Relative Velocity PDF

1
New Additional Mathematics by Pan Pacific Publishing
EXERCISE 24.2 (PAGE 549)
QUESTION NO. 1
A river is flowing at 4 m/sec due south. A boat, whose speed in still water is 3 m/sec, is steered
in the direction due east. Find the true speed and direction of the motion of the boat.
SOLUTION
VB = VB/W + VW
Where
VB/W = 3m/s
VB is the true velocity of the boat
VW = 4m/s
VB/W is the velocity of the boat in still water
VB
and Vw is the velocity of the water
By using Pythagoras theorem

(VB)2 = (VB/W) 2+ (VW)2
(VB)2 = 32 + 42 = 25
VB
= 5m/s
Velocity Diagram
Now
tan = 4/3
= tan-1(4/3)
= 53.1o
Hence True velocity of the boat is 5m/s in the direction (90+53.1) 143.1o
OR
True velocity of the boat is 5m/s by making an angle of 36.9o with the bank downstream.
Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.
E-mail: ahmad.nadeem78@yahoo.com
QUESTION NO. 2
A river is flowing at 3 m/sec due east. A speedboat, whose speed in still water is 5 m/sec, is
steered in the direction on a bearing of 330o. Find the resultant velocity of the speedboat.
SOLUTION:
VW = 3m/s
60O
VB/W = 5m/s
VB = VB/W + VW
VB
60O
Where
Velocity Diagram
VB is the true velocity of the boat,
VB/W is the velocity of the boat in still water and Vw is the velocity of the water.
EXPLANATION:
(i)
The boat which is steered in the direction of 330o will move by making an angle of 60o
with the bank upstream as the bearing of upstream bank in this case is 270o and hence
270o + 60o = 330o.
(ii)
The angle between VB/W and VW = 60o (alternate angles)
CALCULATIONS:
Applying cosine Rule in the velocity diagram triangle:
VB2 = 52+32 -2(5)(3) cos60o
VB2 = 25+9 -30 cos60o
VB2 = 34 -15 = 19
VB = 4.36m/s
To find angle x, VB makes with the bank downstream, we will apply sine rule
sinx /5 = sin60o/4.36
x = 83.2o
Hence Velocity (true) of the boat is 4.36 m/s by making an angle of 83.2o with the bank
downstream.
OR
velocity (true) of the boat is 4.36 m/s in the direction 006.8o as (90 83.2 = 6.8).
QUESTION NO. 3
In the diagram, a river is flowing at a speed of 2.5 m/sec due east. A boat, whose speed in still
water is 6 m/sec, is steered in the direction due north. Find the true velocity of the boat.
SOLUTION
VW = 2.5m/s
VB/W = 6m/s
VB = VB/W + VW
Where
VB
Velocity Diagram
VB is the true velocity of the boat,

CALCULATIONS:
(VB)2 = (VB/W) 2+ (VW)2
(VB)2 = 62 + 2.52
VB
= 6.5m/s
Now
tan = 2.5/6
= tan-1(2.5/6)
= 22.6o
downstream.
QUESTION NO. 4
A soldier who swims at 1.2 m/sec in still water wishes to cross a river 20 m wide. The water is
flowing between straight parallel banks at 1.8 m/sec. He swims upstream in a direction making
an angle of 70o with the bank. Find
a) The resultant velocity
b) The time taken for the crossing, to the nearest second.
SOLUTION:
VW = 1.8m/s
70O
20 m
VB/W = 1.2m/s
VB
VB = VB/W + VW
70O
Where
Velocity Diagram
VB is the true velocity of the boat
a)
Calculations for true velocity of the boat:

VB2 = 1.22+1.82 -2(1.2)(1.8) cos70o
VB = 1.79m/s
To find angle , VB makes with the bank downstream, we will apply sine rule
sin /1.2 = sin 70o/1.79
= 39.0o
downstream.
b)
In this distance diagram,
=39.0o
we will find the component of

distance along which VB is calculated.
20 m
20
This is shown by a fold faced line

here. It is the same line which
=39.0o
is obtained by producing the

line segment representing VB in
Distance Diagram
Velocity Diagram. (Shown as a dotted line there)

Now
sin 39o = 20/d
d = 31.78m
so time taken for crossing = 31.78/1.79 18 sec.
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
Time taken for crossing the river can also be calculated if we split VB into its horizontal and
vertical components. The component of VB which makes the boat cross the river is VB sin. This
is shown by a fold faced line in velocity component diagram (need not to be shown in the
answer script)
VB cos
=39.0o
VB sin = 1.79 sin 39.0 = 1.126 m/sec

so time taken for crossing = 20/1.126 18 sec.
20
VB sin
VB= 1.79
Velocity component diagram
QUESTION NO. 5
The diagram shows a river, 30 m wide, flowing at a speed of 3.5 m/sec, between straight
parallel banks. A boat, whose speed in still water is 6 m/sec, crosses the river from a point A on
one bank to a point B on the opposite bank, 5 m upstream. In order to travel directly from A to
B, the boat is steered in a direction making an angle to the bank as shown. Find
a) The value of ,
b) The resultant speed of the boat,
c) The time taken for the crossing, to the nearest second.
In order to make the return journey from B to A, what is the course taken by the boat.
SOLUTION:
5m
x =80.5o
Vw = 3.5m/s
course
80.5o
80.5o
99.5o
VB
30 m
VB/w= 6m/sec
VB/w = 6m/sec
80.5o
Vw = 3.5 m/sec
A
Velocity Diagram (Outward Journey)
A
Velocity Diagram (Return Journey)
VB = VB/W + VW
Where VB is the true velocity of the boat, VB/W is the velocity of the boat in still water and Vw is
the velocity of the water.
To find x
tan x = 30/5
x = tan-1(6) = 80.5o
so the angle between VW and VB is 99.5o.
a)
(sin ) /3.5 = (sin 99.5o)/6

