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Vectors Exam Questions Part B

1) The document contains 17 multi-part math questions regarding vectors and vector operations, planes, and geometric solids. Questions involve simplifying expressions, finding areas, volumes, equations of planes and lines, and angles between vectors and planes. 2) Many questions include position vectors of points in 3D space and ask to determine properties of shapes like triangles, tetrahedrons, cubes, and parallelepipeds formed by the points. 3) The final question involves a parallelepiped with vertices A, B, C, D, E and asks to find the area of one face, the volume, and distance of a point outside the solid from one of its faces.
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
174 views66 pages

Vectors Exam Questions Part B

1) The document contains 17 multi-part math questions regarding vectors and vector operations, planes, and geometric solids. Questions involve simplifying expressions, finding areas, volumes, equations of planes and lines, and angles between vectors and planes. 2) Many questions include position vectors of points in 3D space and ask to determine properties of shapes like triangles, tetrahedrons, cubes, and parallelepipeds formed by the points. 3) The final question involves a parallelepiped with vertices A, B, C, D, E and asks to find the area of one face, the volume, and distance of a point outside the solid from one of its faces.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Created by T.

Madas

VECTOR
EXAM QUESTIONS
Part B

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 1 (**)
The vectors a and b , are not parallel.

Simplify fully the following expression

( 2a + b ) ∧ ( a − 2b ) .

FP3-M , 5b ∧ a = −5a ∧ b

Question 2 (**)
The vectors a , b and c are not parallel.

Simplify fully

a i b ∧ ( c + a )  .

SYNF-A , a i (b ∧ c)

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 3 (**)
Find the area of the triangle with vertices at A (1, −1, 2 ) , B ( −1, 2,1) and C ( 2, −3,3) .

1 3
2

Question 4 (**)
Referred to a fixed origin the coordinates of the following points are given

A (1,1,1) , B ( 5, −2,1) , C ( 3, 2,6 ) and D (1,5,6 ) .

a) Find a Cartesian equation for the plane containing the points A , B and C .

b) Determine the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD .

FP3-J , 3 x + 4 y − 2 z = 5 , volume = 5

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 5 (**)
The position vectors of the points A , B and C are given below

  


OA = −i + 2 j + 2k , OB = 3i + 4 j − k and OC = i + 4 j + k .

  


a) Show that OA , OB and OC are linearly dependent.

b) Find the area of the triangle ABC .

FP3-K , area = 3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 6 (**)
Find the equation of the straight line which is common to the planes

x − 2 y + 4 z = 9 and 2 x − 3 y + z = 4 .

SYNF-B , r = ( i + 2k ) + λ (10i + 7 j + k ) or r − ( i + 2k )  ∧ (10i + 7 j + k ) = 0

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 7 (**+)
The following vectors are given.

a = 2i + 3 j − k
b = i + 2j + k
c = j + 3k

a) Show the three vectors are coplanar.

b) Express a in terms of b and c .

a = 2b − c

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 8 (**+)
The vectors a and b are such so that

a = 10 , b = 10 and a i b = 30 .

Find the value of a ∧ b .

FP3-O , a ∧ b = 10

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 9 (**+)
With respect to a fixed origin O , the points A and B have position vectors given by

a = 3i − j + 2k and b = 2i + j − k .

a) Find a Cartesian equation of the plane that passes through O , A and B .

A straight line has a vector equation

r − ( 4i + j + 6k )  ∧ ( i + j + k ) = 0 .

b) Determine the coordinates of the point C , where C is the intersection between


the straight line and the plane.

SYNF-B , x − 7 y − 5 z = 0 , C (1, −2,3)

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 10 (**+)
The plane Π1 passes through the point with coordinates ( 2,5,1) and is perpendicular to
the vector 5i − 4 j + 20k .

a) Find a vector equation of Π1 , in the form r i n = d .

b) Calculate the exact value of the cosine of the acute angle between Π1 and the
plane Π 2 with equation x + y + z = 10 .

r i ( 5i − 4 j + 20k ) = 10 , cos θ = 1
3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 11 (**+)
The following three vectors are given

a = i + 3 j + 2k
b = 2i + 3 j + k
c = i + 2 j + λk

where λ is a scalar constant.

a) If the three vectors given above are coplanar, find the value of λ .

b) Express a in terms of b and c .

FP3-Q , λ = 1 , a = 3c − b

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 12 (***)
The vectors a , b and c are such so that

c ∧ a = i and b ∧ c = 2k .

