ALLl.

_,1
[!E-Matl,nnatic.s ~-----..
F
I ..:::-=;=~~;=~=======-::-::-::-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=--=-::::=~------
t11e vectors a -
-.Jx1- -
~3A-:J-: k and
12. The s t f J
e o values of x "'aor wh.1ch t I1e ang Ie between . of ordinates is
b- 2 -: " - d the a,cJS
- x 1 + x J - k acute and the angle between the vector b an
obtuse, is
(A) 1 < x < 2 (B) x > 2 (C) x < l (D) x < 0 b'sector of the
13. If A (- 4 O 3) . . • t tie on the t
' , , B (14, 2, -5) then which one of the followmg polil s
angle between QA and OB ('0' is the origin of reference)
(A)(2, I, -1) (B)(2, 11, 5) (D) (!, I, Z)
(C) ( 10, 2, -2) lu
14. a· __. AB ba5theva e
iven a parallelogram ABCD. If IAB I =a, IAD I = b & IAC I =c, then DB·

(A) 3a2 + b2- c2 a2 + 3b2- c2 2 b2 2

2 (B)--2-- (C) a - + 3c (D) none
2
15
• LI and L 2 are two lines whose vector equations are

L2 : f = µ(aI + b] +ck),
where A and µ are scalars and a is the acute angle between L1 and L2•
If the angle 'a' is independent of e then the value of 'a' is
7t 1t 1t
(A)~ (B)- (C)- (D)-
6 4 3 2

l 6 · In the isosceles triangle ABC I I = IBC I = 8 , a point E divides AB internally in the ratio
1 : 3, then the cosine of the angle between CE & CA is (where CA I = 12)
I:
(A) - (B) (C) (D) - t
.________s_____11_ _ _ _ _ _ _s_______1_1_ _ _ _ _ _ ,

18. LINEAR COMBINATIONS : !

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

FUND_AMENTAL THEOREM IN PLAN~: - I

a, b be non zero, non collinear vectors. then any vector r coplanar with a, b can be expressed
Let

uniquely as a linear combination of a, b i.e. there exist some unique x, y e R such that xi+ yb = r . ,

----------1'
I
74 E
,ALUM®----------------- --------~V,~u_to_r
J//11stratio11 17: Find a vector c in the plane of a= 21+ )- k and b = -i + J+ k such that c is perpendicular

to band c.(-2i+3)-k)=-l
Sol11tio11 : Any vector in the plane of a & b can be written as xa + yb
let c= xii+ yb [by fundamental theorem in plane]
Now, given that

c.b = o (xa +yb).b =o

--
xa.b+ yb
-2
=o
x(-2+1-l)+y(3)=0
-2x + 3y = O ...........(i)
Also (xa + yb).(-2i +3]-k) = -l

xa.(-2i +3]-k)+ yb.(-2f +3]-k) = -1

x(-4 + 3 + l) +y(2 + 3 - 1) = -1
1
y=-4

3y 3
X=-=--
2 8
3"'""'" I
Hence the required vector c= --(2i + j-k)--(-i + j+ k)
AAA

8 4
1-:' ":"
=-[-61-3J+3k + 21-2J-2k] =-[-41 -5J+k] Ans.
8 8

Do yourself - 7 :
1. Find a vector r in the plane of p = -i +] and q= -] + k such that r is perpendicular to p
and r.q =-2.
2. A vector of magnitude 5 .Js coplanar with vectors i+2] & ]+ 2k and the perpendicular vector
2i+]+2f is
(A)* s(sI +6]-&k) (B) ± .Js (sf+6]-sk)
(C) ± s (sI +6]-&k) (D) ± (sI+6]-sf)
3. (a) Let a= j + ]+ k, b= i- ]+ k and c= i-]-k be three vectors. A vector v in the plane
1
of a and b, whose projection on c is , is given by

(A) i-3]+3k (B) -3i-3]-k (C) 3i-j+3k (D) i +3j-3k

(b) The vector(s) which is/are coplanar with vectors i +} + 2k and I+ 2} + k, and

perpendicular to the vector i + J+ k is/are

(A) ]-k (B) -I+} (C) i-] (D) -)+ k

75
 4. Youare • th
_ gJven e following infonnation about the vectors:
v,+v2+v3::::Q

v3+v4+Vs==O
v,+v+
4
v--
2 -v
5 . the set? Ifso, prov e
Is it
possible to express v1 as a linear combination ofthe other vectors J.ll •
•
the coefficients fior the linear . h ·t' ot possible. == 85.25,
combination. Ifnot, explain w Y1 sn
S. Suppose v . 3 .th v == 29, V2 • V2
t• V2, v3 1s an orthogonal set of vectors in l!t WI Vi • t _ 341 w
V3 • V :::: 9 • == -29 W • V2 - '
3 , w is another vector in same space such that w • V 1 '

• v3 == -l S, then find win tenns of v v v I' 2• 3

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

(a) If- -
a & b are two vectors & 0 is the angle between them, then

aX b == la! li>I sin ea ' where n is the unit vector perpendicular

to both a & b such that a,b & ii forms a right banded -c .
screw system.
Sign convention :
Right handed screw system : i, b and n form a right
handed system it means that ifwe rotate vector a towards the
direction of b through the angle 0, then :fi advances in the
same direction as a right banded screw would, ifturned in the
same way.
_ _ _ 2 - a.a a.ii
(b) Lagranges Identity : For any two vectors a & b ; (ax b)2 = !al 21 b - (a. b)2 = _ -
1 a.b b.b

( c) Formulation ofvector product in terms ofscalar product : The vector product ax b is the vector
c, such that
(i) lei= .Ja b -(a.b)
2 2 2
(ii) c.a =O;c.b =0 and (iii) a, b, C form a right handed system

(d) (i) axii=ii< =>i & bareparallel(collinear)(a*ii, b;cO)ie.i =Kb,whe reKisasc aJar

(iJ) 8 X ii -;/; ii X 8 (not commutative)

(iit) (mi)xii =ax(mii) =m(ixb) where mis a scalar.