= 35.1o
= 180o (99.5o + 35.1o) = 45.4o
b)
(sin 45.4o) /VB = (sin 99.5)/6

VB = 4.33m/sec
c)
To find the time taken, we will find the distance to be covered along VB which is shown as a
partially dotted line in the Velocity Diagram (Outward Journey).
Distance to be covered = 302 + 52 = 30.4 m
Time taken = 30.4/4.33 7 sec
RETURN JOURNEY
(sin 80.5o) /6 = (sin y)/3.5
y = 35.1o
Hence course taken by the boat in the return journey is 180o (80.5o + 35.1o) = 64.4o with the bank
upstream.
QUESTION NO. 6
The speed of an aircraft in still air is 300 km/h. The wind velocity is 60 km/h from the east. The aircraft
is steered on the course in the direction 060o. Find the true velocity of the aircraft
120o
SOLUTION
N
Vw = 60km/h
VA/w = 300km/h
60o
Vw = 60km/h
30o
60o
VA
VA/w = 300km/h
In the diagram, vectors are added by the equation VA = VA / W + VW

VA2 = 3002+602 -2(300)(60) cos30o
VA = 250 km/h
To find
(sin ) / 60 = (sin 30o) /250
= 6.9o
Hence True velocity of the aircraft is 250 km/hr in the direction 053.1o.
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QUESTION NO. 7
An aircraft flies due east from A to B where AB = 200 km. The wind is blowing from the
direction 030o at 60 km/h. The speed of the aircraft in still air is 300 km/h and the pilot sets the
course on the bearing o. Find:
a) the value of ,
b) the time taken, in minutes, for the journey from A to B.
VA
N
B B
Vw = 60km/h
300
50o
VA/w = 300km/h
30o
Vw = 60km/h
90o
VA

a)
(sin x) /60 = (sin 120o)/300

x = 9.97o 10o
Hence = 080o
b)
(sin 50o) / VA = (sin 120o)/300

VA = 265.4 km/h
Hence time taken, in minutes, for the journey from A to B = 200/ 265.4
= 0.754 hr 45 min
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QUESTION NO. 8
a)
An aircraft is flying due south at 350 km/h. The wind is blowing at 70 km/h from the direction
o, where o is acute. Given that the pilot is steering the aircraft in the direction 170o. Find
i)
the value of
ii)
the speed of the aircraft in still air.
SOLUTION:
170o
170o
10o
VA/W
VA = 350 km/h
VW = 70 km/h
VA/W
VA = 350
VW = 70

a)
(sin 10o) /70 = (sin x)/350

x = 60.3o or 119.7o
If is supposed to be acute, then x will be obtuse so x = 119.7o
= 180o (119.7o + 10o) = 50.3o
b)
(sin 50.3o) / VA/W = (sin 119.7)/350

VA/W = 310 km/h
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b)
A man who swims at 1.2 m/sec wishes to cross a river which is flowing between straight parallel
banks at 2 m/sec. He aims downstream in a direction making an angle of 60o with the bank.
Find:
i)
the speed at which he travels,
ii)
the angle which his resultant velocity makes with the bank.
VW = 2m/s
120o
VM/W = 1.2m/s
VM
60o
Velocity Diagram
VM = VM/W + VW
Where
VM is the true velocity of the man; VM / W is the velocity of the man in still water and Vw is the
velocity of the water.
VM2 = 1.22+22 -2(1.2)(2) cos120o
VM = 2.8 m/s
To find angle , VM makes with the bank downstream, we will apply sine rule
sin /1.2 = sin 120o/2.8
= 21.8o
Hence Velocity (true) of the boat is 2.8 m/s by making an angle of 21.8 o with the bank
downstream.
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QUESTION NO. 9
The diagram shows a river, 160 m wide, flowing at a speed of 2.4 m/sec, between straight
parallel banks. A boat crosses the river from a point A on one bank to a point B on the opposite
bank, 120 m downstream. The speed of the boat in still water is 5.6 m/sec. In order to travel
directly from A to B, the boat is steered in a direction making an angle of to the bank as
shown. Find
a) the value of
b) the resultant speed of the boat
c) the time taken for the crossing
The boat then makes the return journey from B to A. Find the resultant speed of the boat on this
return journey.
120 m
120 m
= 53.1o
B
= 53.1o
VB/w = 5.6 m/sec

Vw = 2.4 m/sec
106.9o
VB
160 m
160 m
VB/w = 5.6 m/sec
33.1o
Vw = 2.4
126.9o
= 53.1o
VB
Velocity Diagram (Outward Journey)
= 53.1o
Velocity Diagram (Return Journey)
VB = VB/W + VW
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a)
AC = 160 m and BC = 120 m

tan = 160/120
= 53.1o
(sin x) /2.4 = (sin 53.1o)/5.6
x = 20o
= 53.1o + 20o = 73.1o
b)
(sin 106.9o) /VB = (sin 53.1o)/5.6
( = 53.1o)
VB = 6.7 m/sec
c)
AB = 1602 + 1202 = 200 m

Time taken for crossing = 200/6.7 = 29.8 m/sec
RETURN JOURNEY
(sin y) /2.4 = (sin 126.9o)/5.6
y = 20o
(sin 33.1o) /VB = (sin 126.9o)/5.6
VB = 3.82 m/sec
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New Additional Mathematics by Pan Pacific Publishing
EXERCISE 24.3 (PAGE 549)

