Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
O A
n
Here O is the initial point and
.i
A is the terminal point of OA
ps
2. ADDITION OF TWO VECTORS
Let OA a , AB b and OB c .
te
Here c is sum (or resultant) of vectors a and b . It is to be noticed that the initial point of b
ys
coincides with the terminal point of a and the line joining the initial point of a to the terminal point
of b represents vector a b in magnitude and direction.
ud
B
t
.s
c = ab
b
w
O
ww
a A
2.1 PROPERTIES :
(i) ab ba, (Vector addition is commutative)
(ii) a ( b c ) (a b ) c , (Vector addition is associative)
(iii) | a b || a | | b | , equality holds when a and b are like vectors
(iv) | a b | || a | | b || , equality holds when a and b are unlike vectors
(v) a 0 a 0a
(vi) a ( a ) 0 ( a ) a
3. TYPE OF VECTORS
(i) Equal Vectors
'
Vector
Two vectors are said to be equal if and only if they have equal magnitudes and same
A B
AB = CD
direction. C D
As well as direction is same
(ii) Zero Vector (null vector)
A vector whose initial and terminal points are same, is called the null vector. For example
AA . Such vector has zero magnitude and no direction, and denoted by 0 .
AB BC CA AA or AB BC CA 0
C
A B
(iii) Like and Unlike Vectors
n
Two vectors are said to be
.i
(a) Like, when they have same direction.
ps
(b) Unlike, when they are in opposite directions. a and a are two unlike vectors as
their directions are opposite, a and 3 a are like vectors.
te
A unit vector is a vector whose magnitude is unity. We write, unit vector in the direction of
a
ud
a as a . Therefore a .
|a|
t
Two or more vectors are said to be parallel, if they have the same support or parallel
support. Parallel vectors may have equal or unequal magnitudes and direction may be
w
O a
A
b
C B
c
E D
(vi) Position Vector
If P is any point in the space then the vector OP is called position vector of point P ,
where O is the origin of reference. Thus for any points A and B in the space,
AB OB OA
D A
d a
C O B
c b
Drill Exercise - 1
1. If a , b are any two vectors, then give the geometrical interpretation of the relation;
|ab| |ab|
2. If the sum of two unit vectors is a unit vector, prove that the magnitude of their difference is 3 .
3. If G is the centroid of the triangle ABC and if G is the centroid of another triangle ABC then prove
n
that : AA + BB + CC = 3GG
4.
.i
P, Q, R are the points on the sides AB, BC and CA respectively of ABC such that
ps
AP : PB = BQ : QC = AR : RC = 1 : 2. Show that PBQR is a parallelogram.
te
If a is a vector and m is a scalar, then m a is a vector parallel to a whose modulus is | m | times that
t
of a . This multiplication is called Scalar Multiplication. If a and b are vectors and m, n are
.s
scalars, then :
m( a ) = ( a )m = m a m(n a ) = n(m a ) = (mn) a
w
(m + n) a = m a + n a m( a + b ) = m a + m b
ww
Illustration 1:
If a and b are the vectors determined by two adjacent sides of a regular hexagon, what are the
vectors determined by the other sides taken in order?
Solution:
OABCDE is a regular hexagon. Let OA a and AB b . Join OB and OC
We have D C
OB OA AB a b
E B
Since OC is parallel to AB and double of AB.
b
O A
a
'
Vector
OC 2AB 2b
Now BC OC OB 2b (a b) b a
CD OA a and DE AB b
Also EO BC (b a ) a b
Drill Exercise - 2
2. Given three points whose position vectors are x i yj zk , i zj and i j . Find the condition for
the points to be collinear.
n
3. If c = 3 a + 4 b and 2 c = a 3 b , show that
.i
(i) c and a have the same direction and | c | > | a |
ps
(ii) c and b have opposite direction and | c | > | b |
te
F1 10 k ,
13 13 13 13 13 13
4 12 3
ud
F3 V i j k , F = W(cos i + sin j ), find U, V and W.
13 13 13 4
t
.s
5. Let r1 , r2 , . . . , rn be the position vectors of point P1, P2, . . . Pn relative to an origin O. Show that
w
if the vector equation a1 r1 + a2 r2 + . . . + an rn = 0 holds, then a similar equation will also hold good
ww
5. LINEAR COMBINATIONS :
Given a finite set of vectors a , b , c ,...... then the vector r xa yb zc ........ is called a
linear combination of a , b , c ,...... for any x, y, z ..... R . We have the following results:
(i) If a , b are non zero, non-collinear vectors then xa yb x' a y' b x x' ; y y'
(ii) FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM : Let a , b be non zero , non collinear vectors . Then any
vector r coplanar with a , b can be expressed uniquely as a linear combination of
a , b i.e. There exist some unique x,y R such that xa yb r .
