VECTORS

VECTORS
1.1

Basic concept

Vectors have magnitude and direction, whereas scalars have only magnitude.

Vector. A directed line segment represents a vector. A vector from P to Q is denoted

by PQ . P and Q are called respectively initial and terminal points of the vector PQ . The

direction of vector PQ is from P to Q.

The magnitude of vector PQ is denoted by | PQ | and represents length of line

segment PQ.
Zero vector. A vector whose initial and terminal points coincide is called a zero vector.

r
It is also defined as a vector whose magnitude is zero. It is denoted by 0 or AA, BB

r
r
etc. | 0 | = 0, | 0 | = 0, | AA | = 0.
r
y
Unit vector. A vector a is called a unit vector if its magnitude is one unit. It is denoted by

a , | a | = 1.
r
a
r
Unit vector represents direction along a vector a , also a = r .
a

Position vector of a point. If we take a fixed point O, which is called the origin of

reference and P be any point in the plane, then the vector OP is called the position
r
r
vector of P relative to O. If position vector of point P is a , denoted as P( a ), then

corresponding to some origin of reference O, OP = a .

Line of support. A line, whose segment is PQ, is called the line of support of the

vector PQ .
1.2

Types of vectors
1.
Like vectors. Two vectors are said to be like vectors, if they have (i) same or parallel
lines of support.
(ii) same direction.
2.
Unlike vectors. Two vectors are said to be unlike vectors, if (i) their lines of support
are same or parallel, (ii) opposite direction.
3.
Equal vectors. Two vectors are said to be equal, if they have (i) same or parallel
lines of support, (ii) same direction and (iii) equal magnitudes.
We can also say that if like vectors have equal magnitudes then they are equal.
4.
Coinitial vectors. Two or more vectors are said to be coinitial vectors if they have

the same initial point, e.g., AP, AQ, AR etc. are coinitial vectors.
5.
6.

Collinear vectors. Two or more vectors are called collinear vectors, if they have the
same or parallel lines of support.
Coplanar vectors. Any number of non-zero vectors are said to be coplanar if they lie
in the same plane or parallel planes.

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VECTORS

2
7.

Negative vector. A vector which has the same magnitude but opposite direction of

the given vector, is called the negative of the given vector. If PR = x then RP = - x .
1.3

Properties with respect to addition

Triangle law of vector addition. If two vectors are

represented along two sides of a triangle taken in
order, then their resultant is represented by the third
side taken in the opposite order.

If the sides OA and AB of DOAB represent OA and ,

then OA + AB = OB , i.e., OB = a + b

r
b

Parallelogram law of vector addition. If two vectors

are represented along two adjacent sides of a
parallelogram, then their resultant is represented along
the diagonal of a parallelogram passing through the
common vertex of adjacent sides. If the sides OA and
OC of a parallelogram OABC represent respectively

OA and OC , then OA + OC = OB .

r
a

Properties with respect to addition

r
r
r
r
r
r
(i) Commutative. For vectors a and b , we have a + b = b + a .
r
r
r r
r
r
r
r
r
(ii) Associative. For vectors a , b and c , we have a + ( b + c ) = ( a + b ) + c
r
r
r
r
(iii) Additive identity. For every vector a , a zero vector 0 is its additive identity as a + 0
r
= a.
r
r
r
r
(iv) Additive inverse. For a vector a , a negative of vector a is its additive inverse as a + ( a )
r
= 0.

Also for vector AB , its additive inverse is BA as AB + BA = AA = 0 , Also, we conclude BA =

AB .
1.4

Properties of with respect to multiplication

r
Multiplication of a vector by a scalar. Let a be a given vector and k a scalar, then
r
r
multiplication of vector a by scalar k, denoted k a , is a vector whose magnitude is k
r
r
times that of vector a and direction is (i) same as that of a , if k > 0. (ii) opposite to that
r
of a , if k < 0. (iii) a zero vector, if k = 0.
r
r
r
r
To prove a is parallel to b we have to show that a = k b , where k is a scalar..
Properties with respect to multiplication of a vector by a scalar
r r
For vectors a , b and scalars l, m, we have
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
(i) l( a + b ) = l a + l b
(ii) (l + m) a = l a + m a
r
r
(iii) l(m a ) = (lm) a .

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VECTORS

3
1.5

Propertes of vectors

To find a vector when position vectors of end points are given :

r
r
Let a and b be the position vectors of end points A and B of a line segment AB. Then,

r
r
= Position vector of B Position vector of A = OB OA = b a .
AB
r
r
r
r
Components of a vector. If rr = a + b , then a and b are known as components of
r
r.
Vector in two dimensions :
Let rr be position vector of a point P(x, y),

(i)

Then rr = OP = x i + y j

(ii)

r
x i and y j are known as component vectors of r along x and y-axis
and x and y are known as components of rr along x and y-axis.