75----------------------1
-
'

A L L 1 M ® - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Vector
--
(iv) i x(ij + c) = (i Xb)+(ix c) (distributive over addition)
.(v) :~':':A A -
tXt=jX J=kxk= O
"
ixj =k, jxk = i, kxi = j
(VI) " "

"
i "j k"
(e) If a=31i+3 1 j+33k & b=b1i+b j+bi,th enaxii= 3
1 1 82 83 •

b1 b3

(f) Geometrically Ia x bI= area of the parallelogram whose two

adjacent sides are represented by a & b. axb k's 7
a
i X b
(g) (i) Unit vector perpendicular to the plane of a & b is ii =±
Ii X bl
. . _
(n) A vector of.magrutude 'r' & perpendicular to the plane of a & b- is
. r(axb)
± _ -
13xbl

(fu) If0 is the angle between a & b then sinO = Iax~ I

' lillbl
(h) Vector area:
(i) If a, b and c are the pv's of 3 points A, B & C then the vector area of triangle

ABC= l1 [ ixb+bx
- - c+cxa] .

(it) The points A, B & C are collinear if ax b+bx c+ cx a = 0

(iii) Area of any quadrilateral whose diagonal vectors are d, & d2 is given by 1a. al I· X

lllustration 18 : Find the vectors of magnitude 5 which are perpendicular to the vectors a = 2i + )- 3k
and h= i-2)+k.
Solution : • vectors perpendicular to a-&-b
Umt axb
= ± ----
1ax b I

" k"
I J
.. axb= 2 -3 =-st-s]-sk
1
1 -2 1

Unit vectors= ±
c-st-sJ~sk)
5v3
': ,.
Hence the required vectors are ± --(1 + J+ k) Ans.
3

77
 ~A IL IM ~ J
-- -- -- ~= =t a, b, C are
em ~a ~t 'f! ic s~ -- -- -- -- -- ----- - ove tha
!.: ./E ~& ~M ~a t~ h~
- - - c and bxc ::: a' pr
h that ax b -
b, c are three non zero vectors suc
- -
IDustraJion 19 : If a,

I and Ic I= Ia 1-
nrutua11y at right angles and Ib I=

Solutum: i x b= c and a= bx c

c .L a, c .L b and a .L b, a .L c

a .L b, b .L C and C.La
.
a, b,c are mutually perpendicular vectors

Again, a X b =C and b X C=a

. lax bl= lcl and lbx cl= lal

1t =la l
(-:a J_ 6and 6 J_ c)
lal lbl sin 1t =lcl and lbl lcl sin 2
2

lal lbl = Icl and 1h11 cl= la I

1h1 lei = lei

2

lhl =l

puttinginlal lbl = lei

-
lal =lc l
side of a ! !
e form ed by joining the extremities ofan oblique
J11ustralion 20 : Show
that the area of the triangl
halfthat ofthe trapezium
f/
mid poi nt of opp osit e side is
trapezium to the '
. point of . . Let Abe the initial point and let b l f
BC
be the mid
Solution: LetABCD be the trapezium and E
, tb is a vector along j i
ition vec tor ofB and d that ofD. Since DC is parallel to AB
be the pos
tor of is a+ th. .... / 1l
DC, so that the pos itio n yec C

- -
0 ~(d)~---- II
- - - -
fE . d+-
b+- tb = _ (l+___.t)b
d+_ .;._
pos . .
1t1o n vector o JS -
the ·2 2

)j bx d I ~-----..lB~
Area ofM ED =! / d+ (l+ t)b xd /=. !.( l+t
2 2 4

---:------ -------·£
78 - - - - - - -
~pM® ------- ------- ------- -----~ ~~ct~ or
Area ofthe trapezium = Area (MCD) + Area (LlABC).
1- - - 1- - -
= 21 b X ( d + th) I+ 2 I(d + tb) X d I

1-- t-- l --
=-1 bxdl+-1 bxd l=-(l+t)I bxdl= 2MED
2 2 2 .
llustration 21 : Let a & b betwonon-collinearunitvectors.Ifii=a-(a.b)b & v=(axb),tbe nlvl is-
(A) lul (B) lul+lu.al (C) iul+lu.61 (D) u+u·.ca+b)
,olution : ii.a = a.a - (a.b)(a.b)

= 1- f a12 1b 12 cos 2 e (where e is the angle between a and b )

= 1 - cos20 =sin20
IVI= Ia X b I= sin e
I ii I= Jiii

= +(a.b) 2 1 b 12 = == si~a

IvI= Iii I also u.b = o

Hen~e, I vI = Iii I= Iii I+ Iu.bI Ans. (A, C)

Do yourself - 8 :
1. If a X b = CX d and a X C = b X d' then show that (a-d) is parallel to (b-c) when a :;td
and b :;t c. I

2. Find a x b, if a= 2 i + k and b= i + J+ k.
3. For any two vectors u & v, prove that
I
I

1- -1 =u1-1 1-1v
2 2 2 I
2
(a) (- u.v-) +uxv (b) Ii

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) oo
5. For two particular vectors A and B it is known that Ax B = Bx A. What must be true
about the two vectors ?
(A) At least one of the two vectors must be the zero vector. I

