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Multiplying a Vector in 3D by a Scalar: https://www.geogebra.org/m/g6ywZJ6x
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 1
Outcomes Assessment ideas
A student: Informal assessment
˃ uses vectors to model and solve problems in two and three A class discussion can inform the teacher of the learning required by noting
dimensions MEX12-3 student responses.
˃ applies various mathematical techniques and concepts to model
This could all be done in class time or some of it at home: Each student is
and solve structured, unstructured and multi-step problems
allocated a problem to solve. The student then presents their solution to the
MEX12-7
class using whatever technology they deem appropriate. Students might be
˃ communicates and justifies abstract ideas and relationships using
expected to answer questions from the teacher or class on their presentation.
appropriate language, notation and logical argument MEX12-8
Present a solution to a problem and ask students to critique the solution,
providing suggestions for how it could be solved more elegantly or differently.
Formal assessment
A summative test or assignment.
Key question: Where are all the points that have an x -coordinate of 0 located?
Students determine that points of the form (0 , y , z ) all lie on the plane surface that is defined by the y - and z
-axes and call this the yz -plane. This knowledge is extended to points of the form ( x ,0 , z ) lying on the xz -
plane and points of the form ( x , y , 0) lying on the xy -plane. They conclude that Cartesian space is divided
into 8 octants by these three planes and that every point is located in one of these 8 regions, depending on
the signs of their coordinates.
Vectors in 3D
With teacher guidance as necessary, students complete a table that extends their knowledge and
understanding of vectors in two dimensions (from the Mathematics Extension 1 topic ME-V1 Introduction to
Vectors) to that of vectors in three dimensions.
For example, students are given the following table with only the row and column headings visible. Working
in pairs, they add as much detail as possible for each cell. When they have added as much as they can, the
class regroups to discuss how the remaining cells could be filled. The table then forms their personal notes
for the activity.
Coordinate form (a , b) (a , b , c )
a
Column form
a
()
b ()
b
c
Component form a i +b j a i +b j +c k
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 3
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
Position vector
Displacement vector
Students are encouraged to keep this table at hand so that they can add details as new concepts are
discussed.
Using 3D graphing software such as GeoGebra in 3D view, students construct two 3-dimensional vectors,
say u and v, and then locate the addition vector u+ v . They investigate the resulting diagram to determine the
geometric and algebraic relationships between the vectors. Students create their own notes for the activity,
including screenshots of their constructions.
They repeat this activity to explore the vectors u−v and v−u and the algebraic and geometric relationships
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 4
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
between the vectors.
~ ~
3
u⋅v =x 1 y 1 +x 2 y 2 +x 3 y 3 =∑ x i y i
i=1 ,
() ()
If a= a2 and b= b2 then a=b a1 =b1 , a2=b 2 and a 3=b3 .
a3 b3
u=x 1 i +x 2 j +x 3 k If a and b are equal but not coincident, then they lie on opposite sides of a parallelogram and are
~ ~ ~ ~ and consequently in the same plane.
v = y1 i + y2 j + y3 k Using the applet Multiplying a Vector in 3D by a Scalar that they interacted with previously, students consider
~ ~ ~ ~
1
u⋅v =|u||v|cosθ the effect of multiplying the vector u by
|u|
and verify that the length of the resulting vector is 1. They define u^
– extend the formula ~ ~ ~ ~ for
three dimensions and use it to solve u
as the unit vector: u^ = .
problems |u|
Students add the following details to the table that they have developed earlier:
prove geometric results in the plane and
construct proofs in three dimensions Vectors In the two-dimensional plane In three-dimensional space
(ACMSM102)
If u=( x , y ) If u=( x , y , z )
Magnitude |u|=|x i + y j|=√ x 2 + y 2 |u|=|x i + y j + zk|=√ x 2 + y 2 +z 2
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
u u
Unit vector u^ = u^ =
|u| |u|
Student practice
Students calculate values and solve problems involving vectors in 3D.
