5. Findthe angle 𝜃 by recalling the 𝜃 = tan−1
y ( 6.2567 )
direction formula, 𝜃 = tan−1 ( ). = −0.986°
x
√
6. Find the magnitude. a+~
|~ b | = x2 + y2
√
= 6.262 + (−0.11)2
√
= 39.2
= 6.26
7. State the resultant vector polar form. The bushwalker’s final position is 6.26 km at an angle
of −0.986° from the starting point: [6.26, −0.986°].

Unit vectors can also be found in the direction of any vector. This is merely the original vector divided by
its magnitude.

The unit vector of any vector u

~ in the direction of u ~̂, is:
~, denoted by u
u
û = ~ =u
~
~ |u| r
~

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 71

 WORKED EXAMPLE 9

Determine the unit vector in the direction of u

~.
Confirm the unit vector has a magnitude of 1. C (6, 3)
u
~ 3ĵ

6î

THINK WRITE

1. Express the vector in component form. u = 6î + 3ĵ

~
√
2. Calculate the magnitude of the vector ~
u using r = 62 + 32
Pythagoras’ theorem. √
= 45
√
=3 5
6 3
3. Divide each component of the original vector by the û = √ î + √ ĵ
~
û .
magnitude to get ~ 3 5 3 5
√ √
2 5 5
= î+ ĵ
5 5
√
4. û has a magnitude of 1.
Confirm that ~ û | = x2 + y2
|~ √
20 5
= +
25 25
√
25
=
25
=1

TI | THINK WRITE CASIO | THINK WRITE

1. On a Calculator page, press 1. On the Run-Matrix screen,
MENU, then select: press OPTN then select
7: Matrix & Vector MAT/VCT by pressing F2.
C: Vector Press F6 twice to scroll
1: Unit Vector across to more menu options,
Complete the entry line as: then select UnitV( by
unitV ([ 6 3 ]) pressing F5.
then press ENTER. Press EXIT twice to return to
Note: The matrix template can the main menu, then select
be found by pressing the MATH by pressing F4. Select
templates button. MAT/VCT by pressing F1,
then press F6 to scroll across
and select 1 × 2 by pressing
F1.
Complete the entry line as:
UnitV ([ 6 3 ])
then press EXE. √ √
2 5 5
2. The answer appears on the û = 0.894î + 0.447ĵ 2. The answer appears on the û = î+ ĵ
~ ~ 5 5
screen. screen.
Note: The calculator will give
decimal values, not exact
values.

72 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

2.3.6 A vector between two points
In the figure ~ ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ and b is the position vector of point
a is the position vector of point A, OA, y A
~
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖
⃗
B, OB, relative to the origin. a
~
The vector describing the location of A relative to B, BA,⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ is easily found using vector B
addition as −b b
~+~ a−~
a or ~ b. ~
Similarly, the vector describing the location of B relative to A, AB, ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ is b − a. O x
~ ~

If A and B are points defined by position vectors ~ a and ~

b respectively, then
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = b − a
AB ~ ~

WORKED EXAMPLE 10

a. Determine the position vector locating point B (3, −3) from point A (2, 5).
b. Calculate the length of this vector.

THINK WRITE
a. 1. Express the point A as a position vector ~ a. a. Let ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = a = 2î + 5ĵ
OA ~
2. Express the point B as a position vector b. Let ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = b = 3î − 3ĵ
OB
~ ~
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ is b − a.
3. The location of B relative to A, (AB), ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = b − a
AB
~ ~ ~ ~
= 3î − 3ĵ − (2î + 5ĵ)
= î − 8ĵ

⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ is |b − a| .
The length of (AB) ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗| |b − a|
|AB
b.
~ ~ b. | |=√ ~ ~
= 12 + (−8)2
√
= 65 (or 8.06)

We are now in a position to resolve the problem of finding, accurately, the resultant force acting on the
television remote control when Daniel and Anna are pulling on it.

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 73

 First redraw the diagram to show the addition of vectors.
Taking the direction of Anna’s force as the î direction:
Anna’s force, ~a = 50î + 0ĵ
Daniel’s
b = 40 cos 150°î + 40 sin 150°ĵ
Daniel’s force, ~ force
= −34.6410î + 20ĵ Resultant 40 N
a+~
Resultant force, ~ b = (50 − 34.6410)î + 20ĵ force
30° 150°
= 15.3590î + 20ĵ Anna’s 50 N
Magnitude = | ~ a+~b| force
= 25.2N
20
Direction 𝜃 = tan−1
15.3590
= 52.48°

Digital document: SpreadSHEET Position vector (doc-26830)

Units 1 & 2 Area 2 Sequence 1 Concepts 3, 4 and 5

The magnitude of a vector and polar form Summary screen and practice questions
Unit vectors Summary screen and practice questions
Resolution of vectors Summary screen and practice questions

Exercise 2.3 Position vectors in the plane

Technology active
1. State the x, y components of the following vectors. √
a. 3î + 4ĵ b. 6î − 3ĵ c. 3.4î + 2ĵ
2. WE6a, b For each of the following, determine:
i. the magnitude of the vector
ii. the direction of each vector. (Express the direction with respect to the positive x-axis.)
a. y (6, 6) b. (–4, 7) y
v
~
w
~
x
x

c. y d. y

x x
a~ b
~ (320, –10)
(–3.4, –3.5)

3. i. WE6c, d Determine the true bearing of each vector in question 2.

ii. Express each vector in question 2 in polar form.

74 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 4. WE7 Consider the vector w
~ shown. Its magnitude is 100 and its bearing is 210° True.
y N

W E
x
210° S
100

w
~
Find the x- and y-components of w
~ , and express them as exact values (surds). State the answer in the
form w~ = xî + yĵ.
5. MC A vector with a bearing of 60 degrees from N and a magnitude of 10 has:
√ √
3 3
A. x-component = 2 , y-component = 12 B. x-component = 12 , y-component = 2
√ √
C. x-component = 5 3 , y-component = 5 D. x-component = 5, y-component = 5 3
6. An aeroplane travels on a bearing of 147 degrees for 457 km. Express its position as a vector in terms of
î and ĵ (to 1 decimal place).
7. A ship travels on a bearing of 331 degrees for
125 km. Express its position as a vector in terms
of î and ĵ (to 1 decimal place).
8. WE8 A pilot flies 420 km in a direction 45° south

of east and then 200 km in a direction 60° south of

east. Calculate the resultant displacement from the
starting position giving both magnitude and direction.
State the final vector in polar form to 1 decimal place.
9. The instructions to Black-eye the Pirate’s hidden
treasure say: ‘Take 20 steps in a north-easterly
direction and then 30 steps in a south-easterly direction.’ However, a rockfall blocks the first part of the
route in the north-easterly direction. How could you head directly to the treasure?
10. Two scouts are in contact with home base. Scout A is 15 km from home base in a direction 30° north of
east. Scout B is 12 km from home base in a direction 40° west of north. Determine how far is scout B
from scout A.
11. WE9 Determine unit vectors in the direction of the given vector for the following:
y y
a. (3, 4) b.

