424

MATHEMATICS

Chapter

10

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VECTOR ALGEBRA
In most sciences one generation tears down what another has built and what

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10.1 Introduction

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one has established another undoes. In Mathematics alone each generation

builds a new story to the old structure. HERMAN HANKEL

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In our day to day life, we come across many queries such

as What is your height? How should a football player hit
the ball to give a pass to another player of his team? Observe
that a possible answer to the first query may be 1.6 meters,
a quantity that involves only one value (magnitude) which
is a real number. Such quantities are called scalars.
However, an answer to the second query is a quantity (called
force) which involves muscular strength (magnitude) and
direction (in which another player is positioned). Such
quantities are called vectors. In mathematics, physics and
engineering, we frequently come across with both types of
W.R. Hamilton
quantities, namely, scalar quantities such as length, mass,
(1805-1865)
time, distance, speed, area, volume, temperature, work,
money, voltage, density, resistance etc. and vector quantities like displacement, velocity,
acceleration, force, weight, momentum, electric field intensity etc.
In this chapter, we will study some of the basic concepts about vectors, various
operations on vectors, and their algebraic and geometric properties. These two type of
properties, when considered together give a full realisation to the concept of vectors,
and lead to their vital applicability in various areas as mentioned above.

10.2 Some Basic Concepts

Let l be any straight line in plane or three dimensional space. This line can be given
two directions by means of arrowheads. A line with one of these directions prescribed
is called a directed line (Fig 10.1 (i), (ii)).

425

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VECTOR ALGEBRA

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Fig 10.1

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Now observe that if we restrict the line l to the line segment AB, then a magnitude
is prescribed on the line l with one of the two directions, so that we obtain a directed
line segment (Fig 10.1(iii)). Thus, a directed line segment has magnitude as well as
direction.

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Definition 1 A quantity that has magnitude as well as direction is called a vector.

uuur
Notice that a directed line segment is a vector (Fig 10.1(iii)), denoted as AB or
uuur
r
simply as ar , and read as vector AB or vector a .
uuur
The point A from where the vector AB starts is called its initial point, and the
point B where it ends is called its terminal point. The distance between initial and
terminal points of a vector is called the magnitude (or length) of the vector, denoted as
uuur
r
| AB |, or | a |, or a. The arrow indicates the direction of the vector.

$Note

r
Since the length is never negative, the notation | a | < 0 has no meaning.

Position Vector
From Class XI, recall the three dimensional right handed rectangular coordinate
system (Fig 10.2(i)). Consider a point P in space, having coordinates (x, y, z) with
uuur
respect to the origin O (0, 0, 0). Then, the vector OP having O and P as its initial and
terminal points, respectively, is called the position vector of the point P with respect
uuur
r
to O. Using distance formula (from Class XI), the magnitude of OP (or r ) is given by
uuur
| OP | =

x2 + y 2 + z 2

In practice, the position vectors of points A, B, C, etc., with respect to the origin O
r r r
are denoted by a , b , c , etc., respectively (Fig 10.2 (ii)).

MATHEMATICS

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426

Fig 10.2

Direction Cosines

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uuur
r
Consider the position vector OP or r of a point P(x, y, z) as in Fig 10.3. The angles ,
r
, made by the vector r with the positive directions of x, y and z-axes respectively,
are called its direction angles. The cosine values of these angles, i.e., cos , cos and
r
cos are called direction cosines of the vector r , and usually denoted by l, m and n,
Z
respectively.
C

P(x,y,z)

90
A

Fig 10.3

From Fig 10.3, one may note that the triangle OAP is right angled, and in it, we
x
r
have cos = ( r stands for | r |) . Similarly, from the right angled triangles OBP and
r
y
z
OCP, we may write cos = and cos = . Thus, the coordinates of the point P may
r
r
also be expressed as (lr, mr,nr). The numbers lr, mr and nr, proportional to the direction
r
cosines are called as direction ratios of vector r , and denoted as a, b and c, respectively.

VECTOR ALGEBRA

$Note

427

One may note that l 2 + m2 + n2 = 1 but a2 + b2 + c2 1, in general.

10.3 Types of Vectors

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Zero Vector A vector whose initial and terminal points coincide, is called a zero
r
vector (or null vector), and denoted as 0 . Zero vector can not be assigned a definite
direction as it has zero magnitude. Or, alternatively otherwise, it may be regarded as
uuur uuur
having any direction. The vectors AA, BB represent the zero vector,

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Unit Vector A vector whose magnitude is unity (i.e., 1 unit) is called a unit vector. The
r
unit vector in the direction of a given vector a is denoted by a .

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Coinitial Vectors Two or more vectors having the same initial point are called coinitial
vectors.

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Collinear Vectors Two or more vectors are said to be collinear if they are parallel to
the same line, irrespective of their magnitudes and directions.
r
r
Equal Vectors Two vectors a and b are said to be equal, if they have the same
magnitude and direction regardless of the positions of their initial points, and written
r r
as a = b .

Negative of a Vector A vector whose magnitude is the same as that of a given vector
uuur
(say, AB ), but direction is opposite to that of it, is called negative of the given vector.
uuur
uuur
uuur
uuur
For example, vector BA is negative of the vector AB , and written as BA = AB .
Remark The vectors defined above are such that any of them may be subject to its
parallel displacement without changing its magnitude and direction. Such vectors are
called free vectors. Throughout this chapter, we will be dealing with free vectors only.

Example 1 Represent graphically a displacement

of 40 km, 30 west of south.
uuur
Solution The vector OP represents the required
displacement (Fig 10.4).
Example 2 Classify the following measures as
scalars and vectors.
(i) 5 seconds
(ii) 1000 cm3

Fig 10.4

MATHEMATICS

(ii) Volume-scalar
(v) Density-scalar

Example 3 In Fig 10.5, which of the vectors are:

(i) Collinear
(ii) Equal
Solution
r
r r
(i) Collinear vectors : a , c and d .
r

(ii) Equal vectors : a and c .

r r
r
(iii) Coinitial vectors : b , c and d .

(iii) Force-vector
(vi) Velocity-vector

(iii) Coinitial

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Solution
(i) Time-scalar
(iv) Speed-scalar

(v) 10 g/cm3

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(iii) 10 Newton
(iv) 30 km/hr
(vi) 20 m/s towards north

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Fig 10.5

EXERCISE 10.1

1. Represent graphically a displacement of 40 km, 30 east of north.

2. Classify the following measures as scalars and vectors.
(i) 10 kg
(ii) 2 meters north-west (iii) 40
(iv) 40 watt
(v) 1019 coulomb
(vi) 20 m/s2
3. Classify the following as scalar and vector quantities.
(i) time period
(ii) distance
(iii) force
(iv) velocity
(v) work done
4. In Fig 10.6 (a square), identify the following vectors.
(i) Coinitial
(ii) Equal
(iii) Collinear but not equal
5. Answer the following as true or false.
r
r
(i) a and a are collinear.
(ii) Two collinear vectors are always equal in
magnitude.
Fig 10.6
(iii) Two vectors having same magnitude are collinear.
(iv) Two collinear vectors having the same magnitude are equal.

VECTOR ALGEBRA

429

10.4 Addition of Vectors

he

uuur
A vector AB simply means the displacement from a
point A to the point B. Now consider a situation that a
girl moves from A to B and then from B to C
(Fig 10.7). The net displacement made by the girl from
uuur
point A to the point C, is given by the vector AC and
expressed as
uuur
uuur uuur
AC = AB + BC

is

Fig 10.7

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This is known as the triangle law of vector addition.

r
r
In general, if we have two vectors a and b (Fig 10.8 (i)), then to add them, they
are positioned so that the initial point of one coincides with the terminal point of the
other (Fig 10.8(ii)).