For example:
3 i − j+2 k
(a) Draw a diagram to illustrate the position vector ~ ~ ~ .
(b) If u=(6 ,−2 , 4) and v=(−1 , 3 , 4)
1
(i) express the vectors u+ v and v− u as ordered triples
2
(ii) find u^ .
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 6
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
(c) Find all possible values of c if |⃗
AB|= √ 94 where A(0 ,3 , c ) and B(−3 ,−1,−6).
(d) Use vector methods to locate the midpoint of the interval joining the points( x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ) and ( x 2 , y 2 , z2 ).
2
(e) Given that a=⃗
AB and a=⃗AC , describe the geometric relationship between A , B and C .
3
(f) Use vector methods to find the coordinates of the point that divides the interval joining A(2 ,−3 ,10)
and B(−3 , 12 ,0) in the ratio 2 :3.
(g) ¿ PQR , M is the midpoint of PQ and N is the midpoint of PR . Use vector methods to prove that
1
MN ∥ RQ and MN = RQ.
2
(h) Classify the triangle formed by joining the points A(−1, 3 , 3), B(2 ,5 , 4) and C (0 , 3 ,2).
(i) The four points A(−1, 3 , 3), B(2 ,5 , 4), C (0 , 3 ,2) and D( x , y , z) form a parallelogram. Find x , y
and z .
u=⃗
OU v =⃗
OV θ=∠ UOV
In the 3D case if ~ and ~ then .
Working mathematically
(a) Given u=(6 ,−2 , 4) and v=(−1 , 3 , 4), verify numerically that
u ∙ v=|u||v|cos θ=x 1 x 2+ y 1 y 2 + z 1 z 2 where u=(x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ), v=(x 2 , y 2 , z 2) and θ is the angle between
them.
(b) Hence prove the result in general terms.
Students add the following details to the table that they have developed earlier:
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 7
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
u=x 1 i +x 2 j u=x 1 i +x 2 j +x 3 k
If ~ ~ ~ and If ~ ~ ~ ~ and
v = y1 i + y2 j v = y1 i + y2 j + y3 k
~ ~ ~ then ~ ~ ~ ~ then
Scalar product u⋅v =|u||v|cosθ u⋅v =|u||v|cosθ
~ ~ ~ ~ and ~ ~ ~ ~ and
2 3
u⋅v =x 1 y 1 +x 2 y 2 =∑ x i y i u⋅v =x 1 y 1 +x 2 y 2 +x 3 y 3 =∑ x i y i
~ ~ i=1 ~ ~ i=1
With teacher guidance as necessary, students explore and prove the properties of the scalar product:
Algebraic properties:
a ∙ b=b ∙ a
2
a ∙ a=|a|
a ∙ ( b+c )=a ∙b+ a ∙ c
( a+ b ) ∙ ( c +d ) =a ∙ c+ a∙ d +b ∙ c +b ∙ d
a∙b
If θ is the angle between a and b then cos θ= ,a≠0,b≠0
|a||b|
Geometric properties:
If a ∙ b=0 then a and b are perpendicular.
|a ∙ b|=|a||b|a and b are non-zero, parallel vectors.
Note that by convention 0 ° ≤θ ≤ 180° .
Student practice
Students calculate the scalar product of two vectors. They apply their knowledge of the scalar product to
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 8
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
prove further results in geometry. For example:
(d) Use vector methods to prove that the angle in a semicircle is a right angle.
(e) ABCD is a regular tetrahedron. M is the midpoint of CD . Find the size of ∠ AMB.
(f) The circumcentre of a triangle is the centre of the circle that passes through each of the vertices. The
centroid is the point of intersection of the angle bisectors of a triangle. Let O be the circumcentre and
G the centroid of ∆ ABC . H is the point of OG such that ⃗ OH =3 ⃗ OG. Prove that ⃗AH ⊥ ⃗ BC .
