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(JEE 2019)
exercise questions
based on the latest JEE (a) ∆ (b) 5∆
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Answer Key

3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

Theory ................................................................................................................................................ 8

Solved examples ............................................................................................................................... 20

Exercise - 1 : Basic Objective Questions............................................................................................ 40

Exercise - 2 : Previous Year JEE MAIN Questions ........................................................................... 50

Exercise - 3 : Advanced Objective Questions .................................................................................. 69

Exercise - 4 : Previous Year JEE Advanced Questions ..................................................................... 80

Answer Key ........................................................................................................................................ 143

 7

PROBABILITY

Theory ................................................................................................................................................ 92

Solved examples ............................................................................................................................... 99

Exercise - 1 : Basic Objective Questions............................................................................................ 113

Exercise - 2 : Previous Year JEE MAIN Questions ........................................................................... 119

Exercise - 3 : Advanced Objective Questions .................................................................................. 128

Exercise - 4 : Previous Year JEE Advanced Questions ..................................................................... 136

Answer Key ........................................................................................................................................ 146

 VECTORS &
3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
 Chapter 08 9

VECTORS &
3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

VECTORS 1.5 Coplanar Vector

A given number of vectors are called coplanar if their line segments

1. VECTORS & THEIR TYPES are all parallel to the same plane. Note that “Two Vectors Are
Always Coplanar”.
Vector quantities are specified by definite magnitudes and definite
directions. A vector is generally represented by a directed line 1.6 Position Vector of A Point

segment, say AB . A is called the initial point and B is called the Let O be a fixed origin, then the position vector (pv) of a point P is
r r
terminal point. The magnitude of vector AB is expressed by the vector OP . If a and b are position vectors of two points A
uuur r r r
AB . AB may also be represented by a and its magnitude by and B, then, AB = b - a = pv of B – pv of A.
r
| a |. 1.7 Section Formula

1.1 Zero Vector r r

If a and b are the position vectors to two points A and B then
A vector of zero magnitude is a zero vector i.e. which has the same the p.v. of a point which divides AB in the ratio m : n is given by :
initial & terminal point, is called a Zero Vector. It is denoted by r r r r
r r na + mb a+b
r= . Note p.v. of mid point of AB =
O . The direction of zero vector is indeterminate. m+n 2

1.2 Unit Vector 2. ALGEBRA OF VECTORS

r
A vector of unit magnitude in direction of a vector a is called unit
2.1 Addition of vectors
r
r a
vector along a and is denoted by â . Symbolically â = r . r r
a If two vectors a & b are represented by OA & OB , then their
r r
1.3 Equal Vector sum a + b is a vector represented by OC , where OC is the
diagonal of the parallelogram OACB.
Two vectors are said to be equal if they have the same magnitude,
r r r r
direction & represent the same physical quantity. ® a + b = b + a (commutative)

1.4 Collinear Vector r r r r r r

® a + b + c = a + b + c (associative)

Two vectors are said to be collinear if their directed line segments r r r r r

® a +0=a =0+a
are parallel disregards to their direction. Collinear vectors are also
called Parallel Vectors . If they have the same direction they are r r r r r
® a + -a = 0 = -a +a
named as like vectors otherwise unlike vectors.
r r 2.2 Multiplication of a Vector by a scalar
Symbolically, two non – zero vectors a and b are collinear if and
r r r r r
only, if a = Kb , where K Î R – {0}. If a is a vector & m is a scalar, then m a is vector parallel to a
r r r
whose modulus is |m| times that of a . If m > 0 then ma and a
have same direction and if m < 0, then they have opposite
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
10

directions. This is multiplication is called Scalar Multiplication. ˆˆ

r i.j = ˆj.kˆ = k.i
ˆ ˆ=0
r
If a & b are vectors & m, n are scalars, then :
r
r r r r r ar . b
m a = a m=m a ® projection of a on b = r
r r r b
m(n a ) = n(m a ) = (mn) a
r r r r r
(m + n) a = m a + n a r r a.b
r ® the angle f between a & b is given by cos f = r r
r r r a b
m(a + b )=m a +mb

2.3 Subtraction of Vectors 0£f£p

r r
r r r r ® if a = a1ˆi + a 2 ˆj + a 3 kˆ and b = b1ˆi + b2 ˆj + b3 kˆ then
a - b is defined as addition of vectors a and (-b) .
r r
3. TEST OF COLLINEARITY a . b = a1 b1 + a2 b2 + a3 b3

r r r r
Three points A, B, C with position vectors a, b, c respectively ® a = a 12 + a 22 + a 32
are collinear, if & only if there exist scalar x, y, z not all zero
r r r r
simultaneously such that; xa + yb + zc = 0, where x +y +z =0 ® b = b12 + b 22 + b 32

4. TEST OF COPLANARITY
NOTES :
r r r r
Four points A, B, C, D with position vectors a, b, c, d respectively
r r r r
are coplanar if and only if there exist scalars x, y, z, w not all zero (i) Maximum value of a . b = a b
r r r r
simultaneously such that xa + yb + zc + wd = 0 where, x + y + z +
r r r r
w=0 (ii) Minimum values of a . b = - a b

5. SCALAR PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS r

(iii) Any vector a can be written as,

r r r r r r r r
® a × b = a b cos q (0 £ q £ p) a = a × î î + a × ĵ ˆj + a × k̂ k̂.

r r (iv) A vector in the direction of the bisector of the angle

note that if q is acute then a . b > 0 & if q is obtuse then
r r r r
a.b <0 r r a b
between two vectors a & b is r + r .
a b
r r r2 r
® a . a = a = a2

r r r r Hence bisector of the angle between the two vectors

® a . b = b . a (commutative)
r r
a & b is l â + b̂ , where l Î R+.
r r r r r r r
® a × b + c = a × b + a × c (distributive)
r r
Bisector of the exterior angle between a & b is l â - b̂
r r r r r r
® a .b = 0 Û a ^ b a ¹ 0, b ¹ 0
l Î R–{0}.
r r r r r r
® (ma) . b = a . (mb) = m (a . b) , where m is scalar..

® ˆi.iˆ = ˆj.jˆ = k.k

ˆ ˆ = 1;
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
11

r r r
6. VECTOR PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS ® If a, b & c are the pv’s of 3 points A, B and C then the

r r 1 r r r r r r
® If a & b are two vectors & q is the angle between them vector area of triangle ABC = [ a ´ b + b ´ c + c´a ] .
2
r r r r r r r r
then a ´ b = a b sin q n̂, where n̂ is the unit vector r
The point A, B & C are collinear if a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a = 0
r r r r r
perpendicular to both a & b such that a , b & n̂ forms a ® Area of any quadrilateral whose diagonal vectors are d1 &
right handed screw system.
r 1 r r
r r d 2 is given by d1 ´ d 2
® Geometrically a ´ b equals area of the parallelogram 2
r r r r
whose two adjacent sides are represented by a & b ® Lagranges Identity : for any two vector a & b ;
r r r r r
® a ´ b = 0 Û a and b are parallel (collinear) (provided r r r r
r r r2 r2 r r a.a a .b
r r r r (a ´ b) 2 = a b - (a . b) 2 = r r r r
a ¹ 0, b ¹ 0 ) i.e. a = Kb , where K is scalar.. a .b b.b
r r r r
® a ´ b ¹ b ´ a (not commutative) 7. SCALAR TRIPLE PRODUCT
r r r r r r
® ma ´ b = a ´ mb = m a ´ b where m is scalar r r r
® The scalar triple product of three vectors a, b & c is
r r r r r r r
® a ´ (b + c) = (a ´ b) + (a ´ c) (distributive) defined as :

® ˆi × ˆi = ˆj× ˆj = kˆ × kˆ = 0 r r r r r r
a . b ´ c = a b c sin q cos f where q is the angle

® ˆi × ˆj =k,
ˆ ˆj × kˆ = ˆi, kˆ × ˆi = ˆj r r r r r
between c & b & f is angle between a and b ´ c
r r
® If a = a1ˆi +a 2 ˆj + a 3 kˆ and b = b1ˆi +b2 ˆj + b3 kˆ then rrr
It is also written as [a b c] , spelled as box product.

ˆi ˆj kˆ ® Scalar triple product geometrically represents the volume

r r
a ´ b = a1 a2 a3 of the parallelopiped whose three coterminous edges are
b1 b2 b3 r r r rrr
represented by a , b & c i.e. V = [a b c]
r r ® In a scalar triple product the position of dot & cross can
® Unit vector perpendicular to the plane of a & b is
be interchanged i.e.
r r
a ´b
nˆ = ± r r r r r r r r rrr rrr rrr
a . (b ´ c) = (a ´ b) .c Also [a b c] = [b c a] = [c a b]
a ´b
r r r r r r rrr rrr
® A vector of magnitude ‘r’ & perpendicular to the plane of a . (b ´ c) = -a . ( c ´ b) i.e. [a b c] = -[a c b]
r r r r
r r r a ´b ® If a = a1ˆi + a 2 ˆj + a 3 kˆ ; b = b1ˆi + b2 ˆj + b3kˆ and
a and b is ± r r
a ´b
a1 a2 a3
r r r ˆ ˆ ˆ rrr
a ´b c = c1i + c2 j + c3 k then [a b c] = b1 b2 b3 .
r r
® If q is the angle between a & b then sin q = r r c1 c2 c3
a b
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
12

r r r r r r r r
In general, if a = a1 l + a 2 m + a 3n; b = b1 l + b 2m + b 3n and 8. VECTOR TRIPLE PRODUCT

a1 a 2 a3 r r r r r r r
r r r r rrr r r Let a, b, c be any three vectors, then the expression a ´ (b ´ c)
c = c1 l + c 2 m + c3n then a b c = b1 b 2 b3 éë l m n ùû ;
is vector & is called vector triple product.
c1 c 2 c3
r r r
r r r Geometrical Interpretation of a×(b × c)
where l, m & n are non - coplanar vectors.
r r r
Consider the expression a ´ ( b ´ c) which itself is a vector. Since
r r r rrr r r
® a, b, c are coplanar Û éë a b c ùû = 0. r r r r
it is a cross product of two vectors a and (b ´ c) . Now a ´ ( b ´ c)
® Scalar product of three vectors, two of which are equal or r r r
is a vector perpendicular to the plane containing a and (b ´ c)
parallel is 0.
r r r
but b ´ c is a vector perpendicular to the plane containing b &
NOTES : r r r r r r
c , therefore a ´ ( b ´ c) is a vector lying in the plane of b & c
r r r rrr r r r r
® If a, b, c are non-coplanar then [a b c] > 0 for right and perpendicular to a . Hence we can express a ´ ( b ´ c) in terms
rrr r r r r r r r
handed system & [a b c] < 0 for left handed system. of b & c i.e. a ´ (b ´ c) = xb + yc where x and y are scalars.

r r r r r r r r r
® éˆi ˆj kˆ ù = 1 ® a ´ ( b ´ c ) = ( a . c ) b - ( a . b) c
ë û
rrr rrr r r r r r r r r r
® [ K a b c] = K [ a b c ] ( a ´ b) ´ c = ( a × c ) b - ( b × c ) a

r r rr rrr rrr r r r r r r
® [(a + b) c d] = [a c d] + [b c d] ® ( a ´ b) ´ c ¹ a ´ ( b ´ c )

® The volume of the tetrahedron OABC with O as origin 9. LINEAR COMBINATIONS

r r r
& the pv’s of A, B and C being a, b & c respectively is
r r r
Given a finite set of vectors a, b, c, ..... then the vector
1 rrr r r
given by V = [a b c ] r r r r r
6 r = xa + y b + zc + .... is called a linear combination of a , b, c, .....
® The position vector of the centroid of a tetrahedron if for any x, y, z..... ÎR. We have the following results :
r r r r r r
the pv’s of its angular vertices are a , b, c, d are given (a) If a, b are non zero, non-collinear vectors then
r r r r
1 r r r r xa + yb = x ' a + y' b Þ x = x’ ; y = y’
by [a + b + c + d ].
4 r r
(b) Fundamental Theorem in plane : Let a, b be non-zero,
Note that this is also the point of concurrrency of the
r
lines joining the vertices to the centroids of the opposite non- collinear vectors. Then any vector r coplanar with
faces and is also called the centre of the tetrahedron. In r r
a, b can be expressed uniquely as a linear combination of
case the tetrahedron is regular it is equidistant from the
r r
vertices and the four faces of the tetrahedron. a, b i.e. There exist some unique x, y Î R such that
r r r r r r r r r
® Remember that : éë a - b b -c c -a ù =0 &
û
xa + yb = r
r r r
r r rrr (c) If a, b, c are non-zero, non-coplanar vectors then :
é ar + b b + cr r r
c + a ù = 2 éë a b c ùû
ë û r r r r r r
xa + yb + zc = x' a + y' b + z' c Þ x = x¢, y = y¢, z = z¢
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
13

r r r
(d) Fundamental Theorem in Space : Let a, b, c be non- 10. RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF VECTORS
r
zero, non- coplanar vectors in space. Then any vector r
r r r r r r
can be uniquely expressed as a linear combination of If a, b, c & a ' , b' , c' are two sets of non-coplanar vectors such
r r r r r r r r r
a, b, c i.e. There exist some unique x, y, z Î R such that that a × a ' = b × b' = c × c' = 1 then the two systems are called
r r r r Reciprocal System of vectors.
xa + yb + zc = r .
r r r r r r
r r r b´c c´a a´b
(e) If x 1 , x 2 .................. x n are n non zero vectors & k1, a ' = r r r ; b' = r r r ; c' = r r r
[a b c ] [a b c] [a b c ]
k2,............kn are n scalars & if the linear combination
r r r
3 - DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
k 1 x 1 + k 2 x 2 + ......k n x n = 0 Þ k1 =0, k2 =0,.......kn = 0
r r r
then we say that vectors x1 , x 2 .................. x n are Linearly
Independent Vectors. 1. INTRODUCTION
r r r
(f) If x 1 , x 2 .................. x n are not Linearly Independent then
There are infinite number of points in space. We want to identify
they are said to be Linearly Dependent vectors i.e. if
r r r each and every point of space with the help of three mutually
k 1 x 1 + k 2 x 2 + ......k n x n = 0 & if there exists at least one perpendicular coordinate axes OX, OY and OZ.
r r r
kr ¹ 0 then x1 , x 2 .................. x n are said to be Linearly
1.1 Axes
Dependent.
Three mutually perpendicular lines OX, OY, OZ are considered as
NOTES : three axes.

r r 1.2 Coordinate planes

® If a = 3iˆ + 2jˆ + 5kˆ then a is expressed as a Linear
r Plane formed with the help of x and y axes is known as x–y plane
Combination of vectors ˆi, ˆj, kˆ . Also a , ˆi, ˆj, kˆ form a
similarly plane formed with y and z axes is known as y – z plane
linearly dependent set of vectors. In general, every set and plane formed with z and x axis z – x plane.
of four vectors is a linearly dependent system.
1.3 Coordinate of a Point
® ˆi, ˆj, kˆ are Linearly Independent set of vectors. For
Consider any point P on the space and drop a perpendicular from
that point to x – y plane; then the algebraic length of this
K1ˆi + K 2 ˆj + K3 kˆ = 0 Þ K1 = 0 = K2 = K3 perpendicular is considered as z–coordinate; and from the foot of
the perpendicular drop perpendiculars to x and y axes the algebric
r r r
® Two vectors a & b are linearly dependent Þ a is length of these perpendiculars are considered as y and x
r r r r coordinates respectively.
parallel to b i.e. a ´ b = 0 Þ linear dependence of a &
r r r r r 1.4 Vector Representation of a Point in Space
b . Conversely if a ´ b ¹ 0 then a & b are linearly
independent. If the coordinates of a point P in space are (x, y, z) then the position

r r r vector of the point P with respect to the same origin is x î + yĵ + zk̂ .
® If three vectors a, b, c are linearly dependent, then they
r r r r r r 2. DISTANCE FORMULA
are coplanar i.e. [a, b, c] = 0 conversely, if [a, b, c] ¹ 0 ,
then the vectors are linearly independent. Distance between any two points (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) is

given as ( x1 - x 2 ) 2 + ( y1 - y 2 ) 2 + (z1 - z 2 ) 2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
14

Vector method NOTES :

We know that if position vector of two points A and B are given
All these formulae are very much similar to two dimensional
as OA and OB then coordinate geometry.

|AB| = | OB - OA | 3.1 Centroid of a Triangle

Þ |AB| = (x2i + y2j + z2k) – (x1i + y1j + z1k)|
æ x + x 2 + x 3 y1 + y 2 + y 3 z1 + z 2 + z 3 ö
Þ |AB| = 2 2 2 Gºç 1 , , ÷
x 2 - x1 + y 2 - y1 + z 2 - z1 è 3 3 3 ø

2.1 Distance of a Point P From Coordinate Axes

Let PA, PB and PC be the distances of the point P(x, y, z) from the
coordinate axes OX, OY and OZ respectively then

PA = y 2 + z 2 , PB = z 2 + x 2 , PC = x 2 + y2

3. SECTION FORMULA 3.2. In - Centre of Triangle ABC

(i) Internal Division

æ ax1 + bx 2 + cx 3 ay1 + by 2 + cy 3 az1 + bz 2 + cz 3 ö
If point P divides the distance between the points A (x1, y1, z1) ç , , ÷
è a+b+c a+b+c a+b+c ø
and B (x2, y2, z2) in the ratio of m : n (internally) then the coordinates
of P are given by Where | AB | = a, | BC | = b, | CA | = c

æ mx 2 + nx1 my 2 + ny1 mz 2 + nz1 ö 3.3 Centroid of a Tetrahedron

ç , , ÷
è m+n m+n m+n ø
If A (x1, y1, z1), B (x2, y2, z2), C (x3, y3, z3), and D (x4, y4, z4) are the
vertices of a tetrahedron then the coordinates of its centroid (G)
are given by

æ å xi å yi å zi ö
(ii) External division çç , , ÷
è 4 4 4 ÷ø
æ mx 2 - nx1 my 2 - ny1 mz 2 - nz1 ö
ç , , ÷
è m-n m-n m-n ø 4. RELATION BETWEEN TWO LINES

Two lines in the space may be coplanar and may be non- coplanar.
Non- coplanar lines are called skew lines if they never intersect
each other. Two parallel lines are also non intersecting lines but
they are coplanar. Whether two lines are intersecting or non
(iii) Mid point intersecting, the angle between them can be obtained.

æ x1 + x 2 y1 + y 2 z1 + z 2 ö 5. DIRECTION COSINES AND DIRECTION RATIOS

ç , , ÷
è 2 2 2 ø
(i) Direction cosines : Let a, b, g be the angles which a directed
line makes with the positive directions of the axes of x, y
and z respectively, then cos a, cosb, cosg are called the
direction cosines of the line. The direction cosines are
usually denoted by (l, m, n).
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
15

6. ANGLE BETWEEN TWO LINES

If two lines having direction ratios a1, b1, c1 and a2, b 2, c 2

respectively then we can consider two vectors parallel to the
lines as a1ˆi + b1ˆj + c1kˆ and a 2 iˆ + b2 ˆj + c2 kˆ and the angle
Thus l = cos a, m = cos b, n = cos g. between them can be given as
(ii) If l, m, n, be the direction cosines of a lines, then
a1a 2 + b1b 2 + c1c 2
l 2 + m2 + n2 = 1 cos q = .
a12 + b12 + c12 a 22 + b 22 + c 22
(iii) Direction ratios : Let a, b, c be proportional to the direction
cosines, l, m, n, then a, b, c are called the direction ratios. (i) The lines will be perpendicular if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0

If a, b, c are the direction ratio of any line L then aî + bˆj + ck̂ a1 b1 c1
= =
(ii) The lines will be parallel if
a 2 b 2 c2
will be a vector parallel to the line L.
(iii) Two parallel lines have same direction cosines i.e. l1 = l2 ,
If l, m, n are direction cosines of line L then l î + mĵ + nk̂ is
m1 = m2, n1 = n2
a unit vector parallel to the line L.
(iv) If l, m, n be the direction cosines and a, b, c be the direction 7. PROJECTION OF A LINE SEGMENT ON A LINE
ratios of a vector, then
(i) If the coordinates of P and Q are (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2)
æ a b öc then the projection of the line segments PQ on a line having
çl = ,m = ,n ÷
ç 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 ÷ 2 2 direction cosines l, m, n is
è a +b +c a +b +c a +b +c ø
| l (x2 – x1) + m(y2 – y1) + n(z2 – z1) |

æ -a -b ö-c
or ç l = ,m = ,n = ÷÷
ç 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
è a +b +c a +b +c a +b +c ø

(v) If OP = r, when O is the origin and the direction cosines of

OP are l, m, n then the coordinates of P are (lr, mr, nr).
If direction cosines of the line AB are l, m, n, | AB | = r, and
the coordinates of A are (x1, y1, z1) then the coordinates of r r
(ii) Vector form : projection of a vector a on another vector b
B are given as (x1 + rl, y1 + rm, z1 + rn)
r r
(vi) If the coordinates of P and Q are (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) r a×b
is a × b̂ = r In the above case we can consider PQ
then the direction ratios of line PQ are a = x2 – x1, |b|
b = y2 – y1 and c = z2 – z1 and the direction cosines of line
r
as (x2 – x1) î + (y2 – y1) ĵ + (z2 – z1) k̂ in place of a and
x 2 - x1 y 2 - y1 z 2 - z1
PQ are l = ,m= and n = r
| PQ | | PQ | | PQ |
l î + m ĵ + n k̂ in place of b.
(vii) Direction cosines of axes : Since the positive x–axis makes r r r r
angles 0°, 90°, 90° with axes of x, y and z respectively, (iii) l | r |, m | r |, and n | r | are the projection of r in x, y and z
therefore axes.

Direction cosines of x–axis are (1, 0, 0) r r

(iv) r = | r | (l î + m ĵ + n k̂ )
Direction cosines of y–axis are (0, 1, 0)
Direction cosines of z–axis are (0, 0, 1)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
16

8. EQUATION OF A LINE 9. SKEW LINES

(i) The equation of a line passing through the point (i) The straight lines which are not parallel and non–coplanar
(x1, y1, z1) and having direction ratios a, b, c is i.e. non–intersecting are called skew lines.

x - x1 y - y1 z - z1 a'-a b'-b g '- g

= = = r. This form is called symmetric
a b c If D = l m n ¹ 0, then the lines are skew..
form. A general point on the line is given by l' m' n'
(x1 + ar, y1 + br, z1 + cr).
r r r r
(ii) Vector equation : Vector equation of a straight line passing (ii) Vector Form : For lines a1 + lb1 and a 2 + lb 2 to be skew
r
through a fixed point with position vector a and parallel r r r r r r r r
r r r r (b1 ´ b 2 ) × a 2 - a1 ¹ 0 or [b1 b 2 (a 2 - a1 )] ¹ 0.
to a given vector b is r = a + l b where l is a scalar..
(iii) Shortest distance between the two parallel lines
(iii) The equation of the line passing through the points r
r r
(x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) is r r r r r r (a 2 - a1 ) ´ b
r = a1 + lb and r = a 2 + mb is d = r .
|b|
x - x1 y - y1 z - z1
= =
x 2 - x1 y 2 - y1 z 2 - z1
10. PLANE
(iv) Vector equation of a straight line passing through two
r r If a line joining any two points on a surface lies completely on it
r r r r
points with position vectors a and b is r = a + l(b - a ) . then the surface is a plane.
OR
(v) Reduction of cartesion form of equation of a line to vector
form and vice versa If a line joining any two points on a surface is perpendicular to
some fixed straight line, then the surface is called a plane. This
x - x1 y - y1 z - z1 fixed line is called the normal to the plane.
= =
a b c
10.1 Equation of a Plane
r
Û r = (x1ˆi + yjˆ + z1k)
ˆ + l(aiˆ + bjˆ + ck)
ˆ .
(i) Normal form of the equation of a plane is
l x + my + nz = p where l, m, n are the direction cosines of
NOTES : the normal to the plane and p is the distance of the plane
from the origin.
Straight lines parallel to co–ordinate axes : (ii) General form : ax + by + cz + d = 0 is the equation of a plane
Straight lines Equation where a, b, c are the direction ratios of the normal to the
plane.
(i) Through origin y = mx, z = nx
(iii) The equation of a plane passing through the point
(ii) x–axis y = 0, z = 0 (x1, y1, z1) is given by a (x – x1) + b (y – y1) + c (z – z1) = 0 where
(iii) y–axis x = 0, z = 0 a, b, c are the direction ratios of the normal to the plane.
(iv) Plane through three points : The equation of the plane
(iv) z–axis x = 0, y = 0
through three non–collinear points (x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ),
(v) Parallel to x–axis y = p, z = q
x y z 1
(vi) Parallel to y–axis x = h, z = q x1 y1 z1 1
(x2, y2, z2), (x3, y3, z3) is =0
(vii) Parallel to z–axis x = h, y = p x2 y2 z2 1
x3 y3 z3 1
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
17

(v) Intercept Form : The equation of a plane cutting intercepts (g) Equation of a plane passing through a given point and
parallel to the given vectors : The equation of a plane
x y z r
a, b, c on the axes is + + =1 passing through a point having position vector a and
a b c
r r r r r r
(vi) Vector form : The equation of a plane passing through a parallel to b and c is r = a + l b + m c (parametric form
r r where l and m are scalars).
point having position vector a and normal to vector n is
r r r r r r r r r r r r r
( r - a ) × n = 0 or r × n = a × n or r × (b ´ c) = a × (b ´ c) (non- parametric form)

NOTES : 11 ANGLE BETWEEN TWO PLANES

(a) Vector equation of a plane normal to unit vector n̂ and (i) Consider two planes ax + by + cz + d = 0 and
r a’x + b’y + c’z + d’ = 0. Angle between these planes is the
at a distance d from the origin is r × n
ˆ =d
angle between their normals. Since direction ratios of their
(b) Planes parallel to the coordinate planes
normals are (a, b, c) and (a’, b’, c’) respectively, hence the
(i) Equation of yz–plane is x = 0 angle q between them is given by
(ii) Equation of xz–plane is y = 0
aa '+bb'+ cc'
(iii) Equation of xy–plane is z = 0 cos q =
a + b + c 2 a ' 2 + b '2 + c'2
2 2
(c) Planes parallel to the axes :
If a = 0, the plane is parallel to x–axis i.e. equation of the Planes are perpendicular if aa’ + bb’ + cc’ = 0 and planes are
plane parallel to the x–axis is by + cz + d = 0. a b c
parallel if = =
Similarly, equation of planes parallel to y–axis and parallel a ' b' c'
to z–axis are ax + cz + d = 0 and ax + by + d = 0 respectively. r r r r
(ii) The angle q between the planes r × n1 = d1 , r × n 2 = d 2 is
(d) Plane through origin : Equation of plane passing
r r
through origin is ax + by + cz = 0. n1 × n 2
given by cosq = r r Planes are perpendicular if
(e) Transformation of the equation of a plane to the normal | n1 || n 2 |
form : To reduce any equation ax + by + cz – d = 0 to the r r r r
n1 × n 2 = 0 and Planes are parallel if n1 = ln 2 .
normal form, first write the constant term on the right
hand side and make it positive, then divided each term
12. A PLANE AND A POINT
by a + b + c , where a, b, c are coefficients of x, y
2 2 2

and z respectively e.g. (i) Distance of the point x ¢ , y¢ , z ¢ from the plane

ax by cz ax '+ by '+ cz '+ d

+ + ax + by + az + d = 0 is given by
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
± a +b +c ± a +b +c ± a +b +c a2 + b2 + c2

(ii) The length of the perpendicular from a point having

d r r r
= position vector a to a plane r × n = d is given by
± a 2 + b 2 + c2
r r
Where (+) sign is to be taken if d > 0 and (–) sign is to be | a ×n - d |
p= r .
taken if d < 0. |n|

(f) Any plane parallel to the given plane ax + by + cz + d = 0

13. ANGLE BISECTORS
is ax + by + cz + l = 0. Distance between two parallel
planes ax + by + cz + d1 = 0 and ax + dy + xz + d2 = 0 is (i) The equations of the planes bisecting the angle between
| d1 - d 2 | two given planes a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 and
given as
a 2 + b2 + c2 a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 are
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
18

a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 a 2 x + b2 y + c2z + d 2 15. ANGLE BETWEEN A PLANE AND A LINE
=±
a12 + b12 + c12 a 22 + b 22 + c 22
x - x1 y - y1 z - z1
(i) If q is the angle between the line = =
(ii) Equation of bisector of the angle containing origin : First l m n
make both the constant terms positive. Then the positive and the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0, then

a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 a 2 x + b2 y + c2z + d 2

sign in =± é al + bm + cn ù
a12 + b12 + c12 a 22 + b 22 + c 22 sin q = ê ú
êë (a + b + c 2 ) l 2 + m2 + n 2
2 2
úû
gives the bisector of the angle which contains the origin.
r r r
(iii) Bisector of acute/obtuse angle : First make both the (ii) Vector form : If q is the angle between a line r = (a + lb)
constant terms positive. Then r
r r é b × nr ù
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 > 0 and r × n = d then sin q = ê r r ú .
ëê | b | | n | ûú
Þ origin lies in obtuse angle
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 < 0 l m n r r
(iii) Condition for perpendicularity = = , b´n = 0
a b c
Þ origin lies in acute angle
r r
(iv) Condition for parallelism al + bm + cn = 0, b × n = 0
14. FAMILY OF PLANES
16. CONDITION FOR A LINE TO LIE IN A PLANE
(i) The equation of any plane passing through the line of
intersection of non–parallel planes a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 x - x1 y - y1 z - z1
and a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 is given by a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 (i) Cartesian form : Line = = would lie in
l m n
+ l (a2x + b2y + c2z + d2) = 0 a plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 if ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d = 0 and
(ii) The equation of plane passing through the intersection of al + bm + cn = 0.
r r r r r r r r r r
the planes r × n1 = d1 and r × n 2 = d2 is r × ( n1 + ln 2 ) = d1 (ii) Vector form : Line r = a + lb would lie in the plane
r r r r r
+ ld2 where l is an arbitrary scalar r × n = d if b × nr = 0 and a × n = d
(iii) Plane through a given line : Equation of any plane through
the line in symmetrical form. 17. COPLANER LINES

x - x1 y - y1 z - z1 x - a y -b z - g
= = is A ( x – x 1 ) + B ( y – y 1 ) + (i) If the given lines are = = and
l m n l m n
C (z – z1) = 0 where Al + Bm + Cn = 0 x - a' y - b' z - g '
= = , then the condition for
l' m' n'
NOTES :
a - a' b - b' g - g '
A straight line in space is characterised by the intersection of intersection/coplanarity is l m n = 0 and
two planes which are not parallel and therefore, the equation l' m' n'
of a straight line is a solution of the system constituted by the
the plane containing the above two lines is
equations of the two planes a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 and
a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0. This form is also known as non– x -a y-b z - g
symmetrical form. l m n =0
l' m' n'
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
19

(ii) Condition of coplanarity if both the lines are in general (ii) A plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 divides the line segment joining
assymetric form :-
x1 , y1 , z1 and x 2 , y2 , z 2 in the ratio
ax + by + cz + d = 0 = a’x + b’y + c’z + d’ and
ax + by + gz + d = 0 = a’x + b’y + g’z + d’ æ ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d ö
çç - ÷÷
è ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 + d ø
a b c d
(iii) The xy–plane divides the line segment joining the point
a' b ' c' d '
They are coplanar if =0 z1
a b g d (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) in the ratio - . Similarly
z2
a ' b' g ' d'
x1
yz – plane in the ratio of - and zx– plane in the ratio
18. COPLANARITY OF FOUR POINTS x2

If the points A(x1 y1 z1), B(x2 y2 z2), C(x3 y3 z3) and D(x4 y4 z4) are y1
of -
coplaner then y2

x 2 - x1 y 2 - y1 z 2 - z1 20. FOOT OF PERPENDICULAR AND IMAGE OF A

x 3 - x1 y3 - y1 z 3 - z1 = 0 POINT W.R.T. A PLANE
x 4 - x1 y 4 - y1 z 4 - z1
Let P (x1, y1, z1) be a given point and ax + by + cz + d = 0 be a given
r r r plane. Let (x’, y’, z’) be the image point. Then,
Similarly, in vector method the points A ( r1 ), B( r2 ), C( r3 ) and
r
D( r4 ) are coplanar if there exists 4 scalars a, b, c and d such that x '- x1 y '- y1 z '- z1 -2 ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d
= = =
r r r r a b c a2 + b2 + c2
a + b + c + d = 0 and ar1 + br2 + cr3 + dr4 = 0
And if (x2, y2, z2) is foot of perpendicular from point P on given
19. SIDES OF A PLANE plane, then

(i) A plane divides the three dimensional space in two parts. x2 - x1 y2 - y1 z2 - z1 - ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d
= = =
Two points A (x1 y1 z1) and B (x2 y2 z2) are on the same side a b c a 2 + b2 + c 2
of the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 if ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d and
ax2 + by2 + cz2 + d are both positive or both negative and
are on opposite sides of plane if these values are opposite
in signs.
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
20

SOLVED EXAMPLES

Example – 1 Example – 2

r r r r r r Prove that the segment joining mid–points of the diagonals

Show that the point P (a + 2b + c ) , Q ( a - b - c ) , of a trapezium is parallel to the parallel sides of the trapezium
r r r r r r and is equal to half the difference of their lengths.
R(3a + b + 2c ) and S(5a + 3b + 5c ) are coplanar given
r r r Sol. Let ABCD be the given trapezium and M, N be the mid
that a, b, c are non–coplanar.. points of the diagonals AC and BD.
Sol. To show that P, Q, R, S are coplanar, we will show that r r r r
Let a, b, c, d be the position vectors of A, B, C, D
uuur uuur uur
PQ, PR, PS are coplanar.. respectively.

uuur r using section formula, mid points of AC and BD are :

r
PQ = – 3 b - 2c

uuur r r r
PR = 2 a - b + c
uur r r r
PS = 4 a + b + 4c
uuur uuur uur
Let PQ = l PR + m PS

r r r r r r r r
Þ -3b - 2c = l (2a - b + c) + m (4a + b + 4c)
r r r r r r r r r
Þ -3b - 2c = (2l + 4m) a + (–l + u) b + (l + 4m) c r a +c r b+d
m= , n=
2 2
r r r
As the vectors, a, b, c are non–coplanar, we can equate
r r r r
their coefficients. uuuur r r (a + c) - (b + d)
Þ NM = m - n =
2
Þ 0 = 2l + 4m
r r r r
Þ –3 = – l + m uuuur æ c - b ö - æ d - a ö
Þ NM = ç 2 ÷ ç 2 ÷
Þ –2 = l + 4m è ø è ø
l = 2, m = – 1 is the unique solution for the above system uuuur uuur uuur
Þ NM = 1 / 2 BC - AD
of equations.
uuur uuur uur uuur uuur
Þ PQ = 2 PR – PS Let BC = k (AD)
uuuur uuur
uuur uuur uur uuur Þ NM = 1/2 (k – 1) AD
PQ, PR, PS are coplanar because PQ is a linear
uuur uur NM || AD and NM = 1/2 (k – 1) AD
combination of PR and PS .
k ( AD) - AD BC - AD
Þ the points P, Q, R, S are also coplanar. Þ NM = =
2 2
Þ NM is parallel to AD (and BC) and is half the difference of
BC and AD.
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
21
Example – 3 r r r r r r
Þ f = (a + b) / 2 Þ 2f = a + b
Show that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each Now try to make the RHS of each equation equal.
other. r r r r r
Þ 2d + a = a + b + c
r r r r
Sol. Let a, b, c, d be the position vectors of a vertices of a
Þ r r r r r
parallelogram ABCD. 2e + b = b + c + a
AB = DC and AB || DC r r r r r
Þ 2f + c = c + a + b
(because ABCD is a parallelogram) r r r r r r r r r
Þ 2d + a = 2e + b = 2f + c = a + b + c
Note that the sum of scalar coefficients of vectors is equal
to 3 in each expression.We divide each term by 3.
r r r r r r r r r
2d + a 2e + b 2f + c a + b + c
Þ = = =
3 3 3 3
r r r r r r r r r
2d + a 2e + b 2f + c a + b + c
uuur uuur Þ = = =
Þ AB = DC 2 +1 2 +1 2 +1 2 +1
r r r r r r r
Þ b-a = c-d Þ the point G [ (a + b + c) /3] divides AD, BE and CF each
r r r r internally in ratio 2 : 1. Hence G is the common point of
Þ (b + d) / 2 = (a + c) / 2 intersection of all medians.
Þ P.V of mid point of BD = P.V of mid point of AC Þ medians are concurrent and centroid G divides each median
Þ mid points of BD and AC coincide. Hence AC and BD in 2 : 1.
bisect each other. r r r
æa+b+cö
Example – 4 Centroid G º ç ÷
è 3 ø
Show that the medians of the triangle are concurrent and
Example – 5
the point of concurrence divides each median in the ratio
2 : 1. Show that the angle in semi–circle is a right angle.
r r r
Sol. Let a, b, c be the position vectors of the vertices of a Sol. Let O be the centre and r be the radius of the semi–circle.
triangle ABC.
rrr
Let D, E, F be the mid–points of sides with P.Vd, e, f as
shown.

uuur uuur r uuur r

Let OP = QO = a and OR = b
uuur r r uuur r r
Þ QR = a + b and RP = a - b
uuur uuur r r r r
Now QR . RP = a + b . a - b

= a2 – b 2
= a 2 – b2 = 0
r r r r r r
Þ d = (b + c) / 2 Þ 2d = b + c because a = b = radius of the semi–circle.
uuur uuur
r r r r r r Q QR . RP = 0 Þ q = 90°
Þ e = (c + a) / 2 Þ 2e = c + a
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
22

Example – 6 cube opposite to O, A, B, C respectively.

The vertices of a triangle are A (2, 3, 0), B (–3, 2, 1) and

C (4, –1, 0). Find the area of the triangle ABC and unit
vector normal to the plane of this triangle.
uuur uuur
Sol. Area of DABC = 1/2 | AB ´ AC |

Hence the diagonals of the cube are OP, AQ, BR, & CS.
uuur
OP = a ˆi + a ˆj + a kˆ
uuur
AQ = a ˆi + a ˆj + a kˆ
uuur
uuur BR = a ˆi – a ˆj + a kˆ
AB = (–3 –2) ˆi + (2–3) ˆj + (1 - 0) kˆ uuur
uuur CS = a ˆi + a ˆj – a kˆ
Þ AB = –5 ˆi – ˆj + kˆ
uuur If n̂ = x ˆi + y ˆj + z kˆ is the unit vector along the line
and AC = 2iˆ – 4ˆj + 0kˆ which makes the angles a, b, g & d with diagonals,
uuur
n̂ . OP ax + ay + az x + y + z
î ĵ k̂ cos a = uuur = =
| OP | | nˆ | a 3 3
uuur uuur
AB ´ AC = - 5 - 1 1 = 4iˆ + 2jˆ + 22kˆ
2 -4 0 -x + y + z x-y+z
cos b = ; cos g =
3 3

1 x+y-z
Þ area of DABC = 16 + 4 + 484 = 126 sq. units cos d =
2 3
and unit vector normal to the plane of this triangle Þ cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g + cos2 d
uuur uuur 1
AB ´ AC 4iˆ + 2ˆj + 22kˆ [ (x + y + z)2 + (–x + y + z)2 + (x – y + z)2 + (x + y – z)2 ]
= uuur uuur = 3
| AB ´ AC | 2 126
1
4 (x2 + y2 + z2) = 4/3 [Q x2 + y2 + z2 = 1]
2î + ĵ + 11k̂ 3
=
126
Example – 8
Example – 7 r r r ˆ r
Show that : ˆi ´ (a ´ ˆi) + ˆj ´ (a ´ ˆj) + kˆ ´ (a ´ k) = 2a.
A line makes angles a, b, g and d with the diagonals of a
r r r r r
cube. Prove that : Sol. L.H.S. = [(iˆ × ˆi)a - (iˆ × a)i]
ˆ + [(jˆ × ˆj)a - (jˆ × a)j]
ˆ + [(kˆ × k)
ˆ a
cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g + cos2 d = 4/3 r ˆ
-(kˆ × a)k]
Sol. Let the origin O be one of the vertices of the cube and OA,
OB, OC be the edges through O along the axes so that : r r r r r r
= a + a + a - [(iˆ × a)iˆ + (ˆj × a)jˆ + (kˆ × a)k]
ˆ
uuur uuur uuur
OA = a ˆi , OB = a ˆj , OC = a kˆ r r r r
= 3 a - [a x ˆi + a yˆj + a z k]
ˆ = 3 a - a = 2a = R.H.S.
where a is the length of the edge of the cube
r
Let P, Q, R, S be the other vertices of the Note : It is useful to remember that x–component of a = a x iˆ
etc ......
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
23

Example – 9
Þ (3 + l) î + (l – 1) ĵ + (l + 1) k̂ = (m + 2) î + ( 2 – m) ĵ
Find a vector of magnitude 5 units coplanar with vectors + (2m – 2) k̂
3iˆ – ˆj – kˆ and ˆi + ˆj – 2kˆ and perpendicular to the vector Þ 3+ l= m+2 ...(i)

2iˆ + 2jˆ + kˆ . Þ l–1=2–m ...(ii)

Þ l + 1 = 2m – 2 ...(iii)
r
Sol. Let a = 3iˆ – ˆj – kˆ The lines are intersecting if these equations are
r consistent.
b = iˆ + ˆj – 2kˆ
from (i) and (ii), we get
r
and c = 2iˆ + 2jˆ + kˆ l = 1, m = 2
r Substituting these values in (iii), we get
A vector coplanar with ar and b and perpendicualr to cr
1 + 1 = 2 (2) – 2
can be taken as
Þ 2=2
r r r r
r = lc ´ (a ´ b) where l is a scalar Þ l = 1, m = 2
satisfied (iii) also
î ˆj k̂ Hence lines are intersecting and the point of intersection is :
r r
a × b = 3 - 1 - 1 = 3î + 5 ĵ + 4k̂ r
p = 3iˆ – ˆj + kˆ + l ˆi + ˆj + kˆ
1 1 -2

= 3iˆ – ˆj + kˆ + ˆi + ˆj + kˆ
ˆi ˆj kˆ
r r r = 4iˆ + 2kˆ
c ´ (a ´ b) = 2 2 1 = 3iˆ – 5jˆ + 4kˆ
3 5 4 Þ the coordinates of this point are (4, 0, 2).

Example – 11
r
Þ r = l 3iˆ – 5ˆj + 4kˆ
The vertices of a triangle ABC are A (1, 0, 2),
r B (–2, 1, 3) and C (2, –1, 1). Find the equation of the line
| r | = | l | 9 + 25 +15 = 5
BC, the foot of the perpendicular from A to BC and the
length of the perpendicular.
5 1
l=± =± Sol. A vector parallel to BC is
5 2 2
r r
BC = c - b = 4iˆ – 2jˆ – 2kˆ
r 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
the required vector is r = ± (3i - 5 j + 4k)
2

Example – 10

r
Show that the lines r = 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ + l ˆi + ˆj + kˆ and
r
r = 2iˆ + 2ˆj – 2kˆ + m ˆi – ˆj + 2kˆ are intersecting and hence
find their point of intersection. r r r r
Þ the equation of BC is : r = b + t(c - b)
r
Sol. Let p be the position vector of their point of intersection. r
Þ r = –2iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ + t 4iˆ - 2ˆj - 2k
r
Þ p = 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ + l (iˆ + ˆj + k)
ˆ = 2iˆ + 2jˆ –2k+
ˆ m (iˆ –jˆ + 2k)
ˆ
Let position vector of D be
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
24

r
d = –2iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ + t 4iˆ - 2ˆj - 2kˆ

because D lies on line BC.

uuur uuur
Now AD ^ BC
uuur uuur
Þ AD . BC = 0 Þ the equation of the plane is
r r r r r r uur r
Þ (r - a).N = 0 where a = 2iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ
(d - a) × (c - b) = 0
r uur r uur
Þ r.N=a.N
Þ é -3iˆ + ˆj + kˆ + t 4iˆ - 2ˆj - 2kˆ ù . 4iˆ - 2ˆj - 2kˆ = 0
ë û r
Þ r . -3iˆ - 8jˆ - kˆ = -6 - 8 - 3
Þ (4t – 3) 4 + (1 – 2t) (–2) + (1 – 2t) (–2) = 0
Þ 24t – 16 = 0 r
Þ r . -3iˆ - 8jˆ - kˆ = -17
Þ t = 2/3
r r
Þ d = –2iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ + (2 / 3) (4iˆ - 2jˆ - 2k)
ˆ The given line is r = iˆ - ˆj + kˆ + l (2iˆ + k)
ˆ

To find the point of intersection, we solve these equations

r 2 1 5
d = ˆi - ˆj + kˆ simultaneously.
3 3 3
Þ éˆi - ˆj + kˆ + l 2iˆ + kˆ ù . -3iˆ - 8jˆ - kˆ = -17
æ2 1 5ö ë û
Þ D º ç ,- , ÷
è3 3 3ø Þ (2 l + 1) (–3) + 8 + (l + 1) (–1) = – 17
Þ l =3
uuur r r æ 2 ö 1 æ 5 ö
AD = d - a = ç - 1÷ ˆi - ˆj + ç - 2 ÷ kˆ Þ the point of intersection is
è 3 ø 3 è 3 ø
r ˆ ˆ ˆ
r = i - j + k + 3 (2iˆ + k)
ˆ
1ˆ 1ˆ 1 ˆ uuur 3 1
=– i - j- k AD = | AD | = = units r
3 3 3 3 3 Þ r = 7iˆ - ˆj + 4kˆ
Þ coordinates are (7, –1, 4)
Example – 12
Example – 13
Find the equation of the plane passing through the points
A (2, 1, 3), B (–1, 2, 4) and C (0, 2, 1). Hence find the From the point A (1, 2, 0), perpendicular is drawn to the
coordinate of the point of intersection of the plane ABC r
plane r . 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ = 2 meeting it at the point P. Find the
r
and the line r = ˆi – ˆj + kˆ + l (2iˆ + k)
ˆ .
coordinates of point P and the distance AP.
uur
Sol. Let N be a vector perpendicular to the plane of DABC. Sol. Let us first find the equation of line AP. As AP is normal to
uuur uuur uur
uur the plane, the vector N = 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ is parallel to AP..
Þ N = AB ´ AC
r
= -3iˆ + ˆj + kˆ ´ -2iˆ + ˆj - 2kˆ Þ equation of AP is r = iˆ + 2ˆj + t (3iˆ - ˆj + k)
ˆ

Now we solve equations of AP and plane to get point P.