Vector
(iii) If a , b , c are non-zero, non-coplanar vectors then :
xa yb zc x' a y' b z' c x x' , y y' , z z'
(iv) FUNDAMENTAL THEOREM IN SPACE : Let a , b , c be non-zero, non-coplanar vectors
in space . Then any vector r , can be uniquely expressed as a linear combination of
a , b , c i.e. There exist some unique x,y R such that xa yb zc r .
(v) If x1 , x 2 ,...... x n are n non zero vectors, & k 1, k2, .....kn are n scalars & if the
linear combination k1x1 k 2 x 2 ........ k n x n 0 k1 0, k 2 0..... k n 0 then
we say that vectors x1 , x 2 ,...... x n are LINEARLY INDEPENDENT VECTORS .
(vi) If x1 , x 2 ,...... x n are not LINEARLY INDEPENDENT then they are said to be
LINEARLY DEPENDENT vectors . i.e. if k1x1 k 2 x 2 ........ k n x n 0 & if
there exists at least one kr 0 then x1 , x 2 ,...... x n are said to be LINEARLY DEPENDENT
n
Note 1 : If kr 0 ; k1x1 k 2 x 2 k 3x 3 ....... k r x r ...... k n x n 0
.i
k r x r k 1x1 k 2 x 2 ....... k r 1 . x r 1 k r 1 . x r 1 ...... k n x n
ps
1 1 1 1 1
k r x r k1 x1 k 2 x 2 ..... k r 1 . x r 1 ..... k n xn
kr kr kr kr kr
te
x r c1x1 c 2 x 2 ...... c r 1x r 1 c r x r 1 ...... c n x n
ys
Hence x r with x1 , x 2 ,.... x r 1 , x r 1 .... x n forms a linearly dependent set of vectors .
t
Note 2 :
.s
Illustration 2:
Show that the vectors 5a 6b 7 c, 7a 8b 9c and 3a 20b 5c are coplanar
(where a , b, c are three non-coplanar vectors).
Solution : Let A 5a 6b 7c , B 7a 8b 9c and C 3a 20b 5c
A, B and C are coplanar x A yB zC 0 must have a real solution for x, y,, z
other than (0, 0, 0).
Now x (5a 6b 7 c ) y(7a 8b 9c ) z (3a 20b 5c ) 0
(5x 7 y 3z )a (6 x 8 y 20z ) b (7 x 9 y 5z ) c 0
5x + 7y + 3z = 0
'
Vector
6x 8y + 20 z = 0
7x + 9y + 5z = 0 (As a , b, c are non-coplanar vectors)
5 7 3
Now D = 6 8 20 0
7 9 5
So the three linear simultaneous equation in x, y and z have a non-trivial solution.
Hence A, B and C are coplanar vectors.
Drill Exercise - 3
n
3. The base vectors a1 , a 2 , a 3 are given in terms of base vector b1 , b 2 , b 3 :
.i
a1 = 2 b1 + 3 b 2 b 3 , a 2 = b1 2 b 2 + 2 b 3 and a 3 = 2 b1 + b 2 2 b 3
ps
If F = 3 b1 b 2 + 2 b 3 , express F in terms of a1 , a 2 , a 3 .
te
4. If a = i j k , b = 4i 3j 4k and c = i j k are linearly dependent vectors and
ys
| c | = 3 then find the value of and
ud
5. If a , b, c are non zero non coplanar vectors determine whether the vectors :
t
.s
Illustration 3:
Let 'O' be the point of intersection of diagonals of a parallelogram ABCD. The points M, N, K and P
are the mid points of OA, MB, NC and KD respectively. Show that N, O and P are collinear.
Solution :
Vector
D C
P
K
O
M
N
A B
Let O (o), A (a ), B( b)
a
b
a a 2 b
Now M , N 2
2 2 4
ab
a
3a
n
2 b
K 4
.i
2 8
2b 3a
ps
b
8 6b 3a
P
te
2 16
3
OP ( 2b a )
ys
16
ud
1 1
Also, ON (a 2b) OP
4 6
t
Drill Exercise - 4
w
ww
2. If a and b are non collinear vectors, find the value of x for which vectors :
( x 2)a b and (3 2 x )a 2b are collinear..