(B) Ax B = Bx 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.
I

79
 Oal•---

/EE-Mathmiatics

6. The area oftbe shaded

Let AB= 3i-j, AC= 2i +3j and DE= 41-2J·
- A A - -:

region in the adjacent figure, is-

(A) 5
(B)6
~7 E
(D) 8 Dare A(3,-2, 1); B(3, 1, 5);
7. p .. . f t trahedron ABC •
0s1t1on vectors ofthe four angular pomts o a e • ADC and ABC JS
th plane f.aces
C(4, 0, 3) and D(l, o, 0). Acute angle between e (D) corl (3/2)
(A) tan-1 (5/2) (B) cos-1 (2/5) (C) cosec- (5/
1 2) h ntries of
~ABC Match t e e
8. If A(0, 1, 0), B(0, o, 0), C(l, 0, 1) are the vertices of a . •
column-I with column-II.
Column-D
Column-I
../2
(A) Orthocentre of MBC. (P)
2

(B) Circumcentre of MBC. (Q)

2

(C) Area (MBC) (R)

3

(D) Distance between orthocentre

(S)
6

and centroid
Distance between orthocentre (1) (0, 0, 0)
(E)
and circumcentre. i
1 1 1)
Distance between circumcentre (U) ( 2'2'2
(F)

and centroid. I
•
1 1 1)
I

I
(G) Incentre of MBC. M ( 3'3'3

1 1 )
(H) Centroid of MBC (W) (

9. If a and bare vectors such that and ax(2i+3]+4k)=(2i+3]+4k )xb,

then a possible value of (a+b).(-7i+2}+3k) is

(A) O (B) 3 (C) 4 (D)8 .

80 I
~-®---:----------------------------Vi_t_c_tor
20. SHORTEST "DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO LINES :

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

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

i.e. LM =I Projection of AB on LM I = I Projection of AB on px qI

= AB.(pxij) = (b-i).(pxij)
pxq lpxqj
(a) The two lines directed along p & ij will intersect only if shortest distance = 0

i.e. (b-a).(pxq) = o i.e. (b-a) liesintheplanecontaining p & q =>[(b-a) ii ci] =0

(b) If two lines are given by i 1 = i 1 + K1 b & i2 = a2 + K2 b i.e. they

bx(a -a)
are parallel then, d = .: 1

lbl
Rlustration 22 : Find the shortest distance between the lines

r=(4i-))+).(i+2J-3k) and r=(i-]+2k)+µ(2i+4]-5k)

Solution : We known, the shortest distance between the lines f =a I + ).bl &f =a2 + ).b2 is given by

Comparing the given equation with the equations r = a + A.b

1 1 and r = a + Ab
2 2

respectively,

we have a, =4i-],a2 =i-]+2k, b, =i+2]-3k and b2 =2i+4]-5k

81
)

Now -a - "
A

1
"

j k
, 2-al ==-3i+oj"·+2k" and
b1 xb 2 = 12 -3 =2i-)+Ok
I

2 4 -5

:·. (a2-a)(h b-) " " ., " ., - -

l. iX 2 =(-31+0j+2k).(2i-j+Ok)=-6 and

Ans.

Do yourself. 9 :
1. Find the shortest distance between the lines :

i; = (i + 2)+ 3k) + 11.(2f +3} +4k) & r2 = (2i +4)+ sk.) + µ(3i +4] +sk).
2.
Find the shortest distance between the lines

r; =]+k+11.(-I-2)+1c) & =-i-k+µ(I+J+k)

3. Find the shortest distance between the lines

4. A line passes through the point A(i +2] +3k )and is parallelto the vector v(i + j + k) ·The
·shortest distance from the origin, of the line is -

(A) (B) (C) (D)

5.

l
If A(a); B(b); C (c) and D(d) are four points such that

a=-2i+4]+3k; b= 2f-s); c= i-3) +sk; rl= 4i+]-7k

dis the shortest distance between the lines AB and CD, then which of the following is True?
(A) d = 0, hence AB and CD intersect
Il
(B) d =
[AB CD BD]
IAB X CD I
I
1
1
1
23
(C) AB and CD are skew lines and d =
13
---
[AB CD AC]
(D)d= IAB xCDI

La2-=-=-----_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_------=-=--=--=--=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=.:_-_-_-_-_-_-_-__._I
 M®
Vector
SCALAR TRIPLE PRODUCT / BOX PRODUCT / MIXED PRODUCT :
(i) The scalar triple product of three vectors a, b &
c
is defined as : (a:-· ii) C -I - II b- II - I
• - a c
where 0 is the angle between a & b & is the
angle between ax b & c . It is also defined as
[a b c], spelled as box product.
(ii) Scalar triple product geometrically represents the volume of the parallelopiped whose thr
ee
coterminous edges are represented by a, ii & c ie. v = [ab c]
(iii) In a scalar triple produc t the position of dot & cross can be interch anged
.
i.e. a.(bxc) = (axb).c OR [a b c]=lh c aJ=lc a hi

(iv) a.(bxc) =-a.(cxb) i.e. la b cJ = -lacbJ

a1 a 2 a3
If a = al i + a2J + a3k ; b = b1i + biJ + b3k & C = cli + C2J + C3k , then [a b c] = bl b2 b3
Cl C2 C3
. Jn general , if 8 = al}+ a2m + a3ii; b = bl}+ b2m + b3ii & C = C1l + C21Il + C3D
a1 a2 a3
then [a b c] = b 1 b 2 b3 [i m ii] ; where T, m& ii are non coplanar vectors.
Cl C2 C3

(v) H a , b , c are coplanar ¢:) [ a b c] = 0 a , b , c are linearly dependent.

