VECTOR ALGEBRA 1079

8. The vector a is equal to [2010] 15. Let a, b, c be three non-coplanar vectors and p, q, r be
a. ( a ⋅ !i ) !i + ( a ⋅ !j ) !j + ( a ⋅ k! ) k! b.( a ⋅ !j ) !i + ( a ⋅ !j ) !j + ( a ⋅ !i ) k! vectors defined by the relations
c. ( a ⋅ k! ) !i + ( a ⋅ !i ) !j + ( a ⋅ !j )k! d. ( a ⋅ a) ( !i + !j + k! ) b×c c× a a×b
p= ,q= ,r =
[ a b c] [ a b c] [ a b c]
9. If r ⋅ a = 0, r ⋅ b = 0, and r ⋅ c = 0 for some non-zero
Then, the value of the expression
vector r. Then, the value of [ a b c] is [2009]
( a + b) ⋅ p + (b + c) ⋅ q + ( c + a) ⋅ r is [2007]
a. 0 b. 1/2 c. 1 d. 2 a. 0 b. 1 c. 2 d. 3
10. Let a, b, c be three vectors such that 16. If a! , b! and c! are mutually perpendicular unit vectors,
a ⋅ (b + c) = b ⋅ ( c + a) = c ⋅ ( a + b) = 0 and | a| = 1, then | a! + b! + c! | is equal to [2007]
| b| = 4, | c| = 8, then | a + b + c| is equal to [2009]
2 2 2
a. 13 b. 81 c. 9 d. 5 a +b +c
a. 3 b. 3 c. d. 1
3
11. The position vector of P and Q are respectively a and
b. If R is a point on PQ such that PR = 5 PQ, then the 17. The projection of the vector 2 !i + !j - 3k! on the vector
position vector of R is [2008] !i - 2 !j + k! is [2006]
a. 5 b - 4 a b. 5 b + 4 a c. 4 b - 5 a d. 4 b + 5 a 3 3 3 3
a. - b. c. - d.
14 14 2 2
12. If the position vectors of A, B and C are respectively
18. If a = !i + 2 !j - 3 k! and b = 3 !i - !j + 2 k! , then the angle
2 !i - !j + k! , !i - 3 !j - 5k! and 3 !i - 4 !j - 4 k! , then cos 2 A
between the vectors a + b and a - b is [2005]
is equal to [2008] a. 60° b. 90° c. 45° d. 55°
6 35
a. 0 b.
41
c.
41
d. 1 19. If the vectors α !i + !j + k! , !i + β !j + k! and !i + !j + λ k!
(α, β, γ ≠ 1) are coplanar, then the value of
13. Let a be a unit vector, b = 2 i! + !j - k! and c = i! + 3 k! . 1 1 1
Then, the maximum value of [ a b c], is [2008] + + is [2005]
1- α 1- β 1- γ
a. -1 b. 10 + 6 c. 10 - 6 d. 59
a. -1 b. 0 c. 1 d. 1/2
14. The unit vector which is orthogonal to the vector 20. If a vector α lie in the plane of β and γ, then which is
3 !i + 2 !j + 6 k! and is coplanar with the vectors correct? [2005]
2 !i + !j + k! and !i - !j + k! , is [2007] a. [α β γ] = 0 b. [α β γ] = 1 c. [α β γ] = 3 d. [β γ α ] = 1
2 !i - 6 !j + k! 2 !i - 3 !j 21. If α = 2 !i + 3 !j - k! , β = - !i + 2 !j - 4 k! and γ + !i + !j + k,
!
a. b. Æ Æ Æ Æ
41 13 then what is the value of (α × β ) ⋅ (α × γ ) ? [2005]
!
3 j -k ! 4 i + 3 !j - 3 k!
!
c. d. a. 47 b. 74
10 34 c. -74 d. None of these

