2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

9758 H2 Mathematics
Topic 2: Vectors II
Tutorial Questions
Discussion Questions
1. The plane Π passes through the point (7, 2, – 3) and is perpendicular to the vector
2i – j + 6k.
(a) Find the vector equation of the plane in scalar product form.
(b) Which of the points B(4, 8, – 1) and C(1, 2, 2) lie on the plane?
(c) Find a Cartesian equation of the plane.

Solution:

(a) Equation of plane in vector form 4 2

   
2 7 2 (b) LHS =  8  ⋅  −1 =−6 = RHS
       −1  6 
r ⋅  −1=
  2  ⋅  −1    
 6   −3   6 
      Therefore (4,8,−1) lies on the plane.
2
 
r ⋅  −1 =−6
6 1  2 
 
   
LHS =  2  ⋅  −1= 12 ≠ −6 = RHS
(c) Cartesian equation of plane
 2  6 
   
 x  2 
    Therefore (1,2,2 ) does not lie on the plane.
 y  ⋅  −1 =−6
z  6 
   
2 x − y + 6 z =−6

2. The plane Π is given by the Cartesian equation x – 3y + 4z = 16.

(a) Find a vector equation of the plane in scalar product form.
(b) Find a vector equation of another plane which is parallel to Π but passes through the
point (3, 2, – 1), in scalar product form.

Solution:
(a) Equation of plane in vector form (b) Equation of plane Π 2

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 x  1  1 3 1

         
 y  ⋅  −3  =16 r ⋅  −3=  2  ⋅  −3 
z  4   4   −1  4 
         
1 1
   
r ⋅  −3  =16 r ⋅  −3  =−7
4 4
   

3. A plane is given by the Cartesian equation 3x + y – 2z = 3.

(a) Find the perpendicular distance of the plane from the origin.
(b) Find the perpendicular distance of the point (1, 3, – 1) from the plane.

Solution:

(a)
 3
 
r ⋅ 1  = 3
 −2 
 
 3
1   3
r⋅  1 =
14   14
 −2 
3
The perpendicular distance from origin is units.
14

1
    
= AP ⋅n
(b) Let OP =  3  . Find a point A on the plane. Then PN
 −1
 
where N is the foot of the perpendicular from P to the plane.
0 0  3  0
         
Let OA =  a  . Then  a  ⋅  1  = 3 ⇒ a = 3. ∴ OA =  3 .
0  0   −2  0
       
 1  0  1 
        
AP = OP − OA =  3  −  3  =  0 
 −1  0   −1
     

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 3
 
1
 1   
     −2 
= AP ⋅n =
5
PN  0  ⋅ 9 +1+ 4 =
 −1 14
 

4. N2007/1/8
The line l passes through A and B with coordinates (1, 2, 4) and ( −2,3,1) respectively.
The plane p has equation 3x – y + 2z = 17. Find
(i) the coordinates of the point of intersection of l and p,
(ii) the acute angle between l and p,
(iii) the perpendicular distance from A to p.

Solution:

1  −2   −3 
        
(i) Given that OA =  2  and OB =  3  . We find that AB =  1  . The equation of line l
 4 1  
     −3 
1  −3  3
     
: r  2  + λ  1  . The equation of plane p is p : r ⋅  −1 =17 . Equating both
is l=
 4  −3  2
     
 1 − 3λ   3 
   
equations, we obtain  2 + λ  ⋅  −1 = 17 . Solving, λ = −0.5 . Hence, the coordinates
 4 − 3λ   2 
   
of the point of intersection is ( 2.5,1.5,5.5 ) .

(ii) Let the acute angle between l and p be θ .

 −3   3 
   
 1  ⋅  −1
 −3   2 
    | −9 − 1 − 6 | 16
=sin θ = = .
9 +1+ 9 9 +1+ 4 19 14 266
θ = 78.8o
Hence the acute angle between l and p is 78.8° .

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(iii) The distance from A to the point of intersection ( 2.5,1.5,5.5 ) is

 1   2.5 
    19
 2  −  1.5  = 4.75 =
2
. The perpendicular distance from A to p is
 4   5.5 
   
 19   16  8 4 14
4.75 × sin 78.8
= °    =  = = 2.138 .
 2   266  14 7

5. N2009/P1/Q10

 2  −1
   
The planes p1 and p2 have equations r  1  = 1 and r  2  = 2 respectively, and meet in a
 3 1
   
line l.
(i) Find the acute angle between p1 and p2 . [3]
(ii) Find a vector equation of l. [4]
(iii) The plane p3 has equation 2x + y + 3z – 1 + k(-x + 2y + z – 2) = 0. Explain why l lies in p3
for any constant k. Hence, or otherwise, find a Cartesian equation of the plane in which
both l and the point (2, 3, 4) lie. [5]

Solution:

(i) Let the acute angle between the 2 planes to be θ

 2  −1 
1 2
   
 3 1
=cos θ
  ⋅
 
2 +1 + 3 1 + 2 +1
2 2 2 2 2 2

3
cos θ =
84
θ = 70.9
0

(ii) Using the GC

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0  −1
   
Equation of line l : r =  1  + λ  −1 , λ ∈ 
0 1
   
(iii)
Equation of plane p3 :
2 x + y + 3 z − 1 + k ( − x + 2 y + z − 2 ) =0
( 2 − k ) x + (1 + 2k ) y + ( 3 + k ) z =1 + 2k
 2−k 
 
r ⋅ 1 + 2 k =1 + 2 k
 
 3+ k 
 
 −λ   2 − k 
  
LHS = 1 − λ ⋅ 1 + 2k

   
 λ   3+ k 
   
=−2λ + k λ + (1 − λ )(1 + 2k ) + 3k + k λ
=+
1 2k =RHS for any constant k
Hence any point that lies on l also lies on the plane, so line l lies on p3 .