(vi) Scalar product of three vectors, two of which are equal or parallel is 0 i.e. [a b c] =O

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.

(vii) li j kl =1 (viii) [Ka b cl= Kla b cJ (ix) l(a+b) c di= [a c dl+lb c di

(x) [a-b b-c c-aJ=O & [a+h h+c c+al = 2[a h cl

ustration 23 : For any three vectors a, b, c prove that [a+ b b + c c+a]= 2[a b c]

Wehave [a+b b+c c+a]

={(a+ b)x (b+c)}. (c+ a)= {axb+a xc+ bxb+ bxc}.(c +a) {·: bxb = o}
= ra xii+ ax c + Gx c} .(c +a)= ra xii).c + Ca xc).c +(bx c).c +(ax 6).a+ (ax c).a +(bx c).a
= [abc]+ o+ o+ o+ o+ [bca] {·:[ace ]= o,[bcc] = o,[aba] = o,[aca] = o}
= [abc]+ [abc]= 2[abc]. Ans.
83
 Vl"I l:J II

JEE-Matlumatics

JllustraJion 24 :Ifa,b arenon-zeroandnon-collinea .. .. _--: -: [-bk]k

- .. .. . rvectorsthenshow axb=[abi]i+[abJ1J+ a
Solution: Let axb=xi+yj+zk

(ax b).i = (xi +y] + zk).i

(axb).i = X

also (a X b). J=y & (a X b). k = z

axb = [abiJi +[ab}J]+[abk]k Ans.

Do yourself- IO:

1.
If a, b, C are three non coplanar mutually perpendicular unit vectors then find [ ii b CJ ·
2.
If r be a vector perpendicular to a+ b+ c, where [ a b c] = z *0 and
r = £( 6 x c ) + m( c x a ) + n( a x b), then find z+ m + n.
3.
Find the volume of the parallelepiped whose coterminous edges are represented by
a= 2i-3]+4k, b = I +2}-k and c =3i-]+2k
4. c= 3i + 2]-4k form a left
Examine whether the vectors a= 2i + 3] + 2k, b= i - ]+ 2k and
handed or right handed system.
5. For non-zero vectors a, b, c, lax b.cl =liil liil lcJ holds if and only if;
(A) a.b =O, b.c =O (B) c.a =O, a.b =O
(C) a.c = o, ii.c = o (D) a.b=b.c =c.a: =o
6. For three vectors ii, v, wwhich of the following expressions is not equal to any of
remaining three?
(A)ii.(vxw) (B)(v xw).ii (C) V. ( ii X w) (D) ( ii x v) . w
7. The volume ofthe tetrahedron formed by the coterminus edges a, b, c is 3. Then the volume
of the parallelepiped formed by the coterminus edges a+ b, b+c, c+a is
(A) 6 (B) 18 (C) 36 (D) 9
8. If u, v, w are non-coplanar vectors and p, q are real numbers, then the equality
[3ii pv pw] - [pv w qii] - (2w qv qii] = o 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)

84
 Vector

111®'-----------~----~--
TETRAHEDRON : r.
Tetradedra have ,our
edron.
'fhe tetrahedron (plural tetrahedra) or triangular pyramid is the simplest polyh
. ed eet at each vertex.
vertices, four tnangular faces and six edges. Three faces and three ges rn 00t Ii on a
ADY four points chosen in space will be the four vertices ofa tetrahedron as long as Ibey do e

single pJane.

I I[
(a)Tbevolumeoftetrahedron= 3 base area x height= 6 abc
--J
a3
(b) Volume ofregular tetrahedron=
6v2
(c) Ifthe position vectors ofthe vertices oftetrahedron
are a, b, c and d, then the position vector of its
.d. . b a+b+c+ci
centrm ts given y - - - -
4
Note that this is also the point ofconcurrency ofthe lines joining the vertices to the centroids of the
opposite faces and is also called the centre ofthe terahedron. In case the tetrahedron is regular it is
equidistant from the vertices and the four races oftetrahedron.

tmustriano'n 25: Prove that the volume ofthe tetrahedron and that formed by the centroids ofthe faces are in
the ratio of27 : I.

olution: V1 =Volumeoftetrahedron= C = I[---]

I [OAOBO-] abc
6 6 O(o)

.ds f&! b+c a+b c+a -a+b+c

--
Centr01 o 1aces =--, --,--3 ' 3
3 3

- +--~A (a)
Make a + b + c fixed.
3

a c b
- - - B(b)
So vectors are -- -- --
' 3' 3' 3

Yi 27
v2 I
85
]EE-Mathonatirs _ .ALLI-•
Illustration 26: In a regular tetradedron, prove the following : The angle 8 between any two pJanes faces is
-1 ,
given by cos 8 = ..fj .
0(6)

Solution: l5AI =1001=1°~1 =I~= IBel= lcAI ······CO

For plane 0BC, nonnal = x b; =n 1

Forplane0BC, normal =Dl =bxa

A(t)
n •.D2 = ln1 Iln2 I cos e
-{bxc).-(a xb) = lbx cjjax blcose
usmg(i), !al =lbl =lei =lb-al =le-bl =l~-al =k
2 2 2

