Maths-IA 47

Unit 4
Addition of Vectors

Vector: A physical quantity which has both magnitude and direction is called a vector.
Eg.: Velocity, displacement, force etc.
Scalar: A physical quantity which has only magnitude is called a scalar.

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Eg.: length, volume, temperature

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Position Vector: : Let 'O' and 'P' be any two points in space. Then the vector OP having
'O' and 'P' as initial and terminal points respectively, is called the position vector of the
point P with respect to 'O'.

B
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Position vector of P (x,y,z) w.r.t. origin O (0, 0, 0) is denoted by r .

Magnitude of OP is given by, OP  r  x 2  y 2  z 2

T
Note: AB = OB - OA = Position vector of B – Position vector of A.
Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios:
Let the position vector of point P (x,y,z) w.r.t. origin 'O' be OP = r Let  ,  ,  be the
angles made by the vector r in the positive direction (counter clockwise direction) of X,
Y, Z axes respectively.
Then Cos , Cos , Cos  are called the direction cosines of the vector r .
These direction cosines are denoted by l, m, n respectively.
i.e. l = Cos
m = Cos
n = Cos
Thus the coordinates x, y, z of the point P are expressed as (lr, mr, nr).
The numbers lr, mr, nr which are proportional to the direction cosines l, m, n are called the
direction ratios of the vector r These direction ratios are denoted by a, b, c.
i.e. a = lr
b = mr
c = nr
48 Basic Learning Material

Note: l2 + m2 + n2 = 1 but a2 + b2 + c2  1, in general.

Unit Vector: A vector whose magnitude is unity (i.e. 1 unit) is called a unit vector. It is
represented by e .
Unit vector in the direction of a given vector a is denoted by a and it is given by,,
a
a =
a

The zero vector is denoted by 0 and it is also known as null vector. We can observe that
the initial and terminal points coincide for zero vector and its magnitude is the scalar 0.
Like vectors: If two vectors are having the same direction, then they are called like vectors.
Unlike vectors: If two vectors are in opposite directions, then they are called unlike vectors.
Negative of a vector: Let a be a vector. The vector having the same magnitude as a but
having the opposite direction is called the negative vector of a and is denoted by – a .

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Note:

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1. If a  AB then a  BA .

a

B
2. Unit vector in the opposite direction of a =
a

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A B
The line AB is called support of the vector AB .
Collinear (Parallel) Vectors: Vectors with same support or parallel supports are called

Note:1. a

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collinear or parallel vectors.
b are collinear (parallel) vectors  a   b where  is a scalar..
2. The points A, B, C are collinear  AB =  BC where  is a scalar..
a1 a2 a3
3. If a1i + a2j + a3k and b1i + b2j + b3k are collinear vectors, then b  b  b .
1 2 3

Coplanar Vectors: Vectors whose supports are in the same plane or parallel to the same
plane are called coplanar vectors.
Note:1. The points A, B, C, D are coplanar  AD  x AB  y AC where x, y are scalars.

2. If AB = a1i + b1j + c1k

AC = a2i + b2j + c2k
AD = a3i + b3j + c3k, then the points A, B, C, D or
a1 b1 c1
AB , AC AD are coplanar  a 2 b 2 c 2 = 0
a 3 b3 c 3
The vectors which are not coplanar are called non–coplanar vectors.
 Maths-IA 49

Triangle law of vector addition: C

In ABC AB and BC are two sides,
then their sum is represented by the third side, AC
i.e. AC = AB + BC A B

This is known as the triangle law of vector addition.

Parallelogram law of vector addition:
If a b are the adjacent sides of a parallelogram then their sum
a  b is represented by the diagonal of the parallelogram through b
b a +
their common point.
This is known as the parallelogram law of vector addition. a
Properties of vector addition: For any vectors a b and c

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(i) ab = ba (Commutative property)

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  
(ii) a  b  c  a  b  c  (Associative property)

(iii) a  0  0  a  a (Identity property)

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Let a, b be two vectors, then
B
Here, the zero vector 0 is called the additive identity for the vector addition.

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(i) ab  a  b

(ii) a  b  ab

Note: Equality holds if and only if a and b are like vectors.

If a point P divides the line segment joining the points A( a ) and B( b ) in the ratio m : n,
mb + na
then the position vector of P is .
m+n
Linear combination of vectors: Let a1 , a2 , a3 ....... an be vectors and x1, x2, x3 ..... , xn be
scalars. Then the vector x1 a1  x2 a2 + x3 a3 +.......  xn an is called a linear combination of
the vectors a1 , a2 , a3 ......., an .
Vector equation of the straight line passing through the point A a  and parallel to the
vector b is r = a + tb t  R

Vector equation of the straight line passing through two points A a and B(b) is,
r = (1-t)a + tb tR

Vector equation of the plane passing through a point A a and parallel to the vectors b, c
is r = a + tb  sc t , s R
50 Basic Learning Material

Vector equation of the plane passing through three points A a  B(b) and parallel to the

vector c is r = (1-t) a + tb  sc t, s  R

Vector equation of the plane passing through three points A a  

B(b) and C c is

r = (1-t-s) a + tb  sc t , s R
VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (2 MARKS)
Find the unit vector in the direction of vector a = 2i + 3j + k.
Sol. a = 2i + 3j + k
a  22  32  12  4  9  1  14

a 2i  3 j  k
 Unit vector in the direction of a is a = 
a 14

 a 
2
14
i
3
14
j
1
14
Let a  i  2 j  3k
Sol. a  i  2 j  3k
k

B IE
b  3i  j . Find the unit vector in the direction of a + b .

b  3i  j

T S
a  b = i + 2j + 3k + 3i + j
 a  b = 4i + 3j + 3k

a + b  42  32  32  16  9  9  34

a+b 4i  3 j  3k
 Unit vector in the direction of a + b 
a+b 34

1
 (4i  3 j  3k )
34
Find the unit vector in the direction of the sum of the vectors a  2i  2 j  5k and
b  2i  j  3k .
Sol. a  2i  2 j  5k b  2i  j  3k

a  b = 2i + 2j – 5k + 2i + j + 3k
a  b = 4i + 3j – 2k
a + b  4 2  32  ( 2) 2  16  9  4  29
Maths-IA 51

a+b 4i  3 j  2k
Unit vector in the direction of sum of a and b = a + b 
29

Let a  2i  4 j  5k , b  i  j  k and c  j  2k . Find the unit vector in the opposite

direction of a  b  c .
Sol. a  2i  4 j  5k
bi jk
c  j  2k
a + b + c = (2i + 4j – 5k) + (i + j + k) + (j + 2k)
a + b + c = 3i + 6j – 2k
a + b + c  32  62  (2) 2  9  36  4  49  7


(a + b + c)
a+b+c

B E
 Unit vector in the opposite direction of a + b + c

I
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(3i + 6j - 2k)