Alternative solution :
 −1  2 − k 
   
 −1 ⋅ 1 + 2k  =−2 + k − 1 − 2k + 3 + k =0
 1   3+ k 
   

Hence line l is parallel to p3 .

0  2 − k 
   
 1  ⋅ 1 + 2k  =1 + 2k
0  3+ k 
   
Hence the point ( 0,1, 0 ) lies on p3 .

Hence line l lies on p3 .

Last part of (iii) :

When ( 2,3, 4 ) lies on p3 ,

 2  2 − k 
 3  ⋅  1 + 2k  =1 + 2k
   
 4  3 + k 
   
4 − 2 k + 3 + 6 k + 12 + 4 k =1 + 2 k
k = −3

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Hence plane that contains l and ( 2,3, 4 ) is p3 when k = –3 :

 2 − ( −3 ) 
 
r ⋅ 1 + 2 ( −3 ) =1 + 2 ( −3 )
 
 3 + ( −3 ) 
 
5
 
r ⋅ −5 =−5
 
0
 
∴ Cartesian equation of plane is x − y =−1

6 N2011/P1/Q11
The plane p passes through the points with coordinates ( 4, −1, −3) , (−2, −5, 2) and

( 4, −3, −2 ) .
(i) Find a cartesian equation of p. [4]
x −1 y−2 z+3
The line l1 has equation = = and the line l2 has equation
2 −4 1
x + 2 y −1 z − 3
= = , where k is a constant. It is given that l1 and l2 intersect.
1 5 k
(ii) Find the value of k . [4]
(iii) Show that l1 lies in p and find the coordinates of the point at which l2
intersect p. [4]
(iv) Find the acute angle between l2 and p . [3]

Solution:
 4    −2    4 


(i) OA =   −5  , OC =
−1 , OB =
 −3 
     
 −3  2  −2 
     

  −2   4   −6        
4 4 0
     
AB = −5 − −1 = −4 and AC = −3 − −1 = −2
           
 2   −3   5   −2   −3   1 
           

 −6   0   6   1 
Normal of plane p = −4  ×  −2  = 6  =6  1  .
       
 5   1   12   2 
       
Equation of plane p

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r ⋅n =D
1  4  1
   −1  ⋅  1  =
r⋅ 1 =
      −3
 2   −3   2 
     
Cartesian equation: x + y + 2 z =−3

(ii)

1 2  −2   1 
l1 : r=
 2  + λ  −4  , λ ∈  , =
l2 : r
 1  + µ  5, µ ∈ 
       
 −3   1   3  k
       

When l1 and l2 intersect.

1 + 2λ =−2 + µ (1)
2 − 4λ =+1 5µ (2)
−3 + λ = 3 + k µ (3)

Solving (1) and (2), λ = −1 and µ = 1 . Substitute into (3), k = −7 .

(iii)

To show l1 lies on p

 2  1
   
Since  −4  ⋅  1  = 2 − 4 + 2 = 0 , so direction vector of l1 is perpendicular to normal
 1   2
   
vector of p .

Hence l1 is parallel to p

 1  1
   
Also,  2  ⋅  1  =+
1 2 − 6 =−3 , so the point (1, 2, −3) that lies on l1 also lies on p .
   
 −3   2 

Hence l1 lies on p .

When l2 and p intersect,

 −2 + µ   1 
 1 + 5µ  ⋅  1  =
−3
   
 3 − 7µ   2 
   
−2 + µ + 1 + 5 µ + 6 − 14 µ =−3
−8 µ =
−8
µ =1

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 −2 + 1   −1 

Position vector of the point of intersection is 1 + 5 =
  6 .
   
 3 − 7   −4 
   

Hence the coordinates of the point of intersection is ( −1, 6, −4 ) .

Alternative Method

Since l1 lies on p , the intersection of l2 and p is also the intersection of l2 and l1 .

Substitute λ = −1 into equation of l1 :

 1   2   −1 
     
Position vector of the point of intersection is 2 − −4 = 6 .
     
 −3   1   −4 
     

Hence the coordinates of the point of intersection is ( −1, 6, −4 ) .

(iv)

Let θ be the acute angle between l2 and p .

1 1
cos(90 − θ ) =
1  5 ⋅ 1 1
   
12 + 52 + 7 2  −7  12 + 12 + 22  2
 
−8
cos(90 − θ ) =
450

θ = 22.20

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7. N2013/P2/Q4
 2  −6 
   
The planes p1 and p2 have equations r.  −2  = 1 and r 3  = −1 respectively, and meet
1  2
   
in the line l.
(i) Find the acute angle between p1 and p2 . [3]
(ii) Find a vector equation for l. [4]
(iii) The point A (4, 3, c) is equidistant from the planes p1 and p2 . Calculate the two
possible values of c. [6]

Solution:
 2   −6 
 −2  •  3 
   
1 2
−1  16 
=
(i) Acute angle between two planes p 1 and p 2 is θ cos −1  =    cos =   40.4
ο

9 49  
21
(ii)
Cartesian equation of p 1 is 2x - 2y + z = 1

Cartesian equation of p 2 is -6x + 3y + 2z = -1

Using GC, the vector equation of the line l is

 1 7
− 6 6
   

l :r = − + λ   , λ ∈ .
2 5
 3 3
   
 0   1 
   

2
  1
(iii) Equation of p 1 is r . −2 =
 
1
 

 1
  
1
 
Since 1 satisfies the equation of p 1 , let position vector of one of the points on p 1 be OB = 1 .
 
