3.

ADDITION OF VECTORS
Synopsis:
1. Scalar : The quantity having only magnitude but no direction is called a scalar.
2. Vector : The quantity having both magnitude and direction is called a vector.
Representation : Vectors are generally represented by directed line segments. If a vector is
represented by AB then the direction from A to B gives its direction and the distance from A to B
gives its magnitude. A is called the initial point and B is called its terminal point.
Notation : Vectors are generally denoted by letters with a bar over it. i.e., a, b, c …. (or) by bold
faced letters a, b, c …. and its magnitude by II or simply a.
3. Unit vector : A vector of unit magnitude is called a unit vector. The unit vector in the direction of
a is denoted by aˆ .
4. Null vector : Vector of zero magnitude and indefinite direction is called a null vector (i.e.,
direction of a null vector is indeterminate). For this vector, initial and terminal points coincide.
5. Negative vector : A vector having same magnitude and opposite direction as that of a is called
negative vector of a and is denoted by − a .
6. Equal vectors : Two vectors are said to be equal if they have same magnitude and same direction.
(irrespective of their initial points).
7. Like and unlike vectors : Vectors having the same direction are called like vectors and having
opposite directions are called unlike vectors.

8. Addition of vectors : Let AB = a and BC = b be two vectors. The vector AC is defined as the sum

of a and b i.e., AC = AB + BC = a + b . This is called the triangle law of vectors.

9. If a, b, c are three vectors then
i) a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c (vector addition is
associative).
ii) a + b = b + a (vector addition is commutative).

iii) a + 0 = 0 + a = a (null vector is the identity element in the set of vectors under addition)
iv) a + (−a) = (−a) + a = 0 ( -a is the additive inverse of a in the set of vectors)
→
v) In any triangle ABC, AB + BC + CA = 0 .

10. Position vector : Let ‘O’ be the origin of vectors and P be a point in space. Then OP is called the
position vector of the point P w.r.to O.

1
 Addition of Vectors

11. To find the vector AB , subtract the position vector of A from B. i.e., AB = OB − OA .
12. Free vector : A vector which is independent of its (initial point) position is called a free vector.
13. Localised vector : If a vector is associated with a given point in space, then it is called a localized
vector.
14. Scalar multiplication of a vector : The product of a vector a by a scalar k is a vector whose
magnitude is |k| times the magnitude of a and whose direction is same as that of a when k > 0 and
opposite to that of a when k < 0.

15. If k1, k2 are two scalars and a, b are two vectors then
i) (k1 + k 2 )a = k1a + k 2 a

ii) k(a + b) = k1a + k 2b

iii) (k1k 2 )a = k1(k 2 a) = k 2 (k1a)
16. Collinear vectors : Vectors which lie on a line or which are parallel are called collinear vectors
(whatever be their magnitudes)

17. Two vectors a and b are collinear if and only if a = m b or a = n a , where m, n are scalars (real
numbers).
18. Coplanar vectors : Vectors which lie on a plane or which are parallel to a plane are called coplanar
vectors. The vectors a, b, c are coplanar if
i) xa + yb + zc = 0 and ii) the scalars x, y, z are not all zero.
19. The position vector of a point which divides the join of two given points in the ratio m : n is
ma  nb , + ve sign is taken for internal division and −ve sign is taken for external division.
mn

a+b
20. Position vector of the mid point of a and b is 2 .

a+b+c
21. The centroid of a triangle with vertices a, b, c is
3

22. If G is the centroid of the triangle ABC, then GA + GB + GC = 0 .

23. The orthocentre of the triangle is (a sec A)a + (b sec B)b + (c sec C)c where a, b, c are the lengths of
a sec A + b sec B + c sec C
the sides of the triangle and A, B, C are the angles of the triangle.

24. The circumcentre of the triangle is a sin 2A + b sin 2B + c sin 2C .

sec 2A + sec 2B + sec 2C

2
 Addition of Vectors

25. The position vector of the centroid of a tetrahedron ABCD is a+b+c+d where a, b, c, d are the
4
position vectors of A, B, C, D respectively.

26. If OA = a and OB = b be two non zero vectors, then the value of AOB lies between 0 and  is
defined as the angle between a and b and is denoted by (a, b) .

27. If (a, b) = , then

i) (−a, - b) = (-b, - a) = (xa, yb) = (yb, xa) =  for all x, y > 0

ii) (a, - b) = ( - a, b) = (xa, - yb) = (-xa, yb) = 180 −  for all x, y > 0.

iii) (a, b) = 0  a and b are like vectors.

iv) (a, b) =   a and b are unlike vectors.

v) (a, b) =  / 2  a and b are orthogonal vectors.

