CBSE Class–12 Mathematics

NCERT Exemplar Solutions

Chapter - 10 Vector Algebra

Solved Examples
Short Answer (S.A.)
 ˆˆ ˆ
1. Find the unit vector in the direction of the sum of the vectors a=2i-j+2k

and b=-iˆ +jˆ +3k .
  
Ans: Let c be the sum of given vectors i.e a and b
  
c =a +b

c = 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ −iˆ   3
+ ˆj + k

c = iˆ + 5kˆ

| c | = 12 + 52 = 26
Now, the unit vector is given by

c iˆ + 5kˆ 1 ˆ 5 ˆ
cˆ =
= = i+ k
c 26 26 26


2.Find a vector of magnitude 11 in the direction opposite to that of PQ ,
where P and Q are the points (1, 3, 2) and (–1, 0, 8), respectively.
Ans: The vector with initial point P (1, 3, 2) and terminal point Q (–1, 0, 8) is
given by

PQ = ( −1 − 1) iˆ+ ( 0 − 3) ˆj + ( 8 − 2 ) kˆ

PQ = −2iˆ−3 ˆj +6kˆ
  
We know , QP = - PQ

(
QP = - -2iˆ -3ˆj +6kˆ )

QP = 2iˆ +3jˆ -6kˆ

Now , the unit vector in the direction of QP is given by

 QP 2iˆ + 3 j − 6kˆ 2iˆ + 3 j − 6kˆ   2 ˆ 3 ˆ 6 ˆ
QP =  = =   
= i + j− k
QP 22 + 32 + ( −6 )
2
49 7 7 7

Therefore , the vector of magnitude 11 in direction of QP is given by

 = 11( 2 iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6 kˆ ) = 22 iˆ + 33 ˆj − 66 kˆ
11 QP
7 7 7 7 7 7

3. Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining the two
 
points P and Q with position vectors OP = 2aˆ +bˆ and OQ = aˆ −2bˆ ,
respectively, in the ratio 1:2, (i) internally and (ii) externally.
Ans: (i) The position vector of the point R which is dividing the join of P and Q
internally in the ratio 1:2 is given by

(
 2 2aˆ    1
OR =
) (
+bˆ +    )
aˆ −2bˆ    5aˆ
=
1+ 2 3
(ii) The position vector of the point R′ which is dividing the join of P and Q in
the ratio 1 : 2 externally is given by

(
 2 2aˆ    1
OR ' =
) (
+bˆ −   aˆ −2bˆ    )
= 3â +4bˆ
2 −1

4.If the points (–1, –1, 2), (2, m, 5) and (3,11, 6) are collinear, find the value
of m.
Ans: Given points are : A (–1, –1, 2), B (2, m, 5) and C (3, 11, 6).
It is given that the points are collinear

AB = ( 2 + 1) iˆ + ( m + 1) ˆj + ( 5 − 2 ) kˆ

AB = 3iˆ + ( m + 1) ˆj +3kˆ

Also,

AC = ( 3 + 1) iˆ + (11 + 1) ˆj + ( 6 − 2 ) kˆ

AC = 4iˆ +12 ˆj +4kˆ

Since A, B, C, are collinear, we have

 
AB = λ AC

3iˆ + ( m + 1) ˆj +3kˆ = λ( 4iˆ +12 ˆj +4kˆ )

⇒ 3 = 4 λ and m + 1 = 12 λ
Hence , m = 8

 π
5. Find a vector r of magnitude 3 2 units which makes an angle of and
4
π
with y and z - axes, respectively.
2
Ans: Here we have been given m and n as
π 1
m = cos =
4 2
π
and n = cos =0
2
we know that
l 2       1
+ m 2 +n2 =
1
l 2 + + 0  1
=
2
 1
l   
= ±
2

+ mjˆ + nkˆ )
Therefore, the required vector r =3 2 ( liˆ   

 1 ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ
r =3 2 ( ± i   
+ j +0k )
2 2

r = ±3iˆ +3 ˆj

Hence , r = ±3iˆ +3 ˆj

   
6. If a = 2iˆ− ˆj + kˆ , b = iˆ+ ˆj −2kˆ and c = iˆ+3 ˆj −kˆ , find λ such that a is
 
perpendicular to λ b + c .
Ans: We have
 
+ ˆj −2kˆ ) + ( iˆ +3 ˆj −kˆ )
λ b + c = λ( iˆ   
 
λ b + c = (λ+1) iˆ   + ( λ + 3) ˆj − ( 2λ + 1) kˆ )
  
Now since a is perpendicular to λ b + c
  
a .(λ b + c ) = 0
 
− ˆj + kˆ ).(λ b + c ) = 0
(2iˆ   

− ˆj + kˆ ).[λ( iˆ   
(2iˆ    + ˆj −2kˆ ) + ( iˆ +3 ˆj −kˆ )] = 0

2 (λ + 1) – (λ + 3) – (2λ + 1) =0
λ = -2
Hence the value of λ = -2

7. Find all vectors of magnitude 10 3 that are perpendicular to the plane of

iˆ+2 ˆj + kˆ and - iˆ+3j +4kˆ .
 
