Vector Algebra

Short Answer type Quesitons

1. Find the unit vector in the direction of the sum of the vectors a = 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ
and b = −iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ.
Sol. Let c denote the sum of a and b . We have
c = (2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ) + (−iˆ + ˆj + 3kˆ) = iˆ + 5kˆ
Now | c |= 12 + 52 = 26.
c 1 ˆ 1 ˆ 5 ˆ
Thus, the required unit vector is cˆ = = (i + 5kˆ) = i+ k.
|c | 26 26 26
2. Find a vector of magnitude 11 in the direction opposite to that of PQ ,
where P and Q are the points (1, 3, 2 ) and ( –1, 0, 8 ) , respectively.
Sol. The vector with initial point P(1, 2, 3) and terminal point Q(-1, 0, 8) is given by
PQ = (−1 − 1)iˆ + (0 − 3) ˆj + (8 − 2)kˆ = −2 iˆ − 3 ˆj + 6kˆ
Thus, QP = −PQ = 2 iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ
⇒| QP| = 2 2 + 32 + (−6) 2 = 4 + 9 + 36 = 49 = 7
Therefore, unit vector in the direction of QP is given by
QP 2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ
QP = =
| QP| 7
Hence, the required vector of magnitude 11 in direction of PQ is
 2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ  22 33 ˆ 66 ˆ
11 QP = 11  = iˆ + j − k.
 7 7 7 7
 
3. Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining the two
points P and Q with position vectors OP = 2a + b and OQ = a − 2b ,
respectively, in the ratio 1: 2 , (i) internally and (ii) externally.
Sol. (i) The position vector of the point R dividing the join of P and Q internally in the
ratio 1:2 is given by
2(2a + b ) + 1(a − 2b ) 5a
OR = = .
1+ 2 3
(ii) The position vector of the point R’ dividing the join of P and Q in the ratio 1: 2
externally is given by
2(2a + b ) − 1( a − 2b )
OR = = 3a + 4b .
2 −1
4. If the points (-1, -1, 2), (2, m, 5) and (3, 11, 6) are collinear, find the value of
m.
Sol. Let the given points be A ( –1, –1, 2 ) , B ( 2, m,5 ) and C ( 3,11, 6 ) . Then
AB = (2 + 1)iˆ + (m + 1) ˆj + (5 − 2)kˆ = 3iˆ + (m + 1) ˆj + 3kˆ
 And AC = (3 + 1)iˆ + (11 + 1) ˆj + (6 − 2)kˆ = 4iˆ + 12 ˆj + 4kˆ.
Since A, B, C , are collinear, we have AB = λ AC, i.e.,
(3iˆ + (m + 1) ˆj + 3kˆ) = λ (4iˆ + 12 ˆj + 4kˆ)
⇒ 3 = 4λ and m + 1 = 12λ
Therefore, m = 8 .
π π
5. Find a vector r of magnitude 3 2 units which makes an angle of and
4 2
with y and z − axes, respectively.
π 1 π
Sol. Here m = cos = and n = cos = 0.
4 2 2
Therefore, l 2 + m 2 + n 2 = 1 gives
1
l2 + + 0 =1
2
1
⇒l=±
2
Hence, the required vector r = 3 2(liˆ + mjˆ + nkˆ) is given by
1 ˆ 1 ˆ
r = 3 2( ± i+ j + 0 kˆ ) = r = ±3iˆ + 3 ˆj.
2 2
6. If a = 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ, b = iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ and cˆ = iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ, find λ such that a is
perpendicular to λ b + c .
Sol. We have
λ b + c = λ (iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ) + (iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ)
= (λ + 1)iˆ + (λ + 3) ˆj − (2λ + 1) kˆ
Since a ⊥ (λb + c ), a.(λb + c ) = 0
⇒ 2(iˆ − ˆj + kˆ).[( λ + 1)iˆ + (λ + 3) ˆj − (2λ + 1) kˆ] = 0
⇒ 2( λ + 1) − ( λ + 3) − (2 λ + 1) = 0
⇒ λ = −2.
7. Find all vectors of magnitude 10 3 that are perpendicular to the plane of
iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ and −iˆ + 3 ˆj + 4kˆ.
Sol. Let a = iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ and b = −iˆ + 3 ˆj + 4kˆ. Then
iˆ ˆj kˆ
a × b 1 2 1 = iˆ(8 − 3) − ˆj (4 + 1) + kˆ(3 + 2) = 5iˆ − 5 ˆj + 5kˆ
−1 3 4

⇒ | a × b | (5)2 + (−5) 2 + (5) 2 = 3(5) 2 = 5 3.

Therefore, unit vector perpendicular to the plane of a and b is given by
 a×b 5iˆ − 5 ˆj + 5kˆ
=
| a ×b | 5 3
Hence, vectors of magnitude of 10 3 that are perpendicular to plane of a and b
 5iˆ − 5 ˆj + 5kˆ 
are ±10 3 
  , i.e., ± 10(iˆ − ˆj + kˆ).
 5 3 

Long AnswerType Questions

8. Using vectors, prove that cos ( A – B ) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B .

Sol. Let OP and OQ be unit vectors making angles A and B, respectively, with
positive direction of x − axis . Then ∠QOP = A − B [Fig. 10.1]

We know OP = OM+MP = iˆ cos A + ˆj sin A and OQ = ON+NQ iˆ cos B + ˆj sin B.