28. The vectors x1a1 + x 2 a2 + x 3 a3 + .... + xn an is called the linear combination of the system of vectors
a1, a2 , a3 ,.....an where x1, x2, x3, …xn are scalars.
29. A system of vectors a1, a2, a3 ,.....an is said to be linearly dependent if x1a1 + x 2 a2 + x3 a3 + ....

+ xnan = 0  atleast one of the scalars x1, x2, x3, …. xn not equal to zero.
30. A system of vectors a1, a2, a3,.....an is said to be linearly independent if x1a1 + x2 a2 + x3 a3 + ...

+ xnan = 0  x1 = x2 = ….. = xn = 0.
31. Any two collinear vectors are linearly dependent vectors.
32. Any set containing the zero vector is linearly dependent.
33. Any three coplanar vectors are linearly dependent and any three non coplanar vectors are linearly
independent.

34. If a, b, c be three non coplanar vectors then any other vector r can be uniquely expressed as
r = xa + yb + zc , where x, y, z are scalar.

35. Let a, b, c be three non coplanar vectors. If the angle measured from a to b in the anti clockwise
direction is less than 180o by observing from c , then a, b, c are said to form a right handed system.
Otherwise they are said to form a left handed system.
36. The system of three mutually perpendicular unit vectors forming a right handed system is called

orthonormal triad of unit vectors. These are generally denoted by i, j, k and are taken along the
three rectangular co–ordinate axes namely x–axis, y–axis, z–axis respectively.

3
 Addition of Vectors
37. If , ,  be the angles made by the line OP with X, Y, Z axes respectively, then cos, cos, cos
are called the direction cosines (d.cs) of the line OP. These are generally denoted by l, m, n.
38. If l, m, n are the d.c’s of a line, then l2 + m2 + n2 = 1.
39. If l, m, n are the d.c’s of a line, then −l, −m, −n are also the d.c’s of same line.

40. The direction cosines of the vector OP are the components of a unit vector parallel to OP i.e., OP .

41. The direction cosines of the vectors i, j, k respectively are (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (0, 0, 1).

42. If r = xi + yj + zk , then | r |= .
43. For any two vectors a and b

i) | a | − | b || a + b || a | + | b |

ii) | a − b || a | − | b |

44. Vector equation of a straight line passing through the point a and parallel to the vector b is
r = a + tb , where t is a scalar.
45. The Cartesian equation of the straight line passing through the point (a1, a2, a3) and parallel to the
x − a1 y − a2 z − a3
vector b i + b j + b k is = = .
1 2 3
b1 b2 b3

46. Vector equation of a straight line passing through two points having position vectors a and b is
r = (1 − t)a + tb , where t is a scalar.
The Cartesian equation of the straight line passing through the two given points (a 1, a2, a3) and (b1,
47.
x − a1 y − a2 z − a3
b2, b3) is = = .
b1 − a1 b2 − a2 b3 − a3

48. Vector equation of a plane :

i) The vector equation of the plane through the points a, b, c is r = (1 − s − t)a + sb + tc , where s and t are
x − a1 y − a2 z − a3
parameters. In Cartesian form, it is b1 − a1 b2 − a 2 b3 − a3 = 0, where a = (a1, a2, a3); b = (b1,
c1 − a1 c 2 − a 2 c 3 − a3

b2, b3) and c = (c1, c2, c3)

ii) The vector equation of the plane through the point whose position vector is a and parallel to the

vectors b and c is r = a + sb + tc , where s and t are parameters. In Cartesian form, it is

x − a1 y − a2 z − a3
b1 b2 b3 = 0.
c1 c2 c3

4
 Addition of Vectors

iii) Vector equation of the plane through the points whose position vectors are a , b and parallel to
x − a1 y − a2 z − a3
vector c is r = (1 − s)a + sb + tc where s and t are parameters b1 − a1 b2 − a2 b3 − a3 = 0.
c1 c2 c3

49. To show that three points A, B, C are collinear.

1st Method : Find the equation of the line passing through two points and show that it is satisfied
by the third point.

2nd Method : Show that there exist scalars not all zero such that xa + yb + zc = 0 and x + y + z = 0.

3rd Method : Find AB, AC and express any one of them as a scalar multiple of other.

50. If the vectors a = a1i + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1i + b2 j + b3 k and c = c1i + c 2 j + c 3 k are linearly dependent then
a1 a2 a3
b1 b2 b3 = 0.
c1 c 2 c3

a1 a2 a3
51. If the above three vectors are linearly independent then b1 b2 b3  0 .
c1 c2 c3

52. Bisector of an angle : Let OA = a, OB = b be the two vectors. Then

 a b 
i) internal bisector of AOB is  | a | + | b | 
 
 a b 
ii) external bisector of AOB is  | a | − | b |  where  is any real.
 

53. Let A, B, C be the P.Vs of the vertices of a ABC. Then the internal bisector of the angle A

| AB | C+ | AC | B
divides the opposite side in the ratio AB : AC and its P.V is (similarly other
| AB | + | AC |

bisectors).

