JEE (MAIN+ADVANCED)

Mathematics
ENTHUSIAST COURSE

STUDY MATERIAL

Vector-3D
English Medium
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 ALLEN
® Vector

VECTOR
1. INTRODUCTION :
Vectors constitute one of the several Mathematical systems which can be usefully employed to provide
mathematical handling for certain types of problems in Geometry, Mechanics and other branches of
Applied Mathematics.
Vectors facilitate mathematical study of such physical quantities as possess Direction in addition to
Magnitude. Velocity of a particle, for example, is one such quantity.
2. Physical quantities are broadly divided in two categories viz (a) Vector Quantities & (b) Scalar
quantities.
(a) Vector quantities :
Any quantity, such as velocity, momentum, or force, that has both magnitude and direction and

®
for which vector addition is defined and meaningful; is treated as vector quantities.
Note :
Quantities having magnitude and direction but not obeying the vector law of addition will not
be treated as vectors.
For example, the rotations of a rigid body through finite angles have both magnitude & direction
but do not satisfy the law of vector addition therefore not a vector.
(b) Scalar quantities :
A quantity, such as mass, length, time, density or energy, that has size or magnitude but does
not involve the concept of direction is called scalar quantity.

3. MATHEMATICAL DESCRIPTION OF VECTOR & SCALAR :

To understand vectors mathematically we will first understand directed line segment.
Directed line segment :
Any given portion of a given straight line where the two end points are distinguished as Initial and
Terminal is called a Directed Line Segment.
uuur
The directed line segment with initial point A and terminal point B is denoted by the symbol AB .
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

The two end points of a directed line segment are not interchangeable and the directed line segments.
uuur uuur
AB and BA must be thought of as different.

(a) Vector :
A directed line segment is called vector. Every directed line segment have three essential
characteristics.

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uuur uuur
(i) Length : The length of AB will be denoted by the symbol AB
uuur uuur
Clearly, we have AB = BA
(ii) Support : The line of unlimited length of which a directed line segment is a part is called
its line of support or simply the Support.
uuur uuur
(iii) Sense : The sense of AB is from A to B and that of BA from B to A so that the sense
of a directed line segment is from its initial to the terminal point.
(b) Scalar :
Any real number is a scalar.

4. EQUALITY OF TWO VECTORS :

Two vectors are said to be equal if they have
(a) the same length,
(b) the same or parallel supports and

®
(c) the same sense.
Note : Components of two equal vectors taken in any arbitrary direction are equal. i.e. If
r r
a = a1ˆi + a 2ˆj + a 3k,
ˆ b = b ˆi + b ˆj + b kˆ , where ˆi, ˆj & k̂ are the unit vectors taken along co-ordinate
1 2 3
r r
axes, then a = b Û a1 = b1 , a 2 = b 2 , a 3 = b3 .

r r r
ˆ ar = 2iˆ - ˆj + k,
Illustration 1 : Let r = 3iˆ + 2ˆj - 5k, ˆ b = ˆi + 3jˆ - 2kˆ and cr = -2iˆ + ˆj - 3kˆ , rr = l ar + mb + ncr ,
then find l + m + n .
Solution : 3iˆ + 2ˆj - 5kˆ = l (2iˆ - ˆj + k)
ˆ + m(iˆ + 3jˆ - 2k)
ˆ + n ( -2iˆ + ˆj - 3k)
ˆ

= (2l + m - 2n )iˆ + ( -l + 3m + n ) ˆj + (l - 2m - 3n)kˆ

Equating components of equal vectors
2 l + m - 2n = 3 ........(i)
-l + 3m + n = 2 ........(ii)
l - 2m - 3n = –5 ........(iii)
on solving (i), (ii) & (iii) node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

we get l = 3, m = 1, n = 2
So l + m + n = 6 . Ans.

Do yourself - 1 :
r r
1 . If a = 2 î + m ˆj – 7 k̂ and b = l î + 3 ˆj – 7 k̂ are two equal vectors, then find l2 + m2.
r r
2 If a , b are two vectors then which of the following statements is/are correct -
r r r r r r r r
(A) a = - b Þ | a |=| b | (B) | a |=| b | Þ a = ± b
r r r r r r r r
(C) | a |=| b | Þ a = b (D) | a |=| b | Þ a = ±2b
r r
3. If a = 2iˆ - 2 sin qˆj + 3kˆ and b = 4 cos a ˆi - ˆj + 2 3 cos qkˆ are equal vectors then find the general
solution of 'a' & 'q'.
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5. LEFT AND RIGHT - HANDED ORIENTATION (CONFIGURATIONS) :
z z

x x

y y
Right - Handed Triplet Left - Handed Triplet

For each hand take the directions Ox, Oy and Oz as shown in the figure. Thus we get two rectangular
coordinate systems. Can they be made congruent ? They cannot be, because the two hands have
different orientations. Therefore these two systems are different.
A rectangular coordinate system which can be made congruent with the system formed with the help
of right hand (or left hand) is called a right handed (or left handed) rectangular coordinates system.

®
Thus we have the following condition to identify these two systems using sense of rotation :
(a) If the rotation from Ox to Oy is in the anticlockwise direction and Oz is directed upwards (see
right hand), then the system is right handed.
(b) If the rotation from Ox to Oy is clockwise and Oz is directed upward (see left hand) then the
system is left handed.
Here after we shall use the right-handed rectangular Cartesian coordinate system (or
Ortho-normal system).

6. ALGEBRA OF VECTORS :
It is possible to develop an Algebra of Vectors which proves useful in the study of Geometry, Mechanics
and other branches of Applied Mathematics.
(a) Addition of two vectors :
The vectors have magnitude as well as direction, therefore their addition is different than
addition of real numbers.
r r uuur uuur
Let a and b be two vectors in a plane, which are represented by AB and CD . Their addition
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

can be performed in the following two ways :

(i) Triangle law of addition of vectors : If two vectors can be represented in magnitude
and direction by the two sides of a triangle, taken in order, then their sum will be represented
by the third side in reverse order.
Let O be the fixed point in the plane of vectors. Draw a line F D
uuur uuur
segment OE from O, equal and parallel to AB , which a+b
r uur b b
represents the vector a . Now from E, draw a line segment EF ,
uuur r O
equal and parallel to CD , which represents the vector b . Line A
a E C
B
uuur a

segment OF obtained by joining O and F represents the sum of

r r
vectors a and b .
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uuur uur uuur

i.e. OE + EF = OF
r r uuur
or a + b = OF
This method of addition of two vectors is called Triangle law of addition of vectors.
r r r r r r r
Note : In general for any non-zero vectors a, b & c one may note that although a + b + c = 0 but it will
not always represent the three sides of a triangle.
(ii) Parallelogram law of addition of vectors : If two vectors be represented in magnitude
and direction by the two adjacent sides of a parallelogram then their sum will be represented
by the diagonal through the co-initial point.
r r Q R
Let a and b be vectors drawn from point O denoted by line
uuur uuur

®
b
segments OP and OQ . Now complete the parallelogram

a+
b

OPRQ. Then the vector represented by the diagonal OR will

P
r r O
a
represent the sum of the vectors a and b .
uuur uuur uuur
i.e. OP + OQ = OR
r r uuur
or a + b = OR
This method of addition of two vectors is called Parallelogram law of addition of
vectors.
(iii) Properties of vector addition :
r r r r r r r r r r
(1) a + b = b + a (commutative) (2) (a + b) + c = a + (b + c) (associativity)
r r r r r r r r r r
(3) a + 0 = a = 0 + a (additive identity) (4) a + ( -a) = 0 = (- a) + a (additive inverse)
(b) Polygon law of vector Addition (Addition of more than two vectors):
D d C
Addition of more than two vectors is found to be by repetition of
triangle law. Suppose we have to find the sum of five vectors e c
a+b+c+d

r r r r r node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

c

B
b+

E
a, b, c, d and e . If these vectors be represented by line segment
a+

uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur

a+

b b
a+
b+

OA, AB, BC, CD and DE respectively, then their sum will be

c+

A
d+

O a
uuur
e

denoted by OE . This is the vector represented by rest (last) side of

the polygon OABCDE in reverse order. We can also make it clear
this way :
By triangle's law
uuur uuur uuur r r uuur
OA + AB = OB or a + b = OB
uuur r uuur r r r uuur
OB + c = OC or (a + b) + c = OC
uuur r uuur r r r r uuur
OC + d = OD or (a + b + c) + d = OD
uuur r uuur r r r r r uuur
OD + e = OE or (a + b + c + d) + e = OE
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uuur
Here, we see that OE is represented by the line segment joining the initial point O of the first
r r
vector a and the final point of the last vector e .
In order to find the sum of more that two vectors by this method, a polygon is formed. Therefore
this method is known as the polygon law of addition.

Note : If the initial point of the first vector and the final point of the last vector are the same,
then the sum of the vectors will be a null vector.

(c) Subtraction of Vectors : B

r r b
Vector – b has length equals to vector b but its direction is opposite. a+
b
r r r r O
a
A
Subtraction of vector a and b is defined as addition of a and (– b ). It is

a–
written as follows : –b

®
b
r r r r C
a - b = a + ( - b)

Geometrical representation :
r r uuur uuur
In the given diagram, a and b are represented by OA and AB . We extend the line AB
uuur
in opposite direction upto C, where AB = AC. The line segment AC will represent the vector
r uuur r r
-b . By joining the points O and C, the vector represented by OC is a + ( -b) . i.e. denotes
r r
the vector a - b.

Note :
r r r r r
(i) a - a = a + ( -a) = 0

r r r r
(ii) a - b ¹ b - a

Hence subtraction of vectors does not obey the commutative law.

node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

r r r r r r
(iii) a - (b - c) ¹ (a - b) - c

i.e. subtraction of vectors does not obey the associative law.

(d) Multiplication of vector by scalars :

r r r
If a is a vector & m is a scalar, then m( a ) is a vector parallel to a whose modulus is |m| times
r r r
that of a . This multiplication is called SCALAR MULTIPLICATION. If a & b are vectors
& m, n are scalars, then :
r r r r r r
(i) m(a) = (a)m = ma (ii) m(na) = n(ma) = (mn)a

r r r r r r r
(iii) (m + n)a = ma + na (iv) m(a + b) = ma + mb

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Illustration 2 : ABCD is a parallelogram whose diagonals meet at P. If O is a fixed point, then

uuur uuur uuur uuur
OA + OB + OC + OD equals :-
uuur uuur uuur uuur
(A) OP (B) 2 OP (C) 3 OP (D) 4 OP

Solution : Since, P bisects both the diagonal AC and BD, so

uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
\ OA + OC = 2OP and OB + OD = 2OP
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
Þ OA + OB + OC + OD = 4OP Ans. [D]
uuur uuur uuur
Illustration 3 : A, B, P, Q, R are five points in any plane. If forces AP, AQ, AR acts on point A and
uuur uuur uuur

®
force PB, QB, RB acts on point B then resultant is :-
uuur uuur uuur uuur
(A) 3AB (B) 3BA (C) 3PQ (D) 3PR

Solution : From figure A P

uuur uuur uuur
AP + PB = AB
uuur uuur uuur Q
AQ + QB = AB
uuur uuur uuur B R
AR + RB = AB
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
So ( AP + AQ + AR ) + ( PB + QB + RB ) = 3 AB
uuur
so required resultant = 3 AB . Ans. [A]
Illustration 4 : Prove that the line joining the middle points of two sides of a triangle is parallel to the
third side and is of half its length.
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

Solution : Let the middle points of side AB and AC of a DABC be D and E respectively.
uuur uuur uuur uuur
BA = 2DA and AC = 2AE