By definition OP.OQ = | OP| |OQ| cosA-B
= cos ( A – B ) ...(1) ∵ (| OP|=1=|OQ|)
In terms of components, we have
OP.OQ = (iˆ cos A + ˆjsin A).(iˆ cos B + ˆjsin B)
= cos A cos B + sin A sin B ...(2)
From (1) and (2), we get
cos ( A – B ) = cos A cos B + sin A sin B .
sin A sin B sin C
9. Prove that in a ∆ABC , = = , where a, b, c represents the
a b c
magnitude of the sides opposite to vertices A, B, C , respectively.
Sol. Let the three sides of the triangle BC, CA and AB be represented by a , b and c ,
respectively [Fig. 10.2]
We have a + b + c=0. i.e., a + b = −c
Which pre-cross multiplying by a , and post
cross multiplying by b , gives
a ×b = c ×a
and a × b = b × c
respectively. Therefore,
a × b=b × c=c × a
⇒ |a × b| |b × c| |c × b|
⇒ |a|| b | sin(π − C ) = | b || c | sin(π − A) | c || a | sin(π − B )
⇒ ab sin C = bc sin A = ca sin B
Dividing by abc, we get
 sin C sin A sin B sin A sin B sin C
= = i.e., = =
c a b a b c

Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given the four options in each of the
Examples 10 to 21.
10. The magnitude of the vector 6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ is
(A) 5
(B) 7
(C) 12
(D) 1
Sol. (B) is the correct answer.
11 The position vector of the point which divides the join of points with
position vectors a + b and 2a − b in the ratio 1: 2 is
3a + 2b
(A)
3
(B) a
5a − b
(C)
3
4a + b
(D)
3
Sol. (D) is the correct answer. Applying section formula, the position vector of the
2(a + b ) + 1(2a − b ) 4a + b
required point is =
2 +1 3
12. The vector with initial point P ( 2, − 3, 5 ) and terminal point Q ( 3, − 4, 7 ) is
(A) iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ
(B) 5iˆ − 7 ˆj + 12kˆ
(C) iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ
(D) None of these
Sol. (A) is the correct answer.
13. The angle between the vectors iˆ − ˆj and ĵ − kˆ is
π
(A)
3
2π
(B)
3
−π
(C)
3
5π
(D)
6
 a.b
Sol. (B) is the correct answer. Apply in formula cos θ = .
| a |.| b |
14. The value of λ for which the two vectors 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ and 3iˆ + λ ˆj + kˆ are
perpendicular is
(A) 2
(B) 4
(C) 6
(D) 8
Sol. (D) is the correct answer.
15. The area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are iˆ + kˆ and 2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ is
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 3
(D) 4
Sol. (B) is the correct answer. Area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are a
and b is | a × b | .
16. If | a |= 8,| b |= 3 and | a × b |= 12, then value of a.b is
(A) 6 3
(B) 8 3
(C) 12 3
(D) None of these
Sol. (C) is the correct answer. Using the formula | a × b | =| a | . | b || sin θ |, we get
π
θ =± .
6
3
Therefore, a.b =| a | . | b | cos = 8 × 3 × = 12 3.
2
17. The 2 vectors ĵ + kˆ and 3i − ˆj + 4kˆ represents the two sides AB and AC,
respectively of a ∆ABC . The length of the Median through A is
34
(A)
2
48
(B)
2
(C) 18
(D) None of these
Sol. (A) is the correct answer. Median AD is given by
1 34
|AD|= | 3iˆ + ˆj + 5kˆ |=
2 2
18. The projection of vector a = 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ along b = iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ is
2
(A)
3
1
(B)
3
(C) 2
(D) 6
Sol. (A) is the correct answer. Projection of a vector a on b is
a.b (2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ).(iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ) 2
= = .
|b | 1+ 4 + 4 3
19. If a and b are unit vector, then what is the angle between a and b for
3a − b be a unit vector?
(A) 300
(B) 450
(C) 600
(D) 900
Sol. (A) is the correct answer. We have
( 3a − b ) 2 = 3a 2 + b 2 − 2 3a.b
3 3
⇒ a.b = ⇒ cos θ = ⇒ θ = 300
2 2
20. The unit vector perpendicular to the vectors iˆ − ˆj and iˆ + ˆj forming a right-
handed system is
(A) k̂
(B) − k̂
iˆ − ˆj
(C)
2
iˆ + ˆj
(D)
2
(i − j ) × ( i + j ) 2kˆ ˆ
Sol. (A) is the correct answer. Required unit vector is = k.
| (i − j ) × (i + j ) | 2
21. If | a | 3 and −1 k 2, then | ka | lies in the interval
(A) [ 0, 6 ]
(B) [ –3, 6 ]
(C) [3, 6 ]
(D) [1, 2 ]
 Vector Algebra
Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options in each of the Exercises
from 19 to 33 (M.C.Q)
19. The vector in the direction of the vector iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ that has magnitude 9 is
(A) iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
(B)
3
(
(C) 3 iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ )
(D) 9 ( iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ )

Sol. (C) Let a = iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ

a
Any vector in the direction of a vector a is given by .
|a|
iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
= =
12 + 2 2 + 22 3
iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
∴ Vector in the direction of a with magnitude 9 = 9 ⋅
3
= 3(i − 2 j + 2k )
20. The position vector of the point which divides the join of points 2a − 3b and
a + b in the ratio 3: 1 is
3a − 2b
(A)
2
7 a − 8b
(B)
4
3a
(C)
4
5a
(D)
4
Sol. (D) Let the position vector of the point R divides the join of points 2a − 3b and
a + b.
3( a + b ) + 1(2 a − 3b )
∴ Position vector R =
3 +1
Since, the position vector of a point R dividing the line segment joining the points
P and Q, whose position vectors are p and q in the ration m: n internally, is
mq + np
given by .
m+n
 5a
∴ R=
4
21. The vector having initial and terminal points as (2, 5, 0) and (–3, 7, 4),
respectively is
(A) −iˆ + 12 ˆj + 4kˆ
(B) 5iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ
(C) −5iˆ + 2 ˆj + 4kˆ
(D) iˆ + ˆj + kˆ
Sol. (C) Required vector = (−3 − 2)iˆ + (7 − 5) ˆj + (4 − 0)kˆ
= −5iˆ + 2 ˆj + 4kˆ
Similarly, we can say that for having initial and terminal points as
(i) ( 4, 1, 1) and ( 3, 13, 5 ) , respectively
(ii) (1, 1, 9 ) and ( 6, 3, 5 ) , respectively
(iii) (1, 2, 3) and ( 2, 3, 4 ) , respectively, we shall get (a), (b) and (d) as its
correct options.
22. The angle between two vectors a and b with magnitudes 3 and 4,
respectively, and a .b = 2 3 is
π
(A)
6
π
(B)
3
π
(C)
2
5π
(D)
2
Sol. (B) Here, | a |= 3,| b |= 4 and a ⋅ b = 2 3 [given]
We know that, a ⋅ b =| a || b | cos θ
⇒ 2 3 = 3 ⋅ 4 ⋅ cos θ
2 3 1
⇒ cos θ = =
4 3 2
π
∴θ =
3
23. Find the value of λ such that the vectors a = 2i + λ j + k and b = i + 2 j + 3k
are orthogonal
(A) 0
(B) 1
 3
(C)
2
5
(D) −
2
Sol. (D) Since, two non-zero vectors a and b are orthogonal i.e., a ⋅ b = 0.
∴ (2iˆ + λ ˆj + kˆ ) ⋅ (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ) = 0
⇒ 2 + 2λ + 3 = 0
−5
∴λ =
2
24. The value of λ for which the vectors 3iˆ − 6 ˆj + kˆ and 2iˆ − 4 ˆj + λ kˆ are parallel
is
2
(A)
3
3
(B)
2
5
(C)
2
2
(D)
5
Sol. (A) Since, two vectors are parallel i.e., angle between them is zero.
∴ (3iˆ − 6 ˆj + kˆ ) ⋅ (2iˆ − 4 ˆj + λ kˆ ) =| 3iˆ − 6 ˆj + kˆ | ⋅ | 2iˆ − 4 ˆj + λ kˆ |
[∵ a ⋅ b =| a || b | cos 0o ⇒ a ⋅ b =| a || b |]
⇒ 6 + 24 + λ = 9 + 36 + 1 4 + 16 + λ 2
⇒ 30 + λ = 46 20 + λ 2
⇒ 900 + λ 2 + 60λ = 46(20 + λ 2 ) [on squaring both sides]
⇒ λ 2 + 60λ − 46λ 2 = 920 − 900
⇒ − 45λ 2 + 60λ − 20 = 0
⇒ − 45λ 2 + 30λ + 30λ − 20 = 0
⇒ − 15λ (3λ − 2) + 10(3λ − 2) = 0
⇒ (10 − 15λ )(3λ − 2) = 0
2 2
∴λ = ,
3 3
Alternate method
Let a = 3iˆ − 6 ˆj + kˆ and b = 2iˆ − 4 ˆj + λ kˆ
Since, a || b
3 −6 1 2
⇒ = = ⇒λ=
2 −4 λ 3
25. The vectors from origin to the points A and B are a = 2iˆ − 3 ˆj + 2kˆ and
b = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + kˆ, respectively, then the area of the triangle OAB is
(A) 340
(B) 25
(C) 229
1
(D) 229
2
1
Sol. (D) ∴ Area of ΔOAB = | OA × OB |
2
1
= | (2iˆ − 3 ˆj + 2kˆ) × (2iˆ + 3 ˆj + kˆ) |
2
iˆ ˆj kˆ
1
= 2 −3 2
2
2 3 1
1
= | [i (−3 − 6) − j (2 − 4) + k (6 + 6)] |
2
1
= | −9iˆ + 2 ˆj + 12kˆ |
2
1 1
∴ Area of ΔOAB = (81 + 4 + 144 = 229
2 2
26. For any vector a , the value of (a × iˆ)2 + (a × ˆj ) 2 + (a × kˆ) 2 is equal to
(A) a 2
(B) 3a 2
(C) 4a 2
(D) 2a 2
Sol. (D) Let a = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ
∴ a 2 = x2 + y2 + z2
iˆ ˆj kˆ
∴ a × iˆ = x y z
1 0 0

= iˆ[0] − ˆj[− z ] + kˆ[− y ]