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(i)

+b

(ii)

Fig 10.8

a
b
(iii)

b
B
b
C

r
For example, in Fig 10.8 (ii), we have shifted vector b without changing its magnitude
r
and direction, so that its initial point coincides with the terminal point of a . Then, the
r r
vector a + b , represented by the third side AC of the triangle ABC, gives us the sum
r
r
(or resultant) of the vectors a and b i.e., in triangle ABC (Fig 10.8 (ii)), we have
uuur uuur
uuur
AB + BC = AC
uuur
uuur
Now again, since AC = CA , from the above equation, we have

uuur r
uuur uuur uuur
AB + BC + CA = AA = 0
This means that when the sides of a triangle are taken in order, it leads to zero
resultant as the initial and terminal points get coincided (Fig 10.8(iii)).

430

MATHEMATICS

uuur
uuuur
Now, construct a vector BC so that its magnitude is same as the vector BC , but
the direction opposite to that of it (Fig 10.8 (iii)), i.e.,
uuur
uuuur
BC = BC

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Then, on applying triangle law from the Fig 10.8 (iii), we have
uuur
uuur
uuuur uuur uuuur
r r
AC = AB + BC = AB + (BC) = a b
r
uuuur
r
The vector AC is said to represent the difference of a and b .
Now, consider a boat in a river going from one bank of the river to the other in a
direction perpendicular to the flow of the river. Then, it is acted upon by two velocity
vectorsone is the velocity imparted to the boat by its engine and other one is the
velocity of the flow of river water. Under the simultaneous influence of these two
velocities, the boat in actual starts travelling with a different velocity. To have a precise
idea about the effective speed and direction
(i.e., the resultant velocity) of the boat, we have
the following law of vector addition.
r
r
If we have two vectors a and b represented

by the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram in

magnitude and direction (Fig 10.9), then their
r r
sum a + b is represented in magnitude and
direction by the diagonal of the parallelogram
through their common point. This is known as
the parallelogram law of vector addition.

$Note
or

Fig 10.9

From Fig 10.9, using the triangle law, one may note that
uuur uuur
uuur
OA + AC = OC
uuur uuur
uuur uuur
uuur
(since AC = OB )
OA + OB = OC

which is parallelogram law. Thus, we may say that the two laws of vector
addition are equivalent to each other.

Properties of vector addition

r
r
Property 1 For any two vectors a and b ,
r r
r r
a+b = b +a

(Commutative property)

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Fig 10.10

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Proof Consider the parallelogram ABCD

uuur r
uuur r
(Fig 10.10). Let AB a and BC b , then using
the triangle law, from triangle ABC, we have
uuur
r r
AC = a + b
Now, since the opposite sides of a
parallelogram are equal and parallel, from
uuur uuur r
Fig 10.10, we have, AD = BC = b and
uuur uuur r
DC = AB = a . Again using triangle law, from
triangle ADC, we have
uuuur uuur uuur r r
AC = AD + DC = b + a
r r
r r
Hence
a +b = b +a
r r
r
Property 2 For any three vectors a , b and c

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VECTOR ALGEBRA

r r r
r r r
(Associative property)
(a + b ) + c = a + (b + c )
uuur uuur
uuur
r r
r
Proof Let the vectors a , b and c be represented by PQ, QR and RS , respectively,
as shown in Fig 10.11(i) and (ii).

Then
and
So

Fig 10.11
uuur uuur uuur
r
r
a + b = PQ + QR = PR
uuur uuur uuur
r r
b + c = QR + RS = QS
r r
r uuur uuur uur
(a + b ) + c = PR + RS = PS

432

MATHEMATICS

uuur uuur uur

r r r
a + (b + c ) = PQ + QS = PS
r r r
r r r
(a + b ) + c = a + (b + c )

and
Hence

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Remark The associative property of vector addition enables us to write the sum of
r r r
r r r
three vectors a , b , c as a + b + c without using brackets.
r
Note that for any vector a , we have
r r r r r
a+0 = 0+a =a
r
Here, the zero vector 0 is called the additive identity for the vector addition.

10.5 Multiplication of a Vector by a Scalar

1
2 a

1
2 a

2a

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r
r
Let a be a given vector and a scalar. Then the product of the vector a by the scalar
r
r
, denoted as a , is called the multiplication of vector a by the scalar . Note that,
r
r
r
a is also a vector, collinear to the vector a . The vector a has the direction same
r
(or opposite) to that of vector a according as the value of is positive (or negative).
r
r
Also, the magnitude of vector a is | | times the magnitude of the vector a , i.e.,
r
r
| a | = | | | a |
A geometric visualisation of multiplication of a vector by a scalar is given
in Fig 10.12.

Fig 10.12

r
r
When = 1, then a = a, which is a vector having magnitude equal to the
r
r
r
magnitude of a and direction opposite to that of the direction of a . The vector a is
r
called the negative (or additive inverse) of vector a and we always have
r r r
r
r
a + ( a ) = ( a ) + a = 0

r
1
Also, if = r , provided a
|a|

r
0, i.e. a is not a null vector, then

1 r
r
r
| a |=| | | a | = r | a | 1
|a|

VECTOR ALGEBRA

433

r
r
So, a represents the unit vector in the direction of a . We write it as
1 r
a = r a
|a|
r r
Note For any scalar k, k 0 = 0.

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are called unit vectors along the axes OX, OY and OZ,
respectively, and denoted by i, j and k , respectively

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10.5.1 Components of a vector

Let us take the points A(1, 0, 0), B(0, 1, 0) and C(0, 0, 1) on the x-axis, y-axis and
z-axis, respectively. Then, clearly
uuur
uuur
uuur
| OA |= 1, | OB | = 1 and | OC | = 1
uuur uuur
uuur
The vectors OA, OB and OC , each having magnitude 1,

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(Fig 10.13).

Fig 10.13

uuur
Now, consider the position vector OP of a point P (x, y, z) as in Fig 10.14. Let P1
be the foot of the perpendicular from P on the plane XOY. We, thus, see that P1 P is

Fig 10.14

parallel to z-axis. As i, j and k are the unit vectors along the x, y and z-axes,
uuur uuur
respectively, and by the definition of the coordinates of P, we have P1P = OR = zk .
uuur
uuur uuur
Similarly, QP1 = OS = yj and OQ = xi .