Express ( a + b ) ∧ ( a + b + 2c ) in terms of i and k .

−2i + 4k

Question 13 (***)
Relative to a fixed origin O , the position vectors of the points A , B and C are

 1  2  4
        
OA =  −1 , OB =  3 and OC =  −1 .
 −1   −1  5
     

  


a) Show that OA , OB and OC are linearly independent.

 
b) Evaluate OAiOB .

  


c) Show that OB ∧ OC = kOA , where k is a constant.

The points O , A , B and C are vertices of a solid.

d) Describe the solid geometrically and state its volume.

 
OA i OB = 0 , k = 14 , cuboid, volume = 42

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 14 (***)
Relative to a fixed origin O , the plane Π1 passes through the points A , B and C with
position vectors i − j + 2k , 6i − j + k and 3i − 2 j + 2k , respectively.

a) Determine an equation of Π1 in the form r in = c , where n is the normal to Π1


and c is a scalar constant.

b) Find, in exact surd form, the shortest distance of Π1 from the origin O .

The plane Π 2 passes through the point A and has normal 5i − 2 j + 7k .

c) Calculate, to the nearest degree, the acute angle between Π1 and Π 2 .

FP3-Q , r i ( i + 2 j + 5k ) = 9 , 3 10 , 42°
10

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 15 (***)
Relative to a fixed origin O , the points A , B and C have position vectors

 4  3  3 − 2λ 
     
a =  1 , b =  2 and c =  λ + 5  ,
1  2  λ + 17 
     

where λ is a scalar parameter.

a) Find the b ∧ c in terms of λ .

b) Show that a i (b ∧ c) is independent of λ .

c) Find the volume of the tetrahedron and OABC .

24i − ( 7λ + 45 ) j + ( 7λ + 9 ) k , area = 10

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 16 (***)
With respect to a fixed origin O , the points A ( 0,1, 2 ) , B ( 2,3,1) and C (1,1,3) are all
contained by the plane Π .

a) Calculate the area of the triangle ABC .

b) Determine an equation of Π , giving the answer in the form r in = c , where n is


a normal to Π and c is a scalar constant.

c) Find the distance of Π from the origin O .

1
The distance of the point D ( 3, 4,1) from the plane Π is .
17

d) Calculate, correct to one decimal place, the acute angle between AD and Π .

area = 1 17 , r i( 2i − 3 j − 2k ) = −7 , distance = 7 , 3.2°


2 17

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 17 (***)

G F

E ( 7, 2,9 )
H

D ( −3,8,6 )
C (1,8,3)

B ( 9,1, 0 ) A ( 5,1,3)

The figure above shows a parallelepiped.


Relative to a fixed origin O , the vertices of the parallelepiped at A , B , C , D and E
have respective position vectors

a = 5i + j + 3k ,
b = 9i + j ,
c = i + 8 j + 3k ,
d = −3i + 8 j + 6k
e = 7i + 2 j + 9k .

a) Calculate the area of the face ABCD .

b) Show that the volume of parallelepiped is 222 cubic units.

c) Hence, find the distance between the faces ABCD and EFGH

FP3-N , area = 37 , distance = 6

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 18 (***)
Two non zero vectors a and b have respective magnitudes a and b , respectively.

Given that c = a ∧ b and d = a ib , show that

c 2 + d 2 = a 2b 2 .

proof

Question 19 (***)
Relative to a fixed origin O , the points A ( −2,3,5 ) , B (1, −3,1) and C ( 4, −6, −7 ) lie on
the plane Π .

a) Find a Cartesian equation for Π .

The perpendicular from the point P ( 26, 2,7 ) meets the Π at the point Q .

b) Determine the coordinates of Q .

FP3-R , 12 x + 4 y + 3 z = 3 , Q ( 2, −6,1)

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 20 (***)
The points A ( 3,1,0 ) , B ( 0, 2, 2 ) and C ( 3,3,1) form a plane Π .

a) Show that i − j + 2k is a normal to Π .

b) Find a Cartesian equation for Π .

The straight line L passes through the point P ( 3,1,3) and meets Π at right angles at
the point Q .

c) Determine the distance PQ .