7

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If the position vectors of the points A, B and C are –2i + j – k, –4i + 2j + 2k and
6i – 3j – 13k respectively and AB   AC , then find the value of  .
Sol. Let 'O' be the origin.
Then, OA = –2i + j – k
OB = –4i + 2j + 2k
OC = 6i – 3j – 13k
 AB = OB – OA = (–4i + 2j + 2k) – (–2i + j – k)
= –4i + 2j + 2k + 2i – j + k
 AB = –2i + j + 3k
 AC = OC – OA = (6i – 3j – 13k) – (–2i + j – k)
= 6i – 3j – 13k + 2i – j + k
= 8i – 4j – 12k
AC = –4(–2i + j + 3k)

AC = –4. AB  AB  2i  j  3k 
 
 –4 AB = AC
52 Basic Learning Material

1
AB =  AC
4
Comparing with, AB =  AC we get,
1
 = 4

If OA  i  j  k AB  3i  2 j  k BC  i  2 j  2 k and CD  2i  j  3k , then find

the vector OD .
Sol. OA  i  j  k
AB  3i  2 j  k
BC  i  2 j  2 k
CD  2i  j  3k

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OA  AB  BC  CD  OD

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 OD  OA  AB  BC  CD
= (i + j + k) + (3i – 2j + k) + (i + 2j – 2k) + (2i + j + 3k)

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 OD = 7i + 2j + 3k

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Write direction ratios of the vector a = i + j – 2k and hence calculate its direction cosines.
Sol. Let r = a = i + j – 2k

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Let a, b, c be the direction ratios of vector r = xi + yj + zk
Then the values of a, b, c are just the respective components x, y and z of the vector.
Hence, a = 1, b = 1, c = –2
If l, m, n are the direction cosines of the given vector, then

r  12  12  (2) 2  1  1  4  6

a 1
l 
r 6
b 1
m 
r 6
c 2
n 
r 6

 1 1 2 
 The direction cosines are  , , 
 6 6 6
Maths-IA 53

If the vectors –3i + 4j +  k and  i + 8j + 6k are collinear vectors, then find  and  .
Sol. The vectors, –3i + 4j +  k and  i + 8j + 6k are collinear..
3 4 
 
 8 6
3 1 
  
 2 6
3 1 1 
  and 
 2 2 6
   2( 3) 2  6(1)
6
   6  3
2
   3 and   6
9)
vector 4i – 2j + 3k.
Sol. Let a = 2i + 3j + k
b = 4i – 2j + 3k

B IE
Find the vector equation of the line passing through the point 2i + 3j + k and parallel to the


10)
r = a + tb t  R

T S
Vector equation of the line passing through a and parallel to b is,

r = (2i + 3j + k) + t(4i – 2j + 3k)

r = (2 + 4t)i + (3–2t)j + (1+3t)k
OABC is a parallelogram. If OA = a and OC = c , find the vector equation of the side
BC .
Sol. OABC is a parallelogram in which,
OA = a C B
OC = c  AB = c
 OB - OA  c c

 OB = c  OA O A
 OB = c  a a
 OB = a  c

 The vector equation of BC , r = (1-t)c  t (a  c) t  R

 r = (1-t+t)c  t a
 r=c  ta
54 Basic Learning Material

11) Find the vector equation of the line joining the points 2i + j + 3k and –4i + 3j – k.
Sol. Let a = 2i + j + 3k
b = –4i + 3j – k
Vector equation of line passing through a and b is
r = (1-t)a  tb t  R
 r = (1 – t) (2i + j + 3k) + t(–4i + 3j – k)
 r = (2 – 2t – 4t)i + (1 – t + 3t)j + (3 – 3t – t)k
 r = (2 – 6t)i + (1 + 2t)j + (3 – 4t)k
 r = 2(1 – 3t)i + (1 + 2t)j + (3 – 4t)k
12) Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the points i – 2j + 5k, –5j – k and
–3i + 5j.

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Sol. Let a = i – 2j + 5k
b = –5j – k
c = –3i + 5j

B I
 Vector equation of the plane passing through a , b and c is,

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r = (1-t-s)a  tb  sc t, s  R
r = (1 – t – s) (i – 2j + 5k) + t(–5j – k) + s(–3i + 5j)

T

13) Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the points (0, 0, 0), (0, 5, 0) and
(2, 0, 1).
Sol. a = 0.i + 0.j + 0.k = 0
b = 0.i + 5j + 0.k = 5j
c = 2.i + 0.j + 1.k = 2i + k
Vector equation of the plane passing through a , b and c is,
r = (1-t-s)a  tb  sc t , s  R
 r = (1 – t – s) 0 + t(5j ) + s(2i + k)
 r = (5t)j + s(2i + k)
SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (4 MARKS)
1) Show that the points A(2i – j + k), B(i – 3j – 5k), C(3i – 4j – 4k) are the vertices of a right
angle triangle.
Sol. Let 'O' be the origin, then
OA = 2i – j + k
Maths-IA 55

OB = i – 3j – 5k
OC = 3i – 4j – 4k
 AB = OB – OA = (i – 3j –5k) – (2i – j + k)
= (1–2)i + (–3+1)j + (–5–1)k
AB = –i – 2j – 6k
 AB = (1) 2  (2) 2  ( 6) 2  1  4  36  41

BC = OC – OB = (3i – 4j –4k) – (i – 3j – 5k)

BC = (3 – 1)i + (–4 + 3)j + (–4 + 5)k = 2i – j + k
BC = 22  (1) 2  12  4  1  1  6

CA = OA – OC = (2i – j + k) – (3i – 4j – 4k)

CA = (2 – 3)i + (–1 + 4)j + (1 + 4)k = –i + 3j + 5k
CA = (1) 2  32  52  1  9  25  35

I E
B
2
AB  ( 41)2  ( 6)2  ( 35)2

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2 2 2
 AB  BC  CA

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 A, B, C are the vertices of a right angle triangle.
2) Is the triangle formed by the vectors 3i + 5j + 2k, 2i – 3j – 5k and –5i – 2j + 3k equilateral?

Sol. In ABC , let AB = 3i + 5j + 2k

BC = 2i – 3j – 5k
CA = – 5i – 2j + 3k
AB = 32  52  22  9  25  4  38

BC = 22  (3) 2  (5) 2  4  9  25  38

CA = (5) 2  (2) 2  32  25  4  9  38

 AB  BC  CA  ABC is an equilateral triangle.