Answer with Solutions

Practice Exercise 3. (d) Let x!i + y !j + z k! be the unit vector along c. Since,
- !i + !j - k! bisects the angle between c and 3!i + 4!j.
1. (b)" | α + β | = | α - β |
3!i + 4!j
∴ | α + β |2 = | α - β|2 ∴ λ ( - !i + !j - k! ) = (x !i + y !j + z k! ) +
5
⇒ (α + β ) ⋅ (α + β ) = (α - β ) ⋅ (α - β ) 3 4
⇒ x + = - λ , y + = λ and z = - λ
⇒α ⋅ α + α ⋅ β + β ⋅α + β ⋅β = α ⋅α - α ⋅β - β ⋅α + β ⋅β 5 5
2 2
⇒ α 2 + 2α ⋅ β + β 2 = α 2 - 2α ⋅ β + β 2 ["α ⋅ β = β ⋅ α ]  3  4
Now, x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1 ⇒  - λ -  +  λ -  + λ 2 = 1
 5  5
⇒ 4 α ⋅ β = 0 or α ⋅ β = 0
Æ Æ But λ ≠ 0 because λ = 0 implies that given vectors are
Hence, α and β are perpendicular to each other. parallel.
2. (d) ( a + b)2 = 1 + 1 + 2 (1⋅ 1cos θ ) = 1 2 -11 -10 -2
∴ λ= ⇒x = ,y = and z =
15 15 15 15
∴ cos θ = - 1/ 2
-1 !
2π Hence, x !i + y !j + z k! = (11i + 10!j + 2k! )
∴ θ= 15
3
1080 SELF STUDY GUIDE BITSAT

4. (a) We have, P = AC + BD = AC + BC + CD Since, a is not collinear with c.

= AC + λAD + CD = λ AD + ( AC + CD) ∴ λ + 6 = 1+ 3µ = 0
= λ AD + AD = ( λ + 1) AD From Eq. (iv), a + 3 b + 6 c = 0
Therefore, P = µ AD = µ = λ + 1 11. (c)
5. (d) Given that, a, b, c are non-zero and non-collinear 12. (b) Since, vectors u and v are collinear.
vectors and vector ( a + b) is collinear with c and vector ∴ u = λv
(b + a) collinear with a. ⇒ {(α - 2) a + b} = λ {( 2 + 3α ) a - 3 b}
⇒ ( a + b) = x c …(i) On comparing, we get
(b + c) = y a …(ii) ( 2 + 3α )λ = α - 2 …(i)
where, x and y are scalars. -1
and 1 = - 3λ ⇒ λ =
From Eq. (i), ( a + b) + c = xc + c 3
⇒ ( a + b + c) = (x + 1) c …(iii)  -1 2
∴ (2 + 3 α )   = α - 2 ⇒ α =
From Eq. (ii),  3 3
a + (b + c) = a + ya a⋅ a a⋅ b a⋅ c 1 cos θ cos θ
⇒ ( a + b + c) = (y + 1) a …(iv)
13. (c) [ a b c] = b ⋅ a b ⋅ b b ⋅ c = cos θ 1 cos θ
From Eqs. (iii) and (iv),
 y + 1 c⋅ a c⋅ b c⋅ c cos θ cos θ 1
(x + 1) c = (y + 1) a ⇒ c =   a = 1 - 3 cos2 θ + 2 cos3 θ = (1 - cos θ ) 2 (1 + 2 cos θ )
 x + 1
2π
So, c and a are collinear which contradicts the given ⇒ 1 + 2 cosθ ≥ 0 ⇒ θ ≤
3
condition that no two of a, b, c are collinear.
3!i + 4!j - 5 k!
6. (b) Clearly, a = 2p !i + !j 14. (a) Unit vector along 3!i + 4!j - 5 k! =
5 2
On rotation, let p + 1and 1
b = ( p + 1) !i + !j
 3!i + 4!j - 5k!   3!i + 4!j - 5 k! 
∴ ∴ α = (5!i + 4!j + 2k! ) ⋅   