(iii)

r
r
Magnitude of r , is given by, | r | =

(iv)

r
x
y
x i + yj
r
r
r
r , i.e.,, = r + r j .
Unit vector along r , is given by, r = r =
r
i
r
r
r
r

(v)

y
x
r
If q is angle which r makes with x-axis, then cos q = r , sin q = r .
r
r

(vi)

r
cos q, sin q are known as direction cosines of r .

(vii)

r
r
For r = x i + y j ; x and y are known as direction ratios of r , i.e., components
r
of a vector are direction ratios of r , but converse may or may not be true.

x2 + y2 .

Vector in three dimensions :

r
If r is position vector of point P(x, y, z)
(i)

r
Then r = x i + yj + zk, x i, yj and zk are component vectors and x, y
Z
k
g

O
i

r
r
b

r
and z are components of vector r along x, y and z-axis.

(ii)

r
r
Magnitude of r , is given by, | r | =

(iii)

r
If a, b, g are the angles which vector r makes with x, y and z-axis, then its

x 2 + y2 + z2

direction consies cos a, cos b, cos g are cos a =

z
r .
|r|

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x
y
r ; cos b = r ; cos g =
|r|
|r|

VECTORS

4
(iv)

x
y
z
Unit vector along rr , is given by, rr = r i + r j + r k = (cos a) i + (cos
|r|
|r|
|r|

b) j + (cos g) k
(v)

r
If r = xi + yj + zk , then x, y, z are direction ratios of rr , i.e., components of a

vector are direction ratios of a vector.

Vector when coordinates of end points are given. If A (x1, y1, z1) and B(x2, y2, z2)

be the end-points of line segment AB, then AB = (x2 x1) i + (y2 y1) j + (z2 z1) k .
(x2 x1), (y2 y1) and (z2 z1) are components of

AB

along x, y and z-axis respectively..

These are also direction ratios along x, y and z-axis respectively.

Position vector of a point dividing the line segment in a given ratio (Section formula).
Position vector rr of a point which divides the join of two given points with position
r
r
r
l b + ma
r
r
.
vectors a and b in the ratio l : m internally is, r =
l+m
r
r
l b - ma
If point divides externally, in the ratio l : m, then position vector is
.
l -m

Position vector of the mid-point (1 : 1) of the line segment joining the end points
r r
r
a+b
r
with position vectors a and b is
.
2

1.6

Scalar or dot product of two vectors

r
Scalar or dot product of two vectors. If q is the angle between two given vectors a
r
r
r
r
r
r
and b , then their scalar or dot product, denoted by a . b is given by a . b = | a |
r
r
r
| b | cos q, where q is angle between a and b .
r r
y.
a . b is a scalar quantity.
r r r
( a . b ). c is not defined.
r r r
r r
r
Commutative property. For vectors a and b , a . b = b . a .
r r r
r
Associative property. For vectors a , b , c , associative property does not hold as a
r r
. ( b . c ) is not defined.
r r r
r r
r
r r
r r
Distributive property. For vectors a , b , c , ; a .( b + c ) = a . b + a . c .
r r
r
r
r
r
r r
For vectors a and b , a .(l b ) = (l a ) . b = l( a . b ), l is a scalar..
r r
r
r r
r
r
r
r
r
For vectors a and b , a . b = 0 a = 0 , b = 0 or a ^ b .

r r r
r
For vector a , a . a = ar 2 = | a |2, i.e., square of a vector is equal to square of its

magnitude.

r r
r r
a .b r
a .b
r
r
r
r
r
r
Projection of a along b is
and projection vector of a along b is
2 b.
|b|
|b|

r r
a.b
r
r
r
r
Angle between a and b is given by, cos q = r r , q is the angle between a and b .
| a ||b|

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VECTORS

If i , j , k are unit vectors along x, y and z-axis respectively, then

i . i = j . j = k . k = 1 ; i . j = 0, j . k = 0, k . i = 0.

r
r
r r
r
If a = a1 i + b1 j + c1 k and b = a2 i + b2 j + c2 k , then a . b = a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 If a ^
r
r r
b then a . b = 0 a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0
r
r
If q is angle between a = a1 i + b1 j + c1 k and b = a2 i + b2 j + c2 k , then
cos q =