+3j +4kˆ
Ans: Let us assume that a = iˆ +2 ˆj + kˆ and b = - iˆ   
  
+3j +4kˆ )
Now , a x b = ( iˆ +2 ˆj + kˆ )x(- iˆ   
 
+3j +4kˆ )
a × b = ( iˆ +2 ˆj + kˆ )x(- iˆ   
 
a × b = iˆ ( 8 − 3) − ˆj ( 4 + 1) + kˆ (3+2)
 
a ×b = 5i −5 ˆj +5kˆ
 
|a ×b | = 52 + (−5) 2 + 52 = 5 3

Unit vector perpendicular to the plane of a and b is given by

 
axb    5i −5 ˆj +5kˆ   
  =
axb 5 3

Therefore , vectors of magnitude of 10 3 that are perpendicular to plane of a

5i −5 ˆj +5kˆ   
and b are ±10 3 ( − ˆj + kˆ )
) = ±10( iˆ   
5 3

Long Answer (L.A)

8. Using vectors, prove that cos (A – B) = cosA cosB + sinA sinB.
Ans:
 and OQ
Let OP  be unit vectors making angles A and B, respectively, with
positive direction of x-axis. Then ∠QOP = A – B
 = OM
Now ,We know OP  + MP
 = icosA
ˆ + ˆjsinA

and OQ  + NQ
 = ON  = icosB
ˆ + ˆjsinB

By definition , we have
 . OQ
OP  || OQ
 = | OP  | cos A-B = cos (A – B) ……..eqn (1)

In terms of components, we have

 . OQ
OP  =( icosA
ˆ + ˆjsinA) . (icosB + ˆjsinB)
= cosA cosB + sinA sinB ……….eqn(2)
From (1) and (2), we have
cos (A – B) = cosA cosB + sinA sinB.
Hence Proved

sinA sinB sinC

9. Prove that in a ∆ ABC, =       = where a, b, c represent the
a b c
magnitudes of the sides opposite to vertices A, B, C, respectively.
 
Ans: Let the three sides of the triangle BC, CA and AB be represented by a , b

, and c respectively
Now we have ,
  
a + b + c =0
  
=> a + b = - c
 
On pre cross multiplying by a , and post cross multiplying by b , we get
   
a ×b = c ×a
   
and a × b = b × c
     
Therefore , a × b = b × c = c × a
     
|a × b | = |b × c | = | c × a |
     
| a || b |sin ( π– C) = | b || c |sin ( π– A) = | c || a |sin ( π– B)
ab sin C = bc sinA = ca sinB
Dividing by abc, we get
sinC sinA sinB
=      
=
c a b
sinA sinB sinC
=      
=
a b c
Hence Proved
Objective Type Questions

10. The magnitude of the vector 6 iˆ+2 ˆj +3kˆ is

(A) 5
(B) 7
(C) 12
(D) 1

Ans: Let a = 6 iˆ +2 ˆj +3kˆ

Now magnitude of a is given by

|a| = 62 + 22 + 32 =
36 +4 + 9 = 49 = 7

Therefore magnitude of the vector a is 7units
Hence the correct option is (B)

11.The position vector of the point which divides the join of points with
   
position vectors a + b and 2 a - b in the ratio 1 : 2 is
 
3a  b
+2
(A)
3

(B) a
 
5a −b
(C)     
3
 
4a  b
+
(D)
3
Ans: The position vector of required point by using section formula is calculated
as
 
   
2(a    (
+ b) +1 2a   
−b ) =
4a   
+b
2 +1 3
Hence the correct option is (D)

12. The vector with initial point P (2, –3, 5) and terminal point Q(3, –4, 7) is

(A) iˆ− ˆj +2kˆ

(B) 5 iˆ−7 ˆj +12kˆ

(C) - iˆ+ ˆj −2kˆ

(D) 0
Ans: Initial point P (2, –3, 5)
Terminal point Q(3, –4, 7)
The vector is given by

− ˆj +2kˆ
(3-2) iˆ + (-4-(-3)) ˆj + (7-5) k̂ = iˆ   

Hence the correct option is (A)

13. The angle between the vectors iˆ− ˆj and ˆj −kˆ is

π
(A)
3
2π
(B)
3
−π
(C)
3
5π
(D)
6
Ans: The angle between two vectors is given by
  
a .b (i − ˆj ) .(j −kˆ) −1 −1
cosθ =   = = =
a .b |
(i − ˆj ) | .|( j −kˆ) | 12 + 12 . 12 + 12 2

2π
θ =
3
Hence the correct option is (B)

ˆ − ˆj +2kˆ and 3iˆ+ λjˆ + kˆ

14. The value of λ for which the two vectors 2i   are
perpendicular is
(A) 2
(B) 4
(C) 6
(D) 8
Ans: Since the vectors are perpendicular to each other

− ˆj +2kˆ ) . ( 3iˆ +λ ˆj + kˆ ) = 0
( 2iˆ   
6 - λ +2 = 0
λ =8
Hence the correct option is (D)

15.The area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are iˆ+ kˆ and
ˆ + ˆj + kˆ is
2i  