 5 2   5 2 
Now, under rotation about origin,
| a | = | b | ⇒ |a|2 = | b |2 =
21 !
( 3 i + 4!j - 5 k! )
⇒ 4p 2 + 1 = ( p + 1)2 + 1 ⇒ 4p 2 = p 2 + 2p + 1 50
1
⇒ 3p 2 - 2p - 1 = 0 ⇒ ( p - 1) ( 3p + 1) = 0 15. (c) Here, a ⋅ b = 2 2 ⋅ 3 ⋅ =6
2
-1 The diagonals are 2a - 3 b ± ( a + b).
⇒ p = 1 or
3 ∴Length of diagonals are
7. (b) | 3 a - 2 b |2 = 9 ⋅ 8 + 4 ⋅ 9 - 12 ⋅ 6 = 36
8. (c) PQ = ( !i - 3!j ) - ( 2!i + !j ) = -!i - 4!j and | a - 4 b |2 = 8 + 16 ⋅ 9 - 8 ⋅ 6 = 104
RS = -2!i + (µ - 2)!j So, the length of the longer diagonal is 104, i.e. 2 26
units.
PQ || RS ⇒ PQ = λRS
⇒ - !i - 4!j = [ λ { -2!i + (µ - 2)!j }]
16. (a) Hint Any vector r in the plane of b and c is
r = b + λc
⇒ λ = 1/ 2 and µ = -6
or r = (1 + λ)!i ± ( 2 + λ )!j - (1 + 2λ ) k! …(i)
9. (b) Since, | a + b! |2 < 1
!
2
α " Projection of r on a is .
⇒ 2 + 2 cosα < 1 ⇒ 4 cos2<1 3
2
r⋅a 2
α 1  2π  ∴ =
⇒ cos < ⇒ α ∈ , π |a | 3
2 2  3 
10. (d) As a + 3 b is collinear with c. 17. (c) Let c = x!i + y !j + z k!
Then, | a | = |b| = | c | = x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 2 …(i)
∴ a + 3b = λ c …(i)
Also, b + 2 c is collinear with a. Since, c makes an obtuse angle with X-axis.
⇒ b + 2c = µ a …(ii) ∴ c ⋅ !i < 0
From Eq. (i), a + 3 b + 6 c = ( λ + 6) c …(iii) ⇒ x <0 …(ii)
From Eq. (ii), a + 3 b + 6 c = (1 + 3 µ) a …(iv) It is given that a, b, c taken pairwise make equal angles.
From Eqs. (iii) and (iv), we get a ⋅b a⋅ c b⋅ c
∴ = =
( λ + 6) c = (1 + 3 µ) a | a | | b| | a | | c | | b| | c |
 VECTOR ALGEBRA 1081

⇒
1 x +y y +z
= = ⇒ x + y = 1= y + z 23. (b) ( a + b) × (b + c ) = 3!j × ( -2!i + 4!j ) = 6k!
2 2 2 !
So, required unit vector is k.
⇒ x = z and y = 1 - z
Putting x = z and y = 1 - z in Eq. (i), we get 24. (b) Let a = 7 i - 4 j - 4 k! and b = -2!i - !i + 2k!
! !

z 2 + (1 - z )2 + z 2 = 0  a
Now, required vector c = α  +
b

⇒ 2
3z - 2z - 1 = 0 ⇒ ( 3z + 1)( z - 1) = 0  | a | | b |

z = 1, - 1/ 3  7!i - 4!j - 4 k! -2!i - !j + 2 k!  α !