1.7

a1a2 + b1b 2 + c1c 2

a12

+ b12 + c12 a22 + b22 + c 22

Vector or cross product of two vectors

r
r
r
r
Vector or cross product of two vectors a and b . denoted by
y a . b , is given by
y
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
a b = | a | | b | sin q n, q is angle between a and b , n is a unit vector ^ to a b ,
is given by
r
r
r r
a and b and direction is such that a , b and n form a right hand system.
r
r
r
r
r
r
a b is a vector quantity, whose magnitude is, | a b | = | a | | b | sin q.
r r
| ab |
r
r
If q is angle between a and b , then sin q = r r .
| a || b |

r
r r
r
For a , a a = 0 .
r r
r
r
r
r
For vectors a and b , a b = b a , i.e., cross product of two vectors is not

commutative.
r r
r
For a , b and c ,

r
r
r
r
r
r
a ( b c ) ( a b ) c , in general. Not associative.
r
r
r r
r r
r
r
r
r
Distributive property. For vectors a , b and c , a ( b + c ) = a b + a c .
r r
r
r
r r
r
r
r
r
r
For vectors a and b , a b = 0 a = 0 , b = 0 or a || b .
r
r
If we want to show that two non-zero vectors a and b are parallel, then we
r
r
r
should show that a b = 0 .
r
r
Geometrically, | a b | represents area of a parallelogram whose adjacent sides are
r
r
along a and b .

r
r
1 r
r
Area of a triangle whose sides are along a and b is given by
| a b |.
2

r
r
1 r
| d1
Area of a parallelogram whose diagonals are along d1 and d2 is given by
2
r
d2 |.

If i , j , k are vectors along x, y and z-axis respectively, then

r
i i = 0 , j j =
r
For a scalar l, l( a

r
r
0 , k k = 0 i
r
r
r
b ) = (l a b ) =

j = k ; j k = i ; k + i = j .
r
r
r
r
( a l b ), where a and b are given vectors.

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VECTORS

SOLVED PROBLES
Ex.1

r
r
Find the projection of a = i 3 k on b = 3 i + j - 4 k .

Sol.

r r
3 + 0 + 12
15
r ar.b
r
Projection of a on b =
=
=
.
9 + 1 + 16
26
|b|

Ex.2

r
r
r
If a is a unit vector and ( xr + a ).( xr a ) = 15, find | xr |.

Sol.

r 2
r
r 2
x 2 - a2 = 15 | x | =15+| a | =16 | x |= 4

Ex.3

Find a vector in the direction of vector 5 i - j - 2 k which has magnitude 8 units.

Sol.

r
The unit vector in the direction of vector a = 5i - j + 2k is

1
r . r =
|a| a

5 + ( -1)2 + 22

( 5i - j + 2k )

( 5i - j + 2k ) =

25 + 1 + 4

1
30

( 5i - j + 2k )

r
The vector of 8 units in the direction of the vector a =

Ex.4

Sol.

8
30

( 5i - j + 2k )

r
Find a vector of magnitude 5 units, and parallel to the resultant of the vectors a =
r
2 i + 3 j - k and b = i - 2 j + k .
r
r
The resultant of vector a = 2i + 3j - k and b = i - 2j + k is given by
r r
a + b = (2i + 3j - k ) + (i - 2j + k ) = 3i + j
r r
The unit vector in the direction of a + b is
=

3
2

3 +1

i +

3
+
10 i

3 + 12

1
10

j i.e.,,

3
1
r r
i+
A vector of magnitude 5 units, and parallel to a + b is, therefore, = 5
10
10

i.e.,

3
2

10 i +

10
j
2

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VECTORS

7
Ex.5

Sol.

IF a = i + j + k , b = 2 i - j + 3 k AND c = i - 2 j + k , FIND A UNIT VECTOR PARALLEL TO THE VECTOR

r r
r
2 a - b + 3c .
r
r
Here, 2a = 2i + 2j + 2k
- b = -2i + j + 3k
r r
r
2a - b + 3c = 3i - 3j + 2k

r
3c = 3i - 6j + 3k

and

r r
r
The unit vector parallel to the vector 2a - b + 3c =

3
3
2
ij+
k
22
22
22

Ex.6

Show that the vectors 2 i - 3 j + 4 k and -4 i - 6 j - 8 k are collinear.

Sol.

r
Two vectors a = a1i + a 2 j + a3k

and

a1 a 2 b 3
r
b = b1i - b2 j + b3k are collinear if b = b = b
1
2
3

For given vectors, we have

2
-3
4
=
=
-4
6
-8

-1
. Hence , the given vectors are collinear..
2

Each is equal to
Ex.7

Find the direction cosines of the vector i + 2 j + 3 k .

Sol.

For a vector a1i + a2 j + a3k , a1, a2, a3 are the direction ratios of the vector..
Hence, for the given vector,
a1 = 1, a 2 = 2 and a3 = 3.
1
2

1 +2 +3

1 +2 +3

3
2

1 + 22 + 3 2

are the required direction cosines.

i.e.,

1
14

2
14

3
14

are the required direction cosines.

Ex.8

Find the scalar and vector components of the vector with initial point (2, 1) and terminal
point (5, 7).

Sol.

The vector joining the initial point (2, 1) and the terminal point (-5, 7) is = (- 5 - 2)i + (7 - 1)j
= -7i + 6j

The scalar components of the vectors are 7 and 6.

Ex.9

Find the unit vector in the direction of vector PQ , where P and Q are the points (1, 2,
3) and (4, 5, 6) respectively.

Sol.