(A) 2

(B) 3
(C) 3
(D) 4
   
Ans: Area of parallelogram whose adjacent sides are a and b is given by | a x

b |
 
a × b = ( iˆ + kˆ ) × ( + ˆj + kˆ )
2i   
 
+ ˆj + kˆ
a × b = −iˆ   
 
|a ×b | = (−1) 2 + (1) 2 + (1) 2 = 3

Hence the correct option is (B)

     
16. If | a | = 8 , | b | = 3 and | a x b | = 12 , then value of a . b is

(A) 6 3

(B) 8 3

(C) 12 3
(D) None of these
Ans: we know that
   
| a x b | = | a | .| b | |sin θ
  |
12 = 8.3.|sin θ
  |
1
|sin θ
  | =
2
π
θ =±
6
Now we have,
   
a . b = | a | .| b | |cos θ
  |

    3
a . b = | a | .| b | |cos θ
  | = 8 x 3 x = 12 3
2
 
Therefore, a . b = 12 3
Hence the correct option is (C)
 ˆ − ˆj + 4k represents the two sides AB and AC,
17, The 2 vectors ˆj + kˆ and 3i  
respectively of a ∆ABC. The length of the median through A is
34
(A)
2

48
(B)
2

(C) 18
(D) None of these

Ans: We know that Median AD is given by
 1
− ˆj + 4k |
| AD | = | 3iˆ    
2
 34
| AD | =
2
Hence the correct option is (A)

 
18. The projection of vector a = 2 iˆ− ˆj + kˆ along b = iˆ+2 ˆj +2kˆ is
2
(A)
3

1
(B)
3

(C) 2
(D) 6
 
Ans: Projection of a vector a on b is given by
 
a .b
 =
(
2iˆ    )(
− ˆj + kˆ . iˆ +2 ˆj +2kˆ ) =
2
b − ˆj + kˆ) | .(| iˆ +2 ˆj +2k| )
(| 2iˆ    3
Hence the correct option is (A)

   
19. If a and b are unit vectors, then what is the angle between a and b for
 
− to be a unit vector?
3 a   b
(A) 30°
(B) 45°
(C) 60°
(D) 90°
Ans: Here we have
     
a − b) 2 = 3 (a ) 2    + ( b) 2 - 2 3a . b
( 3    

  3
a .b =
2

3
cosθ =
2
θ = 30°.
Hence the correct option is (A)

20. The unit vector perpendicular to the vectors iˆ− ˆj and iˆ+ ˆj forming a right
handed system is

(A) k̂

(B) – k̂
ˆi -jˆ
(C)
2

ˆi +jˆ
(D)
2

Ans: Unit vector perpendicular to the vectors iˆ   

− ˆj and iˆ   
+ ˆj is given by
 (iˆ      (
− ˆj x iˆ + ˆj ) = k̂
( iˆ − ˆj ) x ( iˆ + ˆj )
Hence the correct option is (A)

 
21. If | a | = 3 and -1 ≤ k ≤  
2, then |k a | lies in the interval

(A) [0, 6]
(B) [– 3, 6]
(C) [ 3, 6]
(D) [1, 2]

Ans: Given | a | = 3 and -1 ≤ k ≤ 2,  

The smallest value of |k a | will exist at the numerically smallest value of k, i.e.,
at = 0, which gives
 
|k a | = |k|| a | = 0x3 = 0

The numerically greatest value of k is 2 at which |k a | =6 .

|k a | ∈ [0, 6]
Hence the correct option is (A)

Exercise – 10.3
Short Answer (S.A.)
 
ˆ ˆ ˆ and b=2j+k
1. Find the unit vector in the direction of sum of vectors a=2i-j+k ˆ ˆ
.
Ans:
  
Let c denotes the sum of a and b . So,
  
( )
c = a + b = 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ

c = 22 + 12 + 22 = 9= 3
Unit vector along vector c will be

c 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ 2 ˆ 1 ˆ 2 ˆ
cˆ =  = = i + j+ k
c 3 3 3 3

 
ˆ ˆ ˆ and b=2i+j-2k
2. If a=i+j+2k ˆ ˆ ˆ find the unit vector in the direction of

(i) 6b
 
(ii) 2a-b
Ans:
 
Given that a = iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ and b = 2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ

(i) We have to find unit vector along


6b = 12iˆ + 6 ˆj − 12kˆ

We know that all parallel vectors have same unit vector so, unit vector along 6b

will be same as along b

b 2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ 1 ˆ ˆ
bˆ =  =
b 2 +1 + 2
2 2 2
=
9
(
2i + j − 2kˆ )
2 1 2
bˆ = iˆ + ˆj − kˆ
3 3 3
  
(ii) We have to find unit vector along = c 2a − b
 

( ) (
c = 2a − b = 2 iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ − 2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ )
= ˆj + 6kˆ
 ˆj + 6kˆ
c 1 ˆ
cˆ =
=
c 12 + 62
=
37
(
j + 6kˆ )
 
3. Find a unit vector in the direction of PQ where P and Q have coordinates
(5, 0, 8) and (3, 3, 2), respectively.
Ans:
Given that P and Q have coordinates (5, 0, 8) and (3, 3, 2).
  