54. Let OA = a and OB = b be two vectors, then the point c = ma + nb lies

i) inside the OAB if m, n > 0 and m + n < 1.

ii) outside the OAB but inside the angle AOB if m, n > 0 and m + n > 1.

iii) outside the OAB but inside the angle OAB if m < 0, n > 0 and m + n < 1.

iv) outside the OAB but inside the angle OBA if m > 0, n < 0 and m + n < 1.

5
 5. VECTOR PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS

Synopsis:

1. The cross product of two vectors a and b is a vector and is defined as | a | . | b | sin.nˆ , where nˆ is
the unit vector perpendicular to the plane containing a and b such that a, b, nˆ form a right handed
system.
2. Let F be a force directed along a line. Let O be a point (origin). Let OP = r be the position vector
of any point P on the line of action of F . Then rxF gives the moment of the force F about the point
O.
3. a xb = O  either a = O (or) b = O (or) a is parallel to b .
i j k

4. If a = a1i + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1i + b2 j + b3 k , then a xb = a1 a2 a3

b1 b2 b3

5. If a xb  bxa but axb = -bxa (i.e., cross product is anti commutative)

6. If i, j, k is a orthonormal triad of unit vectors forming a right handed system then ixj = -jxi;
jxk = -kxj = i; kxi = -ixk = j and ixi = jxj = kxk = 0 .

7. Unit vector perpendicular to the both the vectors a and b is  axb .

| axb |

8. If a and b are the adjacent sides of a parallelogram then vector area of the parallelogram is axb
and area = | axb | sq.units.
1
9. If a and b are two adjacent sides of a triangle then area of the triangle is 2 | axb | sq.units.
1
10. If a, b, c are the vertices of a triangle then the area of the triangle is 2 | bxc + cxa + axb | sq.units.

11. The points a, b, c are collinear if axb + bxc + cxa = 0 .

12. If a, b, c are the position vectors of the points A, B, C then the perpendicular distance from C to
| bxc + cxa + axb | | ACxAB |
the straight line AB is or .
|b−a| | AB |

(l1l2 + m1m2 + n1n2 )

13. If l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are the direction ratios of a straight line then cos = .

14. For every vector

i) axa = 0
ii) | axb |=| bxa |
iii) ax(b + c) = axb + axc cross product is left distributive over vector addition
iv) (a + b)xc = axc + bxc cross product is right distributive over vector addition
15. For any two vectors a and b , (a xb)2 + (a.b)2 =| a |2| b |2

1
 4. SCALAR (DOT) PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS
1. The scalar product or (dot product) : The scalar product of two vectors a and b is a scalar and is
defined as the product of the magnitude of a and b and the cosine of the angle  between them.
i.e., a.b =| a | . | b | .cos , 0     .
2. Two non zero vectors a and b are perpendicular if and only if their dot product is zero.
| a.b | (a.b)b or (a .b̂)b̂ .
3. Projection of a and b is the orthogonal projection of a and b is 2
|b| |b|
(a.b)b or (a.b̂)b̂ .
The component vector of a along b is
| b |2
(a.b)b
The component vector of a perpendicular to b is a − 2
.
|b|
Note : The component vector of a along b is equal to the orthogonal projection of a on b .
4. If a = a1i + a 2 j + a3 k , b = b1i + b2 j + b3 k , then
i) a.b = a1b1 + a 2b2 + a3b3
ii) If  is the angle between a and b , then cos =
a.b a1b1 + a 2b2 + a3 b3
=
| a || b | a . b
iii) sin =
 
iv) a.b = b.a (dot product is commutative)
v) a.(-b) = (−a).b = -(a.b)
vi) a.b = (a.b) = a.b
vii) a.a =| a |2 = a 2
viii) (a  b)2 =| a |2 + | b |2 2a.b
ix) (a + b)2 = (a − b)2 = 2(a 2 + b 2 ) and
(a + b)2 − (a − b)2 = 4a.b
x) (a + b + c)2 =
a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2(a.b) + 2(b.c) + 2(c.a)
xi) a 2 − b 2 = (a + b).(a − b)
xii) a.(b + c) = a.b + a.c , dot product is left distributive over vector addition.
xiii) (a + b).c = a.c + b.c , dot product is right distributive over vector addition.
5. For the unit orthognormal vectors i, j, k
i) i.i = j.j = k.k = 1
ii) i.j = j.k = k.i = 0
6. For any vector r, r = (r.i)i + (r.j)j + (r.k)k
7. Work done by a force F in displacing a particle from A to B is given by W = F.AB
8. If the length of the perpendicular from the origin be p ( > 0) and nˆ be the unit vector perpendicular
to the plane then the equation of the plane is r.nˆ = p .