 1  
  1

  
2  −3   2 
AB  −2
 −2  −2 
    
1 1 − c   1  1
Distance of A(4, 3, c) from p 1 is
  =    = −c − 1 =
1
c +1
4 + 4 +1 3 3 3

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 −6 
 
Equation of p 2 is r . 3 = −1
 
2
 

0
 
Since  −1 satisfies the equation of p 2 , let position vector of one of the points on p 2 be
1
 

0
 
OD= −1 .
 
1
 

−6  −4   −6 
    −4  3 
AD  3
    
2 1 − c   2  1
  =     = 14 − 2c = 2 7 − c
36 + 9 + 4 7 7 7
1 2
Given, c + 1= 7−c
3 7
Solving,we get
1 2
Distance of A(4, 3, c) from p 2 is (c + 1) =± (7 − c)
3 7
7c + 7 =42 − 6c or 7c + 7 =−42 + 6c
35
=c or − 49
13
or solving graphically,

c = - 49 or 2.69

8. N2014/P1/Q9
Planes p and q are perpendicular. Plane p has equation x + 2y – 3z = 12. Plane q contains
x −1 y +1 z − 3
the line l with equation = = . The point A on l has coordinates (1, -1, 3).
2 −1 4
(i) Find a Cartesian equation of q. [4]

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(ii) Find a vector equation of the line m where p and q meet. [4]
(iii) B is a general point on m. Find an expression for the square of the distance AB.
Hence, or otherwise, find the coordinates of the point on m which is nearest to A. [5]

Solution:
(i)

1
  12
∏p : r ⋅ 2 =
 
 −3 
 

Since ∏ p and ∏ q are perpendicular,

∏ q contains the normal of ∏ p .

Finding the vector equation of l :

x −1 y +1 z − 3
=
Let λ = = , where λ ∈ 
2 −1 4
∴ x =1 + 2λ
y =−1 − λ
z= 3 + 4λ
1 2
   
Hence l : r = −1 + λ  −1 , λ ∈ 
3 4
   

Since ∏ q contains the direction vector of line l and the normal of ∏ p ,

2 1
   
nq = −1 × 2
   
 4   −3 
   
 −5   −1
= =
 10  5  2 
   
5 1
   
 −1   1   −1 
     
∏ q : r ⋅ 2 = −1 ⋅ 2 = 0
     
1 3 1
     
∴∏ q : − x + 2 y + z = 0
∏q : x − 2 y − z =0

(ii)

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

Using GC to obtain the line m

2
6  
 3 ω  1  ,ω ∈ 
m : r =+
  2
0
  1
 
6  4
    1
ω 
 3  µ  1  , µ =∈
m : r =+
0  2 2
   
(iii) Since B is a general point on m,

 6  4
   
3 + ω 1 for some ω ∈ 
OB =
   
0  2
   
  
= OB − OA
AB
 6 + 4ω   1 
=
 3 + ω  −  −1 
   
 2ω   3 
   
 5 + 4ω 

= 4+ω

 
 2ω − 3 
 

AB = ( 5 + 4ω ) + (4 + ω ) 2 + (2ω − 3) 2
2

= 25 + 40ω + 16ω 2 + 16 + 8ω + ω 2 + 4ω 2 − 12ω + 9

= 50 + 36ω + 21ω 2
 2
AB =50 + 36ω + 21ω 2
Hence
 2
AB =50 + 36ω + 21ω 2
 2  6  242 
2

AB = 21  ω +  + 
 7  147 
 2 6
Min AB occurs when ω = −
7
6  4  6
    6    3  
Hence OB=  3  +  −   1 =  7  5 .
0  7   2  −4 
     

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

(Otherwise Method)

AB must be perpendicular to the line m as it is the shortest distance between A and B.

  5 + 4ω 
=
AB
 4+ω  (see above)
 
 2ω − 3 
 

∴ AB ⋅ m =
0
 5 + 4ω   4 
 4 + ω ⋅1 =
    0
 2ω − 3   2 
   
20 + 16ω + 4 + ω + 4ω − 6 =0
18 + 21ω = 0
6
ω= −
7
6
  4 6
   6   3  
Hence OB= 3 +  −  1 =
   7    7  5 .
0  2  −4 
     

9. The equations of the line l 1 and plane Π 1 are given as follows:

5 1
   
l 1 : r = −1 + λ  −1 , λ ∈  ; Π 1 : xa + z = 5a + 4 , where a is a positive constant.
4 0
   

π
(i) If the angle between l 1 and Π 1 is , show that a = 1 .
6
(ii) Find the position vector of A, the point of intersection between l 1 and Π 1.

(iii) Given that C(7,−3,4), find the position vector of N, the foot of perpendicular of C on Π 1 .

(iv) Point C ' is obtained by reflecting C about Π 1 . Determine a vector equation of

the line AC ' .
Solution:

a  1 
   
 0  •  −1
1  0 
π     
(i) sin   =
6  2 ( a 2 + 1)

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

1 a
⇒ =
2 2 ( a 2 + 1)

⇒ 2 ( a 2 + 1) =
4a 2
⇒a=±1

∴ a=
1(a =−1 rejected since a > 0)

 5 + λ  1
(ii) Since l1 and Π1 intersect:  −1 − λ  •  0  =9 ⇒λ =
0
 4  1
   

5
  
Hence, l1 and Π1 intersect at OA=  −1
4
 

1 1 1  7  k + 7

      
(iii) Since CN is parallel to  0  , CN = k  0  ⇒ ON = k  0  +  −3  = 
 −3 

1 1 1  4   k + 4
         
k + 7 1
   
 −3  •  0  =
9
 k + 4 1
   
⇒k= −1

 −1 + 7   6 
    
ON =  −3  =  −3 
 −1 + 4   3 
   

 1  

(iv) Since N is midpoint of C and C’,=
ON
2
(OC + OC ' )
6 7 5
        
⇒ OC ' = 2ON − OC = 2  −3  −  −3  =  −3 
3 4 2
     
5 5  0
        
∴ AC ' = OC ' − OA =  −3  −  −1 =  −2 
 2   4   −2 
     

5 0
Vector equation of line passing through AC’ : r = −1 + µ  1  , µ ∈ .
 