QUESTION NO. 1
Two particles P and Q, are 30 m apart with Q due north of P. Particle Q is moving at 5 m/sec in the
direction 090o and Q is moving at 7 m/sec in a direction 030o. Find
a) the magnitude and direction of the velocity of Q relative to P,
VQ = 5 m/s
b) the time taken for Q to be due east of P, to the nearest second.
60o
VQ = 5 m/s
60o
VP = 7 m/s
VQ/P
VP = 7 m/s
30o
30o
ii) Velocity Diagram
i) Initial Diagram
VQ = VQ/P + VP
Where VP is the velocity of the particle P, VQ/P is the velocity of the particle Q relative to the
particle P and VP is the velocity of the particle P.
i)
VQ/P2 = 52+72 -2(5)(7) cos60o

VQ/P2 = 25 + 49 70(0.5)
VQ/P2 = 74 35 = 39
VQ/P = 6.24 m/s
(sin ) /7 = (sin 60o)/6.24
= 76.3o
Hence velocity of Q relative to P is 6.24 m/sec in the direction 166.3o.
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ii)
the time taken for Q to be due east of P
cos 13.7o = 30/QQ
QQ = 30 / cos 13.7o
13.7o
QQ = 30.88 m
The time taken for Q to be due east of P = 30.88/6.24
5 sec
P
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QUESTION NO. 2
VP = 25 km/h
VQ = 10 km/h
120o
30o
5 km
At a particular instant, two ships P and Q are 5 km apart and move with constant speeds and
directions as shown. Find:
a) the speed and direction of P relative to Q,
b) the distance apart, in meters, when P is due north of Q.
SOLUTION:
In the velocity diagram, if the vectors representing VP and VQ are produced, the angle between
them will be 30o.
VP = VP/Q + VQ
Where VP is the velocity of the ship P, VP/Q is the velocity of the ship P relative to the ship Q and
VQ is the velocity of the ship Q.
30o
VP = 25 km/h
VQ = 10 km/h
VP/Q
VP/Q2 = 252+102 - 2(25)(10) cos30o

VP/Q2 = 625 + 100 500(0.866)
VP/Q2 = 292
VP/Q = 17.1 km/h
(sin ) /10 = (sin 30o)/17.1
= 17o so x = 30o 17.0o = 13.0o
Hence velocity of P relative to Q is 17.1 km/h with an angle of 13.0o with the initial line PQ.
ii)
To find the distance P and Q when P is due north of Q, we will stop the ship Q at its
initial position and move the ship P with the relative speed VP/Q
tan 13.0o =d/5
d = 5tan 13.0o = 1.154 km = 1154 m
13.0o
Hence distance apart, when P is due north of Q = 1154 m. Q

5km
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QUESTION NO. 3
At a particular instant, two boats P and Q are 2 km apart and P is due north of Q. The boats
move with constant speeds and directions as shown. Find
a) the speed and direction of Q relative to P,
b) the distance apart, in meters, when Q is due east of P.
SOLUTION:
P
N
VP
= 3m/s
VP
= 3m/s
30o
VQ/P
2 km
VQ = 4m/s
VQ = 4m/s
60o
Velocity diagram
In the velocity diagram, if the vectors representing VP and VQ are produced, the angle between
them will be 30o.
VQ = VQ/P + VP
Where VP is the velocity of the boat P, VQ/P is the velocity of the boat Q relative to the boat P and
VQ is the velocity of the boat Q.
VQ/P2 = 32+42 - 2(3)(4) cos30o
VQ/P2 = 25 24(0.866)
VQ/P = 2.05 m/s
(sin ) /3 = (sin 30o)/2.05
= 47.0o so direction of VQ/P = 60o 47.0o = 013.0o
Hence velocity of Q relative to P is 2.05 m/s in the direction 013.0o.
ii)
To find the distance P and Q when Q is due east of P, we will stop boat P at its initial
position and move boat Q with the relative speed VQ/P.
P
Q
tan 13o = PQ/2
PQ = 2 tan 13o = 0.462 km = 462 m
2 km
Hence the distance apart, in meters, when Q is due east of P = 462 m
13o
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QUESTION NO. 4
At a particular moment, two ships A and B are 5 km apart with A due west of B. Ship A is
sailing due south at 5 km/h and ship B is sailing due west at 8 km/h. Find
a) the velocity of A relative to B,
b) the distance between the two ships when A is on the bearing of 225o from B.
SOLUTION:
A
5 km
VB = 8 km/h
VA = 5 km/h
VA = 5 km/h
VA = VA/ B + VB
VA/B
VB = 8 km/h
Where VA is the velocity of the ship A, VA/B is the velocity of the ship A relative to the ship B and
VB is the velocity of the ship B.
VA/ B = 52 + 82
VA/ B = 9.43 km/h
tan = 8/5
= 58.0o
Hence velocity of A relative to B is 9.43 km/h in the direction 122.0o.
ii)
To find the distance the two ships when A is on the bearing of 225o from B, we will stop
ship B at its initial position and move ship A with the relative speed VA/B.
As
As VA/B is making an angle of 58.0 with
vertical so it makes an angle of 32.0 with
the horizontal which is shown in the
diagram.
5 km
A
32.0o
B
45o
225o
X = 180o (32o + 45o) = 103o

(sin 103o) /5 = (sin 32o)/BA
BA = 2.72 km
Hence the distance between the two ships when A is on the bearing of 225o from B = 2.72 km.
20
QUESTION NO. 5
Two aircraft A and B fly at the same height with constant velocities. At noon, aircraft B is 50 km
due east of aircraft A and is flying due west at 450 km/h. Aircraft A is flying on the bearing 120o
at 300 km/h. Find
a) the velocity of B relative to A
b) the time when B is due north of A.
SOLUTION:
A
50 km
30o
B
VB = 450 km/h
VB/A
VA = 300 km/h
VA = 300 km/h
150o
150o
VB = 450 km/h
VB = VB/A + VA
Where VA is the velocity of the aircraft A, VB/A is the velocity of the aircraft B relative to the
aircraft A and VB is the velocity of the aircraft B.
a)
VB/A 2 = 3002+4502 -2(300)(450) cos150o