V1.3: Vectors and vector equations of lines Cartesian space
use Cartesian coordinates in two and three- Students construct a mind map (or list) of the knowledge of Cartesian coordinates in three-dimensional
dimensional space space that they have acquired through their consideration of vectors in space. This mind map should include:
the conventional orientation for the three axes (the right-handed coordinate frame)
recognise and find the equations of spheres the origin is ( 0 , 0 , 0 )
the location of a point using three coordinates: ( x , y , z )
the xy -, xz - and yz -planes divide Cartesian space into 8 octants
the distance a point is from the origin: d= √ x 2 + y 2 + z 2
2 2 2
the distance between two points ( x 1 , y 1 , z 1 ) and ( x 2 , y 2 , z2 ): d= √( x −x ) +( y − y ) +( z −z )
1 2 1 2 1 2
Key questions:
Where are all the points representing the heads of the position vectors of magnitude 5 located?
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 9
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
What is the equation satisfied by all the points at the heads of position vectors of magnitude 5?
What is the locus of all points representing the heads of vectors of magnitude 5 that emanate from
( 3 , 1, 2 ) ?
Students discuss their responses and confirm these using algebraic techniques and 3D geometry software.
They generalise their results and add these new details to their mind map.
In Cartesian space:
the equation x 2+ y 2+ z 2=r 2 represents a sphere with centre ( 0 , 0 , 0 ) and radius r
the equation ( x−a )2+ ( y −b )2 + ( z−c )2=r 2 represents a sphere with centre ( a , b , c ) and radius r .
Student practice
Students solve a variety of problems which require them to:
recognise the radius and centre of spheres expressed in algebraic terms
write the equation of a sphere from a given sketch
sketch a sphere in Cartesian space
use the technique of completing the square to find the centre and radius of a sphere
find the centre and radius of the circle of contact of two intersecting spheres. Note that in this case,
the plane of intersection should be parallel to one of the xy -, xz - or yz -planes.
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 10
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
In the course of the discussion, students revise their work on finding the equation of a straight line in two
make connections in two dimensions between dimensions and remind themselves that to determine the equation of a straight line they need to know either
r =a + λ b one point on the line and the gradient of the line, or two points on the line from which they can calculate the
the equation ~ ~ ~ and y=mx+c gradient of the line.
determine a vector equation of a straight line Students recall the formula y− y1 =m( x−x 1) where the gradient is m and ( x 1 , y 1 ) is a point on the line.
or straight-line segment, given the position of
Using this foundational understanding, students determine that the minimal information required to define a
two points or equivalent information, in two
straight line, is one point on the line, and the direction of the line. They conclude that given a position point in
and three dimensions (ACMSM105)
3D, say a , and a direction vector b , the equation of the line can be determined.
determine when a given point lies on a given Students watch the video Vector Equation of a Line to enable them to determine that the vector equation of a
line in vector form line can be defined by a position vector and a direction vector. They make personal notes on the information
presented.
determine when two lines in vector form are
Explicit teaching
parallel
The teacher explains that to calculate the vector equation of a line that passes through the points ( x 0 , y 0 ) and
x 1−x 0
( x 1 , y 1 ), then the direction vector is needed. This is calculated by finding ( y 1− y 0).
Students note that any point on the line can be obtained by moving from the origin to one of the two points
and then moving in the direction given by the direction vector by some distance. This distance is represented
by the scalar.
x0 x −x
Students note that the vector equation of a line in 2D is given by either r = ( ) (
y0 )
+ λ 1 0 or by
y 1− y 0
x1 x −x
r=
( ) (
y1
+λ 1 0 .
y1 − y0 )
x0 x 1−x 0
z0 z 1−z 0()( )
They observe that this understanding can be extended very simply to 3D: r = y 0 + λ y 1− y 0 .
The teacher explains that the vector equation of a line is a form of parametric equations and consequently
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 11
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
1 4
() ( )
r = 2 + λ 1 could also be written as x=1+ 4 λ , y=2+ λ , z=3−2 λ. Furthermore, when given the
3 −2
parametric form of a vector equation of a straight line, the direction vector can be found by inspection from
the coefficients of the parameter.