Now in DABC, by triangle law of addition A

uuur uuur uuur
BA + AC = BC D E

uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur 1 uuur B C

2DA + 2AE = BC Þ DA + AE = BC
2
uuur 1 uuur
DE = BC
2
Hence, line DE is parallel to third side BC of triangle and half of it.
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Do yourself - 2 :
r r r
1. If a, b, c be the vectors represented by the sides of a triangle taken in order, then prove that
r r r r
a+b+c =0
uuur uuur uuur uuur
2. If PO + OQ = QO + OR , then prove that the points P, Q and R are collinear.
r r
3. For any two vectors a and b prove that
r r r r r r r r r r r r
(a) | a + b | £ | a | +| b | (b) | a – b | £ | a | +| b | (c) | a + b | ³ || a | –| b ||
uuur uur uur
4. If S is the circumcentre, G thecentroid, O the orthocentre of a triangleABC, the SA + SB + SC is :
uuur uuur uuur uuur

®
(A) 3SG (B) OS (C) SO (D) OG
uuur
5. Let O be the centre of a regular pent agon ABCDE and OA = ar , then
uuur uuuur uuuur uuuur uuuur
AB + 2BC + 3CD + 4DE + 5EA equals :
r r r
(A) o (B) 4a (C) 5a (D) 6a
6. ABCD is a quadrilateral. E is the point of intersection of the line joining the midpoints of the
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
opposite sides. If O is any point and OA + OB + OC + OD = xOE then x is equal to
(A) 3 (B) 9 (C) 7 (D) 4

7. COLLINEAR VECTORS : a
Two vectors are said to be collinear if their supports are parallel b
disregards to their direction. Collinear vectors are also called Parallel c
vectors. If they have the same direction they are named as like
vectors otherwise unlike vectors.
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

Note :
r r r r
(i) Symbolically two non zero vectors a & b are collinear if and only if, a = Kb , where K Î R
r r a a a
(ii) If a = a1ˆi + a 2ˆj + a 3kˆ and b = b1ˆi + b2 ˆj + b3kˆ are two collinear vectors then 1 = 2 = 3 .
b1 b 2 b3
r r r r r
(iii) If a & b are two non-zero, non-collinear vectors such that xa + yb = 0 Þ x = y = 0

8. CO-INITIAL VECTORS : D A
Vectors having same initial point are called Co-initial Vectors. d a

C c O B
b

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r r
Illustration 5 : If a and b are non-collinear vectors, then find the value of x for which vectors :
r r r r r r
a = (x - 2)a + b and b = (3 + 2x)a – 2b are collinear.
r r
Solution : Since the vectors a and b are collinear.
r r
\ there exist scalar l such that a = l b
r r r r r r r
Þ (x – 2) a + b = l {(3 + 2x) a – 2 b } Þ (x – 2 – l (3 + 2x)) a + (1 + 2l) b = 0
Þ x – 2 – l (3 + 2x) = 0 and 1 + 2l = 0
1
x – 2 – l(3 + 2x) = 0 and l = –
2
1 1
Þ x – 2 + (3 + 2x) = 0 Þ 4x – 1 = 0 Þ x= . Ans.
2 4

®
Illustration 6 : If A º (2 î + 3 ˆj ), B º (p î + 9 ˆj ) and C º ( î – ˆj ) are collinear, then the value of p is :-
(A) 1/2 (B) 3/2 (C) 7/2 (D) 5/2
uuur uuur
Solution : AB = (p – 2) î + 6 ˆj , AC = – î – 4 ˆj
uuur uuur p-2 6
Now A, B, C are collinear Û AB || AC Û = Û p = 7/2 Ans. [C]
–1 –4
r r
Illustration 7 : The value of l when a = 2 î – 3 ˆj + k̂ and b = 8 î + l ˆj + 4 k̂ are parallel is :-
(A) 4 (B) – 6 (C) – 12 (D) 1
r r 2 3 1
Solution : Since a & b are parallel Þ = - = Þ l = –12 Ans. [C]
8 l 4

Do yourself - 3 :
1. In the given figure of regular hexagon, which vectors are E D
d
(provided initial point of each vector is fixed) : x c
F C
(a) Parallel (b) Equal y
z
b
(c) Coinitial (d) Parallel but not equal. node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

r r r r A a B
2. If a = 2iˆ - 3jˆ + 4kˆ and b = 8iˆ - 12ˆj + 16kˆ such that a = l b , then l equals to
r r r r r r
3. If 3a + 2b = 5c and 8a - 7b = 4c , then which statement is/are true :
r r r r
(A) | a | > | b | (B) | c | > | b |
r r r r r
(C) a, b and c are collinear vectors. (D) | a | = | b |
r r r
4. Let p = 3ax 2 ˆi - 2 ( x - 1) ˆj , q = b ( x - 1) iˆ + xjˆ and ab < 0. Then p and q are parallel for :
(A) atleast one x in (0, 1) (B) atleast one x in (–1, 0)
(C) atleast one x in (1, 2) (D) None of these
r r r r r r r
5. Let a, b, c be three vectors such that each of them are non-collinear, a + b and b + c are collinear
r r r r r
with c and a respectively and a + b + c = k . Then, (|k|, |k|) lies on :
(A) y2 = 4ax (B) x2 + y2 – ax – by = 0 (C) x2 – y2 = 1 (D) |x| + |y| = 1
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9. COPLANAR VECTORS :
A given number of vectors are called coplanar if their supports are all parallel to the same plane. Note that
“TWO VECTORS ARE ALWAYS COPLANAR ”.
Note : Coplanar vectors may have any directions or magnitude.

10. REPRESENTATION OF A VECTOR IN SPACE IN TERMS OF 3

ORTHONORMAL TRIAD OF UNIT VECTORS :
C A'
Let P(x, y, z) be a point in space with reference to OX, OY and OZ
as the coordinate axes, then OA = x, OB = y and OC = z P
B' (x,y,z)

Let ˆi, ˆj, kˆ be unit vectors along OX, OY and OZ respectively, then

®
r
®
uuur uuur uuur O B
ˆ OB = yj,
OA = xi, ˆ OC = zkˆ
A
uuur uuuur uuuur uuur uuur uuur uuuur uuur C'
OP = OC' + C'P = OB + OA + OC [\ C'P = OC ]
uuur uuur uuur
= OA + OB + OC = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ
uuur r
If OP = r
r
r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ

r uuur
| r | = OP = x 2 + y 2 + z 2

11. POSITION VECTOR :

B
Let O be a fixed origin, then the position vector of a point P is the
b
uuur r r A
vector OP . If a & b are position vectors of two point A and B, a
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

uuur r r
then AB = b – a = pv of B – pv of A.

12. ZERO VECTOR OR NULL VECTOR :

A vector of zero magnitude i.e. which has the same initial & terminal point is called a zero vector. It is
r
denoted by 0 . It can have any arbitrary direction and any line as its line of support.

13. UNIT VECTOR :

r r
A vector of unit magnitude in direction of a vector a is called unit vector along a and is denoted by
r
a r
â symbolically â = r (provided | a | ¹ 0 )
|a|

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14. SECTION FORMULA :

r r r
If a & b are the position vectors of two points A & B then the p.v. of a point C (r) which divides AB in
the ratio m : n is given by :
(a) Internal Division : A(a) m C( c ) n B( b )
r
uuur r mb + nar
OC = r =
m+n
r r
a+b
Note : Position vector of mid point of AB = O
2
(b) External division : m
A(a) B( b ) n C( r )
r
uuur r mb - nar

®
OC = r =
m-n

Illustration 8 : Prove that the medians of a triangle are concurrent.

Solution : Let ABC be a triangle and position vectors of three vertices A, B and C with respect to
r r r
the origin O be a, b and c respectively.
uuur r uuur r uuur r
\ OA = a, OB = b, OC = c A
O

E
Again, let D be the middle point of the side BC,
r G
uuur b + cr B D
C
so the position vector of point D is OD =
2
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

Now take a point G, which divides the median AD in the ratio 2 : 1.

r 1 r r
uuur uuur
uuur 1.OA + 2.OD 1.a + 2. b + c
2
(
r r r
a )
+b+c
Position vector of point G is OG = = =
1+ 2 1+ 2 3

Similarly, the position vector of the middle points of the other two medians, which divide
r r r
a+b+c
the medians in the ratio 2 : 1 will comes out to the same , which is the position
3
vector of G.
Hence, the medians of the triangles meet in G i.e. are concurrent.

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Illustration 9 : If the middle points of sides BC, CA & AB of triangle ABC are respectively D, E, F then
position vector of centroid of triangle DEF, when position vector of A,B,C are respectively
ˆi + ˆj, ˆj + k,
ˆ kˆ + ˆi is -

1 ˆ ˆ ˆ 2 ˆ ˆ ˆ
(A) (i + j + k) (B) (iˆ + ˆj + k)
ˆ (C) 2 (iˆ + ˆj + k)
ˆ (D) (i + j + k)
3 3

ˆi + ˆj ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
Solution : The position vector of points D, E, F are respectively ˆ ˆi + k + j and i + k + ˆj
+ k,
2 2 2

1 é ˆi + ˆj ˆ ˆ kˆ + ˆj ˆi + kˆ ˆ ù 2 ˆ ˆ ˆ
So, position vector of centroid of DDEF = ê +k+i+ + + jú = [i + j + k] .
3ë 2 2 2 û 3

®
Ans. [D]

Do yourself - 4 :
r r
1. Find the position vectors of the points which divide the join of the points 2 a – 3 b and
r r
3 a – 2 b internally and externally in the ratio 2 : 3,

2. Find the unit vector in the direction of 3 î – 6 ˆj + 2 k̂ .

3. A (1, -1, -3), B (2, 1, -2) & C (-5, 2, -6) are the position vectors of the vertices of a triangle
ABC. The length of the bisector of its internal angle at A is :

(A) 10 4 (B) 3 10 4 (C) 10 (D) none

r r
4. Let p is the p.v. of the orthocentre & g is the p.v. of the centroid of the triangle ABC where
r r
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

circumcentre is the origin. If p = K g , then K =

(A) 3 (B) 2 (C) 1/3 (D) 2/3

r
5. A vector a has components 2p & 1 with respect to a rectangular cartesian system. The system
is rotated through a certain angle about the origin in the counterclockwise sense. If with
r
respect to the new system, a has components p + 1 & 1 then ,
(A) p = 0 (B) p = 1 or p = - 1/3 (C) p = - 1 or p = 1/3 (D) p = 1 or p = - 1
r r r
6. If the vectors a = 3î + ˆj- 2 k̂ , b = - $i + 3 $j + 4 k$ & c = 4 $i - 2 $j - 6 k$ constitute the sides of a D
r
ABC, then the length of the median bisecting the vector c is

(A) 2 (B) 14 (C) 74 (D) 6

E 65
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7. The vectors 3 $i - 2 $j + k$ , $i - 3 $j + 5 k$ & 2 $i + $j - 4 k$ form the sides of a triangle. Then triangle is

(A) an acute angled triangle (B) an obtuse angled triangle

(C) an equilateral triangle (D) a right angled triangle
8. An arc AC of a circle subtends a right angle at the centre O. The point B divides the arc in the ratio
® r ® r ® r r
1 : 2. If OA = a & OB = b , then the vector OC in terms of a & b , is
r r r r r r r r
(A) 3 a - 2b (B) – 3 a + 2b (C) 2 a - 3 b (D) – 2 a + 3 b
uuur uuur uuur
9. ABCDEF is a regular hexagon with centre at the origin such that AD + EB + FC is equal to
uuur
l ED , then l, is :

®
(A) –4 (B) 4 (C) –2 (D) 2
10. ABCD is a parallelogram. A1 and B1 are the midpoints of side BC and CD respectively. If
uuuur uuuur uuur
AA1 + AB1 = l AC , then l is equal to :

1 3
(A) (B) 1 (C) (D) 2
2 2
r r r r r r r
11. Let a, b, c are three vectors of which every pair is non-collinear. If the vectors a + b and b + c
r r r r r
are collinear with c and a respectively, find a + b + c .
r r r r r
12. Let a, b, c be three non-zero vectors such that any two of them are non-collinear. If a + 2b is
r r r r r r r r
collinear with c and b + 3c is collinear with a , then prove that a + 2b + 6c = 0 .

