8 Vector Algebra

Exercise 8.1
1. Represent graphically the displacement
(1) 45 cm, 300 north of east (2) 80 km, 600 south of west

Solution.

Figure 8.1

Figure 8.2

aR~b if ~
2. Prove that the relation R defined on the set V of all vectors by ~ a = ~b is an equivalence
relation on V

Solution. For any vector ~

a clearly ~
a=~
a⇒~ a ⇒ it is reflexive.
aR~
a and ~b, if ~
For any two vectors ~ aR~b i.e. ~
a = ~b then ~b = ~
a i.e. ~bR~
a. Hence it is symmetric.
a , ~b and ~c if ~
For any three vectors ~ aR~b and ~bR~c i.e. if ~
a = ~b and ~b = ~c then

a = ~b = ~c ⇒ ~
~ aR~c Hence it is transitive. Hence it is an equivalence relation.

a and ~b be the position vectors of the points A and B. Prove that the position vectors of the
3. Let ~
a + 2~b
~ ~b + 2~
a
points which trisects the line segment AB are and
3 3
Solution.
Let P and Q be the points of
trisection of AB.
Let AP = P Q = QB = λ say.

Figure 8.3 P divides AB in the ratio 1 : 2.

1 · OB ~ ~b + 2~
~ + 2OA a
Position vector of P = OP~ = = . Q is the midpoint of P B. Position vector of
1+2 3
~b + 2~
a ~
OP~ + OB
~ + b ~b + 2~
a + 3~b 2~
a + 4~b ~a + 2~b
Q= = 3 = = =
2 2 6 6 3
~=
~ + DC
4. If D and E are the midpoints of the sides AB and AC of a triangle ABC, prove that BE

1
2 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA

3 ~
BC
2
Solution.
~ = OE ~ − OB
~ a + ~c ~
~
BE = −b
2
a + ~c − 2~b
~
=
2
a + ~b
~ − OD~ = ~c − ~
~ = OC
DC
2
a − ~b
2~c − ~
=
2

Figure 8.4
a + ~c − 2~b + 2~c − ~
~ = ~
~ + DC a − ~b 3~c − 3~b 3 ~)
~ − OB
BE = = (OC
2 2 2

5. Prove that the line segment joining the midpoints of two sides of a triangle is parallel to the
third side whose length is half of the length of the third side.

Solution.
Let ABC be a triangle and Let O be the origin
of reference. Let D and E be the midpoints
of AB and AC respectively. Let D and E be
the midpoints of AB and AC respectively.
~=~
Let OA ~ = ~b, OC
a, OB ~ = ~c

Figure 8.5
a + ~b
~
Position vector of D = OD~ =
2
~ = ~ a + ~c
Position vector of E = OE
2
Now,  
~b 
!
~ = OE ~ − OD~ = ~
a + ~
c  ~
a +
DE −  
2 2 

~ = ~ a − ~b
a + ~c − ~ 1  ~ 1 ~ − OB ~ ) = 1 BC ~
DE = ~c − b = (OC
2 2 2 2
DE~ = 1 BC~ ⇒ DE k BC Also DE ~ = 1 BC ~ ⇒ |DE ~ | = 1 |BC~ | ⇒ DE = 1 BC
2 2 2 2
1
Hence DE = BC and DE = BC
2

6. Prove that the line segments joining the midpoints of the adjacent sides of a quadrilateral form
a parallelogram

Solution.
 3

Let ABCD ne a quadrilateral and let P ,Q,R,S

be the mid-points of the sides AB,BC,CD and
DA respectively.
Then the position vectors of P ,Q,R,S are
a + ~b ~b + ~c ~c + d~ d~ + ~
~ a
, , , respectively.
2 2 2 2
In order to prove that P QRS is a parallelo-
~ = SR
gram, it is sufficient to show that P Q ~
Figure 8.6
and P S~ = QR
~

Now,
   
~b + ~c   ~ a + ~b 
~ = Position vector of Q − Position vector of P
PQ =   −   = ~c − ~a
2   2  2
   
 ~c + d~  d~ + ~ a  ~c − ~
a
~ = Position vector of R − Position vector of S
SR =   −   =
2   2 2
~ = SR
PQ ~ ⇒ P Q k SR and P Q = SR

Similarly we can prove that P S = QR and P S k QR.

Hence P QRS is a parallelogram.

a and ~b represents a side and a diagonal of a parallelogram, find the other sides and the
7. If ~
other diagonal.

Solution.
AB ~ + CA
~ + BC ~ = ~0
~ − ~b = ~0
a + BC
~
~ = ~b − ~
BC a
CD~ = −AB
~ = −~
a
 
~ = − ~b − ~
AD~ = −BC a − ~b
a = ~

Figure 8.7
Hence the other sides are ~b − ~
a, −~ a − ~b
a, ~
~ + CD~ = ~b − ~
Other Diagonal is BD~ = BC a = ~b − 2~
a−~ a

~ + OQ
8. If P O ~ = QO
~ + OR
~ , then prove that the points P ,Q,R are collinear.

Solution.
PO~ + OQ
~ = QO
~ + OR
~

PQ~ = QR ~
~ k QR
Now, P Q ~ and Q is the common point.

Hence, P ,Q,R are collinear.

Figure 8.8
4 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA

9. If D is the midpoint of the side BC of a triangle ABC, then

~ + AC
prove that AB ~ = 2AD~

Solution. Let O be the origin.

~ = OB
AB ~ − OA
~ = ~b − ~
a
AC~ = OC~ − OA
~ = ~c − ~
a
~
~ = b + ~c − ~
AD~ = OD~ − OA a
2

Figure 8.9
2AD~ = ~b + ~c − 2~
a −→ 1
AB ~ = ~b − ~
~ + AC a + ~c − ~
a
= ~b + ~c − 2~
a −→ 2
From 1 and 2 , AB ~ + AC~ = 2AD~

~ + GB
10. If G is the centroid of a triangle ABC, prove that GA ~ + GC ~
~=O

Solution. Let O be the origin.