VB/A 2 = 90000 + 202500 + 233826.9
VB/A = 725.5 km/h
(sin ) /300 = (sin 150o)/725.5
= 11.9o
Hence the velocity of B relative to A is 725.5 km/h in the direction 281.9o i.e. (270o+11.9o)
b)
B
d
=11.9o
50 km
cos 11.9o = 50/BB

BB= 50 /cos 11.9o
BB = 51.098
Time taken for B to reach north of A = 51.098/725.5 = 0.0704 hrs = 4 min 14 sec
Time when B is due north of A = 12 00 00 + 00 04 14 = 12 04 14
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QUESTION NO. 6
VP= 8m/s
P
VQ = 10m/s
30o
50 km
In the diagram, two particles P and Q, moving with speeds 8 m/sec and 10 m/sec respectively,
leave simultaneously when they are 50 m apart with P due west of Q. Particles P and Q are
moving in the direction as shown. Given that P and Q are on the path of collision. Find
a) the value of
b) the time that elapses before the collision, to the nearest second.
SOLUTION:
Note: When P and Q are on the path of collision, the direction of VP/Q or VQ/P will always be
considered along the initial line PQ.
VP= 8m/s
VQ = 10m/s
30o
VQ = VQ/P + VP
VQ/P
Where VP is the velocity of the particle P, VQ/P is the velocity of the particle Q relative to the
particle P and VQ is the velocity of the particle Q.
a)
(sin ) /8 = (sin 30o)/10

= 23.6o
b)
= 180o (30o +23.6o) = 126.4o

(sin 126.4o) / VQ/P = (sin 30o)/10
VQ/P = 16.1
Time that elapses before the collision = 50,000/16.1 = 3106 sec
22
QUESTION NO. 7
At a given instant, an airship is moving due north with a speed of 6 m/sec. A helicopter, 500 m
due east of the airship, flies at a speed of 12 m/sec and steers on a bearing in order to intercept
the airship. Find
a) the value of
b) the time that elapses before the interception.
SOLUTION:
VA = 6m/s
VH = 12m/s
500 m
In case of interception, VA/H will be directed along the initial line AH.
VA = VA/H + VH
Where VA is the velocity of the airship, VA/H is the velocity of the airship relative to the helicopter
and VH is the velocity of the helicopter.
a)
sin = 6/12
= 30o
VA = 6m/s
b)
VH = 12m/s
VA/H = (122 - 62)
VA/H = 10.4 m/s

VA/H
Time that elapses before the interception = 500/10.4 48 sec
23
QUESTION NO. 8
Two particles, A and B, are 50 m apart with A due north of B. particles A is travelling at
10 m/sec in a direction 075o and B is travelling at V m/sec in a direction 015o.
a) Given that V = 20. Find
i)
The magnitude and direction of the velocity of B relative to A.
ii)
The time taken for B to be due west of A.
b) Given that B collides with A, Find

i)
the value of V
ii)
the time taken for B to collide with A.
SOLUTION (a)
When V = 20 m/sec
VA = 10 m/s
60o
75o
N
75o
VA 60o
105o
VB/W
VB = 20 m/sec
N
50 m
15o
VB = V =20 m/sec
15o
SOLUTION:
VB = VB/A + VA
Where VB is the velocity of the particle B, VB/A is the velocity of the B relative to the particle A
and VA is the velocity of the particle A.
24
DESCRIPTION: (Not to be written in the paper)

In the question like this, the vector are added in such a way that the head of VB and VA will
coincide, the tails of VB and VB/A will meet and VB/A and VA will be added by head to tail rule.
The angle between VB and VA will be calculated by producing the initial line segments (vectors)
in the initial diagram. In this case it is 180o- (105o + 15o) = 60o. While working on the velocity
diagram, it must be taken into account that the lengths of line segments representing different
vectors should be proportionate to the original length.
For example; If VB = 20 and VA = 10, then the line segment for VB should be approximately
double of VA.
CALCULATIONS:
VB/A2 = 202+102 -2(20)(10) cos60o
VB/A = 17.3m/s
The angle between
VB/A
and VB will be taken as . A part of is 15o which is the original
direction of VB.
sin /10 = sin 60o/17.3
= 30o
So the direction of VB/A will be 360o 15o = 345o.
Hence the velocity of B relative to A is 17.3 m/sec in the direction 345o.
ii)
THE TIME TAKEN FOR B TO BE DUE WEST OF A.
To find the distance between B and A when B is due west of A, we will consider VB/A, which
explains that A is kept at its initial position and its effect of speed and direction is transferred to
B. This is real explanation of VB/A.
25
cos 15o = 50/BB
BB = 50 / cos15o
BB = 51.76 m
50 m
Hence time taken for B to be due west of A = 51.76/VB/A

= 51.76/17.3
15o
= 2.99 sec
b)
IN CASE OF COLLISION
In case of collision, the direction of the VB/A will be towards original direction BA.
N
VA = 10 m/s
105o
VA = 10 m/s
VB/A
105o
50 m
VB = V
15o
15o
Original diagram
(i)
VB = V
Velocity Diagram
VB = VB/A + VA
sin 105o/V = sin 15o/10

V = 37.3 m/sec
26
ii)
sin 105o/37.3 = sin 60o/VB/A

VB/A = 33.4 m/sec
time taken for B to collide with A = 50/33.4 = 1.5 sec
27
RELATIVE VELOCITY IN VECTOR FORMAT

OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2002 PAPER 1
Q.10
y
P (0, 50)
Q (80, 20)
At 1200 hours, ship P is at the point with position vector 50j km and ship Q is at the point with
position vector (80i+20j) km, as shown in the diagram. Ship P is travelling with velocity
(20 i +10 j) km/ h and ship Q is travelling with velocity (10 i+30 j) km/ h
( i ) Find an expression for the position vector of P and of Q at time t hours after 1200 hours.
(ii) Use your answers to part ( i ) to determine the distance apart of P and Q at 1400 hours.
(iii) Determine, with full working, whether or not P and Q will meet.
SOLUTION:
i)
VP = 20 i +10 j =
20

10
VQ = 10 i+30 j =
10

30
20
20
Distance travelled by P in t hours = vt = t =

10
10
Distance travelled by Q in t hours = vt = t
10
10
=

30
30
20
0
20

Position vectors of P at time t hours after 1200 hours= OP =
=
50 10
50
10
80 10
80
10

Position vectors of Q at time t hours after 1200 hours= OQ =
=
20 30
20
30
28
ii)
at 1400 hrs i.e. at t = 2

20 2
40
=
50 10 2
70
Position vectors of P = OP =
80 10 2
60
Position vectors of Q = OQ =
=
20 30 2
80
60
40
20
- =
80
70
10
PQ = OQ OP =
Distance between P and Q at 1400 hrs = |PQ| = 202 + 102 = 500 = 22.4 m
iii)
If P and Q meet then for some value of t OP = OQ

20
80 10
=

50 10
20 30
20 t = 80 10t
30t = 80
t = 8/3 = 2.67
Similarly 50 + 10t = 20 + 30t
20t = 30
t = 1.5
If P and Q meet then the value of t by comparing x and y component should be same.
So in this case P and Q will not meet.
29
MAY JUNE 2003 PAPER 1

QUESTION NO.4.
An ocean liner is travelling at 36 km/h on a bearing of 090. At 0600 hours the liner, which is
90 km from a lifeboat and on a bearing of 315 from the lifeboat, sends a message for assistance.
The lifeboat sets off immediately and travels in a straight line at constant speed, intercepting the
liner at 0730 hours. Find the speed at which the lifeboat travels.
SOLUTION:
VL = 36 km/h
45o
361.5 = 54 km
90 km
d
45o
315o
Speed of liner = 36 km/hr

Distance covered by the liner in 1.5 hrs (from 0600 to 0730) = 36 1.5 = 54 km
Distance covered by the life boat will be calculated by using cosine rule.
d2 = 542+902 -2(54) (90) cos45o
d2 = 2916 + 8100 6873
d2 = 4143
d = 64.4
Speed of the lifeboat = 64.4 /1.5 = 42.9 km/h
30
RELATIVE VELOCITY IN VECTOR FORMAT

QUESTION NO. 6.
In this question, i is a unit vector due east and j is a unit vector due north.
A plane flies from P to Q. The velocity, in still air, of the plane is (280i - 40j) km/h and there is a
constant wind blowing with velocity (50i -70j) km/h. Find
(i) the bearing of Q from P,
(ii) the time of flight, to the nearest minute, given that the distance PQ is 273 km. [2]
SOLUTION:
280

40
VP/W = 280i - 40j =
50

70
VW = 50i - 70j =
VP = VP/W + VW
Where VP is the velocity of the plane, VP/W is the velocity of the plane relative to the wind and
VW is the velocity of the wind.
280
330
50
+
=
= 330i - 110j
40
110
70
VP =
The true velocity of the plane i.e. VP is directed from P to Q

N
330
x
VP = 330i - 110j
tan x = 110/330
-110
so x = tan-1(110/330) = 18.4o
Bearing of Q from P = 90o + 18.4o = 108.4o

Speed of the plane = 3302 +1102= 121000 = 347.9 km/h
Time of flight = 273/347.9 = 0.785 hrs 47 min
31

QUESTION NO. 4.
To a cyclist travelling due south on a straight horizontal road at 7 m/s, the wind appears to be
blowing from the north-east. Given that the wind has a constant speed of 12 m/s, find the
direction from which the wind is blowing.
SOLUTION:
VW = VW/C + VC
Where VC is the velocity of the cyclist, VW/C is the velocity of the wind relative to the cyclist and
VW is the velocity of the wind.
N
N
x
45o
Vc = 7m/s
VW/C
45o
135o
Vc = 7m/s
sin x/7 = sin 135o/12
VW/C
VW = 12m/s
Velocity Diagram
sin x = 0.412
x = sin-1(0.412)
x = 24.4o
= 180o (135o + 24.4o) = 20.6o
Hence the wind is blowing from the direction 020.6o.
32

QUESTION NO. 8.
A motor boat travels in a straight line across a river which flows at 3 m/s between straight
parallel banks 200 m apart. The motor boat, which has a top speed of 6 m/s in still water, travels
directly from a point A on one bank to a point B, 150 m downstream of A, on the opposite bank.
Assuming that the motor boat is travelling at top speed, find, to the nearest second, the time it
takes to travel from A to B.
SOLUTION
VB = VB/W + VW
150m
VW = 3m/s
200 m
VB/W = 6m/s
VB
x
A
tan = 200/150 so = tan-1(200/150)
= 53.1o
sin x/3 = sin 53.1o/6
x = 23.6o
= 180o - (23.6o + 53.1o) = 103.3o
sin 103.3o/VB = sin 53.1o/6
VB = 7.30 m/s
Distance to be covered = 2002 + 1502 = 250 m
time taken to travel from A to B = 250/7.30 34 sec
33