434

MATHEMATICS

Therefore, it follows that

and

uuur uuur uuur

OP1 = OQ + QP1 = xi + yj
uuur uuuur
uuur
OP = OP1 + P1P = xi + yj + zk

he

Hence, the position vector of P with reference to O is given by

uuur
r
OP (or r ) = xi + yj + zk

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This form of any vector is called its component form. Here, x, y and z are called
r
as the scalar components of r , and xi, yj and zk are called the vector components
r
of r along the respective axes. Sometimes x, y and z are also termed as rectangular
components.
r
The length of any vector r = xi + yj + zk , is readily determined by applying the
Pythagoras theorem twice. We note that in the right angle triangle OQP1 (Fig 10.14)
uuuur
uuur
uuuur
| OP 1 | = | OQ |2 +|QP1|2 = x 2 + y 2 ,
and in the right angle triangle OP1P, we have
uuur
uuur
uuur
( x2
OP = | OP1 |2 | P1P |2
r
Hence, the length of any vector r = xi + yj + zk is given by

y2 )

z2

r
| r | = | xi + yj + zk | = x 2 + y 2 + z 2

r
r
If a and b are any two vectors given in the component form a1i + a2 j + a3 k and

b1i + b2 j + b3 k , respectively, then

r
r
(i) the sum (or resultant) of the vectors a and b is given by
r r
a + b = (a1 + b1 )i + (a2 + b2 ) j + (a3 + b3 )k
r
r
(ii) the difference of the vector a and b is given by
r r
a b = (a1 b1 )i + (a2 b2 ) j + (a3 b3 )k
r
r
(iii) the vectors a and b are equal if and only if
a1 = b1, a2 = b2 and a3 = b3
r
(iv) the multiplication of vector a by any scalar is given by
r
a = ( a1 )i ( a2 ) j ( a3 )k

VECTOR ALGEBRA

435

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The addition of vectors and the multiplication of a vector by a scalar together give
the following distributive laws:
r
r
Let a and b be any two vectors, and k and m be any scalars. Then
(i) kar + mar = (k + m)ar
r
r
(ii) k (ma ) = (km)a
r
r r
r
(iii) k (a b ) ka kb
Remarks

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r
(i) One may observe that whatever be the value of , the vector a is always
r
r
r
collinear to the vector a . In fact, two vectors a and b are collinear if and only
r
r
r
r
if there exists a nonzero scalar such that b = a . If the vectors a and b are
r
r
given in the component form, i.e. a = a i + a j + a k and b = b i + b j + b k ,
3

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then the two vectors are collinear if and only if

b1i + b2 j + b3 k = (a1i + a2 j + a3 k)

r
(ii) If a

b1i + b2 j + b3 k = (a1 )i + (a2 ) j + (a3 )k

b1 = a1 , b2 = a2 , b3 = a3

b1
b
b
= 2 = 3 =
a1
a2 a3

r
a1i a2 j a3 k , then a1, a2, a3 are also called direction ratios of a .

(iii) In case if it is given that l, m, n are direction cosines of a vector, then li + mj + nk

= (cos )i + (cos ) j + (cos )k is the unit vector in the direction of that vector,
where , and are the angles which the vector makes with x, y and z axes
respectively.

r
Example 4 Find the values of x, y and z so that the vectors a = xi + 2 j + zk and
r
b = 2i + yj + k are equal.
Solution Note that two vectors are equal if and only if their corresponding components
r
r
are equal. Thus, the given vectors a and b will be equal if and only if
x = 2, y = 2, z = 1

436

MATHEMATICS

r
r
r
r
r
r
Example 5 Let a = i + 2 j and b = 2i + j . Is | a | = | b | ? Are the vectors a and b
equal?

r
r
Solution We have | a | = 12 + 22 = 5 and | b |

22 12

he

r
r
So, | a | = | b | . But, the two vectors are not equal since their corresponding components
are distinct.
r
Example 6 Find unit vector in the direction of vector a = 2i + 3 j + k

a =

(2i + 3 j + k) =

2
3
1
i+
j+
k
14
14
14

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Therefore

22 + 32 + 12 = 14

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r
|a| =

Now

is

1 r
r
Solution The unit vector in the direction of a vector a is given by a = r a .
|a|

14

r
Example 7 Find a vector in the direction of vector a = i 2 j that has magnitude
7 units.

Solution The unit vector in the direction of the given vector ar is

1 r
1
1 2
a = r a =
(i 2 j ) =
i
j
|a|
5
5
5

r
Therefore, the vector having magnitude equal to 7 and in the direction of a is

7 14

1 2
i
j
7a = 7
i
j =
5
5
5
5

Example 8 Find the unit vector in the direction of the sum of the vectors,
r
r
a = 2i + 2 j 5k and b = 2i + j + 3k .
Solution The sum of the given vectors is
r r r
a b ( c , say) = 4i 3 j 2k
and

r
|c | =

42 + 32 + (2) 2 = 29

VECTOR ALGEBRA

437

Thus, the required unit vector is

1 r
1
4
3
2
c = r c =
(4i + 3 j 2k) =
i+
j
k
|c |
29
29
29
29

b
1
c
2
r
, n= r =
as |r | = 6
m= r =
|r |
|
r
|
6
6

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2
1 1
,
,
Thus, the direction cosines are
.
6
6 6

bl

a
1
,
l= r =
|r |
6

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r
Example 9 Write the direction ratios of the vector a = i + j 2k and hence calculate
its direction cosines.
r
Solution Note that the direction ratios a, b, c of a vector r = xi + yj + zk are just
the respective components x, y and z of the vector. So, for the given vector, we have
a = 1, b = 1 and c = 2. Further, if l, m and n are the direction cosines of the given
vector, then

10.5.2 Vector joining two points

If P1(x1, y1, z1) and P2(x2, y2, z2) are any two points, then the vector joining P1 and P2
uuuur
is the vector P1P2 (Fig 10.15).

Joining the points P1 and P2 with the origin

O, and applying triangle law, from the triangle
OP1P2 , we have
uuuur
uuur uuuur
OP1 + P1P2 = OP2 .
Using the properties of vector addition, the
above equation becomes
uuuur uuuur uuur
P1P2 = OP2 OP1

i.e.

uuuur
P1P2 = ( x2i + y2 j + z2 k) ( x1i + y1 j + z1k)

= ( x2 x1 )i + ( y2 y1 ) j + ( z2 z1 )k
uuuur
The magnitude of vector P1P2 is given by
uuuur
P1P2 =

( x2 x1 ) 2 + ( y2 y1 ) 2 + ( z2 z1 ) 2

Fig 10.15

438

MATHEMATICS

Example 10 Find the vector joining the points P(2, 3, 0) and Q( 1, 2, 4) directed
from P to Q.
Solution Since the vector is to be directed from P to Q, clearly P is the initial point
uuur
and Q is the terminal point. So, the required vector joining P and Q is the vector PQ ,

10.5.3 Section formula

he

i.e.

uuur
PQ = (1 2)i + ( 2 3) j + ( 4 0)k
uuur
PQ = 3i 5 j 4k.

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given by

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uuur
uuur
Let P and Q be two points represented by the position vectors OP and OQ , respectively,
with respect to the origin O. Then the line segment
joining the points P and Q may be divided by a third
point, say R, in two ways internally (Fig 10.16)
and externally (Fig 10.17). Here, we intend to find
uuur
the position vector OR for the point R with respect
to the origin O. We take the two cases one by one.
Case I When R divides PQ internally (Fig 10.16).
uuur
uuur
uuur
If R divides PQ such that m RQ = n PR ,

Fig 10.16

uuur
where m and n are positive scalars, we say that the point R divides PQ internally in the
ratio of m : n. Now from triangles ORQ and OPR, we have
uuur uuur uuur r r
RQ = OQ OR = b r
uuur uuur uuur r r
PR = OR OP = r a ,
r r
r r
Therefore, we have
m (b r ) = n ( r a ) (Why?)
r
r
mb + na
r
(on simplification)
or
r =
m+n
Hence, the position vector of the point R which divides P and Q internally in the
ratio of m : n is given by
r
r
mb + na
uuur
OR =
m+n

and

VECTOR ALGEBRA

439

Case II When R divides PQ externally (Fig 10.17).

We leave it to the reader as an exercise to verify
that the position vector of the point R which divides
the line segment PQ externally in the ratio
PR
QR

m
n

is given by

he

m : n i.e.