~=~ ~ = ~b, OC
~ = ~c,and OG a + ~b + ~c
~=~
OA a,OB
3
~ ~
GA = OA − OG ~

a + ~b + ~c
~
= ~
a−
3
a − ~b − ~c
2~
=
3
Similarly
~
GB~ = 2b − ~c − ~a
3
a − ~b
~ = 2~c − ~
GC
3 Figure 8.10
   
2 ~a + ~b + ~c − 2 ~a + ~b + ~c
~ + GB
GA ~ + GC
~=
3
~ + GB
GA ~ + GC ~
~=O

11. Let A,B,C be the vertices of a triangle. Let D,E,F be the midpoints of the sides BC,CA,AB
respectively. Show that AD~ + BE ~
~=O
~ + CF

Solution.
 5

Let O be the origin.

~
~=~
OA a,OB ~ = ~c,OD~ = b + ~c , OE
~ = ~b, OC ~ = ~c + ~
a
,
2 2
a + ~b
~=~
OF .
2
~ ~b + ~c − 2~
Figure 8.11 ~ = b + ~c − ~
AD~ = OD~ − OA a=
a
2 2

~= a − 2~b
~c + ~ ~=~ a + ~b − 2~c
Similarly, BE and CF
2 2
   
2 ~ a + ~b + ~c − 2 ~a + ~b + ~c
AD~ + BE ~=
~ + CF =O ~
2

12. If ABCD is a quadrilateral and E and F are the midpoints of AC and BD respectively, then
prove that
~ + AD~ + CB
AB ~ + CD~ = 4EF
~

Solution.
AB~ = AE ~ + EF
~ + FB
~

AD~ = AE
~ + EF
~ + FD~
~ = CE
CB ~ + EF
~ + FB
~

CD~ = CE
~ + EF
~ + FD~

Figure 8.12
~ + AD~ + CB
AB ~ + CD~ = 4EF ~ + 2CE
~ + 2AE ~ + 2FB
~ + 2FD~
~ − 2AE
~ + 2AE
= 4EF ~ + 2FB
~ − 2FD~
~
= 4EF

Exercise 8.2

1. Verify whether the following ratios are direction cosines of some vector or not.

1 3 3
(i.) , ,
5 5 25
1 9 16 26
Solution. l 2 + m2 + n2 = + + = , 1 Hence these cannot be direction cosines of
25 25 25 25
any vector.
1 1 1
(ii.) √ , √ , √
2 2 2
6 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA

1 1 1 2+1+1 4
Solution. l 2 + m2 + n2 = + + = = =1
2 4 4 4 4
These are direction cosines of some vector.
4 3
(iii.) ,0,
5 4
16 9
Solution. l 2 + m2 + n2 = +0+ ,1
25 16
These cannot be direction cosines of any vector.

2. Find the direction cosines of a vector whose direction ratios are

(i.) 1,2,3
! !
1 2 3 1 2 3
Solution. Direction cosines are = √ ,√ ,√ = √ ,√ ,√
1+4+9 1+4+9 1+4+9 14 14 14
(ii.) 3,−1,3
! !
3 −1 3 3 −1 3
Solution. Direction cosines are = √ ,√ ,√ = √ ,√ ,√
9+1+9 9+1+9 9+1+9 19 19 19
(iii.) 0,0,7
!
0 0 7
Solution. Direction cosines are = √ , √ , √ = (0, 0, 1)
49 49 49
3. Find the direction cosines and direction ratios for the following vectors.

(i.) 3ı̂−4̂+8k̂

Solution. ! !
3 −4 8 3 −4 8
Direction cosines are = √ ,√ ,√ = √ ,√ ,√
9 + 16 + 64 9 + 16 + 64 9 + 16 + 64 79 79 79
Direction ratios are (3, −4, 8)

(ii.) 3ı̂+̂+k̂

Solution. ! !
3 1 3 1 11
Direction cosines are = √ ,√ ,√ = √ ,√ ,√
9+1+1 9+1+1 9+1+1 11 11 11
Direction ratios are (3, 1, 1)

(iii.) ̂
!
0 1 0
Solution. Direction cosines are = √ ,√ ,√ = (0, 1, 0)
0+1+0 0+1+0 0+1+0
Direction ratios are (0, 1, 0)

(iv.) 5ı̂−3̂−48k̂

Solution. Direction cosines are ! 

5 −3 −48 5 −3 −48

√ ,√ ,√ = , ,
25 + 9 + 2304 25 + 9 + 2304 25 + 9 + 2304 2338 2338 2338
 7

Direction ratios are (5, −3, −48)

(v.) 3~ı − 3~k + 4~

Solution. 3~ı − 3~k + 4~ = 3~ı + 4~ − 3~k

Direction cosines are ! !
3 4 −3 3 4 −3
√ ,√ ,√ = √ ,√ ,√
9 + 16 + 9 9 + 16 + 9 9 + 16 + 9 34 34 34
Direction ratios are (3, 4, −3)

(vi.) ı̂ − k̂
!
1 −1
Solution. Direction cosines are √ , 0, √
2 2
Direction ratios are (1, 0, −1)

4. A triangle is formed by joining the points (1, 0, 0),(0, 1, 0), and (0, 0, 1). Find the direction
cosines of the medians.