3) a , b , c are non–coplanar vectors. Prove that the following four points are coplanar..
(i) -a + 4b - 3c , 3a + 2b - 5c , 3a + 8b - 5c , 3a + 2b + c
(ii) 6a + 2b - c , 2a - b + 3c , a + 2b - 4c , 12a - b - 3c
56 Basic Learning Material

Sol. (i) Let 'O' be the origin. Then the position vectors of A, B, C, D are

OA = -a + 4b - 3c
OB = 3a + 2b - 5c
OC = -3a + 8b - 5c
OD = 3a + 2b + c
AB = OB – OA = 3a + 2b - 5c ) – -a + 4b - 3c ) = 4a - 2b - 2c
AC = OC – OA = 3a + 8b - 5c ) – -a + 4b - 3c ) = -2a + 4b - 2c
AD = OD – OA = -3a + 2b + c ) – -a + 4b - 3c ) = - 2a - 2b + 4c
4 -2 -2
A, B, C, D are coplanar  -2 4 -2  0
-2 -2 4

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4 -2 -2

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-2 4 -2  4(16  4)  2( 8  4)  2(4  8)
-2 -2 4

B
= 4(12) + 2(–12) – 2(12)
= 48 – 24 – 24
=0

T S
 A, B, C, D are coplanar..
Second Method:
A, B, C, D are coplanar  AB, AC, AD are coplanar..
 AB  x AC + yAD
where x, y are scalars.
 4a - 2b - 2c  x(-2a + 4b - 2c)  y(-2a - 2b + 4c)
 4a - 2b- 2c + 2a x - 4b x + 2c x  2a y + 2b y - 4c y  0
 (4+2x+2y)a + (-2-4x+2y)b + (-2+2x-4y)c  0
a , b , c are non–coplanar
 4 + 2x + 2y = 0 .............(1)
–2 – 4x + 2y = 0 .............(2)
–2 + 2x – 4y = 0 .............(3)
Solving (1) and (2)
2x + 2y + 4 = 0
– 4x + 2y – 2 = 0
+ – + .
6x +6 =0
 Maths-IA 57

x = –6/6 = –1
Substituting x = –1 in equation (1), we get
4 + 2 (–1) + 2y = 0
4 – 2 + 2y = 0
2 + 2y = 0
2y = –2
y = –2 / 2 = –1
Substituting x = –1, y = –1 in equation (3), we get

 AB, AC, AD are coplanar..

 A, B, C, D are coplanar.
 Given points are coplanar.
(ii) Let 'O' be the origin. Then the position vectors of A, B, C, D are
OA = 6a + 2b - c
OB = 2a - b + 3c
OC = -a + 2b - 4c

B IE
S
OD = 12a - b - 3c respectively

AB = OB – OA = 2a - b + 3c ) – 6a + 2b - c ) = -4a - 3b + 4c

T
AC = OC – OA = a + 2b - 4c ) – 6a + 2b - c ) = - 7a - 3c

AD = OD – OA = 12a - b - 3c ) – 6a + 2b - c ) = 18a - 3b - 2c
-4 -3 4
A, B, C, D are coplanar  -7 0 -3  0
-18 -3 -2

-4 -3 4
-7 0 -3  4(0  9)  3(14  54)  4(21  0)
-18 -3 -2

= 36 + 3(–40) + 4(21)
= 36 – 120 + 84
= 120 – 120 = 0
 A, B, C, D are coplanar.
4) If i, j, k are unit vectors along the positive direction of the coordinate axes, then show that
the four points 4i + 5j + k, –j–k, 3i +9 j + 4k and –4i + 4j + 4k are coplanar.
58 Basic Learning Material

Sol. Let 'O' be the origin and A, B, C, D be the given points.

Then, OA = 4i + 5j + k
OB = –j – k
OC = 3i + 9j + 4k
OD = –4i + 4j + 4k
AB = OB – OA = (–j – k) – (4i + 5j + k) = –4i – 6j – 2k
AC = OC – OA = (3i + 9j + 4k) – (4i + 5j + k) = –i + 4j + 3k
AD = OD – OA = (–4i + 4j + 4k) – (4i + 5j + k) = –8i – j + 3k
-4 -6 -2
A, B, C, D are coplanar  -1 4 3 0
-8 -1 3

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-4 -6 -2

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 -1 4 3  4(12  3)  6( 3  24)  2(1  32)
-8 -1 3

= –4(15) + 6(21) – 2(33)

S
= –60 + 126 – 66
= – 126 + 126 B

5)
=0

T
A, B, C, D are coplanar
If a , b , c are non–coplanar vectors, then test for the collinearity of the following points
whose position vectors are given by
(i) a - 2b + 3c , 2a + 3b - 4c ,  7 b + 10c
(ii) 3a - 4b + 3c , 4a + 5b - 6c , 4a  7b + 6c
Sol. (i) Let 'O' be the origin and A, B, C be the given points.
OA = a - 2b + 3c
OB = 2a + 3b - 4c
OC = -7 b + 10c
AB = OB – OA = 2a + 3b - 4c ) – a - 2b + 3c ) = a + 5b - 7c .....(1)
BC = OC – OB =  7 b + 10c ) – 2a + 3b - 4c ) = -2a - 10b + 14c
BC = -2(a + 5b - 7c)
BC = –2 AB [ from (1)]
 Maths-IA 59

 BC = 2 BA
 A, B, C are collinear.
(ii) Let 'O' be the origin A, B, C be the given points
OA = 3a - 4b + 3c
OB = 4a + 5b - 6c
OC = 4a - 7b + 6c
AB = OB – OA = 4a + 5b - 6c ) – 3a - 4b + 3c ) = 7a + 9b - 9c
BC = OC – OB = 4a  7b + 6c ) – 4a + 5b - 6c = 8a - 12b + 12c
AB   BC , where  is a scalar..
 A,B, C are non–collinear.
6) If the points whose position vectors are 3i – 2j – k, 2i + 3j – 4k , –i + j + 2k and

E
146

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4i + 5j +k are coplanar, then show that = .
17
Sol. Let 'O' be the origin and A, B, C, D be given points.
OA = 3i – 2j – k

S
OB = 2i + 3j – 4k
OC = –i + j + 2k
B


T
OD = 4i + 5j +  k respectively..
AB = OB – OA = (2i + 3j – 4k) – (3i – 2j – k) = –i + 5j – 3k
AC = OC – OA = (–i + j + 2k) – (3i – 2j – k) = –4i + 3j + 3k
AD = OD – OA = (4i + 5j +  k) – (3i – 2j – k) = i + 7j + (  +1)k
-1 5 -3
A, B, C, D are coplanar  -4 3 3  0
1 7  +1

–1[3(  +1) – 21] – 5[–4(  +1) – 3] – 3[–28–3] = 0

–1(3  +3–21) – 5(–4  –4–3) – 3(–31) = 0
–1(3  –18) – 5(–4  –7) + 93 = 0
–3  + 18 + 20  + 35 + 93 = 0
17  + 146 = 0
17  = – 146
146
  = 
17
60 Basic Learning Material

7) Find the vector equation of the plane which passes through the points 2i + 4j + 2k,
2i + 3j + 5k and parallel to the vector 3i – 2j + k. Also find the point where this plane meets
the line joining the points 2i + j + 3k and 4i – 2j + 3k.
Sol. Let a = 2i + 4j + 2k
b = 2i + 3j + 5k
c = 3i – 2j + k
 Vector equation of plane passing through a , b and parallel to c is given by,,
r = (1– t) a + t b + s c , t, s  R
r = (1– t) (2i + 4j + 2k) + t(2i + 3j + 5k) + s(3i – 2j + k)
r = (2 – 2t + 2t + 3s)i + (4 – 4t + 3t – 2s)j + (2 – 2t + 5t + s) k
r = (2 + 3s)i + (4 – t – 2s) j + (2 + 3t + s) k ............................... (1)
Let p = 2i + j + 3k