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r
r
mb na
uuur
Fig 10.17
OR = m n
Remark If R is the midpoint of PQ , then m = n. And therefore, from Case I, the
uuur
midpoint R of PQ , will have its position vector as
r r
a +b
uuur
OR =
2
uuur
r
r
Example 11 Consider two points P and Q with position vectors OP = 3a 2b and
uuur r r
OQ a b . Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining P and Q

in the ratio 2:1, (i) internally, and (ii) externally.

Solution
(i) The position vector of the point R dividing the join of P and Q internally in the
ratio 2:1 is
r
r r
r
r
2( a + b ) + (3a 2b ) 5a
uuur
=
=
OR
2 +1
3
(ii) The position vector of the point R dividing the join of P and Q externally in the
ratio 2:1 is
r
r r
r
r r
2( a + b ) (3a 2b )
uuur
= 4b a
OR =
2 1
Example 12 Show that the points A(2i
the vertices of a right angled triangle.

j k), B(i 3 j 5k), C(3i 4 j 4k) are

Solution We have
uuur
i 2 j 6k
AB = (1 2)i + (3 + 1) j + (5 1)k
uuur
BC = (3 1)i + (4 + 3) j + (4 + 5)k = 2i j + k
uuur
and
CA = (2 3)i + (1 + 4) j + (1 + 4)k = i + 3 j + 5k

440

MATHEMATICS

Further, note that

uuur
uuur
uuur
| AB |2 = 41 = 6 + 35 =| BC |2 + | CA |2
Hence, the triangle is a right angled triangle.

he

EXERCISE 10.2
1. Compute the magnitude of the following vectors:

r
r 1 1 1
b = 2i 7 j 3k; c =
i+
j
k
3
3
3
2. Write two different vectors having same magnitude.
3. Write two different vectors having same direction.

bl

is

r
a = i + j + k ;

4. Find the values of x and y so that the vectors 2i + 3 j and xi + yj are equal.

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

5. Find the scalar and vector components of the vector with initial point (2, 1) and
terminal point ( 5, 7).
r
r
r
6. Find the sum of the vectors a = i 2 j + k, b = 2i + 4 j + 5k and c = i 6 j 7 k .
r
7. Find the unit vector in the direction of the vector a = i + j + 2k .
uuur
8. Find the unit vector in the direction of vector PQ, where P and Q are the points
(1, 2, 3) and (4, 5, 6), respectively.
r
r
9. For given vectors, a = 2i j + 2k and b = i + j k , find the unit vector in the

r r

direction of the vector a + b .

10. Find a vector in the direction of vector 5i j + 2k which has magnitude 8 units.
11. Show that the vectors 2i 3 j + 4k and 4i + 6 j 8k are collinear.

12. Find the direction cosines of the vector i + 2 j + 3k .

13. Find the direction cosines of the vector joining the points A (1, 2, 3) and
B(1, 2, 1), directed from A to B.
14. Show that the vector i + j + k is equally inclined to the axes OX, OY and OZ.
15. Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining two points P
and Q whose position vectors are i + 2 j k and i + j + k respectively, in the
ratio 2 : 1
(i) internally

(ii) externally

VECTOR ALGEBRA

441

uuur uuur uuur

uuur uuur uuur

(C) AB + BC CA = 0

bl

uuur uuur uuur

(B) AB + BC AC = 0

is

triangle.
18. In triangle ABC (Fig 10.18), which of the following is not true:
uuur uuuur uuur r
(A) AB + BC + CA = 0

he

16. Find the position vector of the mid point of the vector joining the points P(2, 3, 4)
and Q(4, 1, 2).
r
17. Show that the points A, B and C with position vectors, a = 3i 4 j 4k,
r
r
b = 2i j + k and c = i 3 j 5k , respectively form the vertices of a right angled

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

Fig 10.18
(D) AB CB + CA = 0
r
r
19. If a and b are two collinear vectors, then which of the following are incorrect:
r
r
(A) b = a , for some scalar
r
r
(B) a = b
r
r
(C) the respective components of a and b are not proportional
r
r
(D) both the vectors a and b have same direction, but different magnitudes.

10.6 Product of Two Vectors

So far we have studied about addition and subtraction of vectors. An other algebraic
operation which we intend to discuss regarding vectors is their product. We may
recall that product of two numbers is a number, product of two matrices is again a
matrix. But in case of functions, we may multiply them in two ways, namely,
multiplication of two functions pointwise and composition of two functions. Similarly,
multiplication of two vectors is also defined in two ways, namely, scalar (or dot)
product where the result is a scalar, and vector (or cross) product where the
result is a vector. Based upon these two types of products for vectors, they have
found various applications in geometry, mechanics and engineering. In this section,
we will discuss these two types of products.
10.6.1 Scalar (or dot) product of two vectors

r
r
r r
Definition 2 The scalar product of two nonzero vectors a and b , denoted by a b , is

442

MATHEMATICS

r r
r r
a b = | a | | b | cos ,
r
r
where, is the angle between a and b , 0
(Fig 10.19).
r
r
r
r
If either a = 0 or b = 0, then is not defined, and in this case,
r r
we define a b 0

defined as

he

Fig 10.19

no N
C
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o R
be T
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pu

bl

is

Observations
r r
1. a b is a real number.
r
r
r r
r
r
2. Let a and b be two nonzero vectors, then a b = 0 if and only if a and b are
perpendicular to each other. i.e.
r r
r r
a b =0 a b
r r r r
3. If = 0, then a b = | a | | b |
r r r
In particular, a a = | a |2 , as in this case is 0.
r r
r r
4. If = , then a b = | a | | b |
r
r
r
In particular, a ( a )
| a |2 , as in this case is .
5. In view of the Observations 2 and 3, for mutually perpendicular unit vectors

i, j and k, we have

i i = j j = k k = 1,

i j = j k = k i

6. The angle between two nonzero vectors a and b is given by

r r
rr
a b
1 a.b
cos
r r , or = cos r r
| a || b |
| a || b |

7. The scalar product is commutative. i.e.

r r r r
ab = b a
(Why?)
Two important properties of scalar product

r r

Property 1 (Distributivity of scalar product over addition) Let a, b and c be

any three vectors, then
r r
r r
r r r
a (b + c ) = a b + a c

VECTOR ALGEBRA

443

r
r
Property 2 Let a and b be any two vectors, and be any scalar. Then
r
r r
r r
r
r r
(a b ) a ( b )
( a ) b = ( a ) b
r
r
If two vectors a and b are given in component form as a1i + a2 j + a3 k and

he

b1i + b2 j + b3 k , then their scalar product is given as

r r
a b = (a1i + a2 j + a3 k) (b1i + b2 j + b3 k)

is

= a1i (b1i + b2 j + b3 k) + a2 j (b1i + b2 j + b3 k) + a3 k (b1i + b2 j + b3 k)

= a1b1 (i i) + a1b2 (i j ) + a1b3 (i k) + a2b1 ( j i) + a2b2 ( j j ) + a2b3 ( j k)

bl

+ a3b1 (k i) + a3b2 (k j ) + a3b3 ( k k) (Using the above Properties 1 and 2)

= a1 b 1 + a 2 b 2 + a 3 b 3
(Using Observation 5)
r r
a b = a1b1 + a2 b2 + a3b3

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

Thus

10.6.2 Projection of a vector on a line

uuur

Suppose a vector AB makes an angle with a given directed line l (say), in the
uuur
r
anticlockwise direction (Fig 10.20). Then the projection of AB on l is a vector p
uuur
r
(say) with magnitude | AB | cos , and the direction of p being the same (or opposite)
r
to that of the line l, depending upon whether cos is positive or negative. The vector p

p
0
0
(0 < < 90 )
(i)
C

a
B
0
0
(180 < < 270 )
(iii)

Fig 10.20

p
0
0
(90 < < 180 )
(ii)

B
(2700< < 3600)
(iv)

444

MATHEMATICS

is called the projection vector, and its magnitude | p | is simply called as the projection

uuur

of the vector AB on the directed line l.