PQ = OQ − OP = ( ) (
3iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ − 5iˆ + 8kˆ = )
−2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ

PQ −2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ 1
=
PQ =
PQ 22 + 32 + 62
=
49
(
−2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ )
 = 1 −2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ
PQ
7
( )

 
4. If a and b are the position vectors of A and B, respectively, find the
position vector of a point C in BA produced such that BC = 1.5 BA .
Ans:
 
Given that OA = a and OB = b
 
BA = OA − OB = a −b
 
BC 1.5
= =BA 1.5 a − b . ( )
 
BC = OC − OB = c −b
   
(
1.5 a − b =c − b)
   
c = 1.5a − 1.5b + b
 1  
OC= c=
2
3a − b ( )

5. Using vectors, find the value of k such that the points A (k, – 10, 3), B (1, –
1, 3) and C (3, 5, 3) are collinear.
Ans:
Given points are A (k, – 10, 3), B (1, –1, 3) and C (3, 5, 3) Since points are
collinear so
AB= x ( BC ) ⇒ OB − OA= x ( OC − OB )

(iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ ) − ( kiˆ − 10 ˆj + 3=

kˆ ) x ( 3iˆ + 5 ˆj + 3kˆ ) − ( iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ ) 
 

(1 − k ) iˆ + 9 ˆj= (
x 2iˆ + 6 ˆj )
By comparing the terms, we have
1 − k =2 x ⇒ k =1 − 2 x
9 = 6x ⇒ 2x = 3
1 3 =−2
k =−
Hence value of k = −2 .


6. A vector r is inclined at equal angles to the three axes. If the magnitude
 
of r is 2 3 units, find r .
Ans:
 
Given r = 2 3 and r is equally inclined to axes so

l m= n
=
l 2 + m 2 + n 2 =1 ⇒ 3l 2 =1
1
l=
± m=
= n
3
 
(
Now, r= r liˆ + njˆ + mkˆ )
 1 ˆ 1 ˆ 1 ˆ

r =2 3  ±
 3
i±
3
j± k  =±2 iˆ + ˆj + kˆ
3 
( )
 
7. A vector r has magnitude 14 and direction ratios 2, 3, – 6. Find the
 
direction cosines and components of r , given that r makes an acute angle
with x-axis.
Ans:

Given that r = 14 and direction ratios 2, 3, -6.

Let direction cosines are l ,   

m and n

2x x
∴ l= =
14 7
3x
∴m =
14
6x 3x
∴ n =− =−
14 7
Now, l 2 + m 2 + n 2 =
1
2 2 2
 x   3x   3x 
  +   + −  = 1
 7   14   7 

x2 9x2 9x2
+ + 1
=
49 196 49

( 4 + 9 + 36 ) x 2
196
=

49 x 2= 4 × 49
x2 = 4
∴ x =±2

Since r makes acute angle with x-axis so value of x = 2
2 3 6
Now,
= l =,m and n = −
7 7 7

2 3 6 
 
( )
r= r liˆ + njˆ + mkˆ= 14  iˆ + ˆj − kˆ 
7 7 7 

r = 4iˆ + 6 ˆj − 12kˆ
8. Find a vector of magnitude 6, which is perpendicular to both the vectors
ˆ ˆ ˆ and 4i-j+3k
2i-j+2k ˆˆ ˆ.

Ans:
 
Let a = 2iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ and b = 4iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ

Vector product of the vectors is always perpendicular to both the vectors. So,
   ˆj kˆ −1 2 4 −13 = ( −3 + 2 ) iˆ − ( 6 − 8 ) ˆj + ( −2 + 4 ) kˆ
c = a × b = iˆ    2


c =−iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ

Required vector should have magnitude 6 then


c −iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ 6

r = 6×  = 6× 2
c 1 +2 +2 2 2
=
9
(
−iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ )

r=−2iˆ + 4 ˆj + 4kˆ

ˆ ˆ ˆ and 3 ˆi+4j-k
9. Find the angle between the vectors 2i-j+k ˆ ˆ.

Ans:
 
Given a = 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and b =3iˆ + 4 ˆj − kˆ

Angle between vectors be θ then

 
  
a •b 1
θ  
coscos= =
  
a b

2 +1 +1 3 + 4 +1
2 2 2 2 2 2
( ) (
2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ • 3iˆ + 4 ˆj − kˆ )
1
coscos θ
=    ( 6 − 4 − 1)
6 × 26
1
coscos θ
  =
2 39
  1 
θ = 
 2 39 

        
10. If a+b+c=0 , show that a×b=b×c=c×a . Interpret the result geometrically?
Ans:
  
Given a + b + c =0
  
⇒b = −(a + c )
    
a × b = a × {− ( a + c )}
   
=−a × a − a × c
 
= 0+c×a
   
a ×b =c × a

Again, b × c ={− ( a + c )} × c
   
=−a × c − c × c
   
b ×c =c ×a
     
Hence, a × b = b × c = c × a .
Proved.
Geometrical interpretation of the result.

 
If ABCD is parallelogram such that AB = a and AD = b and these
adjacent sides are making angle θ between each other, then
   
Area of parallelogram ABCD= a b sinsin θ
  
= a ×b

Since, parallelogram on the same base and between the same parallels are
equal in area.
     