From this discussion, students note that direction vectors can be used in three dimensions, while gradient
cannot. Consequently the vector equation of a straight line is an efficient method that applies in both two and
three dimensions.
Using a diagram such as the following, students build their understanding that a point on the line can be
found by adding the position vector of any point on the line to a multiple of the direction vector of the line:
With student contributions to the strategy used, the teacher models the setting out of solutions of problems
that involve finding the vector equation of lines.
Student practice
Students practise working with vector equations of straight lines in both two and three dimensions. Problems
include:
calculating direction vectors
writing down the direction vector from a vector equation expressed in parametric form
converting between Cartesian and parametric form of a line
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 12
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
finding Cartesian and parametric equations of lines
given a vector and a direction vector
given two points
given a point and a line parallel to it
given a point and a line perpendicular to it
Students practise testing to see if given points lie on a line by considering the vector equation of that line.
Students brainstorm all the ways that three-dimensional lines could relate to each other and determine that
they would be parallel, intersecting or skew. They also determine that if the lines intersect they could be
perpendicular. Students use practical objects such as straws in order to aid visualisation before using 3D
graphing software to explore the relationships.
Students watch the video Parallel, intersecting, skew and perpendicular lines which works through the
procedure for working with vectors and parameters to determine if two lines are parallel, intersecting or skew,
and if they intersect, if they are perpendicular.
Class activity
The teacher issues each student with a different example of a pair of lines expressed in vector form. Working
individually, students determine if their lines are parallel, intersecting (not perpendicular), intersecting
(perpendicular) or skew.
Regrouping the class into pairs or groups of three, students share their solutions with their peers, presenting
their reasoning and justifications clearly and concisely. They work together to refine and improve their
solutions and then use 3D graphing software to check their answers.
Student practice
Students practise determining if pairs of lines are parallel, intersecting (not perpendicular), intersecting
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 13
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
(perpendicular) or skew.
Working mathematically
Students could
determine the point of intersection of two intersecting lines in three dimensions
find the angle between two intersecting lines in three dimensions
determine the parametric equation of a plane determined by two non-parallel vectors.
Student practice
Students consider parametric equations that they met previously and write them in vector form. They practise
using simultaneous equations to eliminate the parameter and obtain the Cartesian equation.
The teacher hands out one set of cards with parametric equations written on them in a variety of vector
forms, another set of cards with their equivalent Cartesian equations on them, and a third set of cards with
the graph of the Cartesian equation. Students work in pairs to form matching sets of three cards.
After watching the video, the class discusses any terms of concepts for which students need clarification. For
example, the meaning of the term ‘projection’.
Using 3D graphing technology, the students graph the example that was discussed in the video, namely
r (t )=( t 2 ,t 4 , t 6). They explore the shape of the curve and its projections on each of the xy -, zy - and zx -
planes.
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 14
Content Teaching, learning and assessment strategies
Student practice
The teacher provides a selection of examples in which students are required to interpret vector equations of
curves in three dimensions involving a parameter and to predict the projection of those curves in each of the
xy -, zy - and zx -planes. They determine the Cartesian equations of these projections. If possible, students
determine the Cartesian equation of the curve.
Prior knowledge Questions and prompts for Working Mathematically Summary of technology opportunities
The subtopic ME-V1 Introduction to Vectors What is the same and different about …? Use graphing technology to work with vectors in
should be taught prior to or concurrently both two-dimensional and three-dimensional space.
What happens in general?
with this subtopic.
Use applets available on the internet to experiment
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 15
How can we be sure that …? with drawing three-dimensional graphs expressed in
terms of parameters or in vector form.
Alter an aspect of something to see what effect it has.
Reflection on learning and evaluation – to be completed by the teacher during and immediately after teaching the unit
Mathematics Extension 2 Year 12 Sample Teaching Unit Vectors, updated June 2018 16