î ĵ k̂ éˆi + 2jˆ + t 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ ù . 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ = 2

Þ ë û
= -3 1 1
-2 1 -2 Þ (3t + 1) 3 + (2 – t) (–1) + t = 2
Þ t = 1/11
= -3iˆ - 8jˆ - kˆ
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
25

Solve BQ and CD to get :

5iˆ + 7ˆj - 2kˆ + l1 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ + l 2 2iˆ + 7 ˆj - 5kˆ

= -3iˆ + 3ˆj + 6kˆ + l 3 -3iˆ + 2ˆj + 4kˆ

Equating the coefficients of i, j and k, we get

r
Þ point P is r = iˆ + 2ˆj + 1/11 (3iˆ - ˆj + k)
ˆ 5 + 3l1 + 2l2 = – 3 (1 + l3) ....(1)
7 – l1 + 7l2 = 3 + 2l3 ....(2)
r 14 ˆ 21 ˆ 1 ˆ
r = i+ j+ k –2 + l1 – 5l2 = 6 + 4l3 ....(3)
11 11 11
Solve equations (1), (2) and (3) to get :
æ 14 21 1 ö l2 = – 1, l3 = – 1 and l1 = – 1
Þ Pº ç , , ÷
è 11 11 11 ø Þ D º (2, 8, –3) and C º (0, 1, 2)

2 2 2 Example – 15
æ 14 ö æ 21 ö æ 1 ö
AP = ç - 1÷ + ç - 2 ÷ + ç - 0 ÷
è 11 ø è 11 ø è 11 ø The volume of the parallelopiped whose sides are given
by OA = 2î - 3 ĵ, OB = î + ĵ - k̂ , OC = 3î - k̂, is :
1
=
11 4
(a) (b) 4
13
Example – 14
2
The position vectors of the points P and Q are (c) (d) none of these
7
5iˆ + 7jˆ - 2kˆ and - 3iˆ + 3jˆ + 6kˆ respectively. The vector
Ans. (b)
r
A = 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ passes through the point P and the vector
ur 2 -3 0
rr r
B = -3iˆ + 2jˆ + 4kˆ passes through the point Q. A third = é a b c ù = 1 1 -1
Sol. The volume of parallelopiped ë û
r r 3 0 -1
vector 2iˆ + 7jˆ - 5kˆ intersects vectors A and B . Find
the position vectors of the points of intersection.
= 2( -1) + 3( -1 + 3) = -2 + 6 = 4
r
Sol. Equation of line AP º r = 5iˆ + 7 ˆj - 2kˆ + l1 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ
Example – 16
Equation of line BQ º
The points with position vectors
r
r = -3iˆ + 3jˆ + 6kˆ + l 3 -3iˆ + 2ˆj + 4kˆ
60iˆ + 3j,
ˆ 40iˆ - 8j,
ˆ aiˆ - 52jˆ are collinear, if :
Since Point D lies on AP, its position vector can be taken (a) a = – 40 (b) a = 40
r
as : d = 5iˆ + 7 ˆj - 2kˆ + l 1 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ (c) a = 20 (d) none of these
Ans. (a)
A vector parallel to line CD is 2iˆ + 7ˆj - 5kˆ uuur
Sol. if AB = -20$i - 11 j
Equation of line CD º
uuur
r and AC = (a - 60)$i - 55 j , then the three points A. B and
r = 5iˆ + 7 ˆj - 2kˆ + l1 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ + l 2 2iˆ + 7ˆj - 5kˆ
C will be collinear if
solve equation of line BQ with equation of line CD to get
point of intersection C. a - 60 -55
= Þ a = -40
-20 -11
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
26

Example – 17 Example – 19

r r r r
A vector a has components 2p and 1 with respect to a If a, b, c are non-coplanar unit vectors such that
rectangular cartesian system. This system is rotated
r r
through a certain angle about the origin in the counter r r r b+c r r
r a ´ b´ c = , then the angle between a and b is :
clockwise sense. If, with respect to the new system, a 2
has components p + 1 and 1, then :
3p p
1 (a) (b)
(a) p = 0 (b) p = 1 or p = - 4 4
3
p
1 (c) (d) p
(c) p = 1 or p = (d) p = 1 or p = – 1 2
3
Ans. (a)
Ans. (b)
r r
r r r r b+c
Sol. Here, a = (2 p)$i + j , when a system is rotated,the new Sol. Since, a ´ b ´ c =
r 2
component of a are ( p +1) and 1.
r r r r r r 1 r 1 r
r r2 r2 Þ a×c b - a×b c = b+ c
i.e. b = ( p + 1) $i + j Þ a = b 2 2
r
On equating the coefficient of c ,we get
or 4 p2 + 1 = ( p + 1)2 + 1 Þ 4 p2 = p 2 + 2 p + 1
r r 1 r r 1
Þ 3 p 2 - 2 p - 1 = 0 Þ (3 p + 1)( p - 1) = 0 a ×b = - Þ a b cos q = -
2 2
1
Þ p = 1, - 1 3p
3 \ cos q = - Þq =
2 4
Example – 18
Example – 20
Let a, b, c be distinct non-negative numbers. If the vectors
r r r r r r
Let u, v and w be vectors such that u + v + w = 0. If
aî + aĵ + ck̂ , î + k̂ and cî + cĵ + bk̂ lie in a plane, then c is:
r r r r r r r r r
u = 3, v = 4 and | w | = 5, then u × v + v × w + w × u is :
(a) the Arithmetic Mean of a and b
(b) the Geometric Mean of a and b (a) 47 (b) – 25
(c) the Harmonic Mean of a and b (c) 0 (d) 25
(d) equal to zero Ans. (b)
Ans. (b) r r ur r
Sol. Since, u + v + w = 0
Sol. Since, three vectors are coplanar.
r r ur 2
a a c Þ u+v+w = 0
1 0 1 =0
r 2 r 2 ur 2 r r r ur ur r
c c b Þ u + v + w + 2 u ×v + v × w + w×u = 0

0 a c r r r ur ur r
Þ 9 + 16 + 25 + 2 u × v + v × w + w × u = 0
Applying C1 ® C1 - C2 1 0 1 = 0
0 c b r r r ur ur r
Þ u × v + v × w + w × u = -25

Þ -1 ab - c 2 = 0 Þ ab = c 2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
27

Example – 21 r
Also, c = 3 [given]
r r r
If a , b and c are three non-coplanar vectors, then
Þ 1 + a 2 + b 2 = 3 é given, c = $i + a j + b k ù
r r r r r r r ë û
(a + b + c).[(a + b) × (a + c)] equals :
rrr Þ 1 + a 2 + 1 = 3 Þ a 2 = 1 Þ a = ±1
(a) 0 (b) [a b c]
Example – 23
rrr rrr
(c) 2 × [a b c] (d) - [a b c]
r r r
Ans. (d) Let a = 2î + ĵ - 2k̂ and b = î + ĵ. If c is a vector such

r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
a +b+c ×é a +b ´ a +c ù that a × c = c , c - a = 2 2 and the angle between a ´ b
Sol. ë û
r r r r
r r r r r r r r r r r and c is 30º, then a ´ b ´ c is equal to :
= a + b + c × éë a ´ a + a ´ c + b ´ a + b ´ c ùû
2 3
r r r r r r r r r (a) (b)
= a × a ´c + a × b´a + a× b´c 3 2
(c) 2 (d) 3
r r r r r r r r r
+ b× a ´c + a × b´ a + b× b´c Ans. (b)
r
Sol. In this equation, vector c is not given therefore,
r r r r r r r r r
c × a´ c + c × b´a + c × b´c r r r
we cannot apply the formulae of a ´ b ´ c
r rr r rr rr r r rr (vector triple product).
Þ a b c + b a c + c b a Þ\ a b c
r r r r r r
a ´ b ´ c = a ´ b c sin 30° ...(i)
Example – 22

r r r
If a = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ, b = 4iˆ + 3ˆj + 4kˆ and c = î + aĵ + b k̂ are $i j k
r r
r a ´ b = 2 1 -2 = 2$i - 2 j + k
linearly dependent vectors and c = 3 , then :
1 1 0
(a) a = 1, b = – 1 (b) a = 1, b = ± 1
(c) a = – 1, b = ± 1 (d) a = ± 1, b = 1 r r
Þ a ´ b = 22 + (-2)2 + 1 = 4 + 4 + 1 = 9 = 3
Ans. (d)
r r r r r
Sol. Since, a , b , c are linearly dependent vectors. Since, c - a = 2 2 [given]
r r r
Þ éë a b c ùû = 0 r r2
Þ c-a =8

1 1 1 r r r r
Þ c-a × c-a =8
Þ 4 3 4 =0
r r r r r r r r
1 a b Þ c×c - c×a - a×c + a×a = 8
r2 r2 r r
Applying, C1 ® C2 - C1 , C3 ® C3 - C1 , Þ c + a - 2a × c = 8

1 0 0 r2 r
Þ c +9-2 c =8
4 -1 0 = 0 Þ -( b - 1) = 0 Þ b = 1
1 a -1 b -1
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
28

r2 r r r
Þ c - 2 c +1 = 0 Þ c = p -3 j + 3k Þ c = p (-3) 2 + 32

r 2 r r2 2 r
Þ c -1 = 0 Þ c =1 Þ c = p2 18 Þ c = p 2 .18

r
r r r æ1ö 3 Þ 1 = p 2 .18 éQ c = 1ù
From Eq.(1), a ´ b ´ c = (3)(1). ç ÷ = ë û
è 2ø 2
1 1
Example – 24 Þ p2 = Þ p=±
18 3 2
r r r
Let a = 2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ, b = iˆ + 2 ˆj - kˆ and a unit vector c be
r r r r 1 -j+k
coplanar. If c is perpendicular to a , then c is equal to : \c = ±
2
1 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
(a) - ĵ + k̂ (b) -i - j - k Example – 25
2 3
r r r
1 1 Let a = 2iˆ - ˆj + kˆ, b = iˆ + 2 ˆj - kˆ and c = î + ĵ - 2k̂ be
î - 2 ĵ î - ĵ - k̂
(c)
5
(d)
5 r r
three vectors. A vector in the plane of b and c , whose
Ans. (a) r 2 / 3 , is
projection on a is of magnitude
r r r
Sol. It is given that c is coplanar with a and b , we take
(a) 2î + 3ˆj - 3k̂ (b) 2î + 3ˆj + 3k̂
r r r
c = pa + qb ...(i)
(c) - 2î - ĵ + 5k̂ (d) 2î + ĵ + 5k̂
Where, p and q are scalars.
r r r r Ans. (a,c)
Since, c ^ a Þ c × a = 0
r r
r Sol. Given vectors are a = 2$i - j + k , b = $i + 2 j - k and
Taking dot product of a in Eq.(i), we get
r
r r r r r r r2 r r c = i$ + j - 2k
c × a = pa × a + qb × a Þ 0 = p a + q b × a
r r r
Any vector r in the plane of b and c is
r r r r
éQ a = 2$i + j + k ù r = b + t c = $i + 2 j - k + t $i + j - 2 k
êr ú
ê a = 22 + 1 + 1 = 6 ú
ê ú = (1 + t )i$ + (2 + t ) j - (1 + 2t )k
ê ar × br = 2$i + j + k × $i + 2 j - k
....(i)
ú
ê ú
ê= 2 + 2 - 1 = 3 ú r r 2
ë û Since,projection r on a is .
3
Þ 0 = p × 6 + q × 3 Þ q = -2 p r r
r ×a 2
On putting in Eq.(i), we get \ r =
a 3
r r
c = pa + b(-2 p)
r r r r r r 2(1 + t ) - (2 + t ) - (1 + 2t ) 2
Þ c = pa - 2 pb Þ c = p a - 2b Þ =
6 3
r
Þ c = p é 2$i + j + k - 2 $i + 2 j - k ù Þ -(1 + t ) = 2 Þ t = 1 or - 3
ë û
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
29

On putting t=1,-3 in Eq.(i) respectively,we get r r

= cos q éQ a = 1, b = 1, given ù
ë û
r$ = 2$i + 3 j - 3k
r r r r r r r r r r
Now, u = a - a × b b Þ u = a - a × b b
or r$ = -2$i - j + 5k

Example – 26 r2 r r r r2
Þ u = a - a×b b
Which of the following expressions are meaningful
r2 r r2
questions? Þ u = a - cos q b
r r r r r r
(a) u × ( v ´ w ) (b) (u × v) × w
r2 r2 r2 r r
r r r r r r Þ u = a + cos 2 q b - 2 cos q a × b
(c) (u × v) w (d) u ´ ( v × w )
Ans. (a,c) r2
Þ u = 1 + cos 2 q - 2 cos2 q
r r ur
Sol. (a) u × v ´ w is a meaningful operation.
r2 r2
Therefore, (a) is the answer. Þ u = 1 - cos2 q Þ u = sin 2 q
r r ur r ur r r r
(b) u × v × w is not meaningful, since v × w is a scalar Also, v = a ´ b [ given]
quantity and for dot product both quantities should
r2 r r 2 r2 r2 r2
be vector. Þ v = a´b Þ v = a b × sin 2 q
Therefore, (b) is not the answer.
r r ur r2
u × v w is meaningful, since it is a simple multiplication Þ v = sin 2 q
(c)
of vector and scalar quantity. r2 r2
\u = v
Therefore, (c) is the answer.
r r ur r ur r r r r r r r r r r r r r
(d) u ´ v × w is not meaningful, since v × w is a scalar Now, u × a = é a - a × b b ù × a = a × a - a × b b × a
ë û
quantity and for cross product, both quantities should
be vector. r2
= a - cos 2 q = 1 - cos 2 q = sin 2 q
Therefore (d) is not the answer.
r r r r
Example – 27 \ u + u × a = sin q + sin 2 q ¹ v

r r r r r r r r r
Let a and b be two non–collinear unit vectors. If
u × b = éa - a × b bù × b
r r r r r r r r r ë û
u = a - (a × b) b and v = a ´ b , then | v | is
r r r r r r r r r r r2
r r r r = a ×b - a ×b b ×b = a ×b - a ×b b
(a) | u | (b) | u | + | u × a |
r r r r r r r r r r r
(c) | u | + | u × b | (d) | u | + u × (a + b) = a × b - a × b = 0 ...(i )
Ans. (a,c) r r r r r r
\ u + u ×b = u + 0 = u = v
r r r r
Sol. Let q be the angle between a and b .Since, a and b are
r r r r r r r r r
non-collinear vectors, then q ¹ 0 and q ¹ p . Also, u × a + b = u × a + u × b = u × a
r r r r r r r r r r r r
We have, a × b = a b cos q Þ u +u× a +b = u +u×a ¹ v
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
30

Example – 28 Example – 30

r r r r r r
Let A ,B,C be three vectors of lengths 3, 4, 5 respectively.. If A , B, C are three non-coplanar vectors, then
r r r r r r
Let A be perpendicular to B + C, B to C + A and r r r r r r
A . B´ C B. A´C
r r r r r r r r r + r r r = ....
C to A + B. Then the length of vector A + B + C is... C ´ A .B C . A´B

Ans. (5 2 )
Ans. (0)
ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur
Sol. Given, A = 3, B = 4, C = 5 A× B ´C B× A´C
Sol. ur ur ur + ur ur ur
ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur C´A ×B C× A´ B
Since, A × B + C = B × C + A = C × A + B = 0 ....(i )
ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur ur
ur ur ur 2 ur 2 ur 2 ur 2 ur ur ur ur ur ur AB C B AC AB C - AB C
\ A + B + C = A + B + C + 2 A× B + B ×C + C × A = ur ur ur + ur ur ur = ur ur ur =0
C AB C AB C A B
= 9 + 16 + 25 + 0
ur ur ur ur ur ur Example – 31
é from Eq.(i ) A × B + B × C + C × A = 0 ù
ë û
r r
ur ur ur 2 If A = 1,1,1 , C = 0 ,1, - 1
are given vectors, then a
\ A + B + C = 50 r r r r
vector B satisfying the equations A ´ B = C and
ur ur ur r r
\ A+ B +C = 5 2 A .B = 3 is ........

Example – 29 5ˆ 2ˆ 2 ˆ
Ans. Þ i + j+ k
2 3 3
A, B, C and D are four points in a plane with position
rrr r ur
vectors a ,b , c and d respectively such that Sol. Let B = xi$ + y j + zk

r r r r r r r r ur ur
a - d . b - c = b - d . c - a = 0 . The point D, then, is Given A = $i + j + k , C = $i - j

the.... of the triangle ABC. ur ur ur

Also, given A ´ B = C
Ans. (Orthocentre)
r ur r r r ur r r Þ (z - y)i$ - (x - z)j$ + (y - x)kˆ = $j - kˆ
Sol. As , a - d × b - c = b - d × c - a = 0
Þ z - y = 0, x - z = 1, y - x = -1
Þ AD ^ BC and BD ^ CA ur ur
Also, A × B = 3 Þ x + y + z = 3
which clearly represents from figure that D is orthocentre
of DABC On solving above equations, we get

5 2
x= ,y=z=
3 3

5ˆ 2ˆ 2 ˆ
Þ i + j+ k
2 3 3
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
31

Example – 32 Example – 33

r
If the vectors aiˆ +ˆj + k
ˆ , ˆi + bjˆ + kˆ and ˆi +ˆj + ck
ˆ (a¹b¹c¹1) ˆ and cr be two vectors perpendicular to
Let b = 4iˆ + 3j
are coplanar, then the value of
each other in the xy-plane. All vectors in the same plane
1 1 1 r r
+ + = ..... having projections 1 and 2 along b and c , respectively,,
1- a 1- b 1- c
are given by .........
Ans. (1)
Sol. Since, vectors are coplanar Ans. 2i$ - j

a 1 1 r
Sol. Let c = ai$ + b j
\1 b 1 = 0
1 1 c r r
Since, b and c are perpendiculars to each other..

r r
Then, b × c = 0 Þ 4$i + 3 j × ai$ + b j = 0
Applying R2 ® R2 - R1 , R3 ® R3 - R1

a 1 1 Þ 4a + 3b = 0 Þ a : b = 3 : -4
1- a b -1 0 =0
r
1- a 0 c -1 \ c = l 3$i + 4 j , where l is constant to ratio.

r
Let the required vectors be a = pi$ + q j
a 1 1
(1 - a ) (1 - b) (1 - c) r r
r r a ×b
Þ1 -1 0 =0 Projection a on b is r
1 0 -1 b

4 p + 3q
\1 = Þ 4 p + 3q = 5 ....(i )
5
a 1 1
\ (1) - (-1) + (1) = 0
1- a 1- b 1- c
r r
r r a×c
Also, projection of a on c is r
a 1 1 c
\ + + =0
1- a 1- b 1- c

1 1 1 3l p - 4l q
\ -1 + + + =0 Þ2= Þ 3 p - 4q = 10
1- a 1- b 1- c 5l

On solving above equations , we get p=2,q=-1

1 1 1
\ + + =1 r
1- a 1- b 1- c \ c = 2$i - j
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
32

Example – 34 r
Þ r - $i × éi$ ´ $i + j ù = 0
ë û
A unit vector coplanar with ˆi +ˆj + 2k
ˆ and ˆi + 2jˆ + ˆk and

perpendicular to ˆi +ˆj + k
ˆ is....... Þ xi$ + y j + zk - $i × éi$ ´ $i + i$ ´ j ù = 0
ë û

1
Ans. × -j+k Þ ( x - 1)$i + y j + zk × é k ù = 0
2 ë û

Sol. Any vector coplanar with $i + j + 2k and $i + 2 j + k is given Þ ( x - 1)$i × k + y j × k + zk × k = 0

by
r Þ z = 0 ...(i )
a = x $i + j + 2k + y $i + 2 j + k
Equation of plane containing $i - j and $i + k is
= ( x + y )$i + ( x + 2 y ) j + (2 x + y )k
r
é r - $i - j $i - j $i + k ù = 0
This vector is perpendicular to $i + j + k ,if ëê ûú

( x + y )1 + ( x + 2 y )1 + (2 x + y )1 = 0 r
Þ r - i$ - j × é $i - j ´ $i + k ù = 0
ë û
Þ 4x + 4 y = 0 Þ - x = y
r r
\ a = - x j + xk = x - j + k Þ a = 2 x Þ xi$ + y j + zk - $i - j × é$i ´ $i + $i ´ k - j ´ $i - j ´ k ù = 0
ë û

Hence, the required unit vector is

Þ ( x - 1)$i + ( y + 1) j + zk × é - j + k - i$ù = 0
ë û
1
× -j+k
2 Þ -( x - 1) - ( y + 1) + z = 0 ...(ii )
Example – 35 r
Let a = a1 $i + a2 j + a3 k
A non-zero vector ar is parallel to the line of intersection r
Since, a is parallel to Eqs.(i) and (ii), we get
of the plane determined by the vectors ˆi ,ˆi +ˆj and the
a3 = 0
plane determined by the vectors ˆi -ˆj, ˆi + k
ˆ . The angle
and a1 + a2 - a3 = 0 Þ a1 = -a2 , a3 = 0
r
between a and the vector ˆi - 2ˆj + 2k
ˆ is........
r
Thus, a vector in the direction a is $i - j
p 3p
Ans. or r
4 4 If q is the angle between a and $i - 2 j + 2 k , , then

Sol. Equation of plane containing $i and $i + j is (1)(1) + (-1)(-2) 3

cos q = ± =±
r 1+1 1+ 4 + 4 2 ×3
é r - i$ i$ $i + j ù = 0
ë û
1 p 3p
Þ cos q = ± Þq = or
2 4 4
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
33

Example – 36
Þ 4 cos 2 q + 4 - 8 cos 2 q = 1
uuur r uuur r r uuur r
Let OA = a , OB = 10a + 2b, and OC = b, where O, A Þ 4 cos 2 q = 3
and C are non-collinear points. Let p denote the area of
the quadrilateral OABC, and let q denote the area of the 3
Þ cos q = ±
parallelogram with OA and OC as adjacent sides. If 2
p = kq, then k = ........
3
For q to be acute, cos q =
Ans. (6) 2
uuur uuur
Sol. Since, q=area of parallelogram with OA and OC as p
Þq =
adjacent sides 6
uuur uuur r r
= OA ´ OC = a ´ b Example – 38

and p=area of quadrilateral OABC Find all the values of l such that x, y, z ¹ (0, 0, 0) and
ˆi +ˆj + 3kˆ x + 3iˆ – 3jˆ + kˆ y + -4iˆ + 5jˆ z = l ˆix + ˆjy + kz
ˆ
1 uuur uuur 1 uuur uuur
= OA ´ OB + OB ´ OC
2 2
where ˆi ,ˆj,ˆk are unit vectors along the coordinate axes.
1 r r r 1 r r r
Ans. (0, –1)
= a ´ 10a + 2b + 10a + 2b ´ b
2 2 r r r r r r r r
r r r r r r Sol. Since, i + j + 3k x + 3i - 3 j + k y + -4i + 5 j z
= a ´b + 5 a ´b = 6 a ´b
r r r
= l ix + jy + kz
\ p = 6q

Þk =6 Þ x + 3 y - 4 z = l x, x - 3 y + 5 z = l y,3 x + y + 0 z = l z

Example – 37 Þ (1 - l ) x + 3 y - 4 z = 0, x - (3 + l ) y + 5 z = 0 and

rr r 3x + y - l z = 0
Let a ,b and c be three vectors having magnitudes 1, 1
r r r r r Since, ( x, y , z ) ¹ (0, 0, 0)
and 2 respectively. If a ´ a ´ c + b = 0, then the acute
r r \ Non-trivial solution.
angle between a and c is .........
ÞD=0
p
Ans. 1- l 3 -4
6
Þ1 -(3 + l ) 5 = 0
r r r r r
Sol. Given, a ´ a ´ c + b = 0 3 1 -l

r r r r r r r r
Þ a×c a - a×a c + b = 0 Þ (1 - l ) 3l + l 2 - 5 - 3( -l - 15)

r r r r
Þ (2cos q )a - c + b = 0 -4(1 + 9 + 3l ) = 0

r r 2 r 2 Þ l (l + 1) 2 = 0
Þ 2cos q a - c = -b
\ l = 0, -1
r2 r2 r r r2
Þ 4cos 2 q × a + c - 2.2 cos q a × c = b
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
34

Example – 39 r r r r r r
= 2 a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a ....(i)
The position vectors of the points A, B, C and D are
Also, are of DABC
3iˆ - 2jˆ - ˆk , 2iˆ + 3jˆ - 4kˆ , - ˆi +ˆj + 2k
ˆ and 4iˆ + 5jˆ +lˆk ,
respectively. If the points A, B, C and D lie on a plane, 1 uuur uuur 1 r r r r
= AB ´ AC = b - a ´ c - a
find the value of l. 2 2

146 1 r r r r r r r r
Ans. – = b´ c - b´ a - a ´c + a ´ a
17 2
uuur
Sol. Here, AB = -$i + 5 j - 3k 1 r r r r r r
= a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a ....(ii)
2
uuur uuur
AC = -4$i + 3 j + 3k and AD = i$ + 7 j + (l + 1) k From Eqs. (i) and (ii)
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
We know that A, B, C, D lie in a plane if AB , AC , AD are AB ´ CD + BC ´ AD + CA ´ BD = 2(2 area of DABC )
coplanar i.e.
= 4 area of DABC
-1 5 -3
uuur uuur uuur
é AB AC AD ù = 0 Þ -4 3 3 =0 Example – 41
ë û
1 7 l +1
rrr
If vectors a ,b,c are coplanar, show that
Þ -(3l + 3 - 21) - 5(-4l - 4 - 3) - 3(-28 - 3) = 0
r r r
Þ 17l + 146 = 0 a b c
r r r r r r r
a .a a .b a .c = 0
–146 r r r r r r
\l = b .a b .b b .c
17

Example – 40 rrr
Sol. Given that, a b c are coplanar vectors.
If A, B, C, D are any four points in space, prove that \ There exists scalars x,y,z not all zero, such that
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur r r r
AB ´ CD + BC ´ AD + CA ´ BD = 4 (area of D ABC). xa + yb + zc = 0 ...(i)
r r
Sol. Let the position vectors of points A,B,C,D be Taking dot with a and b respectively, we get
r r r ur
a, b, c and d respectively.. r r r r r r
x a ×a + y a ×b + z a ×c = 0 ...(ii )
uuur r r uuur r r uuur ur r
Then, AB = b - a, BC = c - b, AD = d - a, r r r r r r
uuur ur r uuur r r uuur ur r and x a × b + y b × b + z c × b = 0 ...(iii )
BD = d - b, CA = a - c, CD = d - c
Since, Eqs.(i), (ii) and (iii) represent homogeneous
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
Now, AB ´ CD + BC ´ AD + CA ´ BD equations with ( x, y , z ) ¹ (0, 0, 0)

r r ur r r r ur r r r ur r Þ Non-trivial solutions
= b- a ´ d -c + c -b ´ d -a + a -c ´ d -b
\D = 0
r ur r ur r r r r r ur r r r ur
=| b ´ d - a ´ d - b ´ c + a ´ c + c ´ d - c ´ a - b ´ d r r r
a b c
r r r ur r r r ur r r r r r r r r r
+b ´ a + a ´ d - a ´ b - c ´ d + c ´ b | Þ a×a a×b a×c = 0
r r r r r r
b ×b b ×b b ×c
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
35

Example – 42 Þ c < 0 and 12c(3c + 4) < 0

r r r
Let A = 2iˆ + k
ˆ , B =ˆi +ˆj + kˆ , and C = 4iˆ - 3jˆ + 7kˆ . 4
Þ c < 0 and c > -
r 3
Determine a vector R satisfying
r r r r r r æ -4 ö
R ´ B = C ´ B and R .A = 0 . \c Î ç , 0÷
è 3 ø
Ans. -ˆi - 8jˆ + 2kˆ Example – 44
ur r r
Sol. Let R = xi$ + y j + zk For any two vectors u and v prove that
ur ur ur ur r r2 r r2 r2 r2
\R´ B = C ´ B a u . v + u ´ v = u v and

$i $i r2 r2
j k j k b 1 + u 1+ v
Þ x y z = 4 -3 7
1 1 1 1 1 1 r r2 r r r r 2
= 1- u .v + u + v + u ´ v

r r r r
Þ ( y - z )i$ - ( x - z ) j + ( x - y) k = -10$i + 3 j + 7 k Sol. (a) Since, u × v = u v cos q

Þ y - z = -10, z - x = 3, x - y = 7 r r r r
and u ´ v = u v sin q n
ur ur
and R × A = 0
r r
where, q is the angle between u and v and n is
Þ 2x + z = 0
r r
On solving above equations, unit vector perpedicular to the plane of u and v .
x = -1, y = -8 and z = 2 r r2 r2 r2
ur Again, u × v = u v cos 2 q
\ R = -$i - 8 j + 2k
r r2 r2 r2
Example – 43 u ´ v = u v sin 2 q

Determine the value of ‘c’ so that for all real x, the vector r r2 r r2 r2 r2
\ u × v + u ´ v = u v cos 2 q + sin 2 q
cxiˆ - 6jˆ - 3k
ˆ and xiˆ + 2ˆj + 2cxk
ˆ make an obtuse angle
with each other. r2 r2
= u v ....(i)

Ans. æ -4 ö
ç ,0÷ r r r r 2
è 3 ø
(b) u + v + u ´ v
r r
Sol. Let a = cxi$ - 6 j + 3k and b = xi$ + 2 j + 2cxk.
r r2 r r2 r r r r
r r = u + v + u ´v + 2 u + v × u´ v
Since, a and b make an obtuse angle.
r r r2 r2 r r r r2
Þ a × b < 0 Þ cx 2 - 12 + 6cx < 0 = u + v + 2u × v + u ´ v + 0

Þ c < 0 and discriminant <0 r r r r

[\ u ´ v is perpendicular to the plane of u and v ]
Þ c < 0 and 36c 2 - 4.(-12)c < 0
r r r r 2 r r2
\ u + v + u´v + 1- u × v
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
36

r2 r2 r r r r2 r r r r2 Example – 46
= u + v + 2u × v + u ´ v + 1 - 2u × v + u × v
The area of the triangle whose vertices are A (1, –1, 2),
r2 r2 r 2 r2 B(2, 1, –1), C(3, –1, 2) is ......
= u + v + 1+ u v from Eq.(i )
Ans. 13 sq.unit
r2 r2 r2 r2 r2
= u æç1 + v ö÷ + æç1 + v ö÷ = æç1 + v ö÷ æç1 + u ö÷ 1 uuur uuur
è ø è ø è øè ø Sol. Area of DABC = AB ´ AC
2
Example – 45 uuur
AB = $i + 2 j - 3k
A line with positive direction cosines passes through the
uuur
point P(2, –1, 2) and makes equal angles with the coordinate and AC = 2$i
axes. The line meets the plane 2x + y + z = 9 at point Q. The
length of the line segment PQ equals
$i j k
(a) 1 (b) uuur uuur
2 \ AB ´ AC = 1 2 -3 = 2 -3 j - 2k
(c) (d) 2 2 0 0
3
Ans. (c)
1 uuur uuur
Þ Area of triangle = AB ´ AC
Sol. Since, l = m = n = 1 2
3
1
= ×2× 9 + 4
2

= 13 sq units

Example – 47

The unit vector perpendicular to the plane determined by

x - 2 y +1 z - 2 P(1, –1, 2), Q(2, 0, –1) & R(0, 2, 1) is ......
\ Equation of line is = =
1 1 1
3 3 3 2$i + j + k
Ans. ±
6
Þ x - 2 = y + 1 = z - 2 = r [say ]
Sol. A unit vector perpendicular to the plane determined by
\ Any point on the line is
P,Q,R
Q º r + 2, r - 1, r + 2 uuur uuur
PQ ´ P R
Q Q lies on the plane 2 x + y + z = 9 = ± uuur uuur
PQ ´ PR
\ 2( r + 2) + (r - 1) + (r + 2) = 9
uuur uuur
Þ 4r + 5 = 9 PQ ´ PR
\Unit vector = ± uuur uuur
Þ r =1 PQ ´ PR

Þ Q 3, 0, 3 uuur uuur
PQ = $i + j - 3k and PR = – i + 3 j – k
2
\ PQ = 3- 2 + (0 + 1)2 + (3 - 2)2 = 3 $i j k
uuur uuur
\PQ ´ PR = 1 1 -3
-1 3 -1
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
37

Example – 49
= $i (-1 + 9) + j (-1 - 3) + k (3 + 1)
The length of the perpendicular drawn from the point
= 8$i – 4 j + 4k
x y - 2 z -3
uuur uuur (3, –1, 11) to the line = = is
2 3 4
Þ PQ ´ PR = 4 4 + 1 + 1 = 4 6
(a) 66 (b) 29
Hence the unit vector is
(c) 33 (d) 53
2$i + j + k
=± Ans. (d)
6
Sol. Let feet of perpendicular is
Example – 48 (2a ,3a + 2, 4a + 3)

y -1 z - 3 Þ direction ratio of lines are 2,3, 4

If the angle between the line x = = and the plane
2 l Þ 2(2a - 3) + 3(3a + 3) + 4(4a - 8) = 0

æ 5 ö Þa =1
x + 2y + 3z = 4 is cos–1 çç ÷÷ , then l equals to
è 14 ø Þ Foot of perpendicular is (2,5,7)

3 2 Þ length of perpendicular = 1 + 62 + 42 = 53
(a) (b)
2 5
Example – 50
5 2
(c) (d)
3 3 An equation of a plane parallel to the plane
x – 2y + 2z – 5 = 0 and at a unit distance from the origin is
Ans. (d)
(a) x – 2y + 2z – 3 = 0 (b) x – 2y + 2z + 1 = 0
x - 0 y -1 z - 3 (c) x – 2y + 2z – 1 = 0 (d) x – 2y + 2z + 5 = 0
Sol. = =
1 2 l
Ans. (a)
x + 2 y + 3z = 4 Sol. Equation of a plane parallel to x-2y+2z-5=0 and at a unit
Angle between line and plane (by definition) distance from origin is

æ 1 ×1 + 2 × 2 + l × 3 ö æ 5 + 3l ö x - 2 y + 2z + k = 0
= sin -1 ç ÷ = sin -1 ç ÷
ç 2 ÷ ç 2 ÷
è 1+ 4 + 9 1+ 4 + l ø è 14 5 + l ø k
Þ = 1Þ k = 3
2
3
(5 + 3l ) 5
So, 14 5 + l 2 + 14 = 1 Q sin 2 q + cos 2 q = 1
\ x - 2 y + 2 z - 3 = 0 or x - 2 y + 2 z + 3 = 0

Example – 51
(5 + 3l )2
Þ + 5 = 14
5 + l2 x -1 y + 1 z - 1 x -3 y- k z
If the line = = and = =
2 3 4 1 2 1
Þ (5 + 3l ) 2 + 5 5 + l 2 = 14 5 + l 2
intersect, then k is equal to

Þ 25 + 30l + 9l 2 + 25 + 5l 2 = 70 + 14l 2 2
(a) –1 (b)
9
Þ 30l + 50 = 70
9
2 (c) (d) 0
Þ 30l = 20 \ l = 2
3
Ans. (c)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
38

x -1 y + 1 z -1 x -3 y -k z Þ Equation of image of the line is

Sol. = = = r1 and = = = r2
2 3 4 1 2 1
x +3 y -5 z -2
= =
or 2r1 + 1 = r2 + 3,3r1 - 1 = 2r2 + k , 4r1 + 1 = r2 3 1 -5
Þ 2r1 - r2 = 2 and 4r1 - r2 = -1 Example – 53

-3 The angle between the lines whose direction cosines

-2r1 = 3 Þ r1 = and r2 = -5
2 satisfy the equations l + m + n = 0 and l2 = m2 + n2 is :

9 11 9 p p
\ - - 1 = -10 + k Þ k = 10 - = (a) (b)
2 2 2 2 3

Example – 52 p p
(c) (d)
4 6
x -1 y - 3 z - 4 Ans. (b)
The image of the line = = in the plane
3 1 -5
Sol. l + m + n = 0 …….(1)
2x – y + z + 3 = 0 is the line :
l 2 = m2 + n 2 …..(2)
x -3 y+5 z -2
(a) = = From (1) and (2)
-3 -1 5
( m + n) 2 = m 2 + n 2
x +3 y-5 z -2
(b) = =
3 1 -5 Þ 2mn = 0 Þ m = 0, or n = 0
x +3 y-5 z + 2 If m = 0 then from (1)
(c) = =
-3 -1 5
l n
l + n = 0 Þ l = -n Þ =
x -3 y+5 z -2 1 -1
(d) = =
3 1 -5
If n = 0 then from (1)
Ans. (b)
Sol. DR’s of line = 3,1,-5 l m
l + m = 0 Þ l = -m Þ =
DR’s of the normal of plane = 2,-1,1 1 -1
Þ 3(2) + 1(-1) - 5 = 0 Þ angle between the lines
So, the line is parallel to the plane (1)(1) + (-1)(0) + ( -1)(0)
cos q =
Image is point (1,3,4) in plane 1+ 0 +1 1+ 0 +1

x -1 y-3 z-4 2(2 - 3 + 4 + 3) 1

= = =- =
2 -1 1 6 2
x -1 y -3 z-4 p
Þ = = = -2 Þq =
2 -1 1 3
Þ x = -3, y = 5, z = 2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
39

Example – 54 Example – 55

A line in the 3-dimensional space makes and angle

x -1 y - 2 z - 3
The plane contaning the line = = and
æ pö 1 2 3
q ç 0 < q £ ÷ with both the x and y axis. Then the set of
è 2ø
x y z
all values of q is the interval: parallel to the line = = passes through the point:
1 1 4

æ pù ép pù (a) (1, -2, 5) (b) (1, 0, 5)

(a) ç 0, ú (b) ê , ú
è 4û ë6 3û (c) (0, 3, -5) (d) (-1, -3, 0)
Ans. (b)
ép pù æ p pù
(c) ê , ú (d) ç , ú Sol. DR’s of the given lines are (1,2,3) and (1,1,4)
ë4 2û è 3 2û
Þ DR’s of the normal to the plane
Ans. (c)
2 2 2 $i $j k
Sol. We know that cos a + cos b + cos g = 1
=1 2 3
2 2 2
Þ cos q + cos q + cos g = 1 1 1 4

Þ cos2 g = 1 - 2 cos 2 q
= $i(5) - $j(1) + k(-1)
Q 0 £ cos 2 g £ 1
= 5i$ - $j - k
Þ 0 £ 1 - 2 cos 2 q £ 1 It contains the point (1,2,3)
Þ -1 £ -2 cos 2 q £ 0 Þ Equation of the plane is

Þ 0 £ 2 cos 2 q £ 1 5(x - 1) - 1(y - 2) - 1(z - 3) = 0

Þ 5x - y - z = 0
1 1
Þ 0 £ cos 2 q £ Þ 0 £ cos q £
2 2 It also passes through (1,0,5)

ép pù
Þ qÎ ê , ú
ë4 2û
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 40

EXERCISE - 1 : BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

VECTORS 7. If the position vector of points A and B with respect to
r r
point P are respectively a and b then the position vector
Basics of Vectors of middle point of AB is
r r r r
1. In a regular hexagon ABCDEF, b-a a+b
(a) (b)
uuur uuur r uuur r uuur 2 2
AB = a, BC = b and CD = c . Then, AE =
r r
r r r r r r (c)
a -b
(d) none of these
(a) a + b + c (b) 2 a + b + c 2
r r r r r
(c) b + c (d) a + 2b + 2c 8. The points with position vectors

2. If ABCDE is a pentagon, then 3iˆ – 4jˆ – 4k,

ˆ 2iˆ – ˆj + kˆ and ˆi – 3jˆ – 5kˆ form
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
AB + AE + BC + DC + ED + AC equals (a) an equilateral triangle
uuur uuur
(a) 3 AD (b) 3 AC (b) an isosceles triangle

uuur uuur (c) a right angle triangle

(c) 3BE (d) 3CE (d) none of these
3. Which of the following is unit vectors 9. The position vector of two points P and Q are respectively
r r
ˆi + ˆj + kˆ p and q then the position vector of the point dividing PQ
(a) ˆi + ˆj (b) in 2 : 5 is
2
r r r r
p+q 5p + 2q
ˆi + ˆj + kˆ (a) (b)
2+5 2+5
(c) ˆi + ˆj + kˆ (d)
3
r r r r
r 2p + 5q p-q
r (c) (d)
4. If a = 2iˆ + 5jˆ and b = 2iˆ - ˆj, then unit vector in the 2+5 2+5
r
direction of ar + b is 10. The position vector of the vertices of triangle ABC are
ˆi, ˆj and kˆ then the position vector of its orthocentre is
(a) ˆi + ˆj (b) 2 ˆi + ˆj

(a) ˆi + ˆj + kˆ (b) 2 ˆi + ˆj + kˆ
(c) ˆi + ˆj / 2 (d) ˆi – ˆj / 2

r r 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
5. For any two vector a and b , correct statement is (c) i + j+ k (d) i + j+ k
3 3
r r r r r r r r
(a) | a - b | = | a | - | b | (b) | a + b | ³ | a | - | b | 11. If, D, E, F are mid points of sides BC, CA and AB
r r r r r r r r respectively of a triangle ABC, and ˆi + ˆj, ˆj + k,
ˆ kˆ + ˆi are
(c) | a + b | = | a | + | b | (d) | a - b | £ | a | - | b |
p.v. of points A, B and C respectively, then p.v. of centroid of
uuur uuur
6. If ˆi, ˆj, kˆ are position vectors of A, B, C and AB = CX , DDEF is
then position vector of X is ˆi + ˆj + k
ˆ
(a) (b) ˆi + ˆj + kˆ
(a) -ˆi + ˆj + kˆ (b) ˆi – ˆj + kˆ 3

2 ˆi + ˆj + kˆ
(c) ˆi + ˆj – kˆ (d) ˆi + ˆj + kˆ (c) 2 ˆi + ˆj + kˆ (d)
3
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 41

  
12. If a  3iˆ  2ˆj  kˆ and b  ˆi  ˆj  k,
ˆ then the unit vector 17. If the vector b is collinear with the vector
 
  
parallel to a  b , is
a  2 2 ,  1, 4 & | b | 10 , then

 
(a) a  b  0 (b) a  2b  0
1 ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ
(a)
3

2i  j  2kˆ  (b)
5
2i  j  2kˆ  
(c) 2a  b  0 (d) none
 
18. If a  4iˆ  2ˆj  3kˆ and b  8iˆ  4ˆj  6kˆ are two vectors
1
(c)
3
 2iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ  (d) none of these  
then a , b are
(a) like parallel (b) unlike parallel
13. A parallelopiped is formed by planes drawn through the
(c) non-collinear (d) perpendicular
points (2, 3, 5) and (5, 9, 7), parallel to the co-ordinate
planes. The length of a diagonal of the parallelopiped is:
a a 2 1  a3
If b b 2 1  b3  0 and vectors 1,a,a  , 1, b, b  and
2 2
(a) 7 (b) 38 19.
c c 2 1  c3
(c) 155 (d) None of these

14.

The vector c , directed along the internal bisector of the
1,c,c  are non–coplanar, then the product abc equals
2

 (a) 2 (b) –1
angle between the vectors, a  7î  4 ĵ  4k̂ and
(c) 1 (d) 0
 
b  2î  ĵ  2k̂ with | c | 5 6 is : Scalar and vector products

 
5 5 20. If the moduli of vectors a and b are 1 and 2 respectively
(a) ( î  7 ĵ  2k̂ ) (b) (5î  5 ĵ  2k̂ ) 
3 3 and a.b  1, then the angle  between them is :
(a)  (b) 
5 5
(c) ( î  7 ĵ  2k̂ ) (d) ( 5î  5ˆj  2k̂ ) (c)  (d) 
3 3
  
21. If the angle between a and b is  then for a.b  0

15. The vector a   î  2 ĵ  k̂ lies in the plane of the vectors (a) 0 <  <  (b) 0 <  or > /2
  (c) /2 <  <  (d) 0 <  < /2
b  î  ĵ and c  ˆj  k̂ and bisects the angle between
   
  22. (A  B) 2  (A  B)2 equals
b and c . Then which one of the following gives possible
   
values of  and  ? (a) 2 (A 2  B2 ) (b) 4 A . B
(a)  = 1,  = 1 (b)  = 2,  = 2  
(c) A 2  B2 (d) none of these
(c)  = 1,  = 2 (d)  = 2,  = 1
     
23. If a  b , then (a  b) . (a  b) is
Collinearity and Coplanarity Conditions
(a) positive (b) negative
16. If position vectors of A, B, C, D are respectively (c) zero (d) none of these
2iˆ  3jˆ  5k,
ˆ ˆi  2ˆj  3k,
ˆ 5iˆ  4ˆj – 2kˆ and ˆi  10jˆ  10k,
ˆ  
24. If a  ˆi  3jˆ  2kˆ and b  4iˆ – 2ˆj  4kˆ ,
then    
then (2 a + b ) . ( a – 2 b ) equals
(a) AB || CD (b) DC || AD
(a) 14 (b) –14
(c) A, B, C are collinear (d) B, C, D are collinear
(c) 0 (d) none of these
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 42

r 2
25. Angle between the vectors 2iˆ + 6jˆ + 3kˆ and 12iˆ – 4jˆ + 3kˆ é ar b ù
30. ê r 2- r 2 ú
=
is ëê | a | | b | ûú

-1 æ 9 ö
-1 æ 1 ö
(a) cos ç (b) cos ç ÷ r r 2
÷
è 10 ø è 11 ø r r é a-b ù
(a) | a |2 - | b |2 (b) ê r r ú
ëê | a | | b | ûú

(c) cos -1 æç 9 ö÷
æ1ö
(d) cos-1 ç ÷
è9ø r r r r 2
è 91 ø é a | a | -b | b | ù
(c) ê r r ú (d) none
ëê | a | | b | ûú
26. If ˆi + ˆj + k,
ˆ 2iˆ + 5j,
ˆ 3iˆ + 2ˆj – 3kˆ and ˆi – 6ˆj – kˆ be p.v. of
31. If the coordinates of the points A, B, C be (–1, 3, 2),
four points A,B,C and D respectively, then the angle
(2, 3, 5) and (3, 5, –2) respectively, then ÐA =
uuur uuur
between AB and CD is (a) 0º (b) 45º
(a) p/4 (b) p/2 (c) 60º (d) 90º
(c) p (d) none of these 32. The coordinates of the points A, B, C, D are (4, a, 2),
r (5, –3, 2), (b, 1, 1) & (3, 3, –1). Line AB would be
27. Projection vector of ar on b is perpendicular to line CD when
(a) a = –1, b = –1 (b) a = 1, b = 2
r r r r
a .b r a .b
(a) r 2 b (b) r (c) a = 2, b = 1 (d) a = 2, b = 2
|b| |b| r r
33. If a and b are vectors of equal magnitude 2 and a be the
r r r r
r r angle between them, then magnitude of a + b will be 2 if
a .b a .b
(c) r (d) r 2 b̂
|a | |a| (a) a = p/3 (b) a = p/4

r r (c) a = p/2 (d) a = 2p/3

28. The angle between the vectors ar + b & ar - b , given
r 34. If q be the angle between vectors ˆi + 2jˆ + 3kˆ and 3iˆ + 2jˆ + k,
ˆ
r r r
| a |= 2, | b |= 1 and angle between a & b is p/3, is then the value of sin q is

2 6
2 2 (a) 6/7 (b)
(a) tan -1 (b) tan -1 7
3 3
(c) 1/7 (d) none of these
r r
3 35. Two non zero vectors a and b will be parallel, if
(c) tan -1 (d) none
7 r r r r r
(a) a . b = 0 (b) a ´ b ¹ 0
r r r
29. Given the vectors ar & b the angle between which equals (c) a = b (d) none of these
r r r r
120°. If | a |= 3 & | b |= 4 then the length of the vector 36. If a and b are two vectors, then -
r r r r r r r r
r 3r (a) a ´ b ³ a b (b) a ´ b £ a b
2a - b is
2 r r r r r r r r
(c) a ´ b > a b (d) a ´ b < a b
(a) 6 3 (b) 7 2 r r r r
37. If a ´ b = a . b then angle between a and b is
(c) 4 5 (d) none
(a) 0° (b) 90°
(c) 60° (d) 45°
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 43

r r r r r r r r r r r r
38. The unit vector perpendicular to vectors ˆi + ˆj and ˆj + kˆ is 44. If a ´ b = c ´ d and a ´ c = b ´ d and a ¹ d, b ¹ c,
Then
1 ˆ ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ r r
(a) i - j+k (b) i + j-k r r
3 3 (a) a - d is parallel to b - c .
r r r r
(b) a - d is perpendicular to b - c .
1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
(c) i + j+ k (d) none of these r r
3 (c) ar - d is equal to b - cr .
r r r r (d) none of these
39. If |a . b| = 3 and |a ´ b| = 4, then the angle between
r r r
r r
a and b is Vectors ar & b make an angle q =
2p
45. . If | a | = 1, | b | = 2
3
3
(a) cos–1 3/4 or p - cos
-1
r r r r
4 then {(a + 3b) ´ (3a - b)}2 =

3 (a) 225 (b) 250

(b) cos–1 3/5 or p - cos -1
5 (c) 275 (d) 300
46. Unit vector perpendicular to the plane of the triangle ABC
-1 3 3 r r r
(c) sin or p - sin -1 with pv’s a, b, c of the vertices A, B, C is
5 5

3p r r r r r r r r r r r r
(a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a )
(d) p/4 or
4 (a) ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a )
( a (b)
D 2D
r r r
40. If a , b , c are any vectors then which one of the following
r r r r r r
is a wrong statement. (a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a )
(c) (d) none
r r r r r r r r 4D
(a) a + b = b + a (b) a . b = b . a

r r r r r r r r 47. The area of the quadrilateral ABCD, where A(0, 4, 1),

(c) a × b = b × a (d) |a ´ b| =|b ´ a|
B(2, 3, –1), C(4, 5, 0) and D(2, 6, 2), is equal to
r r r r r r
41. If for vectors a and b , a × b = 0 and a . b = 0, then (a) 9 sq. units (b) 18 sq. units
r r r r (c) 27 sq. units (d) 81 sq. units
(a) a b (b) a ^ b
r r r
r r r r 48. If the vectors a ,b and c from the sides BC, CA and AB
(c) a = 0 or b = 0 (d) none of these
respectively of a triangle ABC, then
r r r r
42. If a × b = a × c then correct statement is r r r r r r r r r r r r
(a) a .b = b .c = c .b = 0 (b) a ´ b = b ´ c = c ´ a
r
(a) a = 0
r r r r r r r r r r r r
r r (c) a .b = b .c = c .a = 0 (d) a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a = 0
(b) b = 0 = c
r r Scalar and vector triple product.
(c) b = c
(d) above three are not necessary r r r r r r r r r
49. For non-zero vectors a , b, c, | a ´ b . c | = | a | | b | | c | holds
r r r r r r
43. For any vectors a , b ; | a × b |2 + ( a . b )2 is equal to
if and only if
2 2 r r r r r r r r r r
(a) a b (b) a 2 + b 2 (a) a . b = 0. b . c = 0 (b) c . a = 0, a . b = 0

r r r r r r r r r r r r
(c) a 2 – b 2 (d) 0 (c) a . c = 0. b . c = 0 (d) a . b = b . c = c . a = 0
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 44

