Edexcel GCSE Maths - Vectors (H) PhysicsAndMathsTutor.

com

1.

5
P
4

O
–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 1 2 3 4 5 6 x
–1

–2

–3

–4

–5

–6

(a) Rotate triangle P 90° clockwise about the point (0, 2)

Label the new triangle Q.
(2)

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 5
(b) Translate triangle P by the vector  
 − 6

Label the new triangle R.

(1)
(Total 3 marks)

2.

–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 O 1 2 3 4 5 6 x

–1

–2

Translate the triangle by the vector

 4 
 
 − 3
(Total 1 mark)

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3.

A B
Diagram NOT
X accurately drawn
6a 6b

F O C

E D

The diagram shows a regular hexagon ABCDEF with centre O.

OA = 6a OB = 6b

(a) Express in terms of a and/or b

(i) AB ,

.....................................

(ii) EF .

.....................................
(2)

X is the midpoint of BC.

(b) Express EX in terms of a and/or b

.....................................
(2)

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Y is the point on AB extended, such that AB : BY = 3:2

(c) Prove that E, X and Y lie on the same straight line.

(3)
(Total 7 marks)

4.

Q
Diagram NOT
T accurately drawn

O P
a

OPQ is a triangle.
T is the point on PQ for which PT : TQ = 2 : 1.
OP = a and OQ = b.

(a) Write down, in terms of a and b, an expression for PQ .

PQ = ……………………
(1)

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(b) Express OT in terms of a and b.

Give your answer in its simplest form.

OT = ……………………
(2)
(Total 3 marks)

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5.

A B

Diagram NOT
6a accurately drawn
P

O 6c C

OABC is a parallelogram.

2
P is the point on AC such that AP = AC.
3

OA = 6a. OC = 6c.

(a) Find the vector OP .

Give your answer in terms of a and c.

..............................
(3)

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The midpoint of CB is M.

(b) Prove that OPM is a straight line.

(2)
(Total 5 marks)

6.
P
Diagram NOT
accurately drawn
p
R S

O q Q

OPQ is a triangle.
R is the midpoint of OP.
S is the midpoint of PQ.
OP = p and OQ = q

(i) Find OS in terms of p and q.

OS = ..........................

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(ii) Show that RS is parallel to OQ.

(Total 5 marks)

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7.

OPQR is a trapezium with PQ parallel to OR.

OP = 2b PQ = 2a OR = 6a

M is the midpoint of PQ and N is the midpoint of OR.

(a) Find the vector MN in terms of a and b.

MN = ...................................
(2)

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X is the midpoint of MN and Y is the midpoint of QR.

(b) Prove that XY is parallel to OR.

(2)
(Total 4 marks)

8. ABCD is a straight line.

A B C D

Diagram NOT
accurately drawn
b
a

O is a point so that OA = a and OB = b .

B is the midpoint of AC.

C is the midpoint of AD.

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Express, in terms of a and b, the vectors

(i) AC

.....................................

(ii) OD

.....................................
(Total 3 marks)

9. Diagram NOT accurately drawn

×Q

× P

O x

The diagram is a sketch.

P is the point (2, 3)

Q is the point (6, 6)

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→
(a) Write down the vector PQ

 x
Write your answer as a column vector  
 y

 
 
 
 
.......................
(2)

PQRS is a parallelogram.

→  4
PR =  
7

→
(b) Find the vector QS

 x
Write your answer as a column vector  
 y

 
 
 
 
.......................
(2)
(Total 4 marks)

10. Diagram NOT accurately drawn

A p B

D C

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ABCD is a parallelogram.
AB is parallel to DC.
AD is parallel to BC.

→
AB = p
→
AD = q

(a) Express, in terms of p and q

→
(i) AC

(i).....................................

→
(ii) BD

(ii).....................................
(2)

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

A p B

q T

D C

AC and BD are diagonals of parallelogram ABCD.

AC and BD intersect at T.

(b) Express AT in terms of p and q.

.....................................
(1)
(Total 3 marks)

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11.

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

OAB is a triangle.
B is the midpoint of OR.
Q is the midpoint of AB.