= zjˆ − ykˆ
∴ ( a × iˆ) 2 = ( zjˆ − ykˆ )( zjˆ − ykˆ)
= y2 + z2
Similarly, ( a × ˆj ) 2 = x 2 + z 2
And (a × kˆ) 2 = x 2 + y 2
 ∴ ( a × iˆ) 2 + ( a × ˆj ) 2 + ( a × kˆ ) 2 = y 2 + z 2 + x 2 + z 2 + x 2 + y 2
= 2( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) = 2a 2
27. If | a |= 10,| b |= 2 and a.b = 12, then value of | a × b | is
(A) 5
(B) 10
(C) 14
(D) 16
Sol. (D) Here, | a |= 10,| b |= 2 and a ⋅ b = 12 [given]
∴ a ⋅ b =| a || b | cos θ
12 = 10 × 2 cos θ
12 3
⇒ cos θ = =
20 5
9
⇒ sin θ = 1 − cos 2 θ = 1 −
25
4
sin θ = ±
5
∴ | a × b |=| a || b || sin θ |
4
= 10 × 2 × = 16
5
28. The vectors λ iˆ + ˆj + 2 kˆ, iˆ + λ ˆj − kˆ and 2iˆ − ˆj + λ kˆ are coplanar if
(A) λ = −2
(B) λ = 0
(C) λ = 1
(D) λ = −1
Sol. (A) Let a = λiˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ, b = iˆ + λ ˆj − kˆ and c = 2iˆ − ˆj + λ kˆ
For a, b and c to be coplanar,
λ 1 2
1 λ −1 = 0
2 −1 λ
⇒ λ (λ 2 − 1) − 1(λ + 2) + 2(−1 − 2λ ) = 0
⇒ λ 3 − λ − λ − 2 − 2 − 4λ = 0
⇒ λ 3 − 6λ − 4 = 0
⇒ (λ + 2)(λ 2 − 2λ − 2) = 0
2 ± 12
⇒ λ = −2 or λ =
2
2±2 3
⇒ λ = −2 or λ = = 1± 3
2
29. If a , b , c are unit vector such that a + b + c = 0, then the value of
a.b + b .c + c .a is
(A) 1
(B) 3
3
(C) −
2
(D) None of these
Sol. (C) We have, a + b + c = 0, and a 2 = 1, b 2 = 1, c 2 = 1
∵ (a + b + c )(a + b + c ) = 0
⇒ a2 + a ⋅b + a ⋅ c + b ⋅ a + b 2 + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a + c ⋅b + c 2 = 0
⇒ a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2(a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0
[∵ a ⋅ b = b ⋅ a , b ⋅ c = c ⋅ b and c ⋅ a = a ⋅ c ]
⇒ 1 + 1 + 1 + 2(a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0
3
⇒ a ⋅b + b ⋅c + c ⋅a = −
2
30. Projection vector of a on b is
 a.b 
(A)  2  b
|b | 
a.b
(B)
|b |
a.b
(C)
|a|
 a.b 
(D)  2  bˆ
|a | 
b  b 
Sol. (A) Projection vector of a on b is given by = a ⋅ b = a⋅ ⋅b
|b |  |b |
31. If a , b , c are three vectors such that a + b + c = 0 and | a |= 2,| b |= 3,| c |= 5,
then value of a.b + b .c + c .a is
(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) –19
(D) 38
Sol. (C) Here, a + b + c = 0 and a 2 = 4, b 2 = 9, c 2 = 25
∴ (a + b + c ) ⋅ (a + b + c ) = 0
⇒ a2 + a ⋅ b + a ⋅ c + b ⋅ a + b 2 + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a + c ⋅b + c 2 = 0
⇒ a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0 [∵ a ⋅ b = b ⋅ a ]
 ⇒ 4 + 9 + 25 + 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0
−38
⇒ a ⋅b + b ⋅c + c ⋅ a = = −19
2
32. If | a |= 4 and −3 ≤ λ ≤ 2, then the range of | λ a | is
(A) [0, 8]
(B) [– 12, 8]
(C) [0, 12]
(D) [8, 12]
Sol. (C) We have, | a |= 4 and −3 ≤ λ ≤ 2
∴ | λ a |=| λ || a |= λ | 4 |
⇒ | λ a |=| −3 | 4 = 12, at λ = −3
| λ a |=| 0 | 4 = 0, at λ = 0
And | λ a |=| 2 | 4 = 8, at λ = 2
So, the range of | λ a | is (0, 12).
Alternate Method
Since, −3 ≤ λ ≤ 2
0 ≤| λ |≤ 3
⇒ 0 ≤ 4 | λ |≤ 12
| λ a |∈ [0,12]
33. The number of vectors of unit length perpendicular to the vectors
a = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ and b = ˆj + kˆ is
(A) one
(B) two
(C) three
(D) infinite
Sol. (B) The number of vectors of unit length perpendicular to the vectors a and b
is c (say)
i.e., c = ±(a × b )
So, there will be two vectors of unit length perpendicular to the vectors a and b .
Fill in the blanks in each of the Exercises from 34 to 40.
34. The vector a + b bisects the angle between the non-collinear vectors a and
b if __________.
Sol. If vector a + b bisects the angle between the non-collinear vectors, then
a ⋅ ( a + b ) =| a | ⋅ | a + b | cos θ
a ⋅ ( a + b ) = a a 2 + b 2 cos θ
a ⋅ (a + b )
⇒ cos θ = ...(i )
a a2 + b2
And b ⋅ (a + b ) =| b | ⋅ | a + b | cos θ -
 b ⋅ (a + b ) = a a 2 + b 2 cos θ [since, θ should be same]
b ⋅ (a + b )
⇒ cos θ =
b a 2 + b2
From Eqs. (i) and (ii),
a ⋅ (a + b ) b ⋅ (a + b ) a b
= ⇒ =
a a 2 + b2 b a 2 + b2 |a | |b |
∴ â = bˆ ⇒ a and b are equal vector.
35. If r .a = 0, r .b = 0, and r .c = 0 for some non-zero vector r , then the value of
a (b × c ) is __________.
Sol. Since, r is a non-zero vector, So, we can say that a, b and c are in a same plane.
a (b × c ) = 0
[since, angle between a, b and c are zero i.e., θ = 0 ]
36. The vectors a = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ and b = − iˆ − 2 kɵ are the adjacent sides of a
parallelogram. The acute angle between its diagonals is __________.
Sol. We have, a = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ and b = − iˆ − 2 kɵ
∴ a + b = 2iˆ − 2 ˆj and a − b = 4iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ
Now, let θ is the acute angle between the diagonals a + b and a − b .
(a + b ) ⋅ ( a − b )
∴ cos θ
| a + b || a − b |
(2iˆ − 2 ˆj ) ⋅ (4iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ) 8+ 4 1
= = =
8 16 + 4 + 16 2 2 ⋅6 2
π  π 1 
∴θ =  ∵ cos =
4  4 2 
1
37. The value of k for which | ka |<| a | and ka = a is parallel to a holds true are
2
__________.
1
Sol. We have, | ka |<| a | and ka = a parallel to a.
2
∴ | ka |<| a | ⇒ k | a |<| a |
⇒ | k |< 1 ⇒ − 1 < k < 1
1 −1 1
Also, since ka + a is parallel to a , then we see that at k = , ka + a becomes a
2 2 2
null vector and then it will not be parallel to a.
1 −1
So, ka + a is parallel to a holds true when k ∈] − 1,1[k ≠ .
2 2
38. The value of the expression | a × b |2 +(a.b )2 is __________.
Sol. | a × b |2 +(a ⋅ b )2 =| a |2 | b |2 sin 2 θ + (a ⋅ b )2
 =| a |2 | b |2 (1 − cos 2 θ ) + (a ⋅ b )2
=| a |2 | b |2 − | a |2 | b |2 cos 2 θ + (a ⋅ b )2
=| a |2 | b |2 −(a ⋅ b )2 + (a ⋅ b ) 2
| a × b |2 +(a ⋅ b ) 2 =| a |2 | b |2
39. If | a × b |2 + | a.b |2 = 144 and | a |= 4 , then | b | is equal to __________.
Sol. ∵ | a × b |2 + | a ⋅ b |2 = 144 | a |2 ⋅ | b |2
⇒ | a |2 | b |2 = 144
144 144
⇒ | b |2 = 2
−= =9
|a| 16
∴ | b |= 3
40. If a is any non-zero vector, then (a.iˆ)iˆ + (a. ˆj ) ˆj + (a.kˆ)kˆ equals ____________.
Sol. Let a = a iˆ + a ˆj + a kˆ
1 2 3