   1
4  

10. N1988/P2/Q15
Planes Π1 and Π 2 have equations x – 2y + 3z = 0 and 3x + y + 2z = 0 respectively.
(a) Show that the acute angle between Π1 and Π 2 is 60° .

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

(b) Show that the point P, with coordinates (7, 2, – 1), lies in Π1 . Find the perpendicular
distance of P from Π 2 .
(c) Deduce, or find otherwise, the perpendicular distance from P to the line of intersection
of Π1 and Π 2 .

Solution:
1 (b) (c)
  Line of intersection
Π1 : r ⋅ −2 =0
  7 1
3
   2  ⋅  −2  = 7 − 4 − 3 = 0 60°
 3    
  0
Π2 : r ⋅ 1 =  −1   3 
  A line on Π 2
 2
  Therefore P(7,2,−1) lies on plane 3
Π1 14
(a) Acute angle Π1 . 2
d
between the two Find a point A on the plane ∏ 2 .
planes  
=
Then PN AP ⋅n2
= cos −1 nˆ 1 ⋅ nˆ 2
3
 1   3  0 14
 −2  ⋅  1   
Let OA = a . Then
2 = sin 600
      d
 3   2 0
 
= cos −1    
3
14
 1   3  0  3   
0 2 =
3
 −2   1   a  ⋅  1  = 0 ⇒ a = 0. ∴ OA =
0 .
d 2
       
 3   2  0  2 0 2 3
          =
d × 14
3 2
7  
= cos −1
14 =
PN AP ⋅ n2 =
d 3 × 14
= 60° d = 42 units
 3
1
7  
 2
 2 ⋅
=
21 3  
  9 + 1 + 4 == 14
 −1  14 2
 

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11. [OCR/GCE Math (MEI) PA/JUN 2012/Q8]

A laser beam ABC is fired from the point A(1, 2, 4) and is reflected at point B off the plane with
equation x + 2 y − 3 z =0 , as shown in the diagram below. A ' is the point (2, 4,1), and M is the
midpoint of AA ' .

(i) Show that AA ' is perpendicular to the plane x + 2 y − 3 z =

0 , and that M lies on the plane.

1 1
   
The vector equation of the line AB is r =  2  + λ  −1 .
 4 2
   
(ii) Find the coordinates of B, and a vector equation of the line A ' B .

(iii) Given that A ' BC is a straight line, find the angle θ .

(iv)Find the coordinates of the point where BC crosses the x-z plane.

(i)  2 1  1 
      
AA ' =  4  −  2  =  2 
 1   4   −3 
     

1
   
The normal to the plane x + 2 y − 3 z =
0 is  2  which is parallel to AA ' . Thus, AA ' is
 −3 
 
perpendicular to the plane.

   2   1    1.5 

 OA + OA ' 1       
OM = = 4 + 2 =  3 
2 2       2.5 
 1   4    

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

1  1.5   1 
     
OM  2  =  3  2  = 1.5 + 6 − 7.5 = 0
 −3   2.5   −3 
    
Thus, M lies on the plane x + 2 y − 3 z =
0.

(ii) To find B, the intersection of the line AB and the plane x + 2 y − 3 z =

0 , we substitute
the equation of the line into the equation of the plane:

 1   1   1 
     
 2  + λ  −1   2  =0
 
 4     
 2    −3 
1 + 4 − 12 − 7λ = 0
λ = −1

1 1 0

      
Thus, OB=  2  + (−1)  −1=
  3
 4 2  2
     


To find the equation of the line A ' B , we first find the direction vector A ' B
  
A '=
B OB − OA '
 0   2   −2 
     
= 3 −  4 =
 −1 
 2 1  1 
     

 2  −2 
   
Equation of line A ' B : r =  4  + λ  −1  , λ ∈ 
1 1
   
 
(iii) Angle θ is the acute angle between vectors A ' B and AB

 1   −2 
  
 −1 −1 
2 1 1
cos θ =
=  
6 6 6
θ = 80.4 0

(iv) At the x-z plane, y=0,

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 2  −2 
   
Thus, the y-coordinate of r =  4  + λ  −1  is 0.
1 1
   
⇒ 4−λ =0
λ=4

 2   −2   −6 
     
P.v. of the point where BC crosses the x-z plane=  4  + 4  −1  =  0
1  1   5
     
Thus the point is (-6,0,5)

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12. [VCE/Specialist Math/Nov 2007/Written Exam 2/Section2/Q4]

An aircraft approaching an airport with velocity v = 30i − 40 j − 4k is observed on the control tower
radar screen at time t = 0 seconds. Ten seconds later, it passes over a navigation beacon with
position vector −500i + 2500 j relative to the base of the control tower, at an altitude of 200
metres.

Let i and j be horizontal orthogonal unit vectors and let k be a unit vector in the vertical direction.
Displacement components are measured in metres.

(a) Show that the position vector of the aircraft relative to the base of the control tower at
time t is given by r = ( 30t − 800 ) i + ( 2900 − 40t ) j + ( 240 − 4t ) k .
(b) When does the aircraft land and how far (correct to the nearest metre) from the base of
the control tower is the point of landing?
(c) At what angle from the runway, correct to 1 decimal place, does the aircraft land?
(d) At what time, correct to nearest second, is the aircraft closest to the base of the control
tower?
(e) What distance does the aircraft travel from the line it is observed on the radar screen to
the time it lands? Give your answer to the nearest metre.