For example, in each of the following figures (Fig 10.20 (i) to (iv)), projection vector

uuur

uuur

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

bl

is

he

of AB along the line l is vector AC .

Observations
r
1. If p is the unit vector along a line l, then the projection of a vector a on the line
r
l is given by a p .
r
r
2. Projection of a vector a on other vector b , is given by
r
1 r r
r b
r
a b, or a r , or r (a b )
|b |
|b |
uuur
uuur
3. If = 0, then the projection vector of AB will be AB itself and if = , then the
uuur
uuur
projection vector of AB will be BA .
uuur
3

4. If = or = , then the projection vector of AB will be zero vector.

2
2
r
Remark If , and are the direction angles of vector a = a i + a j + a k , then its
1

direction cosines may be given as

r
a1
a i
cos
r , cos
r
| a || i | | a |

a2
r , and cos
|a|

a3
r
|a|

r
r
r
Also, note that | a | cos , | a |cos and | a |cos are respectively the projections of
r
r
a along OX, OY and OZ. i.e., the scalar components a1, a2 and a3 of the vector a ,
r
are precisely the projections of a along x-axis, y-axis and z-axis, respectively. Further,
r
if a is a unit vector, then it may be expressed in terms of its direction cosines as
r
a = cos i + cos j + cos k
r
r
Example 13 Find the angle between two vectors a and b with magnitudes 1 and 2
r r
respectively and when a b =1 .
r
r r
r
Solution Given a b 1, | a | 1 and | b | 2 . We have

cos

r r
a b
r r
| a || b |

cos

1
2

VECTOR ALGEBRA

445

Therefore, we have

cos =

he

r
r
Example 14 Find angle between the vectors a = i + j k and b = i j + k .
r
r
Solution The angle between two vectors a and b is given by
r r
a br
cos = r
| a || b |
r r
Now
a b = (i + j k) ( i j + k) = 1 1 1 = 1 .

1
3

bl

is

1
1
= cos
3
r
r

Example 15 If a = 5i j 3k and b = i + 3 j 5k , then show that the vectors

r r
r r
a + b and a b are perpendicular.
hence the required angle is

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

Solution We know that two nonzero vectors are perpendicular if their scalar product
is zero.
r r
Here
a + b = (5i j 3k) + ( i + 3 j 5k) = 6i + 2 j 8k
r r
and
a b = (5i j 3k) ( i + 3 j 5k) = 4i 4 j + 2k
r r r r
(a + b ) (a b ) = (6i + 2 j 8k) (4i 4 j + 2k) = 24 8 16 = 0.
So
r r
r r
Hence
a + b and a b are perpendicular vectors.
r
Example 16 Find the projection of the vector a = 2i + 3 j + 2k on the vector
r
b = i + 2 j + k .
r
r
Solution The projection of vector a on the vector b is given by

(2 1 + 3 2 + 2 1) 10 5
1 r r
=
=
6
r (a b ) =
6 3
|b |
(1) 2 + (2) 2 + (1) 2
r
r
r
r r
r
Example 17 Find | a b | , if two vectors a and b are such that | a | 2, | b | 3
r r
and a b = 4 .
Solution We have

r r r r
r r
| a b |2 = (a b ) (a b )
rr r r r r r r
= a.a a b b a + b b

446

MATHEMATICS

r
r
r r
= | a |2 2( a b )+ | b |2

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

bl

is

he

= (2) 2 2(4) + (3) 2

r
r
Therefore
|a b | = 5
r r r r
r
r
Example 18 If a is a unit vector and ( x a ) ( x + a ) = 8 , then find | x | .
r
r
Solution Since a is a unit vector, | a |= 1 . Also,
r r r r
(x a) (x + a) = 8
r r r r r r r r
or
x x + x a a x aa = 8
r
r
| x |2 1 = 8 i.e. | x | 2 = 9
or
r
| x | = 3 (as magnitude of a vector is non negative).
Therefore
r
r r
r r
r
Example 19 For any two vectors a and b , we always have | a b | | a | | b | (CauchySchwartz inequality).
r r
r r
Solution The inequality holds trivially when either a = 0 or b = 0 . Actually, in such a
r
r
r r
r r
situation we have | a b | = 0 = | a | | b | . So, let us assume that | a | 0 | b | .
Then, we have
r r
| a b |
r r = | cos | 1
| a || b |
r
r r
| a b | | ar | | b |
Therefore
r
r
Example 20 For any two vectors a and b , we always
r
r r
r
have | a + b | | a | + | b | (triangle inequality).

b
a +

b
B

Solution The inequality holds trivially in case either

a
r r
r r r
r r
a = 0 or b = 0 (How?). So, let | a | 0 | b | . Then,
r r
r r
r r r r
Fig 10.21
| a + b |2 = (a + b ) 2 = (a + b ) (a + b )
r r r r r r r r
= a a + a b + b a + b b
r
r r r
= | a |2 +2a b + | b |2
(scalar product is commutative)
r
r
r
r
(since x | x | x R )
| a |2 +2 | a b | + | b |2
r
r
r
r
| a |2 +2 | a || b | + | b |2
(from Example 19)
r 2
r
= (| a | | b |)

VECTOR ALGEBRA

Hence

447

r
r
r r
|a b | |a | |b |

he

Remark If the equality holds in triangle inequality (in the above Example 20), i.e.
r
r r
r
| a + b | = | a | + | b |,
uuur
uuur
uuur
| AC | = | AB | + | BC |
then
showing that the points A, B and C are collinear.

= (1 2) i (2 3) j (3 5) k

3i

j 2k ,

bl

uuur
AB
uuur
BC
uuur
AC
uuur
| AB |
uuur
AC

= (7 1) i (0 2) j ( 1 3)k

6i 2 j 4k ,

= (7 2) i (0 3) j ( 1 5)k 9i 3 j 6k
uuur
uuur
= 14, | BC | 2 14 and | AC | 3 14
uuur
uuur
= | AB | + | BC |

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

Solution We have

is

Example 21 Show that the points A (2i + 3 j + 5k), B( i + 2 j + 3k) and C(7i k)
are collinear.

Therefore

Hence the points A, B and C are collinear.

uuur

uuur

uuur

Note In Example 21, one may note that although AB + BC + CA = 0 but the
$
points A, B and C do not form the vertices of a triangle.

EXERCISE 10.3

r
r
1. Find the angle between two vectors a and b with magnitudes
r
respectively having ar b = 6 .

3 and 2 ,

2. Find the angle between the vectors i 2 j + 3k and 3i 2 j + k

3. Find the projection of the vector i j on the vector i + j .

4. Find the projection of the vector i + 3 j + 7 k on the vector 7i j + 8k .

5. Show that each of the given three vectors is a unit vector:

1
1
1
(2i + 3 j + 6k), (3i 6 j + 2k),
(6i + 2 j 3k)
7
7
7
Also, show that they are mutually perpendicular to each other.