FP1-R , x − y + 2 z = 2 , PQ = 6

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 21 (***)

H G

E
F

D
C

A B

The figure above shows a parallelepiped, whose vertices are located at the points
A ( 2,1, t ) , B ( 3,3, 2 ) , D ( 4,0,5 ) and E (1, −2,7 ) , where t is a constant.

 
a) Calculate AB ∧ AD , in terms of t .

  


b) Find the value of AB ∧ AD i AE

The volume of the parallelepiped is 22 cubic units.

c) Determine the possible values of t .

(12 − 3t ) i + ( −t − 1) j − 5k , 11t − 44 , t = 2,6

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 22 (***)
Find in Cartesian form the equation of the intersection between the planes with the
following equations

2x + 4 y + z = 0

3 x + 3 y + 2 z = 15 .

6− x z
= y +1 =
5 6

Question 23 (***)
Two planes have Cartesian equations

3 x + 2 y − 6 z = 20 and 12 x + ky = 20 ,

where k is a non zero constant.

The acute angle between the two planes is θ .

Given that cos θ = 2 , determine the value of k .


7

k = −5

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 24 (***)
The straight lines l1 and l2 have respective vector equations

r1 = 2i − j + k + λ ( j + 3k )
r2 = i + 2 j + 3k + µ ( i + 2k )

where λ and µ are scalar parameters.

Show that l1 and l2 are skew and hence find the shortest distance between them.

5
FP3-M ,
14

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 25 (***)
The points A (1, −3,1) , B ( −1, −2,0 ) and C ( 0, −1, −4 ) define a plane Π .

a) Show that i + 3 j + k is a normal to Π .

b) Determine a Cartesian equation for Π .

The straight line L has equation

r = 2i + k + λ ( 5i + j + 2k ) ,

where λ is a scalar parameter.

c) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection between Π and L .

d) Calculate the size of the acute angle between Π and L .

FP1-O , x + 3 y + z + 7 = 0 , ( −3, −1, −1) , 33.4°

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 26 (***+)
A tetrahedron has its four vertices at the points A ( −3,6, 4 ) , B ( 0,11,0 ) , C ( 4,1,28 ) and
D ( 7, k , 24 ) , where k is a constant.

a) Calculate the area of the triangle ABC .

b) Find the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD , in terms of k .

The volume of the tetrahedron is 150 cubic units.

c) Determine the possible values of k .

FP3-L , area = 75 , volume = 50 k − 6 , k = −3, k = 15


3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 27 (***+)

C D
E

A B

A triangular prism has vertices at A ( 3,3,3) , B (1,3, t ) , C ( 5,1,5) and F ( 8,0,10 ) ,


where t is a constant.

The face ABC is parallel to the face DEF and the lines AD , BE and CF are parallel
to each other.

 
a) Calculate AB ∧ AC , in terms of t .

  


b) Find the value of AB ∧ AC i AD , in terms of t .

The value of t is taken to be 6 .

c) Determine the volume of the prism for this value of t .

d) Explain the geometrical significance if t = −1 .

( 2t − 6 ) i + ( 2t − 2 ) j + 4k , 4t + 4 , V = 14 cubic units ,
A, B, C , D are coplanar, so no volume

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 28 (***+)
Relative to a fixed origin O the point P has coordinates (1, 2,1) .

A plane Π has Cartesian equation

2 x + y + 3 z = 21 .

The straight line L passes through the point P and it is perpendicular to Π .

a) Find the coordinates of the point M , where M is the intersection of Π and L .

The point Q is the reflection of P about Π .

b) Find the coordinates of Q .

 
c) Find OM ∧ OP .

d) Hence, or otherwise, find the shortest distance from the point P to the straight
line OM , giving the answer in exact form.

M ( 3,3, 4 ) , Q ( 5, 4, 7 ) , 5i − j − 3k , distance = 35
34

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 29 (***+)
The plane Π has an equation given by

r = 4i + k + λ ( 2 j − k ) + µ ( 3i + 2 j + 2k ) ,

where λ and µ are scalar parameters.

a) Find a normal vector to this plane.