1
 Scalar (dot) Product of Vectors
9. The vector equation of a plane through a point a and perpendicular to a unit vector nˆ is
(r − a).nˆ = 0 .
10. If 1 and 2 be two planes whose equations are r1.m1 = q1, r2 .m2 = q2 , then the angle between the
−1 m1.m2 
planes is Cos  .
 | m1 | . | m2 | 
11. Perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane (r − a).nˆ = 0 is a.nˆ , where a is the position
vector of a point in the plane and nˆ is the unit vector perpendicular to the plane.

2
 ADDITION OF VECTORS
PREVIOUS EAMCET BITS
1. I–n––→a qua–d––r→ilat–e–r–a→ l A B––C–→D , th–e––→point P divides DC in the ratio 1 : 2 and Q is the midpoint of AC. If
AB + 2AD + BC − 2DC = kPQ , then k = [EAMCET 2009]
1) – 6 2) – 4 3) 6 4) 4
Ans: 1
Sol. A = a,B = b, C = c,D = d
c + 2d a+c
 P= ,Q =
3 2
–––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→
 AB + 2AD + BC − 2DC = KPQ

 k = −6
→––→
2. The position vectors of P and Q are respectively a and b. If R is a point on PQ such that
→––→ →––→
PR = 5P Q , then the position vector of R is [EAMCET 2008]
1) 5b – 4a 2) 5b + 4a 3) 4b – 5a 4) 4b + 5a
–––→1 –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→
Ans:
Sol. ( )
PR = 5PQ  OR − OP = 5 OQ − OP  OR = 5OQ − 4OP = 5b − 4a
→ → → → → → → →
3. If the points whose position vectors are 2i + j + k, 6i − j + 2k and 14i − 5 j + pk are collinear, then
the value of p is [EAMCET 2007]
1) 2 2) 4 3) 6 4) 8
Ans: 2
Sol. ( x 1 , y1, z1 ) = (2,1,1);
(x2 , y2 , z2 ) = (6, −1, 2);
(x3, y3, z3 ) = (14, −5, P)
x1 − x2 z1 − z2
= P=4
x2 − x3 z2 − z3
4. T→ he →pos→ition v→ ec →tor o→ f a point lying on the line joining the points whose position vectors are
i + j − k and i − j + k is [EAMCET 2006]
→ →
1) j 2) i 3) k 4) 0
Ans: 2
Sol. Vector which is collinear with given two vector by verification answer is i.
5. I : Two non-zero, non-collinear vectors are linearly dependent. [EAMCET 2005]
II: Any three coplanar vectors are linearly dependent.
Which of the above statements is true?
1) Only I 2) Only II 3) Both I and II 4) Neither I nor II
Ans: 3
Sol. By conceptual
6. Observe the following statements : [EAMCET 2005]

1
 Addition of Vectors
A : Three vectors are coplanar if one of them is expressible as a linear combination of the other
two.
R : Any three coplanar vectors are linearly dependent.
The which of the following is true?
1) Both A and R are true and R is the correct reason for A
2) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct reason for A
3) A is true, R is false
4) A is false, R is true
Ans: 2
Sol. Fro→m th→e def→init→ion A → an→ d R are true but R is not correct explanation of A
7. If i + 2 j + 3k, 3i + 2 j + k are sides of a parallelogram, then a unit vector parallel to one of the
diag→on→als o→ f the parallel→ogr→am →is → → → →[EA→MCET 2004]
i + j+k i − j+k i + j−k −i + j − k
1) 3 2) 3 3) 4)
3 3
Ans: 1 → → →
Sol. diagonal = 4i + 4 j + 4k
→ →
i + j+k
 unit vector parallel to diagonal =
3 –––→ –––→
8. If G –i–s–→the centroid of the–––A→ BC, then GA + BG + GC = ––→ [EAMCET 2004]
1) 2GB 2) 2GA 3) 0 4) 2BG
A ns: 4
–––→ –––→ –––→
Sol. GA––+–→GB–+––→GC–=––→0 –––→
 GA + BG + GC = 2BG –––→ –––→
9. If D, E and F are respectively the midpoints of AB, AC and BC in ABC, then BE + AF = ....
[EAMCET 2003]
–––→ 1 –––→ ––→ 3 –––→
1) DC 2) BF 3) 2BF 4) BF
2 2
Ans:––1–→ → –––→ → –––→ → A
Sol. Let OA = a, OB = b,→ OC → =c
–––→ → → –––→
a+c b+c D F
OF = , OE =
2 2
–––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→
BE + AF = OE − OB + OF − OA → –––→ B E C
→c − 1 →
→→→
= ( ) 2
a + b = DC
→ → →
10. If a, b, c are three non-coplanar vectors, then the vector equation r = (1− p − q ) a + pb + qc
represents is [EAMCET 2003]
1) Straight line 2) Plane
3) Plane passing through the origin 4) Sphere
Ans: 2 → → →
Sol. r = (1− p − q ) a + Pb + qc is a plane passing through a, b and c where p and q are scalars.