∴ a ⋅ iˆ = a1 , a ⋅ ˆj = a2 and a ⋅ kˆ = a3
∴ (a ⋅ iˆ)iˆ + (a ⋅ ˆj ) ˆj + (a ⋅ kˆ)kˆ = a1iˆ + a2 ˆj + a3kˆ = a
State True or False in each of the following Exercises.
41. If | a |=| b |, then necessarily it implies a = ±b .
Sol. True
If | a |=| b |⇒ a = ±b
So, it is a true statement.
42. Position vector of a point P is a vector whose initial point is origin.
Sol. True
Since, P = OP = displacement of vector P from origin.
43. If a + b = a − b , then the vectors a and b are orthogonal.
Sol. True
Since, | a + b |=| a − b |
⇒ | a + b |2 =| a − b |2
⇒ 2 | a || b |= −2 | a || b |
⇒ 4 | a || b |= 0
⇒ | a || b |= 0
Hence, a and b are orthogonal. [∵ a ⋅ b =| a | ⋅ | b | cos 90o = 0]
44. The formula (a + b ) 2 = a 2 + b 2 + 2a × b is valid for non-zero vectors a and b .
Sol. False
 (a + b ) = (a + b ) ⋅ (a + b )
= a 2 + b 2 + 2a ⋅ b
45. If a and b are adjacent sides of a rhombus, then a.b = 0.
Sol. False
If a ⋅ b = 0, then a ⋅ b =| a || b | cos 90o
Hence, angle between a and b is 90o , which is not possible in a rhombus.
Since, angle between adjacent sides in a rhombus is not equal to 90o.
 Vector Algebra
Short Answer Type Quesitons