I-b-a-1 = 1-1b + 1-1a

2
-2a.b=k
- -

k 2 + kl - 2a.b = k 2

-- k2
a.b=
2
-- -- k2
Similarly, b.c = c.a =
2
k2 . k2 - kl (k2)
2 2 2 1
cose =-.============== ===-- = --
(liil2 lc!2 -(ii.cf )(1ar1br-(a.bf) 3

Do yourself-11:
1. Two distinct regular tetrahedra have all their vertices among the vertices ofthe same unit cube.
What is the volume ofthe region formed by the intersection ofthe tetrahedra?
1 1
(A) + (B) (C) (D)-
6 8
2. An insect lives on the surface ofa regular tetrahedron with edges oflength 1. It wishes to travel on
the surface ofthe tetrahedron from the midpoint ofone edge to the midpoint ofthe opposite edge.
What is the length ofthe shortest such trip? (Note: two edges ofa tetrahedron are opposite ifthey
have no comrmn endpoint.)

(A) (B) 1 (C) (D)i

2 2
3. What is the volume of tetrahedron ABCD with edge lengths AB= 2, AC 3, AD = 4,
BC = Jii, BD = and CD =5 ?
(A) 3 (B) (C) 4 {D)

86
 Vector

D. What is cos(LCMD)?
Let M be the midpoint of AB in regular tetrabedronABC
I
1 1 2 (D) z
(A) - (B) - (C) -
3 5
4 edge and the face not
, prove the follwoing : The angle 0 between any
5. In a regular tetrahedron
1
containing that edge is given by cos 0 =.Jj .
. • . ed are perpendicular to each
the followmg : Any two oppo site ges h
6. In a regular tetrahedron, prove the diagonal of t e
the oppo site edges is equal to half
other and the shortest distance between
square described on an edge.

VECTOR TRIPLE PRODUCT

i x (bx c) is a vector & is called a vector
Let a, b and c be any three vectors, then the expression
triple product.
Geometrical interpretation of i x(b x c)
ax(bxc) bxc
since
Consider the expression ax (bx c) which itselfis a vector,
it is a cross product of two vectors a & (b x c).
Now

ining
ii x (bx c) is vector perpendicular to the plane conta

ii & (b X c) but (b X c) is avectorperpendiculartotheplane

b & c, therefore ax (bx c) is vector lies in the plane of 6 & c

and perpendicular to a . Hence we can express ax (bx c) in
terms

of b & c i.e. ix(b xc)= xb+ yc where x & y are scalars.

(b) (ixb )xc= (a.c )b-( b.c) a
(a) ix(b xc)= (i.c) b-(i .b)c

(c) (ixb )xc ~ax( bxc)

us/ration 27: Prove that [axb bxc cxa] =[abc J

olution : We have, [axb bxc cxa] ={(axb)x(bxc)}.(cxa)
={cix(b xc)} .(cxa) (where, d =(ax b))

={(cic)6-(ci.b)c} .(c xa)= {((ax 6).c)6-((ax 6).i>)c} .(c xa)

={[abc]6-o}.(cxa) ( ·: [abb] =·O)

=[abc]{i>.(cxa)} =[abc][bca] =[abc][abcJ=[abc J

87
~JE~E~·M~a~tl~ 1tm~a~h~·a~---- -----------------~= --~ALLI"'
• 28. Show that (bx c).(a xd) +(c xa).(b xd) +(a xb).(c xd) = O
J(Justra 1011 •

Let hx c= ii, cx a= v, cx d =w
'
Solution :
L.H.S = ii.(a X d)+ v.(bx d)+ (ax b).w = (ii xa).d +(vxb).d+ a.(bx w)

= [(bxc)x a].d +[(cxa) xb].ci+ a.[b x(cxd)l

= [(b.a)c-(c.a)b].d +[(c'.b)a-(a. b)cJ.ci +a.[(b.d)c-(b.c)dJ

= {(a.b)(c.d)}-{(c.a)(b.d)} +{(c.b)(a.ct)}-{(a.b)(c.ci)}+{(a.c)(b.ct)}-{(a.d)(b.c)} =O
= R.H.S.

Do yourself - 12 :
t. If a = 2 i - 4} + 7 k , b = 3 i + 5 } - 9 k and c = i +} + k , then find [ a b c] and also
ax(6xc).

2. a, b and c be three vectors having magnitudes 1, 1 and 2 respectively. If ax (ax c) + b= o,

then the acute angle between a & c is :
(A) 1tl6 (B) 1t/4 (C) 1t/3 (D) 51t/12

3. Let a =2i + 3}- k and p= i + J. If y is a unit vector, then the maxim~m value
[<XX~ PX y yX <X] is equalto
(A) 2 (B) 3 (C)4 (D) 9

4. Ifa= ~(3i+k) and b=.!.(2t+3}-6k),thenthevalueof(2a-6) •[(ax6)x(a+26)] is:-

vIO 7

(A) 5 (B) 3 (C) - 5 . (D) - 3

5. Given the following information about the non-zero vectors A, B and C:

(i) (AxB)xA=O (ii) B.B=4 (iii) A.B=-6 (iv) B.C=6

(A) AxB=O (B) A.(BxC)=O (C) A.A.~8 (D) AC=-9

6. Let a i, and c are non-zero vectors such that they are not-orthogonal pairwise and such that
'
V = ax(bx c) and V2 = (ax b)xc, they which ofthe following hold(s) good?
1

(A) a and b are orthogonal (B) a and c are collinear

b= 1,.(a x c) when"' is a scalar
(C) b and c are orthogonal (D)

- -----_-_-_-_-_-_-_-- -----'
I
Laa-_-_--:__-- ----=--_-..;.._-- ------------------------ -----------_--:__-
 c.lA.SSMAte.

