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Vector Algebra
DPP-1

Preliminary ideas of Vector algebra

1. If 𝑎⃗ is a non-zero vector with modulus |𝑎⃗| and 𝑚 is a non-zero scalar,
then 𝑚𝑎⃗ is a unit vector if:
(a) 𝑚 = ±1
(b) 𝑚 = |𝑎⃗|
1
(c) 𝑚 =
|𝑎⃗⃗|
(d) 𝑚 = ±2

Sol: A unit vector is a vector with a magnitude of 1 . Therefore, for 𝑚𝑎⃗ to be a

unit vector, its magnitude must be equal to 1.

|𝑚𝑎⃗| = 1
The magnitude of a scalar multiplied by a vector is the absolute value of the
scalar multiplied by the magnitude of the vector:

|𝑚𝑎⃗| = |𝑚| ⋅ |𝑎⃗|

|𝑚| ⋅ |𝑎⃗| = 1
1
|𝑚| =
|𝑎⃗|
Since |𝑚| represents the absolute value of 𝑚, we can conclude that 𝑚 can be
either positive or negative:
1
𝑚=±
|𝑎|

Thus, the scalar 𝑚 must satisfy the condition:

1 1
𝑚= or 𝑚 = −
|𝑎⃗| |𝑎⃗|
 Div & curl of vector fields 2

Answer:
1
(c) 𝑚 =
|𝑎|

2. For a non-zero vector 𝑎⃗, the set of real numbers 𝑥 satisfying |(5 −
𝑥)𝑎⃗| < |2𝑎⃗| consists of all 𝑥 such that:
(a) 0 < 𝑥 < 3
(b) 3 < 𝑥 < 7
(c) −7 < 𝑥 < −3
(d) −7 < 𝑥 < 3

Solution:
We are given the inequality:

|(5 − 𝑥)𝑎⃗| < |2𝑎⃗|

The magnitude of a scalar multiplied by a vector is the absolute value of the
scalar multiplied by the magnitude of the vector. Therefore:

|5 − 𝑥| ⋅ |𝑎⃗| < 2 ⋅ |𝑎⃗|

|5 − 𝑥| < 2
To solve this inequality, we need to break it down into two separate inequalities:

−2 < 5 − 𝑥 < 2

3<𝑥<7
Answer:
(b) 3 < 𝑥 < 7

3. The direction cosines of the vector 3𝑖ˆ − 4𝑗ˆ + 5𝑘ˆ are:

3 −4 1
(a) , ,
5 5 5
3 −4 1
(b) , ,
5√2 5√2 √2
3 −4 1
(c) , ,
√2 √2 √2
3 4 1
(d) , ,
5√2 5√2 √2

2
 Div & curl of vector fields 3

Solution:
To find the direction cosines of a vector, we need to divide each component of
the vector by its magnitude. Let's start by finding the magnitude of the vector
𝑟⃗ = 3𝑖ˆ − 4𝑗ˆ + 5𝑘ˆ.

The magnitude |𝑟⃗| is given by:

|𝑟⃗| = √(3)2 + (−4)2 + (5)2

|𝑟⃗| = √9 + 16 + 25

|𝑟⃗| = 5√2
3 −4 5 3 −4 1
Hence, direction cosines are , , i.e., , , .
5√2 5√2 5√2 5 √2 5 √2 √2

4. If 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷𝐸𝐹 is a regular hexagon, then ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝐴𝐷 + 𝐸𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐶 =
⃗⃗
(a) 𝑂
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
(b) 2𝐴𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
(c) 3𝐴𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
(d) 4𝐴𝐵

Solution: In a regular hexagon:

 All sides are equal in length.

 Opposite sides are parallel and equal in length.
We can use the properties of the hexagon to break down the vectors into sums
of simpler vectors.

1 Vector ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐷 :
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝐴𝐵
𝐴𝐷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝐵𝐶
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝐶𝐷
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

Since ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 , ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐷 are consecutive sides of the hexagon.
2. Vector 𝐸𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ :

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸𝐵 𝐸𝐷 + 𝐷𝐵 𝐸𝐷 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐷𝐶 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐵

3
 Div & curl of vector fields 4

𝐸𝐷, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
Since ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐷𝐶 , ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐵 are consecutive sides of the hexagon (with direction reversed
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ and 𝐶𝐵
for 𝐷𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ).