OP = 2a PA = a OB = b

(a) Find, in terms of a and b, the vectors

(i) AB ,

..........................................

(ii) PR ,

..........................................

(iii) PQ .

..........................................
(4)

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(b) Hence explain why PQR is a straight line.

(2)

The length of PQ is 3 cm.

(c) Find the length of PR.

.................................... cm
(1)
(Total 7 marks)

12.

Diagram NOT
accurately drawn

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ABCDEF is a regular hexagon.

AB = a BC = b AD = 2b

(a) Find the vector AC in terms of a and b.

AC = .....................................
(1)

AC = CX

(b) Prove that AB is parallel to DX.

(3)
(Total 4 marks)

13.

4p p
P M R

S Diagram NOT
accurately drawn

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PQRS is a kite.

The diagonals PR and QS intersect at M.

MP = 4p

QM = q

MR = p

QM =

(a) Find expressions, in terms of p and/or q for

(i) PR PR .....................................

(ii) QS QS .....................................

(iii) PQ PQ .....................................
(4)

SR and PQ are extended to meet at point T.

Q is the midpoint of PT.

4p M p
P R

Diagram NOT
accurately drawn

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(b) Find RT in terms of p and q.

RT .....................................
(4)
(Total 8 marks)

14.

A N B

a
M

O c C

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

OABC is a parallelogram.
M is the midpoint of CB.
N is the midpoint of AB.

OA = a
OC = c

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(a) Find, in terms of a and/or c, the vectors

(i) MB

.......................................................

(ii) MN

.......................................................
(2)

(b) Show that CA is parallel to MN.

(2)
(Total 4 marks)

15.

Y
4a+ 3b
O
2a+b
X

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

OX = 2a + b
OY = 4a + 3b

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(a) Express the vector XY in terms of a and b

Give your answer in its simplest form.

.....................................
(2)

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Y
4a+ 3b
O
2a+b
X

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

XYZ is a straight line.

XY : YZ = 2 : 3

(b) Express the vector OZ in terms of a and b

Give your answer in its simplest form.

.....................................
(3)
(Total 5 marks)

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16.

a
P

O B
b

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

OAB is a triangle.

OA = a

OB = b

(a) Find the vector AB in terms of a and b.

AB = ........................................
(1)

P is the point on AB such that AP : PB = 3 : 2

1
(b) Show that OP = (2a + 3b)
5

(3)
(Total 4 marks)

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17.

A X B

O c C

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

OABC is a trapezium.
OC is parallel to AB.
OA = a, OC = c
AB = 2OC.
X is the point on AB such that AX:XB = 3:1.

Express XC in terms of a and c.

XC = …………………………
(Total 3 marks)

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18.

P
b

The diagram shows two vectors a and b.

PQ = a + 2b

On the grid above draw the vector PQ .

(Total 2 marks)

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19. Diagram NOT

accurately drawn

R c S

Q P

PQRS is a trapezium.
is parallel to RS.
= 3RS.
QR = a , RS = c

Express in terms of a and/or c

(i)

= ..............................

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(ii) SP

SP = ..............................
(Total 3 marks)

20.

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

P
O

b
B

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OAB is a triangle.

OA = a OB = b

P is the point on AB such that AP : PB = 2 : 1

Write OP in terms of a and b

OP = .....................................
(Total 3 marks)

21.
y
Diagram NOT
Q accurately drawn

O x

The diagram is a sketch.

P is the point (2, 3)

Q is the point (6, 6)

Write down the vector PQ

x
Write your answer as a column vector  
 y

 
………   …………….
 
(Total 2 marks)

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1. (a) Triangle at (0, 6) (3, 6) and (3, 4) 2

B2 for correct rotation
(B1 for 90° clockwise rotation about any centre or
90°anticlockwise rotation about (0, 2))

(b) Triangle (3, –1), (1, –1) and (1, –4) 1

B1 for correct translation
[3]

2. (5, 1), (5, -1), (6, -1) 1

B1 cao
[1]

3. (a) (i) 6b − 6a 2
B1 for 6b − 6a oe
(ii) 6a
B1 for 6a oe

(b) 12b – 3a 2

EX = EB + BX = 12b + ½ BC
M1 for EX = EB + BX oe vector journey in a form ready for
straightforward substitution
A1 for 12b – 3a oe