3. If a , b, c are three non zero vectors, no two of which are collinear and the vector a 2b is collinear
'
Vector
with c and b 3c is collinear with a , then find the vector a 2b 6c .
4. Prove that the four points 2a 2b c , a 2b 3c , 3a 4b 2c and a 6b 6c are non
coplanar, where a , b , c are non-coplanar vectors.
5.
Prove that if cos 1, cos 1, anc cos 1, then the vectors, a = i cos + j + k ,
b = i + j cos + k , c = i j k cos can never be coplanar. where cos, cos, cos are
positive.
7. SECTION FORMULA
Let A, B and C be three collinear points in space having position vectors a , b and r .
n
m
.i
r B (x 2, y 2, z 2)
ps
O b
te
AC n
Let
CB m
ys
or, m AC = n CB
ud
or, m AC n CB . . . (i)
(As vectors are in same direction)
t
Now, OA AC OC AC r a . . . (ii)
.s
r CB b CB b r . . . (iii)
w
ma nb
ww
Drill Exercise - 5
1. If a and b be the position vectors of points A and B respectively, find the position vector of point C
in AB produced such that AC = 3 AB .
2. Prove, by vector method that the internal bisectors of the angles of a triangle are concurrent.
3. If a , b , c , d be the position vectors of points A, B, C, D respectively and b a = 2(d c) , show
that the point of intersection of the straight lines AD and BC divides these lines in the ratio 2 : 1.
Vector
4. a , b , c are the position vectors of the vertices of a triangle, then prove that the position vector of its
abc
centroid is .
3
5. ABC is a triangle, the point P is on side BC such that 3 BP = 2 PC , the point Q is on the line CA
such that 4 CQ = QA . Find the ratio which the line joining the common point R of AP and BQ and
the point S divides AB .
n
Y
.i
B N ps
P (x, y, z)
te
O X
A
ys
C M
ud
Z
Let i , j, k denote unit vectors along OX, OY and OZ respectively..
t
We have r OP xi yj zk as OA xi , OB yj and OC zk .
.s
ON OA AN
w
OP ON NP
ww
So,
OP OA OB OC NP OC, AN OB
r | r | | OP | x 2 y 2 z 2
r x i yj zk
r i mj nk r r i mrj nrk
|r| x 2 y2 z2
x
cos (where is the angle between OP and x-axis)
x 2 y2 z2
y
m cos ( is the angle between OP and y-axis)
x 2 y2 z2
'
Vector
z
n cos ( is the angle between OP and z-axis)
x y2 z2
2
, m, n are defined as the direction cosines of the line OP and x, y, z are defined as direction
ratios of the line OP.
If P (x1, y1, z1) and Q (x2, y2, z2) then PQ ( x 2 x1 )i ( y 2 y1 ) j (z 2 z1 )k
Therefore PQ = ( x 2 x1 ) 2 ( y 2 y 2 ) 2 ( z 2 z1 ) 2
Hence direction ratios of the line through P and Q are x2 - x1, y2 - y1 and z2 - z1 and its direction
x 2 x1 y 2 y1 z z
cosines are , and 2 1 .
PQ PQ PQ
8.1 Some properties of Direction cosines and ratios
(i) r , mr , nr are the projection of r on x, y and z-axis.
(ii) r i mj nk
n
(iii) 2 m 2 n 2 1
.i
m n
(iv) If a, b and c are three real numbers such that , then a, b, c are the direction ratios
a b c
ps
of the line whose direction cosines are , m and n .
te
Drill Exercise - 6
ys
2. The position vectors of the points P, Q, R and S are respectively i j k , 2 i 5 j , 3 i 2 j 3k
t
.s
1
and i 6 j k , prove that the lines PQ and RS are parallel and the ratio of their length is .
2
w
ww
3. A triangle has vertices (1, 2, 4), (2, 2, 1) and (2, 4, 3). Prove that the triangle is right-angled and
find its other angles.
4. What is the unit vector parallel to a 2 i 4 j 2k ? What vector should be added to a so that the
resultant is a unit vector i ?
5. A vector V is inclined at equal angles to OX, OY and OZ. If the magnitude of V is 6 units,
find V .