The vector PQ = (4 - 1) i + (5 - 2)j + (6 - 3 )k

= 3i + 3j + 3k

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VECTORS

PQ = 3i + 3j + 3k =

3 2 + 3 2 + 3 2 = 9 + 9 + 9 = 27 = 3 3

so, the unit vector in the direction of PQ =

1
3 3

1
1 1
. 3i + 3j + 3k =
i+
j+
k
3
3
3

Ex.10 Find the direction cosines of the vector joining the points A(1, 2,3) and B(1,2, 1),
directed from A and B.
Sol.

The vector AB = - 2i - 4j + 4k

The direction ratios of AB are, therefore,2, 4 and 4 and, the direction cosines are

-1 -2 2
, ,
3 3 3

Ex.11 Find the position vector of the mid-point of the vector joining the points P(2, 3, 4) and
Q(4, 1, 2).
Sol.

The position vectors of the points P and Q are 2i + 3j + 4k and

4i + j - 2k

r r
b+a
The position vector of the mid-point of the vector PQ is
1+ 1

1 r r
1
a + b = (2 + 4 )i + (3 + 1)j + (4 - 2)k
2
2

1
6i + 4j + 2k = 3i + 2j + k

r
r
Ex.12 Show that the points A, B and C with position vectors a = 3 i - 4 j - 4 k , b = 2 i - j + k and
r
c = i - 3 j - 5 k respectively form the vertices of a right-angled triangle.

C
r
c

r
b

Sol.

The vector AB

= -i + 3j + 5 k ,

BC = - i - 2j - 6k ,

CA = 2i - j + k

Now, AB = AB = - i + 3j + 5k

= - 12 + 32 + 52 = 1 + 9 + 25 = 35 AB 2 = 35

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VECTORS

BC = BC = - i - 2j - 6k

(- 1)2 + (- 2)2 + (- 6)2

= 1 + 4 + 36 = 41 BC 2 = 41

CA = CA = 2i - j + k = 2 2 + (- 1)2 + 12 = 4 + 1 + 1 = 6

CA 2 = 6

Since BC 2 = AB 2 + CA 2 ; DABC is right- angled triangle, right-angled at A.

Ex.13 Show that the vector i + j + k is equally inclined to the axes OX, OY and OZ.
Sol.

Let a, b, g be the angles which the vector i + j + k is inclined to the axes OX, OY and OZ
respectively. Then cos a = 1, cos b = 1 and cos g = 1 a = b = g

Ex.14 Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining two points P and Q
whose position vectors are i + 2 j - k and - i + j + k respectively, in the ratio 2 : 1.
Sol.

r
r
Let the position vector of P be a = i + 2j - k and of Q be b = -i + j + k .
(i) Let R divide the line joining the point P and Q in the ratio 2 : 1 internally. Then, the position
vector of R is
r
r r
Q ()
b
r
r
1
2b + a
= 2b + a
3
2+1
R

[(

) (

1
=
- 2i + 2j + 2k + i + 2j - k
3
=

r
P (a)

)]

1
(- 2 + 1)i + (2 + 2) j + (2 - 1)k = 1 - i + 4j + k
3
3

=-

1 4 1
i+ j+ k
3
3
3

(ii) Let R divide the line joinin the points P and Q in the ratio 2 :1 externally. Then the position
r r
r r
2b - a
= 2b - a
Vector of R is
2 -1

()

r
Q b
r
P (a)

)(

= - 2i + 2j + 2k - i + 2j - k = - 3i + 3k

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VECTORS

10

Ex.15 Show that the points A(1, 2, 8), B(5, 0, 2) and C(11, 3, 7) are collinear and find the
ratio in which B divides AC.
Sol.

Here AB = (5 - 1)i + (0 + 2)j + (- 2 + 8)k = 4i + 2j + 6k

and BC = (11 - 5 )i + (3 - 0)j + (7 + 2)k = 6i + 3j + 9k

4 2 6
= =
The vectors AB and BC are collinear if
6 3 9

k
A(1,-2,-8)

which is true. Hence, the given points are

1
B

C(11,3,7)

collinear. Let B divide AC in the ratio k : 1

Then the coordinates of B are :
11k + 1 3k - 2 7k - 8
,
,

k +1 k +1 k +1
11k + 1 3k - 2 7k - 8
11k + 1
3k - 2
7k - 8
,
,
to (5, 0, 2), we have
=5;
= 0;
= 2
Equating
k +1 k +1 k +1
k +1
k +1
k +1

which is true for k =

2
3

Hence, B divides AC internally in the ratio 2 : 3.

Ex.16 Show that the following points are collinear: A( -2 i + 3 j + 5 k ), B( i + 2 j + 3 k ) and C( 7 i - k )
Sol.