So, a ×b = b ×c = c ×a
     
This also implies that a × b = b × c = c × a
So, area of the parallelogram formed by taking any two sides represented
  
By a ,    
b and c as adjacent are equal.

 ˆ ˆ ˆ 
11. Find the sine of the angle between the vectors a=3i+j+2k ˆ ˆ ˆ.
and b=2i-2j+4k

Ans:
 
Given that a = 3iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ and b = 2iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ .

Let the angle between vectors be θ then

 
a ×b
sinsin θ
  =  
a b

  ˆj kˆ    2 2 −2 4 =
a × b = iˆ    31 ( 4 + 4 ) iˆ − (12 − 4 ) ˆj + ( −6 − 2 ) kˆ
   
a × b = 8iˆ − 8 ˆj − 8kˆ ⇒ a × b = 8 1 + 1 + 1 = 8 3

a= 9 + 1 + 4= 14

b= 4 + 4 + 16 = 24
 
a ×b 8 3 2× 4 3
sinsin
= θ   =  =
a b 14 24 4 3 7
 2
= .
7

12. If A, B, C, D are the points with position vectors ˆi+j-k ˆˆ ˆ,

ˆ ˆ , 2i-j+3k ˆ ˆ,
2i-3k and
ˆ ˆ ˆ , respectively, find the projection of AB along CD.
3i-2j+k

Ans:

Given, OA = iˆ + ˆj − kˆ , OB = 2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ ,

OC= 2iˆ − 3kˆ , and OD =3iˆ − 2 ˆj + kˆ

( ) ( )
AB = OB − OA = 2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ − iˆ + ˆj − kˆ = iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ

( ) (
CD =OD − OC =3iˆ − 2 ˆj + kˆ − 2iˆ − 3kˆ =iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ)
CD
Now, projection of AB along CD = AB.
CD

1
=
1 +2 +4
2 2 2
( iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ ).(iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ )
1
= (1 + 4 + 16 )
21
21
=
21

= 21

13. Using vectors, find the area of the triangle ABC with vertices
A (1, 2, 3), B (2, – 1, 4) and C (4, 5, – 1).
Ans:
Given A (1, 2, 3), B (2, – 1, 4) and C (4, 5, – 1).
 AB =iˆ − 3 ˆj + kˆ , AC = 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 4kˆ

1
Area of ∆ABC = AB × AC
2
1 ˆˆˆ
= i   
j k 1  
−31  
3 3 −4
2
1 ˆ
=
2
(
9i + 7 ˆj + 12kˆ )
1 2 2
= 9 + 7 + 122
2
1
= 81 + 49 + 144
2
1
= 274 sq. units
2

14. Using vectors, prove that the parallelogram on the same base and
between the same parallels are equal in area.
Ans: Let ABCD and ABFE are parallelograms on the same base AB and
between the same parallel line AB and DF.

 
Let AB = a and AD = b
 
Area of parallelogram ABCD= a × b
Again, area of parallelogram ABFE
= AB × AE
=AB × ( AD + DE )
  
( ) 
=a × b + ka ;  DE = ka
 
= a ×b + 0
 
= a ×b
area of parallelogram ABFE = area of parallelogram ABCD
Hence, proved.

Long Answer (L.A.)

15. Prove that in any triangle ABC, 2bc coscos A = ( b 2 +c2 -a 2 ) , where a, b, c are
the magnitudes of the sides opposite to the vertices A, B, C, respectively.
Ans:

A and csinsin   
Here components of c are ccoscos    A is drawn.
Since, CD= b − ccoscos   
A
In ∆BDC , using Pythagoras theorem,

( b − ccoscos     
A ) + ( csinsin A )
2 2
a2 =
 a 2 =b 2 + c 2 A −2bccoscos    A + c 2 A

a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bccoscos
   A

2bccoscos
   A = b 2 + c 2 − a 2

Hence proved.

   1      
16. If a, b, c determine the vertices of a triangle, show that b× c+c×a+a×c 
2
gives the vector area of the triangle. Hence deduce the condition that the
  
three points a, b, c are collinear. Also find the unit vector normal to the plane
of the triangle.
Ans:
  
Given that a , b , c are the vertices of the ∆ABC as

1
Area of ∆ABC = AB × AC
2
1    
=
2
( )
b − a × (c − a )

1        
= b ×c −b ×a − a×c + a×a
2
1      
= b ×c + a ×b + c ×a
2
Hence proved.
For three points to be collinear ar ( ∆ABC ) will be zero. So,

1      
b ×c + a ×b + c ×a =0
2
     
b ×c + a ×b + c ×a =0
  
This is the required condition for collinearity of three points a , b , c .

Let n̂ be the unit vector normal to the plane of the ∆ABC

AB × AC
∴  nˆ =
AB × AC
     
b ×c + a ×b + c ×a
=      
b ×c + a ×b + c ×a


17. Show that area of the parallelogram whose diagonals are given by a and
 
 a×b ˆˆ ˆ
b is . Also find the area of the parallelogram whose diagonals are 2i-j+k
2
and ˆi+3j-k
ˆ ˆ.