50. The volume of the parallelopiped whose sides are given Numerical Value Type Questions
by OA = 2î - 3 ĵ . OB = î + ĵ - k̂ and OC = 3î - k̂ is :
55. If G is the intersection of diagonals of a parallelogram
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
(a) 4/13 (b) 4 ABCD and O is any point and OA + OB + OC + OD = k OG .
(c) 2/7 (d) none Then the value of k is
r r r r r r r r r
51. If a ´ b ´ c = a ´ b ´ c , where a, b, c are any three 56. If vector 2iˆ + 3jˆ – 2kˆ and ˆi + 2jˆ + kˆ represents the adjacent
r r r r r r
vectors such that a × b ¹ 0, b × c ¹ 0, then a and c are sides of any parallelogram then the sum of squares of
lengths of diagonals of parallelogram is
p
(a) inclined at an angle of between them
6 57. The 2 vectors ˆj + kˆ and 3iˆ - ˆj + 4kˆ represents the two sides
(b) perpendicular AB and AC, respectively of a DABC. Then twice of square
(c) parallel of length of the median through A is
p 58. P is a point on the line segment joining the points
(d) inclined at an angle of between them
3 (3, 2, –1) and (6, 2, –2). If x co-ordinate of P is 5, then its
r r r y co-ordinate is
52. Let a = ˆj - kˆ and c = ˆi - ˆj - kˆ . Then the vector b
59. The plane XOZ divides the join of (1, –1, 5) & (2, 3, 4) in
r r r r r
satisfying a ´ b + c = 0 and a . b = 3, is the ratio l : 1, then 6l is :

(a) -ˆi + ˆj - 2kˆ (b) 2iˆ - ˆj + 2kˆ 60. If vectors (x – 2) ˆi + ˆj and (x + 1) ˆi + 2jˆ are collinear,,

then the value of x is

(c) ˆi - ˆj - 2kˆ (d) ˆi + ˆj - 2kˆ

r r r 61. If points ˆi + 2k,

ˆ ˆj + kˆ and lˆi + mˆj are collinear, then l + m
53. Let a, b and c be three non-zero vectors such that no two
equals
r r r 1 r r r
of them are collinear and a ´ b ´ c = b c a . If q is ur ur r
3 62. If a, b, c are non coplanar vectors, then the points with
r r ur ur r ur ur r ur r
the angle between vector b and c , then a value of sin q is: p.v. a - 2b + 3c, 2a + l b - 4c, - 7b + 10c will be

2 -2 3 collinear if the value of l is

(a) (b)
3 3 63. The number of distinct real values of l for which the vectors

-l 2ˆi + ˆj + ˆk , ˆi - l 2ˆj + ˆk and ˆi + ˆj - l 2 kˆ are coplanar is

2 2 - 2
(c) (d)
r
If ar and b are unit vectors and 60° is the angle between
3 3
64.
r r r r r r r
54. Let a, b and c be three unit vectors such that them, then (2a - 3b) . (4a + b) equals

r r r 3 r r r r 65. If vectors 3iˆ + 2jˆ + 8kˆ and 2iˆ + xjˆ + kˆ are perpendicular
a ´ b´c = b + c . If b is not parallel to c,
2
r then -x is equal to
r
then the angle between a and b is :
r r r r r
66. If vector a + b is perpendicular to b and 2 b + a is
p 2p
(a) (b)
æ ar
2
2 3 ö
r
perpendicular to a , then ç r ÷ equals
5p 3p çb ÷
è ø
(c) (d)
6 4
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 45
r
67.
r ˆ b = 3iˆ – 4ˆj + 2kˆ and cr = ˆi – 2ˆj + 2kˆ then 3
If a = 2iˆ + ˆj + k, 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
r r r
times the projection of a + b on c is Introduction and Concept of DC & DR

68. If the angle between two vectors ˆi + kˆ and ˆi - ˆj + akˆ is 79. If a line makes angles 90°, 60° and 30° with positive
p/3, then the non-negative value of a is direction of x, y and z-axis respectively, then its direction-
cosines are :
69. The number of vectors of unit length perpendicular to the
r (a) < 0, 0, 0 > (b) < 1, 1, 1 >
r
vectors a = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ and b = ˆj + kˆ is
1 3 3 1
r r r (c) < 0, , > (d) < , ,0 >
70. Let A, B, C be vectors of length 3, 4 and 5 respectively.. 2 2 2 2
r r r r r r r
Let A be perpendicular to B + C, B to C + A and C to 80. A line makes equal angles with co-ordinate axes. Direction
cosines of this line are
r r r r r
A + B . Then square of length of the vector, A + B + C is:
1 1 1
r r
r ˆ b = ˆi + 3jˆ + 3kˆ , then |ar ´ b|2 is (b) ±
(a) ± 1,± 1,± 1 ,± ,±
71. If a = 2iˆ + ˆj + 3k, 3 3 3

r r rr r r
72. If ( a × b )2 + (a.b) 2 = 144 and a = 4, then b is equal to 1 1 1
(c) ± , ± , ± (d) ± 3, ± 3, ± 3
3 3 3

73. ˆi + ˆj . é ˆj + kˆ ´ kˆ + ˆi ù equals
ë û 81. If a line passes through the points (–2, 4, –5) and
(1, 2, 3) then its direction-cosines will be :
74. If the diagonals of a parallelogram are respectively
r r (a) < -
2 8 3
a = ˆi + ˆj - 2k,
ˆ b = ˆi - 3jˆ + 4k,
ˆ then the square of the area of , , > (b) < – 3, 2, + 8 >
77 77 77
parallelogram is
75. Twice of the area of the parallelogram constructed on the 3 -2 8
(c) < + , , > (d) < 3, – 2, 8 >
r r r r r r r r 77 77 77
vectors a = p + 2q & b = 2p + q where p & q are unit
82. A line makes acute angles of a, b and g with the
vectors forming an acute angle of 30° is
r r r r r r r r co-ordinate axes such that cos a cos b = cos b cos g =
2
76. If the value of [(a + 2b - c) (a - b) (a - b - c)] is equal to 9
rrr
k [a b c] . Then the value of k is 4
and cos g cos a = , then cos a + cos b + cos g is equal
r r r r r r 9
77. Let a, b, c be three non-coplanar vectors & p, q, r are
to :
vectors defined by the relations
(a) 25/9 (b) 5/9
r r r r r r (c) 5/3 (d) 2/3
r b´c r c´a r a´b
p= r rr ,q= r r r ,r = r r r .
[a b c ] [a b c ] [a b c ] 83. If a line has direction ratios < 2, –1, –2 > , then its direction-
cosines will be :
Then the value of the expression;
r r 2 1 2 1 1 1
r r r r r r r (a) < , , > (b) < , , >
(a + b ) . p + (b + c ) . q + (c + a) . r is 3 3 3 3 3 3
78. Volume of the tetrahedron whose vertices are represented
-2 1 - 2 2 1 2
by the position vectors, A (0, 1, 2) ; B (3, 0, 1); C (4, 3, 6) (c) < ,- , > (d) < ,- ,- >
3 3 3 3 3 3
and D (2, 3, 2) is :
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 46

84. Two lines, whose direction ratios are : 90. The lines,
< a1, b1, c1 > and < a2, b2, c2 > respectively are perpendicular r
r1 = î + 2 ĵ + 3k̂ + l (2î + 3 ĵ + 4k̂ )
if
r
and r2 = 2î + 3 ĵ + 4k̂ + m (3î + 4ˆj + 5k̂ ) are :
a1 a 2 c1 a1 b1 c1
(a) b = b = c (b) a = b = c (a) coplanar (b) skew
1 2 2 2 2 2

(c) such that shortest distance between them is 1

(c) a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0 (d) a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 1
(d) none
85. A line makes angles a,b,g with the coordinate axes.
91. The equations of x-axis in space are
If a + b = 90º, then g =
(a) x = 0, y = 0 (b) x = 0, z = 0
(a) 0 (b) 90º
(c) x = 0 (d) y = 0, z = 0
(c) 180º (d) None of these
r r r r r r
86. The direction cosines of the line, x = y = z are : 92. Two lines r = a1 + lb1 and r = a 2 + mb2 would be
coplanar if:
1 1 1 1 1 1 r r r r r r
(a) , , (b) , , (a) [a 1 b1 b 2 ] = [a 2 b1 b 2 ]
3 3 3 3 3 3
r r r r r r
(b) a 1 . b 1 b 2 = (a 2 . b 1 ) b 2
1 1 1
, ,
(c) 5 , 13 , 10 (d)
13 10 5 r r r r r r
(c) a 1 (b1 . b 2 ) = a 2 (b1 . b 2 )

Equation of lines in 3-D r r r r r r r r

(d) a1 . b1 - a1 . b 2 = a 2 . b1 - a 2 . b 2

93. The point of intersection of lines,

87. A line passes through a point A with p.v. 3î + ĵ - k̂ and is
x - 4 y -1 z x -1 y - 2 z - 3
parallel to the vector 2î - ˆj + 2k̂ . If P is a point on this line = = & = = is :
5 2 1 2 3 4
such that AP = 15 units, then the p.v. of the point P may be: (a) (–1, –1, –1) (b) (–1, –1, 1)

(a) 13î + 4ˆj - 9 k̂ (b) 13î - 4 ĵ + 9 k̂ (c) (1, –1, –1) (d) (–1, 1, –1)

x -1 y - 2 z - 3
(c) 7î - 6 ĵ + 11k̂ (d) +7iˆ + 6jˆ + 11kˆ 94. The straight lines = = and
1 2 3

88. Image of the point P with position vector 7 î - ˆj + 2k̂ in x -1 y - 2 z - 3

= = are
the line whose vector equation is, 2 2 -2
r (a) parallel lines (b) Intersecting at 60º
r = 9 î + 5 ˆj + 5 k̂ + l (î + 3 ĵ + 5k̂ ) has the position vector :
(c) Skew lines (d) Intersecting at right angle
(a) (–9, 5, 2) (b) (9, 5, –2)
95. A line with direction cosines proportional to 2, 1, 2 meets
(c) (9, –5, –2) (d) none each of the lines x = y + a = z and x + a = 2y = 2z. The co-
89. Find the angle between the two straight lines, ordinates of each of the points of intersection are given by
r (a) (3a, 3a, 3a), (a, a, a) (b) (3a, 2a, 3a), (a, a, a)
r = 3î - 2ˆj + 4k̂ + l (-2î + ĵ + 2k̂ ) and
(c) (3a, 2a, 3a), (a, a, 2a) (d) (2a, 3a, 3a), (2a, a, a)
r 96. The angle between the lines 2x = 3y = – z and
r = î + 3 ĵ - 2k̂ + m (3î - 2 ĵ + 6k̂ ) :
6x = – y = – 4z is
(a) cos-1 (4 / 21) (b) sin -1 (4 / 21) (a) 30° (b) 45°
(c) 90° (d) 0°
(c) sin -1 (17 / 21) (d) cos -1 (17 / 21)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 47

97. If the straight lines x = 1 + s, y = -3 - l s, z = 1 + ls and 103. A plane meets the coordinate axes in A, B, C and (a,b,g) is
the centroid of the triangle ABC. Then the equation of the
t
x = , y = 1 + t, z = 2 – t, with parameters s and t plane is
2
respectively, are coplanar, then l equals x y z x y z
(a) + + =3 (b) + + =1
(a) –2 (b) –1 a b g a b g

1
(c) - (d) 0 3x 3y 3z
2 (c) + + =1 (d) ax + by+ gz = 1
a b g
98. If the lines
104. The plane ax + by + cz = 1 meets the co-ordinate axes in
x - 2 y -3 z - 4 x -1 y - 4 z - 5 A, B and C. The centroid of the triangle is :
= = and = =
1 1 -k k 2 1
æa b cö
are coplanar, then k can have (a) (3a, 3b, 3c) (b) ç , , ÷
è3 3 3ø
(a) any value (b) exactly one value
(c) exactly two values (d) exactly three value æ 3 3 3ö æ 1 1 1 ö
(c) ç , , ÷ (d) ç , , ÷
99. The shortest distance between the skew lines èa b cø è 3a 3b 3c ø
r r r r r r
l1 : r = a1 + lb1 and l 2 : r = a 2 + mb2 is: 105. The equation of the plane which is right bisector of the
line joining (2, 3, 4) and (6, 7, 8), is :
r r r r r r r r
a2 - a1 . b1 ´ b2 a2 - a1 . a2 ´ b2 (a) x + y + z – 15 = 0 (b) x – y + z – 15 = 0
(a) r r (b) r r
b1 ´ b2 b1 ´ b2 (c) x – y – z – 15 = 0 (d) x + y + z + 15 = 0
106. The equation of the plane containing the line
r r r r r r r r
x - x1 y - y1 z - z1
a2 - b2 . a1 ´ b1 a1 - b2 . b1 ´ a2 = = is
(c) r r (d) r r l m n
b1 ´ b2 b1 ´ b2
a (x – x1) + b(y – y1) + c(z – z1) = 0, where :
Various form of Equation of Planes (a) ax1 + by1 + cz1 = 0 (b) al + bm + cn = 0

a b c
(c) = = (d) lx1 + my1 + nz1 = 0
100. The line, x - 2 = y - 3 = z - 4 is parallel to the plane : l m n
3 4 5
107. The vector equation of the plane passing through the origin
(a) 3x + 4y + 5z = 7 (b) 2x + y – 2z = 0 r r
and the line of intersection of the plane r. a = l and
(c) x + y – z = 2 (d) 2x + 3y+ 4z= 0
r r
101. The equation of the plane passing through the points r. b = m is :
(3, 2, 2) and (1, 0 –1) and parallel to the line r r r r r r
(a) r. l a - m b = 0 (b) r. l b - m a = 0
x -1 y -1 z - 2
= = , is
2 -2 3 r r r r r r
(c) r. l a + m b = 0 (d) r. l b + m a = 0
(a) 4x – y – 2z + 6 = 0 (b) 4x – y + 2z + 6 = 0
(c) 4x – y – 2z – 6 = 0 (d) 3x – 2z – 5 = 0 108. Equation of the plane passing through the line of
intersection of the planes
102. The equation of a plane which passes through (2, –3, 1)
and is normal to the line joining the points (3, 4, –1) and P : ax + by + cz + d = 0, P’ : a’ x + b’ y + c’ z + d’ = 0, and
(2, –1, 5) is given by : parallel to x-axis is :

(a) x + 5y – 6z + 19 = 0 (b) x – 5y + 6z – 19 = 0 (a) Pa – P’a’ = 0 (b) P/a = P’/a’ = 0

(c) x + 5y + 6z + 19 = 0 (d) x – 5y – 6z – 19 = 0 (c) Pa + P’a’ = 0 (d) P/a = P’/a’

VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 48

109. The Plane 2x – (1 + l) y + 3l z = 0 passes through the 115. The point at which the line joining the points (2, –3, 1) &
intersection of the planes (3, –4, –5) intersects the plane 2x + y + z = 7 is :
(a) 2x – y = 0 and y – 3z = 0 (a) (1, 2, 7) (b) (1, –2, 7)
(b) 2x + 3z = 0 and y = 0 (c) (–1, 2, 7) (d) (1, –2, –7)
(c) 2x – y + 3z = 0 and y – 3z = 0 x y -1 z + 2
116. The point of intersection of the line = = and
(d) none of these 1 2 3
110. The equation of the plane through the intersection of the the plane, 2x + 3y + z = 0, is :
planes x + 2y + 3z = 4 and 2x + y – z = –5 and perpendicular (a) (0, 1, –2) (b) (1, 2, 3)
to the plane 5x + 3y + 6z + 8 = 0 is
(a) 7x – 2y + 3z + 81 = 0 (b) 23x + 14y – 9z + 48=0 æ - 1 9 - 25 ö
(c) (–1, 9, –25) (d) ç , , ÷
è 11 11 11 ø
(c) 51x – 15y – 50z + 173 = 0 (d) none of these
111. The equation of the plane containing the two lines 117. The direction ratio of normal to the plane through

p
x -1 y + 1 z - 0 x y - 2 z +1 (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), which makes an angle with plane
= = and = = is 4
2 -1 3 -2 11 -1
x + y = 3, are :
(a) 8x + y – 5z – 7 = 0 (b) 8x + y + 5z – 7 = 0
(a) 1, 2, 1 (b) 1, 1, 2
(c) 8x – y – 5z – 7 = 0 (d) none of these
112. The equation of the plane through the intersection of the (c) 1, 1, 2 (d) 2,1, 1
planes ax + by + cz + d = 0 and lx + my + nz + p = 0 and
parallel to the line y = 0, z = 0 r
118. If line r = (î - 2 ĵ - k̂ ) + l (2î + ĵ + 2k̂ ) is parallel to the
(a) (bl – am) y + (cl – an) z + dl – ap = 0 r
plane r . (3î - 2 ĵ - mk̂ ) = 14 then the value of m is
(b) (am – bl) x + (mc – bn) z + md – bp = 0
(c) (na – cl) x + (bn – cm) y + nd – cp = 0 (a) + 2

(d) none of these (b) – 2

(c) 0
113. Equation of the plane which passes through the point of
(d) can not be predicted with this much informations
x -1 y - 2 z - 3
intersection of lines = = and 119. The distance of the point (1, –5, 9) from the plane
3 1 2
x – y + z = 5 measured along a straight line x = y = z is
x - 3 y -1 z - 2 (a) 3 5 (b) 10 3
= = and has the largest distance from the
1 2 3
origin is: (c) 5 3 (d) 3 10

(a) 7x + 2y + 4z = 54 (b) 3x + 4y + 5z = 49 120. The reflection of the point (a,b,g) in the xy – plane is
(c) 4x + 3y + 5z = 50 (d) 5x + 4y + 3z = 57 (a) (a,b,0) (b) (0,0,g)
(c) (–a, –b, g) (d) (a, b, –g)
Some Formulae of Plane
121. The plane 2x – 3y + 6z – 11 = 0 makes an angle sin–1(a)
114. The distance of the point, (–1, –5, –10) from the point of with x-axis. The value of a is equal to

x - 2 y +1 z - 2 3 2
intersection of the line, = = and the (a) (b)
3 4 12 2 3
plane, x – y + z = 5, is :
(a) 10 (b) 11 2 3
(c) (d)
7 7
(c) 12 (d) 13
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 49

122. If a plane passes through the point (1, 1, 1) and is 129. The image of the points (–1, 3, 4) in the plane x – 2y = 0 is
x -1 y -1 z -1
perpendicular to the line = = then its æ 17 19 ö
3 0 4 (a) (15, 11, 4) (b) ç - , - , 1÷
è 3 3 ø
perpendicular distance from the origin is
(a) 3/4 (b) 4/3 æ 9 13 ö
(c) 7/5 (d) 1 (c) (8, 4, 4) (d) ç ,- ,4 ÷
è5 5 ø
123. The angle between the planes, 2x – y + z = 6 and
130. Distance between two parallel planes 2x + y + 2z = 8 and
x + y + 2z = 7 is
4x + 2y + 4z + 5 = 0 is
(a) 30º (b) 45º
(c) 0º (d) 60º 3 5
(a) (b)
2 2
124. The length of the perpendicular from origin on plane
r 7 9
r . (3î - 4 ĵ + 12k̂ ) = 5 is
(c) (d)
2 2
5 25
(a) (b) 131. If the distance between planes, 4x - 2y - 4z + 1 = 0 and
69 69 4x - 2y - 4z + d = 0 is 7, then d is:
5 (a) 41 or - 42 (b) 42 or - 43
(c) (d) 5
13 13 (c) -41 or 43 (d) -42 or 44
132. If the angle between the line 2(x+1) = y = z + 4 and the
x +1 y -1 z - 2
125. The angle between the line, = = and the p
3 2 4 plane 2x - y + lz + 4 = 0 is , then the value of l is
6
plane, 2x + y – 3z + 4 = 0, is :
135 45
æ 4 ö -1 æ 14 ö (a) (b)
(a) sin -1 çç ÷÷ (b) sin çç ÷÷ 7 11
è 406 ø è 406 ø
45 135
-1 æ 4 ö (c) (d)
(c) sin çç ÷÷ (d) None of these 7 11
è 14 29 ø 133. A symmetrical form of the line of intersection of the planes
126. If the given planes, ax + by + cz + d = 0 and x = ay + b and z = cy + d is:
a´x + b´y + c´z + d´ = 0 be mutually perpendicular, then:
x - b y -1 z - d
(a) = =
a b c a b c a 1 c
(a) = = (b) + + =0
a ' b' c' a ' b' c '
x - b - a y -1 z - d - c
(c) aa´ + bb´ + cc´ + dd´ = 0 (b) = =
a 1 c
(d) aa´ + bb´ + cc´ = 0
x -a y-0 z -c
x-2 y-2 z-2 (c) = =
127. The angle between the line = = and the b 1 d
a b c
plane ax + by + cz + 6 = 0 is x - b - a y -1 z - d - c
(d) = =
1 b 0 d
(a) sin -1 (b) 45º
a + b2 + c2
2
Numerical Value Type Questions
(c) 60º (d) 90º
134. If a line makes angles a, b, g with the co-ordinate axes, then
128. The image of the point P (1, 3, 4) in the plane - (cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g) is :
2x – y + z + 3 = 0 is
135. If the straight lines x = 1 + s, y = – 3 – ls, z = 1 + ls and x
(a) (3, 5, –2) (b) (–3, 5, 2) = t/2, y = 1 + t, z = 2 – t, with parameter s and t respectively,
(c) (3, –5, 2) (d) (–1, 4, 2) are coplanar, then -l equals to
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 50

EXERCISE - 2 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAIN QUESTIONS

r r r r r
VECTORS 5. Le t a = 3iˆ + ˆj and b = 2iˆ - ˆj + 3kˆ. If b = b1 - b 2 wh e r e
r r r
b1 is parallel to a and b2 is perpendicular to
1. The length of the projection of the line segment joining
r r r
the points (5, -1, 4) and (4, -1, 3) on the plane, a then b1 ´ b2 is equal to: (2019-04-09/Shift-1))
x + y + z = 7 is : (2018)
(a) -3iˆ + 9 ˆj + 5kˆ (b) 3iˆ - 9 ˆj - 5kˆ
2 2
(a) (b)
3 3 1 1 ˆ
(c) -3iˆ + 9 ˆj + 5kˆ (d) 3i - 9 ˆj + 5kˆ
2 2
2 1
(c) (d) r r
3 3 6. Let a = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ and b = iˆ + 2 ˆj - 2kˆ be two vectors.
2. If the position vectors of the vertices A, B and C of a r r
If a vector perpendicular to both the vectors a + b and
DABC are respectively 4iˆ + 7 ˆj + 8kˆ, 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 4kˆ and r r
a - b has the magnitude 12 then one such vector is
2iˆ + 5 ˆj + 7kˆ, then the position vector of the point, where (2019-04-12/Shift-1)
the bisector of ÐA meets BC is : (2018/Online Set–2)
(a) 4 2iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2 kˆ (b) 4 2iˆ - 2 ˆj - kˆ
1 ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ
(a) 4i + 8 j + 11kˆ (b) 6i + 11 ˆj + 15kˆ
2 3 (c) 4 2iˆ + 2 ˆj - kˆ (d) 4 -2iˆ - 2 ˆj + kˆ

1 ˆ 1 ˆ 7. If the volume of parallelepiped formed by the vectors

(c) 6i + 13 ˆj + 18kˆ (d) 8i + 14 ˆj +19kˆ
3 4 iˆ + l ˆj + kˆ, ˆj + l kˆ and liˆ + kˆ is minimum, then l is equal
3. The magnitude of the projection of the vector 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + kˆ to (2019-04-12/Shift-1)
on the vector perpendicular to the plane containing the 1 1
(a) - (b)
vectors iˆ + ˆj + kˆ and iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ , is 3 3
(2019-04-08/Shift-1) (c) (d) - 3
3
3 8. Let a Î R and the three vectors
(a) (b ) 6
2
a = a iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ , b = 2iˆ + ˆj - a kˆ and
3
(c) 3 6 (d)
2
c = a iˆ - 2 ˆj + 3kˆ .

r r Then the set S = a : a , b and c are coplanar

4. Let a = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj + xkˆ and b = iˆ - ˆj + kˆ, for some real x.
r r (2019-04-12/Shift-2)
Then a ´ b = r is possible if: (2019-04-08/Shift-2)
(a) is singleton

3 3 3 (b) is empty
(a) <r £3 (b) r ³ 5
2 2 2 (c) contains exactly two positive numbers
(d) contains exactly two numbers only one of which is
3 3 3 positive
(c) 0 < r £ (d) 3 <r <5
2 2 2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 51

r non-zero vector ar ´ cr is: (2019-01-11/Shift-1)

r r
9. Let a = iˆ - ˆj , b = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ and c be a vector such that
r r r r rr r (a) -10iˆ - 5 ˆj (b) -14iˆ - 5 ˆj
a ´ c + b = 0 and a.c = 4, then | c |2 is equal to:
(2019-01-09/Shift-1) (c) -14iˆ + 5 ˆj (d) -10iˆ + 5 ˆj

19 14. Let 3iˆ + ˆj, iˆ + 3 ˆj and b iˆ + 1 - b ˆj respectively be the

(a) (b) 9
2 position vectors of the points A, B and C with respect to
the origin O. If the distance of C from the bisector of the
17
(c) 8 (d) 3
2
acute angle between OA and OB is , then the sum of
r 2
r
10. Let a = iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ, b = b1 iˆ + b2 ˆj + 2kˆ and
all possible values of b is
r
c = 5iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ be three vectors such that the projection (2019-01-11/Shift-2)
r r r r r
vector of b on a is a . If a + b is perpendicular to cr ,then
(a) 4 (b) 3
r (c) 2 (d) 1
| b | is equal to:
15. The sum of the distinct real values of m , for which the
(2019-01-09/Shift-2)
vectors, miˆ + ˆj + kˆ, iˆ + m ˆj + kˆ, iˆ + ˆj + m kˆ are co-planar,,
(a) 32 (b) 6
is _. (2019-01-12/Shift-2)
(c) 22 (d) 4 (a) -1 (b) 0
r r (c) 1 (d) 2
11. Let a = 2iˆ + l1 ˆj + 3kˆ, b = 4iˆ + 3 - l2 ˆj + 6kˆ and r
r r
16. Let a, b and c be three unit vectors, out of which vectors
r
c = 3iˆ + 6 ˆj + l3 - 1 kˆ be three vectors such that r r
b and c are non-parallel. If a and b are the angles which
r r r r
b = 2a and a is perpendicular to c . Then a possible value r r
vector ar makes with vectors b and c respectively and
of l1 , l2 , l3 is: (2019-01-10/Shift-1)
r r r 1r
a ´ b ´ c = b , then a - b is equal to
æ 1 ö 2
(a) (1, 3, 1) (b) ç - , 4, 0 ÷
è 2 ø (2019-01-12/Shift-2)
(a) 30° (b) 90°
æ1 ö
(c) ç , 4, -2 ÷ (d) (1, 5, 1) (c) 60° (d) 45°
è 2 ø
r r r
r r r r r r 17. Let a , b and c be three unit vectors such that
12. Let a = l - 2 a + b and b = 4l - 2 a + 3b be two
r r r r r r r r
r r | a - b |2 + | a - c |2 = 8. Then | a + 2b |2 + | a + 2c |2 is
given vectors where vectors a and b are non-collinear..
equal to : (2020-09-02/Shift-1)
r r
The value of λ for which vectors a and b are collinear,,
18. Let the position vectors of points ‘A’ and ‘B’ be iˆ + ˆj + kˆ
is: (2019-01-10/Shift-2)
and 2iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ, respectively. A point ‘P’ divides the line
(a) -4 (b) -3
(c) 4 (d) 3 segment AB internally in the ratio l :1(l > 0). If O is the

r r uuur uuur uuur uuur 2

13. Let a = iˆ + 2 ˆj + 4kˆ, b = iˆ + l ˆj + 4kˆ and origin and OB . OP - 3 OA ´ OP = 6, then l is equal
r to ………… . (2020-09-02/Shift-2)
c = 2iˆ + 4 ˆj + l 2 - 1 kˆ be coplanar vectors. Then the
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 52

r r
19. Let a,b,c Î R be such that a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 1, If a 24. If a and b are unit vectors, then the greatest value of

p r r r r
æ 2p ö æ 4p ö 3 a + b + a - b is_____. (2020-09-06/Shift-1)
cosq = b cos ç q + ÷ = c cos ç q + ÷ , where q = 9 ,
è 3 ø è 3 ø
r r
25. If x and y be two non-zero vectors such that
then the angle between the vectors aiˆ + bjˆ + ckˆ and r r r r r r
| x + y |=| x | and 2x + l y is perpendicular to y , then the
biˆ + cjˆ + akˆ is (2020-09-03/Shift-2) value of l is _______ (2020-09-06/Shift-2)
r
p 2p 26. A vector a = a ıˆ + 2øˆ + b kˆ(a , b Î R) lies in the plane of
(a) (b) r r r
2 3 the vectors, b = ıˆ + ˆj and c = ıˆ - ˆj + 4kˆ. If a bisects the
r r
p angle between b and c , then (2020-01-07/Shift-1)
(c) (d) 0
9
r r
(a) a . ıˆ + 3 = 0 (b) a . kˆ + 4 = 0
r r r
20. Let x 0 be the point of local maxima of f(x) = a . (b ´ c),
r r
r r (c) a . ıˆ + 1 = 0 (d) a . kˆ + 2 = 0
where a = xiˆ - 2 ˆj + 3kˆ, b = -2iˆ + xjˆ - kˆ and
r r r r
r r r r r r r 27. Let a, b and c be three unit vectors such that ar + b + rc = 0 .
c = 7iˆ -2 ˆj + xkˆ. Then the value of a . b + b . c + c . a at
rr rr rr r r r r r r r
x = x0 is : (2020-09-04/Shift-1) If l = a.b + b.c + c.a and d = a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a , then the
r
(a) – 22 (b) – 4 ordered pair l, d is equal to :

(c) – 30 (d) 14 (2020-01-07/Shift-2)

r
21. I f a = 2i$ + $j + 2kˆ, t h e n t h e v a l u e o f æ 3 r rö æ 3 r rö
(a) ç , 3a ´ c ÷ (b) ç - , 3c ´ b ÷
è2 ø è 2 ø
r 2
ˆj ´ (ar ´ ˆj ) + kˆ ´ (ar ´ kˆ) is equal to ... .
2 2
iˆ ´ (a ´ iˆ) +
æ 3 r rö æ 3 r rö
(2020-09-04/Shift-2) (c) ç - , 3a ´ b ÷ (d) ç , 3b ´ c ÷
è 2 ø è2 ø
22. If the volume of a parallelopiped, whose coterminous
edges are given by the vectors 28. If the foot of perpendicular drawn from the point (1,0,3)
r r æ 5 7 17 ö
a = $i + ˆj + nkˆ, b = 2i$ + 4$j - nkˆ and on a line passing through ( a ,7,1) is ç , , ÷ ,
è3 3 3 ø
r
c = iˆ + n$j + 3kˆ(n ³ 0), is 158 cu. units, then: then a equal to_____ (2020-01-07/Shift-2)
29. If volume of parallelopiped whose coterminous edges
(2020-09-05/Shift-1) r r
r r are given by u = iˆ + ˆj + l kˆ , v = iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ and
r r
(a) a . c =17 (b) b . c =10
r
w = 2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ be 1 cu. Unit. If q be the angle between
` (c) n = 9 (d) n = 7
r ur
r r r the edges u and w , then, cos q can be:
23. Let the vectors ar, b , cr be such that a = 2, b = 4 and
(2020-01-08/Shift-1)
r r r
c = 4 . If the projection of b on a is equal to the projection of
7 5
r r r r (a) (b)
c on a and b is perpendicular to c , then the value of 6 6 7
r r r
a + b - c is______ (2020-09-05/Shift-2) 7 5
(c) (d)
6 3 3 3
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 53

r r
30. Let a = iˆ - 2 ˆj + kˆ, b = iˆ - ˆj + kˆ be two vectors. If cr is a ® ® ®
35. Let a , b , c be three mutually perpendicular vectors of
r r r r rr rr
vector such that b ´ c = b ´ a and c .a = 0 then c .b is the same magnitude and equally inclined at an angle q
equal to: (2020-01-08/Shift-2) ® ® ®
with the vector a + b + c . Then 36 cos 2 2q is equal to
1 3 ____ (2021-07-20/Shift-1)
(a) (b) -
2 2 r
36. For p > 0 a vector v 2 = 2i$ + p + 1 $j is obtained by rotating
r
1 the vector v1 = 3pi$ + $j by an angle q about the origin in
(c) - (d) -1
2
a 3-2
a counter clockwise direction. If tan q = , then
r 4 3 +3
31. If the v ec to r s p = (a + 1)ıˆ + a øˆ + akˆ,
r r the value of a is equal to ?
q = aıˆ + (a + 1) øˆ + akˆ and r = aıˆ + a øˆ + (a + 1)kˆ (a Î R )
rr r r (2021-07-20/Shift-2)
are coplanar and 3( p.q ) 2 - l | r ´ q |2 = 0 ,then value of
uuur uuur uuur
l is____. (2020-01-09/Shift-1) 37. In a triangle ABC, if BC = 3, CA = 5 and BA = 7, then
uuur uuur
32. The projection of the line segment joining the points the projection of the vector BA on BC is equal to ?
(1,-1,3) and (2,-4,11) on the line joining the points (-1,2,3) (2021-07-20/Shift-2)
and (3,-2,10) is _______ . (2020-01-09/Shift-1)
11 13
(a) (b)
r r and r 2 2
33. a,b c b e th r e e v e ct o r s s u ch th a t
r r rr r
a = 3 , b = 5, b .c = 10 and the angle between b and cr (c)
19
(d)
15
2 2
p r
is . If ar is `perpendicular to vector b ´ cr , then 38. Let the vectors 2 + a + b $i + a + 2b + c $j - b + c k
3
r r r
a ´ b ´ c is equal to (2020-01-09/Shift-2) 1 + b $i + 2b$j - bk and

2 + b $i + 2b$j + 1 - b k a, b, c Î R
® Ù Ù Ù ® Ù Ù ®
34. Let a = 2 i + j - 2 k and b = i + j. If c is a vector such be co-planar. Then which of the following is true ?
® ® ® ® ® (2021-07-25/Shift-1)
that a . c = c , c - a = 2 2 and the angle between (a) 2a = b + c (b) 2b = a + c
(c) 3c = a + b (d) a = b + 2c
æ® ®ö ® p æ® ®ö ® r r
ç a ´ b ÷ and c is 6 , then the value of ç a ´ b ÷ ´ c is: 39. Let p = 2i$ + 3j$ + k and q = $i + 2$j + k be two vectors. If a
è ø è ø
r
(2021-07-20/Shift-1) vector r = a$i + b$j + gkˆ is perpendicular to each of the
r r r r r
2 vectors p+q and p-q and r = 3, then
(a) (b) 4
3
a + b + g is equal to ________ ?
3
(c) 3 (d) (2021-07-25/Shift-1)
2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 54

® Ù Ù Ù ® Ù Ù Ù
40. Let a = i + j + 2 k and b = - i + 2 j+ 3 k . Then the vector é® ® ®ù é® ® ®ù
(c) ê a b c ú + ê c a b ú = 8
ë û ë û
r r r r r r r
product a + b ´ a ´ a - b ´ b ´ b is equal to:
® ææ ® ®ö æ ® ®öö ®
(d) a ´ ç ç b + c ÷ ´ ç b - c ÷ ÷ = 0
(2021-07-27/Shift-1) èè ø è øø

æ Ù Ù Ùö æ Ù Ù Ùö ® ® Ù Ù Ù
(a) 5 ç 30 i - 5 j+ 7 k ÷ (b) 5 ç 34 i - 5 j + 3k ÷ 45. Let a vector a be coplanar with vectors b = 2 i + j + k
è ø è ø
® Ù Ù Ù ®
æ Ù Ù Ùö æ Ù Ù Ùö and c = i - j+ k . If a is perpendicular to
(c) 7 ç 30 i - 5 j + 7 k ÷ (d) 7 ç 34 i - 5 j + 3k ÷
è ø è ø ® ® Ù Ù ®
d = 3i + 2 j + 6 k, and a = 10. Then a possible value of
r Ù Ù Ù Ù r Ù Ù
41. Let a = i + j + k, b and c = j- k be three vectors such
r r r rr é® ® ®ù é® ® ® ù é® ® ®ù
that a ´ b = c and a.b = 1. If the length of projection vector ê a b c ú + ê a d b ú + ê a c d ú is equal to :
r r r ë û ë û ë û
of the vector b on the vector a ´ c is l, then the value of
(2021-07-22/Shift-2)
3l2 is equal to ______. (2021-07-27/Shift-1)
r r r r r r r (a) –40 (b) –42
42. Let a, b and c be three vectors such that a = b ´ b ´ c . (c) –29 (d) –38
r r r 46. Let a, b and c be distinct positive numbers. If the vectors
If magnitudes of the vectors a, b and c are 2,1 and 2 Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù
r r a i + a j + c k, i + k and c i + c j + b k are co-planar, then c
respectively and the angle between b and c is
is equal to: (2021-07-25/Shift-2)
æ pö æ pö
q ç 0 < q < ÷ , then the value of q ç 0 < q < ÷ is equal a+b
è 2 ø è 2ø (a) ab (b)
2
to: (2021-07-27/Shift-2)
1 1 2
3 +1 (c) + (d) 1 1
(a) (b) 2 a b +
3 a b
(c) 3 +1 (d) 1 ® ® ® ® ® ®
47. If a = 2, b = 5 and a ´ b = 8 , then a . b is equal to:
r Ù rÙ Ù Ù Ù Ù
43. Let a = i - a j+ b k, b = 3 i + b j - a k and
r rr (2021-07-25/Shift-2)
c = -aˆi - 2jˆ + kˆ , where a and b are integers. If a.b = -1 (a) 5 (b) 4
rr r r r (c) 6 (d) 3
and b.c = 10, then a ´ b .c is equal to ______.
æ® ®ö æ ® ®ö r r
(2021-07-27/Shift-2) 48. If ç a + 3 b ÷ is perpendicular to ç 7 a - 5 b ÷ and a - 4b
è ø è ø
® ® ®
44. Let three vectors a , b and c be such that
æ ® ®ö
is perpendicular to ç 7 a - 2 b ÷ , then the angle between
® ® ® ® ® ® ® è ø
a ´ b = c , b ´ c = a and a = 2. Then which one of the
® ®
following is not true? (2021-07-22/Shift-2) a and b (in degrees) is___ (2021-07-25/Shift-2)
r r r
® æ® ®ö 49. Let a = 2iˆ - ˆj + 2kˆ and b = ˆi + 2jˆ - kˆ . Let a vector u in
(a) Projection of a on ç b ´ c ÷ is 2 r r r
è ø the plane containing a and b . If u is perpendicular to
r r
® ® ®2 the vector 3i + 2ˆj - kˆ and its projection on a is 19 units,
(b) 3 a + b - 2 c = 51
r2
then 2u is equal to _____ (2021-09-01/Shift-2)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 55

r r
50. If the projection of the vector $i + 2$j + k on the sum of the 56. Let c be a vector perpendicular to the vectors a = ˆi + ˆj - kˆ
r r
two vectors 2i$ + 4$j - 5k and -l$i + 2$j + 3k is 1, then l is and b = iˆ + 2jˆ + kˆ . If c × (iˆ + ˆj + 3k)
ˆ = 8 then the value of
r r r
equal to _______. (2021-08-26/Shift-2) c × (a ´ b) is equal to ___ (2021-03-16/Shift-2)
r ˆ ˆ r
51. ˆ b = ˆi + 3jˆ + bkˆ and cr = –iˆ + 2jˆ - 3kˆ
Let a = i + 5j + ak, 57. Let a vector aˆi + bˆj be obtained by rotating the vector
r r r
be three vectors such that, b ´ c = 5 3 and a is 3iˆ + ˆj by an angle 45° about the origin in counter
r clockwise direction in the first quadrant. Then the area of
perpendicular to b . Then the greatest amongst the values
triangle having vertices a, b , 0, b and (0, 0) is equal
r2
of a is ______. (2021-08-27/Shift-1) to (2021-03-16/Shift-1)
1
52. Let a = ˆi + ˆj + kˆ and b = ˆj - k.
ˆ If c is a vector such that (a) 1 (b)
2
a ´ c = b and a.c = 3 , then a. b ´ c is equal to :
1
(c) 2 2 (d)
(2021-08-26/Shift-1) 2
(a) -2 (b) 6
58. Let the position vectors of two points P and Q be 3iˆ - ˆj + 2kˆ
(c) 2 (d) -6
r r r r r r and ˆi + 2jˆ - 4kˆ , respectively. Let R and S be two points
53. Let a and b be two vectors such that 2a + 3b = 3a + b
such that the direction ratios of lines PR and QS are (4, –1,
r r 1r 2) and (–2, 1, –2), respectively. Let lines PR and QS
and the angle between a and b is 60°. If a is a unit
8 intersect at T. If the vector TA is perpendicular to both
r PR and QS and the length of vector TA is 5 units,
vector, then b is equal to ? (2021-08-31/Shift-1)
then the modulus of a position vector of A is
(a) 5 (b) 8 (2021-03-16/Shift-1)
(c) 4 (d) 6 (a) (b)
5 171
r r r
54. Let a, b, c be three vectors mutually perpendicular to each (c) (d)
227 482
r
other and have same magnitude. If a vector r satisfies
59. Let O be the origin. Let OP = xiˆ + yjˆ - kˆ and
r r r r r r r r r r r r r
a ´ r - b ´a + b´ r - c ´ b + c´ r - a ´ c = 0 ,
OQ = - ˆi + 2jˆ + 3xk,
ˆ x, y Î R, x > 0 , be such that
r
then r is equal to: (2021-08-31/Shift-2) PQ = 20 and the vector OP is perpendicular to OQ.
1 r r r 1 r r r
(a) a + b + 2c (b) 2a + b - c If OR = 3iˆ + zjˆ - 7k,
ˆ z Î R, is coplanar with OP and
2 2
OQ, then the value of x 2 + y2 + z 2 is equal to :
1 r r r 1 r r r
(c) a +b+ c (d) a+b+c (2021-03-17/Shift-2)
3 2
(a) 1 (b) 9
r r (c) 2 (d) 7
55. Let a = ˆi + 2jˆ - 3kˆ and b = 2iˆ - 3jˆ + 5kˆ .
r r r rr 60. Let x be a vector in the plane containing vectors
If r ´ a = b ´ r, r × (aˆi + 2ˆj + k)
ˆ = 3 and
a = 2iˆ - ˆj + kˆ and b = ˆi + 2jˆ - k.
ˆ If the vector x is
r ˆ ˆ ˆ = -1, a Î R , then the value of a+ | rr |2
r × (2i + 5j - ak) perpendicular to (3iˆ + 2jˆ - k)
ˆ and its projection on a is
is equal to (2021-03-16/Shift-2)
17 6
(a) 13 (b) 15 , then the value of x 2 is equal to .................. .
(c) 9 (d) 11 2
(2021-03-17/Shift-2)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 56

r r r r
61. Let a = 2i$ - 3j$ + 4k and b = 7i$ + $j - 6k . 67. If vectors a1 = xiˆ - ˆj + kˆ and a 2 = ˆi + yjˆ + zkˆ are
r r r r r r collinear, then a possible unit vector parallel to the vector
If r ´ a = r ´ b, r × $i + 2$j + k = -3, then r × 2i$ - 3j$ + k
xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ is (2021-02-26/Shift-2)
is equal to : (2021-03-17/Shift-1)
1 ˆ ˆ ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ
(a) 12 (b) 13 (a) i + j- k (b) i-j
(c) 10 (d) 8 3 2
r r
62. Let a and b be two non-zero vectors perpendicular to each 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ 1
(c) i - j+ k (d) -ˆj + kˆ
r r r r r 3 2
other and | a | = | b | . If | a ´ b | = | a |, then the angle r
r r r r r r
r r r r r
68. If a and b are perpendicular, then a ´ a ´ a ´ a ´ b is
between the vectors (a + b + (a ´ b)) and a is equal to :
equal to (2021-02-26/Shift-1)
(2021-03-18/Shift-2)
r 1 r4r
æ 1 ö æ 1 ö (a) 0 (b) a b
(a) sin -1 ç ÷ (b) cos -1 ç ÷ 2
è 6ø è 3ø r r r4r
(c) a ´ b (d) a b
æ 1 ö -1 æ 1 ö
(c) sin -1 ç
è 3ø
÷ (d) cos ç
è 2ø
÷ 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
r
63. A vector a has components 3p and 1 with respect to a 69. The shortest distance between the z-axis and the line
rectangular cartesian system. This system is rotated through
a certain angle about the origin in the counter clockwise x +y + 2z - 3 = 0 = 2x + 3y + 4z - 4, is
r (2015/Online Set–2)
sense. If, with respect to new system, a has components
p + 1 and 10, then a value of p is equal to : (a) 1 (b) 2
(2021-03-18/Shift-1) (c) 4 (d) 3

4 70. A plane containing the point (3, 2, 0) and the line

(a) 1 (b)
5
x -1 y - 2 z - 3
= = also contains the point :
5 1 5 4
(c) - (d) –1
4
(2015/Online Set–2)
64. Let three vectors a, b and c be such that c is coplanar (a) (0, 3, 1) (b) (0, 7, -10)
with a and b, a × c = 7 and b is perpendicular to c (c) (0, -3, 1) (d) (0, 7, 10)

where a = -ˆi + ˆj + kˆ and b = 2iˆ + kˆ , then the value of x -3 y+2 z +4

71. If the line, = = lies in the plane,
2 2 -1 3
2 a + b + c is _________. (2021-02-24/Shift-1)
lx + my – z = 9, then l2 + m2 is equal to : (2016)
r r
65. Let a = $i + a $j + 3k and b = 3i$ - a$j + k. If the area of the (a) 18 (b) 5
parallelogram whose adjacent sides are represented by the (c) 2 (d) 26
r r r r
vectors a and b is 8 3 square units, then a × b is equal 72. The distance of the point (1, –5, 9) from the plane
to: (2021-02-25/Shift-2) x – y + z = 5 measured along the line x = y = z is(2016)
r r r
66. Let a = ˆi + 2jˆ - k,
ˆb = ˆi - ˆj and c = ˆi - ˆj - kˆ be three
10
r r r r r (a) 10 3 (b)
given vectors. If r is a vector such that r ´ a = c ´ a and 3
r r r r
r × b = 0 , then r × a is equal to ____.
(2021-02-25/Shift-1) 20
(c) (d) 3 10
3
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 57

r
73. The shortest distance between the lines lies
x y z
= = 78. The line of intersection of the planes = r. 3iˆ - ˆj + kˆ and
2 2 1
r ˆ ˆ
r. i + 4 j - 2kˆ = 2, is: (2017/Online Set–1)
x+2 y-4 z -5
and = = in the interval :
-1 8 4
(2016/Online Set–1) 4 5
x- z-
(a) 7 =y= 7
(a) [0, 1) (b) [1, 2) -2 7 13
(c) (2, 3] (d) (3, 4]
74. The distance of the point (1, -2, 4) from the plane passing
4 5
through the point (1, 2, 2) and perpendicular to the planes x- z+
(b) 7 = y = 7
x-y+2z=3 and 2x-2y+z+12=0, is : (2016/Online Set–1) 2 -7 13

(a) 2 2 (b) 2
6 5
x- y+
1 (c) 13 = 13 = z
(c) 2 (d) 2 -7 -13
2

75. The number of distinct real values of l for which the lines
6 5
x- y-
x -1 y - 2 z + 3 x - 3 y - 2 z -1 (d) 13 = 13 = z
= = 2 and = 2 =
1 2 l 1 l 2 2 -7 -13

are coplanar is : (2016/Online Set–2)

x -3 y+ 2 z+ l
(a) 4 (b) 1 79. If the line, = = lies in the plane,
1 -1 -2
(c) 2 (d) 3
2x – 4y + 3z = 2, then the shortest distance between this
76. If the image of the point P(1, –2, 3) in the plane, 2x + 3y
x -1 y z
x y z line and the line, = = is :
– 4z + 22 = 0 measured parallel to the line, = = is 12 9 4
1 4 5

Q then PQ is equal to : (2017) (2017/Online Set–2)

(a) 2 (b) 1
(a) 3 5 (b) 2 42
(c) 0 (d) 3
(c) 42 (d) 6 5
80. If a variable plane, at a distance of 3 units from the origin,
77. The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular from the intersects the coordinate axes at A, B and C, then the locus
point (1, –2, 1) on the plane containing the lines, of the centroid of DABC is :

(2017/Online Set–2)
x +1 y -1 z - 3 x -1 y - 2 z - 3
= = and = = is :
6 7 8 3 5 7
1 1 1 1 1 1
(a) 2
+ 2 + 2 =1 (b) 2
+ 2 + 2 =3
(2017/Online Set–1) x y z x y z
(a) (2, –4, 2) (b) (-1, 2, –1)
(c) (0, 0, 0) (d) (1, 1, 1) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(c) + + = (d) + + =9
x 2 y2 z 2 9 x 2 y2 z2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 58