15. VECTOR EQUATION OF A LINE :

B(b) node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

R(r)
R(r)

A(a)
A(a)

O r=a+ l b
O r=a+µ(b–a)
r r r r r r
Parametric vector equation of a line passing through two points A(a) & B(b) is given by,, r = a + t(b – a)
r r
where t is a parameter. If the line passes through the point A(a) & is parallel to the vector b then its
r r r
equation is r = a + tb .
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Note :
r r r r r r
(i) Equations of the bisectors of the angles between the lines r = a + lb & r = a + mc is,
r r r r
r = a + t(bˆ + c) ˆ .
ˆ & r = a + p(cˆ – b)
(ii) In a plane, two lines are either intersecting or parallel.
(iii) Two non parallel nor intersecting lines are called skew lines.

Illustration 10 : In a triangle ABC, D and E are points on BC and AC respectively, such that BD = 2DC
and AE = 3EC. Let P be the point of intersection of AD and BE. Find BP/PE using vector
methods.
Solution : Let the position vectors of A and B be a and b respectively. Equations of AD and BE are
r r r r
r = a + t(b / 3 - a) ........ (i)
r r r

®
r
r = b + s(a / 4 - b) ........ (ii)
If they intersect at P we must have identical values of r. ®
C(0)

1 1
Comparing the coefficients of a and b in (i) and (ii), we get E D
1
s t P
1–t= , =1–s 3 k 2
4 3
® ®

9 8 A(a) B(b)
solving we get t = , s = .
11 11
r r
2a + 3b
Putting for t or s in (i) or (ii), we get the point P as .
11
r
a r
k. + b 2ar + 3br
Let P divide BE in the ratio k : 1, then P is 4 = .
k +1 11

r 8
Comparing ar and b , we get 11k = 8(k + 1) and 11 = 3(k + 1) \ k=
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

3
and this satisfies the 2nd relation also. Hence the required ratio is 8 : 3. Ans.
Illustration 11 : Find whether the given lines are coplanar or not
r ˆ ˆ ˆ ; rr = 4iˆ - 3jˆ - kˆ + m(iˆ - 4ˆj + 7k)
r = i - j - 10kˆ + l (2iˆ - 3jˆ + 8k) ˆ

r
Solution : L1 : r = (2l + 1)iˆ - (1 + 3l )ˆj + (8l - 10)kˆ

r
L2 : r = (4 + m)iˆ - (4m + 3) ˆj + (7m - 1)kˆ

The given lines are not parallel. For coplanarity, the lines must intersect.

\ (2l + 1)iˆ - (1 + 3l )ˆj + (8l - 10)kˆ = (4 + m)iˆ - (4m + 3) ˆj + (7m - 1)kˆ

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2l + 1 = 4 + m .........(i)

1 + 3l = 4m + 3 .........(ii)

8l - 10 = 7m - 1 .........(iii)

Solving (i) & (ii), l = 2, µ = 1 and l = 2, µ = 1 satisfies equation (iii)

Given lines are intersecting & hence coplanar. Ans.

16. TEST OF COLLINEARITY OF THREE POINTS :

b
uuur uuur
(a) 3 points A B C will be collinear if AB = l BC , where l Î R b+c

r r r

®
(b) Three points A, B, C with position vectors a,b, c respectively

c
are collinear, if & only if there exist scalars x, y, z not all zero
r r r r
simultaneously such that ; xa + yb + zc = 0 , where x + y + z = 0

(c) Collinearly can also be checked by first finding the equation of line through two points and
satisfying the third point.

r r
Illustration 12 : Prove that the points with position vectors a = ˆi - 2ˆj + 3k,
ˆ b = 2iˆ + 3jˆ - 4kˆ &

r
c = -7ˆj + 10kˆ are collinear..
r r r r
Solution : If we find, three scalars l, m & n such that la + mb + nc = 0 , where l + m + n = 0
then points are collinear.
r
l(iˆ - 2ˆj + 3k)
ˆ + m(2iˆ + 3jˆ - 4k)
ˆ + n( -7 ˆj + 10k)
ˆ =0
r
Þ (l + 2m)iˆ + ( -2l + 3m - 7n)ˆj + (3l - 4m + 10n)kˆ = 0
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

Þ l + 2m = 0, –2l + 3m – 7n = 0, 3l – 4m + 10n = 0
Solving, we get l = 2, m = –1, n = –1
since l + m + n = 0
Hence, the points are collinear.
Aliter :
uuur r r
( ) ( )
AB = b - a = 2iˆ + 3jˆ - 4kˆ - iˆ - 2jˆ + 3kˆ = ˆi + 5jˆ - 7kˆ

uuur r r
( ) ( ) (
BC = c - b = -7ˆj + 10kˆ - 2iˆ + 3jˆ - 4kˆ = -2iˆ - 10ˆj + 14kˆ = -2 ˆi + 5jˆ - 7kˆ )
uuur uuur
\ AB = -2BC
r r r
Hence a, b & c are collinear.
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® Vector
Do yourself - 5 :

1. The position vectors of the points P, Q, R are î +2 ĵ +3 k̂ , –2 î +3 ĵ +5 k̂ and 7 î – k̂ respectively.

Prove that P, Q and R are collinear.
2. If the three points with position vectors (1, a, b) ; (a, 2, b) and (a, b, 3) are collinear in space, then
the value of a + b is
(A) 3 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) none
r r r r r r r r
3. Let r = a + ll and r = b + m m be two lines in space where a = 5î + ˆj + 2k̂ , b = - î + 7 ĵ + 8k̂ ,
r r
l = -4î + ˆj - k̂ and m = 2î - 5ˆj - 7 k̂ then the p.v. of a point which lies on both of these
lines, is

®
(A) î + 2ˆj + k̂ (B) 2î + ˆj + k̂

(C) î + ĵ + 2k̂ (D) non existent as the lines are skew

r r 15 $
4. If a vector a of magnitude 50 is collinear with vector b = 6 $i - 8 $j - k and makes an acute
2
angle with positive z-axis then :
r r r r
(A) a = 4 b (B) a = - 4 b
r r
(C) b = 4 a (D) none

5. Image of the point P with position vector 7 $i - $j + 2 k$ in the line whose vector equation is,
r
r = 9î + 5ˆj + 5k̂ + l ( î + 3 ĵ + 5k̂ ) has the position vector

(A) (- 9, 5, 2) (B) (9, 5, - 2)

node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-1.p65

(C) (9, - 5, - 2) (D) none

r r
6.
r r
Given three vectors a , b & c each two of which are non collinear. Further if a + b is (r )
r r r r r r r
( )
collinear with c , b + c is collinear with a & ½ a ½ = ½ b ½ = ½ c ½ = 2 . Then the value of
r r r r r r
a .b +b .c + c.a :

(A) is 3 (B) is - 3
(C) is 0 (D) cannot be evaluated

7. Find the vector equation of the line which is parallel to the vector 3iˆ - 2ˆj + 6kˆ and which passes
through the point (1, –2, 3).

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17. SCALAR PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS (DOT PRODUCT) :

r r
Definition : Let a and b be two non zero vectors inclined at an angle q. Then the scalar product of
r r r r r r r r
a with b is denoted by a . b and is defined as a . b = | a || b | cos q; 0 £ q £ p.

b
b a q
q q
a

Geometrical Interpretation of Scalar product :

uuur r uuur r
| OA | = | a |, |OB| = | b |
r r r r B
Now a . b = | a || b | cos q

®
r M
= | a | (OB cos q)
r r r
b
= (magnitude of a ) (Projection of b on a )
q
r r r r O N A
Again, a . b = | a || b | cos q a
r r
= | b | (| a | cos q )
r r r
= (Magnitude of b ) (Projection of a on b )
r r r r
(a) a . b =|a ||b| cos q(0 £ q £ p)
v r r r
Note that if q is acute then a .b > 0 & if q is obtuse then a .b < 0
r r r r r r r r
(b) (i) a .a =| a |2 = a 2 (ii) a .b = b .a (commutative)
r r r r r r r
(c) a .(b + c) = a .b + a . c (distributive)
r r r r r r r
(d) a .b = 0 Û a ^ b ; (a , b ¹ 0)

(e) ˆi . iˆ = ˆj. ˆj = kˆ .kˆ = 1; ˆi . ˆj = ˆj.kˆ = kˆ . iˆ = 0

node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

r A
r r ar .b r
(f) Projection of a on b = r . (Provided b ¹ 0 ) a
|b|
b B
O
Projection of a on b
Note :
rr r
r æ a.b
r ö
(i) The vector component of a along b = ç r 2 ÷ b and
èb ø a

r
r r æ ar .b ö r
perpendicular to b = a - ç r 2 ÷ b [by triangle law of vector b
è b ø
Addition]
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® Vector

r rr
r a.b
(ii) The angle f between a & b is given by cos f = r r 0 £ f £ p
| a || b |

r r rr
(iii) If a = a1ˆi + a 2ˆj + a 3kˆ & b = b1ˆi + b2 ˆj + b3kˆ , then a.b = a1b1 + a 2 b 2 + a 3b3

r 2 2 2
r 2 2 2
a = a1 + a 2 + a 3 , b = b1 + b 2 + b3

r r r r
(iv) Maximum value of a .b = | a || b |
r r r r
(v) Minimum values of a .b = - | a || b |
r r r ˆˆ r ˆˆ r ˆ ˆ
(vi) Any vector a can be written as, a = (a .i)i + (a . j) j + (a .k)k

®
(g) Vector equation of angle bisector :
l(a+b)
A vector in the direction of the bisector of the a
r r
angle between the two vectors a & b is
q
r r q
a b b
r + r . Hence bisector of the angle between
|a | |b|
r r
ˆ , where
the two vectors a & b is l (aˆ + b)

l Î R+ .
r
Illustration 13 : The vector c , directed along the bisector of the angle between the vector 7 î – 4 ˆj – 4 k̂
r
and –2 î – ˆj + 2 k̂ with | c | = 5 6 is -

5 5 5
(A) ( î – 7 ˆj +2 k̂ ) (B) (5 î +5 ˆj + 2 k̂ ) (C) ( î +7 ˆj +2 k̂ ) (D) none of these
3 3 3

Let ar = 7 î – 4 ˆj – 4 k̂
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

Solution :
r
and b = – 2 î – ˆj + 2 k̂
uuur uuur C
Angle bisector of A divides the BC in the ratio of AB : AC ,
|AC|
uuur uuur b c
AB = 9 , AC = 3 D
|AB|
A B
uuur æ 9(–2iˆ – ˆj + 2k)
ˆ + 3(7iˆ – 4ˆj – 4k)
ˆ ö iˆ - 7 ˆj + 2kˆ a
AD = ç ÷÷ =
ç 9+3 4
è ø

uuur
r æç AD ö÷ 5
c= uuur 5 6 = ( î – 7 ˆj + 2 k̂ ) Ans.[A]
ç AD ÷ 3
è ø
E 71
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®