Solution.
AD~ = OD~ − OA
~

1 1
=̂ + k̂ − ı̂
2 2
1 1
AD~ = −ı̂ + ̂ + k̂
2 2

Figure 8.13
~
Direction cosines of AD are
√
  
 1 1   1 1  !
 −1 2 2   −1 2 2
 − 2 1
 =  q , q , q  = √ , √ , √ 1
,q ,q
 q 
3 6 6
   
 1+ 1 + 1 1 + 1
+ 1
1 + 1
+ 1   3 3 3 
4 4 4 4 4 4 2 2 2

1 1 1 1
 
~ ~ ~
BE = OE − OB = ı̂ + 0̂ + k̂ − ̂ = ı̂ − ̂ + k̂
2 2 2 2

 
 1 1  !
~
 2 −1 2  1 −2 1
Direction cosines of BE =  q , q , q  = √ , √ , √
 
 3 3 3
 6 6 6
2 2 2

1~ 1 ~ ~ 1 1 ~
 
CF = OF − OC = i+ j0k − k̂ = ~i+ ~
~ ~ ~ j−k
2 2 2 2

 
 1 1  !
 2 −1  1 1 −2
~ =  q , q2 , q  = √ , √ , √
Direction cosines of CF

6 6 6
 
 3 3 3 
2 2 2
8 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA

1 1
5. If , √ are the direction cosines of some vector, then find a
2 2
Solution.
l 2 + m2 + n2 = 1
1 1
+ + a2 = 1
4 2
3
a2 = 1 −
4
2 1
a =
4
1
a=±
2

6. If (a, a + b, a + b + c) is one set of direction ratios of the line joining (1, 0, 0) and (0, 1, 0), then find
a set of values of a,b,c.

Solution.
Direction ratios of the line joining (1, 0, 0) and (0, 1, 0) are ±(1, −1, 0). Comparing with direction
ratios (a, a+b, a+b+c) considering (1, −1, 0) as direction ratios, we get a = −1,a+b = −1, a+b+c =
0. Solving we get b = −2 and c = 1. Hence a = 1, b = −2, c = 1

Considering (−1, 1, 0) as direction ratios we get a = −1, a + b = 1, a + b + c = 0. Solving we get

a = −1, b = 2, c = −1

7. Show that the vectors 2ı̂−̂+k̂ , 3ı̂−4̂−4k̂ , ı̂−3̂−5k̂ form a right angled triangle

a = 2ı̂−̂+k̂ ,~b = 3ı̂−4̂−4k̂ , ~c = ı̂−3̂−5k̂

Solution. Let ~
a + ~c = 3ı̂−4̂−4k̂ = ~b ⇒ ~
~ a, ~b,~c form a triangle.
  √ √
~a = 4+1+1 = 6
  √ √
~b = 9 + 16 + 16 = 41
  √ √
~c = 1 + 9 + 25 = 35
 2  2  2
a + ~c = 6 + 35
~ = 41 = ~b
⇒ these vectors form a right angled triangle.

a = 3ı̂+2̂+9k̂ and ~b = ı̂+λ̂+3k̂ are parallel.

8. Find the value of λ for which the vectors ~

Solution.
a k ~b ⇒ ~
~ a = k~b
3ı̂+2̂+9k̂ = k( ı̂+λ̂+3k̂ )
3 = k, 2 = kλ, 9 = 3k and 2 = 3λ
2
λ=
3

9. Show that the following vectors are coplanar

 9

(i) ı̂−2̂+3k̂ , −2ı̂+3̂−4k̂ ,−̂ + 2k̂

(ii) 5ı̂+6̂+7k̂ , 7ı̂−8̂+9k̂ , 3ı̂+20̂+5k̂

Solution. (i) ı̂−2̂+3k̂ = s( −2ı̂+3̂−4k̂ ) + t(−̂ + 2k̂)

1 = −2s −→ 1
−2 = 3s − t −→ 2
3 = −4s + 2t −→ 3
1 1
Solving 1 and 2 we s = − , t = . These values satisfy the third equation. Hence these vec-
2 2
tors are coplanar.
(ii) 5ı̂+6̂+7k̂ = s( 7ı̂−8̂+9k̂ ) + t( 3ı̂+20̂+5k̂ )
5 = 7s + 3t −→ 1
6 = −8s + 20t −→ 2
7 = 9s + 5t −→ 1
1 1
Solving 1 and 2 we s = , t = . These values satisfy the third equation. Hence these vectors
2 2
are coplanar.

10. Show that the points given by the vectors 4ı̂+5̂+k̂ , −̂− k̂, 3ı̂+9̂+4k̂ and −4ı̂+4̂4k̂ are coplanar

Solution.
OA~ = 4ı̂+5̂+k̂
~ = −̂ − k̂
OB
~ = 3ı̂+9̂+4k̂
OC
OD~ = −4ı̂+4̂+4k̂
~ = −4ı̂−6̂−2k̂
AB
~ = −ı̂+4̂+3k̂
AC
AD~ = −8ı̂−̂+3k̂
−4ı̂−6̂−2k̂ = s( −ı̂+4̂+3k̂ ) + t( −8ı̂−̂+3k̂ )
−4 = −s − 8t −→ 1
−6 = 4s − t −→ 2
−2 = 3s + 3t −→ 3
4 1 rd
Solving 1 and 2 , we get s = ,t = , these values do not satisfy the 3 equation. Hence
3 3
these vectors are not coplanar.

a = 2ı̂+3̂−4k̂ ,~b = 3ı̂−4̂−5k̂ and ~c = −3ı̂+2̂+3k̂ , find the magnitude and direction cosines of
11. If ~
10 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA

a + ~b + ~c
(1) ~ (2) a − 2~b + 5~c
3~

Solution.
(1)
a + ~b + ~c = 2ı̂+̂−6k̂
~
  √ √
a + ~b + ~c =
~ 4 + 1 + 36 = 41
!
2 1 −6
Direction cosines = √ , √ , √
41 41 41
(2)
a − 2~b + 5~c = 3( 2ı̂+3̂−4k̂ ) − 2( 3ı̂−4̂−5k̂ ) + 5( −3ı̂+2̂+3k̂ )
3~
= 6ı̂+9̂−12k̂ − 6ı̂+8̂+10k̂ − 15ı̂+10̂+15k̂
= −15ı̂+27̂13k̂
  √ √
a − 2~b + 5~c = 225 + 729 + 169 = 1123
3~
!
−15 27 13
Direction cosines are √ ,√ ,√
1123 1123 1123

12. The position vectors of the vertices of a triangle are ı̂+2̂+3k̂ , 3ı̂−4̂+5k̂ and −2ı̂+3̂−7k̂ . Find
the perimeter of the triangle