AB = (1 + 2)i + (2 - 3)j + (3 - 5 )k = 3i - j - 2k

BC = (7 - 1)i - 2j + (- 1 - 3 )k = 6i - 2j - 4k

AC = (7 + 2)i - 3j + (- 1 - 5 )k = 9 i - 3 j - 6k

AB = 9 + 1 + 4 = 14

Further,

BC = 36 + 4 + 16 = 56 = 2 14

AC = 81 + 9 + 36 = 126 = 3 14

Therefore, | AC |=| AB | + | BC |
Hence, the points A, B and C are collinear.

r r r
r r r r r r
r r r
Ex.17 If a , b , c are unit vectors such that a + b + c = 0 , find the value of a . b + b . c + c . a .
r r r
Sol.
It is given that | a |=| b |=| c |= 1

r r
r
r r r
Now, a + b + c = 0 gives a = - b + c
r r
r r r
r r rr
\ a . a = a. - b + c = - a.b + ac

[ ( )] (

)
r r
r
(Q a . a = | a |2 = 12 = 1)

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VECTORS

11
rr rr
a.b + a.c = -1
r r r r
rr rr
a.b + c.a = -1 (Q a . c + c . a )
rr rr
rr rr
Similarly, b.c + a.b = -1 and
c.a + b.c = -1

rr rr rr
Adding the three, we get 2 a.b + b.c + c.a = -3

rr rr rr
3
a.b + b.c + c.a = 2

r r
r r
r r
Ex.18 If a = 0 or b = 0 , then a . b = 0 . But the converse need not be true. Justify your answer

Sol.

with an example.
r r
r r
rr
If a = 0 or b = 0 , the a.b = 0
r
r
But the converse is not necessarily true. For, take a = 2i - j + 3k and b = 3i + 3j - k
rr
rr
Then a.b = 0. because a.b = 6 - 3 - 3 = 0
Yet. the vectors are non-zero vector.

Ex.19 If the vertices A, B, C of a triangle ABC are (1, 2, 3), (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 2), respectively,
then find ABC.
Sol.

Here,| BA |= (1 + 1)i + (2 - 0 )j + (3 - 0) k
A(1, 2, 3)

= 2i + 2j + 3k

| BA |= 22 + 22 + 32
B(1, 0, 0)

4 + 4 + 9 = 17
and

C(0, 1, 2)

| BC |= (0 + 1)i + (1 - 0 )j + (2 - 0 )k

= i + j + 2k

| BC |= 12 + 12 + 22 = 1 + 1 + 4 = 6

So,

BA.BC =| BA | . | BC | .cos ABC

( 2i + 2j + 3k ).( i + j + 2k ) =

17. 6 cos ABC

2 + 2 + 6 = 102 cos ABC

10
ABC = cos-1

102

10
102

= cos ABC

Ex.20 The scalar product of the vector i + j + k with a unit vector along the sum of vectors
2 i + 4 j - 5 k and li + 2 j + 3 k is equal to one. Find the value of l.
Sol.

r
b = 2i + 4j - 5k andcr = l i + 2j + 3k
Let a = i + j + k,

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VECTORS

12

) (

r r
Then b + c = 2i + 4j - 5k + l i + 2j + 3k

= ( 2 + l ) i + (4 + 2)j + ( -5 + 3)k = (2 + l )i + 6j - 2k

Unit vector along

r r
r r
b+c
b+c = r r =
|b+c|

2+l

(2 + l)

(2 + l )

+ 36 + 4
6

i +

(2 + l)

+ 40

[(2 + l )i + 6j - 2k]
2k

j -

( 2 + l )2 + 40

+ 40

r r
r
Now, we are given that a . unit vector along b + c = 1

So, (i + j + k ).

2+l

(2 + l )

2+l

(2 + l )

+ 40

2+l+6-2

(2 + l )2 + 40

l+6=

i +

(2 + l )

+ 40

(2 + l )

+ 40

2k

j-

(2 + l )

+ 40

=1

+ 40

(2 + l )2 + 40

=1

=1

(2 + l )2 + 40

(l + 6 )2 = (2 + l )2 + 40
l2 + 12l + 36 = l2 + 4l + 4 + 40 8l = 8 l = 1
r
r
r
r
Ex.21 Let a = i + 4 j + 2 k , b = 3 i - 2 j + 7 k an d c = 2 i - j + 4 k . Find a ve ctor d
r
r
r r
perpendicular to both a and b , and c . d = 15.

Sol.

Let

r
d = a1i + a2 j + a3k

r
r rr
rr
r
Since vector d is perpendicular to both a and b , d.a = 0 and d.b = 0

(a1i + a2j + a3k )(. i + 4j + 2k ) = 0

a1 + 4a2 + 2a3 = 0

....(1)

(a1i + a2j + a3k ).(3i - 2j + 7k ) = 0

Also,

rr
cd = 0

(2i - j + 4k ). (a1i + a2j + a3k ) = 15

2a1 - a2 + 4a3 = 15

3a1 - 2a2 + 4a3 = 0

.....(3)

Solving a1 , a2 and a3 from (1), (2) and (3),

we have a1 =

160
5
70
, a2 = and a3 = 3
3
3

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.....(2)

whic h is

VECTORS

13

r
1
Thus, the required vector d is 160i - 5j - 70k .
3

r r
r r
r r
Ex.22 Show that ( a - b ) ( a + b ) = 2 ( a b )
Sol.