Illustration 14 : If pth, qth, rth terms of a G.P. are the positive numbers a, b, c then angle between the
vectors log a 2 ˆi + log b 2 ˆj + log c 2 kˆ and (q - r)iˆ + (r - p)ˆj + (p - q)kˆ is :-

p p
(A) (B)
3 2

-1 æ 1 ö
(C) sin ç 2 ÷ (D) none of these
è a +b +c ø
2 2

Solution : Let x0 be first term and x the common ratio of the G.P.
\ a = x0 xp – 1, b = x0 xq – 1, c = x0 xr – 1 Þ log a = log x0 + (p – 1) log x;

log b = log x0 + (q – 1) log x; log c = log x0 + (r – 1) log x

r r

®
If a = log a 2 iˆ + log b 2 ˆj + log c 2 kˆ and b = (q - r) ˆi + (r - p) ˆj + (p - q) kˆ

rr r r p
\ a.b = S2 (log a) (q - r) = 2å (log x 0 + (p –1) log x)(q - r) = 0 Þ a ^ b = . Ans.
2

Illustration 15: Find the distance of the point B( î + 2 ˆj + 3 k̂ ) from the line which is passing through
r
A(4 î + 2 ˆj + 2 k̂ ) and which is parallel to the vector C = 2iˆ + 3jˆ + 6kˆ . (Roorkee 1993)

Solution : AB = 32 + 12 = 10
B(1,2,3)

uuur ˆ ˆ ˆ
ˆ (2i + 3j + 6k)
AM = AB.cˆ = (-3iˆ + k).
7
=–6+6=0 A (4i+2j+2k) M
2 2 2 C
BM = AB – AM

So, BM = AB = 10 Ans.
Illustration 16 : Prove that the medians to the base of an isosceles triangle is perpendicular to the base. node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

Solution : The triangle being isosceles, we have C(c)

AB = AC ........... (i)
r
uuur b + cr P
Now AP = where P is mid-point of BC.
2
uuur r r B(b) A(0)
Also BC = c - b
r
uuur uuur b + cr r r 1 2
\ AP.BC = .(c - b) = (c - b 2 )
2 2
1
= (AC 2 - AB2 ) = 0 {by (i)}
2
\ Median AP is perpendicular to base BC.

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Do yourself - 6 :
r r
1. Find the angle between two vectors a & b with magnitude 2 and 1 respectively and such
r r
that a . b = 3 .
r r r r r r
2. Find the value of ( a + 3 b ) . (2 a – b ) if a = î + ˆj + 2 k̂ , b = 3 î + 2 ˆj – k̂ .

3. The scalar product of the vector î + ˆj + k̂ with a unit vector along the sum of the vectors

2 î + 4 ˆj – 5 k̂ and l î +2 ˆj + 3 k̂ is equal to 1, find l .

r r
4. Find the projection of the vector a = 4iˆ - 2ˆj + kˆ on the vector b = 3iˆ + 6ˆj + 2kˆ . Also find
r r r
vector component of a along b and perpendicular to b .

®
r
5. Find the unit vectors along the angle bisectors between the vectors a = ˆi + 2ˆj - 2kˆ and
r
b = -3iˆ + 6ˆj + 2kˆ .
6. The acute angle between the medians drawn from the acute angles of an isosceles right angled
triangle is:
(A) cos-1 (2 3) (B) cos-1 (3 4) (C) cos-1 (4 5) (D) none

7. If the vectors 3p + q ; 5p - 3q and 2p + q ; 4 p - 2q are pairs of mutually perpendicular vectors

Ù
then sin ( p q ) is

(A) 55 4 (B) 55 8 (C) 3 16 (D) 247 16

8. The set of values of c for which the angle between the vectors cx $i - 6 $j + 3 k$ &
x $i - 2 $j + 2 cx k$ is acute for every x Î R is
(A) (0, 4/3) (B) [0, 4/3] (C) (11/9, 4/3) (D) [0, 4/3)
r
Let ur = î + ˆj , vr = î - ĵ and w r
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

9. = î + 2ˆj + 3k̂ . If n̂ is a unit vector such that u · n̂ = 0 and

r r
v · n̂ = 0 , then | w · n̂ | is equal to
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 0
r r r r r r r r
10. If a + b + c = 0 , a = 3 , b = 5 , c = 7 , then the angle between a & b is :

(A) p 6 (B) 2p 3 (C) 5p 3 (D) p 3

r r r r r r r
11. Let a , b , c be vectors of length 3, 4, 5 respectively. Let a be perpendicular to b + c , b
r r r r r r r r
to c + a & c to a + b . Then a + b + c is :

(A) 2 5 (B) 2 2 (C) 10 5 (D) 5 2

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®

r
12. The set of values of x for which the angle between the vectors a = x î - 3 ĵ - k̂ and
r r
b = 2x î + x ĵ - k̂ acute and the angle between the vector b and the axis of ordinates is
obtuse, is
(A) 1 < x < 2 (B) x > 2 (C) x < 1 (D) x < 0
13. If A (– 4, 0, 3) ; B (14, 2, –5) then which one of the following points lie on the bisector of the

angle between OA and OB ('O' is the origin of reference)

(A) (2, 1, –1) (B) (2, 11, 5) (C) (10, 2, –2) (D) (1, 1, 2)
® ® ® ® ®
14. Given a parallelogram ABCD. If | AB | = a , | AD | = b & | AC | = c , then DB . AB has the value

3 a 2 + b 2 - c2 a 2 + 3 b 2 - c2 a 2 - b 2 + 3 c2

®
(A) (B) (C) (D) none
2 2 2

15. L1 and L2 are two lines whose vector equations are

r
[(
L1 : r = l cos q + 3 î + ) ( ) (
2 sin q ĵ + cos q - 3 k̂ )]
r
(
L2 : r = m a î + bĵ + ck̂ ,)
where l and m are scalars and a is the acute angle between L1 and L2.
If the angle 'a' is independent of q then the value of 'a' is
p p p p
(A) (B) (C) (D)
6 4 3 2

| | | |
® ®
16. In the isosceles triangle ABC A B = BC = 8 , a point E divides AB internally in the ratio

| |
® ® ®
1 : 3, then the cosine of the angle between C E & CA is (where CA = 12)

3 7 3 8 3 7 -3 8
(A) - (B) (C) (D) node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65
8 17 8 17

18. LINEAR COMBINATIONS :

r r r r r r r
Given a finite set of vectors a, b, c ,........... then the vector r = xa + yb + zc + ............ is called a
r r r
linear combination of a, b, c ,........ for any x, y, z......... Î R.

FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM IN PLANE :

r r r r r
Let a, b be non zero, non collinear vectors. then any vector r coplanar with a, b can be expressed
r r r r r
uniquely as a linear combination of a, b i.e. there exist some unique x, y Î R such that xa + yb = r .

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r r r r
Illustration 17 : Find a vector c in the plane of a = 2iˆ + ˆj - kˆ and b = -ˆi + ˆj + kˆ such that c is perpendicular
r r
to b and c.( -2iˆ + 3jˆ - k)
ˆ = -1
r r r r
Solution : Any vector in the plane of a & b can be written as xa + yb
r r r
let c = xa + yb [by fundamental theorem in plane]
Now, given that
rr r r r
c.b = 0 Þ (xa + yb).b = 0
rr r
xa.b + yb 2 = 0
Þ x(–2 + 1 – 1) + y(3) = 0
–2x + 3y = 0 ...........(i)
r r
Also (xa + yb).(-2iˆ + 3jˆ - k)ˆ = -1

®
r r
Þ xa.(-2iˆ + 3jˆ - k)
ˆ + yb.( -2iˆ + 3jˆ - k)ˆ = -1
Þ x(–4 + 3 + 1) + y(2 + 3 – 1) = –1
1
y=-
4
3y 3
x= =-
2 8
r 3 ˆ - 1 ( -ˆi + ˆj + k)
Hence the required vector c = - (2iˆ + ˆj - k) ˆ
8 4
1 ˆ = 1 [ -4iˆ - 5ˆj + k]
= [ -6iˆ - 3jˆ + 3kˆ + 2iˆ - 2ˆj - 2k] ˆ Ans.
8 8

Do yourself - 7 :
r r r r r
1. Find a vector r in the plane of p = -ˆi + ˆj and q = -ˆj + kˆ such that r is perpendicular to p
rr
and r.q = -2 .
2. A vector of magnitude 5 5 coplanar with vectors î+ 2 ĵ & ĵ+ 2k̂ and the perpendicular vector
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

2î + ĵ+ 2k̂ is

(
(A) ± 5 5î + 6ˆj - 8k̂ ) (B) ± (
5 5î +6ˆj-8k̂ )
(
(C) ± 5 5 5î + 6ˆj - 8k̂ ) (
(D) ± 5î +6ˆj-8k̂ )
r
3. (a)
r ˆ b = ˆi - ˆj + kˆ and rc = ˆi - ˆj - kˆ be three vectors. A vector vr in the plane
Let a = ˆi + ˆj + k,

r r r 1
of a and b , whose projection on c is , is given by
3
(A) ˆi - 3ˆj + 3kˆ (B) -3iˆ - 3ˆj - kˆ (C) 3iˆ - ˆj + 3kˆ (D) ˆi + 3ˆj - 3kˆ
(b) The vector(s) which is/are coplanar with vectors ˆi + ˆj + 2kˆ and ˆi + 2ˆj + kˆ , and
perpendicular to the vector ˆi + ˆj + kˆ is/are
(A) ˆj - kˆ (B) -ˆi + ˆj (C) ˆi - ˆj (D) -ˆj + kˆ

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4. You are given the following information about the vectors :

r r r r
v1 + v 2 + v3 = 0
r r r r
v 3 + v 4 + v5 = 0
r r r r
v1 + v 4 + v 2 = v5
r
Is it possible to express v1 as a linear combination of the other vectors in the set ? If so, provide
the coefficients for the linear combination. If not, explain why it's not possible.
5. Suppose v1, v2, v3 is an orthogonal set of vectors in ¡3 with v1 . v1 = 29, v2 . v2 = 85.25,
v3 . v3 = 9, w is another vector in same space such that w . v1 = –29, w . v2 = 341, w
. v3 = –18, then find w in terms of v1, v2, v3

®
19. VECTOR PRODUCT OF TWO VECTORS (CROSS PRODUCT) :

r r
(a) If a & b are two vectors & q is the angle between them, then C = A ×B B
r r r r
a ´ b = a b sin qnˆ , where n̂ is the unit vector perpendicular q

r r r r r A
to both a & b such that a , b & n forms a right handed –C = B × A
screw system.
Sign convention :
r r
Right handed screw system : a, b and n̂ form a right
r
handed system it means that if we rotate vector a towards the
r
direction of b through the angle q, then n̂ advances in the
same direction as a right handed screw would, if turned in the
same way.
r r r r
r r r r 2 r 2 r 2 r r 2 a .a a .b
(b) Lagranges Identity : For any two vectors a & b ; (a ´ b) = a b - (a .b) = r r r r node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

a .b b.b

r r
(c) Formulation of vector product in terms of scalar product : The vector product a ´ b is the vector
r
c , such that

r r r r r r r r r r r r
(i) c = a 2 b 2 - (a .b) 2 (ii) c.a = 0; c .b = 0 and (iii) a, b, c form a right handed system

r r r r r r r r r r r
(d) (i) a ×b = 0 Û a & b are parallel (collinear) (a ¹ 0, b ¹ 0) i.e. a = Kb , where K is a scalar
r r r r
(ii) a × b¹b × a (not commutative)
r r r r r r
(iii) (ma)×b = a × (mb) = m(a ×b) where m is a scalar.