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ :
3 Vector 𝐹𝐶
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐹𝐸 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐶 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐸𝐶 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐸𝐷 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐸 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐷𝐶

Since 𝐹𝐸 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ , 𝐸𝐷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ are consecutive sides of the hexagon (with direction reversed
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗, 𝐷𝐶
for ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐷𝐶 ).

We need to sum these vectors:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐷 + 𝐸𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐶 = (𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐶 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐷) + (𝐸𝐷 𝐷𝐶 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐵) + (𝐹𝐸 𝐸𝐷 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐷𝐶 )
Next, we observe that in a regular hexagon:

 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸𝐷 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵
 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐸 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶
Thus,

𝐸𝐷 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸𝐵 𝐷𝐶 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐵 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐷𝐶 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐵
Simplifying,

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐷 + 𝐸𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐶 = (𝐴𝐵 𝐵𝐶 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐷) + (𝐴𝐵 𝐷𝐶 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐵) + (𝐵𝐶 𝐴𝐵 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐷𝐶 )
Each of these sums includes one set of the original vectors in the hexagon,
leading to:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐷 + 𝐸𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐹𝐶 = 4𝐴𝐵
Answer:
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
(d) 4𝐴𝐵

4
 Div & curl of vector fields 5

5. The unit vector parallel to the resultant vector of 2i + 4j − 5k and i +

2j + 3k is
1
(a) (3i + 6j − 2k)
7
i+j+k
(b)
√3
i+j+2k
(c)
√6
1
(d) (−𝐢 − 𝐣 + 8𝐤)
√69

Solution: (a) Resultant vector 𝐫 = (2𝐢 + 4𝐣 − 5𝐤) + (𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 3𝐤) = 3𝐢 +

6𝐣 − 2𝐤
1 1 1
Unit vector parallel to 𝐫 = 𝐫= (3𝐢 + 6𝐣 − 2𝐤) = (3𝐢 + 6𝐣 −
|𝐫| √32 +62 +(−2)2 7
2𝐤)
6. If the sum of two vectors is a unit vector, then the magnitude of their
difference is
(a) √2
(b) √3
1
(c)
√3
(d) 1

Solution: (b) Let |𝐚| = 1, |𝐛| = 1 and |𝐚 + 𝐛| = 1 ⇒ |𝐚 + 𝐛|2 = 1 ⇒ 1 + 1 +

1
2cos 𝜃 = 1 ⇒ cos 𝜃 = − ⇒ 𝜃 = 120∘
2

∴ |𝐚 − 𝐛|2 = 1 + 1 − 2cos 𝜃 = 3 ⇒ |𝐚 − 𝐛| = √3.

7. The length of the longer diagonal of the parallelogram constructed on the

vectors 5𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ and 𝑎⃗ − 3𝑏⃗⃗, given that |𝑎⃗| = 2√2, |𝑏⃗⃗| = 3, and the
𝜋
angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ is , is:
4
(a) 15
(b) √113
(c) √593
(d) √369

Solution:
The diagonals of the parallelogram formed by vectors 𝑢
⃗⃗ and 𝑣⃗ are given by:

5
 Div & curl of vector fields 6

𝑑⃗1 = 𝑢
⃗⃗ + 𝑣⃗
𝑑⃗2 = 𝑢
⃗⃗ − 𝑣⃗
Given:

⃗⃗ = 5𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗
𝑢
𝑣⃗ = 𝑎⃗ − 3𝑏⃗⃗

First Diagonal 𝑑⃗1 :

𝑑⃗1 = (5𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗) + (𝑎⃗ − 3𝑏⃗⃗)

𝑑⃗1 = 6𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗

Second Diagonal 𝑑⃗2 :

𝑑⃗2 = (5𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗) − (𝑎⃗ − 3𝑏⃗⃗)