0 x
~a
~d (3, –4)
0 x

c.b = 4î + 3ĵ
~ d. e = −4î + 3ĵ
~
√
e. c = î + 2 ĵ
~
12. MC A unit vector in the direction of 3î − 4ĵ is:
A. 35 î + 54 ĵ B. 53 î − 45 ĵ C. î − ĵ 3
D. 25 4
î − 25 ĵ
13. Not all unit vectors are smaller than the original vectors. Consider the vector v = 0.3î + 0.4ĵ. Show that
~
the unit vector in the direction of ~v is twice as long as ~v .
14. Find the unit vector in the direction of w = −0.1î − 0.02ĵ.
~

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 75

15. Consider the points A (0, 1) and B (4, 5) in the figure. A vector joining A to B can be drawn.
y B
(4, 5)

(0, 1) A
x
a. Show that an equivalent position vector is given by: 4î + 4ĵ.
b. Similarly, show that an equivalent position vector joining B to A is given by: −4î − 4ĵ.
16. WE10 For each of the following pairs of points determine:

i. the position vectors locating the second point from the first point
ii. the length of this vector as an exact value.
a. (0, 2) , (4, −5) b. (2, 3) , (5, 4)
c. (4, −5) , (0, 2) d. (5, 4) , (2, 3)
e. (3, 7) , (5, 7) f. (7, −3) , (3, −3)
17. Determine the position vectors from question 16, by going from the second point to the first.
18. Determine unit vectors in the direction of the position vectors for each of the vectors of question 16.
19. Let u = 5î − 2ĵ and ~e = −2î + 3ĵ.
a. Determine:
i. ||u|| ii. || e || iii. û iv. ê v. u + e vi. |u + e |
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
b. Confirm or reject the statement that ||u|| + || e || = |u + e |
~ ~ ~ ~
20. Let ~ u = −3î + 4ĵ and e = 5î − ĵ.
a. Determine:
i. ||u|| ii. || e || iii. û iv. ê v. u + e vi. |u + e |
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
b. Confirm or reject the statement that ||u|| + || e || = |u + e |.
~ ~ ~ ~
21. To calculate the distance between two vectors, ~ a and ~ a−~
b, simply find |~ b |.
Calculate the distance between these pairs of vectors:
a.3î + 2ĵ and 2î + 3ĵ b. 5î − 2ĵ and 2î + 5ĵ
22. A river flows through the jungle from west to
east at a speed of 3 km/h. An explorer wishes
to cross the river by boat, and attempts this by
travelling at 5 km/h due north.
Determine:
a. the vector representing the velocity of the
river
b. the vector representing the velocity of the
boat
c. the resultant (net) vector of the boat’s
journey
d. the bearing of the boat’s journey
e. the magnitude of the net vector.

23. Consider the data from question 22. At what bearing should the boat travel so that it arrives at the
opposite bank of the river due north of the starting position?
24. A boat travels east at 20 km/h, while another boat travels south at 15 km/h. Determine:
a. a vector representing each boat and the difference between the boats
b. the magnitude of the difference vector
c. the bearing of the difference vector.

76 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

25. Consider the vector ~ u = 3î + 4ĵ and the vector ~v = 4î − 3ĵ. Find the angles of each of these vectors with
respect to the x-axis. Show that these two vectors are perpendicular to each other. Also show that the
products of each vector’s corresponding x- and y-components add up to 0. Can you confirm that this is a
pattern for all perpendicular vectors?
26. A river has a current of 4 km/h westward. A boat which is capable of travelling at 12 km/h is attempting
to cross the river by travelling due north. Determine:
a. the vector representing the net velocity of the boat
b. the bearing of the actual motion of the boat
c. how long it takes to cross the river, if the river is 500 m wide (from north to south). (Hint: The
maximum ‘speed’ of the boat is still 12 km/h.)

2.4 Scalar multiplication of vectors

2.4.1 Equality of two vectors
When a vector in î and ĵ form is multiplied by a scalar, each coefficient is multiplied by the scalar.

a = xî + yĵ, then ka
If ~ ~ = kxî + kyĵ.

For example, if ~a = î − 2ĵ, then 2a ~ = 2î − 4ĵ and −a

~ = −î + 2ĵ.
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖
⃗
Given the vectors OA = ~ ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖
⃗
a = x1 î + y1 ĵ and OB = ~b = x2 î + y2 ĵ, the two vectors are equal, ~
a=~
b, if and
only if x1 = x2 and y1 = y2 .

WORKED EXAMPLE 11

If a = xî − 3ĵ and b = 4î − 5ĵ, determine the value of x if the vector c = 2a − 3b is parallel to the

~ ~ ~ ~ ~
y-axis.
THINK WRITE

1. Substitute the vectors ~ b into ~c = 2a

a and ~ ~ − 3b
~. ~c = 2a
~ − 3b~
= 2(xî − 3ĵ) − 3(4î − 5ĵ)

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 77

 2. Multiply the vectors ~
a and ~ b by the scalars 2 and −3. ~c = (2xî − 6ĵ) − (12î − 15ĵ)
3. Simplify
~c = (2x − 12) î + (−6 + 15) ĵ
~c = (2x − 12) î + 9ĵ
4. As vector c is parallel to the y-axis, its î component 2x − 12 = 0
~
must be zero. Equate the î component to zero.
5. Solve for x. 2x = 12
x=6

WORKED EXAMPLE 12

Determine the vector representing the midpoint of the line segment AB if A = (1, 2) and
B = (4, 3).

THINK WRITE

1. Draw a diagram to represent this situation. Let M be the midpoint of AB.

y
4
B
3 M
A
2

0 x
1 2 3 4

2. ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ and OB
Write OA ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ in component form. ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = î + 2ĵ
OA
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = 4î + 3ĵ
OB
3. ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ in component form.
Write AB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ + OB
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = AO
AB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ − OA
= OB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
= 4î + 3ĵ − î − 2ĵ
= 3î + ĵ
4. ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ in component form.
Write OM OM ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ + 1 AB
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = OA ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
2
1
= î + 2ĵ + (3î + ĵ)
2
5 5
= î+ ĵ
2 2

78 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 Further consideration of Worked example 12 demonstrates that the vector representing the midpoint, M, of
the line segment AB can be determined using the formula:

⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = OA + OB
OM
2

2.4.2 Solving vector problems

When solving vector problems, we may often need to solve simultaneous, linear or even non-linear equations
to solve for the unknown in each case.

WORKED EXAMPLE 13

a = 2î − 4ĵ, ~
Given the vectors ~ b = 3î − 8ĵ and ~c = î + 4ĵ, determine the values of the scalars m
and n if ~c = ma
~ + nb
~.
THINK WRITE

1. Substitute the vectors ~ b into ~c = ma

a and ~ ~ + nb
~. ~c = ma~ + nb
~
î + 4ĵ = m(2î − 4ĵ) + n(3î − 8ĵ)
2. Multiply the vectors ~
a and ~
b by the scalars m and n. î + 4ĵ = (2mî − 4mĵ) + (3nî − 8nĵ)
3. Simplify. î + 4ĵ = (2m + 3n) î − (4m + 8n) ĵ
4. Equate the components. Since the î components are equal:
1 = 2m + 3n [1]
Since the ĵ components are equal:
4 = −4m − 8n [2]
5. Solve the simultaneous equations. 2 × [1] 2 = 4m + 6n
4 = −4m − 8n [2]
Adding gives
6 = −2n ⇒ n = −3
6. Substitute into [1] to solve for m. 2m = 1 − 3n
2m = 1 + 9 = 10
m=5
7. Write the answer. ~c = 5a~ − 3b
~

2.4.3 Parallel vectors

Two vectors ~
a and ~ a = kb
b are parallel if ~ ~, where k ∈ R. Conversely, if ~
a = kb
~, then ~
a is parallel to ~
b.

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 79

 WORKED EXAMPLE 14

Given the vectors ~r = xî + 3ĵ and ~s = 5î − 6ĵ, calculate the value of x in each case if:
a. the length of the vector r is 7
~
b. the vector r is parallel to the vector s .
~ ~

THINK WRITE

a. 1. Determine the magnitude of the vector in terms of a.