Solution.
OA~ = ı̂+2̂+3k̂
~ = 3ı̂−4̂+5k̂
OB
~ = −2ı̂+3̂−7k̂
OC
~ = OB
AB ~ − OC
~ = 2ı̂−6̂+2k̂
BC ~ − OB
~ = OC ~ = −5ı̂+7̂−12k̂
~ = OA
CA ~ − OC ~ = 3ı̂−̂+10k̂
√ √
~| =
|AB 4 + 36 + 4 = 44
√ √
|BC~| = 25 + 49 + 144 = 218
√ √
|CA~| = 9 + 1 + 100 = 110
√ √ √
Perimeter of the triangle is 44 + 218 + 110

a − 2~b + 4~c if ~
13. Find the unit vector parallel to 3~ a = 3ı̂−̂−4k̂ ,~b = −2ı̂+4̂−3k̂ and ~c = ı̂+2̂−k̂

Solution.
a − 2~b + 4~c = 3( 3ı̂−̂−4k̂ ) − 2( −2ı̂+4̂−3k̂ ) + 4( ı̂+2̂−k̂ )
3~
= 9ı̂−3̂−12k̂ + 4ı̂−8̂+6k̂ + 4ı̂+8̂−4k̂
= 17ı̂−3̂−10k̂
  √ √
a − 2~b + 4~c =
3~ 289 + 9 + 100 = 398
1  
Unit vector parallel to 3~ a − 2~b + 4~c is √ 17ı̂−3̂−10k̂
398

14. The position vectors of the points P,Q,R,S are ( ı̂+̂+k̂ ),(2~i + 5~
j),( 3ı̂+2̂−3k̂ ),( ı̂−6̂−k̂ ) respec-
 11

tively. Prove that P Q and RS are parallel.

Solution.
PQ~ = OQ ~ − OP~ = ı̂+4̂−k̂
 
RS~ = OS~ − OR ~ ~
= −2ı̂−8̂+2k̂ = −2 ı̂+4̂−2k̂ = −2P Q
~ k RS~
Hence P Q

15. Find the value or values of m for which m( ı̂+̂+k̂ ) is a unit vector.

Solution.
 
m( ı̂+̂+k̂ ) = 1
√
|m| 3 = 1
1
|m| = √
3
16. Show that the points A(1, 1, 1),B(1, 2, 3) and C(2, −1, 1) are vertices of an isoceles triangle.
Solution.
AB~ = OB ~ − OA
~ = 0ı̂+̂+2k̂
~ = OC
BC ~ − OB
~ = +ı̂−3̂−2k̂

CA ~ = OA~ − OC
~ = −ı̂+2̂+0k̂
√ √
|AB| = 0+1+4 = 5
√ √
|BC| = 1+9+4 = 14
√ √
|CA| = 1+4+0 = 5
AB = CA ⇒ ABC is an isoceles triangle

Exercise 8.3

a · ~b when
1. Find ~

a = ı̂−2̂+k̂ and ~b = 3ı̂−4̂−2k̂

(i) ~

a · ~b = 3 + 8 − 2 = 9
Solution. ~

a = 2ı̂+2̂−k̂ and ~b = 6ı̂−3̂+2k̂

(ii) ~

a · ~b = 12 − 6 − 2 = 4
Solution. ~

a and ~b are perpendicular, where

2. Find the value λ for which the vectors ~

a = 2ı̂+λ̂+k̂ and ~b = ı̂−2̂+3k̂

(i) ~

Solution. ~ a ⊥ ~b ⇒ ~ a · ~b = 0
( 2ı̂+λ̂+k̂ ) · ( ı̂−2̂+3k̂ ) = 0
2 − 2λ + 3 = 0
2λ = 5
5
λ =
2
12 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA

a = 2ı̂+4̂−k̂ and ~b = 3ı̂−2̂+λk̂

(ii) ~

Solution. ~ a ⊥ ~b ⇒ ~ a · ~b = 0
( 2ı̂+4̂−k̂ ) · ( 3ı̂−2̂+λk̂ ) = 0
6−8−λ = 0
λ = 2
    √
3. If ~ ~
a and b are two vectors such that ~ ~ a · ~b = 75 2. Find the angle between ~
a = 10,b = 15 and ~
 a
and ~b.
√
a · ~b
~ 75 2 1
Solution. cos θ =    = =√
a~b 10 × 15
~ 2
−9
 
θ = cos−1
49
4. Find the angle between the vectors

j−6~k and 6~i−3~

(i) 2~i+3~ j+2~k
Solution.
   
2ı̂+3̂−6k̂ · 6ı̂−3̂+2k̂ 12 − 9 − 12 −9 −9
cos θ =    =√ √ = =
 2ı̂+3̂−6k̂  6ı̂−3̂+2k̂  4 + 9 + 36 36 + 9 + 4 7 × 7 49
−9
 
θ = cos−1
49
(ii) ı̂ − ̂ and ̂ − k̂  
(ı̂ − ̂) · ̂ − k̂ −1 1
Solution. cos θ =   = √ √ = −
|ı̂ − ̂|̂ − k̂  2 2 2

2π
θ=
3
     
a,~b,~c are three vectors such that ~
5. If ~ a +2~b+~c = ~0 and ~
a = 3,~b = 4,~c = 7. Find the angle between
a and ~b.
~

Solution.
a + 2~b + ~c = ~0
~
a + 2~b = −~c
~
 2 2
~a + 2~b = (−~c)
a · ~b = c2
a2 + 4b2 + 4 ~
4ab cos θ = c2 − a2 − 4b2
49 − 9 − 4(16)
cos θ =
4×3×4
1
cos θ = −
2
2π
θ =
3
a = 2ı̂+3̂+6k̂ ,~b = 6ı̂+2̂−3k̂ and ~c = 3ı̂−6̂+2k̂ are mutually orthogonal.
6. Show that the vectors ~
 13