The straight line L passes through the point A ( 2, 2, 2 ) and meets Π at the point
B ( 4,0,1) .

b) Calculate, to the nearest degree, the acute angle between L and Π .

c) Hence, or otherwise, find the shortest distance from A to Π .

n = −2i + j + 2k , 63° , distance = 8


3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 30 (***+)
With respect to a fixed origin O the points A , B and C , have respective coordinates
( 6,10,10 ) , (11,14,13) and ( k ,8,6 ) , where k is a constant.

a) Given that all the three points lie on a plane which contains the origin, find the
value of k .

b) Given instead that OA , OB , OC are edges of a parallelepiped of volume 150


cubic units determine the possible values of k .

k = 10 , k = −5, k = 25

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 31 (***+)
The straight lines L1 and L2 have respective Cartesian equations

x − 25 y z + 13 x + 26 y − 7 z − 13
= = and = = .
9 7 2 −6 7 8

a) Show that L1 and L2 intersect at some point and find its coordinates.

The plane Π contains both L1 and L2 .

b) Find a Cartesian equation for Π .

( −2, −21, −19 ) , 2 x − 4 y + 5 z + 15 = 0

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 32 (***+)
The figure below shows a parallelepiped.

E F

B ( 6,1,6 )
A ( 4, −1,7 )

G
D (1,3, −2 )

O ( 0,0,0 ) C ( 2, 2, −1)

Relative to an origin O the points A , B , C and D have respective position vectors

a = 4i − j + 7k , b = 6i + j + 6k , c = 2i + 2 j − k and d = i + 3 j − 2k .

a) Find an equation of the plane ABDG in the form …

i. … r = u + λ v + µ w .

ii. … ax + by + cz + d = 0 .

b) Hence determine the direction cosines of the straight line through O and F .

r = 4i − j + 7k + λ ( 2i + 2 j − k ) + µ ( 3i − 4 j + 9k ) , 2 x − 3 y − 2 z + 3 = 0 ,

l = 7 ,m = 4 ,n = 4
9 9 9

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 33 (***+)
The planes Π1 and Π 2 have the following Cartesian equations.

2x + 2 y − z = 9
x − 2y = 7

a) Find, to the nearest degree, the acute angle between Π1 and Π 2 .

The two planes intersect along the straight line L .

b) Determine an equation of L in the form r ∧ a = b , where a and b are vectors


with integer components.

SYNF-D , 73° , r ∧ ( 2i + j + 6k ) = −5i − 32 j + 7k

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 34 (***+)
The straight line l has Cartesian equation

x−2 y −3 z −4
= = .
2 3 2

a) Show that the point P with coordinates (16, 24,18 ) lies on l .

The point A has coordinates ( 8,19,6 ) and the direction vector of l is denoted by d .


AP ∧ d
b) Calculate .
d

c) Hence show that the shortest distance of A from l is exactly 6 units.

( 20i − 4 j − 14k )
17

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 35 (***+)
The three vertices of the parallelogram ABCD have coordinates

A ( 7,1, −6 ) , B ( 4,0,7 ) and D ( −2,6,1) .

The diagonals of the parallelogram meet at the point M .

a) Determine in any order the coordinates of M and the coordinates of C .

b) Calculate in exact simplified surd form, the area of ABCD .

The straight line l passes through C and is perpendicular to ABCD .

c) Find an equation of l , giving the answer in the form ( r − a ) ∧ b = 0 , where a


and b are constant vectors to be found.

The plane Π is parallel to ABCD and passes through the point with coordinates
(10,10,1) .

d) Determine the coordinates of the point of intersection between Π and l .

The parallelogram ABCD is one of the six faces of a parallelepiped whose opposite
face lies in Π .

e) Calculate the volume of this parallelepiped.

M (1,3, 4 ) , C ( −5,5,14 ) , area = 24 26 , a = −5i + 5 j + 14k , b = 3i + 4 j + k ,

(1,13,6 ) , volume = 1248

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 36 (***+)
Three planes have the following Cartesian equations.

x − 3y − 2z = 2
2 x − 2 y + 3z = 1
5x − 7 y + 4z = k

where k is a constant.

Determine the intersection of the three planes, stating any restrictions in the value of k .

FP1-P , r = 3i + j − k + t (13i + 7 j − 4k )

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 37 (***+)
The planes Π1 and Π 2 have respective Cartesian equations

x + 2y − z =1 and x + 3y + z = 6 .

a) Find the acute angle between Π1 and Π 2 .

b) Show that Π1 and Π 2 intersect along the straight line with equation

r = ( 5λ − 9 ) i + ( 5 − 2λ ) j + λk ,

where λ is a scalar parameter.

SYNF-E , 42.4°

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 38 (***+)
It is given that the vectors a , b and c satisfy

b ∧ c = 2i and a ∧ c = µj ,

where µ is a scalar constant.