E
q = 4i – 2j + 3k

I
Vector equation of line passing through p and q is given by,,

r = (1– x) p + x q , xR
r = (1 – x) (2i + j + 3k) + x(4i – 2j + 3k)

S B
r = (2 – 2x + 4x)i + (1 – x – 2x) j + (3 – 3x + 3x)k
r = (2 + 2x)i + (1 – 3x) j + 3k ..............................(2)

T
Equating the corresponding coefficients of i, j, k from (1) & (2), we get
2 + 3s = 2 + 2x  2x – 3s = 0.
4 – t – 2s = 1 – 3x  3x – 2s – t = –3
2 + 3t + s = 3  s + 3t = 1

 3t = 1 – s  t =
1-s
3
.............................(3)
.............................(4)

Substituting 't' value in equation (4), we get

1 - s 
3x – 2s –   = –3
 3 
9x – 6s – 1 + s = –9
 9x – 5s = –8 .........................(5)
Solving (3) & (5), we get
(2x – 3s = 0) × 5  10 x – 15s = 0
(9x – 5s = –8) × –3  –27x + 15s = 24
–17x = 24
24
x=
17
Maths-IA 61

24
Substituting x = in (2), we get
17
  24     24  
r = 
2  2   i  1  3    j  3k
 17     17  

 48   72 
=
r  2   i   1   j  3k
17   17 
 34  48   17  72 
i
r =  17   17 
j  3k

14 89
 r = 17 i  17 j  3k

 14 89 
 Point of intersection of plane and line  , ,3 
 17 17 

E
8) Find the vector equation of the plane passing through points 4i – 3j – k, 3i + 7j – 10k and

I
2i + 5j – 7k show that the point i + 2j – 3k lies in the plane.
Sol. Let a = 4i – 3j – k
b = 3i + 7j – 10k
c = 2i + 5j – 7k
d = i + 2j – 3k

S B
T
Vector equation of plane passing through a , b and c is

r = (1 – t – s) a + t b + s c t, s  R
r = (1 – t – s) (4i – 3j – k) + t (3i + 7j – 10k) + s(2i + 5j – 7k)
If the point d lies on this plane, then
i + 2j – 3k = (1 – t – s) (4i – 3j –k) + t(3i + 7j – 10k) + s(2i + 5j – 7k)
i + 2j – 3k = (4 – 4t – 4s + 3t + 2s)i + (–3 + 3t + 3s + 7t + 5s)j + (–1 + t + s – 10t – 7s)k
i + 2j – 3k = (4 – t – 2s)i + (–3 + 10t + 8s)j + (–1 – 9t – 6s)k
Equating the coefficient of i, j, k on both sides, we get
4 – t – 2s = 1  t + 2s = 3 ................(1)
–3 + 10t + 8s = 2  10t + 8s = 5 ................(2)
–1 – 9t – 6s = –3  9t + 6s = 2 ................(3)
Solving (1) & (2)
(t + 2s = 3) × –4  –4t – 8s = –12
10t + 8s = 5  10t + 8s = 5
––––––––––––––––
7
6t = –7  t =
6
62 Basic Learning Material

From (1) t + 2s = 3
7
+ 2s = 3
6
7 18  7
2s = 3  
6 6
25 25
2s =  s=
6 12
From (3)
LHS = 9t + 6s
 7   25  21 25 21  25 4
= 9  + 6  =  = = = 2 = R.H.S.
 6   12  2 2 2 2
7 25

E
 t= ,s= satisfy (1), (2) and (3) equations.
6 12

9)

B I
 d lies on the plane passing through a , b and c .
Show that the line joining the pair of points 6a - 4b + 4c , - 4c and the line joining the
pair of points a - 2b - 3c , a + 2b - 5c intersect at the point –4c when a , b , c are non–

S
coplanar vectors.
Sol. Equation of the line joining the first pair of points is,

T
r = (1 – t) ( - 4c ) + t ( 6a - 4b + 4c ), tR

r = (6t) a + (–4t) b + (–4 + 4t + 4t) c

r = (6t) a + (–4t) b + (8t –4) c ...............(1)
Equation of the line joining the second pair of points is,

r = (1 – s) ( a - 2b - 3c ) + s( a + 2b - 5c ), sR

r = (–1 + s + s) a + (–2 + 2s + 2s) b + (–3 + 3s – 5s) c

r = (2s – 1) a – (4s – 2) b + (–2s – 3) c ...............(2)
Equating the corresponding coefficients of a , b and c in (1) & (2), we have
6t = 2s – 1  6t – 2s = –1 ..............(3)
–4t = 4s – 2  4t + 4s = 2  2t + 2s = 1 ...............(4)
8t – 4 = –2s – 3  8t + 2s = 1 ...............(5)
Solving (3) & (4), we get
6t – 2s = –1
2t + 2s = 1
8t =0  t=0
Maths-IA 63

From (4) 2t + 2s = 1
2(0) + 2s = 1
1
2s = 1  s =
2
1
t = 0, s = satisfy equation (5).
2
1
 Substituting the value of t = 0 in (1) or s = in (2), the point of intersection of the
2
lines is –4c.
10) Find the point of intersection of the line r = 2a + b + t(b - c) and the plane
r = a + x(b + c) + y (a + 2b - c) where a , b , c are non–coplanar vectors.
Sol. Given line is, r = 2a + b + t(b - c) .................(1)
plane is, r = a + x(b + c) + y (a + 2b - c) ................(2)

2a + b + t(b - c) = a + x(b + c) + y (a + 2b - c)
2a + (1+t)b - tc  (1+y)a + (x+2y)b + (x-y)c
 On comparing the corresponding coefficients,

B E
At the point of intersection of the line and the plane, we have,

I
2=1+y 

S
y=2–1=1  y=1

T
1 + t = x + 2y  1 + t = x + 2(1)  t – x = 1
–t = x – y  –t = x – 1  t + x = 1
Solving (3) & (4)
t–x=1
t+x=1
..............(3)
............ (4)

2t = 2
t=1
From (4) t+x=1
1+x=1
 x = 1 –1
 x=0
Substituting t = 1 in (1) or substituting x = 0, y = 1 in (2), we get the point of intersection
of (1) & (2) as 2a + 2b - c .
64 Basic Learning Material

Unit 5
Vector Products

Scalar or Dot Product of two vectos

Let a and b be two vectos. The scalar (or dot) product of a and b written as , a . b is
defined as

Note:
a .b = 0 if one of a or b is 0

IE
= a b Cos  if a  0, b  0 and  is the angle between a and b

B
S
(i) a . b is a scalar
(ii) If a , b are non zero vectors, than a . b is positive (or) zero (or) negative according as the

T
angle  beween a and b is acute or right or obtute angle.

(iii) If  = 0 0 

a .b = a b

a .a = a a
2
a .a = a
Orthogonal Projection
Let a = AB and b = CD be two non zero vectors. Let P and Q be the feet of the
perpendiculars drawn from C and D respectively onto the line AB. The PQ is called the
orthogonal projection vector of b on a and the magnitude PQ Then is called the magnitude
of the projection of b on a .