𝑑⃗2 = 4𝑎⃗ + 5𝑏⃗⃗

Magnitude of 𝑑⃗1 :

|𝑑⃗1 | = |6𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗|

𝜋
|𝑑⃗1 | = √(6|𝑑⃗|)2 + (−|𝑏⃗⃗|)2 + 2 ⋅ 6|𝑎⃗| ⋅ (−|𝑏⃗⃗|)cos (𝜋 − )
4
Given:
𝜋
|𝑎⃗| = 2√2, |𝑏⃗⃗| = 3, angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ =
4
Substituting the values:

3𝜋
|𝑑⃗1 | = √(6 ⋅ 2√2)2 + (−3)2 + 2 ⋅ 6 ⋅ 2√2 ⋅ (−3) ⋅ cos ( )
4

1
|𝑑⃗1 | = √(12√2)2 + 9 + 2 ⋅ 12√2 ⋅ (−3) ⋅ (− )
√2
|𝑑⃗1 | = √288 + 9 + 72
|𝑑⃗1 | = √369

Magnitude of 𝑑⃗2 :

6
 Div & curl of vector fields 7

|𝑑⃗2 | = |4𝑎⃗ + 5𝑏⃗⃗|

𝜋
|𝑑⃗2 | = √(4|𝑎⃗|)2 + (5|𝑏⃗⃗|)2 + 2 ⋅ 4|𝑎⃗| ⋅ 5|𝑏⃗⃗|cos ( )
4
Substituting the values:
𝜋
|𝑑⃗2 | = √(4 ⋅ 2√2)2 + (5 ⋅ 3)2 + 2 ⋅ 4 ⋅ 2√2 ⋅ 5 ⋅ 3 ⋅ cos ( )
4
1
|𝑑⃗2 | = √(8√2)2 + 152 + 2 ⋅ 8√2 ⋅ 15 ⋅
√2
|𝑑⃗2 | = √128 + 225 + 240
|𝑑⃗2 | = √593

Conclusion:
The length of the longer diagonal is:
(c) √593

8. The sum of two forces is 18 N and resultant whose direction is at right

angles to the smaller force is 2 N. The magnitude of the two forces are
(a) 13,5
(b) 12,6
(c) 14,4
(d) 11,7

⃗⃗ | = 18𝑁; |𝑅⃗⃗ | = |𝑃⃗⃗ + 𝑄

Solution: (a) We have, |𝑃⃗⃗| + |𝑄 ⃗⃗| = 12𝑁

𝛼 = 90∘ ⇒ 𝑃 + 𝑄cos 𝜃 = 0 ⇒ 𝑄cos 𝜃 = −𝑃

Now, 𝑅2 = 𝑃2 + 𝑄2 + 2𝑃𝑄cos 𝜃 ⇒ 𝑅2 = 𝑃2 + 𝑄2 + 2𝑃(−𝑃) = 𝑄2 − 𝑃2

⇒ 122 = (𝑃 + 𝑄)(𝑄 − 𝑃) = 18(𝑄 − 𝑃)

⇒ 𝑄 − 𝑃 = 8 and 𝑄 + 𝑃 = 18 ⇒ 𝑄 = 13, 𝑃 = 5

∴ Magnitude of two forces are 5 N, 13 N.

7
 Div & curl of vector fields 8

9. The vector 𝑐⃗, directed along the internal bisector of the angle between
the vectors 𝑎⃗ = 4𝑖ˆ − 3𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = −𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ with |𝑐⃗| = 3√2, is:
3
(a) (𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ )
5
3
(b) (5𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ)
5
3
(c) (3𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ)
5
3
(d) (3𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ)
5

Solution:
Given vectors:

𝑎⃗ = 4𝑖ˆ − 3𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ

𝑏⃗⃗ = −𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ
Find the magnitudes:

|𝑎⃗| = √42 + (−3)2 + 22 = √16 + 9 + 4 = √29

|𝑏⃗⃗| = √(−1)2 + 22 + 22 = √1 + 4 + 4 = √9 = 3

The vector 𝑐⃗ directed along the internal bisector is:

𝑎⃗ 𝑏⃗⃗
𝑐⃗ = 𝜆 ( + )
|𝑎⃗| |𝑏⃗⃗|

Now

𝑎⃗ 4𝑖ˆ − 3𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ

=
|𝑑⃗| √29
𝑏⃗⃗ −𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ
=
𝑏⃗⃗ 3

4 3 2 −𝑖ˆ 2𝑗ˆ 2𝑘ˆ

𝑐⃗ = 𝜆 ( 𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ + + + )
√29 √29 √29 3 3 3

Find a common denominator and simplify:

12𝑖ˆ − 9𝑗ˆ + 6𝑘ˆ − √29𝑖ˆ + 2√29𝑗ˆ + 2√29𝑘

𝑐⃗ = 𝜆 ( )
3√29

8
 Div & curl of vector fields 9

Combine terms:

12 − √29 −9 + 2√29 6 + 2√29

𝑐⃗ = 𝜆 ( 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ)
3√29 3√29 3√29

Given |𝑐⃗| = 3√2, we equate the magnitudes:

𝜆
3√2 = | | ⋅ |12 − √29, −9 + 2√29, 6 + 2√29|
3√29
3
Which implies (5𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ)
5

10.If the position vector of point 𝐴 is 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ and point 𝐶 divides the line
segment 𝐴𝐵 in the ratio 2 : 3 , what is the position vector of point 𝐵 ?
a) 2a − b
(b) b − 2a
(c) a − 3b
(d) b

Solution: Given that point 𝐶 divides 𝐴𝐵 in the ratio 2: 3, we can use the section
formula to find 𝑥⃗.
The section formula states that if a point 𝐶 divides a line segment 𝐴𝐵 in the
ratio 𝑚: 𝑛, then the position vector of 𝐶 is given by:

⃗⃗ + 𝑛𝐴⃗
𝑚𝐵
𝐶⃗ =
𝑚+𝑛
Here, 𝐶 divides 𝐴𝐵 in the ratio 2: 3, and the position vector of 𝐶 is 𝑎⃗.

Therefore:

2𝑥⃗ + 3(𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗)

𝑎⃗ =
2+3

2𝑥⃗ + 3𝑎⃗ + 6𝑏⃗⃗

𝑎⃗ =
5

5𝑎⃗ − 3𝑎⃗ − 6𝑏⃗⃗ = 2𝑥⃗

9
 Div & curl of vector fields 10

2𝑎⃗ − 6𝑏⃗⃗ = 2𝑥⃗

𝑎⃗ − 3𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑥⃗

Thus, the position vector of 𝐵 is:

𝑥⃗ = 𝑎⃗ − 3𝑏⃗⃗
11. Let 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 be distinct real numbers. The points with position vectors 𝛼i̇ +
𝛽j + 𝛾k, 𝛽i + 𝛾j + 𝛼k, 𝛾i̇ + 𝛼j + 𝛽k
(a) Are collinear

(b) Form an equilateral triangle

(c) Form a scalene triangle

(d) Form a right angled triangle

Solution: (b) 𝐴𝐵 = √(𝛼 − 𝛽)2 + (𝛽 − 𝛾)2 + (𝛾 − 𝛼)2 = 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐶𝐴

∴ 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is an equilateral triangle.

12.The position vectors of the vertices 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 of a triangle are i − j −

3k, 2i + j − 2k and −5i + 2j − 6k respectively. The length of the
bisector 𝐴𝐷 of the angle 𝐵𝐴𝐶 where 𝐷 is on the segment 𝐵𝐶, is
3
(a) √10
4
1
(b)
4
11
(c)
2
(d) None of these

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = |(2𝐢 + 𝐣 − 2𝐤) − (𝐢 − 𝐣 − 3𝐤)| = |𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 𝐤| =

Solution: (a) |𝐴𝐵
√12 + 22 + 12 = √6

10
 Div & curl of vector fields 11

ˆ|
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = |(−5𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 6𝐤) − (𝐢 − 𝐣 − 3𝐤)| = | − 6𝐢ˆ + 3𝐣ˆ − 3𝐤
|𝐴𝐶
= √(−6)2 + 32 + (−3)2