81. If L1 is the line of intersection of the planes 85. A plane bisects the line segment joining the points
(1, 2, 3) and (-3, 4, 5) at right angles. Then this plane also
2x - 2y + 3z - 2 = 0, x - y + z + 1 = 0 and L2 is the line
of intersection of the planes passes through the point : (2018/Online Set–2)

x + 2y - z - 3 = 0, 3x - y + 2z - 1 = 0 , then the distance of (a) (-3, 2, 1) (b) (3, 2, 1)

the origin from the plane, containing the lines L1 and L2, (c) (-1, 2, 3) (d) (1, 2, -3)
is : (2018)
86. The sum of the intercepts on the coordinate axes of the
1 1 plane passing through the point (-2, -2, 2) and containing
(a) (b)
2 4 2 the line joining the points (1, -1, 2) and (1, 1, 1), is :
(2018/Online Set–3)
1 1
(c) (d) (a) 4 (b) -4
3 2 2 2
82. A variable plane passes through a fixed point (c) -8 (d) 12
(3, 2, 1) and meets x, y and z axes at A, B and C
respectively. A plane is drawn parallel to yz-plane through x y z
87. If the angle between the lines, = = and
A, a second plane is drawn parallel zx-plane through B 2 2 1
and a third plane is drawn parallel to xy-plane through C.
Then the locus of the point of intersection of these three 5 - x 7 y -14 z - 3 æ2ö
= = cos-1 ç ÷ , then p is equal to :
planes, is: -2 p 4 is è3ø
(2018/Online Set–1)
(2018/Online Set–3)
x y z
(a) + + = 1 (b) x + y + z = 6
3 2 1 7 2
(a) (b)
2 7
1 1 1 11 3 2 1
(c) x + y + z = 6 (d) x + y + z = 1
7 4
83. An angle between the plane, x + y + z = 5 and the line of (c) - (d) -
4 7
intersection of the planes, 3x + 4y + z -1 = 0 and
5x + 8y + 2z + 14 = 0, is: (2018/Online Set–1) 88. The equation of a plane containing the line of intersection
of the planes 2x – y – 4 = 0 and y + 2z – 4 = 0 and passing
-1
æ 3 ö -1
æ 3 ö
(a) sin çç ÷÷ (b) cos çç ÷÷ through the point (1, 1, 0) is : (2019-04-08/Shift-1)
è 17 ø è 17 ø
(a) x - 3y - 2z = -2 (b) 2x - z = 2
(c) x - y - z = 0 (d) x + 3y + z = 4
-1 æ 3 ö -1 æ 3 ö
(c) cos ç ÷ (d) sin ç ÷
è 17 ø è 17 ø 89. The length of the perpendicular from the point (2, –1, 4)

84. An angle between the lines whose direction cosines are x+3 y-2 z
on the straight line, = = is:
given by the equations, 10 -7 1
l + 3m + 5n = 0 and 5 lm – 2mn + 6nl = 0, is :
(2019-04-08Shift-1)
(2018/Online Set–2)
(a) greater than 3 but less than 4
-1 æ 1 ö -1 æ 1 ö
(a) cos ç ÷ (b) cos ç ÷ (b) less than 2
è3ø è4ø
(c) greater than 2 but less than 3

-1 æ 1 ö -1 æ 1 ö (d) greater than 4

(c) cos ç - ÷ (d) cos ç ÷
è 6ø è8ø
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 59

90. The vector equation of the plane through the line of 95. Let P be the plane, which contains the line of intersection
intersection of the planes x + y + z = 1 and of the plane, x + y + z - 6 = 0 and 2 x + 3 y + z + 5 = 0 and
2x + 3y + 4z = 5which is perpendicular to the plane
x – y + z = 0 is : (2019-04-08/Shift-2) it is perpendicular to the xy-plane. Then the distance of
the point (0, 0, 256) from P is equal to:
r r
(a) r ´ iˆ - kˆ + 2 = 0 (b) r . iˆ - kˆ - 2 = 0 (2019-04-09/Shift-2))

r r 17
(c) r ´ iˆ + kˆ + 2 = 0 (d) r . iˆ - kˆ + 2 = 0 (a) (b) 63 5
5
91. If a point R(4, y, z) lies on the line segment joining the
points P(2, –3, 4) and Q(8, 0, 10), then distance of R from
11
the origin is: (2019-04-08/Shift-2) (c) 205 5 (d)
5
(a) 2 14 (b) 2 21
p p
(c) 6 (d) 53 96. If a unit vector ar makes angles with iˆ, with ˆj and
3 4

x -1 y +1 z - 2
92. If the line, = = meets the plane, q Î 0, p with kˆ then a value of q is:
2 3 4
(2019-04-09/Shift-2)
x + 2 y + 3z = 15 at a point P, then the distance of P from
the origin is: (2019-04-09/Shift-1) 5p p
(a) (b)
6 4
5
(a) (b) 2 5
2
5p 2p
(c) (d)
12 3
9 7
(c) (d)
2 2 97. If Q (0, –1, –3) is the image of the point P in the plane
93. A plane passing through the points (0, -1, 0) and (0, 0, 1) 3x – y + 4z = 2 and R is the point (3,–1 , –2), then the area
(in sq. units) of DPQR is : (2019-04-10/Shift-1))
p
and making an angle with the plane y - z + 5 = 0, also
4
91
passes through the point: (2019-04-09/Shift-1)) (a) 2 13 (b)
4

(a) - 2,1, -4 (b) 2, -1, 4

91 65
(c) (d)
2 2
(c) - 2, -1, -4 (d) 2,1, 4
98. If the length of the perpendicular from the point
94. The vertices B and C of a ΔABC lie on the line,
b ,0, b b ¹ 0 to the line,
x + 2 y -1 z
= = such that BC = 5 units.Then the area
3 0 4
x y -1 z +1 3
(in sq. units) of this triangle, given that the point = = is , then b is equal to:
1 0 -1 2
A 1, -1, 2 , is: (2019-04-09/Shift-2))
(2019-04-10/Shift-1)
(a) 5 17 (b) 2 34 (a) 1 (b) 2
(c) 6 (d) 34 (c) –1 (d) –2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 60

99. The distance of the point having position vector 104. The length of the perpendicular drawn from the point
-iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ from the straight line passing through the (2, 1, 4) to the plane containing the lines
r
point (2, 3, -4) and parallel to the vector, 6iˆ + 3 ˆj - 4kˆ is: r = iˆ + ˆj + l iˆ + 2 ˆj - kˆ and

(2019-04-10/Shift-2)
r
r = iˆ + ˆj + m -iˆ + ˆj - 2kˆ is ______.
(a) 7 (b) 4 3
(2019-04-12/Shift-2)
(c) 6 (d) 2 13
100. A perpendicular is drawn from a point on the line 1
(a) 3 (b)
x -1 y +1 z 3
= = to the plane x + y + z = 3 such that the
2 -1 1
foot the perpendicular Q also lies on the plane 1
(c) 3 (d)
x - y + z = 3. Then the co-ordinates of Q are: 3

(2019-04-10/Shift-2) 105. The equation of the line passing through (–4, 3, 1) parallel
(a) (1, 0, 2) (b) (2, 0, 1) to the plane x + 2y – z – 5 = 0 and intersecting the line
(c) (-1, 0, 4) (d) (4, 0, -1)
x +1 y - 3 z - 2
= = is: (2019-01-09/Shift-1)
1 -3 2 -1
101. If the plane 2 x - y + 2 z + 3 = 0 has the distances and
3
x - 4 y + 3 z +1 x + 4 y - 3 z -1
2 (a) = = (b) = =
units from the planes 4 x - 2 y + 4 z + l = 0 and 2 1 4 1 1 3
3

2 x - y + 2 z + m = 0 respectively, then the maximum value

x + 4 y - 3 z -1 x + 4 y - 3 z -1
(c) = = (d) = =
of l + m is equal to : (2019-04-10)/Shift-2 3 -1 1 -1 1 1

(a) 9 (b) 15 106. The equation of the plane containing the straight line
(c) 5 (d) 13
x y z
= = and perpendicular to the plane containing the
x - 2 y + 1 z -1 2 3 4
102. If the line = = intersects the plane
3 2 -1
2x + 3y – z + 13 = 0 at a point P and the plane x y z x y z
straight lines = = and = = is:
3x + y + 4z = 16 at a point Q, then PQ is equal to 3 4 2 4 2 3
(2019-04-12/Shift-1) (2019-01-09/Shift-2)
(a) 14 (b) 14 (a) x - 2y + z = 0 (b) 3x + 2y - 3z = 0

(c) 2 7 (d) 2 14 (c) x + 2y - 2z = 0 (d) 5x + 2y - 4z = 0

107. If the lines x = ay + b, z = cy + d and x = a’z + b’,
103. A plane which bisects the angle between the two given
planes 2 x - y + 2 z - 4 = 0 and x + 2 y + 2 z - 2 = 0 passes y = c’ z + d’ are perpendicular, then:

through the point: (2019-04-12/Shift-2) (2019-01-09/Shift-2)

(a) (1, -4, 1) (b) (1, 4, -1) (a) ab’ + bc’ + 1 = 0 (b) cc’ + a + a’ = 0
(c) (2, 4, 1) (d) (2, -4, 1) (c) bb’ + cc’ + 1 = 0 (d) aa’ + c + c’ = 0
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 61

108. The plane passing through the point (4, -1, 2) and parallel
x - 3 y +1 z - 6 x+5 y -2 z -3
113. Two lines = = and = =
x + 2 y - 2 z +1 1 3 -1 7 -6 4
to the lines = = and
3 -1 2 intersect at the point R. The reflection of R in the xy-
plane has coordinates : (2019-01-11/Shift-2)
x -2 y -3 z -4
= = also passes through the point:
1 2 3 (a) 2, - 4, - 7 (b) 2, - 4, 7

(2019-01-10/Shift-1) (c) 2, 4, 7 (d) -2, 4, 7

(a) (1, 1, -1) (b) (1, 1, 1)
114. If the point (2, α, β) lies on the plane which passes through
(c) (-1, -1, -1) (d) (-1, -1, 1)
the points (3, 4, 2) and (7, 0, 6) and is perpendicular to the
109. Let A be a point on the line plane 2x – 5y = 15, then 2α – 3β is equal to :
r (2019-01-11/Shift-2)
r = 1 - 3m ˆi + m - 1 ˆj + 2 + 5m kˆ and B(3, 2, 6) be a
(a) 12 (b) 7
point in the space. Then the value of μ for which the
uuur (c) 5 (d) 17
vector AB is parallel to the plane x - 4 y + 3z = 1 is
(2019-01-10/Shift-1) 115. A tetrahedron has vertices P(l, 2, 1), Q(2, 1, 3), R(-1, 1, 2) and
O(0, 0, 0). The angle between the faces OPQ and PQR is:
1 1 (2019-01-12/Shift-1)
(a) (b)
4 8
-1 æ -17 ö -1 æ -19 ö
1 1 (a) cos ç ÷ (b) cos ç ÷
è 31 ø è 35 ø
(c) (d) -
2 4
110. The plane which bisects the line segment joining the points -1 æ -9 ö -1 æ -7 ö
(c) cos ç ÷ (d) cos ç ÷
(–3, –3, 4) and (3, 7, 6) at right angles, passes through è 35 ø è 31 ø
which one of the following points? 116. The perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane
(2019-01-10/Shift-2)
x+2 y-2 z+5
(a) (–2, 3, 5) (b) (4, –1, 7) containing the two lines, = = and
3 5 7
(c) (2, 1, 3) (d) (4, 1, –2)
x -1 y - 4 z + 4
111. On which of the following lines lies the point of inter- = = , is (2019-01-12/Shift-1)
1 4 7
x-4 y -5 z -3
section of the line = = and the plane,
2 2 1 11
(a) 11 6 (b)
x + y + z = 2? (2019-01-10/Shift-2) 6

x + 3 4 - y z +1 x -4 y -5 z -5 (c) 11 (d) 6 11
(a) = = (b) = =
3 3 -2 1 1 -1
x +1 y - 2 z - 3
117. If an angle between the line, = = and
x -1 y - 3 z + 4 x -2 y -3 z +3 2 1 -2
(c) = = (d) = =
1 2 -5 2 2 3 æ2 2ö
the plane, x - 2 y - Kz = 3 is cos -1 ç then a value of
ç 3 ÷÷
x - 3 y + 2 z -1 è ø
112. The plane containing the line = = and
2 -1 3 K is (2019-01-12/Shift-2)
also containing its projection on the plane
2x + 3y – z = 5, contains which one of the following points? 5 3
(a) (b)
3 5
(2019-01-11/Shift-1)
(a) (2,2,0) (b) (–-2,2,2) 3 5
(c) - (d) -
(c) (0,–2,2) (d) (2,0,–2) 5 3
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 62

118. Let S be the set of all real values of l such that a plane 125. If the equation of a plane P, passing through the intersection
passing through the points
2 2
-l , 1, 1 , 1, - l , 1 and of the planes, x+4y – z+7=0 and 3x+y+5z=8 is
ax+by+6z=15 for some a, b ÎR,then the distance of the
1, 1, - l 2 also passes through the point -1, - 1, 1 Then point (3,2, –1) from the plane P is……. units.
S is equal to (2019-01-12/Shift-2) (2020-09-04/Shift-1)

(a) 3 (b) 3, - 3 126. The distance of the point (1, –2, 3) from the plane

x y z
(c) 1, - 1 (d) 3, - 3 x – y + z = 5 measured parallel to the line = = is:
2 3 -6
119. The plane passing through the points (1, 2,1), (2, 1, 2)
(2020-09-04/Shift-2)
and parallel to the line, 2x = 3y, z = 1also passes through
the point : (2020-09-02/Shift-1)
1
(a) (0, –6, 2) (b) (0, 6, – 2) (a) (b) 7
7
(c) (– 2, 0, 1) (d) (2, 0, –1)
120. A plane passing through the point (3, 1, 1) contains two 7
lines whose direction ratios are 1, –2, 2 and 2, 3, –1 (c) (d) 1
5
respectively. If this plane also passes through the point
127. If (a,b,c) is the image of the point (1,2, –3) in the line,
(a , -3, 5), then a is equal to : (2020-09-02/Shift-2)
(a) – 5 (b) 10 x +1 y - 3 z
= = , then a+b+c is
2 -2 -1
(c) 5 (d) – 10
121. The foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point (2020-09-05/Shift-1)
(4, 2, 3) to the line joining the points (1, – 2, 3) and
(a) 2 (b) 3
(1, 1, 0) lies on the plane : (2020-09-03/Shift-1)
(c) –1 (d) 1
(a) x – y – 2z = 1 (b) x – 2y + z = 1
(c) 2x + y – z = 1 (d) x + 2y – z = 1 x +1 y-2 z -1
r r 128. If for some a Î R, the lines L1 : 2 = -1 = 1 and
122. The lines r = (i$ - $j) + l (2i$ + k) and r = (2i$ - $j) + m(i$ + $j - k)
(2020-09-03/Shift-1)
(a) do not intersect for any values of l and m x+2 y +1 z + 1
L2 : = = are coplanar, then the line L2
(b) intersect when l = 1 and m = 2 a 5 -a 1

1 passes through the point: (2020-09-05/Shift-2)

(c) intersect when l = 2 and m =
2 (a) (2, –10, –2) (b) (10, –2, –2)
(d) intersect for all values of l and m (c) (10,2,2) (d) (–2,10,2)
123. The plane which bisects the line joining the points 129. The shortest distance between the lines
(4, –2, 3) and (2, 4, –1) at right angles also passes
through the point : (2020-09-03/Shift-2) x -1 y +1 z
= = and x + y + z + 1 = 0 , 2 x - y + z + 3 = 0
(a) (0, –1, 1) (b) (4, 0, 1) 0 -1 1
(c) (4, 0, –1) (d) (0, 1, –1) is: (2020-09-06/Shift-1)
r
124. Let a plane P contain two lines r = iˆ + l (iˆ + ˆj ), l Î R and 1
r (a) 1 (b)
r = - ˆj + m ( ˆj - kˆ), m Î R. If Q (a , b , g ) is the foot of 2
the perpendicular drawn from the point M (1,0, 1) to P,
then 3 (a + b + g ) equals ………. . 1 1
(c) (d)
3 2
(2020-09-03/Shift-2)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 63

130. A plane P meets the coordinate axes at A, B and C 136. If the shortest distance between the lines
respectively. The centroid of DABC is given to be
® Ù Ù Ù æÙ Ù Ù ö
(1, 1, 2). Then the equation of the line through this centroid r1 = a i + 2 j + 2 k + l ç i - 2 j+ 2 k ÷ , l Î R, a > 0
and perpendicular to the plane P is: è ø
(2020-09-06/Shift-2) ® Ù Ù æ Ù Ù Ùö
and r2 = -4 i - k + m ç 3 i - 2 j- 2 k ÷ , m Î R is 9, then a is
x -1 y -1 z - 2 x -1 y -1 z - 2 è ø
(a) = = (b) = =
2 1 1 2 2 1 equal to ______. (2021-07-20/Shift-1)
x -1 y -1 z - 2 x -1 y -1 z - 2 137. The lines x = ay - 1 = z - 2 and x = 3y – 2 = bz – 2,
(c) = = (d) = =
1 2 2 1 1 2 (ab ¹ 0) are coplanar, if ? (2021-07-20/Shift-2)
131. Let P be a plane passing through the points (2,1,0), (4,1,1) (a) b = 1,a Î R - 0 (b) a = 2, b = 3
and (5,0,1) and R be any point (2,1,6). Then the image of
R in the plane P is: (2020-01-07/Shift-1) (c) a = 2, b = 2 (d) a = 1, b Î R - 0
(a) (6,5,2) (b) (6,5, -2) 138. Consider the line L given by the equation
(c) (4,3,2) (d) (3, 4, -2) x - 3 y - 1 z - 2 . Let Q be the mirror image of the
= =
132. The shortest distance between the lines 2 1 1
point (2, 3, –1) with respect to L. Let a plane P be such that
x -3 y -8 z -3 x+3 y+7 z -6 it passes through Q, and the line L is perpendicular to P.
= = and = = is:
3 -1 1 -3 2 4 Then which of the following points is on the plane P ?
(2020-01-08/Shift-1) (2021-07-20/Shift-2)
(a) (1, 2, 2) (b) (–1, 1, 2)
7 (c) (1, 1, 1) (d) (1, 1, 2)
(a) 2 30 (b) 300
2 139. Let the foot of perpendicular from a point P 1, 2, -1 to
(c) 3 (d) 3 30
x y z
the straight line L = = = be N. Let a line be drawn
133. The mirror image of the point (1, 2, 3) in a plane is 1 0 -1
æ 7 4 1ö from P parallel to the plane x + y + 2z = 0 which meets L
ç - 3 , - 3 , - 3 ÷ .Which of the following points lies on this
è ø at point Q. If a is the acute angle between the lines PN
plane? (2020-01-08/Shift-2) and PQ, then cos a is equal to ______________ ?
(a) (1, -1, 1) (b) (-1, -1, 1) (2021-07-25/Shift-1)
(c) (1, 1, 1) (d) (-1, -1, -1) 1 1
(a) (b)
134. If the distance between the plane, 23x – 10y – 2z + 48 =0 2 3 5
x +1 y - 3 z +1
and the plane containing the lines = = 3 1
2 4 3 (c) (d)
2 3
x + 3 y + 2 z -1 k 140. Let the plane passing through the point (–1,0, –2) and
and = = , l Î R , is equal to ,
2 6 l 633 perpendicular to each of the planes 2x + y – z = 2 and
then k is equal to_______ (2020-01-09/Shift-2) x – y – z = 3 be ax + by + cz + 8 = 0 , then the value of
135. Let P be a plane passing through the points (1, 0, 1), a + b + c is equal to: (2021-07-27/Shift-1)
® Ù Ù Ù (a) 8 (b) 4
(1, –2, 1) and (0, 1, –2). Let a vector a = a i + b j + g k be (c) 3 (d) 5
® 141. Let a plane P pass through the point (3,7, –7) and contain
such that a is parallel to the plane P, perpendicular to
x -2 y-3 z+ 2
® æÙ Ù Ùö the line, = = . If distance of the plane P
æÙ Ù Ùö 2 -3 2 1
ç i + 2 j+ 3k ÷ and a . ç i + j + 2 k ÷ = 2, then a -b+ g
è ø è ø from the origin is d, then d2 is equal to ______.
equals ____. (2021-07-20/Shift-1) (2021-07-27/Shift-1)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 64

142. For real numbers a and b ¹ 0, if the point of intersection 148. Let the acute angle bisector of the two planes
x - 2y - 2z + 1 = 0 and 2x - 3y - 6z + 1 = 0 be the plane
x - a y -1 z - 1
of the straight lines = = and P. Then which of the following points lies on P
1 2 3
(2021-09-01/Shift-2)
x -4 y-6 z -7
= = , lies on the plane x + 2y - z = 8, æ 1ö
b 3 3 (a) 4, 0, -2 (b) ç -2,0, - ÷
è 2ø
then a - b is equal to: (2021-07-27/Shift-2)
æ 1ö
(a) 5 (b) 3 (c) ç 3,1, - ÷ (d) 0, 2, -4
(c) 7 (d) 9 è 2ø
143. The distance of the point P(3, 4, 4) from the point of 149. Let Q be the foot of the perpendicular from the point
intersection of the line joining the points Q(3, –4, –5) and P(7, –2, 13) on the plane containing the lines,
R(2, –3, 1) and the plane 2x + y + z = 7, is equal to ______.
x +1 y -1 z - 3 x -1 y - 2 z - 3
(2021-07-27/Shift-2) = = and = = .
6 7 8 3 5 7
r æÙ Ù Ùö Then (PQ)2 , is equal to _______. (2021-08-26/Shift-2)
144. Let L be the line of intersection of planes r. ç i - j + 2 k ÷ = 2
è ø 150. Let P be the plane passing through the point (1, 2, 3) and
r
ræ Ù Ù Ùö the line of intersection of the planes r. $i + $j + 4k = 16 and
and r. ç 2 i + j - k ÷ = 2. If P a, b, g is the foot of
è ø r
r. -$i + $j + k = 6. Then which of the following points lie
perpendicular on L from the point (1, 2, 0), then the value
of 35 a + b + g is equal to : (2021-07-22/Shift-2) on P? (2021-08-26/Shift-2)
(a) (3, 3, 2) (b) (-8, 8, 6)
(a) 134 (b) 119
(c) (4, 2, 2) (d) (6, 6, 2)
(c) 143 (d) 101
151. A hall has a square floor of dimension 10m × 10m (see the
145. If the shortest distance between the straight lines
figure) and vertical walls. If the angle GPH between the
3 x - 1 = 6 y - 2 = 2 z - 1 and
1
diagonals AG and BH is cos -1 , then the height of the
1 5
4 x - 2 = 2 y - l = z - 3 , l Î R is , then the
38 hall (in meters) is: (2021-08-26/Shift-2)
integral value of l is equal to : (2021-07-22/Shift-2)
(a) –1 (b) 2
(c) 3 (d) 5

x-k y-2 z-3

146. If the lines = = and
1 2 3

x +1 y + 2 z + 3
= = are co-planar, then the value of k is
3 2 1
_____________. (2021-07-25/Shift-2)
147. The distance of line 3y - 2z - 1 = 0 = 3x - z + 4 from the

point 2, -1, 6 is (2021-09-01/Shift-2)

(a) 2 6 (b) 4 2 (a) 5 3 (b) 5

(c) 2 5 (d) 26 (c) 2 10 (d) 5 2

VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 65

158. The equation of the plane passing through the line of

2
152. Equation of a plane at a distance from the origin, r æÙ Ù Ùö
21
intersection of the planes r. ç i + j + k ÷ = 1 and
which contains the line of intersection of the planes è ø

x – y – z –1 = 0 and 2x + y – 3z + 4 = 0, is :
r æ Ù Ù Ùö
r. ç 2 i + 3 j - k ÷ + 4 = 0 and parallel to the x-axis is :
(2021-08-27/Shift-1) è ø
(a) –x + 2y + 2z – 3 = 0 (b) 3x – 4z + 3 = 0
(2021-08-27/Shift-2)
(c) 3x – y – 5z + 2 = 0 (d) 4x – y – 5z + 2 = 0
r æÙ Ùö r æÙ Ùö
(a) r. ç i + 3 k ÷ + 6 = 0 (b) r. ç j - 3 k ÷ - 6 = 0
153. The distance of the point (1, –2, 3) from the plane è ø è ø
x – y + z = 5 measured parallel to a line, whose direction
ratios are 2, 3, –6 is: (2021-08-27/Shift-1) r æÙ Ùö
r æÙ Ùö
(a) 2 (b) 5 (c) r. ç i - 3k ÷ + 6 = 0 (d) r. ç j - 3 k ÷ + 6 = 0
è ø è ø
(c) 3 (d) 1
159. The square of the distance of the point of intersection of
154. Let the line L be the projection of the line :
x -1 y - 2 z + 1
the line = = and the plane 2x - y + z = 6
x -1 y - 3 z - 4 2 3 6
= =
2 1 2
from the point (–1, –1, 2) is _________ ?
In the plane x - 2y - z = 3. If d is the distance of the point (2021-08-31/Shift-1)
2
(0, 0, 6) from L, then d is equal to _____. 160. Let the equation of the plane, that passes through the point
(2021-08-26/Shift-1) (1, 4, –3) and contains the line of intersection of the planes
155. A plane P contains the line x + 2y + 3z + 1 = 0 3x - 2y + 4z - 7 = 0 and x + 5y - 2z + 9 = 0, be
= x – y – z – 6, and is perpendicular to the plane
ax + by + gZ + 3 = 0 then a + b + g is equal to ?
-2x + y + z + 8 = 0. Then which of the following points lies
on P? (2021-08-26/Shift-1) (2021-08-31/Shift-1)

(a) (1, 0, 1) (b) (2, –1, 1) (a) –15 (b) 15

(c) (–1, 1, 2) (d) (0, 1,1) (c) –23 (d) 23

156. The angle between the straight lines, whose direction 161. The distance of the point (–1, 2, –2) from the line of intersection
of the planes 2x + 3y + 2z = 0 and x – 2y + z = 0 is:
cosines are given by the equation 2l + 2m - n = 0 and
(2021-08-31/Shift-2)
mn + nl + lm = 0, is : (2021-08-27/Shift-2)
42 5
(a) (b)
p -1 æ 4 ö 2 2
(a) (b) p - cos ç ÷
3 è9ø
1 34
(c) (d)
-1 æ 8 ö p 2 2
(c) cos ç ÷ (d)
è9ø 2
x-2 y-2 z+2
157. Let S be the mirror image of the point Q (1,3,4) with respect 162. Suppose the line = = lies on the plane
a -5 2
to the plane 2x - y + z + 3 = 0 and let R 3,5, g be a point
x + 3y - 2z + b = 0 , then a + b is equal to ____
on this plane. Then the square of the length of the line
segment SR is _______. (2021-08-27/Shift-2) (2021-08-31/Shift-2)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 66

163. If the foot of the perpendicular from point (4, 3, 8) on the 167. If for a > 0, the feet of perpendiculars from the points

x -a y-2 z -b A a, - 2a, 3 and B 0, 4, 5 on the plane lx + my + nz = 0

line L1 : = = , l ¹ 0 is (3, 5, 7), then the
l 3 4 are points C 0, -a, - 1 and D respectively, then the length
shortest distance between the line L1 and line of line segment CD is equal to (2021-03-16/Shift-1)
x -2 y-4 z-5 (a) 66 (b) 41
L2 : = = is equal to
3 4 5
(c) 55 (d) 31
(2021-03-16/Shift-2)
168. If the equation of plane passing through the mirror image
of a point (2, 3, 1) with respect to line
1 1
(a) (b) x +1 y - 3 z + 2
3 2 = = and containing the line
2 1 -1
1 2 x - 2 1- y z +1
(c) (d) = = is ax + by + gz = 24, then
6 3 3 2 1

164. If (x, y, z) be an arbitrary point lying on a plane P which a + b + g is equal to : (2021-03-17/Shift-2)

passes through the points (42, 0, 0), (0, 42, 0) and (a) 19 (b) 18
(0, 0, 42), then the value of the expression (c) 21 (d) 20
169. Let P be an arbitrary point having sum of the squares of
x - 11 y - 19
3+ + the distances from the planes x + y + z = 0, lx - nz = 0
(y - 19) 2 (z - 12)2 (x - 11) 2 (z - 12)2
and x - 2y + z = 0, equal to 9. If the locus of the point P is
z - 12 x+y+z x 2 + y2 + z2 = 9, then the value of l – n is equal to
+ 2 2
-
(x - 11) (y - 19) 14(x - 11)(y - 19)(z - 12)
................. . (2021-03-17/Shift-2)

is equal to (2021-03-16/Shift-2) 170. The equation of the plane which contains the y-axis and
passes through the point (1, 2, 3) is :
(a) 3 (b) 0
(2021-03-17/Shift-1)
(c) –45 (d) 39
(a) 3x + z = 6 (b) x + 3z = 0
165. If the distance of the point (1, –2, 3) from the plane
(c) x + 3z = 10 (d) 3x – z = 0
x + 2y – 3z + 10 = 0 measured parallel to the line
171. If the equation of the plane passing through the line of
x -1 2 - y z + 3 7 intersection of the planes
= = is , then the value of |m| is equal
3 m 1 2 2x - 7y + 4z - 3 = 0,3x - 5y + 4z + 11 = 0 and the point
to ____. (2021-03-16/Shift-2) (–2, 1, 3) is ax + by + cz - 7 = 0 , then the value of

166. Let P be plane lx + my + nz = 0 containing the line, 2a + b + c – 7 is ……………. . (2021-03-17/Shift-1)

r r r
172. If a = a$i + b$j + 3k, b = -b$i - a$j - k and c = $i - 2$j - k
1- x y + 4 z + 2
= = . If plane P divides the line segment
1 2 3 r r r r 1 r r r
Such that a × b = 1 and b × c = -3 , then a ´ b × c is
3
AB joining points A -3, - 6, 1 and B 2, 4, - 3 in ratio
equal to …………… . (2021-03-17/Shift-1)
k : 1 then the value of k is equal to
173. Let the mirror image of the point (1,3,a) with respect to
(2021-03-16/Shift-1) r
the plane r × (2iˆ - ˆj + k)
ˆ - b = 0 be -3, 5, 2 . Then, the
(a) 4 (b) 3
value of a + b is equal to _______.
(c) 1.5 (d) 2
(2021-03-18/Shift-2)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 67

180. The distance of the point (1, 1, 9) from the point of

x -1 y + 6 z + 5
174. Let P be a plane containing the line = =
3 4 2 x -3 y-4 z-5
intersection of the line = = and the plane
1 2 2
x -3 y-2 z+5
and parallel to the line = = . If the point x + y + z = 17 is (2021-02-24/Shift-1)
4 -3 7

1, - 1, a lies on the plane, P, then the value of | 5a | is (a) 2 19 (b) 38

equal to _______. (2021-03-18/Shift-2) (c) 19 2 (d) 38
175. The equation of the planes parallel to the plane
181. The equation of the plane passing through the point
x - 2y + 2z - 3 = 0 which are at unit distance from the
(1, 2, –3) and perpendicular to the planes 3x + y - 2z = 5
point (1, 2, 3) is ax + by + cz + d = 0 . and 2x - 5y - z = 7, is (2021-02-24/Shift-1)

If b - d = K c - a , then the positive value of K is (a) 6x - 5y + 2z + 10 = 0 (b) 6x - 5y + 2z - 2 = 0

...................... . (2021-03-18/Shift-1)
(c) 3x - 10y + 2z + 11 = 0 (d) 11x + y + 17z + 38 = 0
176. Let the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 bisect the line joining
182. A plane passes through the points A(1,2,3), B(2,3,1) and
the points (4, –3, 1) and (2, 3, –5) at the right angles. If C(2,4,2). If O is the origin and P is (2, –1, 1), then the
a,b,c,d are integers, then the minimum value of uuur
projection of OP on this plane is of length:
(a 2 + b2 + c2 + d 2 ) is .................. .
(2021-02-25/Shift-2)
(2021-03-18/Shift-1)
2 2
177. Let a.b Î R . If the mirror image of the point P(a, 6, 9) (a) (b)
3 5
x - 3 y - 2 z -1
with respect to the line = = is
7 5 -9 2 2
(c) (d)
7 11
20,b, -a - 9 , then a + b is equal to
183. A line ‘l’ passing through origin is perpendicular to the
(2021-02-24/Shift-2)
lines
(a) 88 (b) 84 r
(c) 90 (d) 86 l1 : r = 3 + t $i + -1 + 2t $j + 4 + 2t k
178. The vector equation of the plane passing through the r
r l2 : r = 3 + 2s $i + 3 + 2s $j + 2 + s k
intersection of the planes r × (iˆ + ˆj + k) ˆ = 1 and
r If the co-ordinates of the point in the first octant on ‘l2’ at
r × (iˆ - 2j)
ˆ = -2 , and the point (1, 0, 2) is:
a distance of 17 from the point of intersection of ‘l’ and
(2021-02-24/Shift-2) ‘l1’ are (a,b,c), then 18 (a + b + c) is equal to:
r r (2021-02-25/Shift-2)
(a) r × (iˆ + 7jˆ + 3k)
ˆ =7 (b) r × (3iˆ + 7ˆj + 3k)
ˆ =7
184. Let a be the angle between the lines whose direction cosines
r r
ˆ =7
(c) r × (iˆ - 7ˆj + 3k) ˆ =7
(d) r × (iˆ + 7ˆj + 3k) satisfy the equations l + m - n = 0 and l 2 + m 2 - n 2 = 0 .
3 3
Then the value of sin 4 a + cos 4 a is:
179. Let l be an integer. If the shortest distance between the
(2021-02-25/Shift-1)
lines x - l = 2y - 1 = -2z and x = y + 2l = z - l is
5 3
7 (a) (b)
, then the value of l is ____. 8 4
2 2
1 3
(2021-02-24/Shift-2) (c) (d)
2 8
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 68

185. The equation of the line through the point (0, 1, 2) and 188. If 1,5,35 , 7,5,5 , 1, l, 7 and 2l,1, 2 are coplanar,,
x -1 y +1 z -1 then the sum of all possible values of l is :
perpendicular to the line = = is:
2 3 -2
(2021-02-26/Shift-1)
(2021-02-25/Shift-1)
44 39
(a) (b)
x y -1 z - 2 x y -1 z - 2 5 5
(a) = = (b) = =
-3 4 3 3 -4 3
44 39
(c) - (d) -
x y -1 z - 2 x y -1 z - 2 5 5
(c) = = (d) = =
3 4 3 3 4 -3
189. Consider the three planes
186. If the mirror image of the point (1, 3, 5) with respect to the
P1 : 3x + 15y + 21z = 9
plane 4x - 5y + 2z = 8 is a, b, g , then 5 a + b + g
P2 : x - 3y - z = 5, and
equals : (2021-02-26/Shift-2)
(a) 39 (b) 41 P3 : 2x + 10y + 14z = 5
(c) 47 (d) 43 Then, which one of the following is true?
187. Let L be a line obtained from the intersection of two planes (2021-02-26/Shift-1)
x + 2y + z = 6 and y + 2z = 4 . If point P a, b, g is the (a) P1 and P2 are parallel
foot of perpendicular from (3, 2, 1) on L, then the value of (b) P1, P2 and P3 are parallel
21 a + b + g equals: (2021-02-26/Shift-2) (c) P1 and P3 are parallel
(d) P2 and P3 are parallel
(a) 68 (b) 102
190. Let (l, 2, 1) be a point on the plane which passes through
(c) 142 (d) 136
the point (4, –2, 2). If the plane is perpendicular to the line
joining the points (–2, –21, 29) and (–1, –16, 23), then
2
æ l ö 4l
ç 11 ÷ - 11 - 4 is equal to ____ . (2021-02-26/Shift-1)
è ø
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 69

EXERCISE - 3 : ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

VECTORS 6. A, B, C and D are four points in a plane with

r r r r
pv' s a , b , c and d respectively such that
Objective Questions I [Only one correct option]
r r r r r r r r
(a - d ) . ( b - c ) = ( b - d ) . ( c - a ) = 0 .
r r r r
1. If a & b lie on a plane normal to the plane containing c & d
r r r r Then for the triangle ABC, D is its :
then, (a ´ b) . ( c ´ d) is equal to
(a) incentre (b) circumcentre
(a) –1 (b) 1
(c) othocentre (d) centroid
(c) 0 (d) none
r r
2. ‘P’ is a point inside the triangle ABC such that 7. Let a = a 1 î + a 2 ĵ + a 3 k̂ , b = b1î + b 2 ĵ + b 3 k̂ and

BC ( PA ) + CA ( PB) + AB ( PC ) = 0 then for the triangle r r

c = c1î + c 2 ĵ + c 3 k̂ be three non–zero vectors such that c
ABC the point P is its
r r
(a) incentre (b) circumcentre is a unit vector perpendicular to both a and b . If the angle
(c) centroid (d) orthocentre
r r a1 a2 a3
2
3. Let p is the p.v. of the orthocentre & g is the p.v. of the r r
between a and b is p/6, then b1 b2 b3 is equal to :
centroid of the triangle ABC where circumcentre is the
r r c1 c2 c3
origin. If p = Kg then K =

(a) 3 (b) 2 (a) 0

(c) 1/3 (d) 2/3 (b) 1
r r
4. If the unit vectors e1 and e2 are inclined at an angle
r r 1 2
2q and | e1 - e 2 |< 1 , then for q Î [0, p], q may lie in the (c) (a 1 + a 22 + a 32 ) ( b12 + b 22 + b 32 )
4
interval :
(d) none of these
é pö ép pù r r
(a) ê0, ÷ (b) ê , ú 8. The vectors p & q satisfy the system of equations
ë 6ø ë6 2û
r r r r r r r r
2p + q = a, p + 2q = b and the angle between p & q is q.
æ 5p ù é p 5p ù
(c) ç , pú (d) ê , ú If it is known that in the rectangular system of
è 6 û ë2 6 û
r r r
co-ordinates the vectors a & b have the forms a = (1, 1)
5. Two given points P and Q in the rectangular cartesian co–
uuur r
ordinates lie on y = 2
x + 2
such that OP . iˆ = -1 and & b = (1, –1) then cos q =

uuur
OQ . iˆ = +2 where î is a unit vector along the x–axis. 4 4
(a) (b) -
uuur uuur 5 5
The magnitude of OQ - 4 OP will be :

(a) 10 (b) 20 3
(c) - (d) none
(c) 30 (d) none 5
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 70

r r r r r r r r
9. Let A a and B b be points on two skew lines r = a + lp 13. Let A, B, C be vectors of length 3, 4 and 5 respectively..
r r r r r r r r r r
and r = b + uq and the shortest distance between the skew Let A be perpendicular to B + C, B to C + A and C to
r r r r r r r
lines is 1, where p and q are unit vectors forming adjacent A + B . Then length of the vector, A + B + C is :

1 (a) - 5 2 (b) 2
sides of a parallelogram enclosing an area of units. If
2
(c) 5 2 (d) none of these
an angle between AB and the line of shortest distance is
60°, then AB = r r
14. If a & b are unit vectors such that
1 r r r r r r r
(a) (b) 2 a + b × 2a + 3b ´ 3a - 2b = 0, then angle between a and
2
r
b
(c) 1 (d) l Î R – {0}
r r r (a) 0 (b) p/2
10. If b & c are any two perpendicular unit vectors and a is
(c) p (d) indeterminate
r r r
r r r r r r a .(b ´ c ) r r 15. If a plane cuts off intercepts OA = a, OB = b, OC = c from
any vector, then, (a.b) b + (a.c) c + r r (b ´ c) is
| b ´ c |2 the coordinate axes, then the area of the triangle ABC =

equal to : 1
(a) b 2c2 + c2 a 2 + a 2 b 2
r r 2
(a) a (b) b
r 1
(c) c (d) none of these (b) (bc + ca + ab)
2
11. If A1, A2, A3, ......, An are the vertices of a regular plane
polygon with n sides & O is its centre then 1
(c) abc
2
n -1

å (OA ´OA i i +1 )=
1
i =1
(d) (b - c) 2 + (c - a ) 2 + (a - b) 2
2
(a) (1 - n ) OA 2 ´ OA 1 (b) ( n - 1) OA 2 ´ OA 1 r r
16. Let a =ˆi - kˆ , b = xiˆ + ˆj + 1 - x ˆk and

(c) n OA 2 ´ OA 1 (d) none r r r r

c = yiˆ + xjˆ + 1 + x - y kˆ . Then éëa b cùû depends on

12. If the vector product of a constant vector OA with a (a) only x (b) only y
(c) neither x nor y (d) both x and y
variable vector OB in a fixed plane OAB be a constant
17. The value of a so that the volume of the parallelopiped
vector, then locus of B is :
formed by the vectors ˆi + ajˆ - kˆ , ˆj + ak
ˆ , ˆi + ˆj + kˆ becomes
(a) a straight line perpendicular to OA
minimum is
uuur
(b) a circle with centre O radius equal to OA 1
(a) 3 (b)
2
(c) a straight line parallel to OA
1 7
(d) none of these (c) (d)
3 4
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 71

r r r r r r
18. If the vectors a î + ˆj + k̂, î + bĵ + k̂ and î + ĵ + ck̂ 24. If a ´ b ´ c ´ d × a ´ d = 0, then which of the following
is always true
(a ¹ b ¹ c ¹ 1) are coplanar then the value of
r r r r
(a) a , b, c, d are necessarily coplanar
1 1 1 r r r
+ + = r
1- a 1- b 1- c (b) either a or d must lie in the plane of b and c
r r r r
(a) 1 (b) –1 (c) either b or c must lie in plane of a and d
r r r r
(c) 0 (d) none (d) either a or b must lie in plane of c and d
r r r r r r r r r r r r rr r r r r
19. [(a ´ b) ´ (b ´ c) (b ´ c) ´ (c ´ a ) (c ´ a ) ´ (a ´ b)] = 25. If P1 : r ×n1 - d1 = 0, P2 : r × n 2 – d2 = 0 and P3 : r × n 3 – d3 = 0 are
r r r
rrr rrr three planes and n 1 , n 2 and n 3 are three non–coplanar
(a) [a b c]2 (b) [a b c]3
vectors then, the three lines P 1 =0, P 2 =0 and
rrr P2=0, P 3=0 and P3 = 0, P1 = 0 are
(c) [a b c]4 (d) none
(a) parallel lines (b) coplanar lines
r r r r r r (c) coincident lines (d) concurrent lines
20. The triple product (d + a ) . [a ´ (b ´ ( c ´ d))] simplifies to
r r r
r r rrr r r rrr 26. If a , b and c are three unit vectors equally inclined to
(a) (b . d) [a c d] (b) (b × c) [a b d] r
each other at an angle a. Then the angle between a and
r r rrr r r
(c) (b . a ) [a b d] (d) none plane of b and c is

rr r r r r æ ö æ ö
21. Let r , a , b and c be four non–zero vectors such that r × a = 0, ç cos a ÷ ç cos a ÷
r r r r r r r r (a) q = cos–1 ç ÷ (b) q = sin–1 ç ÷
r ´ b = r b , r ´ c = r c , then [a b c] = ç cos a ÷ ç cos a ÷
ç ÷ ç ÷
è 2ø è 2 ø
(a) |a| |b| |c| (b) –|a| |b| |c|
(c) 0 (d) none of these æ aö æ aö
ç sin ÷ ç sin ÷
2÷ 2÷
r r r r r r r r r (c) q = cos–1 ç (d) q = sin–1 ç
22. If a , b, c are such that éa b c ù = 1, c = l a ´ b, ç sin a ÷ ç sin a ÷
ë û ç ÷ ç ÷
è ø è ø

r r 2p r r r 1 r r r r
a ^b < and a = 2 , b = 3 , c = , then the angle 27. For any vector A, iˆ ´ (iˆ ´ A) + ˆj ´ (ˆj ´ A) + kˆ ´ (kˆ ´ A)
3 3
r r simplifies to
between a and b is r r
(a) 3A (b) A
p p r r
(a) (b) (c) - A (d) - 2A
6 4
r r r r
28. If a, b, c be the unit vectors such that b is not parallel to
p p r r r r r r
(c) (d) c and a ´ (2b ´ c) = b then the angle that a makes with
3 2
r r
r r r r r r r r r r b & c are respectively
23. If a + 2b + 3c = o, then a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a is equal to
r r p p p 2p
r r (a) & (b) &
(a) 6(b ´ c) (b) 6(c ´ a ) 3 4 3 3

r r p 2p
(c) 6(a ´ b) (d) none of these p p
(c) & (d) &
2 3 2 3
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 72
r r Objective Questions II [One or more than one correct option]
29. If a vector a is expressed as the sum of two vectors a '
uur r
and a '' along and perpendicular to a given vector b then r r r
34. The vectors a, b, c are of the same length & pairwise form
uur r r
a" is r
equal angles. If a = iˆ + ˆj & b = ˆj + kˆ then c can be

r r r r r r
(a ´ b ) ´ b b ´ (a ´ b) æ 4 1 4ö
(a) r (b) r2 (a) (1, 0, 1) (b) ç - , ,- ÷
b b è 3 3 3ø

æ1 4 1ö æ 1 4 1ö
r r r r r (c) ç ,- , ÷ (d) ç - , ,- ÷
b ´ ( a ´ b) a´b r è 3 3 3ø è 3 3 3ø
(c) r (d) r 2 b
b b r r r
35. The vector a ´ ( b ´ a ) is

r r r r
30. If a, b and c are any three vectors, then (a) perpendicular to a
r
r r r r r r (b) perpendicular to b
a ´ (b ´ c) = (a ´ b) ´ c is true if : r
r
(c) coplanar with a & b
r r r
(a) b & cr are collinear (b) a & c are collinear r r
(d) perpendicular to a ´ b
r
(c) ar & b are collinear (d) none of these 36.
r r r r
(u ´ v) . (u ´ v) is equal to
r r r r r ˆ ˆ r r r r r
31. ( r . ˆi) (iˆ ´ r ) + ( r . ˆj) ( ˆj ´ r ) + (r . k) (k ´ r ) = u.u u.v r r r r
(a) r r r r (b) (u . v) 2 - u 2 . v 2
r u.v v.v
(a) 0 (b) r
r r r r r r
(c) 2 r (d) 3 r (c) | u |2 | v |2 - (u . v) 2 (d) none

r r r r r r r
32. For a non zero vector A if the equations A . B = A . C 37. If z1 = a î + b ˆj & z 2 = c î + d ĵ are two vectors in î & ĵ
r r r r
r r r r system where | z1 | = | z 2 | = r & z1 . z 2 = 0 then
and A ´ B = A ´ C hold simultaneously, then
r r
r w 1 = a î + c ĵ and w 2 = b î + d ĵ satisfy
r r
(a) A is perpendicular to B - C
r r
(a) | w 1 |= r (b) | w 2 |= r
r r
(b) A = B r r
(c) w 1 . w 2 = 0 (d) none of these
r r
(c) B = C r r r r
38. If a, b, c and d are the pv’s of the point A, B, C and D
r r
(d) C = A respectively in three dimensional space and satisfy the
r r r r
r relation 3a - 2b + c - 2d = 0, then :
r
33. Let a = î + ĵ and b = 2î - k̂ . The point of intersection of
(a) A, B, C and D are coplanar
r r r r r r r r
the lines r ´ a = b ´ a and r ´ b = a ´ b is : (b) the line joining the points B and D divides the line
joining the point A and C in the ratio 2 : 1.
(a) - î + ĵ + k̂ (b) 3î - ĵ + k̂ (c) the line joining the points A and C divides the line
joining the points B and D in the ratio 1 : 1.
(c) 3î + ĵ - k̂ (d) î - ĵ - k̂ r r r r
(d) the four vectors a , b, c & d are linearly dependents.
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 73

r r
39. a and b are two non collinear unit vectors. Then r r
43. A vector d is equally inclined to three vectors a = î - ĵ + k̂,
r r r r
a , b, xa - yb form a triangle, if: r r r r r
b = 2î + ĵ and c = 3 ĵ - 2k̂. Let x, y, z be three vector in
r r
r r æ a ^b ö
r r r r r r
(a) x = –1; y = 1 and a + b = 2cos ç ÷ the plane of a , b; b, c; c, a respectively then
è 2 ø
r r r r
(b) x = –1; y = 1 and cos (a ^ b) + (a) x × d = 14

r r r r r r r
| a + b | cos [a ^ - (a + b)] = -1 (b) y × d = 3

r r r r r r
r r æ a ^ b ö æ a ^b ö
(c) z × d = 0
(c) a + b = -2cot ç ÷ cos ç ÷ and
è 2 ø è 2 ø
r r r r r r
(d) r × d = 0 where r = lx + my + dz
x = –1, y = 1
(d) none of these 44. Identify the statement(s) which is/are INCORRECT ?
r r r r r r
40. If OA = a; OB = b; OC = 2 a + 3b; OD = a - 2b, the length r r r r r r r
(a) a ´ [a ´ (a ´ b)] = (a ´ b)(a 2 )

of OA is three times the length of OB and OA is

r r r
(b) If a , b, c are non–zero, non coplanar vectors, and
prependicular to DB then (BD ´ AC) . (OD ´ OC) is :
rr rr rr r
r r r r v.a = v.b = v.c = 0 then v must be a null vector
(a) 7 | a ´ b |2 (b) 42 | a ´ b | 2
r r
(c) 0 (d) none of these (c) If a and b lie in a plane normal to the plane containing
r r r r r r r r
41. â & b̂ are two given unit vectors at right angle. The unit the vectors a - b, c - d, where a, b, c,d are non–zero

vector equally inclined with â & b̂ and â ´ b̂ will be : r r r r r

vectors, then a ´ b ´ c ´ d = o
1 1
(a) - (â + b̂ + â ´ b̂) (b) (â + b̂ + â ´ b̂) r r r r rr
3 3 (d) If a , b, c and a ' , b' c ' are reciprocal system of vectors

r r r r r r
1 1 then a × b'+ b × c'+ c × a ' = 3
(c) (â + b̂ - â ´ b̂) (d) - (â + b̂ - â ´ b̂)
3 3
Numerical Value Type Questions
r r
42. If a and b unequal unit vectors such that
r r r r r r r r r
45. If a = 3, b = 4, c = 5 and a ^ b + c , b ^ c + a ,
r r r r r r r r
(a - b) ´ [(b + a ) ´ (2a + b)] = a + b, then angle q between

r r r r r r r r 2
a and b is c ^ a + b then a + b + c is .....