= α  +  = ( i - 7!j + 2 k! )
Since, x = z and < 0 9 3  9
 
1
∴ x =z =- α2
3 ⇒ | c |2 = × 54 = 150 ⇒ α = ± 15
1 81
Hence, c = ( - !i + 4!j - k! ) 5
3 ∴ c = ± ( !i - 7!j + 2 k! )
3
18. (c) we know that
2 2 25. (b) Let d! ⋅ a = d! ⋅ b = b ⋅ c = cos α
 a b   a - b
 2 - 2 =   ⇒ d! ⋅ ( a - k) = 0
|| a | b|  | a|| b|  !
Since, d is parallel to ( a - k) × (b - k).
| a - b |2 1 + 4 + 9 7 !i !j
= = = k!
| a |2 | b |2 9 × 16 72
∴ d = cos θ sin θ - 1
19. (d) Given that, points P , Q and R are collinear, so there - sin θ cos θ - 1
exist three scalars x , y and z such that
x ( a + b - c) + y ( 2a + 3b) + z (b + t c) = 0 (cos θ - sin θ ) !i + (cos θ + sin θ ) !j + k!
⇒ d! =
On comparing the coefficients of a, b and c, we get 3
x + 2y + 0 = 0 …(i) ! 1  1
cos α = d ⋅ k = ⇒ α = cos-1 
x + 3y + z = 0 …(ii) 3  3
-x + tz = 0 …(iii) 26. (b) Here, | a × b | 2 = | a | 2 | b | 2 - (a ⋅ b ) 2 = 16 - 4 = 12
On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii) by cross-multiplication method
x -y z and | c | 2 = ( 2a × b - 3 b ) ⋅ ( 2a × b - 3 b )
= = =λ [say] = 4 | a × b | 2 + 9 | b | 2 = 4 ⋅ 12 + 9 ⋅ 16
2 - 0 1- 0 3 - 2
⇒ x = 2λ, y = - 2λ, z = λ = 192 ⇒ | c | = 8 3
These values of x , y and z will satisfy Eq. (iii). Now, b ⋅ c = b ⋅ ( 2a × b - 3 b ) = - 3 | b |2 = - 48
∴ -2λ + t λ = 0 ⇒ λ (t - 2) = 0 b ⋅c 48 3
" cosθ = =- =-
" λ≠0 |b ||c | 4⋅8 3 2
∴ t -2=0 ⇒ t =2 5π
∴ θ=
6
20. (b) Given, a + b + c = 0
!i !j k!
On squaring both sides, we get
27. (a) Here, c = b × a = 0 1 0 = z !i - x k!
| a + b + c |2 = 0
x y z
⇒ a2 + b2 + c2 + 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a) = 0
⇒ 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a) = - (9 + 16 + 25) 28. (a) Since, the given vectors are mutually authogonal.
∴ a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a = - 25 ∴ a ⋅b = 2 - 4 + 2 = 0
21. (c) The angle between a and b is θ. a ⋅ c = λ - 1 + 2µ = 0 ...(i)
a ⋅ b ( 2!i + 2!j - k! ) ⋅ ( 6!i - 3!j + 2k! ) 4 and b ⋅ c = 2λ + 4 + µ = 0 ...(ii)
So, cosθ = = =
ab 3⋅7 21 On solving Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
4 µ = 2 and λ = - 3
∴ θ = cos-1
21
Hence, ( λ , µ) = ( -3, 2)
22. (d) Given, a + p b is at right angle to c. 29. (a) Since, a = 8 b and c = - 7 b
∴ ( a + pb ) ⋅ c = 0
So, a is parallel to b and c is anti-parallel to b.
Also, a ⋅ c = 5 and b ⋅ c = - 1
⇒ 5-p =0 Since, a and c are anti-parallel.
∴ p =5 So, the angle between a and c is π.
1082 SELF STUDY GUIDE BITSAT

30. (c) Given that, a and b are unit vectors, i.e. | a! | = | b! | = 1. Let the required vector be α = p !i + q !j. Then, the
α ⋅b α ⋅c
c = a! + 2 b! , b! = 5 a! - 4 b! projections of α on b and c are and ,
|b | |c |
c and d are perpendicular to each other, i.e. c ⋅ d = 0.
respectively.
Now, c ⋅ d = 0 ⇒ ( a! + 2 b! ) ⋅ (5 a! - 4 b! ) = 0 b α ⋅c
∴ α⋅ = 1 and =2 [given]
⇒ 5 a! ⋅ a! - 4 a! ⋅ b! + 10 b! ⋅ a! - 8 b! ⋅ b! = 0 |b | |c |

1 ⇒ 4p + 3 q = 5 and 3p - 4 q = 10
⇒ 6 a! ⋅ b! = 3 ⇒ a! ⋅ b! = ⇒ p = 2, q = - 1
2
Æ
π
So, the angle between a! and b! is . ∴ α = 2!i - !j
3
37. (d) Since, points P , Q , R and S are coplanar.
31. (b) Given, a = 2 i - j + k, b = i + 2 !j - k! and c = i + j - 2 k
! ! ! ! !
∴ [ PQ PR PS ] = 0
Now, b + λc = (1 + λ ) !i + ( 2 + λ ) !j + ( -1 - 2λ ) k! -2 3 1
( b + λc ) ⋅ a 2 ⇒ 0 2 -2 = 0 ⇒ λ = -1
∴Projection of (b + λc) on a = = [given]
|a | 3 λ -1 2 2

⇒
2(1 - λ ) - ( 2 + λ ) + ( -1 - 2λ )
=
2 38. (a) Hint Given a = 2!i + !j - k! , b = !j + k!
4 + 1+ 1 3 Let c = x !i + y !j + 2k!
-λ - 1 2 Since, a ⋅ c = 4 ⇒ 2x + y - z = 4
⇒ = ⇒ λ + 1= 2 ⇒ λ = 1
6 3 and a×c =b
!i !j k!
∴ b + λc = 2 !i + 3 !j - 3 k!
∴ 2 1 -1 = !j + k!
32. (c)
x y z
33. (b) 3 b! = ( a! + c! ) ⇒ 3 | b! |2 = | a! |2 + | c! |2 + 2 a! ⋅ c!
⇒ 3(1) = 1 + 1 + 2 a! ⋅ c! ⇒ 2 a! ⋅ c! = 1 39. (b) a × (a × b ) = (a ⋅ b ) a - (a ⋅ a ) b