It is further given that the vector expression defined as

( a + 2b − 3c ) ∧ ( a + 2b + kc ) ,

where k is a scalar constant, is parallel to the vector i − j .

Determine the condition that µ and k must satisfy.

FP3-U , k ≠ 3 , µ = 4

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 39 (***+)
The position vector r of a variable point traces the plane Π with equation

r = ( 4 + λ + 5µ ) i + ( 8 + 2λ − 4µ ) j + ( −5 + λ + 7 µ ) k ,

where λ and µ are parameters.

a) Express the equation of Π in the form

r in = c ,

where n and c is a vector and scalar constant, respectively.

The point P (12, −1,44 ) is reflected about Π onto the point P′ .

b) Determine the coordinates of P′ .

FP1-Q , r i( 9i − j − 7k ) = 63 , P′ ( 48, −5,16 )

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 40 (****)
The plane Π has a vector equation

r = (1 + 4λ + 3µ ) i + ( 3 + λ + 2µ ) j + ( 4 + 2λ − µ ) k ,

where λ and µ are scalar parameters.

The straight line L has a vector equation

r = ( 2 + 2t ) i + (1 + 3t ) j + ( −3 − 4t ) k ,

where t is a scalar parameter.

a) Show that L is parallel to Π .

b) Find the shortest distance between L and Π .

2 6

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 41 (****)
Relative to a fixed origin O , the following points are given.

A ( 4,2,0 ) , B ( −1,7, −1) and C ( 2,0,1) .

a) Determine a vector, with integer components, which is perpendicular to both


 
AB and AC .
You may NOT use the vector (cross) product for this part.

b) Deduce a Cartesian equation of the plane, which passes through A , B and C .

FP1-G , 3i + 7 j + 20k , 3 x + 7 y + 20 z = 26

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 42 (****)
The straight lines L1 and L2 have respective Cartesian equations

x−2 y −3 x + 2 4 y z + 10
= =z and = = .
2 4 2 11 3

a) Show that L1 and L2 intersect at some point P and find its coordinates.

b) Show further that the Cartesian vector 37i − 16 j − 10k is perpendicular to both
L1 and L2 .

The plane Π is defined by L1 and L2 .

The point Q ( 2,5, −2 ) does not lie on Π .

The straight line L3 passes through Q and P .

c) Calculate the acute angle formed between L3 and Π .

FP1-A , P ( 6,11, 2 ) , θ ≈ 2.00°

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 43 (****)
Relative to a fixed origin O , the following points are given.

A ( 7,2,6 ) , B ( 9,10,4 ) and C ( −3, −2, −2 ) .

a) Determine a vector, with integer components, which is perpendicular to both


 
AB and AC , and hence deduce a Cartesian equation of the plane Π , which
passes through A , B and C .
You may NOT use the vector (cross) product for this part.

The straight line l is perpendicular to Π and passes through the point P (11,3, −4 ) .

The point Q is the intersection of l and Π .

b) Find the coordinates of Q .

c) Calculate the distance PQ .

FP1-M , 2i − j + 2k , 2 x − y − 2 z = 0 , Q ( 5,6, 2 ) , PQ = 3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 44 (****)
The straight line L and the plane Π have equations

L : r = −3i − 2 j + 3k + λ ( 2i − 3 j + 4k )

Π : 3x − 2 y + z = 5

a) Find the size of the acute angle between L and Π .

b) Use a method involving the cross product to show that the shortest distance of
the point ( 0, −6,13) from L is 3 units.

52.6°

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 45 (****)
The equations of two planes are given below

r i( 6i − 3j + 2k ) = 42 and r i(17i + 2 j + k ) = −7 .

The straight line l is the intersection of the two planes.

a) Find an equation for l , in the form r = a + λb , where a and b are constant


vectors and λ is a scalar parameter.

A third plane Π 3 contains l and the point with position vector 30i + 7 j + 30k .

b) Find an equation for Π 3 , in the form r = u + α v + β w , where u , v and w are


constant vectors and α and β are scalar parameters.

r = −8 j + 9k + λ ( −i + 4 j + 9k ) , r = ( −8 j + 9k ) + α ( −i + 4 j + 9k ) + β (10i + 5 j + 7k )

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 46 (****)
A triangle has vertices at A ( −2, −2,0 ) , B ( 6,8,6 ) and C ( −6,8,12 ) .

a) Find the area of the triangle ABC .