(b.a)a b .a
The projection vector of b on a is 2 and its magnstude is
a a
 Maths-IA 65

(a .b)b
The projection vectors a on b is = 2
b

a.b
magnitude is =
b

Let a , b be two vector then

(i) a .b = b.a (commutative law)
(ii) (l a ) . b = a .(l b ) = l( a , b ) = l  R
(iii) (l a ) . (m b ) = lm ( a . b ), = l, m  R
(iv) (– a ) . ( b ) = a . (– b ) = – ( a . b )
(v) (– a ) . (– b ) = a . b

E
Note: If i, j, k are mutually perpandiculars unit of vectors then

I
i.i = j.j = k. k = 1
i.j = j. k = k. i = 0
Theorem a = a1i + a2j + a3 k

S
b = b1i + b2j + b3 k Then
a . b = a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 B
  Cos 1 


  Cos1 

T
Note: (i) If is the angle between two non-zero vectors a and b then

 a.b 
a b



a1b1  a 2 b 2  a 3 b3 

 a 2 a 2 a 2 b 2 b 2 b 2 
 1 2 3 1 2 3 
(ii) a , b ae perpendiculaor to each other of and only if  a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 = 0
Cross Product f two vectors:
Let a and b be non-zero non collinear vectors. The cross (or vector) product of a and b
written as a  b is defined to be the vectors ( a b Sin) n where is the angle between a

and b and n is the unit vector perpendicular to both a and b such that ( a , b , n ) is a right
handed system.
If one of the vectors a , b is the null vectors or a , b are collinear vectors then cross
product a  b is defined as the null vector 0
66 Basic Learning Material

Note:
(1) If a , b are non-zero and non collinear vectors, Then a  b is a vector, perpendicular to
the plane determined by a and b , whose magnitude is a b sin.
(2) a  b = –( b  a )
(3) (–a)  b = a  (– b ) = –( a  b ) = b  a
(4) (– a )  (– b ) = a  b
(5) ( l a )  ( b ) = l( a  b ) = a  (l b ), l  R
(6) (l a )  (m b ) = lm( a  b ), l, m  R
(7) a (b + c) = a  b + a  c
(8) (a + b)  c = (a  c) + (b  c)
(9) If (i, j, k) is on orthogonal triade, Then

E
(i) i  i = j  j = k k = 0

I
(ii) i  j = k, j  k = i, k  i = j
Theorem:If a = a1i + a2j + a3k

B
If b = b1i + b2j + b3 k then

S
i j k
a1 a 2 a 3
ab =

T
b1 b2 b3

Theorem: For any two vectors a and b

2 2 2 2
a  b  a b  ab  
Theorem: The vector area of ABC is
1 1 1
=
2
AB  AC =
2
BC  BA =
2
CA  CB    
Theorem:If u a , b , c are the position vectors of the vertices A, B and C of ABC , Then the
1 1
 
vector area of ABC is b × c + c × a + a × b and its area is b × c + c × a + a × b
2 2
Theorem:
(i) The vector area of any plane quadrilateral ABCD in terms of diagonals AC and BD is
1
2

AC  BD 
1
(ii) The area of quadrilateral is AC  BD
2
Maths-IA 67

(iii) The vector area of a parallelogram with a and b as adjacent sides is a  b and the area is
ab ,

The unit vector perpandicular to both a and b is

(a  b)
=
ab

If a = 6i + 2j +3k , b = 2i – 9j + 6k Then find a . b and angle between a , b

Sol: a = 6i + 2j +3k , b = 2i – 9j + 6k then,

a . b = a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 & a = a12  a 2 2  a 32

a . b = 6(2) + 2(–9) + 3(6) = 12 – 18 + 18 = 12

a  36  4  9  49  7

Cos  
a.b
a b =
12
=
12
7 11 77

B IE
b  22  (9) 2  62  4  81  36  121  11

other.
 12 
  Cos 1  
 77 

T S
If a = i + 2j – 3k , b = 3i – j + 2k then show that a + b and a – b are perpendicular to each

a + b = i + 2j – 3k + 3i – j + 2k = 4i + j – k
a – b = (i + 2j – 3k) – (3i – j + 2k) = –2i + 3j – 5k
( a + b ) . ( a – b ) = 4(–2) + 1(3) + (–1)(–5)
= –8 + 3 + 5
=0 [ a . b = 0  a  b ]
 a + b  a – b
If a = i – j – k , b = 2i – 3j + k then find the orthogonal projection of b on a and its
magnitude.

(b.a)a
2
Sol: Orthogonal projection of b on a is = a
68 Basic Learning Material

b.a
Magnitude =
a

b . a = (2i – 3j + k) . (i – j – k)
= 2(1) + (–3)(–1) + 1(–1)= 2 + 3 – 1 = 4

a = (1) 2  (1) 2  (1) 2 = 1  1  1 = 3

(b.a)a 4(i  j  k) 4(i  j  k)

 Orthogonal projection of b on a = 2 = 2
=
a ( 3) 3

4 4
Magnitude = =
3 3

Sol: a , b an perpendicular then a . b = 0

 ()(2) + (–3)(–) + 5(–1) = 0
22 + 3 – 5 = 0

B E
If the vectors i – 3j + 5k and 2i – j – k are perpendicular to each other, find 

I
S
22 + 5 – 2 – 5 = 0
(2 + 5) ( – 1) = 0

Sol: Let
=
5
2
T
2 + 5 = 0 (or)  – 1 = 0

; (or) = 1

Prove that the angle  between any two diagonals of a cube is given by cos   1

Z
3

OA = i; OB = j; OC = k
C D
OF GC diagonals
E
OF = OA + AD + DF F
=i+k+j
=i+j+k O
A X
GC = GB  BO  OC
= –i – j + k B G
Y
If is angle between OF and GC then

OF, GC 1(1)  1(1)  1(1) 1 1  1

Cos = = 2 2 2 2 2 =
OF GC 1 1 1 (1)  (1) 2  1 3. 3
Maths-IA 69

The Vectors AB = 3i – 2j + 2k and AD = i – 2k represent the adjacent sides of a parallelogram

ABCD, Find the angle between the diagonds.
Sol: AC = AB + BC
= 3i – 2j + 2k + i – 2k
= 4i – 2j
BD = BA + AD
= –3i + 2j – 2k – i – 2k
= –2i + 2j – 4k
If is angle between AC and BD then

AC.BD 4( 2)  ( 2)2  0( 4)

Cos = AC BD =
42  (1) 2 (2) 2  22  ( 4) 2

E
8  4 12 12 12 3
Cos = = = = =

I
16  4 4  4  16 20 24 5 4 6 4 30 10. 3

 3

B
Cos =
10

S
Find the cartesian equation of the plane through A = (2, –1, –4) and parallel to the plane
4x – 12y – 3z – 7 = 0.