QUESTION NO. 9.
A plane, whose speed in still air is 300km/h, flies directly from X to Y. Given that Y is 720 km
from X on a bearing of 150o and there is a constant wind of 120 km/h blowing towards the west.
Find the time taken for the flight.
SOLUTION:
VP = VP/W + VW
Where VP is the true velocity of the plane, VP/W is the velocity of the plane in still air and Vw is the
velocity of the wind.
N
150o
VW = 120 km/h
150o
VP/W = 300 km/h

VP
VP
30o
x
VW = 120 km/h
sin 120o/300 = sin o/120

sin = 0.3464
= 20.3o
x = 180o (120o + 20.3o) = 39.7o
sin 39.7o/VP = sin 120o/300

VP = 221.3 km
Time taken for the flight = 720/221.3 = 3.25 hrs

34

QUESTION NO. 5.
The diagram, which is not drawn according to scale, shows a horizontal rectangular surface.
One corner of the surface is taken as the origin O and i and j are unit vectors along the edges of
the surface.
A fly, F, starts at the point with position vector (i+12j) cm and crawls across the surface with a
velocity of (3i +2j) cm/s. At the instant that the fly starts crawling, a spider, S, at the point with
position vector (85i + 5j) cm, sets off across the surface with a velocity of (-5i + kj) cm/s, where
k is a constant. Given that the spider catches the fly, calculate the value of k.
SOLUTION:
1

12
Initial Position vector of F = OF = i+12j =
85

5
Initial Position vector of S = OS = 85i + 5j =

3
VF = 3i +2j =
2
and
VS = 5i + kj =
5

Let the spider catches the fly after t seconds.

3
3
Distance travelled by F in t sec = vt = t =
2
2
5
5
=

Distance travelled by S in t sec = vt = t
1 3
3
1

Position vectors of F after t sec = OF = =
12 2
2
12
85 5
85
5

=

5
5

Position vectors of S after t sec = OS =
If the spider catches the fly then for some value of t, OF = OS

1 3
85 5
=

12 2
5
1 + 3t = 85 5t
=> 8t = 84
12 + 2(10.5) = 5 + k (10.5) =>
=> t = 10.5
10.5k = 28
=>
k= 2.67
35

QUESTION NO. 3.
A plane, flies due north from A to B, a distance of 1000 km, in a time of 2 hours. During this time
a steady wind, with a speed of 150 km/h, is blowing from the south east. Find:
i)
the speed of the plane in still air,
ii)
the direction in which the plane must be steered.
SOLUTION:
VP = VP/W + VW
Where VP is the true velocity of the plane, VP/W is the velocity of the plane in still air and Vw is
the velocity of the wind.
i)
VP = 1000/2 = 500 km/h

45o VW = 150 km/h
VP = 500 km/h
VP = 500 km/h
VW =150km/h
VP/W
VP/W2 = 5002+1502 -2(500) (150) cos45o

VP/W2 = 250000+22500 - (150000) cos45o
VP/W = 408 km/h
ii)
sin /150 = sin 45o/408

= 15.1o
Hence the plane must be steered in the direction 015.1o.

36

QUESTION NO. 4.
The diagram shows a river 90 m wide, flowing at 2 m/sec between parallel banks. A ferry
travels in a straight line from a point A to a point B directly opposite A. Given that the ferry
takes exactly one minute to cross the river, find
i)
the speed of the ferry in still water,
ii)
the angle to the bank at which the ferry must be steered.
SOLUTION:
VF = 90/60 = 1.5 m/s
VF = VF/W + VW
Where VF is the true velocity of the ferry, VF/W is the velocity of the ferry in still water and Vw is
VW = 2 m/s
90 m
VF/W
VF = 1.5 m/s
x
(VF/W) 2 = (VW)2 + (VF)2 = 4 + 2.25
VF/W = 2.5 m/s
Now tan x = 1.5/2
=> x = 36.9o
Hence the ferry must be steered by making an angle of 36.9o with the bank upstream.
37

QUESTION NO. 6.
The diagram shows a large rectangular television screen in which one corner is taken as the
origin O and i and j are unit vectors along two of the edges. In a game, an alien spacecraft
appears at the point A with position vector 12j cm and moves across the screen with velocity
(40i +15j) cm per second. A player fires a missile from a point B; the missile is fired 0.5 seconds
after the spacecraft appears on the screen. The point B has position vector 46i cm and the velocity
of the missile is (ki +30j) cm per second, where k is a constant. Given that the missile hits the
spacecraft,
(i) show that the spacecraft moved across the screen for 1.8 seconds before impact,
(ii) find the value of k.
SOLUTION:
Initial Position vector of spacecraft = OA = 12j =
0

12
46
Initial Position vector of missile = OB = 46i =
0
VS = 40i +15j =
40

15
and

30
VM = ki + 30j =
Let the spacecraft is hit by the missile t sec after its appearance. As the missile is fired 0.5 sec
after the appearance of the spacecraft so the time taken by the missile to hit the spacecraft is
(t 0.5) sec.
40
40
=

15
15
Distance travelled by spacecraft in t sec = vt = t

0.5
=

30
30 15
Distance travelled by missile in (t 0.5) sec = vt = (t - 0.5
40
40
0

=
12 15
15
12
Position vectors of spacecraft after t sec = OS =

Position vectors of missile after t sec = OM =
46
0.5
46 0.5

=

0
30 15
30 15
38
i)
As the missile hits the spacecraft so for some value of t, OS= OM

40
46 0.5
=

12 15
30 15
12 + 15t = 30t 15
15t = 27
t = 1.8 sec
Hence the spacecraft has moved across the screen for 1.8 seconds before impact.
ii)
40 = 46 0.5
40(1.8) = 46 + k(1.8) 0.5k
72 46 = 1.3k
26 = 1.3k
k = 20
39