Solution.
a · ~b = 12 + 6 − 18 = 0
~
~b · ~c = 18 − 12 − 6 = 0

a = 6 − 18 + 12 = 0
~c · ~
∴~ a ⊥ ~b ⊥ ~c

7. Show that the vectors −ı̂−2̂−6k̂ , 2ı̂−̂+k̂ and −ı̂+3̂+5k̂ form a right angled triangle.

a = −ı̂−2̂−6k̂ ,~b = 2ı̂−̂+k̂ and ~c = −ı̂+3̂+5k̂ . Now, ~

Solution. Let ~ a + ~b +~c = ~0. Hence the vectors
are the sides of a triangle. ~b · ~c = −2 − 3 + 5 = 0. So ~b ⊥ ~c. Therefore it forms a right angled
triangle.

     
a = 5,~b = 6,~c = 7 and if ~
8. If ~ a + ~b + ~c = ~0, find ~
a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
a

Solution. ~ a + ~b + ~c = ~0
 2
~a + ~b + ~c = 0
 
a2 + b2 + c2 + 2 ~ a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
a =0
 
25 + 36 + 49 + 2 ~ a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
a =0
110
a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
~ a =− = −55
2

9. Show that the points (2, −1, 3),(4, 3, 1), and (3, 1, 2) are collinear.

Solution. Let OA~ = 2ı̂−̂+3k̂ , OB

~ = 4ı̂+3̂+k̂ , and OC
~ = 3ı̂+̂+2k̂
AB~ = OB ~ − OA~ = 2ı̂+4̂−2k̂
~ = OC
AC ~ − OA~ = ı̂+2̂−k̂
AB ~ ⇒ AB
~ = 2AC ~ k AC
~ . So, A,B,C are collinear.

a,~b are unit vectors and θ is the angle between then, show that
10. If ~

θ 1  ~ 
 
(i) sin = ~ a − b
2 2
θ 1  ~ 
 
(ii) cos = ~ a + b
2 2
 
  ~ ~
a − b
θ
(iii) tan =  
2 ~a + ~b
   
Solution. Given ~ a = ~b = 1

(i)
14 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA
 2  2  2
~
a − b = ~
~  a + ~b − 2 ~
a · ~b
= 1 + 1 − 2 · 1 · cos θ
= 2 (1 − cos θ)
θ
 
= 2 × 2 sin2
  2

~
 θ
~
a − b = 2 sin
2
θ 1  ~ 
 
sin = ~
a − b
2 2
(ii)
 2  2  2
a + ~b = ~
~ a + ~b + 2 ~
a · ~b
= 1 + 1 + 2 · 1 · cos θ
= 2 (1 + cos θ)
θ
 
= 2 × 2 cos2
  2

~
 θ
a + b
~ = 2 cos
2
θ 1  ~ 
 
cos = a + b
~
2 2
(iii)
θ 1  ~   ~ 
 
  sin ~
a − b ~ a − b
θ 2 2
tan =   =  =  
2 θ 1  ~  ~

a + ~b
cos ~ a + b  
2 2
     
11. Let ~ ~
a,b,~c, be three vectors such that ~ a = 3,~b = 4,~c = 5 and each one of them being perpen-
 
dicular to the sum of the other two, find ~ a + ~b + ~c

Solution.
  Given    
a = 3
~ , ~b = 4 , ~c = 5
   
a ⊥ ~b + ~c ,
~ ~b ⊥ (~ a + ~c) , ~c ⊥ ~ a + ~b
   
~a · ~b + ~c = 0 , ~b · (~
a + ~c) = 0 , ~c · ~ a + ~b = 0
a · ~b + ~
~ a · ~c = 0 −→ 1
~b · ~
a + ~b · ~c = 0 −→ 2
a + ~c · ~b
~c · ~ = 0 −→ 3
1 − 2
a · ~c − ~b · ~c =
~ 0 −→ 4
3 + 4
2~
a · ~c = 0
a · ~c = 0 ⇒ ~
~ a · ~b = ~b · ~c = 0
Hence a ⊥ ~b ⊥ ~c
~
 2  2  2  2  
a + ~b + ~c = ~
~ a + ~b + ~c + 2 ~a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
a
= 9 + 16 + 25 + 2(0)
  √ √
a + ~b + ~c =
~ 50 = 5 2
 15

12. Find the projection of the vector ı̂+3̂+7k̂ on the vector 2ı̂+6̂+3k̂

Solution.    
ı̂+3̂+7k̂ · 2ı̂+6̂+3k̂ 2 + 18 + 21 51
Projection =   =√ =
 2ı̂+6̂+3k̂  4 + 36 + 9 7

a = λı̂+̂+4k̂ on ~b = 2ı̂+6̂+3k̂ is 4 units.

13. Find λ, when the projection of ~

a · ~b
~
Solution. Projection =   = 4
~b
2λ + 6 + 12
√ = 4
4 + 36 + 9
2λ + 18 = 28

2λ = 10 =⇒ λ = 5

     
14. Three vectors ~ a = 2,~b = 3,~c = 4 and ~
a,~b and ~c are such that ~ a + ~b + ~c = ~0.
a · ~b + 3 ~b · ~c + 3~c · ~
Find 4 ~ a

Solution.
a + ~b + ~c = ~0
~
a + ~b = −~c
~
a · ~b = c2
a2 + b2 + 2 ~
a · ~b = 16
4 + 9 + 2~
a · ~b = 3
2~
3
a · ~b =
~
2
a + ~b + ~c
~ = ~0
 
a2 + b2 + c2 + 2 ~a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
a = 0
 
4 + 9 + 16 + 2 ~ a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
a = 0
 
2 ~a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
a = −29
29
a · ~b + ~b · ~c + ~c · ~
~ a = −
2
87
a · ~b + 3 ~b · ~c + 3~c · ~
3~ a = −
2
87 3
a · ~b + 3 ~b · ~c + 3~c · ~
4~ a = − +
2 2
= −42