T
Sol: 4x – 12y – 3z – 7 = 0 normal to the plane 4i – 12j – 3 k
P = xi + yj + zk be any point on the plan.
AP  n
 
OP  OA . n = 0
[(x – 2)i + (y + 1)j + (z + 4) k ] . (4i – 12j – 3 k ) = 0
4(x – 2) – 12(y + 1) – 3(z + 4) = 0
4x – 12y – 3z – 8 – 12 – 12 = 0
4x – 12y – 3z – 32 = 0
Find the angle between the vectors i + 2j + 3k and 3i – j + 2k.
Sol: a = i + 2j + 3k, b = 3i – j + 2k
a . b = 1(3) + 2(–1) + 3(2) = 3 – 2 + 6 = 7
a = 12  22  32 = 1  4  9 = 14

b = 32  (1) 2  22 = 9  1  4 = 14
70 Basic Learning Material

a.b
If is angle between a and b  Cos = a b

7 7 1
Cos = = = = Cos600
14. 14 14 2
 = 600
If the vectors 2i + j – k and 4i – 2j + 2k are perpendicular to each other, find 
Sol: Let a = 2i + j – k; b = 4i – 2j + 2 k
If a and b are perpendicular, then a . b = 0
 2(4) + (–2) + (–1)(2) = 0
8 – 2 – 2 = 0
2 = 6

E
= 3

I
For what value of  the vectors i – j + 2k and 8i + 6j – k are at right angles?
Sol: Let a = i – j + 2k; b = 8i + 6j – k

B
If a and b are perpendicular, then a . b = 0

S
 1(8) + (6) + 2(–1) = 0
 8 – 6 – 2 = 0

T
6 = 6
 = 1
1
Let e1 and e2 be unit vectors making angle  If e1  e 2 = Sin, Then find 
2
Sol: e1 = 1; e 2 = 1

e1 .e2
Cos = e e = e1 .e 2
1 2

1
e1  e 2 = Sin
2
e1  e 2 = 2Sin
2
e1  e 2 = 4Sin2
2
e1  e2 . e1  e2 = 4Sin2 ( e1.e1 = e1 )
2 2
e1 – e1.e2 – e2.e1 + e2 = 4Sin2 ( e1.e2 = e2.e1)
Maths-IA 71

1 – 2 e1.e2 + 1 = 4Sin2
2 – 2Cos = 4Sin2  e1.e2 = Cos
2(1–Cos) = 4Sin2
2(Sin2/2) = 4Sin2  1–Cos2A = 2Sin2A
Sin2/2 = Sin2
1
 
2
If a = 2i + 2j – 3k , b = 3i – j + 2k then find the angle betwen the vector 2 a + b and
a + 2b
Sol: 2 a + b = 2(2i + 2j – 3k) + 3i – j + 2k = 7i +3j – 4k
a + 2 b = 2i + 2j – 3k + 2(3i – j + 2k) = 8i + k

E
If angle is  then

I
(2a  b)(a  2b) 7(8)  3(0)  (4)(1)
Cos = =
2a  b a  2b 7 2  32 (4) 2 . 82  12

=
56  4

S
49  9  16. 64  1
 52 
=
52
74. 65

B
T
= Cos  74. 65 
 –1

If a + b + c = 0, a = 3, b = 5, c = 7 find the angle between a and b

Sol: a + b = – c
( a + b )2 = (– c )2
( a + b ).( a + b ) = c . c
2 2 2
a  a b  ba  b  c

2 a b Cos = 15
2(3)(5)Cos = 15
1
Cos = Cos600
2
= 600
If |a| = 2, | b | = 3 and | c | = 4 and each of a , b , c is perpendicular to the sum of the other
two vectos, then find the magnitude of a + b + c .
72 Basic Learning Material

Sol: a  r ( b + c )  a . ( b + c ) = 0
a .b+a .c = 0
b r ( c + a )  b . ( c + a ) = 0
b.c+b.a = 0
c r ( a + b )  c . ( a + b ) = 0
c.a + c.b = 0
a .b + a .c + b.c+b.a + c.a + c.b = 0
2 (a .b + b.c + c.a ) = 0
| a + b + c |2 = ( a + b + c ). ( a + b + c )
= |a|2 + a.b + a.c + b.a + |b|2 + b.c + c.a + c.b + |c|2
= |a|2 + |b|2 + |c|2 + 2(a.b + b.c + c.a)

E
= 22 + 32 + 42 + 2(0)

I
= 4 + 9 + 16
= 29

B
 |a +b +c | = 29
Show that the points (5, –1, 1), (7, –4, 7) (1, –6, 10) and (–1, –3, 4) are the vertices a
rhombus.
Sol: OA = 5i – j + k
OB = 7i – 4i + 7k
OC = i – 6j + 10k
OD = –i – 3j + 4k
T S
AB  OB  OA = 2i – 3j + 6k
BD  OD  OB = –8i + j – 3k
AC  OC  OA = –4i – 5j + 9k
BC = OC – OB = –6i – 2j + 3k
CD = OD – OC = –2i + 3j – 6k
DA = OA – OD = 6i + 2j – 3k
AB  4  9  6  7

BC  36  4  9  7

CD  4  9  36  7

DA  36  4  9  7

BD  64  1  9  74
Maths-IA 73

AC  16  25  81  122

i.e, AB  BC  CD  DA & BD  AC
ABCD is a rhombus.
If a = 2i – 3j + 5k, b = –i + 4j + 2k them find a  b and unit vector perpendicular to both
a and b .
i j k
2 -3 5
Sol: a  b =
-1 4 2

-3 5 2 5 2 -3
=i –j +k
-1 2 -1 2 1 4

E
= i(–6 – 20) – j(4 + 5) + k(8 – 3)

I
= –26i – 9j + 5k
Unit vector perpendicular to both a and b is

=

ab
ab

S
(26i  9 j  5k) B
T
(26i  9 j  5k)
= 2 2 2 =
(26)  ( 9)  5 782
If a = 2i – 3j + 5k, b = –i + 4j + 2k Then find (a + b)  ( a – b ) and unit vector perpendicular
to both a + b and a – b
Sol: a + b = i + j + 7k; a – b = 3i – 7j + 3k
i j k
1 1 7
a + b)  (a – b) =
3 -7 3
= i(3 + 49) – j(3 – 21) + k(–7 – 3)
= 52i + 18j – 10k
| a + b )  ( a – b )| = (52)2  (18)2  (10)2 = 4[(26)2  (9)2  52 ]  2 782
Unit vector perpendicular to a + b , a – b


a  b  a  b
=
a  b  a  b
74 Basic Learning Material

(52i  18j  10k)

=
(26) 2  ( 9) 2  52

(26i  9 j  5k)
=
782
Find the area of the parallelogram for which a = 2i – 3j, b = 3i – k are adjacent sides.