~r = √
xî + 3ĵ
the unknown value. || r || = x2 + 32
~ √
= x2 + 9
2. Equate the length of the vector to the given value. Since ||~r || = 7:
√
x2 + 9 = 7
3. Square both sides and solve for the unknown value. x2 + 9 = 49
Both answers are acceptable values. x2 = 40
√
x = ± 40
√
= ± 4 × 10
√
= ±2 10
b. 1.If two vectors are parallel, then one is a scalar b.
~r = ks~
multiple of the other. Substitute for the given xî + 3ĵ = k(5î − 6ĵ)
vectors and expand. = 5kî − 6kĵ
2. For the two vectors to be equal, both components From the ĵ component, 3 = −6k, so
must both be equal. 1
k=− .
2
From the î component,
x = 5k.
1
3. Solve for the unknown value in this case. x = 5k but k = − , so
2
5
x=− .
2

Units 1 & 2 Area 2 Sequence 1 Concept 6

Scalar multiplication of vectors Summary screen and practice questions

Exercise 2.4 Scalar multiplication

Technology free
1. WE11 a = 4î − 5ĵ and ~
If ~ b = 3î + y ĵ, determine the value of y if the vector ~c = 3a
~ + 2b
~ is parallel to the
x-axis.
2. ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = 7î − 5ĵ, the coordinates of point C are (x, −3) and the coordinates of point D are (4, y).
The vector CD
Determine the values of x and y.

80 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

3. WE12 Determine the vector representing the midpoint of the line segment AB if A = (3, 4) and

B = (7, 8).
4. a. Determine the value of x if the vector xî + 3ĵ is parallel to the vector 5î − 6ĵ.
b. Determine the value of y if the vector −4î + 5ĵ is parallel to the vector 6î + yĵ.
5. a. For the vectors a = −2î + 3ĵ and b = 4î − 2ĵ, show that the vector 2a + 3b is parallel to the x-axis.
~ ~ ~ ~
b. For the vectors c = 3î − 5ĵ and d = 4î − 3ĵ, show that the vector 4c − 3d is parallel to the y-axis.
~ ~ ~ ~
c. Given the vectors a = xî − 5ĵ and b = 5î + 3ĵ, find the value of x if the vector 3a + 4b is parallel to the
~ ~ ~ ~
y-axis.
d. If c = 5î − 3ĵ and d = 4î + yĵ, find the value of y if the vector 5c + 7d is parallel to the x-axis.
~ ~ ~ ~
6. a. Show that the points A (3, −2), B (4, −5) and C (1, 4) are collinear.
b. Show that the points (5, −3), (2, 1) and (8, −7) are collinear.

Technology active
7. a. Given the points A (5, −2) and B (−1, 3), determine:
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
i. the vector AB
ii. the distance between the points A and B
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
iii. a unit vector parallel to AB.
b. Two points C and D are given by (−4, 3), (2, −5) respectively. Determine:
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
i. the vector CD
ii. the distance between the points C and D
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
iii. a unit vector parallel to DC.
8. WE13 Given the vectors a = 5î + 2ĵ, b = −3î − 4ĵ and c = î − 8ĵ, determine the values of the scalars m
~ ~ ~
and n if ~c = ma ~ + nb ~ .
9. Given the vectors ~r = xî + y ĵ and ~s = 4î − 3ĵ, determine the values of x and y if 2r~ + 3s~ = 8î + ĵ.
10. WE14 Given the vectors r = xî − 4ĵ and s = 3î + 5ĵ, calculate the value of x if:
~ ~
a. the length of the vector r is 6
~
b. the vector r is parallel to the vector s .
~ ~
11. Calculate the value of y for the vectors ~ a = 4î + y ĵ and ~
b = 2î − 5ĵ if:
a. the vectors a and b are equal in length
~ ~
b. the vector a is parallel to the vector b.
~ ~
12. a. Given the vectors a = xî + 3ĵ and b = −2î + y ĵ, and also given that 3a + 4b = 4î + ĵ, determine the
~ ~ ~ ~
values of x and y.
b. For the vectors a = 4î − 5ĵ, b = −7î + 3ĵ and ma + nb = 8î + 13ĵ, determine the values of m and n.
~ ~ ~ ~
c. If a = 5î − 6ĵ, b = −2î + 4ĵ and ma + nb = 2ĵ, determine the values of m and n.
~ ~ ~ ~

2.5 The scalar (dot) product

2.5.1 Calculating the dot product
In a previous section we studied the result of multiplying a vector by a scalar. In this section we study the
multiplication of two vectors.
The scalar or dot product of two vectors, a and b, is denoted by a ⋅ b.
~ ~ ~ ~
There are two ways of calculating the dot product. The first method follows from its definition. (The
a and ~
second method is shown later.) Consider the two vectors ~ b.

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 81

 By definition, the dot product a ⋅ b is given by:
~ ~
b = |a ~a
a⋅~
~ ~| cos 𝜃
~| |b
𝜃
where 𝜃 is the angle between (the positive directions of) ~
a and ~
b.
~b

Note: The vectors are not aligned as for addition or subtraction, but their two tails are joined.

Properties of the dot product

• The dot product is a scalar. It is the result of multiplying three scalar quantities: the magnitudes of the
two vectors and the cosine of the angle between them.
• The order of multiplication is unimportant (commutative property); thus,
a⋅~
~ b=~
b⋅~
a
• The dot product is distributive; thus,

~c ⋅ (a
~+~
b) = ~c ⋅ ~
a + ~c ⋅ ~
b
a and itself is 0°
• Since the angle between ~
a⋅~
~ a||2
a = ||~

WORKED EXAMPLE 15

a = 3î + 4ĵ and ~
Let ~ b = 3î. Determine ~
a⋅~
b.

THINK WRITE
√
1. Find the magnitudes of ~
a and ~
b. ||a|| = 32 + 42
~
=5
√
||b|| = 32
~
=3
2. Draw a right-angled triangle showing the angle that y
a makes with the positive x-axis since ~
~ b is along the
~a
x-axis. 5
𝜃
3 x
3
3. Find cos 𝜃, knowing that a = 5 and the cos 𝜃 =
5
x-component of ~ a is 3.
4. Find a ⋅ b using the equation with the angle between b = ||~
a⋅~
~ a|| × ||~
b|| × cos 𝜃
~ ~ 3
2 vectors =5×3×
5. Simplify.
5
=9

82 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

TI | THINK WRITE CASIO | THINK WRITE
1. On a Calculator page, 1. On the Run-Matrix
press MENU, then select: screen, select MAT/VCT
7: Matrix & Vector by pressing F3.
C: Vector Select M ⇔ V by
3: Dot Product pressing F6 to switch
Complete the entry line as: from the Matrix screen to
dotP ([ 3 4 ] [ ,3 0 ]) the Vector screen.
then press ENTER. To define a as Vector A,
~
Note: The matrix template highlight VCT A and
can be found by pressing press EXE. Change the
the templates button. dimension to 1 × 2, then
press EXE.
Enter the values 3 and 4
into the matrix template,
then press EXIT.
Repeat these steps to
define b as Vector B.
~

2. The answer appears on

~a ⋅ ~b = 9 2. On the Run-Matrix
the screen. screen, press OPTN, then
select MAT/VCT by
pressing F2. Press F6
twice to scroll across,
then select DotP( by
pressing F2.
Complete the entry line
as:
DotP(VctA,Vct B)
then press EXE.
Note: Press F1 for ‘Vct’.
3. The answer appears on
~a ⋅ ~b = 9
the screen.

Note: An easier method for finding the dot product will now be shown.