Exercise 8.4

a × ~b if ~
1. Find the magnitude of ~ a = 2ı̂+̂+3k̂ and ~b = 3ı̂+5̂−2k̂

Solution.
16 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA
 
 ı̂ ̂ k̂ 
 
a × ~b = 2 1 3  = −17ı̂+13̂+7k̂
~
 
3 5 −2
  √ √
~
a × b  = 289 + 169 + 49 = 507
 ~

   
a × ~b + ~c + ~b × (~c + ~
2. Show that ~ a + ~b = ~0
a) + ~c × ~

Solution.
LHS = ~ a × ~b + ~
a × ~c + ~b × ~c + ~b × ~ a + ~c × ~b
a + ~c × ~
a × ~b − ~c × ~
= ~ a + ~b × ~c − ~
a × ~b + ~c × ~
a − ~b × ~c
= ~0
= RHS

√
3. Find the vectors of magnitude 10 3 that are perpendicular to the plane which contains ı̂+2̂+k̂
and ı̂+3̂+4k̂

Solution.  Let ~ a = ı̂+2̂+k̂ and ~b = ı̂+3̂+4k̂

 ı̂ ̂ k̂ 
 
a × ~b = 1 2 1 = 5ı̂−3̂+k̂
~
 
1 3 4
  √ √
a × ~b  = 25 + 9 + 1 = 35
 ~
√
10 3  
Required vectors = ± √ 5ı̂−3̂+k̂
35

a + ~b and ~
4. Find the unit vectors perpendicular to each of the vectors ~ a − ~b where ~
a = ı̂+̂+k̂ and
~b = ı̂+2̂+3k̂

Solution. ~ a + ~b = 2ı̂+3̂+4k̂ and  ~a − ~b = −̂ − k̂


 ı̂ ̂ k̂ 

    
a + ~b × ~
~ a − ~b = 2 3 4  = ı̂+2̂−2k̂
 
0 −1 −1
  √
 ı̂+2̂−2k̂  = 9 = 3
!
ı̂+2̂−2k̂
Required vectors = ±
3

5. Find the area of the parallelogram whose two adjacent sides are determined by the vectors
ı̂+2̂+3k̂ and 3ı̂−2̂+k̂ .
 
Solution. Area of the parallelogram =  ~
 ~
a × b .
 17
 
 ı̂ ̂ k̂ 
 
a × ~b = 1 2 3 = 8ı̂+8̂−8k̂
~
 
3 −2 1
  √
a × ~b  = 8 3
 ~

6. Find the area of triangle whose vertices are A(3, −1, 2),B(1, −1, −3) and C(4, −3, 1)

Solution.
OA~ = 3ı̂−̂+2k̂
~ = ı̂−̂−3k̂
OB
~ = 4ı̂−3̂+k̂
OC
~ = OB
AB ~ − OA
~ = −2ı̂ − 5k̂

AC~ = OC ~ − OA
~ = ı̂−2̂−k̂
 
 ı̂ ̂ k̂ 
 
~ × AC
AB ~ = 0 −2 −5 = −8ı̂−5̂+2k̂
 
1 −2 −1
√
~ × AC
|AB ~ | = 93
1 ~ √
Area of the triangle = |AB ~ | = 1 93
× AC
2 2

a,~b and ~c are position vectors of the vertices A,B,C of a triangle ABC. Show that the area of a
7. If ~
1  ~ ~ 
triangle ABC is  ~ a × b + b × ~c + ~c × ~
a . Also deduce the condition for collinearity of the points
2
A,B,C.

Solution.
1 ~ ~|
Area of the triangle = |AB × AC
2
1 ~ − OA ~ ) × (OC ~ − OA ~ )|
= |(OB
2
1 ~  
=  b−~ a × (~c − ~
a)
2
1  ~ ~

=  b × ~c − ~
a × ~c − b × ~ a+~ a×~ a 
2
1  ~ ~ 
= ~
a × b + b × ~
c + ~
c × ~
a 
2

If A,B,C are collinear then area of the triangle = 0.
 
That is,  ~a × ~b + ~b × ~c + ~c × ~
a  = 0 ⇒ ~ a × ~b + ~b × ~c + ~c × ~ a = ~0
 2  2  2  2
8. For any vector ~ a × ı̂ + ~
a, prove that ~ a × ̂ + ~
a × k̂  = 2~
a

Solution. Let ~ a = a1 ı̂+a2 ̂+a3 k̂

 
a × ı̂ = a1 ı̂+a2 ̂+a3 k̂ × ı̂ = −a2 k̂ + a3 ̂
~
 2  2  2
a × ı̂ = a2 + a2 Similarly ~
~ 2 3 a × ̂ = a2 + a2 and ~
1 3 a × k̂  = a2 + a21 2
18 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA
 2  2  2    2
Hence ~a × ı̂ + ~ a × k̂  = 2 a21 + a22 + a23 = 2~
a × ̂ + ~ a
π
a · ~b = ~
9. Let a,b,c be unit vectors such that ~ a · ~c = 0 and the angle between ~b and ~c is . Prove
3
2 ~ 
that ~
a = ± √ b × ~c
3
a · ~b = ~
Solution. ~ a is perpendicular to both ~b and ~c . ~b × ~c is perpendicular to both
a · ~c = 0 ⇒ ~
~b and ~c. Therefore ~
a k ~b × ~c
 
a = K ~b × ~c
~
a2 = K 2 · b2 c2 sin2 π3

1 = K 2 · sin2 π3
3
 
= K2
4
4
K2 =
3
2
K = ±√
3
2 ~ 
a = ± √ b × ~c
~
3
10. Find the angle between the vectors 2ı̂+̂−k̂ and ı̂+2̂+k̂ using vector product.

Solution.  Let ~ a = 2ı̂+̂−k̂ and ~b = ı̂+2̂+k̂

 ı̂ ̂ k̂ 
   
~ ~
a × b = 2 1 −1 = 3ı̂−3̂+3k̂ = 3 ı̂−̂+k̂

 
1 2 1 
  √ √
~ a = 4 + 1 + 1 = 6
  √ √
~b = 1 + 4 + 1 = 6
  √
 ~ ~
a × b  = 3 3
 
 ~a × ~b  √ √
3 3 3
sin θ =    = √ √ =
a~b
~ 6 6 2
√
3
sin θ =
2
π
θ=
3

Exercise 8.5
Choose the suitable best alternative.