)(

) (

( )

r r r r
r r r r r r r r r r r r r r
r r r r
r r
Consider a - b a + b = a - b a + a - b b = a a - b a + a b - b b = 0 + a b + a b - 0 = 2 a b

r
Ex.23 Find l and m if ( 2 i + 6 j + 27 k ) ( i + lj + mk ) = 0 .
Sol.

Given

(2i + 6j + 27k ) (i + lj + mk ) = 0r

2i i + 6j i + 27k i + 2l i j + 6lj j + 27lk j

r
+ 2mi k + 6mj j + 27mk k = 0

r
2 0 - 6i j + 27k i + 2l i j + 6l 0 - 27lj k - 2 k i + 6mj k + 27 0 = 0

-6k + 27j + 2lk - 27l i - 2mj + 6mi = 0

(6m - 27l )i + (27 - 2m )j + (2l - 6 )k = 0

6m - 27l = 0; 27 - 2m = 0 and 2l - 6 = 0

l = 3, m =

27
2

Hence, l = 3 and m =

27
.
2

r
r r
r r
r
r
Ex.24 Given that a . b = 0 and a b = 0 . What can you conclude about the vectors a and b ?
r
r r
r
Sol.
Given a . b = 0, we have | a | | b | cos q = 0
r
r
Either | a | = 0, | b | = 0 or q = 90
r
r
r
r
r
Given a b = 0 , we have | a | | b | sin q = 0
r
r
Either | a | = 0, | b | = 0 or q = 0
Hence, From (1) and (2) taken together, we have
r
r
Either | a | = 0 or | b | = 0

r r
r r r
r r
Ex.25 If either a = 0 or b = 0 , then a b = 0 . Is the converse true ? Justify your answer with an
example.
Sol.

r
The converse not true. take any two non-zero collinear vectors, say, a = i - j + 2k and
r
b = 2i - 2j + 4k

r r r r
r r r
Then, a 0 ; b 0 yet a b = 0
i j
r r
a b = 1 -1
2 -2

k
2
4

r
= ( -4 + 4 ) i + ( 4 - 4 ) j + ( -2 + 2 ) k = 0

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VECTORS

14

UNSOLVED PROBLEMS
EXERCISE I
Q.1

r
r
r
r
r
r
If a = 2i + j - k, b = i - j + 2k and c = i - 2j + k such that a + lb is perpendicular to c , find the
value of l.

Q.2

r
r
r
r
r
Find the angles which vector a makes with vectors b and c , where a = 3i + 2j - k, b = 2i - j - 3k
r
and c = 2(i - j + k ) .

Q.3

r
r
Find the value of l for which the vectors a = li + 2j + 3k and b = i - 2j - 3k are (i) parallel,
and (ii) perpendicular.

Q.4

r
Find the work done by the force F = 2i + j + 2k in displacing an object from A(1, 2, 3) to B(3,
1, 2).

Q.5

Find the work done by the forces i - j + 2k and 2i + 3j + k in displacing an object from the
origin to the point A(2, 1, 4).

Q.6

Find the projection of the vector i + 2j + 4k on the vector 2i + 4j + k .

Q.7

Find the component of the vector i - j + 2k in the direction of 2i + j - k .

Q.8

Show that the points whose position vectors are 4i - 3j + k, 2i - 4j + 5k and i - j from a right
triangle.

Q.9

The adjacent sides of a triangle are 2i - j + 4k and i - 2j - k . Find the area of the triangle.

Q.10

Find the area of a parallelogram whose adjacent sides are i + 2j + 2k and 2i + j - k .

Q.11

If A(1, 1, 2), B(2, 3, 1) and C(3, 2, 1) are the vertices of DABC, find its area using the
vector method.

Q.12

If i + 2j - k and i + j - 2k are the two diagonals of a parallelogram, find its area.

Q.13

If A(2, 1, 1), B(1, 2, 0), C(3, 2, 2) and D(4, 1, 3) are the vertices of a parallelogram ABCD, find
its area.

r r
r
Q.14 If a , b and c are the position vectors of the vertices of DABC, show that the area
of DABC is

r
r
1 r
r
r
r
|a b + b c + c a|
2

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VECTORS

15
Q.15

r
r
r
r
r
r
Prove that ( a b ) ( a + b ) = 2 a b . Interpret the result geometrically..

Q.16

r
r
Prove that | a b | =

Q.17

r
r
r
r
r r
If | a | = 4, | b | = 3 and | a b | = 8, find a . b .

r r
r r
a 2 . b 2 - (a .b )2 .