2.5.2 The scalar product of vectors expressed in component form

Consider the dot product of the unit vectors î and ĵ. Firstly, consider î ⋅ î in detail. By definition, | î|| = 1 and,
since the angle between them is 0°, cos 𝜃 = 1, thus î ⋅ î = 1. To summarise these results:
î ⋅ î = 1 (since 𝜃 = 0° )

ĵ ⋅ ĵ = 1 (since 𝜃 = 0° )

î ⋅ ĵ = 0 (since 𝜃 = 90°)
Using this information, we can develop another way to calculate the dot product of any vector.
a = x1 î + y1 ĵ and ~
Let ~ b = x2 î + y2 ĵ where x1 , y1 , x2 , y2 , are constants. Then we can write ~
a⋅~
b as:
a⋅~
~ b = (x1 î + y1 ĵ) ⋅ (x2 î + y2 ĵ)

= x1 x2 (î ⋅ î) + x1 y2 (î ⋅ ĵ) + y1 x2 ( ĵ ⋅ î) + y1 y2 ( ĵ ⋅ ĵ)

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 83

 Considering the various unit vector dot products (in brackets), the ‘like’ products (î ⋅ î and ĵ ⋅ ĵ) are 1; the
rest are 0. Therefore:

b = x 1 x 2 + y1 y2
a⋅ ~
~

This is a very important result.

We only need to multiply the corresponding x- and y-components of two vectors to find their dot
product.

WORKED EXAMPLE 16

a = 3î + 4ĵ and ~
Let ~ a⋅~
b = 6î − 4ĵ. Determine ~ b.

THINK WRITE

1. Write down ~ a⋅~b using the equation a⋅~

~ b = (3î + 4ĵ) ⋅ (6î − 4ĵ)
a⋅~
~ b = x1 x2 + y1 y2 .
2. Multiply the corresponding components. a⋅~
~ b = 3 × 6 + 4 × −4
3. Simplify. = 18 − 16
=2

2.5.3 Finding the angle between two vectors

We now have two formulas for calculating the dot product:
a⋅~
~ b = |~
a |~
b cos 𝜃
a⋅~
~ b = x1 x2 + y1 y2

Combining these two formulas allows us to determine the angle between the vectors.
Rearranging the two equations, we obtain the result:

x1 x2 + y1 y2
cos 𝜃 =
|a
~| |b
~|

Note: The angle will always be between 0° and 180° as 180° is the maximum angle between two vectors.

WORKED EXAMPLE 17

a = 4î + 3ĵ and ~
Let ~ b = 2î − 3ĵ. Calculate the angle between them to the nearest degree.

THINK WRITE

1. Determine the dot product using the equation a⋅~

~ b = (4î + 3ĵ) ⋅ (2î − 3ĵ)
a ⋅
~ ~ b = x 1 x2 + y1 y2 . = 4 × 2 + 3 × −3
2. Simplify. = −1

84 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 √
3. Find the magnitude of each vector. |~
a| = 42 + 32
√
= 25
=5
√
b | = 22 + (−3)2
|~
√
= 13
−1
4. Substitute results into the equation cos 𝜃 = √
x1 x2 + y1 y2 5 13
cos 𝜃 = .
|~ b|
a |~
5. Simplify the result for cos 𝜃. = −0.05547
6. Take cos−1 of both sides to obtain 𝜃 and round the 𝜃 = cos−1 (−0.05547)
answer to the nearest degree. = 93°

TI | THINK WRITE CASIO | THINK WRITE

1. On a Calculator page, complete 1. On the Run-Matrix screen,
the entry line as select MAT/VCT by pressing

(norm([4 3]) × norm([2 −3]) )

dotP([4 3],[2 −3]) F3.
cos −1 Select M ⇔ V by pressing F6
to switch from the Matrix
then press ENTER. screen to the Vector screen.
Note: ‘dotP(’ can be found by To define ∼a as Vector A,
pressing MENU and then
selecting highlight VCT A and press
7: Matrix & Vector EXE. Change the dimension
C: Vector to 1 × 2, then press EXE.
3: Dot Product. Enter the values 4 and 3 into
Similarly, ‘norm’ can be found the matrix template, then
by pressing MENU and then press EXIT.
selecting Repeat these steps to define ∼
b
7: Matrix & Vector as Vector B.
7: Norms
1: Norm.

2 . The answer appears on the screen. The angle is 93°.

2 . On the Run-Matrix screen,
press OPTN, then select
MAT/VCT by pressing F2.
Press F6 twice to scroll
across, then select Angle(by
pressing F4.
Complete the entry line as:
Angle(VctA,Vct B)
then press EXE.
Note: Press F1 for ‘Vct’.
3 . The answer appears on the The angle is 93°.
screen.

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 85

2.5.4 Special results of the dot product
Perpendicular vectors
a⋅~
If two vectors are perpendicular then the angle between them is 90° and the equation ~ b = |~
a |~
b | cos 𝜃
becomes:

a ⋅~
~ b = |~
a |~
b cos 90°
= |~
a |~
b ×0 (Since cos 90° = 0)
=0

If ~ b = 0, then ~
a⋅ ~ a and ~
b are perpendicular.

WORKED EXAMPLE 18

a = 4î + 3ĵ and ~
Find the constant m if the vectors ~ b = −3î + mĵ are perpendicular.
THINK WRITE

1. Find the dot product using the equation a⋅~

~ b = (4î + 3ĵ) ⋅ (−3î + mĵ)
a⋅~
~ b = x1 x2 + y1 y2 .
2. Simplify. = −12 + 3m
3. Set a ⋅ b equal to zero since a and b are a⋅~
b = −12 + 3m
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
perpendicular. =0
4. Solve the equation for m. m=4

Parallel vectors
If vector ~
a is parallel to vector ~ a = kb
b, then ~ ~ where k ∈ R.
Note: When applying the dot product to parallel vectors, 𝜃 (the angle between them) may be either 0° or 180°
depending on whether the vectors are in the same or opposite directions.

WORKED EXAMPLE 19

a = 5î + 2ĵ. Find a vector parallel to ~

Let ~ a such that the dot product is 87.
THINK WRITE

1. b = ka
Let the required vector ~ ~. b = k(5î + 2ĵ)
Let ~
= 5kî + 2kĵ
2. a⋅~
Find the dot product of ~ b. a⋅~
~ b = (5î + 2ĵ) ⋅ (5kî + 2kĵ)
3. Simplify. = 25k + 4k
= 29k
4. Equate the result to the given dot product 87. 29k = 87
5. Solve for k. k=3
6. Substitute k = 3 into vector b. b = 15î + 6ĵ
~ ~

86 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 Units 1 & 2 Area 2 Sequence 1 Concept 7

The scalar (dot) product Summary screen and practice question

Exercise 2.5 The scalar (dot) product

Technology free
1. Determine the dot product of the vectors 3î + 3ĵ and 6î + 2ĵ using the equation ~
WE15 a⋅~
b = |~
a |~
b cos 𝜃.
2. Compare the result from question 1 with that obtained by finding the dot product using the equation
a⋅~
~ b = x1 x2 + y1 y2 . Which is probably the most accurate?
3. WE16 Determine ~ a⋅~b in each of the following cases.
a. a
~ = 2î + 3ĵ, b
~ = 3î + 3ĵ b. a = 4î − 2ĵ, b = 5î + ĵ
~ ~ c. a = −î + 4ĵ, ~
~ b = 3î − 7ĵ

d. a = 5î + 9ĵ, ~
~ b = 2î − 4ĵ e. a = −3î + ĵ, ~
~ b = î + 4k f. a = 10î, ~
~ b = −2î

a = 3î + 5ĵ, ~
g.
~ b=î h. a = 6î − 2ĵ, b = −î − 4ĵ
~ ~
4. MC The dot product of a = 3î − 3ĵ and b = î − 2ĵ is:
~ ~
A. 3 B. 12 C. 21 D. 9

5. a = xî + yĵ. Show that ~

Let ~ a = x2 + y2 .
a⋅~
6. a = 2î − 5ĵ and let ~
Let ~ b = −î − 2ĵ. Determine their dot product.
7. a = 3î + 2ĵ, ~
Let ~ b = î − 2ĵ and ~c = 5î − 2ĵ. Demonstrate, using these vectors, the property:

~c ⋅ (a
~−~
b) = ~c ⋅ ~
a − ~c ⋅ ~
b

Formally, this means that vectors are distributive over subtraction.