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(c) Printer Answer 3

→ → → →
AY = 53 AB or AY = 53 AB
→ →
EY = 16b − 4a or XY = 4b − a
→ → → → → 4 →
EY = 4 XY or EX = 3 XY or EY = XY
3
→ 5 → → 2 →
B1 for either AY = AB or BY = AB oe
3 3
→ →
B1 ft for either EY = 16 b – 4 a or XY = 4 b – a
ft only on parts (a) and (b)
→ → → → → 4 →
B1 for either EY = 4 XY or EX = 3 XY or EY = EX
3
oe plus conclusion of E, X, Y on the same straight line
[7]

4. (a) b–a 1
B1 for b – a cao

1 2
(b) 3a+ 3b 2

→
OT 2 →
Eg = a + 3 PQ
→
1 →
or OT = b − 3 PQ oe
→
2 →
M1 for OT = a + 3 PQ oe
1 2
A1 for 3 a + 3 b oe simplified
[3]

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5. (a) 2a + 4c 3

OP = OA + AP
2
= OA + (6c – 6a)
3
= 6a + 4c – 4a
M1 for OP = OA + AP or any correct vector journey
involving OP
2 1
M1 for AP = (6c – 6a) oe or CP = (– 6c + 6a) oe or
3 3
reverse vectors
A1 for 2a + 4c oe (accept unsimplified)

(b) OM = 1.5OP so OPM is a straight line 2

Eg OM = OC + CM = 6c + 3a
OM = 1.5OP
1
B1 for OM = 6c + (6a) or PM = 2c + a unsimplified or
2
reverse vectors
B1 for a fully correct proof.
[5]

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6. (i) ½ (p + q) 3

PS = ½ (q – p)
OS = p + ½ (q – p)
M1 for realising that OS = OP + PS
or OS = OQ + QS
or OS = OR + RS
1
M1 for PS = (q – p)
2
1
or QS = (p – q)
2
1
A1 for (p + q) or unsimplified correct answer
2

(ii) RS = RP + PS
RS = ½ p + ½(q – p)
RS = ½ q
OQ = q
Therefore RS is parallel to OQ 2
B1 for RS = ½ q
B1(dep) for RS parallel to OQ
or compares q and ½ q
[5]

7. (a) 2a − 2b 2

(OM = ) a + 2b (ON =) 3a or 62 a
( MN = ) −a –2b + 3a
B2
(B1 for either OM or ON or −a − 2b + 3a
SC: B1 for 2b −2a

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(b) XY = 2a
(hence parallel) 2

(OX = ) 2a + b (OY = ) b + 4a
(½ QR =) 2a − b or (½ RQ =) b − 2a
B1 for either OX or OY or (½ QR )
B1 for XY = 2a or YX YX = − 2a
[4]

8. (i) 2(b – a) 3
B1 for 2(b – a) oe

(ii) OD = OA + 4AB = a + 4(b – a)

4b – 3a
M1 for OA + 4AB or OA + 2 ‘AC’ oe
A1 cao for 4b – 3a
[3]

 4
9. (a)   2
 3
4
M1 subtraction of coordinates or position vectors or   or
y
 
 x
  , where x and y are integers
3
A1 cao
− 4 3
SC: B1 for   or  
−
 3 4

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(b) R = (6, 10), S = (2, 7) 2

→  2  6
QS =   –  
 7  6
 − 4
 
 1 
− 4
B2 for  
 1 
− 4  x
B1 for   or   , where x and y are integers
 y   1
[4]

10. (a) (i) p+q 2

B1 cao p + q

(ii) q–p
B1 q – p oe

1
(b) (p + q) 1
2
1
B1 (p + q) oe
2
[3]

11. (a) (i) –3a + b 4

B1 for –3a + b accept –2a – a + b oe
B1 for –2a + 2b accept –2a + b + b oe

(ii) –2a + 2b

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      
(iii) PQ = PA + 1 2 AB or PQ = PO + OB + 1 2 BA
= a + ½(–3a + b) = –2a + b + ½(3a – b)
1 1
= − a+ b
2 2
  