2
 Addition of Vectors
11. If three points A, B and C having position vector is (1, x, 3) (3, 4, 7) and (y, -2, -5) respectively
and if they are collinear, then (x, y) = [EAMCET 2002]
1) (2, –3) 2) (–2, 3) 3) (–2, –3) 4) (2, 3)
Ans: 1
Sol. AB = t AC  (2, 4 − 4, 4)
= t ( y −1, −2 − x, −8)
2 4 − x = 4  2 = −1  y = −3
=
y −1 −2 − x −8 y −1 2
4 − x −1
= x=2
−2 − x 2 → →→ → → → → →
12 If the position vectors of the vertices of a triangle are 2i − j + k, i − 3 j − 5k and 3i − 4 j − 4k then
it is a …….triangle [EAMCET 2002]
1) Equilateral 2) Isosceles 3) Right angled isosceles 4) Right-angled
Ans: 4
Sol. Let A = (2, −1,1), B = (1, −3, −5), C = (3, −4, −4) are the vertical of ABC
AB2 = 1+ 4 + 36 = 41
BC2 = 4 +1+1 = 6  AC2 = 1+ 9 + 25 = 35
AB2 = AC2 + BC2
 A
→ BC i→s r→ight →angle→→ d trian gle.
13. If → = i + 4 j, b = 2i − = 5i→ + 9→j , then C [EAMCET 2001]
a 3 j c
→ → → → → → →
1) 5a + b 2) a + 2b 3) a + 3b 4) 3a + b
Ans: 4
→ → →
Sol. Let C = ta + b
 5i + 9j = t (i + 4 j) + (2i − 3j) →
→
t=3 →= +
C 3a b ––→ –––→
14. ABC D
– ––→ is a parallelogram , w
–––→ ith AC, BD as diagon a
– –→ls. Then AC − BD = ––→ [EAMCET 2001]
1) 4AB 2) 3AB 3) 2AB 4) AB
Ans: 3
–––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→
Sol. AC − BD = AB + BC − BA + AD
–––→ –––→ –––→ –––→ –––→
( )
(
= AB + BC − −AB + BC = 2AB ) –––→ → –––→ –––→
15. If OACB is a parallelogram with OC = a and AB = b then OA [EAMCET 2000]
1) → → 2) → → 1 → → 1 → →
a +b a −b ( 3) )2
b−a ( 4)
2
) a−b
Ans: 4 –––→ –––→ B
Sol. Mid point of OC = Mid point of AB C
→ –––→ –––→
a OA + OB
=
2 2 –––→ → –––→ 1 → → O
A
→ –––→ –––→ –––→ →
a = 2OA + OB − OA ; a = 2OA + b  OA = ( ) 2 a −b


3
 SCALAR (DOT) PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS
PREVIOUS EAMCET BITS

1. If m1, m2 , m3 and m4 are respectively the magnitudes of the vectors

[EAMCET 2009]

Then the correct order of m1, m2, m3, m4 is

1) m3  m1  m4  m2 2) m3  m1  m2  m4

3) m3  m4  m1  m2 4) m3  m4  m2  m1

Ans: 1

Sol. m1 = 6,m 2 = 41, m3 = 3,m 4 = 11

 m3  m1  m4  m2
→ → → → → → →
2. Suppose a = i − 7 j + 3k, b = i + j + 2k . If the angle between a and b is greater than 90°, then

 satisfies the inequality : [EAMCET 2009]

1) −7    1 2)   1 3) 1    7 4) −5    1
Ans: 1

Sol. a.b  0

  2 + 6 − 7  0
( −1)( + 7)  0
−7    1
3. If the position vectors of A, B and C are respectively 2i − j+ k, i − 3j− 5k and 3i − 4 j− 4k , then
cos2A = [EAMCET 2008]
1) 0 2) 6/41 3) 35/41 4) 1
Ans: 3
–––→ –––→ –––→
Sol. AB = OB − OA = (i − 3j− 5k) − (2i − j+ k ) = −i − 2 j− 6k
–––→ –––→ –––→
AC = OC − OA = (3i − 4 j− 4k ) − (2i − j+ k ) = i − 3j− 5k
–––→ –––→ −i − 2 j− 6k i − 3j− 5k
cos A = –––→ –––→ = ( −i − 2 j− 6k)(i − 3j− 5k )
AB.AC
AB AC