~ + BC
1. The value of AB ~ + DA
~ + CD~ is

(1) AD~ (2) ~

CA (3) ~0 (4) −AD~
 19

Solution. Ans: 3
~ + BC
AB ~ + DA~ + CD~ = AC
~ − (AD~ + DC
~)
~ − AC
= AC ~

= ~0

a + 2~b and 3~
2. If ~ a + m~b are parallel then the value of m is
1 1
(1) 3 (2) (3) 6 (4)
3 6
Solution. Ans: 3
a + 2~b k 3~
~ a + m~b
1 2
=
3 m
m = 6

3. The unit vector parallel to the resultant of the vectors ı̂+̂−k̂ and ı̂−2̂+k̂
ı̂−̂+k̂ 2ı̂ + ̂ 2ı̂−̂+k̂ 2ı̂ − ̂
(1) √ (2) √ (3) √ (4) √
5 5 5 5
Solution. Ans: 4
2ı̂ − ̂
Resultant = 2ı̂ − ̂. Unit vector = √
5
4. A vector OP~ makes 60◦ and 45◦ with the positive direction of the x and y axes respectively.
Then the angle between OP~ and the z-axis is
(1) 45◦ (2) 60◦ (3) 90◦ (4) 120◦

Solution. Ans: 2
Let α = 60◦ and β = 45◦
cos2 α + cos2 β + cos2 γ = 1
1 1 1
cos2 γ = 1 − − =
4 2 4
1
cos γ =
2
γ = 60◦

~ = 3ı̂+2̂+k̂ and the position vector of B is ı̂+3̂−k̂ , then the position vector A is
5. If BA
(1) 4ı̂+2̂+k̂ (2) 4ı̂ + 5̂ (3) 4ı̂ (4) −4ı̂

Solution. Ans: 2
BA~ = OA ~ − OB~
~ = BA
OA ~ + OB
~

= 3ı̂+2̂+k̂ + ı̂+3̂−k̂
= 4ı̂ + 5̂

6. A vector makes equal angle with the positive direction of the coordinate axes. Then each angle
is equal to
20 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA
! !
1 2 1 2
   
(1) cos−1 (2) cos−1 (3) cos−1 √ (4) cos−1 √
3 3 3 3
Solution. Ans: 3
α=β=γ
cos2 α + cos2 β + cos2 γ = 1
3 cos2 α = 1
1
cos α = √
3 !
1
α = cos−1 √
3

a − ~b,~b − ~c,~c − ~
7. The vectors ~ a are
(1) parallel to each other (2) unit vectors
(3) mutually perpendicular vectors (4) coplanar vectors
Solution. Ans: 4
 
a − ~b = s ~b − ~c + t (~c − ~
~ a)
1 = −t → 1
−1 = s → 2
0 = −s + t
s = t → 3
a − ~b,~b − ~c,~c − ~
⇒~ a are coplanar

8. If ABCD is a parallelogram, then AB~ + AD~ + CB

~ + CD~ is equal to
~ + AD~ )
(1) 2 (AB (2) 4AC ~ (3) 4BD~ (4) ~0

Solution. Ans: 4
~ = −CD~ and AD~ = −CB
AB ~
~ + AD~ + CB
AB ~ + CD~ = 0

a and ~b as adjacent sides is ~

9. One of the diagonals of parallelogram ABCD with ~ a + ~b. The other
diagonal BD~ is
a + ~b
~
a − ~b
(1) ~ (2) ~b − ~
a a + ~b
(3) ~ (4)
2
Solution. Ans: 2
BD~ = BA a + ~b = ~b − ~
~ + AD~ = −~ a

a,~b are the position vectors A and B, then which one of the following points whose position
10. If ~
vector lies on AB, is
a − ~b
2~ a + ~b
2~ a − ~b
~
a + ~b
(1) ~ (2) (3) (4)
2 3 3
Solution. Ans: 3
 21

a + ~b
2~
lies between A and B which divides AB internally in the ratio 1 : 2
3

a,~b,~c are the position vectors of three collinear points, then which of the following is true?
11. If ~
(1) ~ a = ~b + ~c (2) 2~ a = ~b + ~c (3) ~b = ~c + ~
a (4) 4~a + ~b + ~c = ~0

Solution. Ans: 2
a = ~b + ~c
2~
~b + ~c
a =
~
1+1
a is the midpoint of the points with position vector ~b and ~c.
~

a + 7~b
9~
12. If ~r = , then the point P whose position vector ~r divides the line joining the points with
16
position vectors ~ a and ~b in the ratio
(1) 7 : 9 internally (2) 9 : 7 internally
(3) 9 : 7 externally (4) 7 : 9 externally
Solution. Ans: 1
7 : 9 internally by the section formula.

13. If λı̂+2λ̂+2λk̂ is a unit vector, then the value of λ is

1 1 1 1
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3 4 9 2
Solution. Ans: 1
a| = 1
|~
√
λ2 + 4λ2 + λ2 = 1
3λ = 1
1
λ =
3

14. Two vertices of a triangle have position vectors 3ı̂+4̂−4k̂ and 2ı̂+3̂+4k̂ . If the position vector
of the centroid is ı̂+2̂+3k̂ , then the position vector of the third vertex is
(1) −2ı̂−̂+9k̂ (2) −2ı̂−̂−6k̂ (3) 2ı̂−̂+6k̂ (4) −2ı̂+̂+6k̂

Solution. Ans: 1
a + ~b + ~c
~
Centroid =
3
3ı̂+4̂−4k̂ + 2ı̂+3̂+4k̂ + ~c
ı̂+2̂+3k̂ =
3
~c = 3ı̂+6̂+9k̂ − (5ı̂ + 7̂)
= −2ı̂−̂+9k̂

a + ~b| = 60,|~
15. If |~ a − ~b| = 40 and |~b| = 46, then |~
a| is
(1) 42 (2) 12 (3) 22 (4) 32