⇒
1
| a! | | c! | cos θ = ⇒ cosθ =
1 = 3 ( 2 !i + !j + k! ) - 6 ( !i + 2!j - k! ) = - 9 !j + 9 k!
2 2 a × (a × b ) 1
π ∴ Required unit vector = =± ( - !j + k! )
∴ θ= | a × (a × b )| 2
3
1 1
34. (a) Hint The required vector r = λ (a! + b! ), where λ is a 40. (d) Given, a = ( 3 !i + k! ) and b = ( 2 !i + 3 !j - 6 k! )
10 7
scalar.
∴ ( 2a - b ) ⋅ {(a × b ) × (a + 2 b )}
1 1 
⇒ r = λ  ( 7 !i - 4 !j - 4 k! ) + ( - 2!i - !j + 2k! ) = ( 2a - b ) ⋅ {(a × b ) × a + (a × b ) × 2b}
9 3 
= ( 2a - b ) ⋅ {(a ⋅ a ) b + (b ⋅ a ) a + 2 (a ⋅ b ) b - 2 (b ⋅ b ) a}
λ ! ! !
⇒ r = ( i - 7 j + 2 k) = ( 2a - b ) ⋅ {1(b ) - ( 0) a + 2 ( 0) b - 2 (1) a}
9
["a ⋅ b = 0 and a ⋅ a = b ⋅ b = 1]
But | r | 2 = 54
= ( 2a - b ) ⋅ (b - 2a ) = - ( 4 | a |2 + 4a ⋅ b + | b |2 )
35. (b) Hint Let P = !i - 2!j + k,
1
! P = 3!i + 2!j - k!
2 = - ( 4 + 0 + 1) = - 5
P3 = c = x a + y b = x (!i + !j ) + y (!j + k! ) 41. (a) We have, a × b + c = 0
= x!i + (x + y )!j + y k! = c ⇒ a × (a × b ) + a × c = 0
Since, P1, P2, P3 are coplanar. ⇒ (a ⋅ b ) a - (a ⋅ a ) b + a × c = 0
1 -2 1 ⇒ 3a - 2b + a ×c = 0
∴ 3 2 -1 = 0 ⇒ 2b = 3a + a ×c
x x +y y ⇒ 2 b = 3 !j - 3 k! - 2 !i - !j - k!

36. (b) Let c = x!i + y!j = -2 !i + 2 !j - 4 k!