= √54 = 3√6.
√6 1
𝐵𝐷: 𝐷𝐶 = 𝐴𝐵: 𝐴𝐶 = = .
3√6 3

1.(−5𝐢+2𝐣−6𝐤)+3(2𝐢+𝐣−2𝐤) 1
∴ Position vector of 𝐷 = = (𝐢 + 5𝐣 − 12𝐤)
1+3 4

1
∴ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐷 = position vector of 𝐷 − Position vector of 𝐴 = (𝐢 + 5𝐣 − 12𝐤) − (𝐢 −
4
1 3
𝐣 − 3𝐤) = (−3𝐢 + 9𝐣) = (−𝐢 + 3𝐣)
4 4

3 3
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗| = √(−1)2 + 32 = √10
|𝐴𝐷
4 4
13.The median 𝐴𝐷 of the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is bisected at 𝐸, 𝐵𝐸 meets 𝐴𝐶 in 𝐹.
Then 𝐴𝐹: 𝐴𝐶 =
(a) 3/4
(b) 1/3
(c) 1/2
(d) 1/4

Solution: (b) Let position vector of 𝐴 with respect to 𝐵 is a and that of 𝐶 w.r.t. 𝐵
is 𝐜.
𝟎+𝐜 𝐜
Position vector of 𝐷 w.r.t. 𝐵 = =
2 2
𝐜
𝐚+ 𝐚 𝐜
2
Position vector of 𝐸 = = +
2 2 4

Let 𝐴𝐹: 𝐹𝐶 = 𝜆: 1 and 𝐵𝐸: 𝐸𝐹 = 𝜇: 1

𝜆𝐜+𝐚
Position vector of 𝐹 =
1+𝜆

11
 Div & curl of vector fields 12

(0)

1
( 𝐜)
2
𝜆𝐜+𝐚
𝜇( )+1.𝟎
1+𝜆
Now, position vector of 𝐸 =
𝜇+1

𝐚 𝐜 𝜇 𝜆𝜇
(ii). From (i) and (ii), + = 𝐚+ 𝐜
2 4 (1+𝜆)(1+𝜇) (1+𝜆)(1+𝜇)

1
1 𝜇 1 𝜆𝜇 1 𝐴𝐹 𝐴𝐹 𝜆 2 1
⇒ = and = ⇒ 𝜆 = ,∴ = = = 3 = .
2 (1+𝜆)(1+𝜇) 4 (1+𝜆)(1+𝜇) 2 𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝐹+𝐹𝐶 1+𝜆 3
2

14.The points with position vectors 50𝑖ˆ + 7𝑗ˆ, 30𝑖ˆ − 4𝑗ˆ, and 𝑏𝑖ˆ − 36𝑗ˆ are
collinear if 𝑏 is:
(a) -30
(b) 30
(c) 10
(d) None of these

Solution:
As the three points are collinear, we can use the vector equation 𝑥(50𝑖ˆ + 7𝑗ˆ) +
𝑦(30𝑖ˆ − 4𝑗ˆ) + 𝑧(𝑏𝑖ˆ − 36𝑗ˆ) = 0, where 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 are not all zero, and 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 =
0.

So, the equations are:

50𝑥 + 30𝑦 + 𝑏𝑧 = 0
7𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 36𝑧 = 0
𝑥+𝑦+𝑧 =0
For a non-trivial solution, the determinant of the coefficient matrix must be
zero:

12
 Div & curl of vector fields 13

50 30 𝑏
| 7 −4 −36| = 0
1 1 1
Calculate the determinant:
50 30 𝑏
−4 −36 7 −36 7 −4
| 7 −4 −36| = 50 (| |) − 30 (| |) + 𝑏 (| |)
1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1
= 50(−4 − (−36)) − 30(7 − (−36)) + 𝑏(7 − (−4))
= 50(32) − 30(43) + 𝑏(11)
= 1600 − 1290 + 11𝑏 = 0
310 + 11𝑏 = 0
11𝑏 = −310
𝑏 = −30
Answer:
(a) -30

Trick:
If 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 are given points, then the vectors ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 should be proportional,
meaning ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = 𝑘𝐵𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ .

For this problem, calculate:

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = (30𝑖ˆ − 4𝑗ˆ) − (50𝑖ˆ + 7𝑗ˆ) = −20𝑖ˆ − 11𝑗ˆ

𝐴𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐵𝐶 = (𝑏𝑖ˆ − 36𝑗ˆ) − (30𝑖ˆ − 4𝑗ˆ) = (𝑏 − 30)𝑖ˆ − 32𝑗ˆ
Compare:

−20𝑖ˆ − 11𝑗ˆ = 𝑘[(𝑏 − 30)𝑖ˆ − 32𝑗ˆ]

From the 𝑗ˆ component:

11
−11 = −32𝑘 ⇒ 𝑘 =
32
From the 𝑖ˆ component:
11
−20 = 𝑘(𝑏 − 30) ⇒ −20 = (𝑏 − 30)
32
Solve for :

13
 Div & curl of vector fields 14

−20 ⋅ 32 = 11(𝑏 − 30)

−640 = 11𝑏 − 330
11𝑏 = −310
𝑏 = −30
Thus, the solution confirms 𝑏 = −30.

15.Let 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗, and 𝑐⃗ be three non-zero vectors such that no two of these
vectors are collinear. If the vector 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ is collinear with 𝑐⃗ and the
vector 𝑏⃗⃗ + 3𝑐⃗ is collinear with 𝑎⃗ (where 𝜆 is some non-zero scalar), then
𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 6𝑐⃗ equals:
(a) ⃗0⃗
(b) 𝜆𝑏⃗⃗
(c) 𝜆𝑐⃗
(d) 𝜆𝑎⃗

Solution:
Given the conditions that the vector 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ is collinear with 𝑐⃗ and the vector
𝑏⃗⃗ + 3𝑐⃗ is collinear with 𝑎⃗, we can express these conditions as:

1 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑘𝑐⃗, where 𝑘 is some scalar.

2 𝑏⃗⃗ + 3𝑐⃗ = 𝑚𝑎⃗, where 𝑚 is some scalar.
We need to find the expression for 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 6𝑐⃗.

1 From the first condition, 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑘𝑐⃗.

𝑎⃗ = 𝑘𝑐⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗

2 From the second condition, 𝑏⃗⃗ + 3𝑐⃗ = 𝑚𝑎⃗.

Substituting 𝑎⃗ = 𝑘𝑐⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗ into the second condition:
𝑏⃗⃗ + 3𝑐⃗ = 𝑚(𝑘𝑐⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗)
𝑏⃗⃗ + 3𝑐⃗ = 𝑚𝑘𝑐⃗ − 2𝑚𝑏⃗⃗

Grouping 𝑏⃗⃗ terms together:

𝑏⃗⃗ + 2𝑚𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑚𝑘𝑐⃗ − 3𝑐⃗

(1 + 2𝑚)𝑏⃗⃗ = (𝑚𝑘 − 3)𝑐⃗

14
 Div & curl of vector fields 15

Since 𝑏⃗⃗ and 𝑐⃗ are not collinear:

1 + 2𝑚 = 0
1
𝑚=−
2
And,

𝑚𝑘 − 3 = 0
3 3
𝑘= = = −6
𝑚 −1
2
3 Substitute 𝑘 = −6 back into 𝑎⃗ = 𝑘𝑐⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗ :
𝑎⃗ = −6𝑐⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗

4 Finally, substitute 𝑎⃗ into 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 6𝑐⃗ :

𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 6𝑐⃗ = (−6𝑐⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗) + 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 6𝑐⃗
= −6𝑐⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 6𝑐⃗
=0
Thus, 𝑎⃗ + 2𝑏⃗⃗ + 6𝑐⃗ = ⃗0⃗.