The plane Π1 contains the point B and is perpendicular to AB .

b) Show that an equation of Π1 is

4 x + 5 y + 3 z = 82 .

The plane Π 2 contains the point C and is perpendicular to AC .

c) Find the size of the acute angle between Π1 and Π 2 .

d) Show that the intersection of Π1 and Π 2 is

( λ − 6 ) i + ( 20 − 2λ ) j + ( 2λ + 2 ) k .

area = 90 , 52.1°

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 47 (****)
The plane quadrilateral ABCD is the base of a pyramid with vertex V .

The coordinates of the points A , B and C are ( 5, 1, 9 ) , ( 8, −2, 0 ) and ( 4, −1, 6 ) ,


respectively.

If the equation of the face CDV is 2 x − 3 y − 16 z + 85 = 0 determine the vector


equation of the line CD .

FP3-H ,
r = ( 4i − j + 6k ) + λ ( 35i + 18 j + k ) or r − ( 4i − j + 6k )  ∧ ( 35i + 18 j + k ) = 0

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 48 (****)
A straight line L and a plane Π have respective cartesian equations

L : x − 3 = 2 − y = 1 ( 2 z − 5) and Π : 2 x + ky + z = 13 ,
4

where k is a constant.

Given that the acute angle between L and Π is 30° , find the possible values of k .

FP1-Y , k = 1 ∪ k = −17

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 49 (****)

With respect to a fixed origin O the point A has position vector OA = −4i + j − 2k .

The straight line L has vector equation


r ∧ OA = 5i − 10k .

a) Find, in terms of a scalar parameter λ , a vector equation of L .


Give the answer in the form r = p + λq , where p and q are constant vectors.


b) Verify that the point B , with position vector OB = 2i − 3 j + k , lies on L .

c) Find the exact area of the triangle OAB .

r = − 5 j + λ ( 4i − j + 2k ) , area = 5 5
2 2

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 50 (****)
The planes Π1 and Π 2 have respective Cartesian equations

6x + 2 y + 9z = 5 and 10 x − y − 11z = 4 .

a) Find the acute angle between Π1 and Π 2 .

b) Show that Π1 and Π 2 intersect along the straight line with equation

r = i − 5 j + k + t ( i − 12 j + 2k ) ,

where t is a scalar parameter.

The plane Π 3 has Cartesian equation

5 x + 3 y + 11z = 28 .

c) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of all three planes.

d) Determine an equation of the plane that passes through the point ( 2,1,8) and is
perpendicular to both Π1 and Π 2 .

75.5° , ( −2,31, −5) , x − 12 y + 2 z = 6

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 51 (****)
The points P ( 2, 2,1) and Q ( 6, −7, −1) lie on the plane Π with Cartesian equation

cx + 4 y − 12 z = k ,

where c and k are constants.

a) Determine an equation of the straight line L , which is perpendicular to Π and


passing through P .

The points A and B are both located on L and each of these points is at a distance of
26 units from Π .

b) Show that the area of the triangle ABQ is approximately 261 square units.

FP1-U , r = ( 3λ + 2 ) i + ( 4λ + 2 ) j + (1 − 12λ ) k

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 52 (****)
The plane Π1 contains the origin O and the points A ( 2,0, −1) and B ( 4,3,1) .

a) Find a Cartesian equation of Π1 .

The plane Π 2 contains the point B and has normal vector n = 3i + j − k .

b) Determine an equation of the plane in the form r in = d .

The straight line L is the intersection of Π1 and Π 2 .

The point P lies on L so that OP is perpendicular to L .

c) Find a vector equation of L .

d) Determine the coordinates of P .

x − 2 y + 2 z = 0 , r i( 3i + j − k ) = 14 , r = 4i + 3 j + k + λ ( j + k ) , P ( 4,1, −1)

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 53 (****)
The following vectors are given

a = 3i + 4 j + k
b = 2i − 5 j + 2k
c = 7i + 2 j − 3k

a) Show that the vectors are linearly independent.

b) Express the vector 9i + 20 j − 5k in terms of a , b and c .

9i + 20 j − 5k = 2a − 2b + c

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 54 (****)
The points A ( 0, 2,1) , B ( 8,6,0 ) and C ( −4,1,1) form a plane Π1 .

a) Find a Cartesian equation for Π1 .