1. Find the unit vector in the direction of sum of vectors a = 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and
b = 2 ˆj + kˆ.
Sol. Let c denote the sum of a and b .
We have, c = a + b
= 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ
c 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ
∴ Unit vector in the direction of c = = =
|c | 2 2 + 12 + 22 9
2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ
cˆ =
3
2. If a = iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ and b = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ, find the unit vector in the direction of
(i) 6b
(ii) 2a − b
Sol. Here, a = iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ and b = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ,
(i) since, 6b = 12iˆ + 6 ˆj − 12kˆ
6b
∴ Unit vector in the direction of 6b =
| 6b |
12iˆ + 6 ˆj − 12kˆ 6(2i + j − 2k )
= =
122 + 6 2 + 122 324
6(2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ) 2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ
= =
18 3
(ii) Since, 2a − b = 2(iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ) − (2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ)
= 2iˆ + 2 ˆj + 4kˆ − 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ = ˆj + 6kˆ
2a − b ˆj + 6kˆ 1 ˆ
∴ Unit vector in the direction of 2a − b = = = ( j + 6kˆ )
| 2a − b | 1 + 36 37
3. Find a unit vector in the direction of PQ , where P and Q have co-ordinates
( 5, 0,8 ) and ( 3, 3, 2 ) , respectively.
Sol. Since, the coordinates of P and Q are ( 5, 0,8 ) and ( 3, 3, 2 ) , respectively.
∴ PQ = OQ − OP
= (3iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ ) − (5iˆ + 0 ˆj + 8kˆ)
= −2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ
PQ −2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ
∴ Unit vector in the direction of PQ = =
| PQ | 22 + 32 + 62
 −2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ −2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ
= =
49 7
4. If a and b are the position vectors of A and B, respectively, find the
position vector of a point C in BA produced such that BC = 1.5 BA .
Sol. Since, OA = a and OB = b
∴ BA = OA − OB = a − b
And 1.5BA = 1.5(a − b )
Since, BC = 1.5BA = 1.5(a − b )
OC − OB = 1.5a − 1.5b
OC = 1.5a − 1.5b + b [∵ OB = b ]
= 1.5a − 0.5b
3a − b
=
2
Graphically, explanation of the above solution is given below

5. Using vectors, find the value of k such that the points (k, -10, 3), (1, -1, 3)
and (3, 5, 3) are collinear.
Sol. Let the points are A ( k , –10, 3 ) , B (1, –1, 3 ) and C ( 3, 5, 3 )

So, AB = OB − OA
= (iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ ) − (kiˆ − 10 ˆj + 3kˆ )
= (1 − k )iˆ + ( −1 + 10) ˆj + (3 − 3) kˆ
= (1 − k )iˆ + 9 ˆj + 0kˆ
∴ | AB|= (1 − k ) 2 + (9) 2 + 0 = (1 − k ) 2 + 81
Similarly, BC = OC − OB
= (3iˆ + 5 ˆj + 3kˆ ) − (iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ)
= 2iˆ + 6 ˆj + 0kˆ
∴ | BC |= 2 2 + 6 2 + 0 = 2 10
And AC = OC − OA
= (3iˆ + 5 ˆj + 3kˆ) − ( kiˆ − 10 ˆj + 3kˆ )
= (3 − k )i + 15 ˆj + 0kˆ
 ∴ | AC |= (3 − k ) 2 + 225
If A, B and C are collinear, then sum of modules of any two vectors will be equal
to the modules of third vectors.
For | AB | + | BC |=| AC |
(1 − k ) 2 + 81 + 2 10 = (3 − k ) 2 + 225
⇒ (3 − k ) 2 + 225 − (1 − k ) 2 + 81 = 2 10
⇒ 9 + k 2 − 6k + 225 − 1 + k 2 − 2k + 81 = 2 10
⇒ k 2 − 6k + 234 − 2 10 = k 2 − 2k + 82
⇒ k 2 − 6k + 234 + 40 − 2 k 2 − 6k + 234 ⋅ 2 10 = k 2 − 2k + 82
⇒ k 2 − 6k + 234 + 40 − k 2 + 2k − 82 = 4 10 k 2 + 234 − 6k
⇒ − 4k + 192 = 4 10 k 2 + 234 − 6k
⇒ − k + 48 = 10 k 2 + 234 − 6k
On squaring both sides, we get
48 × 48 + k 2 − 96k = 10(k 2 + 234 − 6k )
⇒ k 2 − 96k − 10k 2 + 60k = −48 × 48 + 2340
⇒ − 9k 2 − 36k = −48 × 48 + 2340
⇒ (k 2 + 4k ) = +16 ×16 − 260 [dividing by 9 in both sides]
⇒ k 2 + 4 k = −4
⇒ k 2 + 4k + 4 = 0
⇒ (k + 2) 2 = 0
∴ k = −2
6. A vector r is inclined at equal angles to the three axes. If the magnitude of
r is 2 3 units, find r .
Sol. We have, | r |= 2 3
Since, r is equally inclined to the three axes, r so direction cosines of the unit
vector r will be same i.e., l = m = n .
We know that,
l 2 + m2 + n 2 = 1
⇒ l2 + l2 + l2 = 1
1
⇒ l2 =
3
 1 
⇒ l = ± 
 3
1 ˆ 1 ˆ 1 ˆ
So, rˆ = ± i± j± k
3 3 3
  r 
∴ r = rˆ | r | ∵ rˆ =
 | r | 
 1 ˆ 1 ˆ 1 ˆ
= ± i± j± k  2 3 [∵ | r |= 2 3]
 3 3 3 
= ± 2iˆ + 2 ˆj ± 2kˆ = ±2(iˆ + ˆj + kˆ)
7. A vector r has magnitude 14 and direction ratios 2, 3, –6 . Find the direction
cosines and components of r , given that r makes an acute angle with x-
axis.
Sol. Here, | r |= 14, a = 2k , b = 3k and c = −6k
∴ Direction cosines l , m and n are
a 2k k
l= = =
| r | 14 7
b 3k
m= =
| r | 14
c − 6 k − 3k
And n = = =
| r | 14 7
Also, we know that
l 2 + m2 + n2 = 1
k 2 9k 2 9k 2
⇒ + + =1
49 196 49
4k 2 + 9k 2 + 36k 2
⇒ =1
196
196
⇒ k2 = =4
49
⇒ k = ±2
2 3 −6
So, the direction cosines ( l , m, n ) are
, and
7 7 7
[since, r makes an acute angle with X-axis]
∵ r = rˆ⋅ | r |
∴ r = (liˆ + mjˆ + nkˆ) | r |
 +2 3 6 
=  iˆ + ˆj − kˆ  ⋅14
 7 7 7 
= +4iˆ + 6 ˆj − 12kˆ
8. Find a vector of magnitude 6, which is perpendicular to both the vector
2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ and 4iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ.
Sol. Let a = 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ and b = 4iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ
So, any vector perpendicular to both the vectors a and b is given by
 iˆ ˆj kˆ
a × b = 2 −1 2
4 −1 3