p r r r
46. a , b , c are three unit vectors and every two are inclined to
(a) (b) 0
2
r r r r r
each other at an angle cos–1(3/5). If a ´ b = pa + qb + rc ,
p
(c) p (d) where p, q, r are scalars, then 55q2 is equal to
4
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 74

Assertion & Reason Match the Following

Each question has two columns. Four options are given

Use the following codes to answer the questions
representing matching of elements from Column-I and
(A) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason Column-II. Only one of these four options corresponds
is the correct explanation of assertion. to a correct matching.For each question, choose the
option corresponding to the correct matching.
(B) If both assertion and reason are true but and reason
is not the correct explanation of assertion. 49. Column–I Column–II
r r
(C) If assertion is true but reason is false. (A) If a + b = ĵ and (P) 1

(D) If assertion is false but reason is true.

r r ĵ
(E) If assertion and reason are both false. 2a - b = 3iˆ + , then
2
r r cosine of the angle between
47. Assertion : Let a = 2î + 3 ĵ - k̂ , b = 4î + 6 ĵ - 2k̂ , then
r r
r r r a and b is
a´b = o
r r r
(B) If a = b = c , angle between (Q) 5 3
r r r r r r
Reason : If a ¹ o , b ¹ o and a and b are non–collinear
r r
p
vectors, then a ´ b = ab sin q n̂ , where q is the smaller each pair of vectors is and
3
r r
angle between the vectors a and b and n̂ is unit vector r r r r
a + b + c = 6 , then a =
rr
such that a,b,nˆ taken in this order form right handed (C) Area of the parallelogram (R) 7

orientation whose diagonals represent

(a) A (b) B the vectors 3î + ˆj - 2k̂ and

(c) C (d) D
î - 3 ĵ + 4k̂ is
(e) E

r r r r r r 3
48. Assertion : Let a = 3î - ĵ, b = 2î + ĵ - 3k̂. If b = b1 + b 2 (D) If a is perpendicular to (S) -
5
r r r r r r
such that b1 is collinear with a and b 2 is perpendicular b + c, b is perpendicular to

r r r r r
to a is possible, then b 2 = î + 3 ĵ - 3k̂. c + a, c is perpendicular to
r r r r
r r a + b, a = 2, b = 3 and
Reason : If a and b are non–zero, non–collinear vectors,
r r r r r r r r r
then b can be expressed as b = b1 + b 2 , where b1 is c = 6 , then a + b + c =

r r r The correct matching is

collinear with a and b 2 is perpendicular to a .
(a) A-R; B-P; C-Q; D-S
(a) A (b) B (b) A-P; B-R; C-Q; D-S
(c) C (d) D (c) A-Q; B-R; C-R; D-P
(e) E (d) A-S; B-P; C-Q; D-R
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 75

50. Match the following r ˆ yr = 2aˆ - b,

ˆ then the point of intersection of
53. Let x = aˆ + b,
Column-I Column-II
r r r r r r r r
r r r rr rr rr straight lines r ´ x = y ´ x, r ´ y = x ´ y is
(A) If the vectors a, b , c (P) a.b = b .c = c .a
uuur uuur uuur (a) 2bˆ (c) 3bˆ
form sides BA, CA, AB
(c) 3aˆ (d) 2aˆ
of DABC, then
r r r rr rr rr
(B) If a, b , c are forming (Q) a.b = b .c = c.a = 0 54. aˆ × bˆ ´ cˆ + bˆ × cˆ ´ aˆ + cˆ × aˆ ´ bˆ is equal to
three adjacent sides of
(a) 1 (b) 3
regular tetrahedron, then
(c) 0 (d) – 12
r r r r r r r r r r r
(C) If a ´ b = c , b ´ c = ar (R) a ´ b = b ´ c = c ´ a
then 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
r r r rr rr rr 3 Objective Questions I [Only one correct option]
(D) a, b , c are unit vectors (S) a.b + b .c + c .a = -
2
r r r 55. Consider a tetrahedron with faces f 1, f 2 , f 3, f 4. Let
and a + b + c = 0 then r r r r
a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , a 4 be the vectors whose magnitudes are
The correct matching is
respectively equal to the areas of f1, f2, f3, f4 & whose
(a) A ® R ; B ® P; C ®P,Q; D ® S
directions are perpendicular to these faces in the outward
(b) A ® R,S ; B ® P; C ®S; D ®Q
direction. Then
(c) A ®P ; B ®R; C ® Q; D ®P,S
r r r r r r r r r
(a) a 1 + a 2 + a 3 + a 4 = 0 (b) a 1 + a 3 = a 2 + a 4
(d) A ® R ; B ®Q; C ®P; D ® S
r r r r
Paragraph Type Questions (c) a 1 + a 2 = a 3 + a 4 (d) none

Using the following passage, solve Q.51 to Q.54 r r r

56. Let a, b and c be non–coplanar unit vectors equally
PASSAGE
r r r
inclined to one another at an acute angle q. Then éa b cù
ˆ bˆ and cˆ are such that
Three vectors a, ë û
in terms of q is equal to :
aˆ ´ bˆ = c,
ˆ bˆ ´ cˆ = a, ˆ
ˆ cˆ ´ aˆ = b.
(a) (1 + cos q) cos 2q (b) (1 + cos q) 1 - 2 cos 2q
Answer the following questions :

51. If vector 3aˆ - 2bˆ + 2cˆ and -aˆ - 2cˆ are adjacent sides of (c) (1 - cos q) 1 + 2 cos q (d) none of these
a parallelogram, then an angle between the diagonals is
57. If line makes angle a,b,g,d with the four diagonals of a
p p 2 2 2 2
cube, then the value of cos a + cos b + cos g + cos d =
(a) (b)
4 3
(a) 1 (b) 4/3
p 2p (c) 2/3 (d) Variable
(c) (d)
2 3
58. If the sum of the squares of the distance of a point from the
52. Vectors 2aˆ - 3bˆ + 4cˆ , aˆ + 2bˆ - cˆ and xaˆ - bˆ + 2cˆ are three coordinate axes be 36, then its distance from the origin
coplanar, then x = is

8 5 (a) 6 (b) 3 2
(a) (b)
5 8
(c) 2 3 (d) 6 2
(c) 0 (d) 1
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 76

59. The direction ratio’s of the line x – y + z – 5 = 0 = x – 3y – 6 are r r r

64. If a1 , a 2 and a 3 are non–coplanar vectors and
(a) 3, 1, –2 (b) 2, –4, 1 r r r r
(x + y – 3) a 1 + (2x – y + 2) a 2 + (2x + y + l) a 3 = 0

3 1 -2 2 -4 1 holds for some ‘x’ and ‘y’ then ‘l’ is

(c) , , (d) , ,
14 14 14 21 21 21
7
(a) (b) 2
60. A variable plane passes through a fixed point (1, 2, 3). The 3
locus of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from origin to
10 5
this plane is : (c) - (d)
3 3
2 2 2
(a) x + y + z – x – 2y – 3z = 0
2 2 2
65. If the foot of the perpendicular from the origin to a plane
(b) x + 2y + 3z – x – 2y – 3z = 0
is P (a, b, c), the equation of the plane is
2 2 2
(c) x + 4y + 9z + x + 2y + 3 = 0
2 2 2 x y z
(d) x + y + z + x + 2y + 3z = 0 (a) + + =3
a b c

x -1 y - 2 z - 3 (b) ax + by + cz = 3
61. The straight lines = = and
1 2 3
(c) ax + by + cz = a2 + b2 + c2

(d) ax + by + cz = a + b + c
x -1 y - 2 z - 3
= = are 66. Equation of line in the plane P : 2x – y + z – 4 = 0 which is
2 2 -2
perpendicular to the line l whose equation is
(a) parallel lines (b) Intersecting at 60º x -2 y-2 z -3
= = and which passes through the point
(c) Skew lines (d) Intersecting at right angle 1 -1 -2

62. The equation of the plane which bisects the angle between of intersection of l and P is

the planes 3x – 6y + 2z + 5 = 0 and 4x – 12y + 3z – 3 = 0

x - 2 y -1 z -1 x -1 y - 3 z - 5
which contains the origin is (a) = = (b) = =
3 5 -1 3 5 -1
(a) 33x – 13y + 32z + 45 = 0
x + 2 y +1 z + 1 x - 2 y -1 z -1
(b) x – 3y + z – 5 = 0 (c) = = (d) = =
2 -1 1 2 -1 1
(c) 33x + 13y + 32z + 45 = 0
67. Equation of plane which passes through the point of
(d) None of these
x -1 y - 2 z - 3
63. P is fixed point (a, a, a) on a line through the origin equally intersection of lines = = and
3 1 2
inclined to the axes, then any plane through P perpendicular
to OP, makes intercepts on the axes, the sum of whose x - 3 y -1 z - 2
= = and at greatest distance from the
1 2 3
reciprocals is equal to
point (0, 0, 0) is :
(a) a (b) a/2
(a) 4x + 3y + 5z = 25 (b) 4x + 3y + 5z = 50
(c) 3a/2 (d) 1/a
(c) 3x + 4y + 5z = 49 (d) x + 7y – 5z = 2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 77

68. Let A(1, 1, 1), B(2, 3, 5), C(–1, 0, 2) be three points, then r r r
73. Assertion : If a = 3î + k̂, b = -î + 2 ĵ + k̂, c = î + ĵ + k̂ and
equation of a plane parallel to the plane ABC which is at
distance 2 from plane ABC r
d = 2î - ĵ , then there exist real numbers a, b, g such that
(a) 2x – 3y + z + 2 14 = 0 r
r r r
a = ab + bc + gd
(b) 2x – 3y + z – 14 = 0
r r r r
(c) 2x – 3y + z + 2 = 0 Reason : a , b, c, d are four vectors in a 3–dimensional
r r r
(d) 2x – 3y + z – 2 = 0 space. If b, c, d are non–coplanar, then there exist real
Numerical Value Type Questions r r r r
numbers a, b, g such that a = ab + b c + gd
69. If equation of the plane through the straight line
(a) A (b) B
x -1 y + 2 z (c) C (d) D
= = and perpendicular to the plane
2 -3 5
(e) E
x – y + z + 2 = 0 is ax – by + cz + 4 = 0, then find the value r
r r r
of 103a + 102b + 10 c. 74. Assertion : Let a , b, c and d are position vectors of four

70. In a regular tetrahedron let q be the angle between any r r r r r

points A, B, C and D and 3a - 2b + 5c - 6d = 0, then points
a A, B, C and D are coplanar.
edge and a face not containing the edge. If cos2q =
b
Reason : Three non zero, linearly dependent co–initial
where a, b Î I+ also a and b are coprime, then find the
value of (10a + b) vectors PQ, PR and PS are coplanar..

71. If the planes x – cy – bz = 0, cx – y + az = 0 and (a) A (b) B

bx + ay – z = 0 pass through a straight line, then find the
(c) C (d) D
value of a2 + b 2 + c2 + 2abc.
(e) E
72. If the reflection of the point P(1, 0, 0) in the line
75. Assertion : A point on the straight line 2x + 3y – 4z = 5,
x - 1 y + 1 z + 10 3x – 2y + 4z = 7 can be determined by taking x = k and
= = is (a, b, g). Find – (a + b + g)
2 -3 8 then solving the two equations for y and z, where k is any
real number except 12/5.
Assertion & Reason
Reason : If c’ ¹ kc, then the straight line
Use the following codes to answer the questions ax + by + cz + d = 0, kax + kby + c’z + d’ = 0, does not
(A) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason intersect the plane z = a, where a is any real number except
is the correct explanation of assertion.
d '- kd
(B) If both assertion and reason are true but and reason .
kc - c '
is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(C) If assertion is true but reason is false. (a) A (b) B
(D) If assertion is false but reason is true. (c) C (d) D
(E) If assertion and reason are both false. (e) E
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 78

Match the Following 77. Consider three planes

Each question has two columns. Four options are given P1 : 2x + y + z = 1

representing matching of elements from Column-I and
Column-II. Only one of these four options corresponds P2 : x – y + z = 2

to a correct matching.For each question, choose the

P3 : ax + y + 3z = 5
option corresponding to the correct matching.
The three planes intersects each other at point P on XOY
76. Column–I Column–II
plane and at point Q on YOZ plane. O is the origin.

æ 107 30 69 ö
(A) Foot of perp. drawn for (P) ç , , ÷ Column-I Column-II
è 29 29 29 ø
(A) The value of a is (P) 1
point (1, 2, 3) to the line
(B) The length of projection of PQ (Q) 2
x - 2 y -1 z - 2
= = is
2 3 4 on x-axis is

(C) If the coordinates of point R on (R) 4

æ 88 125 69 ö
(B) Image of line point (1, 2, 3) in (Q) ç , , ÷
è 29 29 29 ø
the line PQ situated at minimum

x - 2 y -1 z - 2 distance from point ‘O’ are (a, b, c),

the line = = is
2 3 4
then the value of 7a + 14b +14c is

æ 68 44 78 ö
(C) Foot of perpendicular from (R) ç , , ÷
è 29 29 29 ø a
(D) If the area of DPOQ is (S) 3
b
the point (2, 3, 5) to the plane
2x + 3y – 4z + 17 = 0 is
Then the value of a – b is where

æ 38 57 185 ö a & b are co prime numbers

(D) Image of the point (2, 5, 1) in (S) ç , , ÷
è 29 29 29 ø
The correct matching is
the plane 3x – 2y + 4z – 5 = 0
is (a) A ®S ; B ® P ;C ® Q; D ®R

The correct matching is (b) A ®P ; B ®R ;C ® Q; D ® S

(a) A-R; B-P; C-S; D-Q
(c) A ®R ; B ®Q ;C ®P; D ® S
(b) A-R; B-S; C-P; D-Q
(c) A-R; B-P; C-Q; D-S (d) A ®R ; B ® P ;C ® Q; D ® S

(d) A-P; B-R; C-S; D-Q

VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 79

Paragraph Type Questions 78. Given the planes 2x + 3y – 4z + 7 = 0 and

x – 2y + 3z – 5 = 0, if a point P is (1, –2, 3), then
Using the following passage, solve Q. 78 to Q. 80
(a) O and P both lie in acute angle between the planes
Passage
(b) O and P both lie in obtuse angle

Let a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 be (c) O lies in acute angle, P lies in obtuse angle
two planes, where d1, d2 > 0. Then origin lies in acute angle (d) O lies in obtuse angle, P lies an acute angle.
if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 < 0 and origin lies in obtuse angle if
79. Given the planes x + 2y – 3z + 5 = 0 and
a1a2 + b1 b2 + c1c2 > 0.
2x + y + 3z + 1 =0. If a point P is (2, –1, 2), then
Further point (x1, y1, z1) and origin both lie either in acute
(a) O and P both lie in acute angle between the planes
angle or in obtuse angle, if (a1x1 + b 1y1 + c1z1 + d1)
(b) O and P both lie in obtuse angle
(a2x1 + b2y1 + c2z1 + d2) > 0. One of (x1, y1, z1) and origin lie
in acute angle and the other in obtuse angle, if (c) O lies in acute angle, P lies in obtuse angle

(a1x1 + b1y1 + c1z1 + d1) (a2x1 + b2y1 + c2z1 + d2) < 0 (d) O lies in obtuse angle, P lies an acute angle.

80. Given the planes x + 2y – 3z + 2 = 0 and

x – 2y + 3z + 7 = 0, if the point P is (1, 2, 2), then

(a) O and P both lie in acute angle between the planes

(b) O and P both lie in obtuse angle

(c) O lies in acute angle, P lies in obtuse angle

(d) O lies in obtuse angle, P lies an acute angle.

VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 80

EXERCISE - 4 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

r r r r r r r r
VECTORS 6. Let V = 2 i + j - k and W = i + 3k. If U is a unit vector,,
then the maximum value of the scalar triple product
Objective Question I [Only one correct option] r r r
U V W is : (2002)
r r r
1. If the vectors a , b and c form the sides BC, CA and AB (a) – 1 (b) 10 + 6
respectively of a triangle ABC, then : (2000)
r r r r r r r r r r r r (c) 59 (d) 60
(a) a × b + b × c + c × a = 0 (b) a ´ b = b ´ c = c ´ a
r r r r r r
r r r r r r r r r r r r 7. If a = ˆi + ˆj + kˆ , a × b = 1 and a ´ b = ĵ - k̂, then b is :
(c) a × b = b × c = c × a (d) a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a = 0
r r r (2003)
2. If a , b and c are unit coplanar vectors, then the scalar

r r r r r r (a) î - ĵ + k̂ (b) 2 ĵ - k̂
triple product é 2a - b 2b - c 2c - a ù is equal to :
ë û
(c) î (d) 2 î
(2000)
r r r
(a) 0 (b) 1 8. If a , b, c are three non-zero, non-coplanar vectors and

r r
(c) – 3 (d) 3 r r b × ar r r r b × ar r
b1 = b - r 2 a , b 2 = b + r 2 a,
r r r a a
3. If a , b and c are unit vectors, then
rr r r r r r r
r r c × a r c× b r r r c × a r c × b1 r
r r2 r r2 r r2 c1 = c - r 2 a - r 2 b, c2 = c - r 2 a - r 2 b1,
a - b + b - c + c - a does not exceed : (2001) |a| | b| |a | |b|

(a) 4 (b) 9 r r r r r r
r r c × a r c × b2 r r r c ×a r
(c) 8 (d) 6 c3 = c - r 2 a - r 2 b2 , c4 = a - r 2 a.
|a| |b| |a|
r r
4. Let a = î - k̂ , b = x î + ĵ + (1 - x )k̂ and Then which of the following is a set of mutually orthogonal
vectors ? (2005)
r rrr
c = yî + xˆj + (1 + x – y) k̂ Then éë a b c ùû depends on : r r r r r r
(a) a, b1, c1 (b) a , b1 , c 2
(2001) r r r r r r
(c) a, b 2 , c3 (d) a, b 2 , c4
(a) only x (b) only y
r r
(c) neither x nor y (d) both x and y 9. Let a = ˆi + 2jˆ + k, ˆ cr = ˆi + ˆj - k.
ˆ b = ˆi - ˆj + k, ˆ

r r r r r r r
5. If a and b are two unit vectors such that a + 2b and A vector coplanar to a and b has a projection along c of
r r
5a - 4b are perpendicular to each other, then the angle 1
magnitude , then the vector is : (2006)
r r 3
between a and b is : (2002)
(a) 45º (b) 60º (a) 4î - ˆj + 4k̂ (b) 4 î + ĵ - 4k̂

æ1ö æ2ö
(c) cos -1 ç ÷ (d) cos -1ç ÷ (c) 2î + ĵ + k̂ (d) none of these
è3ø è7ø
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 81

r r r r r r r 13. Let P, Q, R and S be the points on the plane with position

10. Let a , b, c be unit vectors such that a + b + c = 0 . Which
vectors -2iˆ - ˆj, 4i,
ˆ 3iˆ + 3jˆ and - 3iˆ + 2ˆj respectively. The
one of the following is correct ? (2007)
r r r quadrilateral PQRS must be a (2010)
(a) ar ´ b = b ´ cr = cr ´ ar = 0
(a) parallelogram, which is neither a rhombus nor a
r r r
(b) ar ´ b = b ´ cr = cr ´ ar ¹ 0
rectangle
(b) square
r r r r r r
(c) a × b = b× c = a × c ¹ 0 (c) rectangle, but not a square
r r r r r r (d) rhombus, but not a square
(d) a ´ b, b ´ c, c ´ a are mutually perpendicular
14. Two adjacent sides of a parallelogram ABCD are given by
uuur uuur
11. Let two non–collinear unit vectors â and b̂ form an acute AB = 2iˆ + 10jˆ + 11kˆ and AD = -ˆi + 2jˆ + 2kˆ . The side AD
angle. A point P moves so that at any time t the position is rotated by an acute angle a in the plane of the
parallelogram so that AD becomes AD’. If AD’ makes a
vector OP (where O is the origin) is given by â cos t + b̂ right angle with the side AB, then the cosine of the angle a
sin t. When P is farthest from origin O, let M be the length is given by (2010)
of OP and û be the unit vector along OP . Then,
8 17
(2008) (a) (b)
9 9

â + b̂ 1 4 5
(a) û = and M = (1 + â × b̂)1 / 2 (c) (d)
| â + b̂ | 9 9
r r
15. ˆ b = ˆi - ˆj + kˆ and cr = ˆi - ˆj - kˆ be three
Let a = ˆi + ˆj + k,
â - b̂
(b) û = and M = (1 + â × b̂)1 / 2 r r
| â - b̂ | vectors. A vector vr in the plane of a and b, whose

r 1
projection on c is , is given by (2011)
â + b̂ 1/ 2 3
(c) û = and M = (1 + 2â × b̂ )
| â + b̂ |
(a) ˆi - 3jˆ + 3kˆ (b) -3iˆ - 3jˆ - kˆ

â - b̂ (c) 3iˆ - ˆj + 3kˆ (d) ˆi + 3jˆ - 3kˆ

(d) û = and M = (1 + 2â × b̂)1/ 2
| â - b̂ |
r r r r
16. If a and b are vectors such that | a + b | = 29 and
r r r r r r r r r r
12. If a , b, c and d are the unit vectors such that (a ´ b) × (c ´ d ) =1 a ´ 2iˆ + 3jˆ + 4kˆ = 2iˆ + 3jˆ + 4kˆ ´ b, then a possible

r r 1 r r
and a × c = , then (2009) value of (a + b) . -7iˆ + 2ˆj + 3kˆ is (2012)
2
(a) 0 (b) 3
r r r
(a) a , b, c are non–coplanar
(c) 4 (d) 8
r r r 17. The equation of the plane passing through the point
(b) a , b, d are non–coplanar
(1, 1, 1) and perpendicular to the planes
r r 2x + y – 2z = 5 and 3x – 6y – 2z = 7, is (2017)
(c) b, d are non–parallel
(a) –14x + 2y + 15z = 3 (b) 14x – 2y + 15z = 27
r r r r
(d) a , d are parallel and b, c are parallel (c) 14x + 2y – 15z = 1 (d) 14x + 2y + 15z = 31
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 82

18. Let O be the origin and let PQR be an arbitrary triangle. 23. A line l passing through the origin is perpendicular to the
The point S is such that lines
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
OP.OQ + OR.OS = OR.OP + OQ.OS = OQ.OR + OP.OS
l1 : 3 + t ˆi + -1 + 2t ˆj + 4 + 2t ˆk , – ¥ < t < ¥
Then the triangle PQR has S as its (2017)
(a) incentre (b) circumcentre l2 : 3 + 2s ˆi + 3 + 2s ˆj + 2 + s kˆ , – ¥ < s < ¥
(c) orthocenter (d) centroid
uuur uuur uuur Then, the coordinate(s) of the point(s) on l2 at a distance
19. Let O be the origin, and OX,OY, OZ be three unit vectors
of 17 from the point of intersection of l and l1 are
uuur uuur uuur
in the directions of the sides QR, RP, PQ, respectively, of
(2013)
a triangle PQR. Then (2017)
uuur uuur
| OX ´ OY |= æ7 7 5ö
(a) ç , , ÷ (b) (–1, –1, 0)
è 3 3 3ø
(a) sin(P + R) (b) sin 2R
(c) sin (P + Q) (d) sin (Q + R)
æ7 7 8ö
20. If the triangle PQR varies, then the minimum value of cos (c) (1, 1, 1) (d) ç , , ÷
è9 9 9ø
(P + Q) + cos (Q + R) + cos (R + P) (2017)
r r r
3 3 24. Let x, y and z be three vectors each of magnitude 2
(a) - (b)
2 2
p r
and the angle between each pair of them is . If a is a
5 5 3
(c) (d) -
3 3 r
r r r
non-zero vector perpendicular to x and y ´ z and b is
Objective Questions II [One or more than one correct option]
r r r
a non-zero vector perpendicular to y and z ´ x, then
r
21. Let A be a vector parallel to line of intersection of planes
(2014)
P1 and P2 through the origin. P1 is parallel to the vectors
r r r r r
2 ĵ + 3k̂ and 4 ĵ - 3k̂ and P2 is parallel to ĵ - k̂ and 3î + 3 ĵ , (a) b = b . z z-x
r
then the angle between vector A and 2î + ĵ - 2k̂ is r r r r r
(b) a = a . y y-z
(2006)
rr r r r r
p p (c) a.b = - a . y b.z
(a) (b)
2 4
r r r r r
(d) a = a . y z-y
p 3p
(c) (d)
uuur r uuur r uuur
Let DPQR be a triangle. Let ar = QR, b = RP and c = PQ.
6 4
25.
^ ^
r r r r
22. The vector(s) which is/are coplanar with vectors i + j + 2kˆ If a = 12, b = 4 3, b.c = 24, then which of the following
^ ^ ^ ^
and i + 2 j + ˆk , and are perpendicular to the vector i + j + kˆ is (are) true ? (2015)

is/are (2011) r2 r2
c r c r
^ ^ ^ ^
(a) - a = 12 (b) + a = 30
2 2
(a) j - k (b) - i + j

^ ^ ^ ^ r r r r r r
(c) i - j (d) - j + k (c) a ´ b + c ´ a = 48 3 (d) a . b = - 72
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 83

26. Let û = u1ˆi + u 2 ˆj + u 3 kˆ be a unit vector in R 3 and 29. Let O be the origin and OA = 2iˆ + 2jˆ + k,
ˆ

wˆ =
1 r
iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ . Given that there exists a vector v in 1
6 OB = ˆi - 2jˆ + 2kˆ and OC = OB - l OA for some
2
r r
R3 such that uˆ ´ v = 1 and wˆ . uˆ ´ v = 1. Which of the 9
l > 0. If OB ´ OC = , then which of the following
following statement(s) is(are) correct ? (2016) 2
(a) There is exactly one choice for such vr statements is (are) TRUE? (2021)

(b) There are infinitely many choices for such 3

(a) Projection of OC on OA is -
(c) If û lies in the xy-plane then |u1| = |u2| 2

(d) If û lies in the xz-plane then 2|u1| = |u3| 9

(b) Area of the triangle OAB is
27. Let L1 and L2 be the following straight line. 2

x -1 y z -1 x -1 y z -1 9
L1 : = = and L2 : = =
1 -1 3 -3 -1 1 (c) Area of triangle ABC is
2
Suppose the straight line (d) The acute angle between the diagonals of the
x - a y -1 z - g p
L: = = parallelogram with adjacent sides OA and OC is
l m -2 3
lies in the plane containing L1 and L2, and passes through
Numerical Value Type Questions
the point of intersection of L1 and L2. If the line L bisects
the acute angle between the lines L1 and L2, then which of
^ ^
the following statements is/are TRUE ? (2020) ® ® ® i-2 j
30. If a and b are vectors in space given by a = and
(a) a - g = 3 (b) l + m = 2 5

(c) a - g = 1 (d) l + m = 0 ^ ^ ^
® 2i + j + 3k
b= , then the value of
28. Let a and b be positive real numbers. Suppose 14
uuur uuur
PQ = aiˆ + bjˆ and PS = aiˆ - bjˆ are adjacent sides of a
r r æ ® ® ö éæ ® ® ö æ ® ® ö ù
parallelogram PQRS. Let u and v be the projection ç 2 a + b ÷ . êç a ´ b ÷ ´ ç a - 2 b ÷ú is .... (2010)
è ø ëè ø è øû
ur uuur uuur
vectors of w = iˆ + ˆj along PQ and PS , respectively. If
® ^ ^ ® ^ ^ ® ^ ^ ^
r r ur 31. Let a = - i - k , b = - i + j and c = i + 2 j + 3k be three given
u + v = w and if the area of the parallelogram PQRS
® ® ® ® ®
is 8, then which of the following statements is/are vectors. If r is a vector such that r ´ b = c ´ b and
TRUE? (2020)
® ® ® ®
(a) a + b = 4 r . a = 0, then the value of r . b is..... (2011)
(b) a – b = 2
r r r
(c) The length of the diagonal PQ of the parallelogram 32. If a, b and c are unit vectors satisfying
PQRS is 4 r r r r r r
ur uuur | a - b |2 + | b - c |2 + | c - a |2 = 9, then
uuur
(d) w is an angle bisector of the vectors PQ and PS
r r r
| 2a + 5b + 5c | is (2012)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 84

r r r 38. Let a, b and g be real numbers such that the system of

33. Let a, b and c be three non-coplanar unit vectors such linear equations
x + 2y + 3z = a
p
that the angle between every pair of them is . If 4x + 5y + 6z = b
3

r r r r r r r 7x + 8y + 9z = g - 1
a ´ b + b ´ c = pa + qb + rc , where p,q and r are scalars,
is consistent. Let |M| represent the determinant of the matrix

p 2 + 2q 2 + r 2 é a 2 gù
then the value of is (2014)
q2 M = êê b 1 0 úú
êë -1 0 1 úû
r rr
34. Let ar and b be two unit vectors such that a.b = 0 . For Let P be the plane containing all those (a, b, g) for which
the above system of linear equations is consistent, and D
r r r r r r
some x, y Î R, let c = xa + yb + a ´ b . If c = 2 and the be the square of the distance of the point (0, 1, 0) from the
plane P. The value of D is ____. (2021)
r r r r r r
vector c is inclined at the same angle a to both a and b 39. Let u, v and w be vectors in three-dimensional space,
r r
where u and v are unit vectors which are not perpendicular
and then the value of 8cos 2 a is ____ . (2018) r r r r r r
to each other and u × w = 1, v × w = 1, w × w = 4 . If the
35. Let P be a point in the first octant, whose image Q in the volume of the parallelopiped, whose adjacent sides are
r r r
plane x + y = 3 lies on the z-axis (that is, the line segment represented by the vectors u, v and w , is 2 , then the
r r
PQ is perpendicular to the plane x + y = 3 and the mid- value of 3u + 5v is ____. (2021)
point of PQ lies in the plane x + y = 3). Let the distance of
Assertion & Reason
P from the x-axis be 5. If R is the image of P in the xy-
plane, then the length of PR is _____. (2018) For the following questions choose the correct answer
from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) defined as follows.
r r
36. Let a = 2iˆ + ˆj - kˆ and b = iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ be two vectors, (a) Statement I is true, Statement II is also true;
Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement
r r r I.
consider a vector c = a a + b b , a , b Î R. If the projection
(b) Statement I is true, Statement II is also true;
r r r Statement II is not the correct explanation of
of c on the vector a + b is 3 2 , then the minimum value
Statement I.
(c) Statement I is true, Statement II is false.
r r r r
of c - a ´ b .c equals (2019) (d) Statement I is false, Statement II is true.

uuur
r uuuv r uuuv r uuuv 40. Let the vectors PQ, QR, RS, ST, TU and UP represent
37. In a triangle PQR, let a = QR, b = RP and c = PQ. If
the sides of a regular hexagon.
r r r r r
r r a. (c - b ) |a| Assertion : PQ ´ (RS + ST ) ¹ 0 .
| a | = 3, | b | = 4 and r r r = r r , then the value
c. (a - b ) | a | + | b | r r
Reason : PQ ´ RS = 0 and PQ ´ ST ¹ 0 . (2007)
r r (a) A (b) B
of | a ´ b |2 is ……… . (2020)
(c) C (d) D
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 85

Match the Following Text

Each question has two columns. Four options are given r r r

42. If u , v, w are three non–coplanar unit vectors and
representing matching of elements from Column-I and r r r r r
a, b, g are the angles between u and v, v and w , w and
Column-II. Only one of these four options corresponds
r r r r
to a correct matching.For each question, choose the u respectively and x , y, z are unit vectors along the
option corresponding to the correct matching. bisectors of the angles a, b, g respectively. Prove that
r r r r r r
41. Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer [x ´ y y´ z z´ x]
using the code given below the lists.
1 rr r 2 a b g
List–I List–II = [u v w ] sec 2 sec 2 sec 2 . (2003)
16 2 2 2
P. Volume of parallelopiped determined by 1. 100
43. A plane is parallel to two lines whose direction ratios are
r r r
vectors a, b & c is 2. Then, the volume (1, 0, –1) & (–1, 1, 0) and it contains the point (1, 1, 1,). If
it cuts coordinate axes at A, B, C. Then find the volume of
of the parallelopied determined by vectors
the tetrahedron OABC. (2004)
r r r r r r rrrr
2 a ´ b , 3 b ´ c and c ´ a is 44. If a ,b , c ,d are four distinct vectors satisfying the conditions

Q. Volume of parallelopiped determined by 2. 30

r r r r r r r r
a ´ b = c ´d and a ´ c = b ´ d, then prove that
r r r r r r r r r r r
vectors a, b & c is 5. Then, the volume a . b + c . d ¹ a . c + b . d. (2004)

of the parallelopiped determined by vectors 45. Consider the cube in the first octant with sides OP, OQ
and OR of length 1, along the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis,
r r r r r r
3 a + b , b + c and 2 c + a is respectively, where O(0, 0, 0) is the origin. Let

R. Area of a triangle with adjacent sides 3. 24 æ1 1 1ö

S ç , , ÷ be the centre of the cube and T be the vertex
r è2 2 2ø
r
determined by vector a and b is 20. Then,
of the cube opposite to the origin O such that S lies on the
the area of the triangle with adjacent r uur r uuur r uuur r uur
diagonal OT. If p = SP, q = SQ, r = SR and t = ST , then
sides determined by vectors r r r r
r r r r the value of p ´ q ´ r ´ t is ____ (2018)
2a + 3b and a - b is

S. Area of a parallelogram with adjacent 4. 60 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

r r
sides determined by vectors a and b is Objective Question I [Only one correct option]
30. Then, the area of the parallelogram
r r r r
46. Let the vectors a , b, c and d be such that
with adjacent sides determined by
r r r r
r r a ´ b ´ c ´ d = 0. Let P1 and P2 be planes determined by
vectors a + b and ar is (2015)
r r r r
the pairs of vectors a , b and c, d respectively, then the
P Q R S P Q R S
angle between P1 and P2 is: (2000)
(a) 4 2 3 1 (b) 2 3 1 4
(a) 0 (b) p / 4
(c) 3 4 1 2 (d) 1 4 3 2 (c) p / 3 (d) p / 2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 86

47. The positive value of ‘a’ so that the volume of the 53. The number of distinct real values of l, for which the
parallelopiped formed by î + aĵ + k̂, ĵ + ak̂ and a î + k̂ vectors -l2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ, iˆ -l2 ˆj + kˆ and î + ĵ - l2 k̂ are
becomes minimum is : (2003) coplanar, is : (2007)
(a) 4 (b) 3 (a) zero (b) one

(c) 1/ 3 (d) 3 (c) two (d) three

54. The edges of a parallelopiped are of unit length and are
x -4 y-2 z-k
48. The value of k such that = = lies in the parallel to non–coplanar unit vectors â, b̂, ĉ such that
1 1 2
plane 2x – 4y + z = 7, is (2003) 1
â × b̂ = b̂ × ĉ = ĉ × â = . Then the volume of the
(a) 7 (b) –7 2
(c) No real value (d) 4 parallelopiped is (2008)
49. The unit vector which is orthogonal to the vector 1 1
(a) cu unit (b) cu unit
3î + 2 ĵ + 6k̂ and is coplanar with the vectors 2î + ĵ + k̂ 2 2 2

and î - ĵ + k̂ is : (2004) 1
3
(c) cu unit (d) cu unit
2 3
2î - 6 ĵ + k̂ 2î - 3 ĵ
(a) (b) 55. Let P (3, 2, 6) be a point in space and Q be a point on the
41 13
r
line r = ˆi -ˆj + 2kˆ + m -3iˆ +ˆj + 5k
ˆ . Then the value of m
3 ĵ - k̂ 4î + 3 ĵ - 3k̂ uuur
(c) (d) for which the vector PQ is parallel to the plane
10 34
x – 4y + 3z = 1 is (2009)
x -1 y + 1 z -1 x -3 y - k z
50. If the lines = = and = = 1 1
2 3 4 1 2 1 (a) (b) -
4 4
intersect, then the value of k is (2004)

3 9 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d) -
2 2 8 8
56. The point P is the intersection of the straight line joining
2 3
(c) - (d) - the points Q(2, 3, 5) and R(1, –1, 4) with the plane
9 2
5x – 4y – z = 1. If S is the foot of the perpendicular drawn
x y z from the point T (2, 1, 4) to QR, then the length of the line
51. A variable plane + + =1 at a unit distance from origin segment PS is (2012)
a b c
cuts the coordinate axes at A, B and C. Centroid (x, y, z) 1
(a) (b) 2
satisfies the equation 1 + 1 + 1 = K . Then value of K is 2
x 2 y2 z2
(c) 2 (d) 2 2
(2005)
(a) 9 (b) 3 57. The equation of a plane passing through the line of
intersection of the planes x + 2y + 3z = 2 & x – y + z = 3 &
(c) 1/9 (d) 1/3
52. A plane passes through (1, –2, 1) and is perpendicular to 2
at a distance from the point (3, 1, –1) is (2012)
two planes 2x – 2y + z = 0 and x – y + 2 z = 4, then the 3
distance of the plane from the point (1, 2, 2) is (2006)
(a) 0 (b) 1 (a) 5x – 11y + z = 17 (b) 2x + y = 3 2 -1

(c) 2 (d) 2 2 (c) x + y + z = 3 (d) x - 2y = 1- 2

VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 87
uuur uuur
58. Let PR = 3iˆ + ˆj - 2k
ˆ and SQ =ˆi - 3jˆ - 4k
ˆ determine y z
63. Two lines L1 : x = 5, 3 -a = -2 and
uuur
diagonals of a parallologram PQRS and PT =ˆi + 2jˆ + 3k
ˆ

be another vector. Then, the volume of the parallelopiped y z

uuur uuur uur L2 : x = a, -1 = 2 -a are coplanar. Then, a can take
determined by the vectors PT, PQ and PS is (2013)
value(s). (2013)
(a) 5 (b) 20
(a) 1 (b) 2
(c) 10 (d) 30 (c) 3 (d) 4
59. Perpendiculars are drawn from points on the line 64. 3
In R , consider the planes P1 : y = 0 and P2 : x + z = 1. Let
x + 2 y +1 z P3 be the plane, different from P1 and P2, which passes
= = to the plane x + y + z = 3. The feet of through the intersection of P1 and P2. If the distance of the
2 -1 3
point (0, 1, 0) from P3 is 1 and the distance of a point (a,
perpendiculars lie on the line. (2013) b, g) from P3 is 2, then which of the following relations is
(are) true ? (2015)
x y -1 z - 2 x y -1 z - 2
(a) 5 = 8 = -13 (b) 2 = 3 = - 5 (a) 2a + b + 2g + 2 = 0 (b) 2a - b + 2g + 4 = 0
(c) 2a + b - 2g - 10 = 0 (d) 2a - b + 2g - 8 = 0
3
65. In R , let L be a straight line passing through the origin.
x y -1 z - 2 x y -1 z - 2
(c) 4 = 3 = - 7 (d) 2 = - 7 = 5 Suppose that all the points on L at a constant distance
from the two planes P 1 : x +2y -z +1 =0 &
P2 : 2x - y + z - 1 = 0. Let M be the locus of the foot of the
60. From a point P l, l, l , perpendiculars PQ and PR are perpendiculars drawn from the points on L to plane P1.
drawn respectively on the lines y = x, z = 1 and Which of the following point(s) lie(s) on M.
y = – x, z = – 1. If P is such that ÐQPR is a right angle, (2015)

then the possible value(s) of l is(are) (2014) æ 5 2ö æ 1 ö 1 1

(a) ç 0, - , - ÷ (b) ç - , - , ÷
è 6 3ø è 6 3 6 ø
(a) 2 (b) 1
æ 5 1ö æ 1 2ö
(c) –1 (d) - 2 (c) ç - , 0, ÷ (d) ç - , 0, ÷
è 6 6ø è 3 3ø
61. Let P be the image of the point (3, 1, 7) with respect to the 66. Consider a pyramid OPQRS located in the first octant (x
plane x – y + z = 3. Then the equation of the plane passing ³ 0, y ³ 0, z ³ 0) with O as origin, and OP and OR along
x y z the x-axis and the y-axis, respectively. The base OPQR of
through P and containing the straight line = = is
1 2 1 the pyramid is a square with OP = 3. The point S is directly
above the mid-point T of diagonal OQ such that TS =3.
(2016)
Then (2016)
(a) x + y – 3z = 0 (b) 3x + z = 0
p
(c) x - 4y + 7z = 0 (d) 2x - y = 0 (a) the acute angle between OQ and OS is
3
Objective Questions II [One or more than one correct option] (b) the equation of the plane containing the triangle OQS
is x – y = 0

62. If the straight lines

x -1 y + 1 z and x + 1 = y + 1 = z (c) the length of the perpendicular from P to the plane
= = 5 2 K
2 K 2 3
containing the triangle OQS is
are coplanar, then the plane(s) containing these two lines 2
is/are (2012)
(d) the perpendicular distance from O to the straight line
(a) y + 2z = –1 (b) y + z = –1
15
(c) y – z = –1 (d) y – 2z = –1 containing RS is
2
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 88

67. Let P1 : 2x + y - z = 3 and P2 : x + 2y + z = 2 be two planes. 69. Three lines


Then, which of the following statements(s) is (are) TRUE? L1 : r   i,   R
(2018)

L2 : r  k   ˆj ,   R and
(a) The line of intersection of P1 and P2 has direction ratios

1, 2, –1 L3 : r  i  j   k ,   R.

are given. For which point(s) Q on L2 can we find a point

(b) The line 3x  4  1  3y  z is perpendicular to the P on L1 and a point R on L3 so that P, Q and R are collinear.
9 9 3
(2019)
line of intersection of P1 and P2
1
(a) k  j (b) k  j
(c) The acute angle between P1 and P2 is 60° 2

(d) If P 3 is the plane passing through the point

1
(4, 2, –2) and perpendicular to the line of intersection (c) k (d) k  j
2
of P1 and P2, then the distance of the point (2, 1, 1)
70. Let  ,  ,  ,  be real numbers such that
2
from the plane P3 is .  2 +  2 +  2  0 and  +  = 1. Suppose the point
3
(3,2, -1) is the mirror image of the point (1,0, -1) with
68. Let L1and L2 denote the lines respect to the plane  x +  y + yz =  . Then which of
 the following statements is/are TRUE? (2020)
r  i   ( i  2 j  2k ),   R and
(a)  +  = 2 (b)   y = 3

r   (2i  j  2k ),   R
(c)    = 4 (d)    +  = 

respectively. If L3 is a line which is perpendicular to both Numerical Value Type Questions

L1and L2 and cuts both of them, then which of the following
71. Consider the set of eight vectors
options describe (s) L3? (2019)

V  aiˆ  bjˆ  ck:a

ˆ ,b ,c1,1 . Three non-coplanar

 1
    
(a) r  (2i  k )  t (2i  2 j  k ), t  R
3 vectors can be chosen from V in 2p ways. Then, p is
(2013)
 2 72. Three lines are given by
     
(b) r  (4i  j  k )  t (2i  2 j  k ), t  R
9 
r   i,   R

 2  
     
(c) r  (2i  j  2k )  t (2i  2 j  k ), t  R
9
   
r   iˆ  ˆj ,   R and r   iˆ  ˆj  kˆ ,   R

Let the lines cut the plane x + y + z = 1 at points A,B and


(d) r  t (2i  2 j  k ), t  R C respectively. If the area of the triangle ABC is  then
the value of (6)2 equals (2019)
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 89

Assertion & Reason 75. Consider the following linear equations

ax + by + cz = 0,
For the following questions choose the correct answer
from the codes (a), (b), (c) and (d) defined as follows. bx + cy + az = 0,

(a) Statement I is true, Statement II is also true; cx + ay + bz = 0 (2007)

Statement II is the correct explanation of Statement Column–I Column–II
I. (A) a + b + c ¹ 0 and (P) the equations represent
(b) Statement I is true, Statement II is also true; a2 + b2 + c2 planes meeting only at a
Statement II is not the correct explanation of
= ab + bc + ca single point
Statement I.
(B) a + b + c = 0 and (Q) the equations represent
(c) Statement I is true, Statement II is false.
a2 + b2 + c2 the lines x = y = z
(d) Statement I is false, Statement II is true.
¹ ab + bc + ca
73. Consider the planes (C) a + b + c ¹ 0 and (R) the equations represent
3x – 6y – 2z = 15 and 2x + y – 2z = 5. a2 + b2 + c2 identical planes
Statement–I : The parametric equations of the line of ¹ ab + bc + ca
intersection of the given planes are x = 3 + 14t,
(D) a + b + c = 0 and (S) the equations represent
y = 1 – 2t, z = 15t.
a2 + b2 + c2 the whole of the three
Statement–II : The vector 14iˆ + 2j
ˆ +15kˆ is parallel to the
= ab + bc + ca dimensional space.
line of intersection of the given planes. (2007) The correct matching is
(a) A (b) B (a) A-R, B-Q; C-P; D-S
(c) C (d) D (b) A-Q, B-R; C-P; D-S
74. Consider three planes (c) A-S, B-Q; C-P; D-R
P1 : x – y + z = 1 (d) A-R, B-Q; C-S; D-P
P2 : x + y – z = 1 and P3 : x – 3y + 3z = 2 76. Consider the lines
Let L1, L2, L3 be the lines of intersection of the planes
x -1 y z + 3
P2 and P3, P3 and P1, P1 and P2, respectively. L1 : = = , L 2 : x - 4 = y + 3 = z + 3 and the
2 -1 1 1 1 2
Statement–I : At least two of the lines L1, L2 and L3 are
non-parallel. planes P1 : 7x + y + 2z = 3, P2 : 3x + 5y – 6z = 4. Let
ax + by + cz = d the equation of the plane passing through
Statement–II : The three planes do not have a common
the point of intersection of lines L 1 and L 2 and
point.
perpendicular to planes P1 and P2.
(2008)
Match List–I with List–II and select the correct answer
(a) A (b) B using the code give below the lists. (2013)
(c) C (d) D List–I List–II
Match the Following P. a = 1. 13
Q. b = 2. –3
Each question has two columns. Four options are given
representing matching of elements from Column-I and R. c = 3. 1
Column-II. Only one of these four options corresponds S. d = 4. –2
to a correct matching.For each question, choose the P Q R S P Q R S
option corresponding to the correct matching.
(a) 3 2 4 1 (b) 1 3 4 2
(c) 3 2 1 4 (d) 2 4 1 3
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 90

77. Match the following. (2015) Passage Based Problem

Column–I Column–II
(A) In a triangle D XYZ, let a, b, (P) 1 Using the following passage, solve Q.78 to Q.80
and c be the lengths of the
sides opposite to the angles Consider the lines
X, Y and Z, respectively.
x +1 y + 2 z +1 x -2 y+2 z -3
sin X - Y L1 : = = , L2 : = = (2008)
If 2(a2-b2)=c2 and l = sin Z , 3 1 2 1 2 3

then possible value of 78. The unit vector perpendicular to both L1 and L2 is
n for which cos(npl) = 0 is
(B) In a triangle DXYZ, let a, b (Q) 2 -ˆi + 7ˆj + 7kˆ -ˆi - 7ˆj + 5kˆ
(a) (b)
99 5 3
and c be the lengths of the
sides opposite to the angles X, Y
and Z respectively. If -ˆi + 7ˆj + 5kˆ 7iˆ - 7ˆj - kˆ
(c) (d)
1 + cos 2X – 2cos 2Y = 2 sin X sin Y, 5 3 99

a
then possible value(s) of is are 79. The shortest distance between L1 and L2 is
b
(C) In R2, let (R) 3 (a) 0 unit (b) 17 / 3 unit

3i + ˆj , iˆ + 3 ˆj and b iˆ + 1 - b ˆj
(c) 41 / 5 3 unit (d) 17 / 5 3 unit
be the position vectors X, Y
and Z with respect to the origin O, 80. The distance of the point (1, 1, 1) from the plane passing
respectively. If the distance of Z through the point (–1, –2, –1) and whose normal is
from the bisector of the acute perpendicular to both the lines L1 and L2 is
uuur uuur 3
angle of OX with OY is , the (a) 2 / 75 unit (b) 7 / 75 unit
2

possible value(s) of |b| is(are)

(D) Suppose that F(a) denotes the (S) 5 (c) 13 / 75 unit (d) 23 / 75 unit

area of the region bounded

Text
by x = 0, x = 2, y2 = 4x and
y = |ax - 1| + |ax - 2| + ax, r r r
81. Find 3–dimensional vectors v1, v 2 , v3 satisfying
where a Î {0, 1}. Then the
r r r r r r
8 v1 × v1 = 4, v1 × v 2 = -2, v1 × v 3 = 6,
value(s) of F(a) + 2,
3 r r r r r r
v 2 × v 2 = 2, v 2 × v 3 = -5, v 3 × v 3 = 29 (2001)
when a = 0 and a = 1, is (are)
(T) 6 82. (a) Find the equation of the plane passing through the
The correct matching is points (2, 1, 0), (5, 0, 1) and (4, 1, 1).
(a) A-P,R,S; B-P; C-P,Q; D-S,T (b) If P is the point (2, 1, 6), then the point Q such that PQ
(b) A-P,R,S; B-P; C-T,Q; D-S is perpendicular to the plane in (a) and the mid point
(c) A-P,S; B-Q; C-P; D-S,T of PQ lies on it. (2003)
(d) A-S,T; B-P; C-P,Q; D-P,R,S
VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 91