8. Repeat question 7 for the property:

~c ⋅ (a
~+~
b) = ~c ⋅ ~
a + ~c ⋅ ~
b

Formally, this means that vectors are distributive over addition.

9. MC If a = 5i + 4j which of the following is perpendicular to u?
~
A. −5î − 4ĵ B. 3î + 4ĵ C. −5î D. −4î + 5ĵ
10. MC If (a − b ).(a
~ ~ ~ ~ + b ) = 0, then:
A. a is parallel to b B. a and b have equal magnitudes
~ ~ ~ ~
C. a is perpendicular to b D. a is a multiple of b
~ ~ ~ ~
11. MC If (a
~−~
b) ⋅ (a
~+~ b2 ||, then:
b) = ||~
A. a = b B. a must be equal to the zero vector, 0
~ ~ ~ √ ~
C. a is perpendicular to b D. ||a|| must be equal to 2 ||b||
~ ~ ~ ~

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 87

Technology active
12. MC Consider the two vectors shown.

45° b
~a 5 ~
6

Their dot product is:

30
A.
21.2
B.
−21.2
C.
There is insufficient data to determine the dot product.
D.
13. Consider the vectors a and b.
~ ~
~b
50°

~a
a⋅~
Their magnitudes are 7 and 8 respectively. Calculate ~ b, to the nearest whole number.
14. Determine the dot product of the following pairs of vectors.
a. 4î − 3ĵ and 7î + 4ĵ b. î + 2ĵ and − 9î + 4ĵ

c. 8î + 3ĵ and − 2î − 3ĵ d. 5î − 5ĵ and 5î + 5ĵ
15. Calculate the angle between each pair of vectors in question 14 to the nearest degree.
WE17

16. MC The angle between the vectors 2î + 3ĵ and 2î − 3ĵ is closest to:

A. 0° B. 67° C. 90° D. 113°
17. MC The angle between the vectors 2î − 3ĵ and −4î + 6ĵ is closest to:
A. 0° B. 69° C. 111° D. 180°
18. WE18 b = mî + 3ĵ and ~
Determine the constant m, if the vectors ~ a = 6î − 2ĵ are perpendicular.
19. b = mî − 2mĵ is perpendicular to ~
Determine the constant m, such that ~ a = 4î − 3ĵ.
20. WE19 a = 2î + 4ĵ. Find a vector parallel to ~
Let ~ a such that their dot product is 40.
21. a = 4î − 3ĵ. Find a vector parallel to ~
Let ~ a such that their dot product is 80.

2.6 The projection of vectors — scalar and

vector resolutes
2.6.1 Introduction
Previously we have resolved a vector parallel and perpendicular to the x- and
y-axes. In this section we consider a generalisation of this process where we
resolve one vector parallel and perpendicular to another vector.
Consider the two vectors, ~ a and ~b, shown. The angle between them, as for ~b
a dot product, is given by 𝜃. It can be shown that ~
b is made up of a projection
acting in the direction of ~
a and another projection acting perpendicular to ~ a. 𝜃
Firstly we wish to find the projection in the direction of ~
a. a
~

88 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

2.6.2 The scalar resolute
To obtain the projection of ~b in the direction of ~
a, we perform the following construction:
b
1. Drop a perpendicular line from the head of b to a (this is perpendicular to a). ~
~ ~ ~
This line joins ~
a at point A.
2. We wish to find the length of the line OA.
𝜃
This construction is shown. O a
~ A
b (its magnitude) be denoted by | ~
Let the length of ~ b |. Then, from trigonometry:
b cos 𝜃
OA = | ~

But from the definition of the dot product:

a ⋅~
~ b = |~
a |~
b cos 𝜃
a⋅~
(from the equation ~ b = |~
a |~
b cos 𝜃)
a ⋅~
~ b = |~
a OA
Therefore, solving for OA:
a⋅b
OA = ~ ~
||a||
~
a
~
= b
a|| ) ~
( ||~

a
But we know that ~ = ~ â , the unit vector in the direction of ~
a, and therefore
||a||
~
OA = ~ â ⋅ ~
b

b on ~
This quantity, the length OA, is called the scalar resolute of ~ a. It effectively indicates ‘how much’ of
b
~ is in the direction of a
~ .

The scalar resolute of ~

b on ~ â ⋅ ~
a is given by ~ â is the unit vector in the direction of ~
b, where ~ a.

WORKED EXAMPLE 20

Let ~a = 3î + 4ĵ and ~
b = 6î − 2ĵ. Determine:
a. the scalar resolute of ~
b on ~
a
b. the scalar resolute of on a and b.
~ ~
THINK WRITE
√
a. 1. Find the magnitude of ~
a. a ||a|| = 32 + 42
~
=5

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 89

 a
~
2. Find ~ a by | ~
â by dividing ~ a |. a ̂
~ |a| =
~
a
=~
5
1
3. Simplify. = (3~i + 4 j )
5 ~
3 4
= ~i + j
5 5~
4. Find the scalar resolute of ~
a on ~ â ⋅ ~
b using ~ b. 3 4
~ ~ ( 5 ~ 5 ~j ) ⋅ (6~i − 2~j )
a ̂ ⋅ b = i +
5. Simplify.
18 8
= −
5 5
10
=
5
=√2
2
b. 1. Find the magnitude of ~
b. b | b | = 62 + (−2)
~
√
= 40
b
~
2. b̂ by dividing ~
Find ~ b by ||~
b||. b̂ =
~ |~
b|
1
= √ (6î − 2ĵ)
40
1
3. Find the scalar resolute of ~ a using b∼̂ ⋅ ~
b on ~ a. b̂ ⋅ ~
~ a = √ (6~i − 2 j ) ⋅ (3~i + 4 j )
40 ~ ~
1
4. Simplify. = √ (18 − 8)
40
10
=√
√40
10
=
2

Notes:
• The two scalar resolutes are not equal.
b⋅a
• The scalar resolute of ~ a can easily be evaluated as ~ ~ .
b on ~
|~
a|
2.6.3 Vector resolutes
Consider, now, the vector joining O to A at right. Its magnitude is just the scalar
â ⋅ ~
resolute (~ b), while its direction is the same as ~ â . This quantity is called the
a, that is ~ ~b b⊥
~
vector resolute of ~ b parallel to ~a and is denoted by the symbol ~ b∥ . 𝜃
O A ~a
~b‖
The vector resolute of ~
b parallel to ~
a is given by:

b ∥ = (~
~ â ⋅ ~
b) ~
â

90 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 Consider the geometry of the above figure. The original vector can be seen to be the sum of two other
vectors, namely ~
b∥ and ~
b⊥ . This second vector is called the vector resolute of ~
b perpendicular to ~
a and can be
computed simply as follows:

b=~
~ b∥ + ~
b⊥ (by addition of vectors)
b⊥ = ~
~ b−~ b∥ (by rearranging the vector equation)

b∥ from the equation b∥ = (~

By substitution for ~ â ⋅ ~
b )~
â , we can determine the vector resolute of ~
b
a:
perpendicular to ~

The vector resolute of ~

b perpendicular to ~
a is given by:

b⊥ = ~
~ â ⋅ ~
b − (~ â
b) ~

In practice, once ~
b∥ has been calculated, simply subtract it from ~
b to get ~
b⊥ .