76 E
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® Vector
r r r r r r r
(iv) a ×(b + c) = (a × b) + (a × c) (distributive over addition)
r
(v) ˆi × ˆi = ˆj× ˆj = kˆ × kˆ = 0 i
j
(vi) ˆi × ˆj = k,
ˆ ˆj× kˆ = ˆi, kˆ × ˆi = ˆj
k
ˆi ˆj kˆ
r r r r
(e) If a = a1ˆi + a 2 ˆj + a 3kˆ & b = b1ˆi + b 2ˆj + b 3kˆ , then a ×b = a1 a 2 a3 .
b1 b 2 b3
r r
(f) Geometrically | a ´ b | = area of the parallelogram whose two
r r a×b b
adjacent sides are represented by a & b .
r r a
r r a × b
(g) (i) Unit vector perpendicular to the plane of a & b is nˆ = ± r r

®
|a × b|
r r r
r r(a ×b)
(ii) A vector of magnitude ‘r’ & perpendicular to the plane of a & b is ± r r
| a×b |
r r r
r | a×b |
(iii) If q is the angle between a & b , then sinθ = r r
| a || b |
(h) Vector area :
r r r
(i) If a, b and c are the pv’s of 3 points A, B & C then the vector area of triangle
1 r r r r r r
ABC = éa ×b + b × c + c × a ùû .
2ë
r r r r r r
(ii) The points A, B & C are collinear if a ´ b + b ´ c + c ´ a = 0
r r 1 r r
(iii) Area of any quadrilateral whose diagonal vectors are d1 & d 2 is given by d1 ×d 2 .
2
r
Illustration 18 : Find the vectors of magnitude 5 which are perpendicular to the vectors a = 2iˆ + ˆj - 3kˆ
r
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

and b = ˆi - 2ˆj + kˆ .
r r r
r a´b
Solution : Unit vectors perpendicular to a & b = ± r r
|a´b |

ˆi ˆj kˆ
r r
Q a ´ b = 2 1 -3 = -5iˆ - 5jˆ - 5kˆ
1 -2 1

(-5iˆ - 5jˆ - 5k)

ˆ
\ Unit vectors = ±
5 3

5 3 ˆ ˆ ˆ
Hence the required vectors are ± (i + j + k) Ans.
3

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r r r r r r r r r r r r
Illustration 19 : If a, b, c are three non zero vectors such that a ´ b = c and b ´ c = a , prove that a, b, c are
r r r
mutually at right angles and | b | = 1 and | c | = | a | .

r r r r r r
Solution : a ´ b = c and a = b ´ c
r r r r r r r r
Þ c ^ a, c ^ b and a ^ b, a ^ c
r r r r r r
Þ a ^ b, b ^ c and c ^ a
r r r
Þ a,b,c are mutually perpendicular vectors.

r r r r r r
Again, a ´ b = c and b ´ c = a

®
r r r r r r
Þ | a ´ b | = | c | and | b ´ c | = | a |

r r p r r r p r r r
Þ | a || b | sin = | c | and | b || c | sin = | a |
2 2
(Qar ^ b and b ^ cr )
r r r r r r
Þ | a || b |= | c | and | b | | c | = | a |
r r r
Þ | b |2 | c | = | c |
r
Þ | b |2 = 1
r
Þ | b |= 1
r r r
putting in | a | | b | = | c |
r r
Þ | a |=| c |

Illustration 20 : Show that the area of the triangle formed by joining the extremities of an oblique side of a node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

trapezium to the midpoint of opposite side is half that of the trapezium.

r
Solution : Let ABCD be the trapezium and E be the midpoint of BC. Let A be the initial point and let b
r r
be the position vector of B and d that of D. Since DC is parallel to AB, tb is a vector along
r r
DC, so that the position vector of c is d + tb .
r r r r r r D (d) C
b + d + tb d + (1 + t )b
Þ the position vector of E is =
2 2 E

r r
1 d + (1 + t)b r 1 r r (b)
Area of DAED = ´ d = (1 + t) | b ´ d | A (0) B
2 2 4

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® Vector
Area of the trapezium = Area (DACD) + Area (DABC).
1 r r r 1 r r r
= | b ´ (d + tb) | + | (d + tb) ´ d |
2 2
1 r r t r r 1 r r
= | b ´ d | + | b ´ d | = (1 + t) | b ´ d | = 2DAED
2 2 2
r r r r r r r r r r r
( ) (
Illustration 21 : Let a & b be two non-collinear unit vectors. If u = a - a .b b & v = a ´ b , then v is- )
r r r r r r r r r r r
(A) u (B) u + u .a (C) u + u .b (D) u + u .(a + b)
rr rr rr rr
Solution : u.a = a.a - (a.b)(a.b)
r r r r
= 1- | a |2 | b |2 cos 2 q (where q is the angle between a and b )

®
= 1 – cos2q = sin2q
r r r
| v | = | a ´ b | = sin q
r rr
| u | = u.u
rr rr rr r rr
= a.a - 2(a.b) 2 + (a.b) 2 | b |2 = 1 - (a.b) 2 = sin q
r r rr
\ | v | = | u | also u.b = 0
r
Hence, | vr | = | ur | = | ur | + | ur .b | Ans. (A, C)

Do yourself - 8 :
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
1 . If a × b = c × d and a × c = b × d , then show that ( a – d ) is parallel to ( b – c ) when a ¹ d
r r
and b ¹ c .
r r r r
2... Find a × b , if a = 2 î + k̂ and b = î + ˆj + k̂ .
r r
3 . For any two vectors u & v , prove that
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

r r r r2 r2 r2 r2 r2 r r r r r r 2
(a) (u .v) 2 + u ´ v = u v (b) (1 + u )(1 + v ) = (1 - u .v) 2 + u + v + (u ´ v)
r r
4. The number of vectors of unit length perpendicular to vectors a = (1, 1, 0) & b (0, 1, 1) is :
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) ¥
r r r r r r
5. For two particular vectors A and B it is known that A ´ B = B ´ A . What must be true
about the two vectors ?
(A) At least one of the two vectors must be the zero vector.
r r r r
(B) A ´ B = B ´ A is true for any two vectors.
(C) One of the two vectors is a scalar multiple of the other vector.
(D) The two vectors must be perpendicular to each other.

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uuur uuur uuur

6. Let AB = 3iˆ - ˆj, AC = 2iˆ + 3ˆj and DE = 4iˆ - 2 ˆj . The area of the shaded A

region in the adjacent figure, is- D

(A) 5
(B) 6 B C
(C) 7
(D) 8 E

7. Position vectors of the four angular points of a tetrahedron ABCD are A(3, – 2, 1); B(3, 1, 5);
C(4, 0, 3) and D(1, 0, 0). Acute angle between the plane faces ADC and ABC is
(A ) tan–1 (5 2) (B) cos–1 (2 5) (C) cosec–1 (5 2) (D) cot–1 (3 2 )
8. If A(0, 1, 0), B(0, 0, 0), C(1, 0, 1) are the vertices of a DABC. Match the entries of

®
column-I with column-II.
Column-I Column-II

2
(A) Orthocentre of DABC. (P)
2

3
(B) Circumcentre of DABC. (Q)
2

3
(C) Area (DABC) (R)
3

3
(D) Distance between orthocentre (S)
6
and centroid
(E) Distance between orthocentre (T) (0, 0, 0)
and circumcentre.
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65
æ1 1 1ö
(F) Distance between circumcentre (U) ç , , ÷
è2 2 2ø
and centroid.

æ1 1 1ö
(G) Incentre of DABC. (V) ç , , ÷
è 3 3 3ø

æ 1 2 1 ö
(H) Centroid of DABC ç ÷
(W) ç 1+ 2 + 3 , 1+ 2 + 3 , 1+ 2 + 3 ÷
è ø

r r r r r r
9. If a and b are vectors such that | a + b | = 29 and a ´ (2iˆ + 3jˆ + 4k)
ˆ = (2iˆ + 3jˆ + 4k)
ˆ ´b ,
r r
then a possible value of (a + b).( -7iˆ + 2ˆj + 3k)
ˆ is

(A) 0 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 8

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20. SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO LINES :

If two lines in space intersect at a point, then obviously A

a L p
the shortest distance between them is zero. Lines which
do not intersect & are also not parallel are called skew
p× q
lines. In other words the lines which are not
coplanar are skew lines. For Skew lines the direction
M q
of the shortest distance vector would be perpendicular to B b
both the lines. The magnitude of the shortest distance
®
vector would be equal to that of the projection of AB
®
along the direction of the line of shortest distance, LM is
r r

®
parallel to p ´ q

® ® ® ® r r
i.e. LM =| Projection of AB on LM | = | Projection of AB on p ´ q |

uuur r r r r r r
AB .(p ×q) (b – a).(p × q)
= r r = r r
p×q | p×q |
r r
(a) The two lines directed along p & q will intersect only if shortest distance = 0
r r r r r r r r r r r r
i.e. (b - a).(p ´ q) = 0 i.e. (b - a) lies in the plane containing p & q Þ é( b - a ) p q ù = 0
ë û
r r r r r r
(b) If two lines are given by r1 = a1 + K1b & r2 = a2 + K 2 b i.e. they a2

r r r d
b ´ (a 2 - a1 )
are parallel then, d = r a1
b
|b|

Illustration 22 :Find the shortest distance between the lines

node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

r ˆ and rr = (iˆ – ˆj + 2k) + µ(2iˆ + 4ˆj – 5k)

r = (4iˆ – ˆj) + l (iˆ + 2ˆj – 3k) ˆ
r r r r r r
Solution : We known, the shortest distance between the lines r = a 1 + lb1 & r = a 2 + lb 2 is given by

r r r r
(a 2 - a1 ).(b1 ´ b 2 )
d= r r
| b1 ´ b 2 |

r r r r r
Comparing the given equation with the equations r = a1 + lb1 and r = a 2 + l b 2
respectively,
r r r r
we have a1 = 4iˆ - ˆj, a 2 = ˆi - ˆj + 2kˆ , b1 = ˆi + 2ˆj – 3kˆ and b 2 = 2iˆ + 4ˆj – 5kˆ

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ˆi ˆj kˆ
r r r r ˆ ˆ ˆ
Now, a 2 - a1 = –3iˆ + 0ˆj + 2kˆ and b1 ´ b 2 = 1 2 –3 = 2i - j + 0k
2 4 –5

r r r r r r
\ (a 2 – a1 ).(b1 ´ b 2 ) = (–3iˆ + 0ˆj + 2k).(2i
ˆ ˆ – ˆj + 0k)
ˆ = –6 and | b1 ´ b 2 | = 4 + 1 + 0 = 5

r r r r
(a 2 – a1 ).(b1 ´ b 2 ) –6 6
\ Shortest distance d = r r = = . Ans.
| b1 ´ b 2 | 5 5

Do yourself - 9 :

®
1. Find the shortest distance between the lines :
r ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ & rr2 = (2iˆ + 4ˆj + 5k)
r1 = (i + 2 j + 3k) + l (2iˆ + 3jˆ + 4k) ˆ + m(3iˆ + 4 ˆj + 5k)
ˆ .