16.If the vectors 4i + 11j + 𝑚k, 7i + 2j + 6k and i + 5j + 4k are coplanar,

then 𝑚 is
(a) 38
(b) 0
(c) 10
(d) -10

Solution: (c) As the three vectors are coplanar, one will be a linear combination
of the other two.
∴ 4𝐢 + 11𝐣 + 𝑚𝐤 = 𝑥(7𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 6𝐤) + 𝑦(𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 4𝐤) ⇒ 4 = 7𝑥 + 𝑦
11 = 2𝑥 + 5𝑦
𝑚 = 6𝑥 + 4𝑦
3 23 3 23
From (i) and (ii), 𝑥 = ,𝑦 = ; From (iii), 𝑚 = 6 × +4× = 10.
11 11 11 11

Trick : ∵ Vectors 4𝐢 + 11𝐣 + 𝑚𝐤, 7𝐢 + 2𝐣 + 6𝐤 and 𝐢 + 5𝐣 + 4𝐤 are coplanar.

15
 Div & curl of vector fields 16

4 11 𝑚
∴ |7 2 6| = 0
1 5 4
⇒ 4(8 − 30) − 11(28 − 6) + 𝑚(35 − 2) = 0 ⇒ −88 − 11 × 22 + 33𝑚 =
0 ⇒ −8 − 22 + 3𝑚 = 0 ⇒ 3𝑚 = 30 ⇒ 𝑚 = 10.

17.If 𝑎⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ, 𝑏⃗⃗ = 4𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ + 4𝑘ˆ, and 𝑐⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 𝛼𝑗ˆ + 𝛽𝑘ˆ are linearly
dependent vectors and |𝑐⃗| = √3, then:
(a) 𝛼 = 1, 𝛽 = −1
(b) 𝛼 = 1, 𝛽 = ±1
(c) 𝛼 = −1, 𝛽 = ±1
(d) 𝛼 = ±1, 𝛽 = 1

Solution:
The given vectors are linearly dependent, hence there exist scalars 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 (not all
zero) such that:

𝑥𝑎⃗ + 𝑦𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑧𝑐⃗ = 0

Substituting the vectors 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗, 𝑐⃗ :

𝑥(𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ) + 𝑦(4𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ + 4𝑘ˆ ) + 𝑧(𝑖ˆ + 𝛼𝑗ˆ + 𝛽𝑘ˆ) = 0

Combining like terms:

(𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 𝑧)𝑖ˆ + (𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 𝛼𝑧)𝑗ˆ + (𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 𝛽𝑧)𝑘ˆ = 0

For the equation to hold, the coefficients of 𝑖ˆ, 𝑗ˆ, 𝑘ˆ must each be zero:

1 𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 𝑧 = 0
2 𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 𝛼𝑧 = 0
3 𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 𝛽𝑧 = 0

1 4 1
For non-trivial solution, |1 3 𝛼 | = 0 ⇒ 𝛽 = 1
1 4 𝛽

|𝑐|2 = 3 ⇒ 1 + 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 = 3 ⇒ 𝛼 2 = 2 − 𝛽 2 = 2 − 1 = 1; ∴ 𝛼 = ±1

16
 Div & curl of vector fields 17

Trick : |𝐜| = √1 + 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 = √3 ⇒ 𝛼 2 + 𝛽 2 = 2
1 1 1
∵ 𝐚, 𝐛, 𝐜 are linearly dependent, hence |4 3 4 | = 0 ⇒ 𝛽 = 1.
1 𝛼 𝛽

∴ 𝛼 2 = 1 ⇒ 𝛼 = ±1.

18.Let 𝐛 = 3𝐣 + 4𝐤, 𝐚 = 𝐢 + 𝐣, and let 𝐛1 and 𝐛𝟐 be the component vectors

of 𝐛 parallel and perpendicular to 𝐚, respectively. If 𝐛1 is given by 𝐛1 =
3 3
𝐢 + 𝐣, then 𝐛𝟐 = :
2 2
3
(a) 𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 4𝐤
2
3
(b) − 𝐢 + 3𝐣 + 4𝐤
2
3 3
(c) − 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤
2 2
(d) None of these

To find 𝐛1 and 𝐛2 , we need to project 𝐛 onto 𝐚 and find the component of 𝐛

perpendicular to 𝐚.