9.1 PROPERTIES :
(i) a.b b.a (scalar product is commutative)
(ii) a 2 a.a | a |2 a 2
(iii) ( ma ).b m(a.b) a ( mb) (where m is a scalar)
a.b
(iv) cos
1
| a |.| b |
(v) a.b 0 Vectors a and b are perpendicular to each other.. [ a , b , are non-zero vectors].
.i
(viii) (a b).(a b) | a |2 | b |2 a 2 b 2
ps
(ix) Let a a1i a 2 j a 3k, b b1i b 2 j b 3k Then a.b (a1i a 2 j a 3k ).(b1i b 2 j b 3k )
te
B
w
ww
a.b b
ON OB cos | b | a.b
| a || b |
A
O a
Illustration 4:
Prove that the angle in a semi-circle is a right angle.
Solution:
Let O be the centre and AB the bounding diameter of the semi-circle. Let P be any point on the
'
Vector
B O A
Let OA a , OB a and OP r
Obviously OA = OB = OP, each being equal to radius of the semi-circle.
AP r a and BP r (a ) r a
Drill Exercise - 7
n
1. Find the cosine of the angle between the vectors p and q such that 2p q i j , p 2q i j .
.i
ps
2. If | a | = 3, | b | = 1, | c | = 4 and a b c = 0, find the value of a.b b.c c.a .
te
3. If the vectors a = (c log2x) i 6j 3k and b = (log2x) i 2 j + (2c log2x) k make an obtuse angle
for any x (0, ). Then determine the interval to which c belongs.
ys
4. Show that the median to the base of an isosceles triangle perpendicular to base.
ud
5. Let = 4i 3 j and be two vectors perpendicular to each other in the xy-plane. Find all the
.s
vectors in the same plane having the projections and 1 and 2 along and respectively..
w
ww
b
O
a
By the right-handed orientation we mean that, if we turn the vector a into the vector b through the
angle , then n points in the direction in which a right handed screw would move if turned in the
same manner. Thus a b | a | | b | sin n . If at least one of a and b is a zero vector, then a b
is defined as the zero vector.
Vector
10.1 PROPERTIES :
(i) a b ( b a )
(ii) ( ma ) b m(a b) a ( mb) (where m is a scalar)
(iii) a b 0 vectors a and b are parallel.
(provided a and b are non-zero vectors).
(iv) i j j j k k 0
(v) i j k (j i ), j k i ( k j), k i j ( i k )
(vi) a (b c) a b a c
(vii) Let a a1i a 2 j a 3k and b b1i b 2 j b 3k , then
i j k
a b a1 a2 a3
n
= i(a 2 b3 a 3b2 ) j(a 3b1 a1b3 ) k(a
b a b )
1 2 2 1
.i
b1 b2 b3
ps
|ab|
(viii) sin . (Note : we cannot find the value of by using this formula)
| a || b |
te
1 1 1
(ix) Area of triangle = ap ab sin | a b |
ys
2 2 2
B
ud
b
P
t
.s
O A
a
w
B C
b
p
O A
a
(xi) a x b b x a (not commutative)
axb
(xii) Unit vector perpendicular to the plane of a & b is n .
axb
(xiii)
r a xb
A vector of magnitude r & perpendicular to the plane of a & b is .
axb
'
Vector
1
(xiv) Area of any quadrilateral whose diagonal vectors are d1 & d 2 is given by d1 x d 2 .
2
2 2 a .a a .b
(xv) Lagranges Identity : for any two vectors a & b ;(a x b)2 a b (a . b)2 .
a .b b.b
Illustration 5:
If a, b, c be three vectors such that a + b + c = 0, prove that a b = b c = c a and deduce the
sin A sin B sin C
sine rule .
a b c
Solution :
Let BC, CA, AB represent the vectors a, b, c respectively..
Then, we have
- A A
n
.i
c b
ps
B - C
te
C
- B a
ys
a + b + c = 0,
==> c = - (a + b)
ud
==> b c = b (- a - b)
=-ba=ab
t
Similarly, c a = a b
.s
Hence, bc=ca=ab
==> bc sin( A ) ca sin( B) ab sin( C) ==> bc sin A = ca sin B = ab sin C
w
ww
Drill Exercise - 8
1
1. Show that a unit vector perpendicular to each of the vectors 3i j 2k and 2i 2 j 4k is
3
2
( i j k ) and the sine of the angle between them is .
7
Vector
2. Let a , b, c be unit vectors such that ; a.b a.c 0 and the angle between b and c is ; prove that
6
a = 2 ( b c ) .