83. T is a parallelopiped in which A, B, C and D are vertices 84. Find the equation of the plane containing the lines
of one face and the face just above it has corresponding
1
vertices A¢, B¢, C¢, D¢, T is now compressed to S with face 2x – y + z – 3 = 0, 3x + y + z = 5 and at a distance of
6
ABCD remaining same and A¢, B¢, C¢, D¢ shifted to A¢¢,
B¢¢, C¢¢, D¢¢ in S. The volume of parallelopiped S is reduced from the point (2, 1, –1). (2005)
to 90% of T. Prove that locus of A¢¢ is a plane. 85. Incident ray is along the unit vector v̂ and the reflected
(2004) ray is along the unit vector ŵ . The normal is along unit
vector â outwards. Express ŵ in terms of â and v̂ .
(2005)

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VECTORS AND
3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
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PROBABILITY
 Chapter 09 93

PROBABILITY

1. INTRODUCTION 2. DEFINITIONS AND TYPES OF EVENTS

1.1 Factorial notation : 2.1 Random experiment :

If n Î N, then the product 1 × 2 × 3 × ......× n is defined as If an act or an experiment has more than one possible results
factorial n which is denoted by n ! or n which are known in advance and it is not possible to predict
which one is going to occur, then such an experiment is
i.e., n ! = 1 × 2 × 3 × ......× n called a random experiment.
We also define 0 ! = 1 The following are some random experiments :
(i) Tossing of a coin
NOTES : (ii) Throwing a six-faced die

n ! = n(n-1) ! (iii) Drawing a card from a well-shuffled pack of cards

(iv) Ten horses run a race
1.2 Permutation :
(v) Two persons are selected out of 10 persons to form a
If n objects are given and we have to arrange r(r £ n) out of committee.
them such that the order in which we are arranging the (vi) A ball is drawn from a bag containing 7 balls.
objects is important, then such an arrangement is called 2.2 Outcome :
permutation of n objects taking r at a time. This is denoted
by The result of a random experiment is called an outcome.

n! 2.3 Sample space :

n
Pr = (n - r)!
The set of all possible outcomes of a random experiment is
called a sample space and its elements are called sample
1.3 Combination :
points. A sample space is usually denoted by S.
If n objects are given and we have to choose r(r £ n) out of Illustrations ;
them such that the order in which we are choosing the objects (i) When a fair coin is tossed, then either head or tail
is not important, then such a choice is called combination of will turn up.
n objects taking r at a time. This is denoted by Hence S = {H,T} S contains 2 sample points.
n! (ii) When a six-faced die is thrown, then only one of
n
Cr = r!(n - r)! 1,2,3,4,5,6 will turn up.
Hence S = {1,2,3,4,5,6}. S contains 6 sample points.
1.4 Fundamental Principle of Counting : (iii) Suppose a bag contains 7 balls.
If an event can occur in ‘m’ different ways following which Consider the sample points.
another event can occur in ‘n’ different ways following which (a) The experiment is : one ball is drawn. We can draw
another event can occur in ‘p’ different ways then the total one ball out of the 7 balls in 7C1 = 7 ways.
number of ways of simultaneous occurence of all these The sample space for this experiment contains 7
\
events in a definite order is m × n × p. sample points.
(where the events are independent of each other )
PROBABILITY
94

(b) The experiment is : two balls are drawn. We can draw 2.8 Intersection of events :
7´6 If A and B are two events of the sample space S then
2 balls out of the 7 balls in 7C2 = = 21 ways
1´ 2 A Ç B or A .B is the event that both A and B take place.
\ the sample space for this experiment contains
2.9 Mutually Exclusive events :
21 sample points.
(c) The experiment is : three balls are drawn. Two events A and B of the sample space S are said to be
The sample space for this experiment contains mutually exclusive if they cannot occur simultaneously. In
such case A Ç B is a null set.
7
7´ 6´ 5
C3 = = 35 sample points 2.10 Exhaustive events :
1´ 2 ´ 3

2.4 Event : Two events A and B of the sample space S are said to be
exhaustive if A È B = S i.e. A È B contains all sample points.
Any subset of a sample space is called an event.
2.11 Probability of an event :
Example :
In a single throw of a die, the event of getting a prime number Let A be an event in a sample space S. Then the probability
is E º {2,3,5} The sample space of the event A denoted by P(A) is defined as,

S º {1,2,3,4,5,6} number of samplepoint sin A n(A)

P(A) = =
\ E Í S Þ E is an event number of sample point sin S n(S)

2.5 Complementary event : Theorem :

If E is an event of a sample space S, prove that 0 £ P(E) £ 1
Let A be an event in a sample space S. Then A is a subset of
S We can hence think of the complement of A in S, i..e., S-A. and P(E’ ) = 1 - P(E), where E’ is the complementary event of E.
This is also a subset of S and hence an event in S. This Proof :
event is called the complementary event of A and is denoted Suppose the sample space S contains n sample points and
by A or A’
m
Now, suppose S contains n sample points, A contains m the event E contains m sample points. Then P(E) =
n
sample points, Then A’ will contain
m
n - m sample points. Now, 0 £ m £ n \ 0 £ £1
n
2.6 Impossible event :
\ 0 £ P(E) £ 1
Let S be a sample space. Since f Í S, So f is an event, Further E’ contains n - m sample points,
called an impossible event. \ P(E’) = 1 - P(E)
2.12 Equally likely event :
NOTES :
The events are said to be equally likely if none of them is
The event E and E’ are such that only one of them can occur
expected to occur in preference to the other.
in a trial and at least one of them must occur.
Ex :- When a die is thrown, then all the side faces are equally
likely to come.
2.7 Union of events :

If A and B are two events of the sample space S then A È B

or A + B is the event that either A or B (or both) take place.
PROBABILITY
95

2.13 Odds in favour of A : It is defined as P(A) : P(A) NOTES :

Odds against A : It is defined as P(A) : P(A) If one coin is tossed n times or n coins are tossed once the
sample space consists of same number of sample points.
If P(A) : P(A) = x : y then i.e. n(S) = (2)n
Prime numbers are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, ...
x y
P(A)= and P(A)= 1 card is picked n(S) = 52C1 = 52
x+ y x+ y
2 cards are drawn. n(S) = 52C2= 1326
3. EXPERIMENT NO 1 : TOSSING COINS
5. EXPERIMENT NO 3: PACK OF CARDS
Tossing one coin :
Let S be the sample space S º {H,T}, n (S) = 2 5.1 There are 4 suits (spade, heart, diamond and club)
each having 13 cards.
Tossing two coin :
5.2 There are two colours red (heart and diamond) and
Let S be the sample space S º {HH, HT, TH, TT} Þ n (S) = 4
black (spade and club) each having 26 cards.
Tossing three coin : 5.3 Jack, Queen and King are face cards. Therefore face
Let S be the sample space cards are 12 in pack of cards. Face card is also called
S º {HHH,HHT, HTH, HTT, THH, THT, TTH, TTT} a picture card.
Þ n (S) = 8 5.4 There are four aces. Ace is not a picture card.
5.5 Face cards and Ace cards are known Coloured Cards.
NOTES :
Theorem 1
1. No head means all tails. If E is an event of sample space S then 0 £ P(E) £ 1
2. At least one head means one head or two heads or three Proof :
heads
As E Í S
3. At most two heads means two heads or one head or no
head (all tail). \ 0 £ n(E) £ n(S)

0 n(E) n(S)
4. EXPERIMENT NO 2 : THROWING DIE / DICE £ £
\ n(S) n(S) n(S) (Q n(S) ¹ 0.

One six faced die is thrown : \ 0 £ P(E) £ 1

S º {1,2,3,4,5,6} Þ n(S) = 6
Two dice are thrown : NOTES :

P(E) = 0 if and only if E is an impossible event and

ì(1,1), (2,1), (3,1), (4,1), (5,1), (6,1) ü P(E) = 1 if and only if E is a certain event
ï(1, 2), (2, 2), (3, 2), (4, 2), (5, 2), (6, 2) ï
ï ï
ïï(1,3), (2,3), (3,3), (4,3), (5,3), (6,3) ïï Theorem 2
Sºí ý
ï(1, 4), (2, 4), (3, 4), (4, 4), (5, 4), (6, 4) ï If E is an event of sample space S and E’ is the event that
ï(1,5), (2,5), (3,5), (4,5), (5,5), (6,5) ï E does not happen then
ï ï
îï(1, 6), (2, 6), (3, 6), (4, 6), (5, 6), (6, 6) þï P(E’) = 1 - P(E)
Proof :
Þ n(S) = 36 E’ is the event that E does not happen.
Q E and E’ are complements of each other.
PROBABILITY
96

\ n(E) + n(E’) = n(S) Dividing by n(S), (Q n(S) ¹ 0.) 4. If A, B and C are independent events with non-zero
probabilities then P(A Ç B Ç B) = P(A) . P(B) . P(C)
n(E ) n(E' ) n(S )
\ + = 5. If A1, A2, A3,... An are independent events with non-zero
n(S ) n(S ) n(S )
probabilities, then
\ P(E) + P(E’) = 1
P (A1 Ç A2 Ç A3 Ç......Ç An) =P (A1) . P (A2)... P (An)
\ P(E’) = 1 - P(E)
6. P [exactly one of A or B occurs]
Theorem 3
= P(A Ç B’) + P (A’ Ç B)
(i) If A and B are two events of sample sapce S, prove that
= P(A È B) – P (A Ç B)
P (A È B) = P(A) + P(B) – P (A Ç B).
(ii) P(A È B È C) = P(A) + P(B) + P (C) – P (A Ç B) = P(A) + P(B) – 2P (A Ç B)

– P (B Ç C) – P (C Ç A) + P (A Ç BÇC) 7. P(A’ Ç B’) = P (A È B)’ = 1 – P (A È B)

Theorem 4 8. P(A’ È B’) = P (A Ç B)’ = 1 – P (A Ç B)

Show that if A and B are independent events defined on S 9. P(A) = P(A Ç B) +P (A Ç B’)
then 10. P(B) = P(A Ç B) + P(A’ Ç B)
(i) A & B’ (ii) A’ & B (iii) A’ & B’ are 11. P(A È B È C) = P(A) + P (B) + P (C)
independent events where A and B are mutually exclusive
– P(A Ç B) – P(B Ç C) – P (C Ç A)
events of A’ and B’ respectively.
+ P (A Ç B Ç C)
Ans. Since A and B are known to be independent events.
We have P(AÇB) = P(A) . P(B) 12. P (A È B È C) = P(A) + P(B) + P(C) if A, B and C are mutually
exclusive.
(i) P(A Ç B’ ) = P(A) – P (A Ç B) = P(A) – P (A). P(B)
= P (A) (1 – P(B)) 13. If A and B are mutually exclusive and exhausive events then
P(A) + P(B) = 1
= P (A) . P(B’)
\ A and B’ are independent events 14. If A, B and C are mutually exclusive and exhaustive events
then
(ii) P(A’ Ç B) = P(B) – P(A Ç B) = P(B) – P(A) . P(B)
P (A) + P(B) + P(C) = 1
= P (B) (1–P(A)) = p(B) . P(A’)
\ A’ and B are independent events 7. CONDITIONAL PROBABILITY
(iii) P(A’ Ç B’) = P (A È B)’ = 1 – P (A ÈB)
Let A and B be two events associated with a random
= 1 – [P(A) + P(B) – P (A Ç B)] experiment. Then, the probability of occurrence of event A
= 1 – [P(A) + P(B) – P (A) . (B)] under the condition that B has already occurred and
= 1 – PA – P(B) + P(A) . P (B) P (B) ¹ 0, is called the conditional probability of event A and
it is denoted by P (A/B). Thus, we have
= [1–P(A)] – P(B) [1–P(A)]
P (A/B) = Probability of occurence of A given that B has
= [1–P(A)] [1–P(B)] = P(A’) . P(B’)
already occurred.
\ A’ and B’ are independent events.
Number of elementary events favourable A Ç B
6. IMPORTANT RESULTS P (A / B) =
Number of elementary events favourable to B

1. A and B are mutually exclusive if P(AÇB) = 0.

n ( A Ç B)
Þ P ( A / B) =
2. They are independent if P (A Ç B) = P(A) . P(B) n ( B)
3. Two independent events with non-zero probabilities cannot
be mutually exclusive. P (A Ç B)
Þ P (A/B)=
P (B)
PROBABILITY
97

Theorem
10. THE LAW OF TOTAL PROBABILITY
If A and B are two events associated with a random
experiment, then Theorem : (Law of Total Probability) Let S be the sample space
P (A Ç B) = P (A) P (B/A), if P (A) ¹ 0 and let E1, E2, ..., En be n mutually exclusive and exhaustive
events associated with a random experiment. If A is any
NOTES : event which occurs with E1 or E2 or ... or En, then
P (A) = P (E1) P (A/E1) + P (E2) P (A/E2) + ... + P (En) P (A/En)
1. 0 £ P(A/B) £ 1
2. P (A/A) = 1

8. INDEPENDENT EVENTS

Definition :
Events are said to be independent, if the occurrence or non-
occurrence of one does not affect the probability of the
occurrence or non-occurrence of the other.
Theorem 1 :
If A and B are independent events associated with a random
experiment, then P (A Ç B) = P (A) P (B).
Theorem 2 : 11. STATEMENT OF BAYES’ THEOREM
If A1, A2, ..., An are independent events associated with a If B1, B2, B3,... Bn are mutually exclusive and exhaustive events
random experiment, then & if A is an event consequent to these Bi’s then for each i,
P (A1 Ç A2 Ç A3 ... Ç An) = P (A1) P (A2) ... P (An) where i = 1, 2, 3...., n
Theorem 3 :
P (B i ) P æç A ö÷
If A and B are independent events associated with a random P æç
Bi ö= è Bi ø
÷
Aø
è æ A ö æ ö æ ö
experiment, then P(B 1 ) P ç ÷ + P (B 2 ) P ç B ÷ ..... + P (B n ) P ç A B ÷
A
è B1 ø è 2 ø è n ø

(i) A and B are independent events

(ii) A and B are independent events P (Bi ) P æç A ö÷

B
P æç i ö÷ = è Bi ø
è Aø n
(iii) A and B are also independent events.
å P (Bi ) P æç A ö÷
i =1 è Bi ø
9. MULTIPLICATION THEOREM (OR) PRODUCT
THEOREM (OR) THEROREM OF COMPOUND
PROBABILITY

If A and B are two events in a sample space S such that

P(A) ¹ 0 & P(B) ¹ 0, then the probability of simultaneous
occurence of the two events A and B is given by
P (A Ç B) = P(A) . P(B/A) = P(B) . P (A/B).
* For three events A, B and C P(A Ç B Ç C)
12. RANDOM VARIABLE AND PROBABILITY
= P(A) . P (B/A) . P (C/A Ç B) DISTRIBUTION
* For four events A, B, C and D P(AÇBÇCÇD)
= P(A) . P(B/A). P(C/AÇB).P(D/AÇBÇC) 12.1 Random Variable : Let S be a sample space associated with
a random experiment. Then a real valued function X: S®R is
PROBABILITY
98

called a random function or random variable. 13.2 Variance (s2) or second moment about mean or 2nd central
12.2 Discrete Random Variable : A real valued function defined moment = m2.
on discrete sample space S is called a discrete random s2 = m2 = E{x - E (x)}2
variable. = E(x2) - {E(x)}2
12.3 Continuous Random Variable : A random variable X defined = m21(0) - m11 (0)2
on continuous sample space S, which can take all real values
in an interval (a, b) is called a continuous random variable. = Sxi2 P(xi) - {Sxi P(xi)}2

12.4 Discrete Random Variable : If a discrete variable X can 14. BINOMIAL DISTRIBUTION
assume values X1, X2, X3,....Xn with respective probabilities
P(X1), P(X2), P(X3) ..... P(Xn) such that P(Xi) ³ 0, " i and 14.1 Bernoulli Trials : Trials of a random experiment are called
SP(Xi) = 1, then X is said to be a discrete random variable. Bernoulli trials if they satisfy the following conditions :
12.5 Probability Mass Functions : If X is a discrete random (i) They are finite in number.
variable which can assume values Xi; i = 1, 2, 3, .... With (ii) They are independent of each other.
respective probabilities P i; i = 1, 2, 3.... such that
(iii) Each trial has exactly two outcomes : success or
¥
failure.
å P = 1, then P(X = x ) = P ; i = 1, 2,3,.... is called probability
i i i
i =1 (iv) The probability of success or failure remains same in
mass function of a discrete random variable X. (OR) If any each trial.
function P(X=x) gives the probabilities of various values of (v) The probability of success is p and failure is q such
a discrete random variable X in its range, then that function that p + q = 1
is called probability mass function.
(vi) The probability of r successes in n trails in any order
12.6 Probability Distribution : The set of ordered pairs {xi, P(xi)} is given by nCr pr qn–r.
is called the probability distribution of a discrete random 14.2 Binomial Distribution : Let X denote the random variable
variable X. which associates every outcome to the number of successes
in it. Then, X assumes values 0, 1, 2, ..., n such that
13. MEANS AND VARIANCE
P (X = r) = nCr pr qn–r, r = 0, 1, 2, ..., n.
If {xi, P(xi)} is the probability distribution of a discrete random The probability distribution of the random variable X is
variable X, then its: therefore given by
13.1 Mean or Average : ( x or m ) : Expected value of x or X: 0 1 2 ... r ... n
n 0 n–0 n 1 n–1 n 2 n–2 n r n–r n
mathematical expectation of x:E(x) or First moment about P(X) : C0p q C1 p q C2 p q ... C rp q ... Cnpnqn – n
origin: m1’(0) is defined as x = m = m1 '(0) = å xi P( xi ) . 14.3 Mean & Variance :
Mean = np
Variance = npq
PROBABILITY
99

SOLVED EXAMPLES

Example – 1 20 1
P(B) = 20% = =
100 5
5 letters are to be posted in 5 post boxes. If any number of
letters can be posted in 5 post boxes, what is the probability Since the chances of having rashes, if the child is suffering
that each box contains only one letter? from measles is 0.95 and the chances of having rashes, if the
Sol. Since any number of letters can be posted in all 5 post boxes, child has flu is 0.08,
each letter can be posted in 5 different ways.
95
\ n(S) = 5 × 5 × 5 × 5 ×5 = 55 P (C / B) = 0.95 =
100
Let A º the event that each box contains only one letter..
8
The first letter can be posted in 5 post boxes in 5 different and P (C / A) = 0.08 =
100
ways. Since each box contains only one letter, the second
letter can be posted in the remaining 4 post boxes in 4 different By Baye’s Theorem, probability that the child has measles
ways. provided he has the rashes is given by
Similarly, the third letter can be posted in 3 different ways,
P (B) . P(C / B)
the fourth letter can be posted in 2 different ways and the P (B/ C) =
P(A).P (C / A) + P(B).P(C / B)
fifth letter can be posted in 1 way.
\ n(A) = 5 × 4 × 3 × 2 × 1 = 5 !
æ 1 ö æ 95 ö
ç ÷ç ÷
n( A) 5! è 5 ø è 100 ø
\ P(A) = = =
n(S) 55 æ 4 ö æ 8 ö æ 1 ö æ 95 ö
ç ÷ç ÷+ç ÷ç ÷
è 5 ø è 100 ø è 5 ø è 100 ø
5 ´ 4 ´ 3 ´ 2 ´1 24
= =
5 ´ 54 625 95 95
= =
32 + 95 127
Example – 2
= 0.748
A doctor is called to see a sick child. The doctor has prior Example – 3
information that 80% of sick children in that area have the
flu, while the other 20% are sick with measles. Assume Suppose you have a large barrel containing a number of
that there is no other disease in that area. A well-known plastic eggs. Some eggs contain pearls, the rest contain
symptom of measles is a rash. From the past records it is nothing. Some eggs are painted blue, the rest are painted
known that, chances of having rashes given that sick child
5
is suffering from measles is 0.95. However, occasionally red. Suppose that 40% of the eggs are painted blue, of
13
children with flu also develop rash, whose chances are
0.08. Upon examining the child, the doctor finds a rash. the eggs painted blue contain pearls and 20% of the red
What is the probability that the child has measles? eggs are empty. What is the probability that an egg
containing pearl is painted blue ?
Sol. Let A º event that the child is sick with flu
Sol. Let event A = An egg is painted blue.
B º event that the child is sick with measles
event B = An egg is painted red.
C º event that the child has rash
The barrel contains egg with blue paint as 40% and red
80 4 paint as 60%.
\ P(A) = 80% = =
100 5
PROBABILITY
100

40 2 [p = 1 - q]
\ P(A) = 40% = =
100 5 Putting p = 2/3 in np = 4, we get

60 3 2
\ P(B) = 60% = = n´ =4Þn =6
100 5 3
Let event C = an egg selected contains a pearl. Thus, we have
Then C/A = A blue painted egg contains pearl. given that P
(C/A) = 5/13. 2 1
n = 6, p = and q =
3 3
P(C/B) = A red painted egg contains pearl. given that 20% of
red eggs are empty. r 6 -r
æ2ö æ1ö
i.e. 80% of red eggs contain pearls. \ n r n–r
P (X = r) = Cr p q Þ P (X = r) = Cr ç ÷ ç ÷6 ,
è 3ø è3ø
80 4
\ P(C / B) = 80% = = r = 0, 1, 2, ..., 6
100 5
Now, P (X ³ 1) = 1 – P (X < 1)
\ Required probability, that an egg containing pearl is painted
Þ P (X ³ 1) = 1 – P (X = 0)
blue is
0 6 6
P(A).P(C / A) æ 2ö æ1ö æ1ö 1 728
P(A / C) = Þ P(X ³ 1) = 1 - 6 C0 ç ÷ ç ÷ = 1 - ç ÷ = 1 - =
P(A).P(C / A) + P(B).P(C / B) è 3ø è3ø è3ø 729 729

Example – 5
2 5
´
= 5 13 Events A, B, C are mutually exclusive events such that
2 5 3 4
´ + ´ 3x + 1 1- x 1 - 2x
5 13 5 5 P(A) = , P (B) = and P(C) = . Then
3 4 2
set of possible values of x are in the interval
2
50
= 13 = 1 2 é 1 13 ù
206 206 (a) éê , ùú (b) ê , ú
ë3 3 û ë3 3 û
13 ´ 25

é1 1 ù
25 (c) [0, 1] (d) ê , ú
= = 0.243 ë3 2 û
103
Ans. (d)
Example – 4
Sol. A, B, C are mutually exclusive
The mean and variance of a binomial distribution are 4 \ P(A) + P(B) + P(C) £ 1 ..(1)
and 4/3 respectively, find P (X ³ 1). 0 £ P(A), P(B), P(C) £ 1 ...(ii)
Sol. Let X be a binomial variate with parameters n and p. Then, Now on solving (i) and (ii), we get
Mean = np and Variance = npq
3x + 1 1 – x 1 – 2 x
+ + £1
4 3 4 2
Þ np = 4 and npq =
3 12x + 4 + 3 – 3x + 6 – 13 × < 12
13 – 3 × < 12
4
[QMean = 4, Var (X) = (Given)]
3 1
Þ x³
3
4
npq 3 1 1 2 Also, P(C) > 0
Þ = Þ q = Þ p = 1- =
np 4 3 3 3
PROBABILITY
101

Þ 1 – 2x > 0 8
æ1ö 8 1
2x < 1 \ P X = 1 = 8C1 ç ÷ = =
è 2 ø 16 ´ 16 32
1
Þ x< Example – 8
2

The mean and the variance of a binomial distribution

1 1
Þ £x£ . are 4 and 2 respectively. Then the probability of 2
3 2
successes is
Example – 6
(a) 128/256 (b) 219/256
Five horses are in a race. Mr. A selects two of the horses (c) 37/256 (d) 28/256
at random and bets on them. The probability that Mr. A
Ans. (d)
selected the winning horse, is
(a) 3/5 (b) 1/5 Sol. Given np = 4 and npq = 2
(c) 2/5 (d) 4/5
npq 2 1 1 1
Ans. (c) q= = = Þ p = 1- =
np 4 2 2 2
Sol. Let two horses selected are A and B.
No. of horses = 5 Now npq = 2 \n=8
\ Probability that A can’t win the race \ Binomial Distribution is given by

1 P(X = r) = 8Cr pr qn–r

1
Where p(A) = and P(B) =
5 4 8
æ1ö 28
\ P X = r = 2 = 8 C2 ç ÷ = .
4 3 è2ø 256
= p A .p B = ´
5 4
Example – 9
Probability that ‘A’ must win the race = 1 – P A P B A pair of fair dice is thrown independently three times.
The probability of getting a score of exactly 9 twice, is
12 2
= 1- = . (a) 8/729 (b) 8/243
20 5
(c) 1/729 (d) 8/9
Example – 7
Ans. (b)
The mean and variance of a random variable X having a Sol. Possibility of getting 9 are (5, 4), (4, 5), (6, 3), (3, 6)
binomial distribution are 4 and 2 respectively, then
Probability of getting score 9 in a single throw
P (X = 1) is
(a) 1/16 (b) 1/8 4 1
= p= =
(c) 1/4 (d) 1/32 36 9
Ans. (d)
so, probability of not getting 9 in a single throw
Sol. Given mean np = 4, npq = 2
1 8
npq 2 1 1 = 1- =
Þ = Þq= \ q = p = and n = 8 9 9
np 4 2 2
8– r
Required probability = probability of getting score 9
8 æ1ör
Now P(X = r) = C r p ç ÷ 2
è2ø æ1ö æ8ö 8
exactly twice = 3C2 ç ÷ ´ ç ÷ = .
9
è ø è ø9 243
(Use P(X = r) = n Cr p r q n -r )
PROBABILITY
102

Example – 10 Example – 12

A die is thrown. Let A be the event that the number One hundred identical coins, each with probability p,
obtained is greater than 3, Let B be the event that the of showing up heads are tossed once. If 0 < p < 1 and
number obtained is less than 5. Then P(A È B) is the probability of heads showing on 50 coins is equal
to that of heads showing on 51 coins, then the value of
2 3 p is
(a) (b)
5 5
(a) 1/2 (b) 49/101
(c) 0 (d) 1 (c) 50/101 (d) 51/101
Ans. (d) Ans. (d)
Sol. A = {4, 5, 6} Sol. Lex X be the number of coins showing heads. Let X be
Also B = {1, 2, 3, 4} a binomial variate with parameters n = 100 and p.
We have AÈB = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} = S Since, P (X = 50) = P (X = 51)
Where S is the sample space of the experiment of throwing
Þ 100 C50 p50 (1 - p )50 = 100 C51 ( p )51 (1 - p) 49
a die. P(S) = 1, for it is a sure event.
Hence P(AÈB) = 1 (100)! (51!) ´ (49!) p
Þ g =
Example – 11 (50!)(50!) 100! 1- p

A set S contains 7 elements. A non-empty subset A of S p 51 51

and an element x of S are chosen at random. Then the Þ = Þ p=
1 - p 50 101
probability that x Î A is
Example – 13
1 64
(a) (b)
2 127 Three of the six vertices of a regular hexagon are chosen
at random. The probability that the triangle with three
63 31 vertices is equilateral, equals
(c) (d)
128 128 (a) 1/2 (b) 1/5
Ans. (b) (c) 1/10 (d) 1/20
Sol. S = {a, b, c, d, e, f, g } Ans. (c)
A can be selected in (27 – 1) ways Sol. Three vertices out of 6 can be chosen in 6C3 ways.
Hence, the number of non-empty subsets of S can be So, total ways = 6C3 = 20
chosen in
Only two equilateral triangles can be formed
7C + 7C + 7C + .... + 7C = 128 – 1 ways
1 2 3 7
DAEC and DBFD
= 127
Now, any x if not included in A can happen in 26 – 1 ways
\ Number of sets which include x are
= (27 – 1) – (26 – 1)
= 26(2 – 1) = 64 ways
Hence, probability that xÎA is

64 64
7
= .
2 -1 127

\ Favourable ways = 2
2 1
So, required probability = =
20 10
PROBABILITY
103

Example – 14 = P (M) + P(N) - 2P (M Ç N)

Also, P (exactly one of them occurs)
If the integers m and n are chosen at random between 1
and 100, then the probability that a number of the form = 1- P M Ç N 1- P M È N
7m + 7n is divisible by 5, equals

1 1 = P M È N - P M Ç N = P M + P N - 2P M Ç N
(a) (b)
4 7 Hence, (a) and (c) are correct answers.
1 1 Example – 16
(c) (d)
8 49
For two given events A and B, P(A Ç B) is
Ans. (a)
(a) not less than P (A) + P (B) – 1
Sol. 71 = 7, 72 = 49, 73 = 343, 74 = 2401, …
(b) not greater than P(A) + P(B)
There fore, for 7r, r Î N then number ends at unit
(c) equal to P(A) + P (B) – P (A È B)
Place 7, 9, 3, 1, 7, ...
(d) equal to P(A) + P(B) + P (A È B)
\ 7m + 7n will be divisible by 5 if it end at 5 or 0.
Ans. (a,b,c)
But it cannot end at 5.
Sol. We know that,
Also for end at 0.
P(A Ç B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A È B)
For this m ad n should be as follows
Also, P(A È B) £ 1
m n
\ P(A Ç B)min, when P(A È B)max = 1
1 4r 4r - 2
Þ P(A Ç B) ³ P(A) + P(B) - 1
2 4r - 1 4r - 3
\ Option (a) is true.
3 4r - 2 4r
Again, P (A È B) ³ 0
4 4r - 3 4r - 1
\ P(A Ç B)max, when P(A È B)min = 0
For any given value of m, there will be 25 values of n.
Þ P(A Ç B) £ P(A) + P(B)
Hence, the probability of the required event is
\ Option (b) is true.
100 ´ 25 1 Also, P(A Ç B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A È B), Thus, (c) is also
= =
100 ´100 4 correct.

Example – 15 Hence, (a), (b),(c) are correct options.

Example – 17
If M and N are any two events, then the probability that
exactly one of them occurs is If E and F are independent events such that
(a) P (M) + P (N) – 2P (M Ç N) 0 < P (E) < 1 and 0 < P (F) < 1, then
(a) E and F are mutually exclusive
(b) P(M) + P(N) - P (M È N)
(b) E and Fc (the complement of the event F) are
(c) P(M) + P(N) - 2P (M Ç N) independent
(c) Ec and Fc are independent
(d) P (M Ç N) - P (M Ç N) (d) P (E/F) + P(Ec/F) = 1
Ans. (a,c) Ans. (b,c,d)
Sol. P(exactly one of M, N occurs) Sol. Since, E and F are independent events. Therefore,
P(EÇF) = P (E) . P (F) ¹ 0, so E and F are not mutually
= P MÇN È MÇN = P MÇN +P MÇN exclusive events.
= P (M) - P (M Ç N) + P(N) - P (M Ç N)
PROBABILITY
104

Now, P (E Ç F ) = P(E) - P(E Ç F) = P(E) - P(E). P(F) The choice (b) holds only for disjoint i.e. P(A Ç B) = 0
Finally, P(A È B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A Ç B)
= P(E) [1 - P(F)] = P (E) . P F
= P(A) + P(B) - P(A) . P(B),
if A, B are independent
and, P E Ç F = P E È F = 1 - P E È F
= 1- 1-P A 1-P B = 1 - P A .P B
= 1 - éë1 - P E .P F ùû
Hence, option (c) is correct, but option (d) is not correct.
[Q E and F are independent] Example – 19
= P E .P F
Let E and F be two independent events. The probability
that both E and F happen is 1/12 and the probability
So, E and F as well as E and F are independent events.
that neither E nor F happen is 1/2. Then,
(a) P(E) = 1/3, P (F) = 1/4
P EÇF +P EÇF
Now, P E/F + P E / F = (b) P(E) = 1/2, P (F) = 1/6
P F
(c) P (E) = 1/6, P (F) = 1/2
P F (d) P (E) = 1/4, P (F) = 1/3
= =1
P F Ans. (a,d)

1
Example – 18 Sol. Both E and F happen Þ P E Ç F =
12
For any two events A and B in a sample space
1
and neither E nor F happens Þ P E Ç F =
æ A ö P(A) + P(B) - 1
(a) P ç ÷ ³
2
, P (B) ¹ 0 is always true
èBø P(B) But for independent events, we have

(b) P (A Ç B) = P (A) – P(A Ç B) does not hold 1

P EÇF = P E P F = ...(i)
12
(c) P (A È B) = 1 – P ( A ) P ( B ), if A and B are
independent
and P E Ç F = P E P F
(d) P (A È B) = 1 – P ( A ) P ( B ), if A and B are disjoint
= {1 – P(E}.{1-P(F)}
Ans. (a,c)
= 1 – P(E) – P(F) + P(E)P(F)
Sol. We know that,
1 1
æ Aö P AÇB P A +P B - P A È B Þ = 1 - {P( E ) + P( F )} +
Pç ÷= = 2 12
è Bø P B P B
1 1 7
Since, P (A È B) < 1 Þ P E + P F = 1- + = ...(ii)
2 12 12
Þ -P(A È B) > -1
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
Þ P(A) + P(B) - P(A È B) > P(A) + P(B) - 1
either P E = 1 and P F = 1 .
P A +P B - P A È B P A +P B -1 4 3
Þ >
P B P B
1 1
or, P E = and P F =
æ A ö P A +P B -1 3 4
Þ Pç ÷>
èBø P B

Hence, option (a) is correct.

PROBABILITY
105

Example – 20 Þ pm – pcm + pc – pcm + cm – pcm + pcm = 0.5

Þ (pm + pc + mc) – 2pcm = 0.5 ...(ii)
The probabilities that a student passes in Mathematics,
Physics and Chemistry are m, p and c respectively. Of From Eq. (ii),
these subjects, the students has a 75% chance of pm + pc + mc - 3pcm = 0.4 …(iv)
passing in at least one, a 50% chance of passing in at From Eq.(i),
least two, and a 40% chance of passing in exactly two.
0.25 = 1 - (m + p + c) + (pm + pc + cm) - pcm …(v)
Which of the following relations are true?
On solving Eqs. (iii), (iv) and (v), we get
19 27
(a) p + m + c = (b) p + m + c = 27
20 20 p+m+c = 1.35 =
20
1 1
(c) pmc = (d) pmc = Therefore, option (b) is correct.
10 4
Ans. (b,c) 1
Also, from Eqs, (ii) and (iii), we get pmc =
10
Sol. Let A, B and C respectively denote the events that the
student passes in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Hence, option (c) is correct.
It is given.
Example – 21
P(A) = m, P(B) = p and P(C) = c and
If p & q are chosen randomly from the set
P (passing atleast in one subject) = P(A È B È C) = 0.75
{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10} with replacement. Determine
Þ 1 - P(A ¢ Ç B¢ Ç C¢) = 0.75 the probability that the roots of the equation
x2 + px + q = 0 are real.
Q [P(A) = 1 - P(A)] Ans. (31/50)
Sol. The required probability = 1- (probability of the event
and [P(A È B È C] = P(A¢ Ç B¢ Ç C¢)] that the roots of x2 + px + q = 0 are non-real).
Þ 1 – P(A’). P(B’). P(C’) = 0.75 The roots of x2 + px + q = 0 will be non-real if and
(Q A, B and C are independent events, therefore A’, only if p2 – 4q < 0, i.e. if p2 < 4q
B’ and C’ are independent events) The possible values of p and q can be possible according
Þ 0.75 = 1 – (1 – m)(1 – p)(1 – c) to the following table.

Þ 0.25 = (1 – m)(1 – p)(1 – c) ...(i) Value of q Value of p Number of pairs of p,q

Also, P(passing exactly in two subjects) = 0.4 1 1 1

2 1, 2 2
Þ P(A Ç B Ç C È A Ç B Ç C È A Ç B Ç C) = 0.4
3 1, 2, 3 3

Þ P(A Ç B Ç C) + P(A Ç B Ç C) + P(A Ç B Ç C) = 0.4 4 1, 2, 3 3

5 1, 2, 3, 4 4
Þ P(A) P(B) P(C) + P(A) P(B) P(C) 6 1, 2, 3, 4 4
7 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 5
+P(A) P(B) P(C) = 0.4
8 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 5
Þ pm (1 – c) + p(1 – m)c + (1 – p)mc = 0.4
9 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 5
Þ pm - pmc + pc – pmc + mc – pmc = 0.4 ....(iii)
10 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 6
Again, P(passing atleast in two subjects) = 0.5
Therefore, the number of possible pairs = 38
Þ P(A Ç B Ç C) + P(A Ç B Ç C) + P(A Ç B Ç C) Also, the total number of possible pairs is 10 × 10 = 100

+ P(A Ç B Ç C) = 0.5 38
\ The required probability = = 1 - = 1 - 0.38 = 0.62
100
Þ pm (1 – c) + pc(1 – m) + cm(1 – p) + pcm = 0.5
PROBABILITY
106

Example – 22
p(1 - p)
= q a = (1 - p)a =
There is 30% chance that it rains on any particular day. 1 - q3
What is the probability that there is at least one rainy
Again, we have
day within a period of 7 - days ? Given that there is at
least one rainy day, what is the probability that there a+b+g=1
are at least two rainy days ?
p + p (1 - p )
Þ g = 1 - (a + b ) = 1 -
é1 - 0.7 7 6 1 - q3
- 7 C1 0.3 0.7 ù
7
ë û
Ans. 1–(0.7) , 7
1 - 0.7 p + p (1 - p)
= 1-
1 - (1 - p)3
Sol. Probability of rain on any particular day = 0.3
Probability of no rain on any particular day
1 - (1 - p)3 - p - p(1 - p)
= 1 - 0.3 = 0.7 =
1 - (1 - p)3
7
Probability of no rain for 7 days = (0.7)
probability for atleast one rainy day = 1 - (0.7)7 1 - (1 - p)3 - 2 p + p 2 p - 2 p 2 + p3
g= =
Now let A = there are atleast two rainy days 1 - (1 - p )3 1 - (1 - p)3
B = there is atleast one rainy day.
p p (1 - p )
7 7 6 Also, a = , b=
æ A ö P(A Ç B) éë1- (0.7) - C1 (0.3)(0.7) ùû 1 - (1 - p )3 1 - (1 - p )3
Pç ÷= =
è Bø P(B) 1- (0.7) 7
Example – 24
Example – 23
Eight players P1, P2, P3, ............P8 play a knock-out
3 players A, B & C toss a coin cyclically in that order tournament. It is known that whenever the players
(that is A, B, C, A, B, C, A, B, ......) till a head shows. Let Pi and Pj play, the player Pi will win if i < j. Assuming
p be the probability that the coin shows a head. Let a, that the players are paired at random in each round,
b & g be respectively the probabilities that A, B and what is the probability that the player P4 reaches the
C gets the first head . Prove that final.
b = (1 - p)a. Determine a, b & g (in terms of p). Ans. (4/35)
Sol. The number of ways in which P1,P2,…P8 can be paired in
p (1 - p ) p (1 - p )2 p four pairs
Ans. a= ,b = ,g =
1 - (1 - p )3 1 - (1 - p)3 1 - (1 - p )3
1 8
= [( C2 )(6 C2 )(4 C2 )(2 C2 )]
Sol. Let q = 1 - p = probability of getting the tail. We have 4!
a = probability of A getting the head on tossing firstly
1 8! 6! 4!
= P(H1 or T1T2T3H4 or T1T2T3T4T5T6H7 or …) = ´ ´ ´ ´1
4! 2!6! 2!4! 2!2!
= P(H) + P(H)P(T)3 + P(H)P(T)6 + …

P(H) p 1 8´ 7 6´5 4´3 8´ 7 ´ 6´ 5

= = = ´ ´ ´ = = 105
4! 2! ´1 2! ´1 2! ´1 2.2.2.2
1 - P(T)3 1 - q3
Now, atleast two players certainly reach the second
Also,
round between P1,P 2 and P3 and P4 can reach in final if
b = probability of B getting the head on tossing secondly exactly two players play against each other between P1,
= P(T1H2 or T1T2T3H4H5 or T1T2T3T4T5T6T7H8 or …) P2,P 3 and remaining player will play against one of the
= P(H)[P(T)+P(H)P(T)4 + P(H)P(T)7 + …] remaining three from P5 …P8.

= P(T)[P(H)+P(H)P(T)3 + P(H)P(T)6 + …] This can be possible in

PROBABILITY
107

3 Example – 26
C2 ´ 4 C1 ´ 3 C1 = 3.4.3 = 36 ways
A box contains 2 black, 4 white and 3 red balls. One ball
\ Probability that P4 and exactly one of P5 ...P8 reach
is drawn at random from the box and kept aside. From
second round
the remaining balls in the box, another ball is drawn at
36 12 random and kept beside the first. This process is
= =
105 35 repeated till all the balls are drawn from the box. Find
the probability that the balls drawn are in the sequence
If P1, Pi, P4 and Pj, where i = 2 or 3 and j = 5 or 6 or 7 reach
of 2 black, 4 white and 3 red.
the second round, then they
1
1 4 2
Ans.
can be paired in 2 pairs in ( C2 )( C2 ) = 3 ways. 1260
2!
Sol. Since, the drawn balls are in the sequence black, black,
But P4 will reach the final, if P1 plays
white, white, white, white, red, red and red.
Against Pi and P4 plays against Pj,
Let the corresponding probabilities be p1,p2,…p9
Hence, the probability that P4 will reach the final round
2 1 4 3 2
1 Then, p1 = , p2 = , p3 = , p4 = , p5 = ,
from the second = 9 8 7 6 5
3

1 3 2
12 1 4 p6 = , p7 = , p8 = , p9 = 1
\ Probability that P4 will reach the final is ´ = 4 3 2
35 3 35
\ Required probability
Example – 25
æ 2 öæ 1öæ 4 öæ 3 öæ 2 öæ 1 öæ3 öæ 2ö 1
p1 . p2 . p3 ... p9 = ç ÷ ç ÷ ç ÷ ç ÷ ç ÷ ç ÷ ç ÷ ç ÷ (1) =
Four cards are drawn from a pack of 52 playing cards. è 9 øè 8øè 7 øè 6 øè 5 øè 4øè 3øè 2 ø 1260

Find the probability (correct upto two places of

Example – 27
decimals) of drawing exactly one pair.
Ans. (0.3) An anti-aircraft gun can take a maximum of four shots
Sol. Total number of outcomes = 52C4 at an enemy plane moving away from it. The probabilities
of hitting the plane at the first, second, third and fourth
Now there are exactly 13 group of cards each group
shot are 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 respectively. What is the
containing card having equal number. Choose any one
probability that the gun hits the plane ?
group and in that group out of 4 cards choose any two
cards which will make exactly one pair. Now rest of 12 Ans. (0.6976)
groups select one card from each group. Hence Sol. Let P(H1) = 0.4, P(H2) = 0.3, P(H3) = 0.2, P(H4) = 0.1
P (gun hits the plane)
Favourable outcomes = 13 C1 × 4 C2 × 12 C2 × 4 C1 × 4 C1

Required probability = 1 - P(H1 ).P(H 2 ).P(H3 ).P(H 4 )

13
= 1 - (0.6) (0.7) (0.8) (0.9) = 1- 0.3024 = 0.6976
C1 × 4 C2 × 12 C 2 × 4 C1 × 4 C1
= 52
= 0.3
C4
PROBABILITY
108

Example – 28 Example – 30

Cards are drawn one by one at random from a well In a certain city only two newspapers A and B are
shuffled full pack of 52 playing cards until 2 aces are published, it is known that 25% of the city population
obtained for the first time. If N is the number of cards reads A and 20% reads B, while 8% reads both A and B.
required to be drawn, then show that It is also known that 30% of those who read A but not B
look into advertisements and 40% of those who read B
(n - 1) (52 - n) (51 - n) but not A look into advertisements while 50% of those
Pr N = n =
50 ´ 49 ´ 17 ´13 who read both A and B look into advertisements. What
where 2 < n £ 50. is the percentage of the population reads an
advertisement ?
Sol. P(Nth draw gives 2nd ace)
Ans. (13.9%)
= P{1 ace and (n–2) other cards are drawn in (N–1)draws}
Sol. Let P(A) and P(B) denote respectively the percentage of
×P{Nth draw is 2nd ace}
city population that reads newspapers A and B. Then,
4C1 ´ 48Cn –2 ´ 3C1
= 25 1 20 1
52Cn –1 ´ 53 – n P(A) = = , P(B) = = ,
100 4 100 5

4.(48)!.( n - 1)!(53 - n)! 3 8 2

= . P(A Ç B) = = ,
(52)!.(n - 2)!(50 - n)! (53 - n) 100 25

4( n - 1)(52 - n)(51 - n ).3 1 2 17

= P(A Ç B) = P(A) - P(A Ç B) = - = ,
52.51.50.49 4 25 100

(n - 1)(52 - n)(51 - n ) 1 2 3
= P(A Ç B) = P(B) - P(A Ç B) = - =
50.49.17.13 5 25 25
Let P(C) be the probability that the population who reads
Example – 29 advertisements.
A, B, C are events such that \ P(C) = 30% of P(AÇ B) + 40% of P(A Ç B)
Pr (A) = 0.3, Pr (B) = 0.4, Pr (C) = 0.8,
+ 50% of P(AÇB)
Pr(AB) = 0.08, Pr(AC) = 0.28, Pr(ABC) = 0.09.
If Pr (A È B È C) ³ 0.75, then show that Pr(BC) lies in the [since, AÇ B , A Ç B and A ÇB are all mutually
interval 0.23 £ x £ 0.48. exclusive]

Sol. We know that, 3 17 2 3 1 2 139

Þ P(C) = ´ + ´ + ´ = = 13.9%
P(A) + P(B) + P(C) – P(AÇB) – P(BÇC) – (CÇA) 10 100 5 25 2 25 1000
+ P(A Ç B Ç C) = P(A È B È C)
Example – 31
Þ 0.3 + 0.4 + 0.8 – {0.08 + 0.28 + P(BC)} + 0.09
= P(A È B È C) In a multiple-choice question there are four alternative
answers, of which one or more are correct. A candidate
Þ 1.23 – P(BC) = P(A È B È C)
will get marks in the question only if he ticks the correct
where, 0.75 £ P(A È B È C) £ 1 answers. The candidate decides to tick the answers at
Þ 0.75 £ 1.23 – P(BC) £ 1 random. If he is allowed upto three chances to answer
Þ –0.48 £ – P(BC) £ –0.23 the questions, find the probability that he will get marks
in the question.
Þ 0.23 £ P(BC) £ 0.48
Þ 0.23 < x < 0.48 1
Ans.
5
Sol. The total number of ways to answer the question
PROBABILITY
109