Then, b ⊥ c ⇒ b ⋅ c = 0 ⇒ 4x + 3y = 0 ∴ b = - !i + !j - 2 k!
x y 42. (c) Given, a ⋅ b ≠ 0, a ⋅ d = 0 …(i)
⇒ = =λ [say]
3 -4 and b × c = b × d ⇒ b × (c - d ) = 0
⇒ x = 3λ , y = - 4λ ∴ b || (c - d ) ⇒ c - d = λb
∴ c = λ ( 3 !i - 4 !j ) ⇒ d = c - λd …(ii)
 VECTOR ALGEBRA 1083
Taking dot product with a, we get 49. (d) Given, a × r = !j
a ⋅d =a ⋅c - λa ⋅b
Since, !j is perpendicular to both a and r.
⇒ 0 = a ⋅ c - λ (a ⋅ b ) [from Eq. (i)]
a ⋅c ∴ a ⋅ !j = 0 and r ⋅ !j = 0
⇒ λ= …(iii)
a ⋅b If the angle between a and r is θ, then a ⋅ r = | a | | r | cos θ
(a ⋅ c ) = ar cos θ = a 2r 2 cos2 θ = a 2r 2 (1 - sin2 θ
∴ d =c - b
(a ⋅ b )
= a 2r 2 ⋅ ( a × r )2 = a 2r 2 - 1
43. (a) Hint Given, a = p !i + !j + k,! b = !i + q !j + k! and
! ! 50. (c) Given, r × b = c × b and r ⋅ a = 0
c = i + j + r k! are coplanar and p ≠ q ≠ r ≠ 1.
⇒ r × b - c × b = 0 ⇒ (r - c) × b = 0
Since, a, b and c are coplanar.
∴ [a b c ] = 0 ⇒ (r - c) and b are parallel vectors.
Therefore, (r - c) = λ b
44. (b) Here, (u - v ) × ( v - w ) = u × v + v × w + w × u
⇒ r = c + λb ...(i)
∴ (u + v - w ) ⋅ (u - v ) × ( v - w )
We have, r⋅a = 0
= (u + v - w ) ⋅ (u × v + v × w + w × u) ⇒ ( c + λb) ⋅ a = 0 ⇒ c ⋅ a + λ b ⋅ a = 0
=u⋅ v × w + v ⋅ w ×u - w ⋅u × v c⋅ a
=u⋅ v × w λ=-
a⋅ a
45. (c) By expanding a × (b × c ), we get c⋅ a
On putting λ in Eq. (i), we get r = c - b
a ⋅ c = x 2 - 2x + 6, a ⋅ b = - sin y b⋅ a
Given, a ⋅ (b + c ) = 4 51. (a) Vectors (a, a + 1, a + 2), (a + 3, a + 4, a + 5 )
⇒ x 2 - 2x + 2 = sin y and (a + 6, a + 7, a + 8) are coplanar.
⇒ sin y = x 2 - 2x + 2 = (x - 1) 2 + 1 ≥ 1 a a +1 a + 2
But sin y ≤ 1 ∴ a + 3 a + 4 a +5 = 0
So, both sides are equal only for x = 1. a+6 a+7 a+8
46. (a) v = a × b = | a| | b | sin θ n! = sin θ n! On applying C2 Æ C2 - C1 and C3 Æ C3 - C1, we get
where, θ is the angle between a and b. ["| a| = 1 = | b | ] a 1 2
∴ |v | = sin θ a+3 1 2 =0
Now, u = a - ( a ⋅ b) b = a - (cos θ )b a+6 1 2
⇒ |u|2 = [ a - (cos θ ) b] ⋅ ( a - cos θ b) Vectors are coplanar, ∀ a ∈ R.
= a2 + cos2 θ b2 - 2 cos θ a b λ 2 -3
= 1 + cos2 θ - 2 cos2 θ = 1 - cos2 = sin2 θ 52. (a) [ a b c] = 2 λ -1
∴ |u| = sin θ, thus | v | = | u | 1 2 1
47. (a) The given value On applying C1 Æ C1 - C3, we get
( a - b) ⋅ (b × c - b × a - c × c + c × a) 6 = λ2 + 5λ - 18 ⇒ λ2 + 5λ - 24 = 0
= ( a - b) ⋅ (b × c + a × b + c × a) ∴ λ = - 8 or 3
= a ⋅ (b × c) + 0 + 0 - b ⋅ ( c × a) 53. (c) Given a, b and c are coplanar vectors.
= [ a b c] - [b c a] = 0 So, 2a - b, 2 b - c, 2c - a are also coplanar vectors.
48. (d) Let a = 7!i - 4!j - 4k! and b = - 2!i - !j + 2k! be the ∴ [ 2a - b 2 b - c 2c - a] = 0
position vectors of points A and B respectively. Then the 54. (c) [ a b c] = a ⋅ (b × c ) = a ⋅ (bc sin θ n! )
bisector of ∠AOB divides AB in the ratio OA : OB, i. e. 9 : 3
 2π !   3 !
or 3 : 1. Therefore, the vector lying along the bisector = a  3 × 4 sin n = a ⋅ 12 × n
 3   2 
3 ( -2!i - !j + 2k! ) + ( 7!i - 4!j - 4k! )
= = 6 3 | a | | n! |
3+1
1 ! ! ! = 6 3 × 2 ×1
= ( i - 7 j + 2k)
4 = 12 3
Hence, the required vector 55. (b) we have,
1  !i - 7!j + 2k!  [ a b !i] i + [ a b j] !j + [ a b k]k!
= ± 20 6 ⋅  

4 54  = {( a × b) ⋅ !i } !j + ({ a × b)j} !j + {( a × b)k! } k!
5 !
=± ( i - 7!j + 2k! ) = a ×b
3
1084 SELF STUDY GUIDE BITSAT

56. (d) | c - a | = 2 2 ⇒ | c |2 + | a |2 - 2 a ⋅ c = 8 !i !j k!