Sol: Required area = a  b

i j k
2 -3 0
Vector area of parallelogram a  b =
3 0 -1

= i(3 – 0) – j(–2 – 0) + k(0 + 9)

E
= 3i + 2j + 9k

I
Area = a  b = 32  22  92
= 9  4  81
= 94

S B
If a = i + 2j + 3k and b = 3i + 5j – k are two sides of a triangle then find its area
1

T
Sol: Required area ab
2

i j k
1 2 3
ab =
3 5 -1

= i(–2 – 15) – j(–1 – 9) + k(5 – 6)

= –17i + 10j – k

ab = (17) 2  (102  (1) 2

= 289  100  1
= 390
1 1
 Required area = ab  390
2 2
390
=
2
Maths-IA 75

If is the angle between a = 2i – j + k and b = 3i + 4j – k then find sin

ab
Sol: Sin
a b

i j k
2 -1 1
ab =
3 4 -1

= i(1– 4) – j(–2 – 3) + k(8 + 3)

= –3i + 5j + 11k
a  b  (3) 2  52  112  9  15  121  155

a  22  (1) 2  12  4  1  1  6

b  32  42  (1) 2  9  16  1  26

 Sin
155
6. 26

155
156

B IE
S
Let a = 2i + j – 2k, b = i + j If c is a vector such that a.c = c c - a = 2 2 and the angle

T
between a  b and c is Then find the value of a  b  c
Sol: a  22  12  (2) 2  4  1  4  3

b  12  12  2

ca  2 2
2 2
ca  2 2  
2 2
c  a  2(c . a)  8
2
c 92 c 8
2
c  2 c 1  8
2
 c  1 0

c 1
76 Basic Learning Material

a  b  c  a  b c .Sin300

1
a  b (1)
2
1
= ab ...........(1)
2
i j k
2 1 -2
ab =
1 1 0
= i(0 + 2) – j(0 + 2) + k(2 – 1)
= 2i – 2j + k
ab = 4  4 1 = 3

E
1 3

(1)  a  b  c =  (3) =

I
2 2
Let a = 2i + 5j – k, b = i – 4j + 5k and c = 3i + j – k, Find vector which is perpendicular
to both a and b and c

S
Sol: There exist  such that  =  a  b
i j k
B
ab =
4 5 -1
1 -4 5

T
= i(25 – 4) – j(20 + 1) + k(–16 – 5)
= 21i – 21j – 21k

   = (21i – 21j – 21k)

= 21(i – j – k)
but  c = 21
21 (i – j – k) . (3i + j – k) = 21
21 (3 – 1 + 1) = 21
21  3   = 21
1
=
3
1
  = 2  3  (i – j – k)
 
= 7(i – j – k) = 7i –7j – 7k
Maths-IA 77

For any vector a show that |a  i|2 + |a  j|2 + |a  k|2 = 2|a|2

Sol: If a = xi + yj + zk, then a = x2  y2  z 2

i j k
x y z
a i=
1 0 0

= i(0 – 0) – j(0 – z) + k(0 – y)

= zj – yk

a  i  z2  y2

Similarly a  j  z 2  x 2

E
a  k  x2  y 2

I
2 2 2
 a  i  a  j  a  k

B
= z2 + y2 + z2 + x2 + x2 + y2 = 2(x2 + y2 + z2)
2

 2 2 2


S
= 2. x y z

= 2| a |2

Sol: a  b =
2 -1 1
1 -3 -5
T
If a = 2i – j + k, b = i – 3j – 5k than find a  b

i j k

= i(5 + 3) – j(–10 – 1) + k(–6 + 1)

= 8i + 11j – 5k

 a × b = 82  112  ( 5) 2
= 64  121  25
= 210

If a = 2i – 3j + k, b = i + 4j – 2k then find a  b  a  b
Sol: a  b = 3i + j – k
a  b = i – 7j + 3k
78 Basic Learning Material

i j k
3 1 -1
a  b  a  b =
1 -7 3
= i(3 – 7) – j(9 + 1) + k(–21 – 1)
= –4i – 10j – 22k
2p
If 4i + j + pk is parallel to the vector i + 2j + 3k find p
3
Sol: If a = a1i + a2j + a3k, b = b1i + b2j + b3k Parallel then
a1 a a
= 2 = 3
b1 b2 b3
4 2p /3 p
 = =
1 2 3

4=
p
3
 p = 12

B IE
Find unit vector perpendicular to both i + j + k and 2i + j + 3k

ab =
1 1 1
2 1 3
i

T
j
S
Sol: The unit vector perpendicular to both a and b is = 

= i(3 – 1) – j(3 – 2) + k(1 – 2)

(a  b)
ab

= 2i – j – k

 a × b = 2 2  ( 1) 2  ( 1) 2
= 4 11 = 6
(2i - j - k)
 Required unit vector = ±
6
Find the area of the parallelogram having a = 2j – k and b = –i + k as adjacent sides

Sol: Required area = a × b

i j k
0 2 -1
ab =
-1 0 1
Maths-IA 79

= i(2 – 0) – j(0 – 1) + k(0 + 2)

= 2i + j + 2k

 a × b = 2 2  12  2 2
= 4 1 4 = 3
Find the area of the triangle whose vertices are A(1, 2, 3), B(2, 3, 1) and C(3, 1, 2)
Sol: OA = i + 2j + 3k
OB = 2i + 3j + k
OC = 3i + j + 2k
AB = OB - OA = i + j – 2k
AC = OC - OA = 2i – j – k
i j k

E
AB  AC  1 1 -2

I
2 -1 -1
= i(–1 –2) – j(–1 + 4) + k(–1 – 2)

AB  AC =
= –3i – 3j – 3k

999 =

S
27 = 3 3

B
Required area =

=
T
1
2
1
2
AB  AC

 
3 3

3 3
2


If a = 2i + j – k, b = – i + 2j – 4k, c = i + j + k then find a  b   b  c
i j k
2 1 -1
Sol: a  b =
-1 2 -4
= i(–4 + 2) – j(–8 – 1) + k(4 + 1)
= –2i + 9j + 5k
i j k
-1 2 -4
bc =
1 1 1
80 Basic Learning Material

= i(2 + 4) – j(–1 + 4) + k(–1 – 2)

= 6i – 3j – 3k

a  b  b  c = (–2i + 9j + 5k) . (6i – 3j – 3k)

= (–2)(6) + (9)(–3) + (5)(–3)
= –12 – 27 – 15
= – 54
Find a unit vector perpendicular to the plane determined by the points P(1, –1, 2),
Q(2, 0, –1) and R(0, 2, 1)
Sol: OP = i – j + 2k; OQ = 2i – k; OR = 2j + k
PQ = OQ – OP = i + j – 3k
PR = OR – OP = –i + 3j – k
i j k

E
1 1 -3
PQ  PR =

I
-1 3 -1
= i(–1 + 9) – j(–1 – 3) + k(3 + 1)
= 8i + 4j + 4k

S
= 4(2i + j + k)
|PQ  PR| = 4 4  1  1 = 4 6
B
T
(PQ  PR)
Required unit vector = ± PQ  PR

4(2i + j + k)
= ±
4 6
(2i + j + k)
= ±
6

If a  13 b = 5 a . b = 60 then find a × b .
2 2 2
Sol: a × b 2 = a b –  a.b
= (13)2(5)2 – (60)2
= 4225 – 3600 = 625

 a × b = 25

 
If a = 2i + 3j + 4k, b = i + j – k, c = i – j + k then compute a × b × c and verify that

it is perpendicular to a .
Maths-IA 81

i j k
1 1 -1
Sol: b  c =
1 -1 1
= i(1 –1) – j(1 + 1) + k(–1 – 1)
= –2j – 2k
i j k
a× b×c = 2 3 4
 
0 -2 -2
= i(–6 + 8) – j(–4 – 0) + k(–4 – 0)
= 2i + 4j – 4k

 a ×  b × c . a = (2i + 4j – 4k). (2i + 3j + 4k)

E
= 2(2) + 4(3) +(–4)(4)

I
= 4 + 12 – 16
=0






 a × b × c is perpendicular to a .