1
 Scalar (dot) Product of Vectors
−1+ 6 + 30 35 35
= =
1+ 4 + 36 1+ 9 + 25 35 41 41
35
 cos2 A =
41
4. → → → → → → → → → 4 → → →
If a = i − j − k and b =  i − 3 j + k and the orthogonal projection of b on a is
3
i − j −k ,( )
then  = [EAMCET 2007]
1) 0 2) 2 3) 12 4) –1
Ans: 2
(b.a)a
Sol. Orthogonal projection of b on a =
2
a
 + 3 −1 4
( i − J − k ) = (i − J − k )   = 2
 3  3
 

→ → → → → → → →
5. If a + b + c = 0 and a = 3, b = 4 and c = 37 , then the angle between a and b is

[EAMCET 2006]
 
1) 2) 3)  4)

4 2 6 3
Ans: 4
Sol. a + b = −c Squaring o.b.s

( )
2
a 2 + b + 2 a b cos a, b = c 2

9 + 16 + 24 cos ( a, b ) = 37

cos (a, b) =  (a, b) =
1
2 3
6. ( ) (
a.k = a. 2 i + j = a i + j + 3k = 1  a ) [EAMCET 2006]

1) i − k 2)
1
3
(
3i + j − 3k ) 3)
1
3
(
i + j+k ) 4)
1
3
(
3i − 3 j + k )
Ans: 4
Sol. Let a = a1i + a2 j+ a3k

a.i = 1  a1 = 1

a.(2i + j) = 1  2a1 + a 2 = 1  a 2 = 1− 2 = −1

2
 Scalar (dot) Product of Vectors
a.(i + j+ 3k) = 1  a1 + a2 + 3a3 = 1

1
 3a 3 = 1  a3 =
3
1
a= 3i − 3j+ k
3 →
7. → → → → → →
If the vector a = 2i + 3 j + 6k and b are collinear and b = 21, then b = [EAMCET 2005]
→ → → → → → → → → → → →
(
1)  2i + 3 j + 6k ) (
2) 3 2i + 3 j + 6k ) (
3) i + j + k ) (
4) 21 2i + 3 j + 6k )
Ans: 2
Sol. a=t b ()
7 1
a = t b  t = =
21 3
1
t=
3  b = 3 ( a )
→ → → → → →
8. If the vectors i + 3 j + 4k, i − 4 j + k are orthogonal to each other, then  = [EAMCET 2004]
1) 5 2) – 5 3) 8 4) – 8
Ans: 3
→→
Sol. a.b = 0→  −12 + 4 = 0   = 8 →
→ → → → → 
9. If are three vectors such that = b+ : here
a, b, c a c and the angle between b and c is
2
a = a ,b = b ,c = c [EAMCET 2003]

1) a2 = b2 + c2 2) b2 = c2 + a2 3) c2 = a2 + b2 4) 2a2 − b2 = c2
Ans: 1

a2 = ( b + c)
2
Sol.

a2 = b2 + c2 + 2 (b.c)

 a2 = b2 + c2 (∵ (b.c) =  / 2)
→→ → → → → → → →
10. ( ) (
If a.i = a. i + j = a. i + j + k then a = ) [EAMCET 2002]
→ → → →
1) i 2) j 3) k 4) i + j + k
Ans: 1
→
Sol. By verification a = i

3
 Scalar (dot) Product of Vectors
→
11. → →
The →orthogonal →
projection of
→
a on b is
→ [EAMCET 2002]

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

Ans: 2 →
→→ b
Sol. ( )
a.b → 2
b
→ →
12. If  is an acute angle and the vector (sin ) i + (cos ) j is perpendicular to the vector i − 3 j

then  = [EAMCET 2000]

 
1) 2) 3)  4)

6 5 4 3
Ans: 4

Sol. The given vectors are ⊥ er then (sin i + cosj). i −( )

3j = 0

sin − 3 cos = 0  tan  = 3


sin − 3 cos = 0  tan  = 3   =
3
→ → → → →
13. If two out of the three vector +a b+ c are unit vectors a+ b + c = 0 and
→→ →→ →→
( +
2 a.b b.c a.c+ ) + 3 = 0 , then the third vector is of length [EAMCET 2000]

1) 3 2) 2 3) 1 4) 0
→ →3
Ans:
Sol. → → → →2
(
a+b+c=0 a+b+c =0 )
→→ →→ →→
( )
 a2 + b2 + c2 + 2 a.b + b.c + c.a = 0

1+1+ c2 − 3 = 0  c2 = 1
→
 c =1



4
 VECTOR PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS
PREVIOUS EAMCET BITS
→ → →
1. Let a1i + a2 j + a3k [EAMCET 2007]
→ →2 → →2 → →2 →2
Assertion (A) : The identify  +  +  = a
a i a j a k 2 a holds for
→ →
Reason (R) : → − → → → = → − → →  → = → − →
 =
a i a3 j a2k, a j a1k a3 i , a k a2 i a1 j
Which of the following is correct
1) Both A and R are true and R is the correct reason for A
2) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct reason for A
3) A is true, R is false
4) A is false, R is true
Ans: 1
Sol. axi = a3J − a2k; axJ = a1k − a3i; axk = a2i − a1J