3. If a , b, c are position vectors of the vertices A, B, C of a triangle ABC, show that the area of triangle
1
ABC is | a b b c c a | . Deduce the condition for points a , b, c to be collinear..
2
4. Find the moment about the point i 2j 3k of a force represented by i j k acting through the
point 2i 3j k .
5. Find the length of perpendicular from the point A(1, 4, 2) to the line joining (2, 1, 2) and (0, 5, 1).
.i
The scalar triple product of three vectors a , b and c is defined as
(a b).c = | a | | b | | c | sin cos where is the angle between a & b & is the angle
ps
between a x b & c . It is also defined as [ a b c ]
te
Let a a1i a 2 j a 3k, b b1i b 2 j b 3k, c c1i c 2 j c3k
ys
i j k
a a3 a a3 a a2
Then a b a1 a 3 i 2 j 1 k 1
ud
a2
b2 b3 b1 b3 b1 b2
b1 b2 b3
t
a1 a2 a3
.s
a a3 a1 a3 a1 a2
(a b).c c1 2 c2 c3 b1 b 2 b3
b2 b3 b1 b 3 b1 b 2
w
c1 c2 c3
ww
Therefore (a b).c ( b c ).a ( c a ).b ( b a ).c ( c b).a (a c ).b
Note that (a b).c ( b c ).a a.( b c ) , hence in scalar triple product dot and cross are
interchangeable. Therefore we denote (a b).c by [a b c ] .
11.1 PROPERTIES
(i) | (a b).c | represents the volume of the parallelepiped, whose adjacent sides are
represented by the vectors a , b and c in magnitude and direction. Therefore three
a1 a2 a3
vectors a , b, c are coplanar if and only if [a b c ] = 0. i.e., b1 b2 b3 0
c1 c2 c3
1
(ii) Volume of the tetrahedron = | [(a b c ] | .
6
'
Vector
(iii) [a b c d ] [a c d ] [ b c d ]
(iv) [a a b ] 0 .
(v) In a scalar triple product the position of dot & cross can be interchanged i.e.
a . ( b x c ) (a x b ). c OR [ a b c ] [ b c a ] [ c a b ]
(vi) a . (b x c) a .( cx b) i. e. [ a b c ] [ a c b ]
a a a
1 2 3
(vii) a c
If = a1i+a2j+a3k ; b = b1i+b2j+b3k & = c1i+c2j+c3k then [a b c] b 1 b 2 b 3 .
c1 c2 c3
In general, if a a 1 l a 2 m a 3 n ; b b1 l b 2 m b 3 n & c c1 l c2 m c3 n then
a1 a2 a3
a b c b1 b2 b3 l m n
; where , m & n arenon coplanar vectors .
c1 c2 c3
n
(viii) If a , b , c are coplanar [ a b c ] 0 .
.i
(ix) Scalar product of three vectors, two of which are equal or parallel is 0 i.e. [ a b c ] 0 ,
ps
Note : If a , b , c are non - coplanar then [ a b c ] 0 for right handed system &
[ a b c ] 0 for left handed system .
te
(x) [i j k] = 1.
ys
[ K a b c ] K[ a b c ] .
ud
(xi)
(xii) [(a b) c d ] [ a c d ] [ b c d ] .
.s
(xiv) The volume of the tetrahedron OABC with O as origin & the pvs of A, B and C being
w
1
ww
1 cos cos
V2 = cos 1 cos .
cos cos 1
Solution:
Let OABC be the tetrahedron with O as origin. Let a, b, c be the position vectors of A, B, C.
Let a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k, b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k, c = c1 i + c2 j + c3 k.
Then
a1 a 2 a3
1 1
V = [a b c] b1 b 2 b3
6 6
c1 c 2 c3
n
a1 a 2 a3 a1 a2 a3
.i
1
V2 = b1 b 2 b 3 b1 b 2 b3
36
ps
c1 c 2 c3 c1 c2 c3
te
1
a1b1 a 2 b 2 a 3 b 3 b1 b 2 b 3 b1c1 b 2 c 2 b 3c3
2 2 2
=
ys
36
a1c1 a 2 c 2 a 3c3 b1c1 b 2 c 2 b 3c3 c1 c 2 c3
2 2 2
ud
| a2 | a.b a.c
t
1 2
= a.b |b| b.c
.s
36
a.c b.c | c |2
w
a2 a b cos c a cos
ww
1
= a b cos b2 b c cos
36
c a cos b c cos c2
1 cos cos
a 2 b 2c 2
= cos 1 cos
36
cos cos 1
Drill Exercise - 9
'
Vector
1. Find the volume of the parallelopiped whose edges are represented by
a 2 i 3 j 4k , b i 2 j k and c 3 i j 2k .