S B
If a = 7i – 2j + 3k, b = 2i + 8k and c = i + j + k then compute a  b a × c,

T
a × b + c . Verify whether the cross product is distributive over the vector addition.

i j k
7 -2 3
Sol: a  b =
2 0 8
= i(–16 – 0) – j(56 – 6) + k(0 + 4)
= –16i – 50j + 4k
i j k
7 -2 3
ac =
1 1 1
= i(–2 – 3) – j(7 – 3) + k(7 + 2)
= –5i – 4j + 9k
b+c = 2i + 8k + i + j + k
= 3i + j + 9k
82 Basic Learning Material

i j k
7 -2 3

a× b+c =  3 1 9
= i(–18 – 3) – j(63 – 9) + k(7 + 6)
= –21i – 54j + 13k ..................(1)
a  b + a × c = –16i – 50j + 4k + (–5i – 4j + 9k)
= –21i – 54j + 13k ..................(2)
From (1), (2)..

  
a× b+c = a  b + a  c   
 Cross product is distributive over the vector addition.
If a = i + j + k, c = j – k Then find vector b such that a  b = c and a.b  3 .
Sol: Let b = b1i + b2j + b3k
a  b =c
i j k

B IE
S
1 1 1
=j–k
b1 b2 b3

T
i(b3 – b2) – j(b3 – b1) + k(b2 – b1) = j – k
 b3 – b2 = 0; b1 – b3 = 1; b2 – b1 = –1
Let b3 = b2 = k
b1 – k = 1 k – b1 = –1
b1 = 1 + k; b1 = k + 1
a. b =3
(i + j + k). (b1i + b2j + b3k) = 3
b1 + b2 + b3
k+1+k+k=3
3k = 2
2
k=
3
2 5
  b1   1 
3 3
5 2 2 1
b = i + j + k = (5i + 2j + 2k)
3 3 3 3
Maths-IA 83

If a , b , c are unit vectors such that a is perpendicular to the plan of b , c and the angle
π
between b and c is then find a + b + c
3
Sol: a = b = c = 1

a  b  a. b =0
a  c  a .c = 0
2 2 2 2
a+b+c = a + b + c + 2 a.b+b.c+c.a  
 π 
= 1 + 1 + 1 + 2  0 + b c Cos + 0 
 3 
 1
= 1 + 1 + 1 + 2 1.1. 
 2

E
=1+1+1+1

I
=4

 a + b + c = 2

   

S   
B
a = 3i – j + 2k, b = –i + 3j + 2k, c = 4i + 5j – 2k, d = i + 3j + 5k, then compute


(i) a  b  c  d (ii) a  b  c - a  d .b

T
i j k
3 -1 2
Sol: a  b =
-1 3 2
= i(–2 – 6) – j(6 + 2) + k(9 – 1)
= –8i – 8j + 8k
i j k
4 5 -2
cd =
1 3 5
= i(25 + 6) – j(20 + 2) + k(12 – 5)
= 31i – 22j + 7k
i j k
-8 -8 8
   
(i) a  b  c  d =
31 -22 7
= i(–56 + 176) – j(–56 – 248) + k(176 + 248)
= 120i +304j + 424k
84 Basic Learning Material

a  b  c = (–8i – 8j + 8k).(4i + 5j – 2k)

= (–8)(4) + (–8)(5) + (8)(–2)
= –32 – 40 – 16
= –88
i j k
-8 -8 8
a  d =
31 -22 7
= i(–5 – 6) – j(15 – 2) + k(9 + 1)
= –11i – 13j + 10k

 a  d   b = (–11i – 13j + 10k). (–i + 3j + 21k)

= (–11)(–1) + (–13)(3) + 10(2)

E
= 11 – 39 + 20
= –8

  
  a  b  c - a  d .b = –88 – (–8)
= –88 + 8
= –80


B I
Sol: b  c

(iii) a × b  c

=

i j k
1 -3 4
2 -5 3
S   
a = (1, –1, –6), b = (1, –3, 4), c = (2, –5, 3) then compute (i) a  b  c (ii) a  b  c

T


= i(–9 + 20) – j(3 – 8) + k(–5 + 6)

= 11i + 5j + k


a b  c  = (i – j – 6k) . (11i + 5j + k)
= 1(11) + (–1)(5) + (–6)(1)
= 11– 5 – 6
=0
i j k
a  b  c = 1 -1 -6
 
11 5 1
= i(–1 + 30) – j(1 + 66) + k(5 + 11)
= 29i – 67j + 16k
Maths-IA 85

i j k
1 -1 -6
ab =
1 -3 4
= i(–4 – 18) – j(4 + 6) + k(–3 + 1)
= –22i – 10j – 2k
i j k

 a  b  c = -22 -10 -2

2 -5 3
= i(–30 – 10) – j(–66 + 4) + k(110 + 24)
= –40i + 62j + 130k

   
If a = i – 2j + k, b = 2i + j + k, c = i + 2j – k then compute a  b  c , a  b  c

Sol: b  c =
i j k
2 1 1
1 2 -1

B
= i(–1 – 2) – j(–3 – 1) + k(4 – 1)
IE
S
= –3i + 3j + 3k

T
i j k
a  b  c = 1 -2 1
 
-3 3 3
= i(–6 – 3) – j(3 + 3) + k(3 – 6)
= –9i – 6j – 3k
i j k
1 -2 1
ab =
2 1 1
= i(–2 – 1) – j(1 – 2) + k(1 + 4)
= –3i + j + 5k
i j k

 a  b  c = -3 1 5

1 2 -1
= i(–1 – 10) – j(3 – 5) + k(–6 – 1)
= –11i + 2j – 7k
86 Basic Learning Material

a  b  c = (11) 2  22  ( 7) 2

= 121  4  49
= 174

If a = i – 2j – 3k, b = 2i + j – k, c = i + 3j – 2k then verify a  b  c   

 ab c .

i j k
1 -2 -3
Sol: a  b =
2 1 -1
= i(2 + 3) – j(–1 + 6) + k(1 + 4)
= 5i – 5j + 5k
i j k

E
5 -5 5
a  b  c =

I
1 3 -2
= i(10 – 15) – j(–10 – 5) + k(15 + 5)

B
= –5i + 15j + 20k ................(1)

S
i j k
2 1 -1
bc =

T
1 3 -2
= i(–2 + 3) – j(–4 + 1) + k(6 – 1)
= i + 3j + 5k
i j k
a  b  c = 1 -2 -3
 
1 3 5
= i(–10 + 9) – j(5 + 3) + k(3 + 2)
= –i – 8j + 5k ................(2)
From (1) and (2)


a  bc  
 ab c 