M1 for ( ( PQ =) PA + 1 2 " AB" or
 
( PQ =) PQ + OB ± 1 2 " AB"
1 1 b − 3a
A1 for − a + b , accept a + oe
2 2 2

(b) PR = 4 PQ so PR is ‘parallel’ to PQ so PQR is a straight line 2

M1 for PR = 4PQ oe or comparing 2(–a + b) with ½(–a + b)
A1 for a fully correct proof

(c) 12 1
B1 cao
[7]

12. (a) a+b 1

B1 a + b oe
(b) ED = a
DX = −2b + 2 AC = 2a
(So, DX = 2ED)
= 2a 3
M1 for (DX =) DA + AX
A1 for (DX =) −2b + 2 (“a + b”)
A1 2a from fully correct proof
[4]

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13. (a) (i) 5p 4

 5p   0 
B1 for 5p or   or  
 0   5p 

(ii) 2q
 0   2q 
B1 for 2q or   or  
 2q   0 

(iii) 4p – q
 4p   – q 
B2 for 4p – q or   or  
 – q   4p 
(B1 for 4p + q or – 4p – q or PM + MQ or PM – QM)

(b) → → →
RT = RP + PT 4
3p – 2q
→
= –5p + 2 (PQ)
= –5p + 2(4p – q)
= –5p + 8p – 2q
B1 for PT = 2PQ or PQ = QT seen or implied
M1 for a valid vector journey, e.g.
RP + PT or RM + MQ + QT seen or implied
M1 for – 5p + 2 × ‘4p – q’ or –p – q + ‘4p – q’
A1 for – 5p + 2 × 4p – q or –p – q+4p – q or better

[8]

1
14. (a) (i) a 2
2
1
B1 for a oe
2

1 1
(ii) a− c
2 2
1 1
B1 for a − c oe
2 2

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(b) CA = a – c
1
MN = (a – c)
2
1
MN = CA 2
2
B1 for ( CA ) a – c or CB + BA oe
B1 (dep) for correct proof, e.g. ‘ CA = 2 MN ’ or ‘ CA is a
multiple of MN ’
(NB: condone absence/misuse of vector notation)
[4]

15. (a) 4a + 3b – (2a + b)

2a + 2b 2
M1 ( OX + XY = OY ) or 4a + 3b – (2a + b) oe or an intention
to do XO + OY eg. –2a + b + 4a + 3b
A1 cao

(b) YZ = 3a + 3b or XZ = 5a + 5b
OZ = OX + XZ = 2a + b + 5a + 5b
7a + 6b 3
M1 for OZ = OX + XZ oe or OZ = OY + YZ oe (may be given
in terms of a and b)
3
M1 (indep) for (YZ =) (“2a + 2b”)(= 3a + 3b) or
2
→ 5
( XZ =) (“2a + 2b”) (= 5a + 5b)
2
A1 cao
SC : B2 for 7a + 9b or 7a + 11b
[5]

16. (a) b–a 1

B1 for b – a or – a + b oe

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(b) OP = OA + AP
3
OP = a + (b − a)
5
1
OP = (2a + 3b)
5
proof 3
M1 for OP = OA + AP oe or OP = OB + BP oe
3 2
M1 for AP = × “(b – a)” oe or BP = × “(a – b)” oe
5 5
3 2
A1 for a + × (b – a) oe or b + × (a – b) oe leading to
5 5
given answer with correct expansion of brackets seen
[4]

3
17. − c – a + c oe 3
2
AB = 2c
3  3 
XA = 2 c  = c 
4  2 
XC = XA + AO + OC
−3
XC = c−a+c
2
3 3 1 1
B1 for (2c) or − (2c) or (2c) or − (2c) or better
4 4 4 4
M1 for ( XC ) = XA + AO + OC or XB + BC with BA +
AO + OC
3
A1 for − c − a + c oe
2
[3]

8 
18. A vector of   drawn on the grid 2
 2
M1 for a + 2b drawn
A1 for correct vector PQ drawn
[2]

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19. (i) 3c 1
B1 cao

(ii) SR + RQ + QP
= –c – a + 3c
2c – a oe 2
M1 for SR + RQ + QP
A1 for 2c – a oe
[3]