Solution. Ans: 3
22 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA
 
a + ~b|2 + |~
|~ a − ~b|2 = 2 |~
a|2 + |~b|2
 
3600 + 1600 = 2 |~ a|2 + 2116
a|2 + 2116 = 2600
|~
a|2 = 484
|~
a| = 22
|~

a and ~b having same magnitude and angle between them is 60◦ and their scalar product is
16. If ~
1
then |~
a| is
2
(1) 2 (2) 3 (3) 7 (4) 1

Solution. Ans: 4
a| = |~b|
|~
1
a · ~b =
~
2
1
a| cos 60◦ =
a||~
|~
2
a| 2 = 1
|~
a| = 1
|~

π
 √
17. The value of θ ∈ 0, a = (sin θ)~ı + (cos θ)~ and ~b = ı̂− 3̂+2k̂ are per-
for which the vectors ~
2
pendicular, is equal to
π π π π
(1) (2) (3) (4)
3 6 4 2
Solution. Ans: 1
~a · ~b = 0
√
sin θ − 3 cos θ = 0
√
sin θ = 3 cos θ
√
tan θ = 3
π
θ =
3

a| = 13,|~b| = 5 and ~
18. If |~ a · ~b = 60◦ then | ~
a × ~b | is
(1) 15 (2) 35 (3) 45 (4) 25

Solution. Ans: 4
 2  2
~ ~
a · b + ~ ~
a × b  a|2 |~b|2
= |~
 2
3600 +  ~ ~
a × b  = (169)(25)
 2
 ~ ~
a × b  = 625
 
 ~ ~
a × b  = 25

h   i2
a and ~b are inclined at an angle θ = 120◦ . If |~
19. Vectors ~ a| = 1,|~b| = 2, then a + 3~b × 3~
~ a − ~b is
equal to
 23

(1) 225 (2) 275 (3) 325 (4) 300

Solution. Ans: 4
h i2 h  i2
3~
a×~
a−~ a × ~b + 9 ~b × ~
a − 3 ~b × ~b = 3(~a×~ a) − ~a × ~b + 9 ~b × ~
a − 3 ~b × ~b
h i2
= −~a × ~b + 9 ~b × ~
a
h  i2
= 10 ~ a × ~b
= 100 × 12 × 22 × sin2 120◦
3
= 100 × 4 ×
4
= 300

a and ~b are two vectors of magnitude 2 and inclined at an angle 60◦ , then the angle between
20. If ~
a + ~b is
a and ~
~
(1) 30◦ (2) 60◦ (3) 45◦ (4) 90◦

Solution. Ans: 2
a| = |~b| = 2
|~
a + ~b)
a · (~
~
θ = cos−1
a||~
|~ a + ~b|
a · ~b = 2 · 2 · cos 60◦
~ = 2
 
a + ~b|2 = a2 + b2 + 2 ~
|~ a · ~b
= 4 + 4 + (2 × 2) = 12
a2 + ~
~ a · ~b 4+2
θ = cos−1 = cos−1 √
a + ~b|
a||~
|~ 2
√ 12
×
6 3
= cos−1 √ = cos−1 = 30◦
4 3 2

21. If the projection of 5ı̂−̂−3k̂ on the vector ı̂+3̂+λk̂ is same as the projection of ı̂+3̂+λk̂ on
5ı̂−̂−3k̂ , then λ is equal to
(1) ±4 (2) ±3 (3) ±5 (4) ±1

Solution.
 Ans:
  3     
5ı̂−̂−3k̂ · ı̂+3̂+λk̂ ı̂+3̂+λk̂ · 5ı̂−̂−3k̂
=
| ı̂+3̂+λk̂ | | 5ı̂−̂−3k̂ |
5 − 3 − 3λ 5 − 3 − 3λ
√ = √
10 + λ2 25 + 1 + 9
10 + λ2 = 35
λ2 = 25
λ = ±5

22. If (1, 2, 4) and (2, −3λ, −3) are the initial and terminal points of the vector ı̂+5̂−7k̂ , then the
value of λ is equal to
7 7 5 5
(1) (2) − (3) − (4)
3 3 3 3
24 CHAPTER 8. VECTOR ALGEBRA

Solution. Ans: 2
~ = OB
AB ~ − OA
~

ı̂+5̂−7k̂ = 2ı̂−3λ̂−3k̂ − ı̂−2̂−4k̂

−3λ − 2 = 7
7
λ = −
3

23. If the points whose position vectors 10ı̂ + 3̂,12ı̂ − 5̂ and aı̂ + 11̂ are collinear then a is equal to
(1) 6 (2) 3 (3) 5 (4) 8

Solution. Ans: 4
~ = 10ı̂ + 3̂ OB
OA ~ = 12ı̂ − 5̂
~ = OB
AB ~ − OA
~ = 2ı̂ − 8̂
~ = OC
AC ~ − OA
~ = (a − 10)ı̂ + 8̂
~ = AC
AB ~
2 −8
=
a − 10 8
a − 10
= −1
2
a − 10 = −2
a = 8
 
a = ı̂+̂+k̂ ,~b = 2ı̂+x̂+k̂ , ı̂−̂+4k̂ and ~
24. If ~ a · ~b × ~c = 70, then x is equal to
(1) 5 (2) 7 (3) 26 (4) 10

Solution. Ans: 3
a ~b ~c] = 70
[~
 
1 1 1
 
2 x 1 = 70
 
1 −1 4

1(4x + 1) − 1(8 − 1) + 1(−2 − x) = 70

4x + 1 − 7 − 2 − x = 70
3x − 8 = 70
78
x =
3
x = 26

π
a = ı̂+2̂+2k̂ ,|~b| = 5 and the angle between ~
25. If ~ a and ~b is , then the area of the triangle formed
6
by these two vectors as two sides, is
7 15 3 17
(1) (2) (3) (4)
4 4 4 4
Solution. Ans: 2
 25

√
a| =
|~ 1+4+4 = 3
π 15
 
a × ~b | = 3 × 5 × sin
|~ =
6 2
1 15
Area = a × ~b |
|~ =
2 4