448

MATHEMATICS

r
r
r
r r r r
r
6. Find | a | and | b | , if (a + b ) (a b ) = 8 and | a |= 8 | b | .
r
r
r
r
7. Evaluate the product (3a 5b ) (2a + 7b ) .
r
r
8. Find the magnitude of two vectors a and b , having the same magnitude and

1
.
2

he

such that the angle between them is 60o and their scalar product is

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

bl

is

r r r r r
r
9. Find | x | , if for a unit vector a , ( x a ) ( x + a ) = 12 .
r
r
r
r
r
10. If a = 2i + 2 j + 3k, b = i + 2 j + k and c = 3i + j are such that a + b is
r
perpendicular to c , then find the value of .
r r r r
r r r r
11. Show that | a | b + | b | a is perpendicular to | a | b | b | a , for any two nonzero
r
r
vectors a and b .
r
r r
r r
12. If a a = 0 and a b = 0 , then what can be concluded about the vector b ?
r r r
r r r r
13. If a , b , c are unit vectors such that a + b + c = 0 , find the value of
r r r r r r
ab +b c + c a .
r r
r r
r r
14. If either vector a = 0 or b = 0, then a b = 0 . But the converse need not be
true. Justify your answer with an example.
15. If the vertices A, B, C of a triangle ABC are (1, 2, 3), (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 2),
uuur
respectively, then find ABC. [ABC is the angle between the vectors BA
uuur
and BC ].

16. Show that the points A(1, 2, 7), B(2, 6, 3) and C(3, 10, 1) are collinear.
17. Show that the vectors 2i j + k, i 3 j 5k and 3i 4 j 4k form the vertices
of a right angled triangle.
r
r
18. If a is a nonzero vector of magnitude a and a nonzero scalar, then a is unit
vector if
(A) = 1
(B) = 1
(C) a = | |
(D) a = 1/| |

10.6.3 Vector (or cross) product of two vectors

In Section 10.2, we have discussed on the three dimensional right handed rectangular
coordinate system. In this system, when the positive x-axis is rotated counterclockwise

VECTOR ALGEBRA

449

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
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pu

bl

is

he

into the positive y-axis, a right handed (standard) screw would advance in the direction
of the positive z-axis (Fig 10.22(i)).
In a right handed coordinate system, the thumb of the right hand points in the
direction of the positive z-axis when the fingers are curled in the direction away from
the positive x-axis toward the positive y-axis (Fig 10.22(ii)).

Fig 10.22 (i), (ii)

r
r
r
Definition 3 The vector product of two nonzero vectors a and b , is denoted by a
and defined as
r r
r r
a b = | a || b | sin n ,
r
r
where, is the angle between a and b , 0 and n is
r
r
a unit vector perpendicular to both a and b , such that
r r
a , b and n form a right handed system (Fig 10.23). i.e., the
r r
right handed system rotated from a to b moves in the

r
b

Fig 10.23

direction of n .
r r
r r r
r r
If either a = 0 or b = 0 , then is not defined and in this case, we define a b = 0 .

Observations
r r
1. a b is a vector.
r
r
r
r r r
r
2. Let a and b be two nonzero vectors. Then a b = 0 if and only if a and b
are parallel (or collinear) to each other, i.e.,
r
r r
r r
a b = 0 a b

450

MATHEMATICS

he

r
r r
r r r
In particular, a a = 0 and a (a ) = 0 , since in the first situation, = 0
and in the second one, = , making the value of sin to be 0.
r r r r
3. If
then a b | a || b | .
2
4. In view of the Observations 2 and 3, for mutually perpendicular

unit vectors i, j and k (Fig 10.24), we have

r
i i = j j = k k = 0

Fig 10.24

is

i j = k, j k = i, k i = j

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
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pu

bl

5. In terms of vector product, the angle between two vectors a and b may be
given as
r r
| a b |
sin = r r
| a || b |
r r
r r
6. It is always true that the vector product is not commutative, as a b = b a .
r r r r
r r
Indeed, a b = | a || b | sin n , where a , b and n form a right handed system,
r r r r
r r
i.e., is traversed from a to b , Fig 10.25 (i). While, b a =| a || b | sin n1 , where
r r
r
r
b , a and n1 form a right handed system i.e. is traversed from b to a ,
Fig 10.25(ii).

Fig 10.25 (i), (ii)

r
r
Thus, if we assume a and b to lie in the plane of the paper, then n and n1 both

will be perpendicular to the plane of the paper. But, n being directed above the
paper while n1 directed below the paper. i.e. n1 = n .

VECTOR ALGEBRA

451

r r
r r
a b = | a || b | sin n
r r
r r
= | a || b | sin n1 = b a
7. In view of the Observations 4 and 6, we have
j i = k, k j = i and i k = j.
r
r
8. If a and b represent the adjacent sides of a triangle then its area is given as

Area of triangle ABC =

Fig 10.26

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
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pu

r
r
But AB = | b | (as given), and CD = | a | sin .

is

1
AB CD.
2

bl

1 r r
|a b |.
2
By definition of the area of a triangle, we have from
Fig 10.26,

he

Hence

Thus, Area of triangle ABC =

1 r r
1 r r
| b || a | sin = | a b | .
2
2

r
r
9. If a and b represent the adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then its area is
r r
given by | a b | .

From Fig 10.27, we have

Area of parallelogram ABCD = AB. DE.

r
But AB = | b | (as given), and
r
DE = | a | sin .
Thus,

Fig 10.27

r r
r r
Area of parallelogram ABCD = | b || a | sin = | a b | .

We now state two important properties of vector product.

r r
r
Property 3 (Distributivity of vector product over addition): If a , b and c
are any three vectors and be a scalar, then
r r r r
r r r
(i) a ( b + c ) = a b a c
r
r r
r r r
(ii) (a b ) = (a ) b = a (b )

452

MATHEMATICS

j
i
r r = a a
a b
1
2
b1 b2

k
a3
b3

bl

+ a2b2 ( j j ) + a2b3 ( j k)
+ a3b1 ( k i) + a3b2 (k j ) + a3b3 (k k)

is

Explanation We have
r r
a b = (a1i + a2 j + a3 k) (b1i + b2 j + b3 k)
= a1b1 (i i) + a1b2 (i j ) + a1b3 (i k) + a2b1 ( j i)

he

r
r
Let a and b be two vectors given in component form as a1i + a2 j + a3 k and
b1i + b2 j + b3 k , respectively. Then their cross product may be given by

(by Property 1)

no N
C
tt E
o R
be T
re
pu

= a1b2 (i j ) a1b3 (k i) a2b1 (i j )

+ a2b3 ( j k) + a3b1 ( k i) a3b2 ( j k)

(as i i = j j = k k = 0 and i k = k i, j i = i j and k j = j k)

= a1b2 k a1b3 j a2b1k + a2b3i + a3b1 j a3b2i

(as i j = k, j k = i and k i = j )

= (a2b3 a3b2 )i (a1b3 a3b1 ) j + (a1b2 a2b1 )k

j
i
= a1 a2
b1 b2
r r
Example 22 Find | a b |, if

k
a3
b3

r
r
a = 2i + j + 3k and b = 3i + 5 j 2k

Solution We have

i j k
r r
a b = 2 1 3
3 5 2

= i(2 15) ( 4 9) j + (10 3) k = 17i + 13 j + 7 k

Hence

r r
|a b| =

(17) 2 + (13) 2 + (7) 2 = 507

VECTOR ALGEBRA

453

he

r r
Example 23 Find a unit vector perpendicular to each of the vectors (a + b ) and
r
r r
(a b ), where ar = i + j + k, b = i + 2 j + 3k .
r r
r r
Solution We have a + b = 2i + 3 j + 4k and a b = j 2k
r r
r r
A vector which is perpendicular to both a + b and a b is given by

is

i j k
r
r
r
r
r

(a + b ) ( a b ) = 2 3 4 = 2i + 4 j 2k (= c , say)
0 1 2

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r
| c | = 4 + 16 + 4 = 24 = 2 6
Now
Therefore, the required unit vector is
r
1 2 1
c
i+
j
k
r =
|c |
6
6
6

$Note

There are two perpendicular directions to any plane. Thus, another unit

1 2 1
r r
r r
i
j+
k . But that will
vector perpendicular to a + b and a b will be
6
6
6
r r
r r
be a consequence of (a b ) ( a + b ) .