WORKED EXAMPLE 21

Let ~a = −2î + 3ĵ and ~ b = 4î + 2ĵ. Find:

a. the scalar resolute of ~
b on ~
a
b. the vector resolute of b parallel to a, namely b∥
~ ~ ~
c. the vector resolute of b perpendicular to a, namely b⊥ .
~ ~ ~

THINK WRITE
√
a. 1. a.
Calculate the magnitude of ~ a. ||a|| = (−2)2 + 32
~
√
= 13
a
2. â .
Determine ~ â = ~
~ |~
a|
1
= √ (−2î + 3ĵ)
13
3. Determine the scalar resolute using 1
~ b = √ (−2î + 3ĵ) ⋅ (4î + 2ĵ)
â ⋅ ~
â ⋅ ~
~ b. 13
4. Simplify. 1
= √ (−8 + 6)
13
2
= −√
13

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 91

 b. 1.Determine ~ b∥ using equation b. b∥ = (~
~ â ⋅ ~
b) ~
â
b∥ = ( ~
â ⋅ ~
b) ~
â
2 1
2. Simplify. = −√ √ (−2î + 3ĵ)
( 13 ) [ 13 ]
2
= − (−2î + 3ĵ)
13
4 6
= î− ĵ
13 13
c. 1. Determine ~b⊥ by subtraction of ~
b∥ c. b⊥ = b − b∥
~ ~ ~
from ~ b⊥ = ~
b as in equation ~ b−~ b∥ .
4 6
= 4î + 2ĵ − î− ĵ
( 13 13 )
2. Simplify by subtracting î, ĵ, and ~k b⊥ = 48 î − 20 ĵ
~ 13 13
components.

Units 1 & 2 Area 2 Sequence 1 Concept 8

Scalar and vector resolutes Summary screen and practice

Exercise 2.6 The projections of vectors — scalar and vector resolutes

Technology free
1. WE20 For each of the following pairs of vectors, determine:
i. the scalar resolute of a on u.
~ ~
ii. the scalar resolute of u on a.
~ ~
a. u = 2î + 3ĵ and a = 4î + 5ĵ b. u = 5î − 2ĵ and a = 3î − ĵ
~ ~ ~ ~
c. u = −2î + 6ĵ and a = î − 4ĵ d. u = 3î − 2ĵ and a = −4î − 3ĵ
~ ~ ~ ~
e. u = 8î − 6ĵ and a = −5î + ĵ
~ ~
2. WE21 For each pair of vectors ~a and ~b, determine:
i. the scalar resolute of ~
b on ~
a.
ii. the vector resolute of b, parallel to a, namely b∥ .
~ ~ ~
iii. the vector resolute of b, perpendicular to a, namely b⊥ .
~ ~ ~
a. a = 3î − ĵ; b = 2î + 5ĵ b. a = 4î + 5ĵ; b = 8î + 10ĵ
~ ~ ~ ~
c. a = 4î + 3ĵ; b = −3î + 4ĵ d. a = î + ĵ; b = 2î + ĵ
~ ~ ~ ~
e. a = 2î + 3ĵ; ~
~ b = 2î − 3ĵ f. a = 3î + ĵ; ~
~ b = 2ĵ

92 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

Technology active
3. An injured bushwalker is located at a position
relative to a camp given by the vector 2î + 3ĵ.
A searcher heads off from the camp in a direction
parallel to the vector 3î + 4ĵ. All measurements
are in kilometres.
a. How far is the searcher from the camp
when closest to the bushwalker?
b. What is the minimum distance between
the searcher and the bushwalker?
4. A distressed yacht is located at a position given
by the vector 5î − 2ĵ relative to a cruiser. A rescue
boat is sent off from the cruiser and travels in a
direction parallel to the vector 3î − ĵ. If all
measurements are in kilometres calculate, to the
nearest metre, how close the rescue
boat gets to the yacht.
5. Given the two vectors ~ a = 4î − 3ĵ and ~ b = î − 2ĵ, determine:
a. the scalar resolute of a in the direction of b
~ ~
b. the vector resolute of a in the direction of b
~ ~
c. the vector resolute of a perpendicular b.
~ ~
6. Given the two vectors ~r = 2î − 3ĵ and ~s = 3î − 4ĵ, determine:
a. the vector component of r parallel to s
~ ~
b. the vector component of r perpendicular to s .
~ ~
7. Two points A and B are given by (5, 2) and (4, −3) respectively. Let E be the point on OB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ such that OE
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖
is the vector resolute of OA onto OB. ⃗ ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖
⃗
a. Determine ||OE ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗|.
|
b. Show that the vector OC ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = −3î − 4ĵ is perpendicular and equal in length to the vector OB.
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
c. Point D is placed so that OCDE is a rectangle. Show that the area of this rectangle is equal to
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ . OB.
OA ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
8. Two points A and B are given by (−1, 5) and (3, −2) respectively. Let C be the point on OB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ such that
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ is the vector resolute of OA
OC ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ onto OB.⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
a. Determine the scalar resolute of OA ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖
⃗ onto OB.
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
b. Show that the vector OE ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = −2î − 3ĵ is perpendicular and equal in length to the vector OB.
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
c. Point D is placed so that OCDE is a rectangle. Show that the area of this rectangle is equal to
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ . OB.
OA ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
9. a. Given the two vectors a = 3î − ĵ and b = î + ĵ. determine:
~ ~
i. a unit vector parallel to b
~
ii. the scalar resolute of a in the direction of b
~ ~
iii. the vector resolute of a in the direction of b
~ ~
iv. the vector resolute of a perpendicular to b.
~ ~
b. a = 3î + 4ĵ and ~
For the two vectors ~ b = 2î − ĵ determine the vector resolute of ~
a in the direction of ~
b.
c. If r = 4î + ĵ and s = −3î + 4ĵ, determine the vector resolute of r perpendicular to s .
~ ~ ~ ~

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 93

10. a. If || ~a || = 4, || ~b || = 3 and ~ a⋅~b = 0, determine | ~
a+~ b | and | ~ a−~ b |.
b. If || ~a || = 5, || ~b || = 12 and ~ a⋅~ b = 0, determine | ~
a+~ b | and | ~a−~ b |.
c. If || ~r || = 7, || ~s || = 24 and ~r ⋅ ~s = 0, determine |~r + ~s | and |~r − ~s |.
d. Given that || ~ a || = a, || ~
b || = b and ~a⋅~ b = 0, deduce | ~
a+~ a−~
b | and | ~ b |.
11. a. If || ~a || = 4, || ~b || = 3 and ~ a⋅~b = 2, calculate:
i. (a + b) ⋅ (a − b) ii. (a + 2b) ⋅ (a − b) iii. (a + b) ⋅ (a − 2b)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
b. If || ~a || = 6, || ~b || = 7 and ~a ⋅ ~b = −4, calculate:
i. |a + b| ii. |a − b| iii. |3 a, −, 2 b|
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
12. a. If the angle between the vectors 2î + ĵ and î + yĵ is 45°, determine the value of y.
√ √
b. If the angle between the vectors xî − 2 3 ĵ and −3î + 3 ĵ is 150°, determine the value of x.
13. a. Determine a unit vector in the xy plane perpendicular to 3î − 4ĵ.
b. Determine a unit vector in the xy plane perpendicular to −5î + 12ĵ.
c. Determine a unit vector in the xy plane perpendicular to 7î + 24ĵ.
d. Deduce a unit vector in the xy plane perpendicular to aî + bĵ.

2.7 Review: exam practice

A summary of this chapter is available in the Resources section of your eBookPLUS at www.jacplus.com.au.
Simple familiar
1. If a = 4î − 3ĵ and b = 2î − 4ĵ then evaluate (without technology) 4a − 2.5b.
~ ~ ~ ~
2. A boat sails 5 km due east from H, turns northward at a
bearing of 45° (N45°E) for a distance of 10 km and
then travels due north for a further 5 km to point X.
a. Determine the position vector from H to X.
b. Calculate the distance from H to X (correct to
2 decimal places).
3. Calculate the angle between a = 3î − 2ĵ and
~
b
~ = 16î + 24ĵ.
4. MC A unit vector perpendicular to: 3î − 4ĵ is:
A. 4î + 3ĵ B. 0î + 0ĵ
C. 0.8î + 0.6ĵ D. 4î − 3ĵ
5. If a = 3î + aĵ, b = 2aî − aĵ, and it is known that a is perpendicular to b, calculate a.
~ ~ ~ ~
6. Let a = 4î + 3ĵ, b = −î + 2ĵ. Calculate the angle between the two vectors, in radians, to 4 decimal places.
~ ~
7. a = 3î − 5ĵ and ~
Let ~ b = −4î + ĵ. Determine:
a. a + b b. a − b c. a ⋅ b
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
d. â e. the angle between a and b.
~ ~ ~
8. Find value(s) of p such that pî + 2(1 − 3p)ĵ is perpendicular to 2pî + 3ĵ.