20. OP = OA + AP
AB = b – a
2
AP = (b –a)
3
2 1
b+ a 3
3 3
M1 for correct vector equation for OP
M1 for AB = b – a
2
A1 for a + (b – a) oe
3
[3]

 4
21.   2
 3
4
M1 subtraction of coordinates or position vectors or   or
 y
 x
  where x and y are intergers
3
A1 cao
− 4 3
SC:B1 for   or  
 − 3 4
[2]

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1. The vast majority of candidates were able to gain some credit for the rotation. A significant
number of candidates, however, did not use the correct centre and so failed to gain full credit. A
minority of candidates used the correct centre but rotated anticlockwise rather than clockwise.
Success with the translation was very varied; approximately 60% of candidates were able to
carry this out correctly.

2. This question was answered correctly by the majority of candidates. A common error was to
translate the shape by a vector of rather than as specified in the question.

3. Many candidates gained credit for a correct vector in part (a) but a common error with the
below average candidate was to assume that since all the sides of the hexagon were of equal
length, each side could be represented by the same vector. Those candidates who wrote down a
relevant vector journey normally gained credit in part (b). Part (c) was generally only completed
correctly by the A* candidates although many other candidates gained some credit for correctly
writing, for example, vector BY in terms of a and b.

4. Part (a) normally proved to be straightforward for those candidates who displayed any
knowledge of vectors. In part (b) many of these candidates correctly dealt with the ratio of the
1 1
two lengths but in some cases used b + (–a + b) for the vector OT rather than b – (–a + b).
3 3
Those who used the ‘journey’ O → P → T for the vector OT were generally more successful,
although a significant number of candidates failed to simplify their answer.

5. Candidates’ responses to this vector question were mixed with some not making any attempt (or
just stating that vectors was a topic that they ‘never did’). For those who made a realistic
attempt there were many sign errors in part (b). Those candidates who started by writing down a
basic ‘vector journey’, for example “OP = OA + AP” then “=6a + 2/3AC” gained more credit
than those who normally just wrote down an answer. In part (b) many grade A and above
candidates correctly found vector OM in terms of a and b but only the better candidates could
finish off the proof convincingly.

6. Few candidates understood the concepts of working out the vectors required for this question.
They took scant notice of the direction of the vectors arrows and their length. Only about 40%
of candidates scored any marks at all and only 15% of candidates showed a fully correct
solution.

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7. Virtually all the candidates used the ‘nose to tail’ method for working out these vectors, and
there were some very encouraging attempts.
In part (a), many of those candidates working at grades A and A* were able to achieve full
marks, and some lower grade candidates managed to score a mark for identifying the vector 3a.
Although few of the candidates were able to achieve full marks in part (b), there were many
1
correct methods that involved QR .
2

8. Many candidates gained at least one mark for this question. Part (i) was generally done well
with adequate use of notation. In part (ii), many knew that the vector journey involved 2 AC
(oe) but some forgot to add a (oe). Candidates should be encouraged to write down vector
journeys (e.g. OD = OA + 4 AB ) before substitution of vectors (e.g. OD = a + 4(b – a ) )

9. Part (a) was done correctly by about three-quarters of the candidates.

Common errors were to add or multiply the vectors.
Locating the parallelogram was a problem for many in part (b). Most of the successful attempts
at this question involved finding the vector by considering displacements in the diagram.
Correct horizontal displacements were seen more often than correct vertical displacements.

10. This was a straightforward vector question. Competent candidates had little difficulty in getting
full marks for the question. Other candidates tried to give answers as column vectors or gave an
1
incorrect combination of signs, for example (p – q) for part (b).
2

11. Only the best candidates were able to make much progress with this question. In part (a),
candidates were often able to give a correct answer for (i) and (ii), but (iii) was found to be a
b − 3a
more challenging. A common error here was a – . In part (b), explanations for why PQR
2
is a straight line were often incomplete. Either the common point was not identified when the
vectors were shown to be parallel, or the lines were not shown to be parallel when the common
point was identified. Some candidates stated that the lines were multiples of each other without
supporting evidence in either the correct work in part (a), or in explicitly comparing the vectors
1
2(b – a) and (b – a).
2
A common incorrect answer in part (c) was 9.