Example 24 Find the area of a triangle having the points A(1, 1, 1), B(1, 2, 3)
and C(2, 3, 1) as its vertices.
uuur
uuur
Solution We have AB = j + 2k and AC = i + 2 j . The area of the given triangle

is

1 uuur uuur
| AB AC | .
2

Now,

Therefore

Thus, the required area is

i j k
uuur uuur

AB AC = 0 1 2 = 4i + 2 j k
1 2 0

uuur uuur
| AB AC | =
1

21

16 + 4 + 1 = 21

454

MATHEMATICS

Therefore

r r
| a b | =

and hence, the required area is

25 + 1 + 16 = 42

42 .

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EXERCISE 10.4

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Now

is

i j k
r
r
a b = 3 1 4 = 5i + j 4k
1 1 1

he

Example 25 Find the area of a parallelogram whose adjacent sides are given
r
r
by the vectors a = 3i + j + 4k and b = i j + k
r
r
Solution The area of a parallelogram with a and b as its adjacent sides is given
r r
by | a b | .

r
r r
r
1. Find | a b |, if a = i 7 j + 7k and b = 3i 2 j + 2k .

r r
r r
2. Find a unit vector perpendicular to each of the vector a + b and a b , where
r
r
a = 3i + 2 j + 2k and b = i + 2 j 2k .

r
3. If a unit vector a makes angles with i, with j and an acute angle with
3
4
r
k , then find and hence, the components of a .
4. Show that
r
r r
r r
(a b ) ( a + b ) = 2( ar b )
r
5. Find and if (2i + 6 j + 27 k) (i + j + k) = 0 .
r r
r r r
6. Given that a b 0 and a b = 0 . What can you conclude about the vectors
r
r
a and b ?
r r r
7. Let the vectors a , b , c be given as a1i + a2 j + a3 k, b1i + b2 j + b3 k,
r r r r r r r
c1i + c2 j + c3 k . Then show that a ( b + c ) = a b + a c .
r r
r r
r r r
8. If either a = 0 or b = 0, then a b = 0 . Is the converse true? Justify your
answer with an example.
9. Find the area of the triangle with vertices A(1, 1, 2), B(2, 3, 5) and C(1, 5, 5).

VECTOR ALGEBRA

455

10. Find the area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are determined by the
r
r
vectors a = i j + 3k and b = 2i 7 j + k .

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r
r
2
r
r
r r
11. Let the vectors a and b be such that | a |= 3 and | b |=
, then a b is a
3
r
r
unit vector, if the angle between a and b is
(A) /6
(B) /4
(C) /3
(D) /2
12. Area of a rectangle having vertices A, B, C and D with position vectors
1
1
1
1
i + j + 4k, i + j + 4k , i j + 4k and i j + 4k , respectively is
2
2
2
2
1
(A)
(B) 1
2
(C) 2
(D) 4

Miscellaneous Examples

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Example 26 Write all the unit vectors in XY-plane.

Solution Let r = x i + y j be a unit vector in XY-plane (Fig 10.28). Then, from the
figure, we have x = cos and y = sin (since | rr | = 1). So, we may write the vector rr as
r uuur
r ( = OP ) = cos i sin j
... (1)
r
| r | = cos 2 + sin 2 = 1
Clearly,

Fig 10.28

Also, as varies from 0 to 2, the point P (Fig 10.28) traces the circle x2 + y2 = 1
counterclockwise, and this covers all possible directions. So, (1) gives every unit vector
in the XY-plane.

456

MATHEMATICS

j k, 2i 5 j , 3i 2 j 3k and i 6 j k are the position

uuur
vectors of points A, B, C and D respectively, then find the angle between AB and
uuur
uuur
uuur
CD . Deduce that AB and CD are collinear.
Example 27 If i

Solution Note that if is the angle between AB and CD, then is also the angle

uuur

he

uuur

between AB and CD .
Now

uuur
AB = Position vector of B Position vector of A

Similarly

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Thus

uuur
| AB | = (1) 2 + (4) 2 + (1) 2 = 3 2
uuur
uuur
CD = 2i 8 j + 2k and |CD |= 6 2
uuur uuur
AB CD
cos = uuur uuur
|AB||CD|

bl

Therefore

is

= (2i + 5 j ) (i + j + k) = i + 4 j k

36
= 1
36
(3 2)(6 2)
uuur
uuur
Since 0 , it follows that = . This shows that AB and CD are collinear.
uuur
uuur
uuur
1 uuur
Alternatively, AB
CD which implies that AB and CD are collinear vectors.
2
r
r r
r
r
r
Example 28 Let a , b and c be three vectors such that | a |= 3, | b |= 4, | c |= 5 and
=

1(2) + 4(8) + (1)(2)

r r r

each one of them being perpendicular to the sum of the other two, find | a + b + c | .
r r r
r r r
r r r
Solution Given a (b + c ) = 0, b (c + a ) = 0, c (a + b ) = 0.
r r r
r r r
r r r r r r
| a + b + c |2 = (a + b + c ) 2 = ( a + b + c ) (a + b + c )
Now
r r r r r r r r r r
= a a + a (b + c ) + b b + b (a + c )
r r r rr
+ c .(a + b ) + c .c
r
r
r
= | a |2 + | b |2 + | c |2
= 9 + 16 + 25 = 50
r r r
Therefore
| a + b + c | = 50 = 5 2

VECTOR ALGEBRA

457

= 16

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Similarly

r
r r r r
a b + b c = b
r r r r
a c + b c = 4.

bl

or

is

he

r r r r
r r
r
Example 29 Three vectors a, b and c satisfy the condition a + b + c = 0 . Evaluate
r
r r r r r r
r
r
the quantity = a b + b c + c a , if | a |= 1, | b |= 4 and | c |= 2 .
r r r r
Solution Since a + b + c = 0 , we have
r r r r
a (a b c ) = 0
r r r r r r
a a + a b + a c = 0
or
r r r r
r 2
a b + a c = a = 1
... (1)
Therefore
r r r r
Again,
b (a + b + c ) = 0

... (2)

... (3)

Adding (1), (2) and (3), we have

r r r r r r
2 ( a b + b c + a c ) = 21
or

2 = 21, i.e., =

21
2

Example 30 If with reference to the right handed system of mutually perpendicular

r
r
r
unit vectors i, j and k, = 3i j , = 2i + j 3k , then express in the form
r r r
r
r
r
r
and 2 is perpendicular to .
1
2 , where
1 is parallel to
r
r
r
Solution Let 1
is a scalar, i.e., 1 = 3i j .
,
r
r r
Now
2 = 1 = (2 3 )i + (1 + ) j 3k .
r
r
r r
Now, since 2 is to be perpendicular to , we should have 2 = 0 . i.e.,
3(2 3 ) (1 + ) = 0

or

Therefore

1
2

r
r
3
1
1
3
1 = i j and 2 = i + j 3k
2
2
2
2

458

MATHEMATICS

Miscellaneous Exercise on Chapter 10

is

he

1. Write down a unit vector in XY-plane, making an angle of 30 with the positive
direction of x-axis.
2. Find the scalar components and magnitude of the vector joining the points
P (x1, y1, z1) and Q (x2, y2, z2).
3. A girl walks 4 km towards west, then she walks 3 km in a direction 30 east of
north and stops. Determine the girls displacement from her initial point of
departure.
r r r
r r
r
4. If a = b + c , then is it true that | a |=| b | + | c | ? Justify your answer.