⇒ 2 2
| c | + ( 9 ) - 2| c | = 8 Now, a × b = 2 1 -2 = 2!i - 2!j + k!
⇒ 2
| c | - 2| c | + 1 = 0 ⇒(| c | - 1) = 0 2 1 1 0
⇒ |c | = 1 ⇒ | a ×b| = 3
Now, a × b = 2i - 2 j + k
∴ |( a × b ) × c | = | a × c | | c | sin 45°
∴ |a × b | = 4 + 4 + 1 = 3
 1 3 2
1 3 = 3 ( 1)  =
Hence, |(a × b ) × c | = | a × b | | c | sin 30° = 3 × 1 × =  2 2
2 2
58. (c) ( a × b ) × c = α a + βb
57. (c) | a |2 = 9 ⇒ | b |2 = 2
∴ ( a ⋅ c ) b - (b ⋅ c ) a = α a + β b
∴ | c - a |2 = | c |2 + | a |2 -2c ⋅ a = 8
Here, α = - b ⋅ c,β = a ⋅ c
⇒ | c |2 + 9 - 2 | c | = 8 Therefore, α + β = a ⋅ c - b⋅ c = ( a - b ) ⋅ c
⇒ |c|=1 = {( !i + !j + k! ) - ( !i + !j )} ⋅ !i = k! ⋅ i! = 0