= iˆ(−3 + 2) − ˆj (6 − 8) + kˆ(−2 + 4)
= −iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ = r
A vector of magnitude 6 in the direction of r
r −iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
= ⋅6 ⋅6
|r | 12 + 22 + 22
−6 ˆ 12 ˆ 12 ˆ
= i+ j+ k
3 3 3
= −2iˆ + 4 ˆj + 4kˆ
9. Find the angle between the vector 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and 3iˆ + 4 ˆj − kˆ.
Sol. Let a = 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and b = 3iˆ + 4 ˆj − kˆ
We know that, angle between two vectors a and b is given by
a ⋅b
cos θ =
| a || b |
(2i − ˆj + kˆ)(3iˆ + 4 ˆj − kˆ)
=
4 + 1 + 1 9 + 16 + 1
6 − 4 −1 1
= =
6 26 2 39
 1 
θ = cos −1  
 2 39 
10. If a + b + c = 0, show that a × b = b × c = c × a. Interpret the result
geometrically?
Sol. Since, a + b + c = 0
⇒ b = −c − a
Now, a × b = a × (−c − a )
= a × ( −c ) + a × ( − a ) = − a × c
⇒ a × b = c × a ...(i)
Also, b × c = (−c − a ) × c
= (−c × c ) + (−a × c ) = −a × c
⇒ b × c = c × a ...(ii )
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), a × b = b × c = c × a
Geometrical interpretation of the result
 If ABCD is parallelogram such that AB = a and AD = b and these adjacent sides
are making angle θ between each other, then we say that
Area of parallelogram ABCD =| a || b || sin θ |=| a × b |
Since, parallelogram on the same base and between the same parallels are equal
in area.
We can say that, | a × b |=| a × c |=| b × c |
This also implies that, a × b = a × c = b × c
So, area of the parallelogram formed by taking any two sides represented by a, b
and c as adjacent are equal.
11. Find the sine of the angle between the vectors a = 3iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ and
b = 2iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ.
Sol. Here, a1 = 3, a2 = 1, a3 = 2 and b1 = 2, b2 = −2, b3 = 4
We know that,
a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3
cos θ =
a1 + a22 + a32 b12 + b22 + b32
2

3 × 2 + 1× (−2) + 2 × 4
=
32 + 12 + 22 22 + (−2)2 + 42
6− 2+8 12 6 6 3
= = = = =
14 24 2 14 6 84 2 21 21
∴ sin θ = 1 − cos2 θ
9 12 2 3 2
= 1− = = =
21 21 3 7 7
12. If A, B, C, D are the points with position vectors iˆ − ˆj + kˆ, 2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ, 2iˆ − 3kˆ
and 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + kˆ, respectively, find the projection of AB and CD.
Sol. Here, OA = iˆ + ˆj − kˆ, OB = 2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ, OC = 2iˆ − 3kˆ and OD = 3i − 2iˆ + kˆ
∴ AB = OB − OA = (2 − 1)iˆ + ( −1 − 1) ˆj + (3 + 1) kˆ
= iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ
And CD = OD − OC = (3 − 2)iˆ + (−2 − 0) ˆj + (1 + 3)kˆ
= iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ
CD
So, the projection of AB along CD = AB ⋅
| CD |
(i − 2 j + 4k ) ⋅ (iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ)
=
12 + 22 + 4 2
1 + 4 + 16 21
= = = 21 units
21 21
13. Using vectors, find the area of the triangle ABC with vertices A(1, 2, 3), B(2,
1, 4) and C(4, 5, -1).
Sol. Here, AB = (2 − 1)iˆ + (−1 − 2) ˆj + (4 − 3)kˆ
= iˆ − 3 ˆj + kˆ
And AC = (4 − 1)iˆ + (5 − 2) ˆj + (−1 − 3)kˆ
= 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 4kˆ
iˆ ˆj kˆ
∴ AB×AC = 1 −3 1
3 3 −4