Ans:
ABCD be a parallelogram such that

 
AB= p= DC ,  AD= q= BC
By triangle law of addition, we get
  
AC = p + q = a
  
BD =− p + q =b
  
AC + BD =2q =a +b

 1  
=q
2
a +b( )
  
And AC − BD =2p =a −b

 1  
=p
2
a −b ( )
  1    
Now, p × q=
4
(
a −b × a +b ) ( )
1        
=
4
(
a ×a + a ×b −b ×a −b ×b )
1  
=
4
(
2a × b )
1  
=
2
(
a ×b )
  1  
Hence, area of parallelogram ABCD = p × q = a × b
2
( )
Area of parallelogram, whose diagonals are 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ

1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
=
2
( ) (
2i − j + k × iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ )
1 ˆˆˆ
= i    
j k 2 −111  
3 −1
2
1
=
2
(
−2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 7 kˆ )
 1 2
= 2 + 32 + 7 2
2
1
= 4 + 9 + 49
2
1
= 62 sq. units
2

 ˆ ˆ ˆ 
18. If a=i+j+k ˆ ˆ , find a vector c such that
and b=j-k   
a×c=b

and a•c=3 .
 
Ans: Given, a = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ and b= ˆj − kˆ

Let, c = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ
  
For, a × c =b,
ˆj kˆ11      
iˆ    1 x y z = ˆj − kˆ

( z − y ) iˆ − ( z − x ) ˆj + ( y − x ) kˆ = ˆj − kˆ
By comparing we have
z − y =0 ⇒ y = z
z − x =−1 ⇒ x − z =1

y − x =−1 ⇒ x − y =1
 
Also, a c = 3

(iˆ + ˆj + kˆ )( xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ ) =3

x+ y+z=3
x + 2y =
3
− y 1  2
By solving x = and x +=y 3
 5 2
So, x= , y= = z
3 3
 1 ˆ
c=
3
(
5i + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ )

Objective Type Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options in each of the
Exercises from 19 to 33 (M.C.Q)

19. The vector in the direction of the vector ˆi-2j+2k

ˆ ˆ that has magnitude 9 is

(A) ˆi-2j+2k
ˆ ˆ

1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
(B)
3
(i-2j+2k )
(
(C) 3 ˆi-2j+2k
ˆ  )
(D) (
9 ˆi-2j+2k
ˆ ˆ )
Ans:

Let a =iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ

a iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ 1 ˆ
Unit vector, aˆ =  = 2
a 1 +2 +2 2 2
=
3
(
i − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ )
Required vector,

a 9 ˆ
( ) (
9  = i − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ = 3 iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
a 3
)
Option (c) is correct.

 
20. The position vector of the point which divides the join of points 2a-3b
 
and a+b in the ratio 3:1 is
  
(A) 1 ( 3a-2b )
2

 
(B) 1 ( 7a-8b )
4

(C) 1 ( 3a )
4

(D) 1 ( 5a )
4

Ans:
   
Let point P divides the join of points 2a − 3b and a + b in the ratio 3:1 . So,
1     
Position vector of P =
3 +1
( ) (
2a − 3b + 3 a + b 
 )
1 
= ( 5a )
4
Option (D) is correct.

21. The vector having initial and terminal points as (2, 5, 0) and (–3, 7, 4),
respectively is
ˆ ˆ ˆ
(A) -i+12j+4k
ˆ ˆ ˆ
(B) 5i+2j-4k
ˆ ˆ ˆ
(C) -5i+2j+4k

(D) ˆi+j+k
ˆ ˆ

Ans:
Required vector ( 3 − 2 ) iˆ + ( 7 − 5 ) ˆj + ( 4 − 0 ) kˆ
=−

=−5iˆ + 2 ˆj + 4kˆ

Option (C) is correct.

  
22. The angle between two vectors a and b with magnitudes 3 and 4,

respectively, and a b is
π
(A)
6

(B) π
3

(C) π
2

(D) 5 π
2

Ans:
   
Given a = 3 , b = 4 and a b = 2 3

 
a b = 2 3
 
a b coscos θ   = 2 3

2 3 1
coscos
= θ   =
4 3 2
π
θ= .
3
Option (B) is correct.

 ˆ ˆ ˆ 
23. Find the value of λ such that the vectors, a=2i+λj+k ˆ ˆ ˆ are
and b=i+2j+3k
orthogonal
(A) 0
(B) 1

(C) 3
2

(D) - 5
2
Ans:
 
Given nonzero vectors are a =2iˆ + λ ˆj + kˆ and b =iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ

If both the vectors are orthogonal then scalar product will be zero
 
( )( )
a b = 2iˆ + λ ˆj + kˆ  iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ = 0

2 + 2λ + 3 =0
5
λ= −
2
Option (D) is correct.

ˆ ˆ ˆ and 2i-4j+λk
24. The value of λ for which the vectors 3i-6j+k ˆ ˆ ˆ are parallel is

(A) 2
3

3
(B)
2

(C) 5
2

(D) 2
5

Ans:

Given vectors are 3iˆ − 6 ˆj + kˆ and 2iˆ − 4 ˆj + λ kˆ are parallel then it may be written
as

(
kˆ p 2iˆ − 4 ˆj + λ kˆ
3iˆ − 6 ˆj += )
Where p is a nonzero scalar quantity.
By comparing we have
3
3= 2p ⇒ p =
2
 3
−6 =−4 p ⇒ p =
2
1 2
1= λ p ⇒ λ = =
p 3

Hence option (A) is correct.