The point T (1, 2, t ) lies outside Π1 .

b) Show that the shortest distance of T from Π1 is

1 ( 8t − 9 ) .
9

The plane Π 2 has Cartesian equation

2x + y − 2z + 7 = 0 .

c) Given that the T is equidistant from Π1 and Π 2 find the possible values of t .

− x + 4 y + 8 z = 16 , t = −12,3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 55 (****)
With respect to a fixed origin O , the points A ( 3,0,0 ) , B ( 0, 2, −1) and C ( 2,0,1) have
position vectors a , b and c , respectively.

 
a) Calculate AC ∧ OB .

The plane Π contains the point C and the straight line L with vector equation

(r − a) ∧ b = 0 ,

where a and b are constant vectors to be found.

b) Find a Cartesian equation of Π .

c) Calculate the shortest distance of Π from O .

The point D is the reflection of O about Π .

d) Determine the coordinates of D .

(
−2i − i − 2k , 2 x + y + 2 z = 6 , distance = 2 , D 8 , 4 , 8
3 3 3 )

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 56 (****)
Relative to a fixed origin O , the point A has position vector a = i + 2 j + k .

The plane Π has vector equation

r = a + λb + µc ,

where b = 2i − k and c = 3 j − k .

a) Find a Cartesian equation of Π .

The point P has position vector i + 5 j − 3k .

b) Calculate, to the nearest degree, the acute angle between AP and Π .

3 x + 2 y + 6 z = 13 , 31°

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 57 (****)
The system of equations below has a unique solution.

5x + y + 6 z = 9
3x + 6 y + 2 z = 8
4 x + 2 y − 9 z = 75

a) Show that z = −5 and find the values of x and y .

The straight line L and the plane Π have respective vector equations

 −29   −6   −38  5 1


         
r1 =  −9  + t  −2  and r2 =  −17  + λ  3  + µ  6  ,
 46   9   −29   4  2
         

where t , λ and µ are scalar parameters.

b) Show that L is perpendicular to Π .

c) Show further that L meets Π at the point with coordinates (1,1,1) .

V , FP3-V| , x = 8, y = −1

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 58 (****)
The straight line L has vector equation

 3  −2 
   
r =  7  + λ  2 ,
 0  −3 
   

where λ is a scalar parameter.

The plane Π passes through the points A (11,13,5) and B (15,12,5) .

It is further given that Π is parallel to L .

a) Find a Cartesian equation for Π and hence calculate the distance between L
and Π .

The straight line M is the reflection of L about Π .

b) Determine a vector equation for M .

FP3-P , x + 4 y + 2 z = 73 , distance = 2 21 , r = 7i + 23 j + 8k + µ ( 2i − 2 j + 3k )

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 59 (****)
The point P (1,3,8) lies on the plane Π1 .

The straight line L , whose Cartesian equation is given below also lies on Π1 .

y −3 2− z
x−4= = .
3 4

a) Find a Cartesian equation of Π1 .

You may not use the vector product (cross product) in part (a).

The point R ( −2, −2, k ) , where k is a constant, lies on another plane Π 2 , which is
parallel to Π1 .

b) Given that the distance between Π1 and Π 2 is 3 units determine, in exact


fractional form, the possible values of k .

You may not use the standard formula which finds the distance between two parallel
planes in part (b).

FP1-V , 6 x + 2 y + 3 z = 36 , k = 73 , k = 31
3 3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 60 (****)
With respect to a fixed origin O , four points have the following coordinates

A ( −1,3, −1) , B (1,2, −2 ) , C (1, 2,2 ) and D ( k , k , k ) ,

where k is a constant.

a) Determine the shortest distance between the straight lines AB and CD .

b) Find, in terms of k , the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD .

FP3-O , d min = 2 2 , volume = 2 3k − 5


3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 61 (****+)
The straight line L has Cartesian equation

y − a z −1
x−9 = = ,
2 b

where a and b are non zero constants.

The plane Π has Cartesian equation

x + y − 2 z = 12 .

a) If L is contained by Π , determine the value of a and the value of b .

b) Given instead that L meets Π at the point where x = 0 , and is inclined at an


angle arcsin 5 to Π , determine the value of a .
6

SPX-F , a = 5, b = 2 , a = 50
3

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 62 (****+)

E
D
A F

The figure above shows an irregular hollow shape, consisting of two non-congruent,
non-parallel triangular faces ABC and DEF , and two non-congruent quadrilateral
faces ABED and BCFE .