2. Find the shortest distance between the lines

r ˆ ˆ r
( ) (
r1 = j + k + l -ˆi - 2 ˆj + kˆ & r21 = - ˆi - kˆ + m ˆi + ˆj + kˆ )
3. Find the shortest distance between the lines
r ˆ ˆ ˆ r
( ) ( ) (
r = i + 2 j + k + l ˆi - ˆj + kˆ and r = 2iˆ - ˆj - kˆ + m 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ )
r
4. ( ) (
A line passes through the point A ˆi + 2ˆj + 3kˆ and is parallel to the vector V ˆi + ˆj + kˆ . The )
shortest distance from the origin, of the line is -

(A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 5 (D) 6

5. If A(a ) ; B( b ) ; C (c ) and D(d ) are four points such that node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-2.p65

a = - 2î + 4 ĵ + 3k̂ ; b = 2î - 8ˆj ; c = î - 3ˆj + 5k̂ ; d = 4î + ĵ - 7k̂

d is the shortest distance between the lines AB and CD, then which of the following is True?
(A) d = 0, hence AB and CD intersect

[ AB CD BD]
(B) d =
| AB ´ CD |
23
(C) AB and CD are skew lines and d =
13
[ AB CD AC ]
(D) d =
| AB ´ CD |

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21. SCALAR TRIPLE PRODUCT / BOX PRODUCT / MIXED PRODUCT :
r r r
(i) The scalar triple product of three vectors a, b & c
r rr r r r
is defined as : ( a ´ b ) . c =|a||b||c|sin q cos f
r r c cos f f c
where q is the angle between a & b & f is the
r r r
angle between a ´ b & c . It is also defined as q b
r r r
a
[a b c] , spelled as box product.
(ii) Scalar triple product geometrically represents the volume of the parallelopiped whose three
r r r rr
coterminous edges are represented by a, b & c i.e. V = [ar b c]
(iii) In a scalar triple product the position of dot & cross can be interchanged

®
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
i.e. a .(b ´ c) = (a ´ b). c OR [a b c] = [b c a] = [c a b]
r rr r r r r r r rrr
(iv) a .(b ´ c) = - a . (c ´ b) i.e. [a b c] = - [a c b]
a1 a 2 a3
r r r r r r
ˆ ˆ ˆ
If a = a1ˆi + a 2ˆj + a 3kˆ ; b = b1ˆi + b 2ˆj + b3kˆ & c = c1i + c2 j + c3k , then [a b c] = b1 b 2 b3
c1 c 2 c3
r r r r r r r r r r r r
In general , if a = a1 l + a 2 m + a 3n ; b = b1 l + b 2 m + b3n & c = c1 l + c 2 m + c3n
a1 a2 a3 r r r
r r r r r r
then [a b c] = b1 b2 b3 [ l m n] ; where l, m & n are non coplanar vectors.
c1 c2 c3
r r r r r r r r r
(v) If a , b , c are coplanar Û [a b c] = 0 Þ a , b , c are linearly dependent.
r
(vi) Scalar product of three vectors, two of which are equal or parallel is 0 i.e. [ar b c]
r
=0
r r r r r r r r r
Note : If a, b, c are non- coplanar then [a b c] > 0 for right handed system & [a b c] < 0
for left handed system.
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
ˆ =1
(vii) [iˆˆj k] (viii) [K a b c] = K[a b c] (ix) [(a + b) c d] = [a c d] + [b c d]
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
(x) [a - b b-c c - a] = 0 & [a + b b + c c + a] = 2[a b c]

r r r r r r r r r rrr
Illustration 23 :For any three vectors a, b, c prove that [a + b b + c c + a] = 2[a b c]
r r r r r r
Solution : We have [a + b b + c c + a]
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
= {(a + b) ´ (b + c)}.(c + a) = {a ´ b + a ´ c + b ´ b + b ´ c}.(c + a) {Q b ´ b = 0}
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
= {a ´ b + a ´ c + b ´ c}.(c + a) = (a ´ b).c + (a ´ c).c + (b ´ c).c + (a ´ b).a + (a ´ c).a + (b ´ c).a
rrr rrr rrr rrr rrr rrr
= [a b c] + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + [b c a] {Q [a c c] = 0,[b c c] = 0,[a b a] = 0,[a c a] = 0}
rrr rrr rrr
= [a b c] + [a b c] = 2[a b c] . Ans.
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r r r r rr rr rrˆ ˆ
Illustration 24 : If a, b are non-zero and non-collinear vectors then show a ´ b = [a b ˆi]iˆ + [a b ˆj]jˆ + [a b k]k
r r
Solution : Let a ´ b = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ
r r
(a ´ b).iˆ = (xiˆ + yjˆ + zk).i
ˆ ˆ

r r
(a ´ b).iˆ = x
r r r r
also (a ´ b). ˆj = y & (a ´ b).kˆ = z
r r rr rr rrˆ ˆ
\ a ´ b = [a b ˆi]iˆ + [a b ˆj]jˆ + [a b k]k Ans.

Do yourself - 10 :
r r r rrr

®
1 . If a, b, c are three non coplanar mutually perpendicular unit vectors then find éë a b c ùû .
r r r r rrr
2. If r be a vector perpendicular to a + b + c , where éë a b c ùû = z ¹ 0 and
r r r r r r r
r = l( b × c ) + m( c × a ) + n( a × b ), then find l + m + n.
3. Find the volume of the parallelepiped whose coterminous edges are represented by
r r
ˆ b = ˆi + 2ˆj - kˆ and rc = 3iˆ - ˆj + 2kˆ
a = 2iˆ - 3jˆ + 4k,
r r
4. Examine whether the vectors a = 2iˆ + 3jˆ + 2k, ˆ b = ˆi - ˆj + 2kˆ and rc = 3iˆ + 2ˆj - 4kˆ form a left

handed or right handed system.

r r r r r r r r r
5. For non-zero vectors a , b , c , a x b . c = a b c holds if and only if ;
r r r r r r r r
(A) a . b = 0, b . c = 0 (B) c . a = 0, a . b = 0
r r r r r r r r r r
(C) a . c = 0, b . c = 0 (D) a . b = b . c = c . a = 0
r r r
6. For three vectors u , v , w which of the following expressions is not equal to any of the
remaining three? node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

r r r r r r r r r r r r
(A) u . ( v x w ) (B) ( v x w ) . u (C) v . ( u x w ) (D) ( u x v ) . w
r r r
7. The volume of the tetrahedron formed by the coterminus edges a , b, c is 3. Then the volume
r r r r r r
of the parallelepiped formed by the coterminus edges a + b, b + c, c + a is
(A) 6 (B) 18 (C) 36 (D) 9
r r r
8. If u, v, w are non-coplanar vectors and p, q are real numbers, then the equality
r r r r r r r r r
[ 3u pv pw] – [ pv w qu] – [ 2 w qv qu] = 0 holds for :-
(A) More than two but not all values of (p,q)
(B) All values of (p, q)
(C) Exactly one value of (p, q)
(D) Exactly two values of (p, q)
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22. TETRAHEDRON :
The tetrahedron (plural tetrahedra) or triangular pyramid is the simplest polyhedron. Tetradedra have four
vertices, four triangular faces and six edges. Three faces and three edges meet at each vertex.
Any four points chosen in space will be the four vertices of a tetrahedron as long as they do not lie on a
single plane.

1 1 rr r C( c )
(a) The volume of tetrahedron = base area × height = éë abc ùû
3 6

a3
(b) Volume of regular tetrahedron =
6 2
(c) If the position vectors of the vertices of tetrahedron O
r r r r

®
are a, b, c and d , then the position vector of its
A( a ) B( b )
r r r r
a+b+c+d
centroid is given by
4
Note that this is also the point of concurrency of the lines joining the vertices to the centroids of the
opposite faces and is also called the centre of the terahedron. In case the tetrahedron is regular it is
equidistant from the vertices and the four faces of tetrahedron.

Illustration 25 : Prove that the volume of the tetrahedron and that formed by the centroids of the faces are in
the ratio of 27 : 1.

1 uuuruuuruuur 1 r rr
Solution : V1 = Volume of tetrahedron = éOAOBOC ù = é abc ù
6ë û 6ë û
O( o )
r r r r r r r r r
b+c a+b c+a a +b+c
Centroids of faces º , , ,
3 3 3 3
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

r r r
a +b+c ( c )C A( a )
Make fixed.
3

r r r B( b )
a c b
So, vectors are - , - , -
3 3 3

r r r
1 é a b cù 1 1 é r rr ù
V2 = Volume = 6 ê - - - ú = ´ ë abc û
ë 3 3 3 û 27 6

V1 27
Þ V = 1
2

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Illustration 26 : In a regular tetradedron, prove the following : The angle q between any two planes faces is
-1
given by cos q = .
3 O( o )
uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur uuur
Solution : OA = OB = OC = AB = BC = CA ......(i)
uur r r
For plane OBC, normal º n1 = c ´ b ;
uur r r
For plane OBC, normal º n 2 = b ´ a
( c )C A( a )
uur uur uur uur
n1.n 2 = n1 n 2 cos q
r r r r r r r r
( ) ( )
Þ - b ´ c . - a ´ b = b ´ c a ´ b cos q
r r r r r r r r r
Using (i), a = b = c = b - a = c - b = c - a = k
B( b )

®
r r2 r2 r2 rr
b - a = b + a - 2a.b = k 2
rr
Þ k 2 + k 2 - 2a.b = k 2
r r k2
Þ a.b =
2
r r r r k2
Similarly, b.c = c.a =
2
k2 k2 k 2 2
. - (k )
2 2 2 1
cos q = =-
( ( ) )( ( ))
r2 r2 rr 2 r2 r2 rr 2 3
b c - b.c a b - a.b

Do yourself - 11 :
1. Two distinct regular tetrahedra have all their vertices among the vertices of the same unit cube.
What is the volume of the region formed by the intersection of the tetrahedra ?
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

1 1
(A) 4 5 + 3 2 (B) (C) 7 3 + 4 2 (D)
6 8
2. An insect lives on the surface of a regular tetrahedron with edges of length 1. It wishes to travel on
the surface of the tetrahedron from the midpoint of one edge to the midpoint of the opposite edge.
What is the length of the shortest such trip ? (Note : two edges of a tetrahedron are opposite if they
have no common endpoint.)
1 3
(A) 3 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D)
2 2
3. What is the volume of tetrahedron ABCD with edge lengths AB = 2, AC 3, AD = 4,
BC = 13 , BD = 2 5 and CD = 5 ?

(A) 3 (B) 2 3 (C) 4 (D) 3 3

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4. Let M be the midpoint of AB in regular tetrahedron ABCD. What is cos(ÐCMD) ?

1 1 2 1
(A) (B) (C) (D)
4 3 5 2
5. In a regular tetrahedron, prove the follwoing : The angle q between any edge and the face not
1
containing that edge is given by cos q = .
3
6. In a regular tetrahedron, prove the following : Any two opposite edges are perpendicular to each
other and the shortest distance between the opposite edges is equal to half the diagonal of the
square described on an edge.