 R is true
→
a = a1 + a 2 + a 3
2 2 2

→2
axi 2 + axJ 2 + axk 2 = 2 ( a 21 + a 22 + a 23 ) = 2 a

→ → → → → →
2.
If a and b are unit vectors, then the vector ( )( )
+a b  a  b is parallel to the vector

[EAMCET 2005]
1) → → 2) → → → → →
a −b a +b 3) 2a − b 4) 2a + b
Ans: 2
Sol. By verification
→ → → → → → → → → → → →
 
( ) ( )( )
a + b  a  b . a + b = a + b a  b a + b = 0

(∵ →ab→a→= 0)
3. Let be the position vectors of the vertices, A, B, C respectively of ABC. The vector area
a, b, c

of ABC is 1 → → →
1 → → → → → → → → →
[EAMCET 2003]
2) → → →
1)
2
 ( )
a  b c + b ( c a ) + c a  b( ) 2
a  b + b c + c a

1
 1 → → → 1 →→ → Vector product of two vectors
3) 4) →→ → →→ →

2
a + b + c 2
(b.c)a + (c.a) b + (a.b)c
Ans: 2

Sol. = (
1 →a →
b +→
b c→+ ca
→ → )
2
→ → → → →→
4. If  is the angle between a and b and a  b = a.b , then  = [EAMCET 2001]

 
1) 0 2)  3) 4)
2 2
Ans: 4
→ → →→
Sol. Given a  b = a.b
→ → →→
 a b sin  = a b cos


tan = 1   =
4
→ → → →
5. If  is the angle between the vectors 2i − 2 j + 4k and 3 j + j + 2k, then sin  = [EAMCET 2000]
2 2 2 2
1) 2) 3) 4)
7 7 7 7
Ans: 2

ab 2
Sol. sin = =
a b 7



2
 TRIPLE PRODUCT AND PRODUCT OF FOUR VECTORS
PREVIOUS EAMCET BITS
→ →→ → →→ → →
1. The volume of the tetrahedron having the edges i + 2 j − k, i + j + k, i − j + k as conterminous, is
2/3 cubic units. Then  [EAMCET 2009]
1) 1 2) 2 3) 3 4) 4
Ans: 1
1 2
Sol. V = a b c  = cubc units
6 3
 =1
2. If a = i + j + k , b = i – j + k, c = i + j + k, d = i – j – k, then observe the following lists
[EAMCET 2008]
List – I List – II
i) a.b A) a.d
ii) b.c B) 3
iii) ab c  C) b.d
iv) b c D) 2 j − 2k
E) 2 j + 2k
F) 4
The correct match of List-I to List – II

i ii iii iv i ii iii iv
1) C A B F 2) C A F E
3) A C B F 4) A C F D
Ans: 2
Sol. a.b = (i + j+ k ) . ( i − j+ k ) = 1−1+1 = 1
b.c = (i − j+ k ) . ( i + j− k ) = 1−1−1 = −1
1 1 1
abc = 1 −1 1 = 1(1−1) −1(−1−1) +1(1+1) = 0 + 2 + 2 = 4
1 1 −1
i j k
b c = 1 −1 1 = i (1−1) − j(−1−1) + k (1+ 1) = 2 j+ 2k
1 1 −1

a.d = (i + j+ k ) . ( i − j− k ) = 1−1−1 = −1
b.d = (i − j+ k ) . ( i − j− k ) = 1+1−1 = −1
3. Let a be a unit vector, b = 2i + j – k and c= i + 3k, the maximum value of [a b c ] is
[EAMCET 2008]
1) – 1 2) 10 + 6 3) 10 − 6 4) 59
Ans: 4
1
 Triple product and product of four vectors

i j k
Sol. b c = 2 1 −1 = i (3 − 0) − j(6 +1) + k (0 −1) = 3i − 7 j− k
1 0 3
abc = a.(b c) = a.(3i − 7 j− k)
= a 3i − 7 j− k cos where  = (a, 3i − 7 j− k)
= 9 + 49 +1.cos
= 59 cos 
 Maximum value of abc  is 59
→ →→ → → → → →
4. The volume (in cubic units) of the tetrahedron with edges i + j + k, i − j + k and i + 2 j − k is
[EAMCET 2007]
1) 4 2) 2/3 3) 1/6 4) 1/3
Ans: 2
1 1 1
2
Sol. V = 1 −1 1 =
1
6 1 2 −1 3
→ → → → →
5. i − 2 j, 3 j + k and i − 3 j are coplanar then = [EAMCET 2006]
1) – 1 2) 1/2 3) –3/2 4) 2
Ans: 3
a1 b1 c1 1 −2 0
Sol. a, b, c are coplanar  a2 b2 c2 = 0  0 3 1 = 0
a3 b3 c3  3 0
1(0 − 3) + 2 (0 − ) + 0 (0 − 3) = 0
−3
=
2
6. If→the v→olu→me→of t→he para→llelo→pipe→d with coterminous edges [EAMCET 2006]
4i + 5 j + k, − j + k and 3i + 9 j + pk is 34 cubic units, then p = ……..
1) 4 2) –13 3) 13 4) 6
Ans: 1 or 3
4 5 1
Sol. Volume = |[a b c ]|= 0 −1 1 = 34
3 9 p
 4p +18 = 34  p = −13 or 4