94 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 Using the vectors ~ a = î − 2ĵ and ~
b = 2î + 3ĵ answer questions 9 and 10.
9. Determine the scalar resolute of ~ a on ~
b.
10. Determine the vector resolute of b parallel to a.
~ ~
11. a. Given the points A (2, 5) and B (−4, 7), find the vector OM ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ where M is the midpoint of AB.
b. Show that the points (−2, −6), (1, −3) and (5, 1) are collinear.
c. Given the points A (3, −5) and B (−3, 4), find the vector OP ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ where P is a point on AB such that
⃖⃖⃖⃖
⃗ 1 ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
AP = 3 AB.
12. a. Demonstrate that the points (−6, 4), (2, 0) and (−2, −4) form an isosceles triangle.
√ √
b. Demonstrate that the points (2 3 , 4 3 ), (4, −2) and (−4, 2) form an equilateral triangle.
c. Demonstrate that the points (−7, 5), (1, −3) and (6, 2) form a right-angled triangle.
Complex familiar
13. a. Given the points A (3, −4) , B (x, y) and C (7, 8), calculate the values of x and y if AB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = BC.
b. Given the points A (x, 3) , B (2, −1) , C (7, −2) and D (2, −4), calculate the value of x if AB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ is
parallel to DC.⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
c. Given the points A (3, 5) , B (−1, y) , C (2, 7) and D (−6, 3), calculate the value of y if AB ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ is
parallel to DC.⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗
14. The parallelogram OXYZ has O at the origin. The vector joining O to Z is given by 5î while the vector
joining O to X is given by 2î + 7ĵ. You may wish to use technology to answer the following.
a. Sketch the parallelogram, labelling all vertices.
b. State the vectors joining Z to Y and Y to X.
c. State the vectors which represent the diagonals of the parallelogram.
d. Determine the cosine of the angle between the diagonals. Express your answer in simplest surd form.
e. Calculate the angle that OX makes with the x-axis.
f. State the vector resolute of the vector joining O to X in the direction of OZ.
g. Let P be a point on the extended line of XY, such that the vector joining P to Z is perpendicular to
OY. Determine the coordinates of P.
h. Calculate the area of the parallelogram.
15. If a = 5î − 6ĵ and b = xî + 3ĵ, calculate the value of x if:
~ ~
a. the two vectors are equal in length
b. the vectors a and b are perpendicular
~ ~
c. the vectors a and b are parallel
~ ~
d. the scalar resolute of b in the direction of a is equal to √2 .
~ ~ 61
16. Given the two vectors ~ a = 4î − 5ĵ and ~b = 2î − ĵ, determine:
a. a unit vector parallel to b
~
b. the scalar resolute of a in the direction of b
~ ~
c. the angle between the vectors a and b
~ ~
d. the vector resolute of a in the direction of b
~ ~
e. the vector resolute of a perpendicular b .
~ ~

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 95

Complex unfamiliar
17. a. OAB is a triangle in which M is the midpoint of AB. Let OA ⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = a and
~
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = b. Express OM and AM in terms of a and b and hence show that
OB
2 ~ ~ ~
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗|
|OA |⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗|2 |⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗|2 |⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗|2
| | + |OB| = 2 |AM| + 2 |OM| .
This result is known as Apollonius’ theorem. Apollonius of Perga
(262–190 BCE) was a Greek astronomer. He is also noted for naming the
conic sections. There is a crater on the moon named after him.
b. If a = cos (A) î + sin (A) ĵ and b = cos (B) î + sin (B) ĵ, find a ⋅ b and
~ ~ ~ ~
hence show that cos (A − B) = cos (A) cos (B) + sin (A) sin (B).
18. Consider the box shown.You may wish to use technology of you choice
to answer the following. z
The coordinates (in cm) of point D are (3, 0, 4), and the coordinates E
of E are (0, 5.5, 4).
a. Determine the coordinates of point C. D
b. Express the line joining C to E as a vector.
c. Show that the two diagonals in the same plane as CE intersect y
with an angle of 73.7°.
d. Calculate the volume of the box in litres. x C
e. Express the longest diagonal, from the origin, as a vector.
f. Determine the length of this diagonal.
g. Determine the angle that this diagonal makes with the other long diagonal.
19. Given the vectors a = xî + yĵ and b = 2î + 3ĵ, find the values of x and y if the length of the vector a is
√ ~ ~ ~
34 and ~ a⋅~ b = 9.
√ √
20. If a = xî − 2ĵ, b = −3î + y ĵ, |2a + 3b| = 65 and |3a + 2b| = 85 , determine the values of x and y.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Unit 1 Sit chapter test

96 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

Answers 15. Each part of the answer has coordinates as shown in the
diagram a, b, ... j. The original vectors a and b are also
~ ~
drawn.
Chapter 2 Vectors in the plane
y h
Exercise 2.2 Vectors and scalars 15
a f b
1. a. i. s r+s ia
~ ~ ~ 5 ~b
s ~
r ~
~ x
–15 g –5 0 d 5 15
ii. r –5
–s ~ j e
~ s
~
–15
r –s
~ ~
–r
iii. ~
s 16. Magnitude = 10.77, direction 68.2° True.
~
s–r 17 –20 . Sample responses can be found in the worked
~ ~
b. i. Same as 1 a i except scaled by a factor of 2 solutions in the online resources.
ii. Same as 1 a ii except scaled by a factor of 2 21. O
~
22 –24. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions
iii. –4r
3s ~ in the online resources.
~ 25. One can deduce that x and y components can be
s 3s – 4r added/subtracted/multiplied separately.
~ ~ ~

r
~ Exercise 2.3 Position vectors in the plane
2. a. s + t √
~ ~ 1. a. 3, 4 b. 6, −3 c. 3.4, 2
b. s + t + u + v
~ ~ ~ ~ √
c. − s − t
~ ~ 2. a. i. 6 2
√
ii. 45°
d. −u − v − t
~ ~ ~ b. i. 65 ii. 119.7°
e. −u − t − s
~ ~ ~ c. i. 4.88 ii. 225.8°
3. C d. i. 320.16 ii. 358.2°
√
4. a. A to C 3. i. a. 045° ii. a. [6 2 , 45°]
b. D to B b. 330.3° √
c. B to D c. 224.2° b. [ 65 , −60.3°]
d. A to C d. 091.8° c. [4.88, 225.8°]
5. D d. [320.16, 358.2°]
√
6. a.
~r + ~s 4. w = −50î − 50
~ 3ĵ
b.
~s + ~t 5. C
c.
~r − ~s 6. 248.9î − 383.3ĵ
d.
~r − ~s
e.
~t − ~s 7. 60.6î + 109.3ĵ
f.
~s + ~t − ~r 8. [615.4, −49.8]
g.
~r + ~s + ~t 9. 36 steps 11.3° south of east
h. − s − t
~ ~ 10. 20.8 km
7. 2a + 4b
~ ~ 11. a. 3
5î + 54 ĵ b. 3
5î − 45 ĵ c. 4
5î + 35 ĵ
8. −3a − 4b √
~ ~ d. − 54 î + 53 ĵ e. √
1
î− √
2
ĵ
9. Displacement, velocity, force 3 3