23. VECTOR TRIPLE PRODUCT :

r r r r r r

®
Let a, b and c be any three vectors, then the expression a ×(b × c) is a vector & is called a vector
triple product.
r r r
Geometrical interpretation of a ×(b × c)
a
r r r
Consider the expression a ´ (b ´ c) which itself is a vector, since a × (b× c) b×c
r r r
it is a cross product of two vectors a & (b ´ c) . Now c
r r r b
a ´ (b ´ c) is vector perpendicular to the plane containing
r r r r r
a & (b ´ c) but (b ´ c) is a vector perpendicular to the plane
r r r r r r r
b & c , therefore a ´ (b ´ c) is vector lies in the plane of b & c
r r r
and perpendicular to ar . Hence we can express a ´ (b ´ c) in terms
r r r r r r r
of b & c i.e. a ×(b × c) = xb + yc where x & y are scalars.
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
(a) a ´ (b ´ c) = (a . c)b - (a . b)c (b) (a ´ b) ´ c = (a . c)b - (b. c)a
r r r r r r
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

(c) (a ´ b) ´ c ¹ a ´ (b ´ c)

r r r rr r rr r 2
Illustration 27 : Prove that éëa ´ b b ´ c c ´ a ùû = éëabc ùû

r r r rr r r r r r r r
Solution : We have, éë a ´ b {( ) ( )}
b ´ c c ´ a ùû = a ´ b ´ b ´ c . ( c ´ a )
r r r r r r r
= d´ { ( )} b ´ c .( c ´ a )
r
(where, d = (a ´ b) )
rr r rr r r r r r r r r r r r r r
= {( d.c ) b - ( d.b ) c} . ( c ´ a ) = {( ( a ´ b ) .c ) b - ( ( a ´ b ) .b ) c}. ( c ´ a )
rr r r r r r rr
= {éë abc ùû b - 0} . ( c ´ a ) (Q [abb] = 0 )

rr r r r r r r r r rr r r r rr r rr r 2
{ }
= éëabc ùû b. ( c ´ a ) = éë abc ùû éë bca ùû = éë abc ùû éë abc ùû = éë abc ùû

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r r r r r r r r r r r r
Illustration 28 : Show that (b ´ c).(a ´ d) + (c ´ a).(b ´ d) + (a ´ b).(c ´ d) = 0
r r r r r r r r r
Solution : Let b ´ c = u, c ´ a = v, c ´ d = w
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
\ L.H.S = u.(a ´ d) + v.(b ´ d) + (a ´ b).w = (u ´ a).d + (v ´ b).d + a .(b ´ w)
r r r r r r r r r r r r
= [(b ´ c) ´ a].d + [(c ´ a) ´ b].d + a.[b ´ (c ´ d)]
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
= [(b.a)c – (c.a)b].d + [(c.b)a – (a .b)c].d + a.[(b.d)c – (b.c)d]
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r rr r r r r
= {(a.b)(c.d)}–{(c.a)(b.d)} +{(c.b)(a.d)}–{(a.b)(c.d)} + {(a .c) (b.d)}–{(a.d)(b.c)} = 0
= R.H.S.

Do yourself - 12 :

®
r r r r r r
1 . If a = 2 î – 4 ˆj + 7 k̂ , b = 3 î + 5 ˆj – 9 k̂ and c = î + ˆj + k̂ , then find [ a b c ] and also
r r r
a × ( b × c ).
r r r r r r r
2. a, b and c be three vectors having magnitudes 1,1 and 2 respectively. If a ´ (a ´ c ) + b = 0 ,
r r
then the acute angle between a & c is :
(A) p/6 (B) p/4 (C) p/3 (D) 5p/12
r r r
3. Let a = 2iˆ + 3jˆ - kˆ and b = ˆi + ˆj . If g is a unit vector, then the maximum value of

r r r r r r
é a ´ b b´ g g ´ a ù is equal to
ë û
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) 9

r r r r r
3i + k and b = 1 ( 2iˆ + 3jˆ - 6kˆ ) , then the value of ( 2ar - b ) . éë( ar ´ b ) ´ ( ar + 2b ) ùû is:-
1 ( ˆ ˆ)
4. If a =
10 7
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65
(A) 5 (B) 3 (C) – 5 (D) – 3
r r r
5. Given the following information about the non-zero vectors A, B and C :
r r r rr r r r r
(i) ( A ´ B ) ´ A = 0 (ii) B.B = 4 (iii) A.B = -6 (iv) B.C = 6
r r r r r r r r r
(A) A ´ B = 0 (B) A. ( B ´ C ) = 0 (C) A.A = 8 (D) A.C = -9
r r r
6. Let a, b and c are non-zero vectors such that they are not-orthogonal pairwise and such that
r r r r r r
V1 = a ´ ( b ´ c ) and V2 = ( a ´ b ) ´ c , they which of the following hold(s) good ?
r r r r
(A) a and b are orthogonal (B) a and c are collinear
r r r r r
(C) b and c are orthogonal (D) b = l ( a ´ c ) when l is a scalar

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24. LINEAR INDEPENDENCE AND DEPENDENCE OF VECTORS :
r r r
(a) If x1 , x 2 ,.......x n are n non zero vectors, & k1, k2, ....... kn are n scalars & if the linear combination
r r r r
k1x1 + k2 x 2 + ....k n x n = 0 Þ k1 = 0, k2 = 0....k n = 0 , then we say t hat vect ors
r r r
x1 , x 2 ,.......x n are linearly independent vectors.
r r r
(b) If x1 , x 2 ,.......x n are not linearly independent then they are said to be linearly dependent
r r r r
vectors. i.e. if k1x1 + k 2 x 2 + .......k n x n = 0 & if there exists at least one k r ¹ 0 then
r r r
x1 , x 2 ,...x n are said to be linearly dependent.

FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM IN SPACE :

r r r r
Let a, b, c be non-zero, non-coplanar vectors in space. Then any vector r , can be uniquely
r r r

®
expressed as a linear combination of a, b, c i.e. There exist some unique x, y, z Î R such that
r r r r
r = xa + yb + zc .
Note :
r r
(i) If a = 3iˆ + 2ˆj + 5kˆ then a is expressed as a linear combination of vectors ˆi, ˆj, kˆ . Also,
r
a , ˆi, ˆj, kˆ form a linearly dependent set of vectors. In general, every set of four vectors is a
linearly dependent system.
r r r r r r r
(ii) If a, b, c are three non-zero, non-coplanar vectors then xa + yb + zc = 0 Þ x = y = z = 0
r
(iii) ˆi, ˆj, kˆ are linearly independent set of vectors. For K1ˆi + K 2ˆj + K 3kˆ = 0 Þ K1 = 0 = K 2 = K 3
r r r r r r r
(iv) Two vectors a & b are linearly dependent Þ a is a parallel to b i.e. a ´ b = 0 Þ linear
r r r r r r r
dependence of a & b . Conversely if a ´ b ¹ 0 , then a & b are linearly independent.
r v r r r r
(v) If three vectors a, b, c are linearly dependent, then they are coplanar i.e. [a b c] = 0
r r r
conversely, if [a b c] ¹ 0 , then the vectors are linearly independent.
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

r r r r r r r r r
Illustration 29 : Show that points with position vectors a - 2b + 3c, –2a + 3b – c, 4a – 7b + 7c are collinear.
r r r
It is given that vectors a, b, c are non-coplanar.
Solution : The three points are collinear, if we can find l1, l2 and l3, such that
r r r r r r r r r r
l1 (a – 2b + 3c) + l 2 (–2a + 3b – c) + l 3 (4a – 7b + 7c) = 0
with l1 + l2 + l3 = 0
r r r
equating the coefficients a, b and c separately to zero, we get
l1 – 2l2 + 4l3 = 0, –2l1 + 3l2 – 7l3 = 0 and 3l1 – l2 + 7l3 = 0
on solving we get, l1 = – 2, l2 = 1, l3 = 1
So that l1 + l2 + l3 = 0
Hence the given vectors are collinear.

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25. COPLANARITY OF FOUR POINTS :

r r r r
Four points A, B, C, D with position vectors a, b, c, d respectively are coplanar if and only if
r r r r r
there exist scalars x, y, z, w not all zero simultaneously such that xa + yb + zc + wd = 0 , where
x+y+z+w=0
26. RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF VECTORS :
r r r r r r r r r r r r
If a, b, c & a ', b ', c ' are two sets of non coplanar vectors such that a . a ' = b . b ' = c . c ' = 1 ,
then the two systems are called Reciprocal System of vectors.
r r r r r r
b ´ c c ´ a a ´ b
Note : a ' = r r r ; b ' = r r r ; c ' = r r r
[a b c] [a b c] [a b c]

27. PROPERTIES OF RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF VECTORS :

®
r r r r r r r r r r
(a) a .b ' = a .c ' = b. c ' = c.a ' = c .b ' = 0
r r r r r r
(b) The scalar triple product [a b c] formed by three non-coplanar vectors a, b, c is the reciprocal
of the scalar triple product formed from reciprocal system.

r r r r
Illustration 30 : Find a set of vectors reciprocal to the vectors a, b and a ´ b .
r r r r r r
Solution : Let the given vectors be denoted by a, b and c where c = a ´ b
rrr r r r r r r r r r
\ [a b c ] = (a ´ b).c = (a ´ b).(a ´ b) = (a ´ b) 2
r r r
and let the reciprocal system of vectors be a ' b ' and c '
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
r b ´ c b ´ (a ´ b) r c ´ a (a ´ b) ´ a r a´b a´b
\ a ' = r r r = r r 2 ;b ' = r r r = r r 2 ;c ' = r r r = r r 2
[a b c] | a´b | [a b c] | a ´ b | [a b c] | a ´ b |

r r r r r r r
\ a ', b ', c ' are required reciprocal system of vectors for a, b and a ´ b . Ans. node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

r r r r r r
r b´c r c´a r a´b r r r r r r r
Illustration 31 : If a ' = r r r , b ' = r r r , c ' = r r r , then shown that ; a ´ a '+ b ´ b '+ c ´ c ' = 0
[a b c] [a b c] [a b c]
r r r
where a, b, c are non-coplanar vectors.
r r r
r r a ´ (b ´ c)
Solution : Here a ´a ' = r r r
[a b c]
rr r rr r
r r (a.c)b - (a.b)c
a´a' = rrr
[a b c]
rr r rr r rr r rr r
r r (b.a)c - (b.c)a & rc ´ cr ' = (c.b)a -r (c.a)b
Similarly b´ b' = rrr r r
[a b c]
[a b c]
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rr r rr r rr r rr r rr r rr r
r r r r r r (a.c)b - (a.b)c + (b.a)c -r (b.c)a + (c.b)a - (c.a)b
a ´ a '+ b ´ b '+ c ´ c ' = r r
[a b c]
r r r r
[Q a .b = b.a etc.]
r
=0 . Ans.

Do yourself - 13 :
r r r r r r
r b´ c r c´a r a´b r r r r r r r r r
1 . If p = r r r ,q = r r r , r = r r r , then find the value of ( a + b ). p +( b + c ). q +( c + a ). r .
[b c a] [c a b] [a b c]
r r r r r r r
2 . If a, b and c are non zero, non coplanar vectors determine whether the vectors r1 = 2a - 3b + c,
r r r r r r r r
r2 = 3a - 5b + 2c and r3 = 4a - 5b + c are linearly independent or dependent.

®
r r r r r
3. a, b, c are three non-zero vectors, no two of which are collinear and the vector a + b is collinear
r r r r r r r
with c , b + c is collinear with a , then a + b + c is equal to -
r r r
(A) a (B) b (C) c (D) none of these
4. Consider the following 3 lines in space
r
L1 : r = 3î - ĵ + 2k̂ + l ( 2 î + 4 ĵ - k̂ )
L2 : rr = î + ˆj - 3k̂ + m( 4î + 2ˆj + 4k̂ )
L3 : rr = 3î + 2 ĵ - 2k̂ + t (2î + ĵ + 2k̂ )
Then which one of the following pair(s) are in the same plane.
(A) only L1L2 (B) only L2L3 (C) only L3L1 (D) L1L2 and L2L3
r r r r r r
5. Let a = $i + $j , b = $j + k$ & c = a a + b b . If the vectors , $i - 2 $j + k$ , 3 $i + 2 $j - k$ & c are
a
coplanar then is
b
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) - 3
r r r
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

r
6. If a = $i + $j + k$ , b = 4 $i + 3$j + 4 k$ and c = $i + a$j + bk$ are linearly dependent vectors & c = 3 ,
then
(A) a = 1, b = -1 (B) a = 1, b = ±1
(C) a = -1, b = ±1 (D) a = ±1, b = 1
r r r
7. Given three vectors U = 2iˆ + 3jˆ - 6kˆ , V = 6iˆ + 2ˆj + 3kˆ and W = 3iˆ - 6ˆj - 2kˆ which of the
r r r
following hold good for the vectors U, V and W ?
r r r
(A) U, V and W are linearly dependent
r r r
(B) ( U ´ V ) ´ W = 0
r r r
(C) U, V and W form a triplet of mutually perpendicular vectors
r r r
(D) ( U ´ ( V ´ W ) ) = 0

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28. VECTORS EQUATIONS : Observe the following examples :

Illustration 32 : Let triplet of unit vectors satisfy xˆ = yˆ ´ zˆ - xˆ ´ yˆ , then identify the correct statement.