= iˆ(12 − 3) − ˆj ( −4 − 3) + kˆ(3 + 9)
= 9iˆ + 7 ˆj + 12kˆ
And | AB×AC |= 9 2 + 7 2 + 12 2
= 81 + 49 + 144
= 274
1
∴ Area of ∆ABC = | AB×AC |
2
1
= 274 sq units
2
14. Using vectors, prove that the parallelogram on the same base and between
the same parallels are equal in area.
Sol. Let ABCD and ABFE are parallelograms on the same base AB and between the
same parallel line AB and DF.
Let AB = a and AD = b
∴ Area of parallelogram ABCD = a × b
Now, area of parallelogram of ABFE = AB×AE
= AB×(AD+DE)
= AB × (b + ka ) [let DE = ka, where k is a scalar]
= a × (b + ka )
= ( a × b ) + ( a × ka )
= (a × b ) + k (a × a )
= ( a × b ) [∵ a × a = 0]
=Area of parallelogram ABCD.
Hence proved
 Vector Algebra
Long Answer Type Questions

b2 + c2 − a 2
15. Prove that in any triangle ABC, cos A = , where a, b, c are the
2bc
magnitudes of the sides opposite to the vertices A, B, C , respectively.
Sol. Here, components of C are c cos A and c sin A is drawn.

Since, CD = b − c cos A
In ∆BDC ,
a 2 = (b − c cos A)2 + (c sin A) 2
⇒ a 2 = b 2 + c 2 cos 2 A − 2bc cos A + c 2 sin 2 A
⇒ 2bc cos A = b 2 − a 2 + c 2 (cos 2 A + sin 2 A)
b2 + c2 − a 2
∴ cos A =
2bc
1
16. If a, b , c determine the vertices of a triangle, show that [b × c + c × a + a × b ]
2
gives the vector area of the triangle. Hence deduce the condition that the
three points a , b , c are collinear. Also, find the unit vector normal to the
plane of the triangle.
Sol. Since, a, b and c are the vertices of a ∆ABC as shown.
1
∴ Area of ∆ABC = | AB×AC |
2
Now, AB = b − a and AC = c − a
1
∴ Area of ∆ABC = | b − a × c − a |
2
1
= | b ×c −b ×a − a×c + a×a |
2
1
= | b ×c + a ×b + c ×a + 0 |
2
1
= | b × c + a × b + c × a | ...(i )
2
For three points to be collinear, area of the ∆ABC should be equal to zero.
 1
⇒ [b × c + c × a + a × b ] = 0
2
⇒ b × c + c × a + a × b = 0 ...(ii )
This is the required condition for collinearity of three points a, b and c .
Let n̂ be the unit vector normal to the plane of the ΔABC
AB×AC
∴ nˆ=
| AB×AC |
a ×b + b ×c + c × a
=
| a ×b + b ×c + c × a |
17. Show that area of the parallelogram whose diagonals are given by a and b
| a ×b |
is . Also find the area of the parallelogram whose diagonals are
2
2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ.
Sol. Let ABCD be a parallelogram such that
AB = p, AD = q ⇒ BC = q
By triangle law of addition, we get
AC = p + q = a [ say ]…( i )
Similarly, BD = − p + q = b [ say ]…( ii )
On adding Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
1
a + b = 2q ⇒ q = (a + b )
2
On subtracting Eq.(ii) from Eq.(i), we get
1
a − b = 2 p ⇒ p = (a − b )
2
1
Now, p × q = (a − b ) × (a + b )
4
1
= (a × a + a × b − b × a − b × b )
4
1 1
= [a × b + a × b ] = (a × b )
4 2
1
So, area of a parallelogram ABCD =| p × q |= | a ×b |
2
Now, area of a parallelogram, whose diagonals are 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ.
1
= | (2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ ) × (iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ )
2
iˆ ˆj kˆ
1
= 2 −1 1
2
1 3 −1
 1 ˆ
= | [i (1 − 3) − ˆj (−2 − 1) + kˆ(6 + 1)] |
2
1
= | −2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 7 kˆ |
2
1 1
= 4 + 9 + 49 = 62 sq units
2 2
18. If a = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ and b = ˆj − kˆ, find a vector c such that a × c = b and a ⋅ c = 3.
Sol. Let c = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ
And a = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ and b = ˆj − kˆ
For a × c = b ,
iˆ ˆj kˆ
1 1 1 = ˆj − kˆ
x y z

⇒ iˆ( z − y ) − ˆj ( z − x) + kˆ( y − x) = ˆj − kˆ
∴ z − y = 0 ...(i )
x − z = 1 ...(ii )
x − y = 1 ...(iii )
Also, a ⋅ c = 3
(iˆ + ˆj + kˆ) ⋅ ( xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ) = 3
⇒ x + y + z = 3 ...(iv )
On adding Eqs. (ii) and (iii), we get
2 x – y – z = 2 ...(v)
On solving Eqs. (iv) and (v), we get
5
x=
3
5 2 2
∴ y = − 1 = and z =
3 3 3
5ˆ 2 ˆ 2 ˆ
Now, c = i + j + k
3 3 3
1
= (5iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ)
3