QUESTION NO. 5.
In this question, i is a unit vector due east, and j is a unit vector due north.
A plane flies from P to Q where PQ = (960i +400 j) km. A constant wind is blowing with velocity
(60i +60j) km/h. Given that the plane takes 4 hours to travel from P to Q, find:
(i) the velocity, in still air, of the plane, giving your answer in the form (ai + bj) km/ h,
(ii) the bearing, to the nearest degree, on which the plane must be directed.
SOLUTION:
960

400
PQ = 960i +400 j =
60

60
VW = 60i +60j =
As the plane takes 4 hours to travel from P to Q so

960
240
=

400
100
VP = PQ =
i)
VP = VP/W + VW
Where VP is the true velocity of the plane, VP/W is the velocity of the plane in still air and Vw is
velocity of the wind.
VP/W = VP - VW
240
60
300
-
=
= 300i + 40j
100
60
40
VP/W =
ii)
VP/W = 300i + 40j
40
x
300
tan x = 40/300
x = tan-1(40/300)
x = 7.60o
The bearing, to the nearest degree, on which the plane must be directed = = 082o
40

QUESTION NO. 10.
In this question i is a unit vector due east and j is a unit vector due north.
At 0900 hours a ship sails from the point P with position vector (2i + 3j) km relative to an origin
O. The ship sails north-east with a speed of 15 2 km/ h.
(i) Find, in terms of i and j, the velocity of the ship.
(ii) Show that the ship will be at the point with position vector (24.5i + 25.5 j) km at 1030 hours.
(iii) Find, in terms of i, j and t, the position of the ship t hours after leaving P.
At the same time as the ship leaves P, a submarine leaves the point Q with position vector
(47i 27 j) km. The submarine proceeds with a speed of 25 km /h due north to meet the ship.
(iv) Find, in terms of i and j, the velocity of the ship relative to the submarine.
(v) Find the position vector of the point where the submarine meets the ship.
SOLUTION:
i)
The component of velocity along the direction due east is Vx and towards north, Vy.
North- east direction means, an angle of 45o between
North and East.
cos = Vx /V
|V|= 15 2 km/ h
Vx = V cos
Vy
Vx = 15 2 cos 45o = 15
= 45o
Vx
Similarly Vy = V sin = 15 2 sin 45o = 15
Hence V = 15i + 15j
ii)
2
Initial Position vector of the ship = OP = 2i + 3j =
3
15
Velocity of the ship = VS = 15i + 15j =
15
2
15
24.5
Position vectors of ship after 1.5 hrs (from 0900 to 1030) = OS = 1.5 =

3
15
25.5
= 24.5 i + 25.5 j
41
iii)
2
2 15
15
Position vectors of ship t hrs after leaving P = =

3
3 15
15
= (2 + 15t)i +(3+15t)j
iv)
47

27
Initial Position vector of the submarine = OQ = 47i 27j =

0

25
Velocity of the submarine = VSUB = 0i + 25j =
0
15
15
- =
= 15i 10j
25
15
10
VS/SUB = VS - VSUB =
v)
2
2 15
15
Position vectors of ship t hrs after leaving P = =

3
3 15
15
47
47
0
=

27 25
27
25
Position vectors of submarine t hrs after leaving Q =
If the submarine meets the ship then for some value of t

47
2 15
=

27 25
3 15
2 + 15t = 47
t=3
47
Hence position vector of the point where submarine meets the ship =

27 25 3
47
= = 47i + 48j
48
42

QUESTION NO. 7.
The diagram shows a river with parallel banks. The river is 48 m wide and is flowing with a
speed of 1.4 m/s. A boat travels in a straight line from a point P on one bank to a point Q which
is on the other bank directly opposite P. Given that the boat takes 10 seconds to cross the river,
find:
(i) the speed of the boat in still water,
(ii) the angle to the bank at which the boat should be steered.
SOLUTION:
VB = 48/10 = 4.8 m/s
VB = VB/W + VW
VW = 1.4 m/s
48 m
VB/W
VB = 4.8 m/s
x
(VB/W) 2 = (VW)2 + (VB)2 = 4.82 + 1.42
VB/W = 5 m/s
Now tan x = 4.8/1.4 => x = 73.7o
Hence the ferry must be steered by making an angle of 73.7o with the bank upstream.
43

QUESTION NO. 9.
At 1000 hours, a ship P leaves a point A with position vector ( 4i + 8j) km relative to an origin
O, where i is a unit vector due East and j is a unit vector due North. The ship sails north-east
with a speed of 102 km/h . Find
(i) the velocity vector of P
(ii) the position vector of P at 1200 hours.
At 1200 hours, a second ship Q leaves a point B with position vector (19i +34j) km travelling
with velocity vector (8i + 6j ) km/h.
(iii) Find the velocity of P relative to Q.
(iv) Hence, or otherwise, find the time at which P and Q meet and the position vector of the
point where this happens.
SOLUTION:
i)
The component of velocity along the direction due east is Vx and towards north, Vy.
North- east direction means, an angle of 45o between
North and East.
cos = Vx /V
|V|= 10 2 km/ h
Vx = V cos
Vy
Vx = 10 2 cos 45o = 10
= 45o
Vx
Similarly Vy = V sin = 10 2 sin 45o = 10
Hence V = 10i + 10j
ii)
4

8
Initial Position vector of the ship P = OP = - 4i + 8j =

10

10
Velocity of the ship P = VP = 10i + 10j =
4
10
16
Position vectors of ship P after 2 hrs (from 1000 to 1200) = OP = 2 =
8
10
28
= 16 i + 28 j
44
iii)
Initial Position vector of the ship Q = OQ = 19i + 34j =
19