(a) Equation of the line l that represents the aircraft’s flight:

 −500   30 
   
: r  2500  + λ  −40  , λ ∈ 
l=
 200   −4 
   
However, taking into account the time parameter, we rewrite as
 −500   30 
   
l : r  2500  + ( t − 10 )  −40  , t ≥ 0
=
   
 200   −4 
 −800   30 
   
=  2900  + t  −40  , t ≥ 0
   
 240   −4 
(b) When the aircraft lands, the z-component is zero. Therefore, we equate
240 − 4t = 0 ⇒ t = 60 Thus the aircraft lands when t=60s.
 −800   30  1000 
     
At t=60,=
r  2900  + 60  −40=
  500 
 240   −4   0 
     
Distance from base of control tower= 10002 + 5002= 1118m
(c) Normal to the x-y horizontal plane is k.
Let angle between the plane’s movement and the plane be θ

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 0   30 
  
 0  −40 
 1   −4 
θ   =  4
=
sin ⇒
= θ 4.60
1 2516 2516

(d)

Let N be the point along l which is closest to O.

 −800   30 
    
=
ON  2900  + t  −40  for some t
 240   −4 
   
 30   −800   30    30 
        
ON  −40  =0 ⇒  2900  + t  −40    −40  =0
 −4   240   −4    −4 
 

2516t= 24000 + 116000 + 960= 140960

t = 56.0

(e) Distance travelled

= 60 v
 30 
 
= 60  −40  = 60 2516 = 3010 ( nearest m )
 −4 
 

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

13 [For Discussion]

In the Lecture Notes Section 2, we mentioned that there are three possible cases of the types of
intersections between a line and a plane:

Description Number of
SN
intersections

1) The line is parallel to the plane and does not lie on the plane. 0

2) The line is not parallel to the plane. 1

3) The line is parallel to the plane and lies on the plane Infinitely
many

In groups, discuss and come up with a method in general to decide which case has occurred for any
given line and plane.

Possible Solution:

a + λd, λ ∈  and plane π : r  n = D

Given line l : r =

First to check if the line and plane are parallel, we can consider the dot product n  d .

If n  d = 0 , the the line and plane are parallel. (Case 1 or 3). Otherwise, they are not. (Case 2)

To determine between Case 1 or 3, check if a point (any point) on the line lies on the plane. If yes,
then Case 3. If no, then Case 1.

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

Section 2: Supplementary Questions (For Students to practice

after going through tutorial for extra practice)

1 TPJC/ 2014/Prelim/I/8
x+4 y − 4 z +1
The line l has equation = = , and the plane p has equation x − 3 y − 2 z =
0.
−2 6 4
(i) Show that l is perpendicular to p. [2]
(ii) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of l and p. [4]
(iii) Show that the point A with coordinates ( −10, 22, 11) lies on l. Find the coordinates of the
point B which is the mirror image of A in p. [3]
(iv) Find the area of triangle OAB, where O is the origin, giving your answer to the nearest whole
number. [3]
(i)  −2   1
 
Direction vector of l is 6 = −2  −3 
   
 4  −2 
   

 1
Normal vector of p is  −3 
 
 
 −2 
Since l is parallel to normal vector of p, l is perpendicular to p.

(ii)  −4   −2 
    , λ ∈
=  4 +λ 6 
l: r
   
 −1   4

 1
p: r.  −3  =
  0
 −2 
 

 −4   −2   1
=
Substitute    
r  4  + λ  6  into r.  −3  =
0
 −1   4  −2 
     

 −4 − 2 λ   1 
    0
 4 + 6λ  .  −3  =
 − 1 + 4 λ   −2 
   

( −4 − 2λ ) − 3(4 + 6λ ) − 2( −1 + 4λ ) =0

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

1
λ= −
2

 1 
 −4 − 2( − 2 ) 
   −3 
 1   
Position vector of point of intersection = 4 + 6( − ) =1
 2   
 −3
1   
 −1 + 4( − ) 
 2 

Coordinates of point of intersection is ( −3,1, −3)

(iii)  −10   −4   −2 
Equate  22   4 +λ 6 
 =     
 11   −1   
     4

−4 − 2λ =−10 ---- (1)

4 + 6λ =
22 ---- (2)
−1 + 4λ =11 ---- (1)

λ = 3 satisfies all three equations. A lies on l.

Since ( −3,1, −3) is the mid-point of A and B,

By Ratio Theorem,

 −3 
OA + OB  
= 1 
2  −3 
 

 −3   −10   4 
OB 2  1  −  22  =  −20 
=
 −3   11   −17 
     

Coordinates of B is (4, −20, −17)

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

(iv) Area of OAB =

1
OA × OB
2

 −10   4 
1
=
 22  ×  −20 
2   
 11   −17 

 −154 
=
1  −126 
2  
 112 
 

1
= 52136 = 114.166545
2
= 114 units2

2 DH/Prelim/2014/II/4
x−2 z−a
The line l has equation = , y = −1, where a is a real constant and
−1 1
5. The point A has the position vector 2i + 2 j
the plane p 1 has equation 3 x + y + 2 z =
with respect to the origin O.

(i) Find the acute angle between l and p 1 . [2]

(ii) Find the perpendicular distance from the point A to p 1 . [3]
(iii) Given that l is the line of intersection of the planes p 2 and p 3 with
equations x − 4 y + z =6 and x − y + bz =c, where b and c are real constants, find b

and c. [3]
(iv) The point B varies such that the midpoint of AB is always in p 1 . Find a cartesian
equation for the locus of B. [3]
(i) 2  −1
l : r = −1 + λ  0 
  a  1
 

Let the acute angle between l and p 1 be θ.