Q.18 Find a unit vector perpendicular to both the vectors i + 2j - 3k and 3i - j + 2k .

Q.19

Find a vector of magnitude 5 units in a direction perpendicular to both the vectors i + j - 2k

and 2i - j + k .

Q.20

r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
Prove that a ( b + c ) + b ( c + a ) + c ( a + b ) = 0 .

Q.21

r
r
r
r
r
For any vector a , prove that | a i |2 + | a j |2 + | a k |2 = 2| a |2.

Q.22

Find a unit vector perpendicular to the plane of DABC where the position vectors of A, B and
C are 2i - j + k, i + j + 2k and 2i + 3k respectively..

Q.23

Find the angles of DABC when the vertices are A(1, 2, 1), B(2, 1, 1) and C(1, 1, 2).

Q.24

r r
r
r
r
For any vector r , prove that r = ( r . i )i + ( r . j )j + ( r .k )k.

Q.25

q
1
If a and b are unit vectors inclined at an angle q then prove that sin
=
| a b |.
2
2

r r
r
Q.26 If a , b and c are three mutually perpendicular vectors of equal magnitude, prove that
r
r
r
r r
r
the vector a + b + c is equally inclined with the vectors a , b and c .

Q.27

r
r
r r
r
r
r
r
If a = 3i - j and b = 2i + j - 3k , express b in the form b = b1 + b2 , where b1 is parallel to a and
r
r
b2 is perpendicular to a .

Q.28

r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
For any two vectors a and b , prove that | a + b |2 + | a b |2 = 2(| a |2 + | b |2).

Q.29

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

Q.30

r
r
r r
r
r
r
If a and b are two vectors such that | a + b | = | a | then prove that 2a + b is perpendicular
r
to b .

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VECTORS

16

BOARD PROBLES
EXERCISE II
Q.1

r
r
Find l if a = 4i - j + k and b = l i - 2j + 2k are perpendicular to each other

[C.B.S.E. 2000]

Q.2

r
r
Find a unit vector perpendicular to both a = 3i + j - 2k and b = 2i + 3j - k .

[C.B.S.E. 2000]

Q.3

r r r r
r r
r
r
Define a b and prove that a b a b = a . b tan q , where q is the angle between

( )

r
r
the vectors a and b .

Q.4

[C.B.S.E. 2000]

r r
r
r r r r
r r r r r r
If three vectors a , b and c are such that a + b + c = 0 , prove that a b = b c = c a
[C.B.S.E. 2001]

Q.5

r r
r
r
If a = 4i + 3j + k and b = i - 2k find 2b a .

[C.B.S.E. 2001]

Q.6

Find a vector whose magnitude is 3 units and which is perpendicular to the following two
r
r r
r
vectors a and b : a = 3i + j - 4k and b = 6i + 5j - 2k
[C.B.S.E. 2001]

Q.7

In D OAB, OA = 3i + 2j - k and OB = i + 3j + k . Find the area of the triangle. [C.B.S.E. 2002]

Q.8

r
r r2 r
r r2
Prove that a b =| a |2 .| b |2 - a . b .

Q.9

r
r
r
For any two vectors a and b , show that 1 + | a |2

Q.10

r r
r
If a , b and c are position vectors of points A, B and c, then prove that

( )

( )

[C.B.S.E. 2002]

r
)
) (1 + | b | ) = (1 - a.b
r 2

r 2

r r r r
+ | a + b + a b |2

[C.B.S.E. 2002]

(ar br + br cr + cr ar ) is a vector perpendicular to the plane of D ABC.

Q.11

Find the value of l so that the two vectors 2i + 3j - k and. 4i + 6j + lk are

(i)

Q.12

Parallel

(ii)

Perpendicular to each other

[C.B.S.E. 2003]

Find the unit vector perpendicular to the plane ABC where the position vectors
of A, B and C are 2i - j + k, i + j + 2k and 2i + 3k respectively..

Q.13

[C.B.S.E. 2002]

[C.B.S.E. 2004]

r
r
r r
r r
If a = 5i - j - 3k and b = i + 3j - 5k , then show that vectors a + b and a - b are orthogonal.
[C.B.S.E. 2004]

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VECTORS

17
Q.14

r
r
Show that the points whose position vectors are a = 4i - 3j + k. b = 2i - 4j + 5k and c = i - j form
a right angled triangle.

Q.15

[C.B.S.E. 2005]

r
r
r
r
r
Let a = i - j, b = 3 j - k . Find a vector d which is perpendicular to both a and b

r r
and c . d =1.

Q.16

[C.B.S.E. 2005]

r
Express the vector a = 5i - 2j + 5k as sum of two vectors such that one is parallel to the
r
r
vector b = 3 i + k and the other is perpendicular to b .