= 4C1 + 4C2 + 4C3 + 4C4 = 24 - 1 = 15 Example – 33

P(getting marks) = P(correct answer in I chance)
A man takes a step forward with probability 0.4 and
+ P(correct answer in II chance) backwards with probability 0.6. Find the probability that
+ P(correct answer in III chance) at the end of eleven steps he is one step away from the
starting point.
1 æ 14 1 ö æ 14 13 1 ö 3 1
= + . + . . = = Ans. (11C6 (0.24)5)
15 çè 15 14 ÷ø çè 15 14 13 ÷ø 15 5
Sol. The man will be one step away from the starting point, if
Example – 32 (i) either he is one step ahead or (ii) one step behind the
starting point
A lot contains 20 articles. The probability that the lot
The man will be one step ahead at the end of eleven
contains exactly 2 defective articles is 0.4 and the
steps, if he moves six steps forward and five steps
probability that the lot contains exactly 3 defective
backward. The probability of this event is 11C6 (0.4)6
articles is 0.6. Articles are drawn from the lot at random
(0.6)5.
one by one without replacement and are tested till all
defective articles are found. What is the probability The man will be one step behind at the end of eleven
that the testing procedure ends at the twelfth testing ? steps, if he moves six steps backward and five steps
forward. The probability of this event is 11C6 (0.6)6 (0.4)5.
99
Ans. \ Required probability = 11C6 (0.4)6 (0.6)5
1900
Sol. The testing procedure may terminate at the twelfth testing +11 C6 (0.6)6 (0.4)5 = 11C6 (0.24)5
in two mutually exclusive ways.
I : When lot contains 2 defective articles. Example – 34
II : When lot contains 3 defective articles. An urn contains 2 white and 2 blacks balls. A ball is
Let A = testing procedure ends at twelfth testing drawn at random. If it is white it is not replaced into the
A1 = lot contains 2 defective articles urn. Otherwise it is replaced along with another ball of
the same colour. The process is repeated. Find the
A2 = lot contains 3 defective articles
probability that the third ball drawn is black.
\ Required probability = P(A1). P(A/A1) + P(A2).
P(A/A2) 23
Ans.
Here, P(A/A1) = probability that first 11 draws contains 30
10 non-defective and one-defective and twelfth draw Sol. Let Bi = ith ball drawn is black.
contains a defective article.
Wi = ith ball drawn is white, where i = 1, 2
18 2
C10 × C1 1 and A = third ball drawn is black.
= 20
× ...(i)
C11 9 We observe that the black ball can be drawn in the third
draw in one of the following mutually exclusive ways.
P(A/A2) = probability that first 11 draws contains
i) Both first and second balls drawn are white and third
9 non-defective and 2-defective articles and twelfth draw
ball drawn is black.
17
C9 × 3 C 2 1 i.e. (W1 Ç W2) Ç A
contains defective = 20
× ...(ii)
C11 9 ii) Both first and second balls are black and third ball
\ Requiredprobability = (0.4)P(A/A1) + 0.6P(A/A2) drawn is black.
i.e. (B1 Ç B2) Ç A
0.4× 18 C10 × 2 C1 17 3
1 0.6× C9 × C 2 1 99 iii) The first ball drawn is white, the second ball drawn is
= 20
× + 20
× =
C11 9 C11 9 1900 black and the third ball drawn is black
i.e. (W1 Ç B2) Ç A
iv) The first ball drawn is black, the second ball drawn is
PROBABILITY
110

white and the third ball drawn is black n+7

C5 -10(n+2)
i.e. (B1 Ç W2) Ç A \ Required probability = n+7
C5
\ P(A) = P[{(W1 Ç W2) Ç A} È {(B1 Ç B2) Ç A}
È {(W1 Ç B2) Ç A} È {(B1 Ç W2) Ç A} 10(n+2)
= 1- n+7
= P[{(W1 Ç W2) Ç A} + P{(B1 Ç B2) Ç A} C5
+ P {(W1 Ç B2) Ç A} + P{(B1 Ç W2) Ç A}
Example – 36
= P{(W1 Ç W2)}. P(A/(W1 Ç W2))+ P(B1 Ç B2)
\ P(A/(B1 Ç B2)) + P(W1 Ç B2). P(A/(W1 Ç B2)) Suppose the probability for A to win a game against B
is 0.4. If A has an option of playing either a “best of 3
+ P(B1 Ç W2). P(A/(B1 Ç W2))
games” or a “best of 5 games” match against B, which
æ 2 1ö æ 2 3ö 4 æ 2 2ö 3 æ 2 2ö 3 option should choose so that the probability of his
= ç ´ ÷ ´1 + ç ´ ÷ ´ + ç ´ ÷ ´ + ç ´ ÷ ´ winning the match is higher ? (No game ends in a draw).
è 4 3ø è 4 5ø 6 è 4 3ø 4 è 4 5ø 4
Ans. (best of 3 games)
1 1 1 3 23 Sol. Case I: When A plays 3 games against B.
= + + + =
6 5 4 20 30
In this case, we have n = 3, p = 0.4 and q = 0.6
Example – 35
Let X denote the number of wins. Then,
A box contains 2 fifty paise coins, 5 twenty five paise P(X = r) = nCrprqn–r = 3Cr(0.4)r (0.6)3-r; r = 0, 1, 2, 3
coins and a certain fixed number n (³ 2) of ten and five
paise coins. Five coins are taken out of the box at random. \ P1 = probability of winning the best of 3 games
Find the probability that the total value of these 5 coins = P(X ³ 2)
is less than one rupee and fifty paise.
= P(X = 2) + P(X = 3)
10 (n + 2) = 3C2 (0.4)2 (0.6)1 + 3C3 (0.4)3 (0.6)0
Ans. 1- n+7
C5
= 0.288 + 0.064 = 0.352
Sol. There are (n + 7) coins in the box out of which five coin
Case II: When A plays 5 games against B.
can be taken out in n+7C5 ways.
The total value of 5 coins can be equal to or more than In this case, we have n = 5, p = 0.4 and q = 0.6
one rupee and fifty paise in the following ways. Let X denote the number of wins in 5 games.
i) When one 50 paise coin and four 25 paise coins are
Then,
chosen.
ii) When two 50 paise coins and three 25 paise coins P(X = r) = 5Cr(0.4)r (0.6)5-r; where r = 0, 1, 2,…,5
are chosen. \ P2 = probability of winning the best of 5 games
iii) When two 50 paise coins, 2 twenty five paise coins
= P(X ³ 3)
and one from n coins of ten and five paise
\ The total number of ways of selecting the coins = P(X = 3) + P(X = 4) + P(X = 5)

so that the total value of the coins is not less than one = 5C3 (0.4)3 (0.6)2 + 5C4 (0.4)4 (0.6) + 5C5 (0.4)5 (0.6)0
rupee and fifty paise is = 0.2304 + 0.0768 + 0.1024 = 0.31744
2 5 n 2 5 n 2 5 n
( C1 . C4 . C0) + ( C2 . C3 . C0) + ( C2 . C2 . C1) = 10 +10
Clearly, P1 > P2. Therefore, first option i.e. ‘best of
+ 10n = 10 (n + 2)
So, the number of ways of selecting five coins, so that 3 games’ has higher probility of winning the match.
the total value of the coins is less than one rupee and
fifty paise is n+7C5 – 10 (n + 2)
PROBABILITY
111

Example – 37
æ 1 1 ö æ 1 1 ö 1 1 17
\ P(E1 ) = ç ´ ÷ + ç ´ ÷ = + =
An unbiased coin is tossed. If the result is a head, a pair è 2 6 ø è 2 11 ø 12 22 132
of unbiased dice is rolled and the number obtained by
adding the numbers on the two faces is noted. If the æ 1 5 ö æ 1 1 ö 1 æ 91 ö 91
and P(E 2 ) = ç ´ ÷ + ç ´ ÷ = ç ÷=
result is a tail, a card from a well shuffled pack of eleven è 2 36 ø è 2 11 ø 2 è 396 ø 792
cards numbered 2, 3, 4, ...., 12 is picked and the number
on the card is noted. What is the probability that the Now, E1 and E2 are mutually exclusive events.
noted number is either 7 or 8 ? Therefore,

193 17 91 193
Ans. P(E1 or E 2 ) = P(E1 ) + P(E 2 ) = + =
792 132 792 792

Sol. Let, E1 = the event that the noted number is 7 Example – 38

E2 = the event that the noted number is 8
In how many ways three girls and nine boys can be
H = getting head on coin
seated in two vans, each having numbered seats, 3 in
T = getting tail on coin the front and 4 at the back ? How many seating
\ By law of total probability, arrangements are possible if 3 girls should sit together
P(E1) = P(H). P(E1/H) + P(T). P(E1/T) in a back row on adjacent seats ? Now, if all the seating
arrangements are equally likely, what is the probability
and P(E2) = P(H). P(E2/H) + P(T). P(E2/T)
of 3 girls sitting together in a back row on adjacent
Where, P(H) = 1/2 = P(T) seats ?
P(E1/H) = probability of getting a sum of 7 on two dice.
Here, favourable cases are 14! 1
Ans. , 2 ´ 2 ´ 3! ´ 11 P9 ,
2! 91
{(1, 6), (6, 1), (2, 5), (5, 2), (3, 4), (4, 3)}.
Sol. We have 14 seats in two vans and there are 9 boys and
6 1 3 girls. The number of ways of arranging 12 people on 14
\ P(E1 /H) = =
36 6
seats without restriction is
Also, P(E1/T) = probability of getting 7 numbered card
14 14!
out of 11 cards P12 = =7(13!)
2
1 Now, the number of ways of choosing back seats is 2.
=
11 and the number of ways of arranging 3 girls on adjacent
P(E2/H) = probability of getting a sum of 8 on two dice seats is 2(3!) and the number of ways of arranging 9
boys on the remaining 11 seats is 11P9 ways.
Here, favourable cases are
Therefore, the required number of ways.
{(2, 6), (6, 2), (4, 4), (5, 3), (3, 5)}
4.3!11!
5 =2.(2.3!).11P9 = =12!
\ P(E 2 /H) = 2!
36
Hence, the probability of the required event
P(E2/T) = probability of getting ‘8’ numbered card out of
11 cards 12! 1
= =
= 1/11 7.13! 91
PROBABILITY
112

Example – 39 \ Probability of S1, S2 being in the same pair

Sixteen players S1, S2,..., S16 play in a tournament. They (14)! .(2!) 8 . 8! 1
are divided into eight pairs at random. From each pair a = =
(2!)7 .7! . (16)! 15
winner is decided on the basis of a game played between
the two players of the pair. Assume that all the players The probability of any one wining in the pairs of
are of equal strength. S1, S2 = P (certain event) = 1
(a) Find the probability that the players S1 is among \ The pairs of S1, S2 being in two pairs separately and
the eight winners. S1 wins, S2 loses + The probability of S1, S2 being in two
(b) Find the probability that exactly one of the two pairs separately and S1 loses, S2 wins.
players S1 and S2 is among the eight winners.
é (14)! ù é (14)! ù
1 8 ê (2!) .7! ú 1 1 êê
7 ú (2!)7 .7! úú 1 1
Ans. (a ) (b) = ê1 - ´ ´ + 1- ´ ´
2 15 ê (16)! ú 2 2 ê (16)! ú 2 2
ê (2!) 8 . 8! úû ê (2!)8 . 8! úû
Sol. i) Probability of S1 to be among the eight winners ë ë
= (Probability of S1 being a pair) × (Probability of S1
winning in the group) 1 14 ´ (14)! 7
= ´ =
2 15 ´ (14)! 15
1 1
= 1 ´ = [since, S1 is definitely in a group)
2 2
1 7 8
\ Required probability = + =
ii) If S1 and S2 are in the same pair, then exactly one 15 15 15
wins.
If S1 and S2 are in two pairs separately, then exactly Example – 40
one of S1 and S2 will be among the eight winners. If S1
A determinant is chosen at random from the set of all
wins and S2 loses or S1 loses and S2 wins.
determinants of order 2 with elements 0 or 1 only. The
Now, the probability of S1, S2 being in the same pair and probability that the value of the determinant chosen is
one wins positive, is....
= (Probability of S1, S2 being in the same pair)
3
× (Probability of any one winning in the pair) Ans.
16
n(E) Sol. Since, determinat is of order 2 × 2 and each element is 0
and the probability of S1, S2 being the same pair = n(S)
or 1 only.
where, n(E) = the number of ways in which 16 persons \ n(S) = 24 = 16
can be divided in 8 pairs.
1 0 1 1 1 0
and the determinat is positive are 0 1 , 0 1 , 1 1
(14)! (16)!
\ n(E) = and n(S) =
(2!)7 .7! (2!) 8 . 8!
\ n(E) = 3

3
Thus, the required probability =
16
PROBABILITY 113

EXERCISE - 1 : BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

Classical Probability 5. Three of the six vertices of a regular hexagon are chosen
at random. The probability that the triangle with three
1. Three houses are available in a locality. Three persons vertices is equilateral equals
apply for the houses. Each applies for one house without
1 1
consulting others. The probability that all the three apply (a) (b)
2 5
for the same house, is
1 1
1 2 (c) (d)
(a) (b) 10 20
9 9
6. x1, x2, x3, ...... x50 are fifty numbers such that xr < xr + 1 for
7 8 r = 1, 2, 3, ...., 49. Five numbers out of these are picked
(c) (d) up at random. The probability that the five numbers
9 9
have x20 as the middle number is
2. Fifteen coupons are numbered 1, 2, ..., 15, respectively.
20
Seven coupons are selected at random one at a time with C 2 ´ 30 C2 30
C 2 ´ 19 C2
(a) 50 (b) 50
replacement. The probability that the largest number C2 C5
appearing on a selected coupon is 9, is
19
C 2 ´ 31C3
6 7 (c) 50 (d) none the these
æ9ö æ8ö C5
(a) ç ÷ (b) ç ÷
è 16 ø è 15 ø
7. The probability that the birthdays of six different people
will fall in exactly two calendar months is
7
æ3ö
(c) ç ÷ (d) None of these 1 12 26
è5ø (a) (b) C2 ´
6 126
3. Seven white balls and three black balls are randomly
placed in a row. The probability that no two black balls 12 26 - 1 341
(c) C2 ´ (d)
are placed adjacently, equals 12 6
125
8. A, B, C are three events for which P(A) = 0.6, P(B) = 0.4,
1 7
(a) (b) P(C) = 0.5, P(A È B) = 0.8 , P(A Ç C) = 0.3 and
2 15
P(A Ç B Ç C) = 0.2 . If P(A È B È C) ³ 0.85 then the
2 1 interval of values of P(B Ç C) is
(c) (d)
15 3
(a) [0.2, 0.35] (b) [0.55, 0.7]
4. An Urn contains 'm' white and 'n' black balls. All the balls (c) [0.2, 0.55] (d) none of these
except for one ball, are drawn from it. The probability
9. A and B are two events. Odds against A are 2 : 1. Odds
that the last ball remaining in the Urn is white, is
in favour of A È B are 3 : 1. If x £ P(B) £ y , then the
m n ordered pair (x, y) is
(a) (b)
m+n m+n
5 3 æ2 3ö
(a) æç , ö÷ (b) ç , ÷
è 12 4ø è3 4ø
1 mn
(c) (m + n)! (d) (m + n)!
æ1 3ö
(c) ç , ÷ (d) none of these
è3 4ø
PROBABILITY 114

15. If from each of the three boxes containing 3 white and 1

3 1 4
10. If P (B) = , P(A / B) = and P (A È B) = , then black, 2 white and 2 black, 1 white and 3 black balls, one
5 2 5
ball is drawn at random, then the probability that 2 white
P ((A È B)’) + P (A’ È B) = and 1 black balls will be drawn, is

1 4 13 1
(a) (b) (a) (b)
5 5 32 4

1 3
1 (c) (d)
(c) (d) 1 32 16
2
16. Three persons A, B and C fire at a target in turn, starting
Multiplication Theorem & Independent Events with A. Their probabilities of hitting the target are 0.4,
0.3 and 0.2 respectively. The probability of two hits is
11. A problem in mathematics is given to three student A, B,
(a) 0.024 (b) 0.188
C and their respective probability of solving the problem
(c) 0.336 (d) 0.452
is 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4. Probability that the problem is solved,
is 17. A box contains 3 orange balls, 3 green balls and 2 blue
balls. Three balls are drawn at random from the box
(a) 3/4 (b) 1/2
without replacement. The probability of drawing 2 green
(c) 2/3 (d) 1/3 balls and one blue ball is
12. The probability that A speaks truth is 4/5, while this
2 3
probability for B is 3/4. The probability that they (a) (b)
21 28
contradict each other when asked to speak on a fact, is
(a) 7/20 (b) 1/5 1 167
(c) (d)
(c) 3/20 (d) 4/5 28 168

13. If A and B are independent events such that 18. The probability that certain electronic component fails
0 < P (A) < 1 and 0 < P (B) < 1, then which of the following when first used is 0.10. If it does not fail immediately,
is not correct ? the probability that it lasts for one year is 0.99. The
probability that a new component will last for one year
(a) A and B are mutually exclusive
is
(b) A and B’ are independent
(a) 0.891 (b) 0.692
(c) A’ and B are independent (c) 0.92 (d) none of these
(d) A’ and B’ are independent 19. The probability that an event A happens in one trial of
14. Let A and B be two events such that an experiment is 0.4. Three independent trials of the
experiments are performed. The probability that the event
1 1
P (A È B) = , P (A Ç B) = and A happens at least once is
6 4
(a) 0.936 (b) 0.784
1 (c) 0.904 (d) None of these
P(A) = , where A stands for the complement of the
4 20. India plays two matches each with West Indies and
event A. Then the events A and B are : Australia. In any match the probabilities of India getting
(a) independent and equally likely points 0, 1 and 2 are 0.45, 0.05 and 0.50 respectively.
Assuming that the outcomes are independent, the
(b) mutually exclusive and independent
probability of India getting at least 7 points, is
(c) equally likely but not independent
(a) 0.8750 (b) 0.0875
(d) independent but not equally likely
(c) 0.0625 (d) 0.0250
PROBABILITY 115
21. An unbiased die with faces marked 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 is 26. Assume that in a family, each child is equally likely to be
rolled four times. Out of four face values obtained, the a boy or a girl. A family with three children is chosen at
probability that the minimum face value is not less than
random. The probability that the eldest child is a girl
2 and the maximum face value is not greater than 5, is
given that the family has atleast one girl is
(a) 16/81 (b) 1/81
(c) 80/81 (d) 65/81
1 1
22. A coin is tossed n times. The probability of getting at (a) (b)
2 3
least one head is greater than that of getting at least

5 2 4
two tails by . Then n is (c) (d)
32 3 7
(a) 5 (b) 10
27. Let A = {2, 3, 4, ...., 20, 21}. A number is chosen at random
(c) 15 (d) none of these
from the set A and it is found to be a prime number. The
23. An unbiased cubic die marked with 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, 3 is rolled
3 times. The probability of getting a total score of 4 or 6 probability that it is more than 10 is
is
9 1
16 50 (a) (b)
10 10
(a) (b)
216 216

60 1
(c) (d) none (c) (d) none of these
216 2

24. A Urn contains 'm' white and 'n' black balls. Balls are 28. Three distinguishable balls are distributed in three cells.
drawn one by one till all the balls are drawn. Probability The probability that all three occupy the same cell, given
that the second drawn ball is white, is
that atleast two of them are in the same cell, is
m n(m + n - 1)
(a) (b) (m + n)(m + n - 1) 1 1
m+n (a) (b)
7 9
m(m - 1) mn
(c) (m + n )(m + n - 1) (d) (m + n)(m + n - 1)
1
(c) (d) none of these
6
Conditional Probability
29. In a certain town, 40% of the people have brown hair,
25. The probabilities of four cricketers A, B, C and D scoring
25% have brown eyes and 15% have both brown hair
1 1 1 1
more than 50 runs in a match are , , and . It is and brown eyes. If a person selected at random from the
2 3 4 10
town, has brown hair, the probability that he also has
known that exactly two of the players scored more than
brown eyes, is
50 runs in a particular match. The probability that players
were A and B is
1 3
(a) (b)
27 5 5 8
(a) (b)
65 6

1 2
1 (c) (d)
(c) (d) none of these 3 3
6
PROBABILITY 116

30. A pair of numbers is picked up randomly (without 35. In an entrance test there are multiple choice questions.
replacement) from the set{1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 12, 13, 17, 19}. There are four possible answers to each question of
The probability that the number 11 was picked given which one is correct. The probability that a student knows
that the sum of the numbers was even, is nearly : the answer to a question is 90%. If he gets the correct
answer to a question, then the probability that he was
(a) 0.1 (b) 0.125 guessing, is
(c) 0.24 (d) 0.18
37 1
31. For a biased die the probabilities for the diffferent faces (a) (b)
40 37
to turn up are given below :
Faces : 1 2 3 4 5 6 36 1
(c) (d)
Probabilities : 0.10 0.32 0.21 0.15 0.05 0.17 37 9

The die is tossed & you are told that either face one or 36. Two coins are available, one fair and the other two
face two has turned up. Then the probability that it is headed. Choose a coin and toss it once assume that the
face one is : 3
unbiased coin is chosen with probability . Given that
(a) 1/6 (b) 1/10 4
(c) 5/49 (d) 5/21 the outcome is head, the probability that the two-headed
coin was chosen is
32. The probability that an automobile will be stolen and found
within one week is 0.0006. The probability that an automobile 3 2
(a) (b)
will be stolen is 0.0015. The probability that a stolen 5 5
automobile will be found in one week is
1 2
(a) 0.3 (b) 0.4 (c) (d)
5 7
(c) 0.5 (d) 0.6
37. A man is known to speak truth 3 out of 4 times. He
Total Probability Law and Baye's Theorem throws a dice and reports that it is six. The probability
that it is actually six is
33. A letter is known to have come either from LONDON or
CLIFTON; on the postmark only the two consecutive 3 1
letters ON are legible. The probability that it came from (a) (b)
8 5
LONDON is
3
5 12 (c) (d) none of these
(a) (b) 5
17 17
38. One bag contains 5 white and 4 black balls. Another bag
17 3 contains 7 white and 9 black balls. A ball is transferred
(c) (d)
30 5 from the first bag to the second and then a ball is drawn
from second. The probability that the ball is white, is
34. For k = 1, 2,3 the box Bk contains k red balls and (k + 1)
(a) 8/17 (b) 40/153
1 1 1
white balls. Let P(B1 ) = , P(B2 ) = and P(B3 ) = . A (c) 5/9 (d) 4/9
2 3 6
39. Three groups A, B, C are competing for positions on the
box is selected at random and a ball is drawn from it. If a
Board of Directors of a company. The probabilities of
red ball is drawn, then the probability that it has come
their winning are 0.5, 0.3, 0.2 respectively. If the group A
from box B2, is
wins, the probability of introducing a new product is 0.7
35 14 and the corresponding probabilities for group B and C
(a) (b) are 0.6 and 0.5 respectively. The probability that the new
78 39
product will be introduced, is
10 12 (a) 0.18 (b) 0.35
(c) (d)
13 13 (c) 0.10 (d) 0.63
PROBABILITY 117

40. A survey of people in a given region showed that 20% 44. If X and Y are the independent random variables B
were smokers. The probability of death due to lung cancer, æ 1ö æ 1ö
given that a person smoked, was 10 times the probability ç 5, ÷ and B ç 7, ÷ , then P(X + Y ³ 1) =
è 2ø è 2ø
of death due to lung cancer, given that a person did not
smoke. If the probability of death due to lung cancer in 4095 309
(a) (b)
the region is 0.006, what is the probability of death due 4096 4096
to lung cancer given that a person is a smoker
4032
(a) 1/140 (b) 1/70 (c) (d) none of these
4096
(c) 3/140 (d) 1/10 45. The mean and variance of a random variable X having a
41. A, B and C are contesting the election for the post of binomial distribution are 4 and 2 respectively, then
secretary of a club which does not allow ladies to become P (X = 1) is
members. The probabilities of A, B and C winning the 1 1
(a) (b)
4 32
1 2 4
election are , and respectively. The probabilities
3 9 9
1 1
(c) (d)
of introducing the clause of admitting lady members to 16 8
the club by A, B and C are 0.6, 0.7 and 0.5 respectively. 46. 6 ordinary dice are rolled. The probability that at least
The probability that ladies will be taken as members in half of them will show at least 3 is
the club after the election is
24 24
(a) 41 ´ (b)
26 5 36 36
(a) (b)
45 9
24
(c) 20 ´ (d) none of these
19 36
(c) (d) none of these
45 47. The probability of guessing correctly atleast 8 out of 10
answers on a true-false type examination is
42. A certain player, say X, is know to win with probability
0.3 if the track is fast and 0.4 if the track is slow. For 7 7
(a) (b)
Monday, there is a 0.7 probability of a fast-track and 0.3 64 128
probability of slow track. The probability that player X
45 7
will win on Monday, is (c) (d)
1024 41
(a) 0.22 (b) 0.11
48. Suppose that a random variable X follows Binomial
(c) 0.33 (d) none of these distribution with parameters n and p, where 0 < p < 1. If
P (X = r)/P (X = n – r) is independent of n and r, then p is
Bernoulli trials and binomial distribution equal to

43. A coin is tossed 7 times. Each time a man calls head. 1 1

(a) (b)
The probability that he wins the toss on more occasions 2 3
is
1 1
(c) (d)
1 5 5 7
(a) (b)
4 8 49. How many times must a man toss a fair coin so that the
probability of having atleast one head is more than 90%?
1 (a) 2 (b) 3
(c) (d) none of these
2 (c) 4 (d) 5
PROBABILITY 118

50. One hundred identical coins, each with probability, p, of 56. If the integers m and n belongs to set of first hundred
showing up heads are tosses once. If 0 < p < 1 and the natural numbers then the probability that a number of
probability of heads showing on fifty coins is equal to the form 7m + 7n is divisible by 5 is
that of heads showing on 51 coins, then the value of p is:
(a) 1/2 (b) 49/101 1 1
(a) (b)
(c) 50/101 (d) 51/101 5 7

Misc Examples-Probability
1 1
(c) (d)
51. An unbiased die is tossed until a number greater than 4 4 49
appears. The probability that an even number of tosses
57. The number 'a' is randomly selected from the set
is needed is
{0, 1, 2, 3, ...... 98, 99}. The number 'b' is selected from the
1 2 same set. Probability that the number 3a + 7b has a digit
(a) (b)
2 5 equal to 8 at the units place, is

1 2 1 2
(c) (d) (a) (b)
5 3 16 16
52. Ram and Shyam throw with one dice for a prize of Rs 88
which is to be won by the player who throws 1 first. If 4 3
(c) (d)
Ram starts, then mathematical expectation for Shyam is 16 16
(a) Rs 32 (b) Rs 40 58. Four tickets marked 00, 01, 10 and 11 respectively are
(c) Rs 48 (d) none of these placed in bag. A ticket is drawn at random five times,
53. A square is inscribed in a circle. If p1 is the probability being replaced each time. The probability that the sum
that a randomly chosen point of the circle lies within of the numbers on the ticket is 15, is
the square and p2 is the probability that the point lies
outside the square then 3 5
(a) (b)
(a) p1 = p 2 1024 1024

2 2 1 7
(b) p1 > p 2 and p1 - p 2 < (c) (d) none of these
3 1024

(c) p1 < p2 59. 2n boys are randomly divided into two subgroups
containing n boys each. The probability that the two
(d) none of these
tallest boys are in different groups is
54. A pair of dice is rolled again and again till a total of 5 or
a total of 7 is obtained. The chance that a total of 5 n n -1
comes before a total of 7 is (a) (b)
2n - 1 2n - 1
2 3
(a) (b) 2n - 1
5 7
(c) (d) none of these
4n 2
3
(c) (d) none of these 60. 5 girls and 10 boys sit at random in a row having 15
13
chairs numbered as 1 to 15. Find the probability that
55. A determinant is chosen at random from the set of all end seats are occupied by the girls and between any
determinants of order 2 with elements 0 or 1 only. The
two girls odd number of boys sit, is
probability that value of the determinant chosen is
positive is
20 ´10!´ 5! 20 ´ 10!
(a) (b)
16 7 15! 15!
(a) (b)
81 16
20 ´ 5!
3 (c) (d) none of these
15!
(c) (d) none of these
16
PROBABILITY 119

EXERCISE - 2 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAIN QUESTIONS

4. If two different numbers are taken from the set

2
1. If A and B are any two events such that P A = and {0, 1, 2, 3,……, 10}; then the probability that their sum
5
as well as absolute difference are both multiple of 4,
3 (2017)
P AÇ B = , then the conditional, probability,,
20
6 12
(a) (b)
P A | A ' È B ' , where A’ denotes the complement of 55 55

A, is equal to : (2016/Online Set–1)

14 7
(c) (d)
1 5 45 55
(a) (b)
4 17
5. Three persons P, Q and R independently try to hit a
target. If the probabilities of their hitting the target are
8 11
(c) (d) 5
17 20 3 1
, and respectively, then the probability that the
4 2 8
2. An experiment succeeds twice as often as it fails. The
target is hit by P or Q but not by R is : (2017)
probability of at least 5 successes in the six trials of this
experiment is : (2016/Online Set–2) 21 9
(a) (b)
64 64
240 192
(a) (b)
729 729
15 39
(c) (d)
64 64
256 496
(c) (d)
729 729 6. An unbiased coin is tossed eight times. The probability
of obtaining at least one head and at least one tail is :
3. For three events A, B and C, P(Exactly one of A or B
occurs) (2017)

= P(Exactly one of B or C occurs) 255 127

(a) (b)
256 128
1
= P(Exactly one of C or A occurs) = and P (All the
4
63 1
(c) (d)
1 64 2
three events occur simultaneously) = .
16
7. From a group of 10 men and 5 women, four member
Then the probability that at least one of the events committees are to be formed each of which must contain
occurs, is: (2017) at least one woman. Then the probability for these
committees to have more women than men, is (2017)
7 7
(a) (b)
32 16 21 3
(a) (b)
220 11
7 3
(c) (d)
64 16 1 2
(c) (d)
11 23
PROBABILITY 120
8. Let E and F be two independent events. The probability 12. Two different families A and B are blessed with equal
1 number of children. There are 3 tickets to be distributed
that both E and F happen is and the probability that
12 amongst the children of these families so that no child
gets more than one ticket. If the probability that all the
1 P(E)
neither E nor F happens is , then a value of P(F) is:
2 1
tickets go to the children of the family B is , then the
(2017) 12
number of children in each family is :
4 3
(a) (b) (2018/Online Set–3)
3 2
(a) 3 (b) 4
1 5
(c) (d) (c) 5 (d) 6
3 12
9. A bag contains 4 red and 6 black balls. A ball is drawn at 13. The minimum number of times one has to toss a fair
random from the bag, its colour is observed and this coin so that the probability of observing at least one
ball along with two additional balls of the same colour head is at least 90% is: (2019-04-08/Shift-2)
are returned to the bag. If now a ball is drawn at random
(a) 5 (b) 3
from the bag, then the probability that this drawn ball is
red, is: (2018) (c) 4 (d) 2

3 3 14. Four persons can hit a target correctly with probabilities

(a) (b)
4 10
1 1 1 1
, , and respectively. If all hit at the target
2 1 2 3 4 8
(c) (d)
5 5 independently, then the probability that the target would
10. A box ‘A’ contains 2 white, 3 red and 2 black balls. be hit, is: (2019-04-09/Shift-1)
Another box ‘B’ contains 4 white, 2 red and 3 black
balls. If two balls are drawn at random, without 25 7
(a) (b)
replacement, from a randomly selected box and one ball 192 32
turns out to be white while the other ball turns out to be
red, then the probability that both balls are drawn from
1 25
box ‘B’ is : (2018/Online Set–1) (c) (d)
192 32
9 7
(a) (b) 15. Minimum number of times a fair coinmust be tossed so
16 16
that the probability of getting at least one head is more
9 7 than 99% is: (2019-04-10/Shift-2)
(c) (d)
32 8 (a) 5 (b) 6
11. A player X has a biased coin whose probability of (c) 8 (d) 7
showing heads is p and a player Y has a fair coin. They
16. If three of the six vertices of a regular hexagon are chosen
start playing a game with their own coins and play
alternately. The player who throws a head first is a winner. at random, then theprobability that the triangle formed
If X starts the game, and the probability of winning the with these chosen vertices is equilateral is :
game by both the players is equal, then the value of ‘p’ is: (2019-04-12/Shift-1)
(2018/Online Set–2)
1 1
1 1 (a) (b)
(a) (b) 10 5
5 3

2 1 3 3
(c) (d) (c) (d)
5 4 10 20
PROBABILITY 121
17. Let a random variable X have a binomial distribution 22. An unbiased coin is tossed. If the outcome is a head
k then a pair of unbiased dice is rol1ed and the sum of the
with mean 8 and variance 4. If P X £ 2 = , then k numbers obtained on them is noted. If the toss of the
216
coin results in tail then a card from a well-shuffled pack
is equal to _____. (2019-04-12/Shift-1)
of ninecards num bered 1,2,3, …, 9 is randomly picked
18. For an initial screening of an admission test, a candidate
and the number on the card is noted. The probability
is given fifty problemsto solve. If the probability that
that thenoted number is either 7 or 8 is:
4 (2019-01-10/Shift-1)
the candidate can solve any problem is , then the
5
probability that he is unable tosolve less than two 13 15
(a) (b)
problems is : (2019-04-12/Shift-2) 36 72
49 48
201 æ 1 ö 316 æ 4 ö 19 19
(a) ç ÷ (b) ç ÷ (c) (d)
5 è5ø 25 è 5 ø 72 36

54 æ 4 ö
49
164 æ 1 ö
48 23. If the probability of hitting a target by a shooter, in any
(c) ç ÷ (d) ç ÷
5 è5ø 25 è 5 ø 1
shot, is , then the minimum number of independent
19. A person throws two fair dice. He winsRs. 15 for throwing 3
a doublet (same numbers on the two dice), wins Rs. 12 shots at the target required by him so that the probability
when the throw results in the sum of 9, and loses Rs. 6
5
for any other outcomeon the throw. Then the expected of hitting the target at least once is greater than , is
gain/loss (in Rs.) of the person is _____. 6

(2019-04-12/Shift-2) (2019-01-10/Shift-2)
(a) 3 (b) 6
1 1
(a) gain (b) loss (c) 5 (d) 4
2 4
24. Two integers are selected at randomfrom the set
1 {1, 2, .... , 11} . Given thatthe sum of selected numbers
(c) loss (d) 2 gain
2 is even,the conditional probability that both the
20. Two cards are drawn successively with replacement numbers are even is: (2019-01-11/Shift-1)
from a well-shuflled deck of 52 cards. Let X denote the
random variable of number of aces obtained in the two 7 1
(a) (b)
drawn cards. Then P(X = 1) + P(X = 2) equals: 10 2
(2019-01-09/Shift-1)
2 3
(a) 49/169 (b) 52/169 (c) (d)
5 5
(c) 24/169 (d) 25/169
21. An urn contains 5 red and 2 green balls. A ball is drawn 25. A bag contains 30 white balls and 10red balls. 16 balls
at random from the urn . If the drawn ball is green, then are drawn one by one randomly from the bag with
a red ball is added to the urn and if the drawnball is red, replacement. If X be the number of white balls drawn,the
then a green ball is added to the urn; the original ball is
æ mean of X ö
not returnedto the urn. Now, a second ball is drawnat ç ÷ is equal to:
random from it. The probability thatthe second ball is è standard deviation of X ø
red is: (2019-01-09/Shift-2)
(2019-01-11/Shift-2)
21 27 (a) 4 (b) 4 3
(a) (b)
49 49

26 32 4 3
(c) 3 2 (d)
(c) (d) 3
49 49
PROBABILITY 122

26 Let S = {l, 2, ... .. , 20}. A subset B of S is said to be 30. Let EC denote the complement of an event E. Let E1, E2
“nice”, if the sum of the elements of B is 203. Than the and E 3 be any pairwiseindependent events with
probability that a randomly chosen subset of S is “nice”
P (E 1) > 0 and P (E1 Ç E 2 Ç E3 ) = 0. Then is equalto :
is : (2019-01-11/Shift-2)
(2020-09-02/Shift-2)
7 5
(a) (b) (a) P (E3C ) - P (E C
2) (b) P (E3 ) - P (EC
2)
2 20 2 20
(c) P (E 3C ) - P (E 2 ) (d) P (E C
2 ) + P (E 3 )
4 6
(c) 20 (d) 20
2 2 31. A die is thrown two times and the sum of the scores
appearing on the die is observed to be a multiple of 4.
27. In a game, a man wins Rs100 if he gets 5 or 6 on a throw Then the conditional probability that the score 4 has
of a fair die and loses Rs 50 forgetting any other number appeared atleast once is : (2020-09-03/Shift-1)
on the die. If hedecides to throw the die either till he
gets a fiveor a six or to a maximum of three throws, then 1 1
(a) (b)
his expected gain/loss (in rupees) is: 3 4

(2019-01-12/Shift-2) 1 1
(c) (d)
8 9
400
(a) loss (b) 0
9 32. The probability that a randomly chosen 5-digit number
is made from exactly two digits is :
400 400 (2020-09-03/Shift-2)
(c) gain (d) loss
3 3
134 121
(a) 4 (b)
28. In a class of 60 students, 40 opted for NCC, 30 opted for 10 10 4
NSS and 20 opted for both NCC and NSS. If one of
these students is selected at random, then the probability 135 150
(c) 4 (d)
that the studentSelected has opted neither for NCC 10 10 4
norfor NSS is : (2019-01-12/Shift-2)
1
1 1 33. The probability of a man hitting a target is . The
10
(a) (b)
6 3 least number of shots required, so that the probability

2 5 1
(c) (d) of his hitting the target at least once is greater than ,
3 6 4
is…. (2020-09-04/Shift-1)
29. Box I contains 30 cards numbered 1 to 30 and Box II
34. In a game two players A and B take turns in throwing a
contains 20 cards numbered 31 to 50. A box is selected
pair of fair dice starting withplayer A and total of scores
at random and a card is drawnfrom it. The number on
on the two dice, in each throw is noted. A wins the game
the card isfound to be a non-prime number. The ifhe throws a total of 6 before B throws a total of 7 and
probability that the card was drawn from Box I is : B wins the game if he throws atotal of 7 before A throws
(2020-09-02/Shift-1) a total of six. The game stops as soon as either of the
playerswins. The probability of A winning the game is:
4 8 (2020-09-04/Shift-2)
(a) (b)
17 17
5 31
(a) (b)
2 2 31 61
(c) (d)
5 3
30 5
(c) (d)
61 6
PROBABILITY 123
35. Four fair dice are thrown independently 27 times. Then 40. In a workshop, there are five machines and the
the expected number of times, at least two dice shown probability of any one of them to be out of service on a
up a three or a five, is ………….
1
(2020-09-05/Shift-1) day is . If the probability that at most two machines
4
36. In a bombing attack, there is 50% chance that a bomb
3
will hit the target. At least two indepen dent hits are æ 3ö
will be out of service on the same day is ç ÷ k, then k
required to destroy the target completely. Then the è 4ø
minimum number of bombs, that must be dropped to
is equal to : (2020-01-07/Shift-2)
ensure that there is at least 99% chance of completely
destroying the target, is________ 17
(a) (b) 4
(2020-09-05/Shift-2) 2
37. Out of 11 consecutive natural numbers if three numbers
17 17
are selected at random (without repetition), then the (c) (d)
4 8
probability that they are in A.P. with positive common
difference, is: (2020-09-06/Shift-1) 41. Let A and B be two independent events such that

10 5 1 1
(a) (b) P A = and P B = .Then, which of the following
99 33 3 6
is TRUE? (2020-01-08/Shift-1)
15 5
(c) (d)
101 101 1 1
(a) P A / A È B = (b) P A / B ' =
4 3
38. The probabilities of three events A, B and C are given
by P(A) = 0.6, P(B) = 0.4 and P(C) = 0.5. If P(A È B) = 0.8,
2 1
(c) P A / B = (d) P A '/ B ' =
P A Ç C = 0.3, P A Ç B Ç C = 0.2, 3 3

42. Let A and B be two events such that the probability

P B Ç C = b and P A È B È C = a , where
2
that exactly one of them occurs is and theprobability
0.85 £ a £ 0.95, then b lies in the interval: 5

(2020-09-06/Shift-2) 1
that A or B occurs is , then the probability of both of
(a) [0.36,0.40] (b) [0.25, 0.35] 2
(c) [0.35, 0.36] (d) [0.20, 0.25] them occur together is (2020-01-08/Shift-2)
39. An unbiased coin is tossed 5 times. Suppose that a (a) 0.10 (b) 0.20
variable x is assigned the value k when k consecutive (c) 0.01 (d) 0.02
heads are obtained for k = 3, 4, 5, otherwise x takes the
43. In a box, there are 20 cards out of which 10 are labelled
value -1. The expected value of x, is
as A and remaining 10 are labelled as B Cards are drawn
(2020-01-07/Shift-3) at random, one after the other and with replacement, till
a second A-card isobtained. The probability that the
1 3
(a) (b) 16 second A-card appears before the third B-card is:
8
(2020-01-09/Shift-1)

1 3 (a) 15/16 (b) 9/16

(c) - (d) -
8 16 (c) 13/16 (d) 11/16
PROBABILITY 124

44. If 10 different balls has to be placed in 4 distinct boxes 48. Let A, B and C be three events such that the probability
at random, then the probability that two of these boxes that exactly one of A and B occurs is (1–k), the probability
that exactly one of B and C occurs is (1–2k), the
contain exactly 2 and 3 balls is :(2020-01-09/Shift-2)
probability that exactly one of C and A occurs is (1–k)
and the probability of all A, B and C occur
965 945 simultaneously is k2, where 0 < k < 1. Then the
(a) (b)
210 210 probability that at least one of A, B and C occur is ?
(2021-07-20/Shift-2)
945 965
(c) 11 (d) 11 1
2 2 (a) Greater than
2
45. A random variable X has the following probability
distribution: 1 1
(b) Greater than but less than
4 2
X 1 2 3 4 5
P(X) K 2
2K K 2K 5K2 1
(c) Exactly equal to
2
Then P X > 2 is equal to (2020-01-09/Shift-2)
1 1
(d) Greater than but less than
8 4
7 23
(a) (b) 49. Let 9 distinct balls be distributed among 4 boxes, B1, B2,
12 36
B3 and B4. If the probability that B3 contains exactly 3
9
1 1 æ3ö
(c) (d) balls is k ç ÷ then k lies in the set ?
36 6 è4ø
(2021-07-25/Shift-1)
46. Words with or without meaning are to be formed using
all the letters of the word EXAMINATION. The (a) x Î R : x - 5 £ 1 (b) x Î R : x - 2 £ 1
probability that the letter M appears at the fourth
position in any such word is: (2021-07-20/Shift-1) (c) x Î R : x - 3 < 1 (d) x Î R : x - 1 < 1

50. A student appeared in an examination consisting of 8

1 1
(a) (b) true – false type questions. The student guesses the
9 66 answers with equal probability. The smallest value of
n, so that the probability of guessing at least ‘n’ correct
2 1 1
(c) (d) answers is less than , is: (2021-07-27/Shift-2)
11 11 2
(a) 5 (b) 3
47. The probability of selecting integers a Î -5,30 such
(c) 6 (d) 4
that x 2 + 2 a + 4 x - 5a + 64 > 0, for all x Î R, is: 51. Four dice are thrown simultaneously and the numbers
shown on these dice are recorded in 2 × 2 matrices. The
(2021-07-20/Shift-1) probability that such formed matrices have all different
entries and are non-singular, is:
1 7 (2021-07-22/Shift-2)
(a) (b)
4 36
23 22
(a) (b)
81 81
2 1
(c) (d)
9 6 45 43
(c) (d)
162 162
PROBABILITY 125
52. Let X be a random variable such that the probability 56. Let A and B be independent events such that
1 P A = p, P B = 2p. The largest value of p, for which
function of a distribution is given by P X = 0 = ,
2
5
P (exactly one of A, B occurs) = , is:
1 9
P X=j = j = 1, 2,3,..., ¥ . Then the mean of the
3j
(2021-08-26/Shift-1)
distribution and P(X is positive and even) respectively
are: (2021-07-25/Shift-2) 4 2
(a) (b)
9 9
3 1 3 1
(a) and (b) and
4 9 4 16 1 5
(c) (d)
3 12
3 1 3 1
(c) and (d) and
8 8 4 8 57. Each of the persons A and B independently tosses three
fair coins. The probability that both of them get the
53. A fair coin is tossed n-times such that the probability of same number of heads is: (2021-08-27/Shift-2)
getting at least one head is at least 0.9. Then the minimum
value of n is ____ . (2021-07-25/Shift-2) 5 5
(a) (b)
54. A fair die is tossed until six is obtained on it. Let X be 8 16
the number of required tosses, then the conditional
1
probability P x ³ 5 | x > 2 is: (2021-08-26/Shift-2) (c) (d) 1
8

25 11 58. An electric instrument consists of two units. Each unit

(a) (b) must function independently for the instrument to
36 36
operate. The probability that the first unit functions is
125 5 0.9 and that of the second unit is 0.8. The instrument is
(c) (d) switched on and it fails to operate. If the probability
216 6
that only the first unit failed and second unit is
55. When a certain biased die is rolled, a particular face functioning is p, then 98p is equal to ___________ ?
1 (2021-08-31/Shift-1)
occurs with probability – x and its opposite face
6
59. Let S = 1, 2,3, 4,5, 6 . Then the probability that a
1 randomly chosen onto function g from S to S satisfies
occurs with probability + x . All other faces occur
6
g 3 = 2g 1 is: (2021-08-31/Shift-2)
1
with probability . Note that opposite faces sum to in
6 1 1
(a) (b)
5 30
1
any die. If 0 < x < , and the probability of obtaining
6 1 1
(c) (d)
13 15 10
total sum = 7, when such a die is rolled twice, is , then
96 60. The probability distribution of random variable X is
the value of x is: (2021-08-27/Shift-1) given by :
X 1 2 3 4 5
1 1
(a) (b) P(X) K 2K 2K 3K K
9 12

Let p = P æç
1 < X < 4 ö , If 5p = lK, then l is equal
1 1 ÷
(c) (d) è X<3 ø
8 16
to___________. (2021-08-27/Shift-2)
PROBABILITY 126

61. Let A denote the event that a 6-digit integer formed by 65. Let there be three independent events E1, E2 and E3. The
0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 without repetitions, be divisible by 3. probability that only E1 occurs is a, only E2 occurs is b
Then probability of event A is equal to and only E3 occurs is g. Let ‘p’ denote the probability of
(2021-03-16/Shift-2) none of events occurs that satisfies the equation

9 11 (a - 2b) p = ab and (b - 3g) p = 2bg. All the given

(a) (b)
56 27 probabilities are assumed to lie in the interval (0, 1).