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 −1  3 
 0   1
 1   2
cos ( 90° −=
θ ) sin
= θ   =  1
2 14 28

θ 10.9°
=

(ii) Method 1

( 0,5,0 ) is a point on p 1 .

 2   0    3 
 2  −  5     1 
 0   0    2 
=
14
 2   3
 −3    1 
 0   2
    3
= =
Perpendicular distance from the point A to p 1 14 14

Method 2

Perpendicular distance from the point A to p 1

×A
 2  3
5 −  2  1
0  2
   
= p1
14
5−8 3
= =
14 14 ×O

Method 3

Let F be the foot of perpendicular and it lies on both l AF and p 1 .

 2 3
l AF : r = 2  + µ 1  , µ ∈ 
  0   2
 

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 2   3   3 
 2  + µ  1     1  =
5
 0   2   2 
   
3
⇒µ= −
14

  2   3  3  
OF=  2  +  − 1  
 0   14  2  
    
   3 3
AF = OF − OA = − 1 
14  2 
 3  3  3 14
AF = − 1  =
14  2  14

(iii) 2  −1

l : r = −1 + λ  0 
  a  1
 

To find b:
Method 1
Direction vector of l is perpendicular to normal vector of p 3 ,

 −1  1 
 0    −1 = 0 ⇒ −1 + b = 0 ⇒ b = 1
1 b
   

Method 2
 1 1  −1
 −4  ×  −1 =k  0 
 1 b 1
     
1 − 4b   −1
 1− b  = k 0 
 3  1
   
⇒= k 3, = b 1

To find c:
Method 1
Since l lies on p 2 ,
2  1
 −1   −4  =6
a  1
   
2 − 4 ( −1) + a = 6 ⇒ a = 0

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

Since l lies on p 3 ,
 2  1 
 1    −1 = c
0  1 
   
2 − ( −1) + b ( 0 ) = c ⇒ c = 3

Method 2
Since l lies on p 2 ,
2−λ  1 
 −1    −4  = 6
a + λ  1 
   
⇒6+a =6⇒ a =0

Since l lies on p 3 ,
2 − λ  1 
 −1    −1 = c
 λ  b
   
( 3 − c ) + ( b − 1) λ =0
Since the equation is always true regardless of λ,
3−c = 0⇒ c = 3 &
b −1 = 0 ⇒ b = 1

(iv) Let M be the midpoint of A and B.

 
 OA + OB 1  2   
=
OM =  2  + OB 
2 2  0  


1  2     3 
 2  + OB    1  = 5
2  0    2
   
 2   3    3 
⇒  2    1  + OB   1  =10
0  2  2
     
  3 
⇒ OB   1  = 10 − 8 = 2
 2
 
∴ A cartesian equation for the locus of B is
3x + y + 2 z = 2.

Note: Locus is a plane parallel to p 1

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

3 YJC/2014/Prelim/II/4
Relative to the origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors given by i − k , 3i + j − k
and j + 2k respectively.
(i) Show that a vector equation of the plane π 1 containing A, B and C is given by
r ⋅ ( i – 2j + k ) =
0. [3]
The line l1 passes through the points A and B. The point R on l1 is such that CR is perpendicular to l1 .
 
The line l2 passes through C and R and the point Q on l2 is such that 2CR = CQ .

(ii) Find the position vector of R. [4]

(iii) Find the exact area of the triangle BCQ. [3]
(iv) Find an equation in the form r ⋅ n =p , for the plane π 2 which contains the line
l2 and is perpendicular to π 1 . [2]

(i)

 2  −1
     
=AB = 1  , AC 1
0 3
   

 2   −1 1
       
AB × AC = 1  ×  1  =3  −2 
0  3  1
     
Equation of plane ABC is

1 1 1

     
r ⋅  −2  = 0  ⋅  −2  = 1 + 0 − 1
 1   −1  1 
     

1
 
r ⋅  −2  =0
1
 

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

ii  2
  
 2λ + 1  2 
   
0  λ −1  ⋅  1  =
CR ⋅  1  =⇒ 0
0  −3   0 
     

4λ + 2 + λ − 1 =0

 3/5 
1   
λ= − ∴ OR =  −1/ 5 
5  −1 
 

iii BR ⊥ CQ
Area ∆BCQ =
(CR )( BR )
 
( )( BR )
= CR

 3   12 
 5  − 5 
   

= −
6  −6 
 5  5
   
 −3   0 
   

54  6 
=
5  5 

18 6
=
5

iv  2  0  2
     
Eqn of π 2 is r ⋅  1  =
1⋅1
 0  2  0
     

 2
 
r ⋅1 =1
0
 

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

4 IJC/2014/Prelim/II/4
V

D
C

A B

In the diagram, O is centre of the rectangular base ABCD of a right pyramid with
vertex V. Perpendicular unit vectors i, j, k are parallel to AB, BC, OV respectively. The length of AB, BC
and OV are 12 units, 6 units and 6 units respectively. The point M is the mid-point of CV and the point
O is taken as the origin for position vectors.