 ˆ ˆ ˆ
25. The vectors from origin to the points A and B are a=2i-3j+2k and

ˆ ˆ ˆ , respectively, then the area of triangle OAB is
b=2i+3j+k

(A) 340
(B) 5

(C) 229

(D) 1 229
2

Ans:
  1 ˆˆˆ
Area of ∆ABC = a × b = i    2
j k −32 2 31  
2
1
= ( −3 − 6 ) iˆ − ( 2 − 4 ) ˆj + ( 6 + 6 ) kˆ
2
1 ˆ
= −9i + 2 ˆj + 12kˆ
2
1
= 81 + 4 + 144
2
1
Area of ∆ABC =229
2
Option (D) is correct.


( ) ( ) ( )
  
2 2 2
26. For any vector a , the value of a×iˆ + a×jˆ + a×kˆ is equal to
 
(A) a2

(B) 3a 2

(C) 4a 2

(D) 2a 2

Ans: Let a = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ

a × iˆ= ( xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ ) × iˆ
=0 − ykˆ + ziˆ

a × iˆ =− ykˆ + ziˆ

( ykˆ + ziˆ )
( a × iˆ ) =−
2 2
=y 2 + z 2


( ) 
( )
2
Similarly, a × ˆj =x 2 + z 2 and a × kˆ
2
=x 2 + y 2

Now, by adding we have

( 
) ( 
) ( 
)
2
+ a × kˆ = 2 ( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 )
2 2
a × iˆ + a × ˆj


a 2 = x2 + y 2 + z 2

( 
) ( 
) ( 
) 
2
+ a × kˆ
2 2
a × iˆ + a × ˆj 2a 2
=

Option (D) is correct.

     
27. If a =10 , b =2 and ab=12 , then value of a×b is

(A) 5
(B) 10
(C) 14
(D) 16
    
Ans: Given that a = 10 , b = 2 and a b = 12

 
a b = 12
 
a b coscos θ  12
=

10 × 2coscos θ
  12
=
12 3
θ   =
coscos=
20 5
2
3
sinsin  θ = 1−θ = 1−  
5

25 − 9 4
sinsinθ   =
=
25 5
   
a ×b = a b sinsinθ  

4
= 10 × 2 ×
5
 
16
a ×b =

Option (D) is correct.

ˆ ˆ ˆ , ˆi+λj-k
28. The vectors λi+j+2k ˆ ˆ and 2i-j+λk
ˆ ˆ ˆ are coplanar if (A) λ = –2

(B) λ = 0
(C) λ = 1
(D) λ = – 1

Ans: Given vectors λiˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ , iˆ + λ ˆj − kˆ and 2iˆ − ˆj + λ kˆ are coplanar, so

λ 1  21   
λ −12 −1  
λ =0

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

λ 3 − 6λ − 4 =0

( λ + 2) (λ 2
− 2λ − 2 ) =
0

2 ± 12
λ=
−2, λ =
2

2±2 3
λ=
−2, λ =
2

λ=
−2, λ =
1± 3
Option (A) is correct.

           
29. If b, c are unit vectors such that
a, a+b+c=0 , then the value of ab + bc + c a
is
(A) 1
(B) 3

(C) - 3
2

(D) None of these

     
Ans: Given that a , b , c are unit vectors such that a + b + c =0
     
( )(
a +b +c  a +b +c =0 )
       
( a 2
(
+ b 2 + c 2 + 2 a b + b c + c a )) =
0

     
(
1 + 1 + 1 + 2 a b + b c + c a =0 )
      3
a b + b c + c a =
−
2
Option (C) is correct.
  
30. Projection vector of a on b is
 
a b 
(A)  2 b
b

 
a b
(B) 
b
 
a b
(C) 
a
 
a b 
(D)  2 a
a

  
 a b
Ans: Projection of a on b is 
b

  a b  b a b 
     = 2 b
Projection vector of a on b is
 b b b
 
Option (A) is correct.

        
31. If a, b, c are three vectors such that a+b+c=0 and a =2, b =3, c =5 , then
     
value of a b + b c + b a is
(A) 0
(B) 1
(C) – 19
(D) 38
Ans:
        
Given that a , b , c are vectors such that a + b + c =0 and=a 2,
= b 3 and c = 5
,
      
( )(
a +b +c  a +b +c =0 )
        
( (
a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2 a b + b c + c a )) =
0

     
(
4 + 9 + 25 + 2 a b + b c + c a =0 )
      38
a b + b c + c a =
− = −19
2
Option (C) is correct.

 
32. If a = 4 and −3 ≤ λ ≤ 2, then the range of λ a is

(A) [0, 8]
(B) [– 12, 8]
(C) [0, 12]
(D) [8, 12]
Ans:

Given a = 4 and −3 ≤ λ ≤ 2
 
λ a λ=
= a 4λ

Now, −3 ≤ λ ≤ 2 ⇒ 0 ≤ λ ≤ 3

0 ≤ 4 λ ≤ 12

λ a ∈ [ 0,12]

Option (C) is correct.