The respective equations of the straight lines AD and DE are

r1 = −5i + 6 j + k + λ ( 2i + 3j) and r2 = −i + 12 j + k + µ ( −2i + 7 j − 7k ) ,

where λ and µ are scalar parameters.

a) If the plane face BCFE has equation 21x − 14 y + 20 z = 111 , determine an


equation of the straight line BE .

The straight line BC has equation

r3 = −i − 8 j + k + ν ( −2i + 7 j + 7k ) ,

where ν is a scalar parameter.

b) Given further that the point G has position vector 5i + 7 j , determine the acute
angle between the plane face BCFE and the straight line BG .

FP3-Y , r = i + 5 j + 8k + t ( 2i + 3 j) , θ ≈ 13.5°

[solutions overleaf]

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 63 (****+)
The skew straight lines L1 and L2 have vector equations

r1 = ( −13j + k ) + λ ( −3i + 4 j − 7k ) ,

r2 = ( 5i + 25j) + µ ( 2i − 2 j + 3k ) ,

where λ and µ are scalar parameters.

a) Find a vector which mutually perpendicular to L1 and L2 .

You may not use the vector (cross) product in answering part (a).

The point A lies on L1 and the point B lies on L2 .

b) Given that the distance AB is least, determine the coordinates of A and B .

FP1-W , A ( −3, −9 − 6 ) , B ( 9, 21,6 )

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 64 (*****)
The points A , B and C have respective position vectors a , b and c , relative to a
fixed origin O .

Show that the equation of the plane through A , B and C can be written as

( xi + yj + zk ) ( a ∧ b + b ∧ c + c ∧ a ) = a b ∧ c
i i

FP3-S , proof

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 65 (*****)
An irregular pyramid with a triangular base ABC has vertex at the point V .

The equation of the straight line VC is

r = 2i + 4k + λ ( i − j + 4k )

where λ is a scalar parameter.

The plane face ABV has equation 2 x − 3 y − z = 1 .

If the point D lies on the plane face VBC and has position vector 10 i + 1 j + 5k , show
3 3
that the equation of the line VB can be written as

r = 3i − j + 8k + µ ( 2i + 3 j − 5k ) ,

where µ is a scalar parameter.

V , FP3-W , proof

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 66 (*****)
The straight line L1 has vector equation

r = 4i − 3j + 7k + λ ( 3i − 4 j + 5k ) ,

where λ is a scalar parameter.

The plane Π has vector equation

r i ( 4i + 3j + 5k ) = 17 .

The point P is the intersection of L1 and Π .

The acute angle θ is formed between L1 and Π .

The straight line L2 lies on Π , passes through P so that the acute angle between L1
and L2 is also θ .

Determine the value of θ and find a vector equation for L2 .

SPX-A , θ = 30° , r2 = i + j + 2k + µ ( 2i − 11j + 5k )

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 67 (*****)
With respect to a fixed origin O , the points A , B and C have respective position
vectors

a = 3i + 3 j + 3k , b = 6i + 2k and c = 3 j + 5k ,

so that the plane Π contains A , B and C .

The straight line L is parallel to Π and has vector equation

r = (13i − 9 j) + λ ( −7i + 5 j + 3k ) ,

where λ is a scalar parameter.

The point P lies outside the plane so that PC is perpendicular to Π .

The point Q lies on L so that PQ is perpendicular to L .

Given further that P is equidistant from Π and L , find the position vector of P and
the position vector of Q .

SPX-D , p = −6i − 4k , q = −i + j + 6k

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Question 68 (*****)

E
D
A F

The figure above shows an irregular hollow shape, consisting of two non-congruent,
non-parallel triangular faces ABC and DEF , and two non-congruent quadrilateral
faces ABED and BCFE .

The respective equations of the straight lines AD , DE and BC are

r1 = −5i + 6 j + k + λ ( 2i + 3 j)
r2 = −i + 12 j + k + µ ( −2i + 7 j − 7k )
r3 = −i − 8 j + k +ν ( −2i + 7 j + 7k )

where λ , µ and ν are scalar parameters.

If the plane face BCFE has equation 21x − 14 y + 20 z = 111 and the point G has
position vector 5i + 7 j , show that the acute angle between the plane face BCFE and
the straight line BG is

π  13 
− arccos  .
2  3111 

SPX-L , proof

[solutions overleaf]

Created by T. Madas
Created by T. Madas

Created by T. Madas

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