 −6   6 
   
(i) Show that the equation of the line AM may be expressed as r =  −3  + t  3  , where t is
 0   2
   
a parameter. [3]
(ii) Find the perpendicular distance from B to the line AM. [3]
(iii) Find the acute angle between the line DV and the plane AMB. [4]
 −1
 
The plane ∏ has equation r ⋅  4  = 4 .
a
 
(iv) Given that the three planes AMB, AMD and ∏ have no point in common, find the value
of a. [2]
4i →
 −6  6 0
  → →   →  
OA = −6i − 3 j = −3  , OC = − OA = 3  , OV = 0 
    0 6
0    
 6   0    3 
→ 1       
∴ OM =  3  +  0   = 3

2      2  
 0   6    3 

 3   −6  9 6
→     9 3 
∴ AM =  32  −  −3=
  2=
 2  3
 3  0   3  2
       

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 −6   6 
   
Hence, equation of the line AM is r =
 −3  + t  3  , t ∈ 
 0   2
   

12 
→  
ii AB =  0 
0
 
→
Length of projection of AB onto the line AM,
6
→  
AB⋅  3 
 2
 
AN =
6 + 32 + 2 2
2

12   6 
   
 0  ⋅ 3
 0   2
    72
= =
7 7
Perpendicular distance from P to the line AM
( AB ) − ( AN )
2 2
=
2
 72 
= 12 −   =
2
6.18 (3 s.f.)
 7 

Alternative Method
Perpendicular distance from P to the line AM
6 12   6 
→      
AB×  3   0 × 3
 2  0   2
     
= =
6 2 + 32 + 2 2 49
 0
 
12  −2 
 
 3  12 4 + 9
= =
7 7
= 6.18 ( 3 s.f .)
iii A normal vector to the plane AMB
12   6   0
     
=  0  ×  3  =12  −2 
 0   2  3
     

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 0   −6   6  2
→        
DV = 0  −  3  = −3  =3  −1
6  0   6  2
       
Let θ be the acute angle between the line DV and plane AMB.
2 0
   
 −1   −2 
2  3
   
sin θ =
4 +1+ 4 4 + 9
2+6
=
3 13
θ = 47.7 o (1 d.p.)
iv If the 3 planes AMB, AMD and ∏ do not have a common point, the line AM is parallel to ∏
but does not lie in ∏ .
 6   −1
     −6   −1
∴  3 ⋅ 4  = 0    
 2  a  Note that  −3  ⋅  4  =6 − 12 ≠ 4 ,
     0 a
⇒ −6 + 12 + 2a =0    
⇒ a =−3 Therefore point A does not lie in ∏ .
Hence the line AM does not lie in ∏ .

5 SAJC/2014/Prelim/I/9
(a) The plane Π1 has equation x + y + z =3 . The points A and B have coordinates (1, 2, 3) and
( 2, − 3, − 2 ) respectively.

(i) Find the perpendicular distance from A to Π1 . [2]


The line l passes through the point A. The line l is also parallel to OB .

(ii) Find the acute angle between l and Π1 . [2]

Let Q be the point of intersection of l and Π1 .

(iii) Without finding the coordinates of Q, deduce the length of AQ correct to 3 significant
figures. [1]
 
(b) Let OA = a and OB = b , and let C be a point on AB such that AC :=
BC λ : 1− λ .

(i) Express OC in terms of λ , a and b . [1]

π
θ , where 0 ≤ θ ≤
It is known that a = 2 b and ∠AOB = .
2

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 
(ii) Given that OC is perpendicular to AB , find cos θ in terms of λ . [4]

(iii) Hence, find the exact value of λ when ∆ACO and ∆AOB are similar triangles. [2]

ai Shortest distance from point A to plane Π1

 1
  
OA ⋅ 1 − 3
 1
 
=
 1
 
 1
 1
 
 1   1
  
 2  . 1 − 3
 3  1
  
=
 1
 
 1
 1
 
3
= = 3 units
3

aii Acute angle between l and Π1

 2   1
   
 −3  ⋅ 1
 −2  1
= sin −1    
 2  1
   
 −3  1
 −2  1
   
 3 
= sin −1  
 51 
= 24.83989 = 24.8°

Alternative:

Acute angle between l and Π1

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 2   1
   
 −3  ⋅ 1
 −2  1
= 90° − cos −1    
 2  1
   
 −3  1
 −2  1
   
 3 
= 90° − cos −1  
 51 
= 24.83989= 24.8°

aiii 3
= sin ( 24.83989 )
AQ
3
=AQ = 4.12 units
sin ( 24.83989 )


bi OC = (1 − λ ) a + λ b

   

bii Since OC ⊥ AB , OC ⋅ AB =
0.

 
OC ⋅ AB
= (1 − λ ) a + λ b  ⋅ ( b − a )
= (1 − λ ) a ⋅ b − (1 − λ ) a ⋅ a + λ b ⋅ b − λ b ⋅ a
= (1 − 2λ ) a ⋅ b − (1 − λ ) a + λ b
2 2

(
= (1 − 2λ ) a ⋅ b − (1 − λ ) 4 b
2
)+λ b 2
, since a = 2 b

= (1 − 2λ ) a ⋅ b − ( 4 − 5λ ) b
2

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 
OC ⋅ AB = 0
(1 − 2λ ) a ⋅ b − ( 4 − 5λ ) b =
2
0
a⋅b 4 − 5λ
=
b
2
1 − 2λ
2a ⋅ b 4 − 5λ
=
a b 1 − 2λ
a⋅b 4 − 5λ
=
a b 2 (1 − 2λ )

4 − 5λ a⋅b
∴ cos θ
= = , since cos θ
2 (1 − 2λ ) a b

biii When ∆ACO and ∆AOB are similar triangles, θ= 90° .