10. Speed, time, length 12. B

11. 1 magnitude and 2 angles 13. A sample response can be found in the worked solutions in
the online resources.
12. a., b 400 km
E 14. −0.98î − 0.20ĵ
~
Finish N 15. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions in
300 km the online resources.
W E √
N
~ R=N+E 16. a. i. 4î − 7ĵ ii. 65
~ ~ ~ √
S b. i. 3î + ĵ ii. 10
√
Start c. i. −4î + 7ĵ ii. 65
√
c. 500 km d. i. −3î − ĵ ii. 10
d. 53.1° clockwise from N e. i. 2î ii. 2
f. i. −4î ii. 4
13. 512.1 km; find bearing using trigonometry
17. a. −4î + 7ĵ b. −3î − ĵ c. 4î − 7ĵ
14. 721.1 km, 326.3° (clockwise from N)
d. 3î + ĵ e. −2î f. 4î

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 97

 4 7
18. a. √ î− √ ĵ b. √3 î + √1 ĵ Exercise 2.5 The scalar (dot) product
65 65 10 10
c. − √4 î + √7 ĵ d. − √3 î− √
1
ĵ 1. 23.99
65 65 10 10
2. Dot product = 24; more accurate, since no angle needed
e. î f. −î
√ √ c. −31 d. −26
3. a. 15 b. 18
19. a. i. 29 ii. 13
e. 1 f. −20 g. 3 h. 2
iii. √5 î − √2 ĵ iv. − √2 î + √3 ĵ
29 29 13 13
√ 4. D.
v. 3î + ĵ 10 vi.
b. Reject, because magnitude is different. 5. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions in
√ the online resources.
20. a. i. 5 ii. 26 iii. − 53 î − 45 ĵ
√ 6. 8
iv. √5 î − √1 ĵ v. 2î + 3ĵ vi. 13
26 26 7., 8. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions in
the online resources.
b. Reject, because the magnitude is different.
9. D
√ √
21. a. 2 b. 58 10. B
22. a. 3î 11. D
b. 5ĵ 12. C
c. 3î + 5ĵ
13. −36
d. 031.0°T
√
e. 34 km/h 14. a. 16 b. −1 c. 7 d. 0
23. 329.0° 15. a. 67° b. 93° c. 77° d. 90°
24. a. a = 20î, b = −15ĵ, 20ĵ + 15ĵ 16. D
~ ~
b. 25 17. D
c. 053.1°
18. m = 1
25. 53.1°, −36.9° Difference = 90°; sample responses can be
19. m = 32
found in the worked solutions in the online resources.
20. 4î + 8ĵ
26. a. −4î + 12ĵ
b. 341.6° 21. 64 48
5 î− 5 ĵ
c. 0.0417 h or 2.5 minutes
Exercise 2.6 The projections of vectors —
scalar and vector resolutes
Exercise 2.4 Scalar multiplication √ √
23 13 17 29
1. a. i. b. i.
1. 15
2 √13 √29
23 41 17 10
2. x = −3, y = −8 ii. 41 √ ii. 10√
⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃖⃗ = 5î + 6ĵ
3. OM c. i. − 13 1010 d.
6 13
i. − 13
√
4. a. − 52 b. − 15 ii. − 26 1717 ii. − 65
2
5. a, b. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions e. i. − 23
√5
in the online resources. 23 26
ii. 13
c. − 20 d. 15 √
3 7 1
2. a. i. √ b. i. 2 41
10
6. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions in ii. b ∥ = 8î + 10ĵ
3 1 ~
the online resources.
ii.
~b ∥ = 1017î − 1051ĵ iii. b ⊥ = 0
~ ~
7. a. i. −6î + 5ĵ
iii.
~b ⊥ = 10 î + 10 ĵ
√ c. i. 0 d. i. √
3
2
ii. 61 ii. b ⊥ = 0
~ ~ 3 3
iii. √1 (−6î + 5ĵ)
61
iii. b ⊥ = −3î + 4ĵ
~
ii.
~b ∥ = 21î + 21ĵ
b. i. 6î − 8ĵ ii. 10 iii. 15 (−3î+4ĵ)
iii.
~b ⊥2 = 2 î − 2 ĵ
e. i. − √5 f. i. √
8. m = 2, n = 3 13 10
−10 15
ii. b∥ = 53 î + 15 ĵ
9. x = −2, y = 5
ii.
~b ∥ = 13 î − 13 ĵ
√ iii. b ⊥ = 36 24
13 î − 13 ĵ
iii. b ⊥ = 53 î + 11
5 ĵ.
10. a. ±2 5 b. − 12 ~ ~
5 3. a. 3.6 km b. 0.2 km or
√
11. a. ± 13 b. − 52 200 metres
4. 316 metres
12. a. x = 4, y = −2
10
b. m = −5, n = −4 5. a. √ b. 2(î − 2ĵ) c. 2î + ĵ
5
c. m = 12 , n = 54
18 1
6. a. 25 (3î − 4ĵ) b. − 25 (4î + 3ĵ)
7. a. 2.8

98 Jacaranda Maths Quest 11 Specialist Mathematics Units 1 & 2 for Queensland

 b. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions √
9± 69
in the online resources. 8. 2
y 9. √−4
2 A ( 3)
1
O 10. − 45 (i − 2j)
–4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
–1
C 11. a. −î + 6ĵ
–2
–3 B b. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions
–4 in the online resources.
E
–5
D–6 c. î − 2ĵ
√ 12. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions in
8. a. − 13
b., c. Sample responses can be found in the worked
the online resources.
solutions in the online resources. 13. a. x = 5, y = 2
b. x = 12
A y
5 c. y = 3
4
3 14. a. y
C
2 X Y(7, 7)
1
O 2 î + 7ĵ
x
–7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5
D –1
–2
–3 B 0 x
5î Z
E
√
9. a. i. √1 (î + ĵ) ii. 2
2 b. 2î + 7ĵ, −5î
iii. î + ĵ iv. 2î − 2ĵ
2 c. 7î + 7ĵ, −3î + 7ĵ
b. 5 (2î − ĵ)
1
25 (76î +
c. 57ĵ) √
2 29
d.
10. a. 5, 5 b. 13, 13 29
√ √ 74.1°
e.
c. 25, 25 d. a2 + b2 , a2 + b2
2î
f.
11. a. 7
i. √ 0
ii. √ iii. −4
√ (−2, 7)
g.
b. i. 77 ii. 93 iii. 2 142 35 square units
h.
12. a. 3, − 13 b. 2
√
18
15. a. ±2 13 b. 5 c. − 52 d. 4
13. a. ± 15 (4î + 3ĵ) b. 1
± 13 (12î + 5ĵ)
1 13
16. a. √ (2î − ĵ) b. √ c. 24.775°
1 1
c. ± 25 (24î − 7ĵ) d. ± √ (bî − aĵ) 5 5
13
a2 + b2 d. 5 (2î − ĵ) e. − 56 (î + 2ĵ)
17. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions in
2.7 Review: exam practice the online resources.
18. a. (3, 5.5, 0)
1. 11î − 22ĵ
√ √ b. −3î + 4 k
~
2. a. (5 + 5 2 )î + (5 + 5 2 )ĵ c. Sample responses can be found in the worked solutions
b. 17.07 km in the online resources.
3. 90° d. 0.066 litres
e. 3î + 5.5ĵ + 4 k
4. C ~
f. 7.43 cm
5. 6 g. 84.5°
6. 1.3909 19. x = −3, y = 5 or x = 75 11
13 , y = − 13
7. a. −î − 4ĵ b. 7î − 6ĵ c. −17
20. x = 5, y = 4 or x = 3.24, y = −1.22
3
d. √ î− √5 ĵ e. 135°
34 34

CHAPTER 2 Vectors in the plane 99