(A) xˆ + yˆ = 2 (B) xˆ - yˆ = 1

(C) xˆ + 2yˆ = 2 (D) No solution

Solution : xˆ = yˆ ´ zˆ - xˆ ´ yˆ ...(i)

Taking dot product with x,

ˆ yˆ & zˆ respectively we get

I = [xyz]
ˆˆˆ

xˆ × yˆ = 0

®
ˆ ˆ ˆ Þ xˆ × zˆ = -1 Þ zˆ = - xˆ
xˆ × zˆ = -[xyz]

Þ from (i)
x̂ = 0 Þ INCONSISTENT Ans. (D)
r r
Illustration 33 : If the non zero vectors a & b are perpendicular to each other, then the solution of the equation.
r r r is :
r ´a =b

r r 1 r r r r 1 r r
(A) r = xa + r r (a ´ b) (B) r = xb - r r (a ´ b)
a·a b·b

r r r r r r
(C) r = xa ´ b (D) r = xb ´ a
where x is a scalar
r r r r r
Solution : r = xa + yb + z(a ´ b)

take cross product with ar

r r r r r r r node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

r ´ a = yb ´ a + z(a ´ b) ´ a
r r r r r r r rr
b = y(b ´ a) + z((a ·a)b - (b·a)a)
r r r r r r
b = y(b ´ a) + z(a ·a)b
r r r
Since b & a ´ b are non coplanar
r r
\ z(a ·a) = 1 and y = 0

1
z=
a2

r r 1 r r
\ r = xa + 2 (a ´ b) Ans. (A)
a
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Do yourself - 14 :
r r r r r r r r r r
1. If d = l a ´ b + m b ´ c + v ( c ´ a ) éar b cr ù = 1 and d. ar + b + cr = 8 , then l + m + v is
( ) ( ) ( )
ë û 8
(A) 32 (B) 64 (C) 27 (D) 19
r r r r r
2. Given a , b and c are three vectors such that b and c are unit like parallel vectors and
r r r r
| a | = 4. If a + lc = 2b then the sum of all possible values of l is equal to

r r r r r r r
3. ( )
A vector v satisfying the equations v ´ aˆ ´ b = b + 2aˆ and aˆ ´ v + aˆ + b = (aˆ ´ b) ´ aˆ . If â is a unit
r r
vector and b = ˆi - ˆj + kˆ which is NOT collinear with â , then | v | is
r r r rr r r r

®
4. If a = ˆi + ˆj + kˆ & b = ˆi - 2ˆj + kˆ , then the vector c such that a.c = 2 & a ´ c = b is -

(A)
3
(
1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
3i - 2 j + 5k ) (B)
3
(
1 ˆ ˆ
- i + 2 j + 5kˆ )

(C)
3
(
1 ˆ ˆ
i + 2 j - 5kˆ ) (D)
3
(
1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
3i + 2 j + k )
r r r r r r r r r
5. Let a = ˆj - kˆ and c = ˆi - ˆj - kˆ . Then the vector b satisfying a ´ b + c = 0 and a . b = 3 is :

(A) -ˆi + ˆj - 2kˆ(B) 2iˆ - ˆj + 2kˆ (C) ˆi - ˆj - 2kˆ (D) ˆi + ˆj - 2kˆ

r r r r
6. The vectors a and b are not perpendicular and c and d are two vectors satisfying :
r r r r rr r
b ´ c = b ´ d and a.d = 0 . Then the vector d is equal to :-
r r rr
r æ b.cr ö r r a.c r
rr r æ b.cr ö r r æ a.c ö r
(A) b + ç r r ÷ c (B) c - æç r r ö÷ b (C) b - ç r r ÷ c (D) c + ç r r ÷ b
è a.b ø è a.b ø è a.b ø è a.b ø
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

uuur r uuur r
7. Let ABCD be a parallelogram such that AB = q, AD = p and ÐBAD be an acute angle.
r
If r is the vector that coincides with the altitude directed from the vertex B to the side AD,
r
then r is given by :
r r r r r r
r 3( p . q ) r r 3( p . q ) r
(A) r = - 3q + r r p (B) r = 3q - r r p
(p . p) (p . p)

r r r r r r
r æ p . q ör r æ p . q ör
(C) r = - q + ç r r ÷ p (D) r = q - ç r r ÷ p
èp.pø èp. pø
r r r r
8. Let a = -ˆi - k,
ˆ b = -ˆi + ˆj and c = ˆi + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ be three given vectors. If r is a vector such
r r r r rr rr
that r ´ b = c ´ b and r.a = 0 , then the value of r.b is

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Miscellaneous Illustrations :
r r r r r r r
Illustration 34 :Let u and v be unit vectors. If w is a vector such that w + ( w × u ) = v , then prove that

r r r 1 r r
|( u × v ) . w | £ and that the equality holds if and only if u is perpendicular to v .
2
r r r r
Solution : w + (w ´ u) = v ......(i)
r r r r r r 2 r r
Þ w ´ u = v – w Þ (w ´ u) = v 2 + w 2 – 2v.w
r r r r
Þ 2v.w = 1 + w 2 – (u ´ w) 2 ......(ii)
r
also taking dot product of (i) with v , we get
r r r r r rr
w.v + (w ´ u).v = v.v

®
r r r r r rr r
Þ v.(w ´ u) = 1 – w.v .......(iii) {Q v.v = | v | = 1}
2

r r r 1 r r
Now ; v.(w ´ u) = 1 – (1 + w 2 - (u ´ w) 2 ) (using (ii) and (iii))
2

r r
1 w 2 (u ´ w) 2
= – + (\ 0 £ cos2q £ 1)
2 2 2

1
= (1 – w2 + w2 sin2 q) ......(iv)
2
as we know ; 0 £ w2 cos2 q £ w2

1 1 - w 2 cos 2 q 1 - w 2
\ ³ ³
2 2 2

1 - w 2 cos 2 q 1
Þ £ ......(v) node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65
2 2
from (iv) and (v)

r r r 1
| v.(w ´ u) |£
2

p
Equality holds only when cos2q = 0 Þ q=
2
r r r r r r r r
i.e., u ^ w Þ u .w = 0 Þ w + (w ´ u) = v
r r r r r r r r
Þ u · w + u .(w ´ u) = u .v (taking dot with u )
r r r r r r
Þ 0 + 0 = u ·v Þ u ·v = 0 Þ u^v

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Illustration 35 : A point A(x1, y1) with abscissa x1 = 1 and a point B(x2, y2) with ordinate y2 = 11 are
given in a rectangular cartesian system of co-ordinates OXY on the part of the curve
uuur uuur
y = x2 – 2x + 3 which lies in the first quadrant. Find the scalar product of OA and OB .

Solution : Since (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) lies on y = x2 – 2x + 3.

\ y1 = x12 – 2x1 + 3

y1 = 12 – 2(1) + 3 (as x1 = 1)
y1 = 2
so the co-ordinates of A(1, 2)

Also, y2 = x 22 – 2x2 + 3

®
11 = x 22 – 2x2 + 3 Þ x2 = 4, x2 ¹ –2 (as B lie in 1st quadrant)

\ co-ordinates of B (4, 11).

uuur uuur
Hence, OA = ˆi + 2ˆj and OB = 4iˆ + 11jˆ
uuur uuur
Þ OA . OB = 4 + 22 = 26.

Illustration 36 : If ‘a’ is real constant and A, B, C are variable angles

a 2 - 4 tan A + a tan B + a + 4 tan C = 6a,

2
and

then find the least value of tan2 A + tan2 B + tan2 C

Solution : The given relation can be re-written as :

( a 2 - 4iˆ + ajˆ + a 2 + 4k).(tan

ˆ Aiˆ + tan Bjˆ + tan Ck)
ˆ = 6a
node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

Þ (a 2 - 4) + a 2 + (a 2 + 4). tan 2 A + tan 2 B + tan 2 C . cos q = 6a

rr r r
(as a.b = | a | | b | cos q)

Þ 3 a . tan 2 A + tan 2 B + tan 2 C cos q = 6a

Þ tan2A + tan2B + tan2C = 12 sec2 q ......(i)

also, 12 sec2q ³ 12 (as, sec2 q ³ 1) ......(ii)
from (i) and (ii),
tan2 A + tan2 B + tan2 C ³ 12
\ least value of tan2 A + tan2 B + tan2 C = 12.
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r r r
Illustration 37 : a, b , c are three non-coplanar unit vectors such that angle between any two is a. If
r r r r r r r
a × b + b × c = l a + m b + n c , then determine l, m, n in terms of a.
Solution : a2 = b2 = c2 = 1, [abc] ¹ 0
r r r r r r
a . b = b . c = c . a = cosa ......... (i)
r r
Multiply both sides of given relation scalarly by a , b and cr , we get
r r r
0 + [ a b c ] = l.1 + (m + n) cosa ......... (ii)
0 = m + (n + l) cosa ......... (iii)
r r r
[ a b c ] + 0 = (l + m)cosa + n ......... (iv)
Adding, we get
r r r
2[ a b c ] = (l + m + n) + 2(l + m + n) cosa
r r r
or 2[ a b c ] = (l + m + n) (1 + 2cosa) ......... (v)
rrr

®
[a b c] - l
From (ii), (m + n) =
cos a
rrr
r r r ì [a b c] - l ü
Putting in (v), we get 2[a b c] = íl + ý (1 + 2cos a )
î cos a þ

r r r ì 1 + 2 cos a ü æ 1 ö
or [a b c] í 2 - ý = l ç1 - ÷ (1 + 2 cos a )
î cos a þ è cos a ø
rrr
[a b c]
\ l= =n {as above}
(1 + 2cos a)(1 - cos a)
rrr
-2[a b c]cos a
and m = –(n + l) cosa =
(1 + 2cos a)(1 - cos a)
r r r
Thus the values of l, m, n depend on [ a b c ]
r r r
Hence we now find the value of scalar [ a b c ] in terms of a.
rr rr rr
a.a a.b a.c 1 cos a cos a
r r r 2 rr rr rr node06\B0BC-BD\Kota\JEE(Advanced)\Enthuse\Maths\Module\4-Module#Matrices, Vector & 3D\Eng\05-Vector_(Theory)_Part-3.p65

Now [ a b c ] = b.a b.b b.c = cos a 1 cos a (Apply C1 + C2 + C3)

r r r r r r cos a cos a 1
c.a c.b c.c

1 cos a cos a
= (1 + 2 cosa) 1 1 cos a (Apply R2 – R1 and R3 – R1)
1 cos a 1
r r r
\ [ a b c ]2 = (1 + 2 cosa)(1 – cosa)2
rrr
[a b c]
\ = 1 + 2 cos a
1 - cos a
1 -2cos a
Putting in the value of l, m, n we have l = = n, m = Ans.
(1 + 2cos a) (1 + 2cos a)

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