=
So, cos θ cos=
90° 0 .
4 − 5λ
Thus, =0
2 (1 − 2λ )
4
λ=
5

6 VJC/014/Prelim/II/2
(a) The line l passes through the point A with position vector 8i + 4 j + 3k and is parallel to
the vector i + j + 2k . The non-coincident planes Π1 and Π 2 are both perpendicular to
l. The perpendicular distance from A to both planes is 3 6 . Find Cartesian equations
for Π1 and Π 2 . [4]
(b) The lines l1 and l2 have equations r = 2i + k + λ ( i − j + 2 k ) and
r = 3i + 8 j + µ ( i + 2 j + ak ) respectively, where λ , µ are parameters and a is a constant.
(i) Given that l 1 and l 2 are skew lines, what can be said about the value of a ?
[3]
(ii) It is given that a = −3 . The plane p contains l 1 and has no common point with l 2 . Find an
equation of p in scalar product form. [3]

6 (a)

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

1 1
 
We consider a plane ∏ first,  1  is a normal to ∏ . Equation of ∏ is r.  1  = p and
 2  2
   
B( p, 0, 0) lies in ∏ .

Perpendicular distance = = 3 6
 l
=
AP AB = .nˆ 3 6
 A(8,4,3)
 p − 8 1
  1  
 −4  . 6  1  = 3 6
 −3   2 3 6
   
1
p − 18 =3 6 P
6
B(p,0,0)
p − 18 = 18
p − 18 = −18 or 18
p = 0 or 36

Equations of the planes are x + y + 2 z =0 and

x + y + 2z =36 .

Alternative Solution

1
We consider a plane ∏ first,  1  is a normal to ∏ .
 2
 
l
Let P be the foot of perpendicular from A to ∏ .
A(8,4,3)
  1   3
  1    
AP = ±3 6   1  = ± 3
 6  2   6
 
   P
= OA + AP
OP
 8  3  5  11
       
=  4  ±  3  =  1  or  7 
 3   6   −3  9
       
     
1 5 1  1  11  1 
           
=
r.  1  = or r.  1   7  .  1  = 36
1  .  1  0=
 2   −3   2   2  9   2
           

Equations of the planes are x + y + 2 z =0 and

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

x + y + 2z =36 .

(c) (i)

 2 1  3 1
       
l1 : r =  0  + λ  −1 , λ ∈ , l2 : r = 8 + µ  2, µ ∈
1 2 0 a
       

 2 1  3 1
Consider  0  + λ  −1 =
     
8 + µ  2 ,
1 2 0 a
       

2 + λ =3 + µ ------- (1) 
 Solving (1) & (2), λ =
−2, µ =
−3
−λ = 8 + 2 µ ------- (2) 
1 + 2λ = a µ ------- (3)

For skew lines, λ =

−2, µ =
−3 do not satisfy (3).

−3 ≠ −3a, ie a ≠ 1.
∴ a ∈ , a ≠ 1

(b)(ii)

Since p and l2 have no common point, l2 is parallel to p.

1 1
   
 −1 and  2  are parallel to p.
2  −3 
   

 1   1   −1
      is a normal to p.
 −1 ×  2  =
5
 2   −3   3 
     

 − 1   2   −1 
r.  5  = 0  ⋅  5  =1
 3  1  3 
     
 −1 
∴ the required equation is r.  5  =
1
3
 

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

7 TJC/Prelim/2014/I/12
Two planes p1 and p2 have equations ax − 3 y − z =b and 4 x + y + bz =2a respectively. They
intersect at the line l which contains the point A (1,0, −1) .

(i) Find the values of a and b. [2]

(ii) Without the use of a graphic calculator, find a vector equation of the line l. [2]

Given that the point N (−4, −6,12) is the foot of perpendicular from point B (1, c, d ) to the line l,
show that 6c − 13d =
−217 . [3]

Another plane p3 is parallel to the plane p2 and contains B. Given that the distance between planes
5
p3 and p2 is . Find the values of c and d. [5]
21

Hence write down two possible equations of plane p3 . [2]

(i) (i) Two planes p1 and p2 contains the point A (1,0, −1) :

a (1) − 3 ( 0 ) − ( −1) =b ⇒ a − b =−1 ----(1)

4 (1) + ( 0 ) + b ( −1) = 2a ⇒ 2a + b = 4 ----(2)

Solving (1) and (2): =

a 1;=
b 2

(ii)

 1   4   −5 
Direction vector of the line l =  −3  ×  1  = −6 
 −1   2   13 
     

1  5 
: r  0  + λ  6  for λ ∈ 
Vector equation of the line l=  
 −1  −13 
   

(iii) Given N (−4, −6,12) is the foot of perpendicular from point B (1, c, d ) to the line l,

 5 
  
⇒ BN ⊥  6 
 −13 
 

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

 −4    5 
     
⇒  −6  − OB  •  6  = 0
 12    −13 

 5   −4   5 
      
⇒ OB •  6  =  −6  •  6  =
−20 − 36 − 156
 −13   12   −13 
     

1  5 
   
⇒  c • 6  = −212
 d   −13 
   

⇒ 5 + 6c − 13d =−212

∴ 6c − 13d =−217 (shown)

5
Plane p3 , parallel to plane p2 and contains B , is of distance units from plane p2 :
21

 4
  
BN  1 
 2
⇒   = 5
16 + 1 + 4 21

  −4   1    4 
     
⇒   −6  −  c   1  =
5

 12      
   d   2

⇒ ( −16 − 6 + 24 ) − ( 4 + c + 2d ) =±5

⇒ c + 2d =−7 or c + 2d =
3
Consider
6c − 13d =
−217 ----(1)

c + 2d =
−7 ----------(2)
Solving (1) and (2): c =
−21; d =
7

Also
6c − 13d =
−217 ----(3)

c + 2d =
3 -----------(4)

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 2017 Eunoia Junior College JC1 H2 Mathematics

Solving (3) and (4): c =

−15.8; d =
9.4

Equations of plane p3 are

 4  1   4
    
r 1  =
 −21 1  =−
4 21 + 14 =
−3
 2  7   2
    

and

 4  1   4
    
r 1  =
 −15.8  1  =
4 − 15.8 + 18.8 =
7
 2   9.4   2 
    

40