-
Ve cto r

-
OF VECTORS : . li ar com bin auo n
ND EN CE
INDEPENDENCE AN D DE PE
If®
- are n sca lar s & ifthe ne ve cto rs
LINEAR tha t
Jfx" x 2
, ••.•. •• x are nn on zer ov ect ors ,& k
0
1, J s , ·······k n
- 0 the n we say
(a) k -- 0 • k 2 = O....kn - ,
- k -
k 1Xt + k 2X2 + •••· n-"n = 0- 1
de pe nd en t
vectors.
- x- x- are linearly independent aid to be Jjnearly
2'······· k the n
epe nd ent the n the y are s
n
Xp O
(b) If Xp x2 , .•••••• xn are not linearly ind on e
- & if the re exi sts at lea st
r
. . - - k -
••• nXn =O
vectors. _,.e. 1f k1X 1 + k2X 2 + ••••
dependent.
x , x , ... xn are said to be linearly
1 2
. I
L TH EO RE M IN SP AC E: vec tor r , can be uru qu e y
FUNDAMENTA .
- vec tor s m space. Th en any suc h tha t
Let a, b, c be non-zero, non -co pla nar .
e R

que x, Y, z
n of a, b, c i.e. Thei;-e exist som
e um
expressed as a linear combinatio

r = xa + yb + zc . A A A

Note·: i, k • Als o,
(i) If a = 3i + 2] + 5k then a is expressed as a linear combination of vec tor s j,

tor s is a
end ent set of vec tor s. In general, eve ry set of fou r vec
a, i, ], k form a linearly dep

linearly dependent system. x =Y=z = 0

-co pla nar vec tors the n xa + yb + zc = 0
(ii) If a, b, c are thr ee non -ze ro, non

nde nf set of vec tors . For K) + i<J + K) ~ = 0 K 1 = 0 = K2 = K3

(iii) i, ], k are linearly ind epe
is a parallel to b i.e. ax b =
O lin ear
& b are lin ear ly dep end ent a
(iv) Two vectors i

enc e of a & b. Co nve rse ly if ax b '# o,

the n a & b are lin ear ly ind
ep en de nt.
depend
, the n the y are cop lan ar i.e.
(a b c] 0 =
(v) If three vectors a, b, c are lin ear ly dep end ent
nt.
the vectors are linearly independe
conversely, if (a b cJ -:#- O , then
3c, -2a + 3b - c, 4a _ 7b + Tc
are col lin ear .
wit h pos itio n vec tors a - 2b +
us/ration 29 : Show that points
It is given that vectors a, b, c are
1
non-coplanar.
h tha t
tion : The thr ee poi nts are col line ar, ifw e can find Al' A2 and A3, suc
olu
c) + A3 ( 4a - 16 + 7c) = o
A1 (a - 26 + 3c) + A2 (-2 a + 3b -
with A1 + A2 + A3 = 0
equating the coefficients a, b and
c separately to zero, we get
i - 7A3 = 0 and 3A I - A2 + 7A3
=0
A1 - 2A.2 + 4A3 = 0, -2A 1 + 3A.
on sol vmg we get, A1 = -2 , Ai= I, A3 = I
So that A1 + A2 + A3 = O
ar.
Hence the given vectors are colline

89
 I\

--:-:-==: ---------- -----ALL 1..,

J~E~E~-i\~l1.1~tl~,t~m,:at~ics::.__ _ _ _ _ _
OPLANARITY OF FOUR POINTS :
25. C -
Four points A, B, C, D with position vectors a, b, c, -d respectively are coplanar if and only .
If
w not all zero simultaneously such that xa + yb + zc + wd = 0, where
therC exist scalars x, y, z,
x+y+z+w=O
VECTORS :
26, RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF

If -ab C & a' b', c' aretwosetsofnoncoplanarvectorssuchthat

'
a• a'=b • b'-c -c'
- • ::::J
' '
then the two systems are called Reciprocal System of vectors. '

bxc cxa , axb

I -=---.b' - --=---. C = --=---
[a b c]
Note : a = [a b c] , - [a b c] '

27. PROPERTIF.S OF RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF VECTORS

- - - - -, - -, - b-' 0
(a) a.b'=a.c'=b.c =c.a =C. =

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

Illustration 30 : Find a set of vectors reciprocalto the vectors a, b and ax b.

Solution : Let the given vectors be denoted by a, b and c where c= ax b

[abc] =(ax b).c =(ax b).(a xb) = (a xb)2

and let the reciprocal system of vectors be a'b'andc'

a'= ii~c = bx(axb) ·b'= c~a = (axb)xa .-,_ axb _ axb

2
[ab c] I ax b 1 ' [ab c] 1 ax ii 12 'c - [a ii cJ - ,ax ii 12

a', b', c' are required reciprocal system ofvectors for a, b and ax b. Ao s.

-, bxc b-, cxa -, axb - - -

Illustration 31 :Ifa =[abc]' =(abc]'c =[abc]'thenshown that; axa'+bxb'+cxc'= O

where a, b, c are non-coplanar vectors.

_ -, ax(bxc)
Solution : Here axa = _
[abc]

_ -, (a.c)h-(a.h)c
axa = -
[abc]
- -
- - ,_ Ch•a)c - (b•c)a & -CXC- , = (c.b)a -(c.a)b
Similarly bxb -
- (abc] [abc]
90 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

L
 1'1 / ..