34
8
Velocity of the ship Q = VQ = 8i + 6j =
6
10
8
2
VP/Q = VP - VQ = - = = 2i + 4j
10
6
4
iv)
Let the ship P and Q meet each other t hours after 1000
4 10
4
10
=

8 10
8
10
Position vectors of ship P, t hrs after leaving A =
Position vectors of ship Q, t hrs after leaving B =
19 8 16
19
8
2 =

34 6 12
34
6
If the ship P meets the ship Q then for some value of t

4 10
19 8 16
=

8 10
34 6 12
-4 + 10t = 19 + 8t -16
2t = 7 => t = 3.5 hrs
Hence the ship P will meet ship Q at 1330.
4 10 3.5
Position vector of the point where the ship P meets the ship Q =

8 10 3.5
31
= = 31i + 43j
43
45
MAY JUNE 2010 PAPER 1 (4037/21/M/J/10)

QUESTION NO. 10.
1
0
In this question, is a unit vector due east and is a unit vector due north
0
1
27
A lighthouse has position vector km relative to an origin O. A boat moves in such a way
48
4 8t
that its position vector is given by
km, where t is the time, in hours, after 1200.
12 6t
i)
Show that at 1400 the boat is 25 km from the lighthouse.
ii)
Find the length of time for which the boat is less than 25 km from the lighthouse.
SOLUTION:
i)
48 2
20
Position vector of the boat at 1400 hrs =OB =
=
12 6 2
24
27

48
Position vector of the lighthouse =OL =

27
7
20
- =
48
24
24
BL = OL OB =
|BL|= 72 + 242 = 25
Hence at 1400, the boat is 25 km from the lighthouse.
ii)
27

48
Position vector of the lighthouse =OL =
4 8t
Position vector of the boat = OB =

12 6t
4 8t
27
23 8t
-
=

12 6t
48
36 6t
BL = OL OB =
If the boat is less than 25 km from the lighthouse then |BL|< 25

{(23-8t)2 + (36-6t)2} < 25
{(23-8t)2 + (36-6t)2} < 625
529 368t + 64t2+ 1296 432t + 36t2 < 625
100t2 800t +1200 < 0
46
t2 8t +12 < 0
t2 2t 6t +12 < 0
t(t 2) - 6 (t 2) < 0
(t 2) (t 6) < 0
2<t<6
Hence length of time for which the boat is less than 25 km from the lighthouse = 6 -2 = 4 hrs.
47
OCTOBER NOVEMBER 2010 PAPER 2 (4037/22/M/J/10)

QUESTION 9:
A plane, whose speed in still air is 250 km/h, flies directly from A to B, where B is 500 km from
A on a bearing of 060o. There is a constant wind of 80 km/h blowing from the south. Find, to the
nearest minute, the time taken for the flight.
SOLUTION:
B
60o
VW = 80
N
N
VP
60o
VP
VW = 80 km/h
60o
VP/W = 250
x
A
Velocity Diagram
sin 60o/250 = sin xo/80

sin x = 0.277
x = 16.1o
= 180o (60o + 16.1o) = 103.9o
sin 103.9o/VP = sin 16.1o/80
VP = 280.0 km/h
Time of flight = 500/280.0
= 1.79 hrs = 107 min

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1

New Additional Mathematics by Pan Pacific Publishing

EXERCISE 24.2 (PAGE 549)

VB is the true velocity of the boat

VB/W is the velocity of the boat in still water

and Vw is the velocity of the water

By using Pythagoras theorem

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

VB is the true velocity of the boat,

The angle between VB/W and VW = 60o (alternate angles)

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

VB is the true velocity of the boat,

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

VB is the true velocity of the boat

Calculations for true velocity of the boat:

Applying cosine Rule in the velocity diagram triangle:

In this distance diagram,

we will find the component of

This is shown by a fold faced line

is obtained by producing the

Velocity Diagram. (Shown as a dotted line there)

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

VB sin = 1.79 sin 39.0 = 1.126 m/sec

Velocity component diagram

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

(sin ) /3.5 = (sin 99.5o)/6

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

(sin 45.4o) /VB = (sin 99.5)/6

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

In the diagram, vectors are added by the equation VA = VA / W + VW

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

In the diagram, vectors are added by the equation VA = VA / W + VW

(sin x) /60 = (sin 120o)/300

(sin 50o) / VA = (sin 120o)/300

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

the speed of the aircraft in still air.

In the diagram, vectors are added by the equation VA = VA / W + VW

(sin 10o) /70 = (sin x)/350

(sin 50.3o) / VA/W = (sin 119.7)/350

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

the speed at which he travels,

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

VB/w = 5.6 m/sec

VB/w = 5.6 m/sec

Velocity Diagram (Outward Journey)

Velocity Diagram (Return Journey)

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

AC = 160 m and BC = 120 m

(sin 106.9o) /VB = (sin 53.1o)/5.6

AB = 1602 + 1202 = 200 m

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

New Additional Mathematics by Pan Pacific Publishing

EXERCISE 24.3 (PAGE 549)

b) the time taken for Q to be due east of P, to the nearest second.

ii) Velocity Diagram

VQ/P2 = 52+72 -2(5)(7) cos60o

Hence velocity of Q relative to P is 6.24 m/sec in the direction 166.3o.

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

Nadeem Ahmad, Resource Academia, Ph. 0333-4404244.

VP/Q2 = 252+102 - 2(25)(10) cos30o

d = 5tan 13.0o = 1.154 km = 1154 m

Hence distance apart, when P is due north of Q = 1154 m. Q