Q.17

[C.B.S.E. 2005]

r r
r
If a ,b and c are mutually perpendicular vectors of equal magnitude, show that they are

r r r
equally inclined to the vector a + b + c .

Q.18

[C.B.S.E. 2006]

r
r
r r
r r
If a = i + 2j - 3k and b = 3i - j + 2k , show that a + b and a - b are perpendicular to each other..
[C.B.S.E. 2006]

Q.19

r
r
r r
r r
Find the angle between the vectors a + b and a - b where a = 2i - j + 3k and b = 3i - j - 2k

[C.B.S.E. 2006]

Q.20

r
r
r r r
r
r r
If a = i + j + k and b = j - k find a vector c such that a c = b and a . c = 3 . [C.B.S.E. 2007]

Q.21

r r
r
r
r
r
Find the projection of b + c on a where a = 2i - 2j + k ,b = i + 2j - 2k and c = 2i - j + 4k

[C.B.S.E. 2007]
Q.22

r r r r
rr rr rr
r r
r
Three vectors a , b and c satisfy the condition a + b + c = 0 . Find the value of a.b + b.c + c.a if

r
r
r
a = 1, b = 4 and c = 2 .

Q.23

[C.B.S.E. 2008]

r
r
where a = i + j + k and b = i + 2j + 3k

Q.24

r r
r r
Find a vector of magnitude 5 units. perpendicular to each of the vectors a + b and a - b

[C.B.S.E. 2008]

If i + j + k , 2i + 5j . 3i + 2j - 3k and i - 6j - k are the position vectors of the points A, B, C and D,

find the angle between

AB

and CD . Deduce that and CD are collinear..

AB
[C.B.S.E. 2008]

Q.25

r
r r r r
r
r
r
r
If a + b + c = 0 and a = 3, b = 5 , and c = 7, show that angle between a and b is 60.

[C.B.S.E. 2008]

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VECTORS

18
Q.26

The scalar product of the vector i + j + k with a unit vector along the sum of vectors l i + 2j + 3k
2i + 4j + 5k and is equal to one. Find the value of l .

[C.B.S.E. 2009]

Q.27

r
r r r r
r
If P is a unit vector and (x - p ) (x + p ) = 80 , then find x .

[C.B.S.E. 2009]

Q.28

r
r r r
r
Find the projection of a on b if a . b = 8 and b = 2i + 6j + 3k

[C.B.S.E. 2009]

Q.29

r
r
r
If a = i + j + k , b = 4i - 2j + 3k and c = i - 2j + k , find a vector of magnitude 6 units which is
r r
r
parallel to the vector 2a - b + 3c .

Q.30

[C.B.S.E. 2010]

r
r
r
r
Let a = i + 4j + 2k, b = 3i - 2j + 7k and c = 2i - j + 4k . Find a vector d which is perpendicular to

r
r
r r
both a and b and c . d = 18.

[C.B.S.E. 2010]

Q.31

Using vectors, find the area of the triangle with vertices A(1, 1, 2), B(2, 3, 5) and C(1, 5, 5).
[C.B.S.E. 2011]

Q.32

Let a = i + 4 j + 2 k , b = 3 i - 2 j + 7 k and c = 2 i - j + 4 k . Find a vector p which is perpendicular

to both a and b and p . c = 18.

Q.32

[C.B.S.E. 2012]

If a = i - j + 7 k and b = 5 i - j + l k , then find the value of l, so that a + b and a - b are

perpendicular vectors

[C.B.S.E. 2013]

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VECTORS

19

ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE 1 (UNSOLVED PROBLEMS)
2. 60, 90
6.

3. (i) 1 (ii) 13

2 21
3

11.
18.

7.

107
sq units
2

-1

12.

( i - 11j - 7k )

9.

6
11 sq units

19.

171

23. A = cos

4. 13 units

5. 20 units

3 14
sq units
2

10. 5 2 sq units

13. 6 2 sq units

5( i + 5j + 3k )

22.

35

17. 4 5

3i + 2j - k
14

1
1
13
, B = cos1 , C = cos1

14
2 7
2 7

r
r
3
1
1
3
27. b1 = i - j ; b2 = i + j - 3k
2
2
2
2

29. 60

EXERCISE 2 (BOARD PROBLEMS)

1. 1

2.

1
5 3

(5 i - j + 7k )

6. 2i - 2j + k

7.

3
2

10 sq units

10. 60 27. 6 14

11. (i) 2

(ii) 26
12.

1
14

( 3 i + 2j - k

15.

1
( i + j + 3k )
4

16. 6i + 2k ; - i - 2j + 3k

19.

p
2

20.

5 2 2
i+ j+ k
3
3
3

21.

2
22.

5
10
5
21
8
j
23.
i +
24. 180 26. 1 27. 9 28.
6
6
6 k
2
7

31. 1 61
2

32.

29. 2i - 4j + 4k

p = 64 i - 2 j - 28 k

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30. 64i - 2j - 28k