3 4 Probability of occrrence of E1
(c) (d) Then, is equal to
7 9 Probability of occurrence of E 3

62. A pack of cards has one card missing. Two cards are ………………. . (2021-03-17/Shift-1)
drawn randomly and are found to be spades. The
66. Let in a Binomial distribution, consisting of 5
probability that the missing card is not a spade, is
independent trails, probabilities of exactly 1 and 2
(2021-03-16/Shift-1)
successes be 0.4096 and 0.2048 respectively. Then the
39 52 probability of getting exactly 3 successes is equal to :
(a) (b)
50 867 (2021-03-18/Shift-2)

22 3 40 80
(c) (d) (a) (b)
425 4 243 243
63. Let a computer program generate only the digits 0 and 1
to form a string of binary numbers with probability of 32 128
(c) (d)
625 625
1
occurrence of 0 at even places be and probability of
2 67. The probability that two randomly selected subsets of
1 the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} have exactly two elements in their
occurrence of 0 at the odd place be . Then the intersection, is : (2021-02-24/Shift-2)
3
probability that ‘10’ is followed by ‘01’ is equal to :
65 35
(2021-03-17/Shift-2) (a) 8 (b)
2 27

1 1
(a) (b) 135 65
3 9 (c) (d)
9
2 27
1 1
(c) (d) 68. An ordinary dice is rolled for a certain number of times.
18 6
If the probability of getting an odd number 2 times is
64. Two dices are rolled. If both dices have six faces equal to the probability of getting an even number 3
numbered 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 11, then the probability that times, then the probability of getting an odd number for
the sum of the numbers on the top faces is less than or
odd number of times is (2021-02-24/Shift-1)
equal to 8 is : (2021-03-17/Shift-1)
1 5
5 1 (a) (b)
(a) (b) 32 16
12 2

17 4 3 1
(c) (d) (c) (d)
36 9 16 2
PROBABILITY 127

72. The coefficients a, b and c of the quadratic equation,

69. Let Bi i = 1, 2,3 be three independent events in a
sample space. The probability that only B1 occurs is a, ax 2 + bx + c = 0 are obtained by throwing a dice three
only B2 occurs is b and only B3 occurs is g. Let p be the times. The probability that this equation has equal roots
probability that none of the events Bi occurs and these is: (2021-02-25/Shift-1)

4 probabilities satisfy the equations a - 2b p = ab 5 1

(a) (b)
216 36
and b - 3g p = 2bg (All the probabilities are assumed
1 1
P B1 (c) (d)
to lie in the interval (0, 1)). Then is equal to 54 72
P B3
73. When a missile is fired from a ship, the probability that
______. (2021-02-24/Shift-1)
70. Let A be a set of all 4-digit natural numbers whose exactly 1
it is intercepted is and the probability that the missile
one digit is 7. Then the probability that a randomly 3
chosen element of A leaves remainder 2 when divided
3
by 5 is : (2021-02-25/Shift-2) hits the target, given that it is not intercepted, is . If
4
97 122 three missiles are fired independently from the ship, then
(a) (b) the probability that all three hit the target, is:
297 297
(2021-02-25/Shift-1)
2 1
(c) (d) 3 3
9 5
(a) (b)
4 8
71. In a group of 400 people, 160 are smokers and non-
vegetarian; 100 are smokers and vegetarian and the 1 1
remaining 140 are non-smokers and vegetarian. Their (c) (d)
27 8
chances of getting a particular chest disorder are 35%,
20% and 10% respectively. A person is chosen from the 74. A seven digit number is formed using digits 3, 3, 4, 4, 4,
group at random and is found to be suffering from the 5, 5. The probability, that number so formed is divisible
chest disorder. The probability that the selected person by 2, is (2021-02-26/Shift-2)
is a smoker and non-vegetarian is:
1 6
(2021-02-25/Shift-2) (a) (b)
7 7
14 7
(a) (b) 4 3
45 45 (c) (d)
7 7
8 28 75. A fair coin is tossed a fixed number of times. If the
(c) (d)
45 45 probability of getting 7 heads is equal to probability of
getting 9 heads, then the probability of getting 2 heads
is : (2021-02-26/Shift-1)

15 15
(a) 13 (b)
2 28

15 15
(c) 14 (d)
2 212
PROBABILITY 128

EXERCISE - 3 : ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

Objective Questions I [Only one correct option] 5. Mr.  Dupont is a  professional wine taster. When given a

French wine, he will identify it with probability 0.9 correctly
1. A purse contains 2 six sided dice. One is a normal fair die, as French, and will mistake it for a Californian wine with
while the other has 2 ones, 2 threes, and 2 fives. A die is probability 0.1. When given a  Californian wine, he will
picked  up  and  rolled.  Because  of  some  secret  magnetic identify it with probability 0.8 correctly as Californian, and
attraction of the unfair die, there is 75% chance of picking will mistake it for a French wine with probability 0.2. Suppose
the unfair die and a 25% chance of picking a fair die. The that Mr. Dupont is given ten unlabelled glasses of wine,
die is rolled and shows up the face 3. The probability that three with French and seven with Californian wines. He
a fair die was picked up, is randomly picks a glass, tries the wine, and solemnly says :
"French".  The  probability  that  the  wine  he  tasted  was
1 1
(a)  (b)  Californian, is nearly equal to
7 4
(a) 0.14 (b) 0.24
1 1 (c) 0.34 (d) 0.44
(c)  (d) 
6 24 6. A box contains a normal coin and a double headed coin. A
2. An  instrument  consists  of  two  units.  Each  unit  must coin selected at random and tossed twice, fell headwise on
function for the instrument to operate. The reliability of both the occasions. The probability that the drawn coin is
the first unit is 0.9 & that of the second unit is 0.8. The a double headed coin is
instrument is tested & fails. The probability that "only the
2 5
first unit failed & the second unit is sound" is : (a)  (b) 
3 8
(a)  1/7 (b)  2/7
(c)  3/7 (d)  4/7 3 4
(c)  (d) 
3. A box has four dice in it. Three of them are fair dice but the 4 5
fourth one has the number five on all of its faces. A die is 7. A box contains 5 red and 4 white marbles. Two marbles are
chosen at random from the box and is rolled three times drawn successively from the box without replacement and
and  shows  up  the  face  five  on  all  the  three  occassions. the  second  drawn  marble  drawn  is  found  to  be  white.
The chance that the die chosen was a rigged die, is Probability that the first marble  is also white is

216 215 3 1
(a)  (b)  (a)  (b) 
217 219 8 2

216 1 1
(c)  (d) none (c)  (d) 
219 3 4
4. On a Saturday night 20% of all drivers in U.S.A. are under 8. Events A and C are independent. If the probabilities relating
the influence of alcohol. The probability that a driver under A, B and C are P (A) = 1/5;
the influence of alcohol will have an accident is 0.001. The
P (B) = 1/6 ; P (A  C) = 1/20 ; P (B  C) = 3/8 then
probability  that  a  sober  driver  will  have  an  accident  is
0.0001. If a car on a saturday night smashed into a tree, the (a) events B and C are independent
probability  that  the  driver  was  under  the  influence  of (b) events B and C are mutually exclusive
alcohol, is (c) events B and C are neither independent nor mutually
(a) 3/7 (b) 4/7 exclusive
(c) 5/7 (d) 6/7 (d) events B and C are equiprobable
PROBABILITY 129

9. Assume that the birth of a boy or girl to a couple to be 14. A number x is chosen at random from the set {1, 2, 3,
equally likely, mutually exclusive, exhaustive and 4..... 100}. Define the event: A = the chosen number x
independent of the other children in the family. For a couple
x - 10 x - 50
having 6 children, the probability that their "three oldest satisfies ³ 0. Then P(A) is:
x - 30
are boys" is
(a) 0.71 (b) 0.70
20 1
(a) (b) (c) 0.51 (d) 0.20
64 64
15. Three identical dice are rolled. The probability that the
2 8 same number will appear on each of them, is
(c) (d)
64 64
1 1
10. A and B are two events such that P(A) = 0.2 and (a) (b)
6 36
P A È B = 0.7. If A and B are independent events then
1 3
P(B) equals (c) (d)
18 28
(a) 2/7 (b) 7/9
16. A die is tossed 5 times. Getting an odd number is
(c) 5/8 (d) none of these considered a success. Then the variance of distribution
11. Box A contains 3 red and 2 blue marbles while box B of success is
contains 2 red and 8 blue marbles. A fair coin is tossed. If (a) 8/3 (b) 3/8
the coin turns up heads, a marble is drawn from A, if it
(c) 4/5 (d) 5/4
turns up tails, a marble is drawn from bag B. The probability
that a red marble is chosen, is 17. A fair die is tossed repeatedly. A wins if it is 1 or 2 on
two consecutive tosses and B wins if it is 3, 4, 5 or 6 on
1 2 two consecutive tosses. The probability that A wins if
(a) (b) the die is tossed indefinitely, is
5 5

3 1 1 5
(c) (d) (a) (b)
5 2 3 21

12. Lot A consists of 3G and 2D articles. Lot B consists of 4G 1 2

and 1D article. A new lot C is formed by taking 3 articles (c) (d)
4 5
from A and 2 from B. The probability that an article chosen
18. A and B play a game of tennis. The situation of the
at random from C is defective, is
game is as follows; if one scores two consecutive points
1 2 after a deuce he wins; if loss of a point is followed by
(a) (b) win of a point, it is deuce. The chance of a server to win
3 5
a point is 2/3. The game is at deuce and A is serving.
8 Probability that A will win the match is, (serves are
(c) (d) none changed after each pt)
25
(a) 3/5 (b) 2/5
13. A bowl has 6 red marbles and 3 green marbles. The
probability that a blind folded person will draw a red marble (c) 1/2 (d) 4/5
on the second draw from the bowl without replacing the 19. Two aeroplanes I and II bomb a target in succession.
marble from the first draw, is The probabilities of I and II scoring a hit correctly are
0.3 and 0.2, respectively. The second plane will bomb if
2 1 the first misses the target. The probability that the target
(a) (b)
3 4 is hit by the second plane, is
(a) 0.2 (b) 0.7
1 5
(c) (d) (c) 0.06 (d) 0.14
2 8
PROBABILITY 130

20. It is given that the event A and B are such that 24. A child throws 2 fair dice. If the numbers showing are
unequal, he adds them together to get his final score. On
1 æAö 1 B 2
P(A) = , P ç ÷ = and P æç ö÷ = . Then P (B) is the other hand, if the numbers showing are equal, he throws
4 èBø 2 èAø 3
2 more dice & adds all 4 numbers showing to get his final
1 1 score. The probability that his final score is 6 is:
(a) (b)
2 6
145 146
(a) (b)
1 2 1296 1296
(c) (d)
3 3
147 148
21. Let A and E by any two events with positive (c) (d)
1296 1296
probabilities:
Statement 1 : P(E/A) ³ P(A/E) P(E) 25. A examination consists of 8 questions in each of which
one of the 5 alternatives is the correct one. On the
Statement 2 : P(A/E) ³ P(AÇE)
assumption that a candidate who has done no preparatory
(a) Both the statements are false
work chooses for each question any one of the five
(b) Both statements are True alternatives with equal probability, the probability that he
(c) Statement–1 is true, Statement–2 is false gets more than one correct answer is equal to :
(d) Statement–1 is false, Statement–2 is true (a) (0.8)8 (b) 3 (0.8)8
22. If A and B are two independent events such that (c) 1 - (0.8)8 (d) 1 - 3 (0.8)8

P (A) > 0, and P (B) ¹ 1, then P (A / B) is equal to 26. A number is chosen at random from the numbers 10 to 99.
By seeing the number a man will laugh if product of the
(a) 1 - P A / B (b) 1 - P (A / B) digits is 12. If he choose three numbers with replacement
then the probability that he will laugh at least once is
1 - P (A È B) P (A)
(c) (d) 3 3
P (B) P (B) æ 3ö æ 43 ö
(a) 1 - ç ÷ (b) ç ÷
è5ø è 45 ø
23. Indicate the correct order sequence in respect of the
following :
3 3
I. If the probability that a computer will fail during the æ 4 ö æ 43 ö
(c) 1 - ç ÷ (d) 1 - ç ÷
first hour of operation is 0.01, then if we turn on 100 è 25 ø è 45 ø
computers, exactly one will fail in the first hour of
operation. 27. A fair die is tossed eight times. Probability that on the eighth
II. A man has ten keys only one of which fits the lock. throw a third six is observed is,
He tries them in a door one by one discarding the one
he has tried. The probability that fifth key fits the lock 8 55
(a) C3
is 1/10. 68
III. Given the events A and B in a sample space. If
7
P(A) = 1, then A and B are independent. C2 .55
(b)
IV. When a fair six sided die is tossed on a table top, the 68
bottom face can not be seen. The probability that the
product of the numbers on the five faces that can be 7
C2 .55
seen is divisible by 6 is one. (c)
67
(a) FTFT (b) FTTT
(d) none of these
(c) TFTF (d) TFFF
PROBABILITY 131
28. Two cards are drawn from a well shuffled pack of 52 playing 31. From an urn containing six balls, 3 white and 3 black ones,
cards one by one. If a person selects at random an even number of balls (all the
A : the event that the second card drawn is an ace and different ways of drawing an even number of balls are
B : the event that the first card drawn is an ace card. considered equally probable, irrespective of their number).

then which of the following is true? Then the probability that there will be the same number of
black and white balls among them
4 1
(a) P (A) = ; P (B) =
17 13 4 11
(a) (b)
5 15
1 1
(b) P (A) = ; P (B) =
13 13 11 2
(c) (d)
30 5
1 1
(c) P (A) = ; P (B) = 32. One purse contains 6 copper coins and 1 silver coin ; a
13 17
second purse contains 4 copper coins. Five coins are drawn
16 4 from the first purse and put into the second, and then 2
(d) P (A) = ; P (B) = coins are drawn from the second and put into the first. The
221 51
probability that the silver coin is in the second purse is
29. There are n different gift coupons, each of which can
occupy N(N > n) different envelopes, with the same 1 4
probability 1/N (a) (b)
2 9
P1: The probability that there will be one gift coupon in each
of n definite envelopes out of N given envelopes 5 2
(c) (d)
P2: The probability that there will be one gift coupon in each 9 3
of n arbitrary envelopes out of N given envelopes
Consider the following statements (1 + 3p) (1 - p) (1 - 2p)
33. If , & are the probabilities of three
3 4 2
n!
(i) P1 = P2 (ii) P1 = mutually exclusive events defined on a sample space S,
Nn
then the true set of all values of p is
N!
(iii) P2 = é1 1 ù é1 ù
N n (N-n)!
(a) ê , ú (b) ê ,1ú
ë3 2 û ë3 û
n! N!
(iv) P2 = (v) P1 = é1 1ù é1 1ù
n
N (N-n)! Nn
(c) ê , ú (d) ê , ú
ë 4 3û ë4 2û
Now, which of the following is true
34. The probabilities of events, A Ç B, A, B & A È B are
(a) Only (i) (b) (ii) and (iii)
(c) (ii) and (iv) (d) (iii) and (v) respectively in A.P. with probability of second term equal
to the common difference. Therefore the events A and B
30. A bag contains 3 R & 3 G balls and a person draws out 3 at
are
random. He then drops 3 blue balls into the bag & again
draws out 3 at random. The chance that the 3 later balls (a) compatible
being all of different colours is (b) independent
(a) 15% (b) 20%
(c) such that one of them must occur
(c) 27% (d) 40%
(d) such that one is twice as likely as the other
PROBABILITY 132

Objective Questions II [One or more than one correct option] 40. Two real numbers, x & y are selected at random. Given that
35. A bag initially contains one red & two blue balls. An 0 £ x £ 1 ; 0 £ y £ 1. Let A be the event that y2 £ x ; B be the
experiment consisting of selecting a ball at random, noting
event that x2 £ y, then :
its colour & replacing it together with an additional ball of
the same colour. If three such trials are made, then :
(a) probability that atleast one blue ball is drawn is 0.9
1
(a) P (A Ç B) =
3
(b) probability that exactly one blue ball is drawn is 0.2
(c) probability that all the drawn balls are red given (b) A & B are exhaustive events
that all the drawn balls are of same colour is 0.2
(c) A & B are mutually exclusive
(d) probability that atleast one red ball is drawn is 0.6.
(d) A & B are independent events.
36. If E 1 and E 2 are two events such that P(E 1) = 1/4,
P(E2/E1) =1/2 and P(E1/ E2) = 1/4 41. If A & B are two events such that P(B) ¹ 1, BC denotes the
(a) then E1 and E2 are independent event complementry to B, then
(b) E1 and E2 are exhaustive
(c) E2 is twice as likely to occur as E1 P (A) - P (A Ç B)
(a) P A BC =
1 - P (B)
(d) Probabilities of the events E1 Ç E2 , E1 and E2 are in
G.P.
(b) P (A Ç B) ³ P(A) + P(B) - 1
37. Let 0 < P(A) < 1 , 0 < P(B) < 1 &
P(A È B) = P(A) + P(B) - P(A). P(B), then : C
(c) P(A) > P A B if P A B > P(A)
(a) P(B/A) = P(B) - P(A)
(b) P(AC È BC) = P(AC) + P(BC) C C C
(d) P A B + P A B = 1
(c) P((A È B)C) = P(AC). P(BC)
(d) P(A/B) = P(A) 42. For any two events A & B defined on a sample space ,
38. If M & N are independent events such that
0 < P(M) < 1 & 0 < P(N) < 1, then : P(A) + P(B)-1
(a) P(A/B) ³ , P (B) ¹ 0 is always true
(a) M & N are mutually exclusive P(B)

(b) M & N are independent

(c) M & N are independent (b) P A Ç B = P (A) - P (A Ç B)

(d) P M N + P M N = 1 (c) P (A È B) = 1 - P (Ac). P (Bc), if A & B are independent

39. If E and F are the complementary events of E and F (d) P (A È B) = 1 - P (Ac). P (Bc), if A & B are disjoint
respectively and if 0 < P (F) < 1, then
43. For two given events A & B, P (A Ç B) is :
(a) P (E/F) + P( E /F) = 1
(a) not less than P(A) + P(B) – 1
(b) P (E/F) + P(E/ F ) = 1
(b) not greater than P(A) + P(B)
(c) P ( E /F) + P(E/ F ) = 1
(c) equal to P(A) + P(B) – P (A È B)
(d) P (E/ F ) + P( E / F ) = 1
(d) equal to P(A) + P(B) + P (A È B)
PROBABILITY 133

Numerical Value Type Questions 48. Let A and B are two events such that P(A) > 0.
Assertion : If P (A) + P (B) > 1, then
44. Two integers r and s are chosen one at a time without
P (B/A) ³ 1 – P (B’)/P(A)
replacement from the numbers 1, 2, 3,... 100. Let p be the
Reason : If P (A/B’) ³ P (A), then P(A) ³ P(A/B).
probability that r £ 25 given that s £ 25. Find the value of
33p. (a) A (b) B
(c) C (d) D
45. A bag contains n + 1 coins. It is known that one of these
coins has heads on both sides, whereas the other coins Match the Following
are fair. One coin is selected at random and tossed. If the
Each question has two columns. Four options are given
probability that the toss results in heads is 7/12, find n.
representing matching of elements from Column-I and
46. 7 persons are stopped on the road at random and asked Column-II. Only one of these four options corresponds
about their birthdays. If the probability that 3 of them are to a correct matching.For each question, choose the option
born on Wednesday, 2 on Thursday and the remaining 2 corresponding to the correct matching.

K 49. A determinant D is chosen at random from the set of all

on Sunday is , then K is equal to determinant of order two with elements 0 and 1 only.
76
Value of D Probability
Assertion & Reason (A) 1 (P) 5/8
(B) 0 (Q) 3/16
(A) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason is
(C) 2 (R) 3/8
the correct explanation of assertion.
(D) non zero (S) 0
(B) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not
The correct matching is
the correct explanation of assertion.
(a) A–Q; B-P; C-S; D-R
(C) If assertion is true but reason is false.
(b) A–P; B-Q; C-S; D-R
(D) If assertion is false but reason is true.
(c) A–Q; B-S; C-P; D-R
47. From an urn containing a white and b black balls,
(d) A–Q; B-P; C-R; D-S
k (< a, b) are drawn and laid aside, their colour unnoted.
50. A ten digit number N is formed by using the digits
Then another ball, that is, (k + 1)th ball is drawn.
0 to 9 exactly once. The probability that N is divisible by
Assertion : Probability that (k + 1)th ball drawn is white (A) 4 (P) 1

a (B) 5 (Q) 20/81

is .
a+b (C) 45 (R) 17/81
(D) 12 (S) 2/81
Reason : Probability that (k + 1)th ball drawn is black is
The correct matching is
a (a) A–Q; B–R; C–R; D–Q
a+b
(b) A–R; B–Q; C–R; D–Q
(a) A (b) B (c) A–Q; B–R; C–Q; D–R
(c) C (d) D (d) A–R; B–R; C–Q; D–Q
PROBABILITY 134

Paragraph Type Questions Using the following passage, solve Q.57 to Q.60

Passage Read the passage given below carefully before attempting

these questions.
Using the following passage, solve Q.51 to Q.53 A standard deck of playing cards has 52 cards. There are
four suit (clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades), each of
Let S and T are two events defined on a sample space with
which has thirteen numbered cards (2, ....., 9, 10, Jack, Queen,
probabilities
King, Ace)
P(S) = 0.5, P(T) = 0.69, P(S/T) = 0.5
In a game of card, each card is worth an amount of points.
51. Events S and T are:
Each numbered card is worth its number (e.g. a 5 is worth 5
(a) mutually exclusive points) ; the Jack, Queen and King are each worth 10 points;
(b) independent and the Ace is worth your choice of either 1 point or 11
(c) mutually exclusive and independent points. The object of the game is to have more points in
(d) neither mutually exclusive nor independent your set of cards than your opponent without going over
21. Any set of cards with sum greater than 21 automatically
52. The value of P(S and T)
loses.
(a) 0.3450 (b) 0.2500
(c) 0.6900 (d) 0.350 Here's how the game played. You and your opponent are
each dealt two cards. Usually the first card for each player
53. The value of P(S or T)
is dealt face down, and the second card for each player is
(a) 0.6900 (b) 1.19 dealt face up. After the initial cards are dealt, the first player
(c) 0.8450 (d) 0
has the option of asking for another card or not taking any
Using the following passage, solve Q.54 to Q.56 cards. The first player can keep asking for more cards until
either he or she goes over 21, in which case the player
A JEE aspirant estimates that she will be successful with loses, or stops at some number less than or equal to 21.
an 80 percent chance if she studies 10 hours per day, with
When the first player stops at some number less than or
a 60 percent chance if she studies 7 hours per day and with
equal to 21, the second player then can take more cards
a 40 percent chance if she studies 4 hours per day. She
until matching or exceeding the first player's number without
further believes that she will study 10 hours, 7 hours and 4
hours per day with probabilities 0.1, 0.2 and 0.7, respectively going over 21, in which case the second player wins, or
until going over 21, in which case the first player wins.
54. The chance she will be successful, is
We are going to simplify the game a little and assume that
(a) 0.28 (b) 0.38
(c) 0.48 (d) 0.58 all cards are dealt face up, so that all cards are visible.
Assume your opponent is dealt cards and plays first.
55. Given that she is successful, the chance she studied for 4
hours, is 57. The chance that the second card will be a heart and a Jack,
is
6 7
(a) (b)
12 12 4 13
(a) (b)
52 52
8 9
(c) (d)
12 12 17 1
(c) (d)
56. Given that she does not achieve success, the chance she 52 52
studied for 4 hour, is
58. The chance that the first card will be a heart or a Jack, is
18 19
(a) (b) 13 16
26 26 (a) (b)
52 52
20 21
(c) (d) 17
26 26
(c) (d) none
52
PROBABILITY 135

59. Given that the first card is a Jack, the chance that it will be 62. Six boys and six girls sit in a row at random. Find the
the heart, is probability that
(a) the six girls sit together
1 4
(a) (b) (b) the boys and girls sit alternatively
13 13

1 1 Fill in the blanks

(c) (d)
4 3
63. For a biased die the probabilities for the different faces to
60. Your opponent is dealt a King and a 10, and you are dealt turn up are given below
a Queen and a 9. Being smart, your opponent does not
take any more cards and stays at 20. The chance that you Face 1 2 3 4 5 6
will win if you are allowed to take as many cards as you Probability 0.1 0.32 0.21 0.15 0.05 0.17
need, is
This die is tossed and you are told that either face 1 or face
(a) 0.771 (b) 0.088 2 has turned up. Then, the probability that it is face 1, is....
(c) 0.0797 (d) 0.0907
64. A box contains 100 tickets numbered 1, 2, ..., 100. Two
Text tickets are chosen at random. It is given that the maximum
number on the two chosen tickets is not more than 10. The
61. In a test an examinee either guesses or copies or knows the
answer to a multiple choice question with four choices. minimum number on them is 5 with probability....

1 65. If two events A and B are such that P (A c ) = 0.3,

The probability that he make a guess is and the P(B) = 0.4 and P (A Bc) = 0.5 then P[B / (A Bc)] =....
3

1
probability that he copies the answer is . The probability
6

1
that his answer is correct given that he copied it, is .
8
Find the probability that he knew the answer to the question
given that he correctly answered it.
PROBABILITY 136

EXERCISE - 4 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

Objective Questions I [Only one correct option] 6. Let Ec denotes the complement of an event E. Let E, F, G
be pairwise independent events with P(G) > 0 and
P (E Ç F Ç G) = 0. Then, P (Ec Ç Fc | G) equals
3 1
1. If P (B) = , P (A Ç B Ç C ) = and P(A Ç B Ç C) = 1 , (2007)
4 3 3
(a) P (Ec) + P (Fc) (b) P(Ec) – P (Fc)
then P (B Ç C) is (2002)
(c) P (Ec) – P (F) (d) P (E) – P (Fc)
1 1 7. An experiment has 10 equally likely outcomes. Let A and
(a) (b)
12 6 B be two non-empty events of the experiment. If A
consists of 4 outcomes, the number of outcomes that B
1 1 must have so that A and B are independent, is
(c) (d)
15 9 (2008)
2. Two numbers are selected randomly from the set (a) 2, 4, or 8 (b) 3, 6 or 9
S = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} without replacement one by one. The (c) 4 or 8 (d) 5 or 10
probability that minimum of the two numbers is less than 8. Let w be a complex cube root of unity with w ¹ 1. A fair
4, is (2003) die is thrown three times, If r1, r2 and r3 are the numbers
(a) 1/15 (b) 14/15 obtained on the die, then the probability that
r r r
(c) 1/5 (d) 4/5 w 1 + w 2 + w 3 = 0 is (2010)

3. If three distinct numbers are chosen randomly from the (a) 1/18 (b) 1/9
first 100 natural numbers, then the probability that all (c) 2/9 (d) 1/36
three of them are divisible by both 2 and 3, is 9. A signal which can be green or red with probability
(2004) 4 1
and respectively, is received by station A and then
4 4 5 5
(a) (b) transmitted to station B. The probability of each station
55 35
3
4 4 receiving the singal correctly is . If the signal received
4
(c) (d)
33 1155 at station B is green, then the probability that the original
signal green is (2010)
4. A fair die is rolled. The probability that the first time 1
occurs at the even throw, is (2005) 3 6
(a) (b)
(a) 1/6 (b) 5/11 5 7
(c) 6/11 (d) 5/36
20 9
5. One Indian and four American men and their wives are (c) (d)
23 20
to be seated randomly around a circular table. Then, the
10. Three boys and two girls stand in a queue. The
conditional probability that the Indian man is seated probability, that the number of boys ahead of every girl
adjacent to his wife given that each American man is is at least one more than the number of girls ahead of her,
seated adjacent to his wife, is (2007) is (2014)

1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (a) (b)
2 3 2 3

2 1 2 3
(c) (d) (c) (d)
5 5 3 4
PROBABILITY 137
11. A computer producing factory has only two plants T1 14. Consider three sets E1 = 1, 2,3 , F1 = 1,3, 4 and
and T2. Plant T1 produces 20% and plant T2 produces
80% of the total computers produced. 7% of computers G1 = 2,3, 4,5 . Two elements are chosen at random,
produced in the factory turn out to be defective. It is without replacement, from the set E1, and let S1 denote
known that P (computer turns out to be defective given the set of these chosen elements. Let E 2 = E1 - S1 and
that it is produced in plant T1) = 10P (computer turns
F2 = F1 È S1 . Now two elements are chosen at random,
out to be defective given that it is produced in plant T2),
without replacement, from the set F2 and let S2 denote
where P(E) denotes the probability of an event E. A the set of these chosen elements.
computer produced in the factory is randomly selected
and it does not turn out to be defective. Then the Let G 2 = G1 È S2 . Finally, two elements are chosen at
probability that it is produced in plants T2 is (2016) random, without replacement from the set G2 and let S3
denote the set of these chosen elements.
36 47 Let E 3 = E 2 È S3 . Given that E1 = E3, let p be the
(a) (b)
73 79
conditional probability of the event S1 = 1, 2 . Then
78 75 the value of p is (2021)
(c) (d)
93 83
1 3
(a) (b)
12. Three randomly chosen nonnegative integers x, y and z 5 5
are found to satisfy the equation x + y + z = 10. Then the
probability that z is even, is (2017) 1 2
(c) (d)
2 5
1 36
(a) (b) Objective Questions II [One or more than one correct option]
2 55
15. Let E and F be two independent events. The probability

6 5 11
(c) (d) that exactly one of them occurs is and the probability
11 11 25

13. Let C 1 and C 2 be two biased coins such that the 2

of none of them occuring is . If P (T) denotes the
25
2
probabilities of getting head in a single toss are and probability of occurence of the event T, then (2011)
3
4 3 1 2
1 (a) P (E) = , P(F) = (b) P (E) = , P(F) =
, respectively. Suppose a is the number of heads that 5 5 5 5
3
appear when C1 is tossed twice, independently, and 2 1 3 4
(c) P (E) = , P(F) = (d) P (E) = , P(F) =
suppose b is the number of heads that appear when C2 5 5 5 5
is tossed twice, independently, Then probability that
1
2 16. Let X and Y be two events such that P(X) = ,
the roots of the quadratic polynomial x - αx + β are 3
real and equal, is (2020) 1 2
P(X | Y) = and P(Y | X) = . Then (2017)
2 5
40 20
(a) (b)
81 81 1
4
(a) P(Y) = (b) P(X' | Y) =
15 2
1 1
(c) (d)
2 4 2 1
(c) P(X È Y) = (d) P(X Ç Y) =
5 5
PROBABILITY 138

17. There are three bags B1, B2 and B3. The bag B1 contains 20. Let S be the sample space of all 3×3 matrices with entries
5 red and 5 green balls. B2 contains 3 red and 5 green from the set {0,1}. Let the events E1 and E2 is given by
balls and B3 contains 5 red and 3 green balls. Bags B1, E1 = { A Î S : det A = 0}
B 2 and B 3 have probabilities 3/10, 3/10 and 4/10
respectively of being chosen. A bag is selected at E2 = { A Î S : Sum of Entries of A is 7}
random and a ball is chosen at random from the bag. If a matrix is chosen at random from S, then the
Then which of the following options is/are correct ? conditional probability P(E1|E2) equals _____ (2019)
(2019) 21. Let |X| denote the number of elements in a set X. Let
(a) Probability that the chosen ball is green, given that S = {1,2,3,4,5,6} be a sample space, where each element
is equally likely to occur. If A and B are independent
3 events associated with S, then the number of ordered
the selected bag is B3 , equals pairs (A,B) such that 1 £ |B| < |A| equals (2019)
8
22. The probability that a missile hits a target successfully
(b) Probability that the selected bag is B3, given that
is 0.75. In order to destroy the target completely, at least
5 three successful hits are required. Then the minimum
the chosen ball is green, equals number of missiles that have to be fired so that the
13
probability of completely destroying the target is NOT
less than 0.95, is _____ . (2020)
39
(c) Probability that the chosen ball is green equals 23. Two fair dice, each with faces numbered 1,2,3,4,5 and 6,
80
are rolled together and the sum of the numbers on the
(d) Probability that the selected bag is B3, given that faces is observed. This process is repeated till the sum
is either a prime number or a perfect square. Suppose
3 the sum turns out to be a perfect square before it turns
the chosen ball is green, equals
10 out to be a prime number. If P is the probability that
this perfect square is an odd number, then the value
18. Let E, F and G be three events having probabilities of 14 P is (2020)
1 1 1 24. A number is chosen at random from the set {1, 2, 3......,
P E = ,P F = and P G = , and
8 6 4 2000}. Let be the probability that the chosen number is
a multiple of 3 or a multiple of 7. Then the value of 500p
1 is ______. (2021)
P E ÇFÇG = . For any event H, if Hc denotes its
10 Assertion & Reason
complement, then which of the following statements
is(are) TRUE? (2021) (A) If both assertion and reason are correct and reason is
the correct explanation of assertion.
1 (B) If both assertion and reason are true but reason is not
(a) P E Ç F Ç G c £
40 the correct explanation of assertion.
(C) If assertion is true but reason is false.
c 1
(b) P E Ç F Ç G £ (D) If assertion is false but reason is true.
15
25. Let H1, H2,......, Hn be mutually exclusive and exhaustive
13 events with P(Hi) > 0, i = 1, 2,...., n. Let E be any other
(c) P E È F È G £
24 event with 0 < P (E) < 1. (2007)
Assertion : P(Hi/E) > P (E/Hi) . P (Hi) for
c c c 5
(d) P E Ç F Ç G £ i = 1, 2, ....., n
12
n

Numerical Value Type Questions Reason : å P (H ) = 1

i
i =1

19. The minimum number of times a fair coin needs to be (a) A (b) B
tossed, so that the probability of getting at least two (c) C (d) D
heads is at least 0.96, is. (2015)
PROBABILITY 139

26. Consider the system of equations Passage – 2

ax + by = 0, cx + dy = 0, where a, b, c, d Î {0, 1}.
Using the following passage, solve Q.30 to Q.32
Assertion : The probability that the system of
equations has a unique solution,
A fair die is tossed repeatedly until a six is obtained. Let
is 3/8.
X denote the number of tosses required. (2009)
Reason : The probability that the system of
equations has a solution, is 1. (2008) 30. The probability that X = 3 equals

(a) A (b) B
25 25
(a) (b)
(c) C (d) D 216 36

Comprehension Type
5 125
(c) (d)
Passage – 1 36 216

Using the following passage, solve Q.27 to Q.29 31. The probability that X ³ 3 equals

There are n urns each containing n + 1 balls such that 125 25

(a) (b)
the ith urn contains i white balls and (n + 1 – i) red balls. 216 36
Let ui be the event of selecting ith urn, i = 1, 2, 3, ......, n
and w denotes the event of getting a white ball. 5 25
(c) (d)
(2006) 36 216

27. If P(ui) µ i where i = 1, 2, 3,....., n then Lim P( w ) is equal 32. The conditional probability that X ³ 6 given X > 3 equals
n ®¥

to 125 25
(a) (b)
(a) 1 (b) 2/3 216 216
(c) 3/4 (d) 1/4
28. If P(ui) = c, where c is a constant then P(un/w) is equal to 5 25
(c) (d)
36 36
2 1
(a) (b) Passage – 3
n +1 n +1

Using the following passage, solve Q.33 and Q.34

n 1
(c) (d)
n +1 2 Box 1 contains three cards bearing numbers 1,2,3 ; box 2
contains five cards bearing numbers 1,2,3,4,5 and box 3
29. If n is even and E denotes the event of choosing even contains seven cards bearing numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7. A
1ö card is drawn from each of the boxes. Let xi be the number
æ
numbered urn ç P(ui ) = ÷ , then the value of P(w/E), is on the card drawn from the ith box, i = 1,2,3. (2014)
è nø
33. The probability that x1 + x2 + x3 is odd, is

n+2 n+2 29 53
(a) (b) n + 1 (a) (b)
2n + 1 105 105

n 1 57 1
(c) (d) (c) (d)
n +1 n +1 105 2
PROBABILITY 140

34. The probability that x 1,x 2,x 3 are in an arithmetic Passage – 5

progression, is
Using the following passage, solve Q.37 and Q.38

9 10 Football teams T1 and T2 have to play two games against

(a) (b)
105 105 each other. It is assumed that the outcomes of the two
games are independent. The probabilities of T1 winning,
11 7 1 1 1
(c) (d) drawing and losing a game against T2 are , and ,
105 105 2 6 3
respectively. Each team gets 3 points for a win, 1point
Passage – 4 for a draw and 0 point for a loss in a game. Let X and Y
denote the total points scored by teams T 1 and T 2,
Using the following passage, solve Q.35 and Q.36 respectively, after two games. (2016)
37. P(X > Y) is
Let n1 and n2 be the number of red and black balls,
1 5
respectively, in box I. Let n3 and n4 be the number of red (a) (b)
4 12
and black balls, respectively, in box II. (2015)

35. One of the two boxes, box I and box II, was selected at 1 7
(c) (d)
2 12
random and a ball was drawn randomly out of this box.
The ball was found to be red. If the probability that this 38. P(X = Y) is

11 1
1 (a) (b)
red ball was drawn from box II is , then the correct 36 3
3

option(s) with the possible values of n1, n2, n3 and n4 is 13 1

(c) (d)
36 2
(are).

(a) n1 = 3, n2 = 3, n3 = 5, n4 = 15 Passage – 6

(b) n1 = 3, n2 = 6, n3 = 10, n4 = 50
Using the following passage, solve Q.39 and Q.40
(c) n1 = 8, n2 = 6, n3 = 5, n4 = 20
There are five students S1, S2, S3, S4 and S5 in a music
(d) n1 = 6, n2 = 12, n3 = 5, n4 = 20 class and for them there are five seats R1, R2, R3, R4 and
36. A ball is drawn at random from box I and transferred to R5 arranged in a row, where initially the seat Ri is allotted
to the student Si, i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. But, on the examination
box II. If the probability of drawing a red ball from box I,
day, the five students are randomly allotted the five
seats. (2018)
1
after this transfer, is , then the correct option(s) with 39. The probability that, on the examination day, the student
3
S1 gets the previously allotted seat R1, and none of the
the possible values of n1 and n2 is(are) remaining students gets the seat previously allotted to
him/her is
(a) n1 = 4 and n2 = 6

(b) n1 = 2 and n2 = 3 3 1
(a) (b)
40 8
(c) n1 = 10 and n2 = 20

(d) n1 = 3 and n2 = 6 7 1
(c) (d)
40 5
PROBABILITY 141

40. For i = 1, 2, 3, 4, let Ti denote the event that the students 44. A and B are two independent events. The probability
Si and Si+1 do not sit adjacent to each other on the day of that both occur simultaneously is 1/6 and the probability
the examination. Then, the probability of the event that neither occurs is 1/3. Find the probabilities of
T1 Ç T2 Ç T3 Ç T4 is occurance of the events A and B separately. (2000)

45. Two cards are drawn at random from a pack of playing

1 1
(a) (b) cards. Find the probability that one card is a heart and
15 10
the other is an ace. (2001)

7 1 46. (a) An urn contains 'm' white and 'n' black balls. A ball is
(c) (d)
60 5 drawn at random and is put back into the urn along with
K additional balls of the same colour as that of the ball
Passage – 7 drawn. A ball is again drawn at random. What is the
probability that the ball drawn now is white.
Using the following passage, solve Q.41 and Q.42
(b) An unbiased die, with faces numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 is
41. Three numbers are chosen at random, one after another thrown n times and the list of n numbers showing up is
with replacement, from the set S = 1, 2,3,...,100 . Let noted. What is the probability that among the numbers
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, only three numbers appear in the list.
p 1 be the probability that the maximum of chosen
numbers is at least 81 and p2 be the probability that the (2001)
minimum of chosen numbers is at most 40. 47. A box contains N coins, m of which are fair and the rest
are biased. The probability of getting a head when a fair
625
The value of p1 is ___. (2021) coin is tossed is 1/2, while it is 2/3 when a biased coin is
4
tossed. A coin is drawn from the box at random and is
42. Three numbers are chosen at random, one after another
tossed twice. The first time it shows head and the second
with replacement, from the set S = 1, 2,3,...,100 . Let time it shows tail. What is the probability that the coin

p 1 be the probability that the maximum of chosen drawn is fair? (2002)

numbers is at least 81 and p2 be the probability that the 48. (a) A person takes three tests in succession. The probability
minimum of chosen numbers is at most 40. of his passing the first test is p, that of his passing each
successive test is p or p/2 according as he passes or
125
The value of p 2 is ____. (2021) fails in the preceding one. He gets selected provided he
4
passes at least two tests. Determine the probability that
Text the person is selected.

(b) In a combat, A targets B, and both B and C target A.

43. A coin has probability ' p ' of showing head when tossed.
It is tossed 'n' times. Let pn denote the probability that The probabilities of A, B, C hitting their targets are

no two (or more) consecutive heads occur. Prove that, 2/3 , 1/2 and 1/3 respectively. They shoot simultaneously
and A is hit. Find the probability that B hits his target
p1 = 1 , p2 = 1 - p2 & pn = (1 - p) pn - 1 + p (1 - p) pn - 2 , for
all n ³ 3. (2000) whereas C does not. (2003)
PROBABILITY 142

49. (a) If A and B are independent events, prove that 50. A person goes to office either by car, scooter, bus or

P (A È B) · P (A' Ç B') £ P (C), where C is an event 1 3 2 1

train probability of which being , , and
defined that exactly one of A or B occurs. 7 7 7 7

(b) A bag contains 12 red balls and 6 white balls. Six balls respectively. Probability that he reaches office late, if he

are drawn one by one without replacement of which 2 1 4 1

takes car, scooter, bus or train is , , and
atleast 4 balls are white. Find the probability that in the 9 9 9 9
next two draws exactly one white ball is drawn (leave the respectively. Given that he reached office in time, then
answer in terms of nCr). (2004) what is the probability that he travelled by a car.
(2005)

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PROBABILITY

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 Answer Key
CHAPTER -8 VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
EXERCISE - 1 :
BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

DIRECTION TO USE -
Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions.

1. (c) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (c) 77. (3) 78. (6) 79. (c) 80. (b)
5. (b) 6. (a) 7. (b) 8. (c) 81. (c) 82. (c) 83. (d) 84. (c)
9. (b) 10. (c) 11. (d) 12. (a) 85. (b) 86. (a) 87. (b) 88. (b)
13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (a) 16. (a) 89. (a) 90. (a) 91. (d) 92. (a)
17. (c) 18. (b) 19. (b) 20. (b) 93. (a) 94. (d) 95. (b) 96. (c)
21. (d) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (b) 97. (a) 98. (c) 99. (a) 100. (b)
25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (a) 28. (a) 101. (d) 102. (a) 103. (a) 104. (d)
29. (a) 30. (b) 31. (d) 32. (a) 105. (a) 106. (b) 107. (b) 108. (d)
33. (d) 34. (b) 35. (c) 36. (b) 109. (a) 110. (d) 111. (a) 112. (a)
37. (d) 38. (a) 39. (b) 40. (c) 113. (c) 114. (d) 115. (b) 116. (d)
41. (c) 42. (d) 43. (a) 44. (a) 117. (b) 118. (a) 119. (b) 120. (d)
45. (d) 46. (b) 47. (a) 48. (b) 121. (c) 122. (c) 123. (d) 124. (c)
49. (d) 50. (b) 51. (c) 52. (a) 125. (a) 126. (d) 127. (d) 128. (b)
53. (c) 54. (c) 55. (4) 56. (46) 129. (d) 130. (c) 131. (c) 132. (c)
57. (17) 58. (2) 59. (2) 60. (5) 133. (b) 134. (1) 135. (2)
61. (1) 62. (3) 63. (2) 64. (0)
65. (7) 66. (2) 67. (17) 68. (0)
69. (2) 70. (50) 71. (70) 72. (3)
73. (2) 74. (14) 75. (3) 76. (3)
ANSWER KEY 144

CHAPTER -8 VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

EXERCISE - 2 :
PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAIN QUESTIONS

DIRECTION TO USE -
Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions.

1. (a) 2. (c) 3. (d) 4. (b) 97. (c) 98. (c) 99. (a) 100. (b)
101. (d) 102. (d) 103. (d) 104. (c)
5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (b)
105. (c) 106. (a) 107. (d) 108. (b)
9. (a) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (a) 109. (a) 110. (d) 111. (c) 112. (d)
13. (d) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (a) 113. (a) 114. (b) 115. (b) 116. (b)
17. (2) 18. (0.8) 19. (a) 20. (a) 117. (a) 118. (b) 119. (c) 120. (c)
121. (c) 122. (a) 123. (c) 124. (5)
21. (18) 22. (b) 23. (6) 24. (4)
125. (3) 126. (d) 127. (a) 128. (a)
25. (1) 26. (BONUS) 27. (c) 28. (4) 129. (c) 130. (b) 131. (b) 132. (d)
29. (c) 30. (c) 31. (1) 32. (81) 133. (a) 134. (3) 135. (81) 136. (6)
137. (a) 138. (a) 139. (d) 140. (b)
33. (30) 34. (d) 35. (4) 36. (6)
141. (3) 142. (c) 143. (7) 144. (b)
37. (a) 38. (b) 39. (3) 40. (d)
145. (c) 146. (1) 147. (a) 148. (b)
41. (2) 42. (b) 43. (9) 44. (b)
149. (96) 150. (d) 151. (d) 152. (d)
45. (b) 46. (a) 47. (c) 48. (60)
153. (d) 154. (26) 155. (d) 156. (d)
49. (1494) 50. (5) 51. (90) 52. (a)
157. (72) 158. (d) 159. (61) 160. (c)
53. (a) 54. (d) 55. (b) 56. (28)
161. (d) 162. (7) 163. (c) 164. (a)
57. (d) 58. (b) 59. (b) 60. (486)
165. (2) 166. (d) 167. (a) 168. (a)
61. (a) 62. (b) 63. (d) 64. (75)
169. (0) 170. (d) 171. (4) 172. (2)
65. (2) 66. (12) 67. (c) 68. (d)
173. (1) 174. (38) 175. (4) 176. (28)
69. (b) 70. (d) 71. (c) 72. (a)
177. (a) 178. (a) 179. (1) 180. (d)
73. (c) 74. (a) 75. (d) 76. (b)
181. (d) 182. (d) 183. (44) 184. (a)
77. (c) 78. (d) 79. (c) 80. (a)
185. (a) 186. (c) 187. (b) 188. (a)
81. (c) 82. (d) 83. (a) 84. (c)
189. (c) 190. (8)
85. (a) 86. (b) 87. (a) 88. (c)
89. (a) 90. (d) 91. (a) 92. (c)
93. (d) 94. (d) 95. (d) 96. (d)
ANSWER KEY 145

CHAPTER -8 VECTORS & 3-DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

EXERCISE - 3 : EXERCISE - 4 :
ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

DIRECTION TO USE - DIRECTION TO USE -

Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions. Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions.

1. (c) 2. (a) 3. (a) 4. (a) 1. (b) 2. (a) 3. (b) 4. (c)

5. (a) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (b) 5. (b) 6. (c) 7. (c) 8. (b)
9. (a) 10. (b) 11. (a) 12. (c)
9. (b) 10. (a) 11. (a) 12. (c)
13. (a) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (c)
13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (c)
17. (d) 18. (c) 19. (c) 20. (a)
17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (c) 20. (a)
21. (b,d) 22. (a, d) 23. (b, d) 24. (a,b,c)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (a) 24. (c) 25. (a,c,d) 26. (b,c) 27. (a,b) 28. (a,c)
25. (d) 26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (d) 29. (a,b,c) 30. (5) 31. (9) 32. (3)
29. (b) 30. (b) 31. (a) 32. (c) 33. (4) 34. (3) 35. (8) 36. (18.00)
33. (c) 34. (a,d) 35. (a,c,d) 36. (a,c) 37. (108) 38. (1.50) 39. (7) 40. (c)

37. (a,b,c) 38. (a,c,d) 39. (a, b) 40. (a,b,c) 9 1

41. (c) 43. cu unit 45. 46. (a)
41. (a,b) 42. (a,c) 43. (c,d) 44. (a,c,d) 2 2
45. (50) 46. (9) 47. (b) 48. (d) 47. (c) 48. (a) 49. (c) 50. (b)
49. (d) 50. (a) 51. (a) 52. (a) 51. (a) 52. (d) 53. (c) 54. (a)
55. (a) 56. (a) 57. (a) 58. (c)
53. (c) 54. (b) 55. (a) 56. (c)
59. (d) 60. (c) 61. (c) 62. (b, c)
57. (b) 58. (b) 59. (a) 60. (a) 63. (a,d) 64. (b,d) 65. (a,b) 66. (b,c,d)
61. (d) 62. (d) 63. (d) 64. (c) 67. (c,d) 68. (a,b,c) 69. (a, d) 70. (a,b,c)
65. (c) 66. (b) 67. (b) 68. (a) 71. (5) 72. (0.75) 73. (d) 74. (d)
75. (a) 76. (a) 77. (a)
69. (1710) 70. (13) 71. (1) 72. (7)
78. (b) 79. (d) 80. (c)
73. (b) 74. (b) 75. (d) 76. (a) r r r
77. (d) 78. (b) 79. (c) 80. (b) 81. v1 = 2$i, v 2 = -$i + j and v3 = 3$i - 2 j ± 4 k

82. (a) x + y - 2 z = 3, (b) Q(6, 5,-2)

84. 2 x - y + z - 3 = 0 and 62 x + 29 y + 19 z - 105 = 0

85. w = v$ - 2 a.v$ a
 Answer Key
CHAPTER -9 PROBABILITY
EXERCISE - 1 : EXERCISE - 2 :
BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAIN QUESTIONS

DIRECTION TO USE - DIRECTION TO USE -

Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions. Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions.

1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (b) 4. (a) 1. (b) 2. (c) 3. (b) 4. (a)

5. (c) 6. (b) 7. (d) 8. (a) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (a)
9. (a) 10. (d) 11. (a) 12. (a) 9. (c) 10. (b) 11. (b) 12. (c)
13. (a) 14. (d) 15. (a) 16. (b) 13. (c) 14. (d) 15. (d) 16. (a)
17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (b) 20. (b) 17. (137) 18. (c) 19. (c) 20. (d)
21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (b) 24. (a) 21. (d) 22. (c) 23. (c) 24. (c)
25. (a) 26. (d) 27. (c) 28. (a) 25. (b) 26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (a)
29. (b) 30. (c) 31. (d) 32. (b) 29. (b) 30. (c) 31. (d) 32. (c)
33. (b) 34. (b) 35. (b) 36. (b) 33. (3) 34. (c) 35. (11) 36. (11)
37. (a) 38. (d) 39. (d) 40. (c) 37. (b) 38. (b) 39. (a) 40. (d)
41. (a) 42. (c) 43. (c) 44. (a) 41. (b) 42. (a) 43. (d) 44. (b)
45. (b) 46. (a) 47. (b) 48. (a) 45. (b) 46. (d) 47. (c) 48. (a)
49. (c) 50. (d) 51. (b) 52. (b) 49. (c) 50. (a) 51. (d) 52. (d)
53. (b) 54. (a) 55. (c) 56. (c) 53. (4) 54. (a) 55. (c) 56. (d)
57. (d) 58. (b) 59. (a) 60. (a) 57. (b) 58. (28) 59. (d) 60. (30)
61. (d) 62. (a) 63. (b) 64. (c)
65. (6) 66. (c) 67. (c) 68. (d)
69. (6) 70. (a) 71. (d) 72. (a)
73. (d) 74. (d) 75. (a)
ANSWER KEY 147
CHAPTER -9 PROBABILITY

EXERCISE - 3 : EXERCISE - 4 :
ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

DIRECTION TO USE - DIRECTION TO USE -

Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions. Scan the QR code and check detailed solutions.

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (c) 1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (b)

5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (a) 8. (a) 5. (c) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (c)
9. (d) 10. (c) 11. (b) 12. (c) 9. (c) 10. (a) 11. (c) 12. (c)
13. (a) 14. (a) 15. (b) 16. (d) 13. (b) 14. (a) 15. (a,d) 16. (a,b)
17. (b) 18. (c) 19. (d) 20. (c) 17. (a,c) 18. (a,b,c) 19. (8) 20. (0.50)
21. (b) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (d) 21. (422) 22. (6) 23. (8) 24. (214)
25. (d) 26. (d) 27. (b) 28. (b) 25. (d) 26. (b) 27. (b) 28. (a)
29. (b) 30. (c) 31. (b) 32. (c) 29. (b) 30. (a) 31. (b) 32. (d)
33. (b) 34. (c) 35. (a,b) 36. (c,d)
33. (a) 34. (d) 35. (a,b,c,d) 36. (a,c,d)
37. (b) 38. (c) 39. (a) 40. (c)
37. (c,d) 38. (b,c,d) 39. (a,d) 40. (a,b)
1 1 1 1
41. (a,b,c,d) 42. (a,b,c) 43. (a,b,c) 44. (8) 41. (76.25) 42. (24.50) 44. & or &
2 3 3 2
45. (5) 46. (30) 47. (c) 48. (b)
49. (a) 50. (a) 51. (b) 52. (a) 1 m 6
C3 (3n - 3.2n – 3)
45. 46. (a) (b)
53. (c) 54. (c) 55. (b) 56. (d) 26 m+n 6n
57. (d) 58. (b) 59. (c) 60. (d)
9m
47. 48. (a) p2 (2–p) (b)1/2
24 1 1 5 m + 8N
61. 62. (a) (b) 63.
29 132 462 21
12
C2 6 C4 10
C1 2 C1 + 12C1 6C5 11
C1 1C1
1 1 49.
64. 65. 12
C2 12
C2 6C4 +12 C1 6C5 +12 C0 6 C6
9 4

1
50.
7
MASTER INDEX
VOLUME 1:
Determinants & Matrices
Relations , Functions & Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Continuity, Differentiability & Differentiation
Applications of Derivatives

VOLUME 2:
Indefinite Integration
Definite Integration, Area under curves
Differential Equations

VOLUME 3:
Vectors & 3-Dimensional Geometry
Probability
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