First, let's calculate the projection of 𝐛 onto :

𝐛⋅𝐚
𝐛1 = Proj𝐚 𝐛 = ( )𝐚
𝐚⋅𝐚
Calculate the dot products:

𝐛 ⋅ 𝐚 = (3𝐣 + 4𝐤) ⋅ (𝐢 + 𝐣) = 3
𝐚 ⋅ 𝐚 = (𝐢 + 𝐣) ⋅ (𝐢 + 𝐣) = 1 + 1 = 2

Now find 𝐛1 :
3 3 3
𝐛1 = ( ) (𝐢 + 𝐣) = 𝐢 + 𝐣
2 2 2
3 3
So, 𝐛1 = 𝐢 + 𝐣.
2 2

Now, find 𝐛2 by subtracting 𝐛1 from :

17
 Div & curl of vector fields 18

3 3
𝐛2 = 𝐛 − 𝐛1 = (3𝐣 + 4𝐤) − ( 𝐢 + 𝐣)
2 2
3 3
𝐛2 = − 𝐢 + (3 − ) 𝐣 + 4𝐤
2 2
3 3
𝐛2 = − 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤
2 2
So, 𝐛2 should be:
3 3
𝐛2 = − 𝐢 + 𝐣 + 4𝐤
2 2
Answer : (c)

19.The resultant of two forces, one double the other in magnitude, is

perpendicular to the smaller of the two forces. The angle between the
two forces is
a. 120∘
b. 60∘
c. 90∘
d. 150∘
Solution:

Let's denote the two vectors as 𝐀 and 𝐁. According to the problem, the resultant
vector 𝐑 is equal in magnitude to 𝐀 and is perpendicular to 𝐀.

Thus, we have:

|𝐑| = |𝐀|
𝐑⋅𝐀=0
Since 𝐑 is the resultant of 𝐀 and 𝐁, we have:

𝐑=𝐀+𝐁

Given that 𝐑 is perpendicular to 𝐀, we can write:

(𝐀 + 𝐁) ⋅ 𝐀 = 0

A=2B

⇒ ⃗A⃗ ⋅ B
⃗⃗ + B 2 = 0

18
 Div & curl of vector fields 19

⇒ 2 B 2 cos 𝜃 + B 2 = 0
1 2𝜋
⇒ cos 𝜃 = − ⇒ 𝜃 =
2 3
20.If vector 𝑎 = 2𝑖 − 3𝑗 + 6𝑘 and vector 𝑏 = −2𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘, then
Projection of vector a on vector 𝑏
=
Projection of vector 𝑏 on vector 𝑎
3
a.
7
7
b.
3
C. 3
d. 7
Given:

 𝐚 = 2𝐢 − 3𝐣 + 6𝐤
 𝐛 = −2𝐢 + 2𝐣 − 𝐤
1 Projection of 𝐚 on 𝐛 :
The projection of 𝐚 on 𝐛 is given by:
𝐚⋅𝐛
Proj𝐛 𝐚 = 𝐛
|𝐛|2
2 Projection of 𝐛 on 𝐚 :
The projection of 𝐛 on 𝐚 is given by:
𝐛⋅𝐚
Proj𝐚 𝐛 = 𝐚
|𝐚|2

𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛 = (2)(−2) + (−3)(2) + (6)(−1) = −4 − 6 − 6 = −16

Magnitudes of 𝐚 and :

|𝐚| = √(2)2 + (−3)2 + (6)2 = √4 + 9 + 36 = √49 = 7

|𝐛| = √(−2)2 + (2)2 + (−1)2 = √4 + 4 + 1 = √9 = 3

Projections:

1 Projection of 𝐚 on 𝐛 :
𝐚 ⋅ 𝐛 −16 −16
Proj𝐛 𝐚 = = 2 =
|𝐛|2 3 9

19
 Div & curl of vector fields 20

2 Projection of 𝐛 on 𝐚 :
𝐛 ⋅ 𝐚 −16 −16
Proj𝐚 𝐛 = = 2 =
|𝐚|2 7 49
Ratio of Projections:
−16
Proj𝐛 𝐚 9 49 72 7
= = = 2=
Proj𝐚 𝐛 −16 9 3 3
49
Therefore, the correct answer is:
7
(b)
3

20