BITSAT Archives
( !i - !j ) × ( !i + !j ) k! + k! 2k! ! 9. (a) The given condition mean that r is perpendicular to all
1. (a) Required unit vector = ! ! = = =k
three vectors a, b and c.
|( i - j ) × ( !i + !j )| 2 2
This is possible only if they are coplanar.
1
2. (a) We have, ( a × b) × c = | b | | c | a ∴ [ a b c] = 0
3
1 10. (c) Adding vectors
⇒ ( a ⋅ c) b - (b ⋅ c) a = |b| | c | a a ⋅ (b + c) = b ⋅ ( c + a) = c ⋅ ( a + b) = 0, we get
3
1 2 ( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a) = 0
⇒ ( a ⋅ c) b - {(b ⋅ c) + | b | | c |} a = 0
3 Now, | a + b + c|2 = | a|2 + | b|2 + | c|2+2 ( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a)
1
⇒ ( a ⋅ c) = 0 and b ⋅ c + | b | | c | = 0 = 1 + 16 + 64 = 81
3
∴ | a + b + c| = 9
[" θ is the angle between b and e]
1 11. (a) Given, PR = 5 PQ
⇒ | b | | c | cos θ + | b | | c | = 0
3 It means R divides PQ externally in the ratio 5 : 4.
1 8 2 2 5b- 4 a
⇒ cosθ = - ∴ sin θ = = ∴ Position vector of R = =5b- 4 a
3 9 3 5-4
| a × b| 8 4
3. (d) Since, sin θ = = = 12. (c) Hint Let OA = 2 !i - !j + k! , OB = !i - 3 !j - 5 k!
| a | | b | 10 5
3 and OC = 3 !i - 4 !j - 4 k!
∴ cosθ = ± ∴ a = | OA| = 6, b = | OB| = 35
5
Now, a ⋅ b = | a | | b | cosθ and c = | OC| = 41
 3 b2 + c 2 - a2
= 2 × 5 ×  ±  = ± 6 ⇒ | a ⋅b | = 6 Hence, cos A =
 5 2bc
4. (c) 13. (d) Given, b = 2 i + j - k! and c = !i + 3 k!
! !
5. (b) Since, scalar triple product is zero, then a, b and c are !i !j k!
coplanar.
Now, b × c = 2 1 -1 = !i ( 3 - 0) - !j ( 6 + 1) + k! ( 0 - 1)
6. (b) Since, given vectors are perpendicular.
1 0 3
∴ ( 2!i + !j - k! ) ⋅ ( !i - 4!j + λk! ) = 0
⇒ 2-4-λ =0 ⇒ λ =-2 = 3 !i - 7 !j - k!
7. (d) ( a × j ) ⋅ ( 2!j - 3k! ) = a ⋅ { !j × ( 2!j - 3k! )} = a ⋅ ( - 3!i )
! Now,| a b c| = a ⋅ (b × c)
= | a | | b × c| cos θ
= - 3( a ⋅ !i ) = - 12 [" a ⋅ !i = 4]
= 1( 32 + 72 + 12 ) cosθ
8. (a) Let a = a !i + a !j + a k! , then
1 2 3
= 59 cosθ
a ⋅ !i = a1, a ⋅ !j = a 2, a ⋅ k! = a 3 [ a b c] max = 59 ⋅ 1 [" maximum value of cosθ is 1]
∴ a = ( a ⋅ !i ) !i + ( a ⋅ !j ) !j + ( a ⋅ k! ) k!
 VECTOR ALGEBRA 1085
Hence, maximum value is 59 . 18. (b) Given, a = !i + 2!j - 3k! and b = 3!i - !j + 2k!
14. (c) As we know, a vector coplanar to a, b and orthogonal Now, a + b = !i + 2!j - 3k! + 3!i - !j + 2k! = 4!i + !j - k!
to c is λ {( a × b) × c}.
and a - b = ( !i + 2!j - 3k)
! - ( 3!i - !j + 2k)
!
∴A vector coplanar to ( 2!i + !j + k! ), ( !i - !j + k! ) and
orthogonal to ( 3!i + 2 !j + 6 k! ) = - 2!i + 3!j - 5k!
Let θ be the angle between a + b and a - b.
= λ[{ 2!i + !j + k! ) × ( !i - !j + k! )} × ( 3!i + 2 !j + 6 k! )]
( a + b) ⋅ ( a - b)
= λ ( -21 !j + 7 k! ) ∴ cos θ =
| a - b ||⋅ a - b |
( a × b) × c
∴ Required unit vector = ± ( 4!i + !j - k! ) ⋅ ( -2!i + 3!j - 5k! )
|( a × b) × c| =
|4!i + !j - k! ||-2!i + 3!j - 5k| !
-21 !j + 7 k! ± ( 3!j - k! ) -8 + 3 + 5
=± = = = 0 ⇒ θ = 90°
2 2 10
( -21) + ( 7) 16 + 1 + 1 4 + 9 + 25
b×c c×a a ×b
15. (d) Given that, p = ,q= and r = 19. (c) Hint Since, the given vectors α !i + !j + k! , !i + β !j + k!
[ a b c] [ a b c] [ a b c]
and !i + !j + λ k! are coplanar.
b×c a ⋅ (b × c)
" a ⋅p = = =1 α 1 1
[ a b c] [ a b c]
∴ 1 β 1=0
c×a a ⋅ ( c × a)
and a ⋅q = a = =0 1 1 γ
[ a b c] [ a b c]
Applying C2 Æ C2 - C1, C3 Æ C3 - C2
Similarly, b⋅ q = c ⋅ r = 1
α 1- α 0
and a ⋅ r = b⋅ p = c ⋅ q c ⋅ p = b⋅ r = 0
⇒ 1 β - 1 1- β = 0
∴ ( a + b) ⋅ p + (b + c) ⋅ q + ( c + a) ⋅ r
1 0 γ -1
= a ⋅ p + b⋅ p + b⋅ q + c ⋅ q + c ⋅ r + a ⋅ r
α
= 1+ 1+ 1= 3 1 0
1- α
16. (b) Since, a, b and c are mutually perpendicular to each 1
other then ⇒ (1 - α ) (1 - β ) (1 - γ ) -1 1 =0
1- β
∴ a ⋅ b = b⋅ c = c ⋅ a = 0 1
0 -1
Now, | a + b + c|2 = ( a + b + c) ⋅ ( a + b + c) ["| a|2 = a ⋅ a] 1- γ
= | a|2 + | b|2 + | c|2 + 2 ( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a)
20. (a) Since, α lies in the plane of β and γ.
= 1 + 1 + 2 ( 0 + 0 + 0)
It means that, all three vectors are coplanar.
[" a ⋅ b = b ⋅ c = c ⋅ a = 0]
2 ∴ [α β γ] = 0
⇒ | a + b + c| = 3 ∴ | a + b + c| = 3
!i !j k!
17. (c) Let a = 2!i + !j - 3k! and b = !i - 2!j + k! Æ Æ
21. (c) Hint (α × β ) = 2 3 -1
a ⋅b
Projection of a on b = -1 2 -4
| b|
!i !j k!
( 2!i + !j - 3k! ) ⋅ ( !i - 2!j + k! )
=
12 + ( -2)2 + 12 and (α × γ ) = 2 3 -1
1 2 1
2-2-3 3 3
= =- =-
6 6 2