,.,

a xa '+ 6 x '+ c x-c• =(a.c)b (a.b)c + (b.a)c -(b.c)a + (c.b)a -(c.a)b

6
[a~cJ
[·:a.b==b.a ctc.J

=O. Ans.

Do yourself - 13 :
- bxc - cxa axb _ - _ _ - -) -
1. 1f P = [b - - 'q = [- - - , r = - -, then find the value of( a+ b ). j5 +( b + c ). q +( c + a • r •
ca1 cab] [abc]

2. If a, b and c are non zero, non coplanar vectors determine whether the vectors i; == 2a - 3b + c,
Ti =3a - Sb+ 2c and = 4a - Sb+ c are linearly independent or dependent.
3. a, b, c are three non-zero vectors, no two ofwhich are collinear and the vector a+ b is collinear
with C' b+c is CO~ear with a' then a+ b+c is equal to -
(A) a (8) i, (C) c (D) none of these
4. Consider the following 3 lines in space
1 1 : r =3i-]+2k+A(2i+4]-k)
L2: r=i+ ]-3k+µ(4i+2]+4k)
1 3 : r =3i + 2]- 2k: + t(2I +) + 2k)
Then which one of the following pair(s) are in the same plane.
(A) only L1L2 (8) only L2L3 (C) only L3L1 • (D) L1L2 and L2 L3
5. Let a= i + ] , b = ]+ k & c=a a+ Bb. If the vectors , i - 2] + k , 3 i + 2] - k & c are
coplanar then a is

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

6. If a=i + }+k,b=4i +3]+4k and c=i +a]+pk arelinearlydependentvectors& !cl

then
(A) a= 1, p = -1 (B) a= 1, p = ±1
(C) a = -1, p = ± 1 (D)a=±l,P=l
7. Given three vectors U=2i +3]-6k, V= 6i +2]+3k and W=3i-6]-2k which of the
following hold good for the vectors U, V and W?
(A) D, V and W are linearly dependent
(B) (Oxv)x W=0 •
(C) D, V and Wform a triplet ofmutually perpendicular vectors
(D) (Ox(VxW))=O
91
 1
~JE~E~-~J~ra~,1 ~,t~rn~a~ti~~~--- -------------------:-~ ----ALUM
2S. VECTORS EQUATIONS: Observe the following examples: :•
. he corr~t statement.
• 32: Let triplet ofw1it vectors satisfy x= yx z- xx y, then identifyt
Jllllsfratio11

(A) Ix+ 5'1 = CB) lx-yl=I

cc) Ix+ 2y1 = 2 (D) No solution

Solution: x=yxz-xxy ... (i)

Taking dot product with x, y & z respectively we get

I= [xyz]

• " 0
X•y=

" • Z•
X = -["""]
xyz " • Z" = -
X I •
Z = -X•
from(i)
x=o INCONSISTENT Ans. (D)

lllustroJion 33: lf the non zero vectors a & 6 are perpendicular to each other, then the solution ofthe equation.

rxa=b is:

1
(A) r =xa+ _ _(axb) - 1 -
(B) r = xb--::-:-(a X b)
a·a b·b

(C) r=xaxb (D) r =xbxa

where x is a scalar
Solution: r =xa + yb + z(a X b)
take cross product with a

r x a = yb xa+z(a xb) xa
6 =y(bx a)+ z((a ·a)b-(b·a)a)

b= y(b X a)+ z(a •a)b '

Since b & ax b are non coplanar

:. z(a ·a)= I and y = O

1
z=-
a2

:. r• = xa- +-1 (-ax b-) Ans. (A)

92 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a2 _ _ _ _;.___ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
 ,.... -~-========---------------------=====
i, ....
-

r":""" po yourself - 14:

Vector

,. If a=;..( ax b) +µ(bx
1. c) + v ·(c x a) [ a b c] = and a. (a + b + c) = 8, then i.. + µ + v is
(A)32 (B)64 (C)27 (D) 19

11
z. Given a, b and c are three vectors such that b and c are unit like parallel vectors and
I: Ia I = 4 • If a + Ac = 2b then the sum of all possible values of A is equal to

[j
3. A vector v satisfying the equations v x (ax b) = b+ 2a and ax v + + b =(ax b) x a. If a is a unit

I! vector and b = i - j + k which is NOT collinear with a, then I v I is

4. 3
-If a = i + + k & b =i - J
2 + k. , then the vector C such that a.c = 2 & a X C = b is -
I
(A) 1 ( 3i - 2j + 5k l(-i +2j+5k
3
A A A)

(B)
3
A A ")

(C) 1 ("'i+2j-5k
... ... ) 1(3i +2j+ k
1; 3 (D)
3
A A A)

S. Let a = )- k. and c = i - )- k . Then the vector b satisfying ax b + c = O and a . b = 3 is :

(A) -i + )-2k. (B) 2i-)+2k (C) i-]-2k (D) I+ ]-2k
6. The vectors a and b are not perpendic ular and c and d are two vectors satisfying :
bx c = bx d and a.d = 0 . Then the vector d is equal to :-

(A) .b+(~·~) c
a.b
(B) c-(~·~)b
a.b
(C) b-(~·~)c
a.b
(D) c+(~·~) b
a.b

= q, AD = p and LBAD be an acute angle.