7. Observe the following lists [EAMCET 2005]

List →– I→ → List – →II
  → →→
A) →a b→ c →
→→ →
( )
1) a b cos ab
→→ →
( ) ( )
B)
(→c a→) →b 2) a.b b −
→ →
ab c

(
C) a  b b ) 3) a.b c

2
 Triple product and product of four vectors
→
D) → → →
a.b 4) a b
→ → → →→ →
( ) ( )
5) b.c a − a.b c
A B C D A B C D
1) 1 2 3 4 2) 3 5 2 1
3) 3 2 5 1 4) 2 3 4 1
Ans: 2
Sol. ( )
ab c  = a. b  c
( ) ( )
( c  a )  b = b.c a − a.b c
a  ( b  c ) = ( a.c ) b − ( a.b ) c

→a.b→= a→ b cos → (→a.b→)

8.
(
1) 
)( 2)
)
+ c → a + b + c = →
c. →b →
3)
→→

4) → → →[EAMCET 2004]

c.b a 0 c.a b a.c b
Ans: 1
Sol. (c.b + c.c )(a + b + c ) = c.(b  a ) = c b a 
→ → →→ → → → →
9. If 3i + 3 j + 3k, i + k, 3i + 3 j + k are coplanar, then  = [EAMCET 2004]
1) 1 2) 2 3) 3 4) 4
Ans: 1
3 3 3
Sol. 1 0 1 = 0   =1
3 3 
→ → → →→ → → → → → → → →
10. ( )
If a = i + j + k, b = i + j, c = i and a  b c = a + b , then  + .... [EAMCET 2003]
1) 0 2) 1 3) 2 4) 3
Ans:
→ →1 → → → → → → → → →
Sol. =
( )
a  b  c = (a.c) b − b.c a ( )
b−a
 = −1; = 1   +  = 0
→→ → → →
11. If  ab c  =3, then the volume (in cubic units) of the parallelopiped with 2a→ + b, 2b + c→ and
→ → 
2c +a as coterminous edges is [EAMCET 2002]
1) 15 2) 22 3) 25 4) 27
Ans: 4
→ → → → → → 2 1 0
Sol. = 2a + b 2b + c 2c + a  = 0 2 1 abc  = 9.3 = 27

12. → → → → → → → 1 0 2
(a + b).( b + c )  ( a + b + c) →= [EAMCET 2002]
→ → →→→ →→→
1) 0 2) −  a b c     
  3) 2 a b c 4) a b c
Ans:

3
 Triple product and product of four vectors

1 1 0
Sol. 1 1 a b c 
1 1 1
= 0 −1(−1) + 0 a b c  = a b c 

13.  i − j j − k k − i  = [EAMCET 2001]

1) 0 2) 1 3) 3 4) 2
Ans: 1
1 −1 0
Sol. 0 1 −1 = 0
−1 0 1
→→→→ → → → →
( )(
14. If a, b, c, d are coplanar vectors then a  b  c  d = ) [EAMCET 2001]
→
1) 1 2) a 3) b 4) O
An→s: 4 →
→ →
Sol. a, b, c, d are coplanar
→ → → →
a  b and
→ cd →are parallel
→
→ →

→
( )( )
a  b  cd = O
→ → → → → → → → → → → → → →
( )
15. If a = 2i + 3 j − 4k, b = i + j + k and c = 4i + 2 j + 3k and a  b c = [EAMCET 2000]
1) 10 2) 1 3) 2 4) 5
→
Sol. Ans: →4 → →→ → →→ →
( )
a  b c = (a.c) b − a.b c( )
= −2i − k = 4 +1 = 5
16. ( )
→ → → →
b c→  ( c a ) =
→ → → → → → → → → → → → →[EAMCET
→ 2000]
1)  2)  3)  4) 
 ab c c  ab c b  ab c a a ( b c)
Ans: 1 → → → → → → → →
Sol. → → → →
( )
b c  ( c a ) =
→ →→ →
(( ) ) (( ) )
→
b c a c − b c c a
→→ →
   
 ab c c − 0 = a b c c