33. The number of vectors of unit length perpendicular to the vectors

 ˆ ˆ ˆ 
a=2i+j+2k ˆ ˆ is
and b=j+k

(A) one
(B) two
(C) three
(D) infinite
Ans:

The number of vectors of unit length perpendicular to the vectors a = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ

and b= ˆj + kˆ will be along the cross or vector product as
 
a ×b
cˆ = ±  
a ×b

There are two-unit vectors. Option (B) is correct.

Fill in the blanks in each of the Exercises from 34 to 40.

  
34. The vector a+b bisects the angle between the non-collinear vectors a and

b if ________

 
Ans: Given that vector a + b bisects the angle between the non-collinear vectors
 
a and b then let each angle is equal to θ
     
(
a  a + b   
coscos θ   =
Now,=
b a + b ) ( )
     
a a + b   (
b a +b ) ( )
    
(
a a + b
=
b ) ( a+ b )

a b

    
(
a a + b
−
b ) ( a+ b ) =
0

a b

     
a b


 − 
a b 
(
 a + b =
0 )
 
       
35. If r a = 0 , r b = 0 and r c = 0 for some non-zero vector r , then the value
  
( )
of a  b × c is ________

Ans:
        
Given that r a = 0 , r b = 0 and r c = 0 also r is nonzero vector. So, a , b and

c are coplanar vectors. We know that scalar triple product of coplanar vectors is
zero.
  
( 0
∴ a b × c = )

 ˆ ˆ ˆ 
36. The vectors a=3i-2j+2k and b=-i-2k
ˆ ˆ are the adjacent sides of a

parallelogram. The acute angle between its diagonals is ________.


Ans: Given that a =3i − 2 j + 2k and b =−iˆ − 2kˆ
 ˆ ˆ ˆ

Diagonals are
 
( ) ( )
a + b = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ + −iˆ − 2kˆ = 2iˆ − 2 ˆj

 
( ) ( )
a − b = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ − −iˆ − 2kˆ = 4iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ

Let acute angle between diagonals be θ then

   
θ =
a +b  a −b ( )( ) ( )(
2iˆ − 2 ˆj  4iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ )
=       
a +b a −b 2iˆ − 2 ˆj 4iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ

8+4 12
= =  
4 + 4 16 + 4 + 16 8 36
1
=
2

π
θ=
4
    1 
37. The values of k for which ka < a and ka + a is parallel to a holds
2
true are _______.
   1
Ans: Given that ka < a and ka + a
2
⇒ k < 1 ⇒ −1 < k < 1

Again, ka + 1 a = k + 1  a

2  2

 1
We know that null vector has no specific direction so ka + a will be parallel to
2
 1 1
a when k + ≠ 0 ⇒ k =−
2 2

Hence k ∈ ( −1,1) − − 1  .

 2

 2  
( )
2
38. The value of the expression a × b + a b is _______.

Ans:
 2   2 2 2 2 2
( )
a × b + a =
b a b θ   
+a b θ

2 2
+θ )
= a b (θ   

2 2
=a b

 2   2  
( )
39. If a × b + a b =144 and a = 4 , then b is equal to _______.

 2   2 2 2 2 2
Ans: a × b + a =
b ( )
a b θ   
+a b θ
2
= 42 b (θ   +θ )
 2
144 = 16 b
2
b =9

b =3


40. If a is any non-zero vector, then ( aiˆ ) iˆ + ( a j ) ˆj + ( ak ) kˆ equals
_______.

Ans: Let a = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ

Now, ( a iˆ ) iˆ= {( xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ )iˆ}iˆ= xiˆ

 ˆ and ( a k ) kˆ zkˆ
Similarly,
= ( a  j ) ˆj yj=
( aiˆ ) iˆ + ( a j ) ˆj + ( ak ) kˆ = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ = a

State True or False in each of the following Exercises.

   
41. If a = b , then necessarily it implies a = ±b .

   
Ans: Given that a = b then it doesn’t imply that a = ±b because there are
infinite number of vectors with same magnitude but different directions.
So, the given statement is False.

42. Position vector of a point P is a vector whose initial point is origin.

Ans: The given statement is True. Because the initial point of all position vectors
is always the origin.
     
43. If a + b = a − b , then the vectors a and b are orthogonal.
    
Ans: Given that a + b = a − b

   
a 2 + b 2 + 2a b = a 2 + b 2 − 2a b
   
a 2 + b 2 + 2a b = a 2 + b 2 − 2a b
 
a b = 0 , if vectors are non-zero then both will be orthogonal
otherwise not.
Here nothing is about the vectors whether they are non-zero or not.
Hence the given statement is False.

  2     
( )
44. The formula a + b = a 2 + b 2 + 2a × b is valid for non-zero vectors a and

b.
  2    
( ) ( )(
Ans: a + b = a + b  a + b )
     
= a 2 + b 2 + a b + a b
   
= a 2 + b 2 + 2a b
Hence the given statement is False.

   
45. If a and b are adjacent sides of a rhombus, then a b = 0 .
 
Ans: Given that a and b are adjacent sides of a rhombus, so angle between them
never be right angle
 
So, a b ≠ 0
Hence the given statement is False.