I,

11 7. Let ABCD be parallelog ram such that AB

If r is the vector that coincides with the altitude directed from the vertex B to the side AD,
then ? is given by :
I:
L

r = 3q - 3
(B) •_ci) p
(p. p)

(C) -r= -q
- + (p. ci)-
p -=-=
p.p
(D) -r = q- - -=-=-
(p. q )-p
p.p

8. Let a= -i-k, b = -i +] and c = i +2] +3k be three given vectors. If r is a vector such
that rxb.-cx b and r.a=O, then the value of F.b is

93
 •• ---------
JEE-Matl1miatics ALLI"'
Miscellaneous IUustrations :
Illustration 34 : Let ii and v be unit vectors. If w is a vector suc;h that w + ( w x ii)= v, then prove that
- - - I nl ·r - • rpendicular to
1( u xv) . w I~- and that the equality holds if and o Y1 u ts pe
v•
,2
Solution : w+(wxii)=v ......(i)

- - = 1+w 2 -(uxw)
2v.w - - 2
······<n)
also taking dot product of(i) with v, we get
w.v+(w xii).v = v.v

v.(wxii)=l-w.v .......(m)

Now; v.(wxii)=l-.!._(l+w 2 -(iixw)2) (using (ii) and (iii))

2

w2 (iixw)2
=-1 --+-'--____;- (:. 0 cos28 l)
2 2 2

1
=- (1 - w2 + w2 sin'2 8) ......(iv)
2
as we know ; 0 w2 cos2 8 w2

l > 1- w 2 cos2 8 • 1-w2

- ---->--
2- 2 - 2

1-w2 cos 2 8 l
----<- ......(v)
2 -2
_from (iv) and (v)

I v.(w xii),~.!..
2

1t
Equality holds only when cos28 = 0 8=-
2
' •
1.e., ii 1- w w=0 w+(w xii) =v

ii ·w+ii.(wx ii)= ii. v (taldng dot with ii)

o+o=u·v ii·v=o ii.iv

94 - - - - - - - - - - - - - : - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
.u&JM~--~------_ ______ ______ _____ Vi_e_ct_or
, uustration 35: poi~t A(x1, Y,) with abscissa X1 = 1 and a point B('½, Y2) with ordinate Y2 = 11 are
given 10 a rectangular Cartesian system of co-ordinates OXY on tbe part of the curve
Y=xl - 2.x + 3 which lies in the first quadrant. Find the scalar product of OA and OB·
olution: Since (x., Y,) and (Xi, Y2) lies on y = x2 - 2x + ~.

Y1 = x~-2x1 + 3

Y1 = l2 - 2( 1) + 3 (asx1 =1)
Y1 = 2
so the co-ordinates of A(l, 2)

Also, y2 =xi - 2'½ + 3

11 =x; -2'½ + 3 4, x2 -:;:-2 (as B lie in 1st quadrant)

:. co-ordinates ofB (4, 11).

Hence, OA = i + 2j and OB= 4i +11]

OA.OB=4+22=2 6.
Jllustration 36: If 'a' is real constant and A, B, C are variable angles

and -4 tan A+ a tan B +.Ja 2 +4tanC =6a,

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

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

c.Ja 2 -4i +a] +.Ja2 +4k).(tanAi + tanB) + tan Ck)= 6a

(as a.b=lallblcos0)

.J3 a . .Jtan 2
A+tan2 B+tan2 Ccos0 =6a

tan2A + tan2B + tan2C = 12 sec2 0 ......(i)

also, 12 sec20 12 (as, sec2 0 :2:: I) ......(ii)
from (i) and (ii),
tan2 A + tan2 B + tan2 C 12
least value of tan2 A + tan2 B + tan2 C = I2.
95
lEE~•-M_a_fl~aem::.::.:at~;~~·_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ALLI•'

IUUSfration 37: a, b, c are three non-coplanar unit vectors such that angle between any two is a. If
axb +b X C =Ca +mb +nc,thendeterrninel',m,nintermsofa..
Solution : 2 2
a = b = c2 = 1, [abc] * 0
a .b= b . C= C. a = cosa ......... (i)
Multiply both sides of given relation scalarly by a , b and c , we get
0 + [-a b- -c] -- C. l + (m + n) cosa ......... (")
u
0 -- m + (n + () cosa ..... .... ('")
w
[ a b c] + O= ( e+ m)cosa + n ......... (iv)
Adding, we get
2[ a b c] = (£ + m + n) + 2( C+ m + n) cosa
or 2[ a b c] = (e + m + n) (1 + 2cosa) ......... (v)

From (11..) , (m + n) [abc]-1!

=~___::..-

cos a

• tn
Puttmg • (v), we get 2[abc]
- = { C+.c;._..---'--
[abcJ-t}(l + 2cos a )
cos a

1 2 1
or [abc]{2- + cosa}=.c(1---)c1+2cosa)
cos a cos a

e= - - - -[abc]
--'---- = n {as above}
(1 + 2 cos a )(1- cos a)
-2[a b c]cos a
and m = -{n + £) cosa (1 + 2cosa)(]-cosa)

Thus the values of e, m, n depend on [ a b c ]

Hence we now find the value of scalar [ a b c ] in terms of a.

a.a a.b a.c cosa cosa

1 i.
Now [ab C] = b.a b.b b.c = cos a 1 cos a

l
2

c.a c.b c.c cosa cosa 1

9,
i
1 cosa cosa
i
- R)
= (1 + 2 cosa) 1 1
l cosa
cos a (Apply - R 1 and
lj
[a b c]2 = (1 + 2 cosa)(l - cosa.)2
[-b-]
a C = + 2 COS a.
1-cosa.

Putting in the value of C, m, n we have c= 1

=n m
2
- cos a.
I
Ans. j

'
' .j(1+2cosa)

96--------------------------E