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5. Find the value of x for which x(i + j + k) is a unit vector.

6. Find a vector of magnitude 5 units, and parallel to the resultant of the vectors
r
r
a = 2i + 3 j k and b = i 2 j + k .
r
r
r
7. If a = i + j + k , b = 2i j + 3k and c = i 2 j + k , find a unit vector parallel
r r
r
to the vector 2a b + 3c .
8. Show that the points A (1, 2, 8), B (5, 0, 2) and C (11, 3, 7) are collinear, and
find the ratio in which B divides AC.
9. Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining two points
r
r r
r
P and Q whose position vectors are (2a + b ) and (a 3b ) externally in the ratio
1 : 2. Also, show that P is the mid point of the line segment RQ.

10. The two adjacent sides of a parallelogram are 2i 4 j + 5k and i 2 j 3k .

Find the unit vector parallel to its diagonal. Also, find its area.
11. Show that the direction cosines of a vector equally inclined to the axes OX, OY
1 1 1
,
,
.
3 3 3
r
r
r
r
12. Let a = i + 4 j + 2k, b = 3i 2 j + 7 k and c = 2i j + 4k . Find a vector d
r
r
r r
which is perpendicular to both a and b , and c d = 15 .

and OZ are

13. The scalar product of the vector i + j + k with a unit vector along the sum of
vectors 2i + 4 j 5k and i + 2 j + 3k is equal to one. Find the value of .
r r r
14. If a , b , c are mutually perpendicular vectors of equal magnitudes, show that
r r r
r r
r
the vector a + b + c is equally inclined to a , b and c .

VECTOR ALGEBRA

459

r
r r
r r r r
r
15. Prove that (a + b ) (a + b ) =| a |2 + | b |2 , if and only if a , b are perpendicular,
r r r r
given a 0, b 0 .
Choose the correct answer in Exercises 16 to 19.
r
r
r r
16. If is the angle between two vectors a and b , then a b 0 only when

he

(B) 0
2
2
(C) 0 < <
(D) 0
r
r r
r
17. Let a and b be two unit vectors and is the angle between them. Then a + b
is a unit vector if

(B) =

(C) =

(D) =

2
3

bl

(A) =

is

(A) 0 < <

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18. The value of i.( j k) j (i k) k (i j ) is

(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) 1
(D) 3
r
r
r r
r r
19. If is the angle between any two vectors a and b , then | a b | = | a b | when
is equal to
(A) 0

(B)

(C)

(D)

Summary

uuur r
Position vector of a point P(x, y, z) is given as OP( = r ) = xi + yj + zk , and its

magnitude by

x2 + y2 + z 2 .

The scalar components of a vector are its direction ratios, and represent its
projections along the respective axes.
The magnitude (r), direction ratios (a, b, c) and direction cosines (l, m, n) of
any vector are related as:

a
l= ,
r

b
c
m= , n=
r
r

r
The vector sum of the three sides of a triangle taken in order is 0 .

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The vector sum of two coinitial vectors is given by the diagonal of the
parallelogram whose adjacent sides are the given vectors.
The multiplication of a given vector by a scalar , changes the magnitude of
the vector by the multiple | |, and keeps the direction same (or makes it
opposite) according as the value of is positive (or negative).
r
a
r
For a given vector a , the vector a = r gives the unit vector in the direction
|a|
r
of a .
The position vector of a point R dividing a line segment joining the points
r
r
P and Q whose position vectors are a and b respectively, in the ratio m : n
r
r
na + mb
.
(i) internally, is given by
m+n
r
r
mb na
(ii) externally, is given by
.
mn
r
r
The scalar product of two given vectors a and b having angle between
them is defined as
r r r r
a b = | a || b | cos .
r
r
r r
Also, when a b is given, the angle between the vectors a and b may be
determined by
r r
a b
cos = r r
| a || b |
r
r
If is the angle between two vectors a and b , then their cross product is
given as
r r
r r
a b = | a || b | sin n
r
r
where n is a unit vector perpendicular to the plane containing a and b . Such
r r
that a, b, n form right handed system of coordinate axes.
r
r
If we have two vectors a and b , given in component form as
r
r
a = a1i + a2 j + a3 k and b = b1i + b2 j + b3 k and any scalar,

he

MATHEMATICS

is

460

VECTOR ALGEBRA

r r
a + b = (a1 + b1 ) i + (a2 + b2 ) j + ( a3 + b3 ) k ;
r
a = (a1 )i + (a2 ) j + (a3 )k ;
rr
a.b = a1b1 + a2 b2 + a3b3 ;

j
b1
b2

k
c1 .
c2

Historical Note

he

i
r r
and a b = a1
a2

is

then

461

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The word vector has been derived from a Latin word vectus, which means
to carry. The germinal ideas of modern vector theory date from around 1800
when Caspar Wessel (1745-1818) and Jean Robert Argand (1768-1822) described
that how a complex number a + ib could be given a geometric interpretation with
the help of a directed line segment in a coordinate plane. William Rowen Hamilton
(1805-1865) an Irish mathematician was the first to use the term vector for a
directed line segment in his book Lectures on Quaternions (1853). Hamiltons
method of quaternions (an ordered set of four real numbers given as:
a + bi + cj + dk, i, j , k following certain algebraic rules) was a solution to the
problem of multiplying vectors in three dimensional space. Though, we must
mention here that in practice, the idea of vector concept and their addition was
known much earlier ever since the time of Aristotle (384-322 B.C.), a Greek
philosopher, and pupil of Plato (427-348 B.C.). That time it was supposed to be
known that the combined action of two or more forces could be seen by adding
them according to parallelogram law. The correct law for the composition of
forces, that forces add vectorially, had been discovered in the case of perpendicular
forces by Stevin-Simon (1548-1620). In 1586 A.D., he analysed the principle of
geometric addition of forces in his treatise DeBeghinselen der Weeghconst
(Principles of the Art of Weighing), which caused a major breakthrough in the
development of mechanics. But it took another 200 years for the general concept
of vectors to form.
In the 1880, Josaih Willard Gibbs (1839-1903), an American physicist
and mathematician, and Oliver Heaviside (1850-1925), an English engineer, created
what we now know as vector analysis, essentially by separating the real (scalar)

462

MATHEMATICS

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part of quaternion from its imaginary (vector) part. In 1881 and 1884, Gibbs
printed a treatise entitled Element of Vector Analysis. This book gave a systematic
and concise account of vectors. However, much of the credit for demonstrating
the applications of vectors is due to the D. Heaviside and P.G. Tait (1831-1901)
who contributed significantly to this subject.

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