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12. Part (a) was done well by many candidates. The most common incorrect answers were ab, a – b,
a² + b², 2b – a, (a + b)/2, AB + BC
Few candidates were able to achieve full marks in part (b). Common incorrect answer involved:
• assuming CD was either a or b
• stating that DX = 2a without supporting evidence
• using geometry of hexagons, isosceles triangles and parallelograms, but making
unsupported assumptions such as “EDX is a straight line” and “ADX is an isosceles
triangle”.

13. Most candidates were able to score some marks in part (a), usually for (i) and (ii). Some left
their final answer in an unsimplified form, i.e. 4p + p and q + q, but were not penalised. A
common misunderstanding in (iii) was to find the length of PQ as 4 p 2 + q 2 (common) or 4p2
+ q2.
Only the best candidates were able to make much progress in part (b). Candidates should be
encouraged to write down their vector journey before substituting in term of p and q. A
significant number of candidates were confused about the relationship between the direction of
the vector and its sign. It was not uncommon to see RT expressed as p + q + (4p − q) or as p +
4p + 2(4p – q). Many candidates were able to gain a mark for showing PQ = QT. A common
misconception was to use RT = QT.

14. The use of vector notation in this question was generally poor. In part (a)(i), about half the
1
candidates were able to score 1 mark for a. A common incorrect answer in part (a)(ii) was
2
1 1
a + c. In part (b), about a quarter of the candidates were able to write down a correct vector
2 2
for CA and show that CA is parallel to MN. Common correct answers here were and
1
CA = 2 MN and MN = (a – c).
2

15. Over 70% of candidates failed to gain any marks for this question. Fully correct solutions were
seen from only 5% of candidates. Of those who made some attempt, most added the vectors,
and those who attempted subtraction often did 4a + 3b – 2a + b omitting the brackets, they
gained the method mark but not the accuracy mark. In part (b) most just ignored the 3/2 and just
added or subtracted the vectors given.
It was rare to see a vector equation written down. A few realised the significance of XZ:YZ = 3
: 2 but applied it to OY or OX.

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16. Specification A
Part (a) was correctly answered by about half the candidates, but incorrect responses included
(ab)/2, a + b, a – b, and p. It appeared that candidates were confused by part b, and it was
noticeable that a lot of those who correctly responded to part (a) did not even attempt part (b).
There were some very neat logical arguments but on the whole the responses were messy with
lots of crossing out and arrows directing you to the next line of their answer. Of those who
gained some credit the most common mistake was using PB instead of BP, (there was little
appreciation that the opposite direction results in a negative vector), followed by those who
missed out brackets and hence only multiplied part of the vector. Some candidates tried to draw
a scale drawing as the proof. A few candidates tried to give a justification in words.

Specification B
Some candidates where able to write down a correct expression for the vector AB in terms of a
and b. Part (b) proved to be a challenge, even for those who scored in part (a). The key ideas
3
were to understand that OP = OA + AP by the triangle law and that AP = AB . Those that did
5
usually were able to expand the brackets correctly and achieve the correct given answer.

17. It was clear that some candidates had not covered this topic. Pythagoras’ theorem was often
incorrectly used. Those who made a realistic attempt generally dealt correctly with the given
ratio but had problems with the required ‘vector journey’. A common wrong approach assumed
that the vector BC was a. Candidates should be encouraged to initially write the vector journey
in terms of the points given in the diagram e.g. XC = XA + XO + OC before further
substitution.

18. The majority of candidates were able to gain some credit on this question. Candidates should be
reminded that vectors need to show direction.

19. About 70% of candidates were able to answer part (i) correctly. In part (ii) few candidates
showed any method. Candidates should be advised to start this type of question by writing down
an appropriate vector equation.

20. Only a very few candidates were able to give a fully correct solution to this question. Some
candidates were able to write down a correct vector equation for OP and thus gain some credit.

21. Just over 75% of candidates were able to give the correct vector. Common errors seen were to
reverse the correct values or to add, rather than subtract, the coordinates.

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