3. Examine whether the vectors a 2 i 3 j 2k , b i j 2k and c 3 i 2 j 4k form a left
handed or a right handed system.
4. If a b c and b c a , show that a , b, c are orthogonal in pairs. Also show that | c | = | a | and
| b | = 1.
5. If a , b, c are any three vectors in space then show ( c b) ( c a ) . ( c b a ) [a b c] .
n
12. VECTOR TRIPLE PRODUCT
.i
The vector triple product of three vectors a , b and c is defined as a ( b c ) . If at least one
ps
a , b and c is a zero vector or b and c are collinear vectors or a is perpendicular to both
b and c , only then a ( b c ) 0 . In all other cases a ( b c ) will be a non-zero vector in the
te
plane of non-collinear vectors and perpendicular to the vector a .
Thus we can take a ( b c ) b c , for some scalars and . Since a a (b c) ,
ys
a.(a ( b c )) 0 (a.b) (a.c ) 0 (a.c ), (a.b) , for same scalar .
ud
Hence a ( b c ) (a.c ) b (a.b) c , for any vectors a , b and c satisfying the conditions given
t
in the beginning. In particular if we take, a b i , c j , then 1 .
.s
Hence a ( b c ) (a.c ) b (a.b) c
w
Illustration 7:
ww
For any vector a , prove that i (a i ) j (a j) k (a k ) 2a .
Solution : [i (a i )] [j (a j)] [k (a k )]
= [( i.i )a ( i.a ) i ][( i. j)a ( j.a ) j] [( k.k )a ( k.a ) k ]
= a ( i.a ) i a (j.a )j a ( k.a ) k [ i.i jj kk 1]
= 3a [( i.a ) i (j.a )j ( k.a ) k ]
Let a a1i a 2 j a 3k . Then
i a i (a1i a 2 j a 3k ) a 2 i 2 a 2 (i. j) a 3 (i.k ) a1 (1) a 2 (0) a1
Similarly, j.a a 2 , k.a a 3
L.H.S. = 3a (a1i a 2 j a 3k ) 3a a 2a = R.H.S.
Drill Exercise - 10
Vector
1. If A 2 i j 3k , B i 2 j k and C i j 4k find A (B C) .
2. Prove that i (a i ) j (a j ) k (a k ) 2a .
3. A, B, C are three vectors given by 2 i k , i j k and 4 i 3 j 7 k . Then find R , which satis-
fies the relation R B C B and R . A = 0.
4. Show that the points whose position vectors are a , b, c, d will be coplanar if
[a b c ] [a b d ] + [a c d ] [ b c d ] = 0.
b
5. If a , b, c are three unit vectors such that a ( b c ) = , find the angles which a makes with b and
2
c where b and c being non-parallel.
n
.i
13. RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF VECTORS
Let a , b and c be a system of three non-coplanar vectors. Then the system of vectors a , b and
ps
c which satisfies a.a b.b c.c 1 and a.b a.c b.a b.c c.a c.b 0 , is called the
te
given by a , , .
[a b c ] [a b c ] [a b c ]
ud
13.1 PROPERTIES :
t
(ii) The scalar triple product [a b c] formed from three non-coplanar vectors a, b, c is the
w
Illustration 8 :
Solve the vector equation :
r b a b, r .c = 0 provided that c is not perpendicular to b .
Solution.
We are given;
' r b ab
(r a) b 0
Vector
Hence ( r a ) and b are parallel
r a t b . . . (i)
and we know r .c = 0,
taking dot product of (i) by c we get
r .c a.c = t ( b.c )
0 a.c = t ( b.c )
a.c
or t = . . . (ii)
b.c
from (i) and (ii) solution of r is ;
= a.c .
r a b.c b
n
.i
Drill Exercise - 11ps
1. Find the set of vectors reciprocal to the set
2 i 3 j k , i j 2k i 2 j 2k
te
ys
bc ca ab
2. If a ' = , b' = , c' = then show that a a ' + b b' + c c' = 0, where
[a b c ] [a b c ] [a b c ]
ud
a , b, c are non coplanar..
t
.s
3. Find vector r if r .a = m and r b c , where a.b 0.
w
ww
5. Solve for vectors A and B , where A B a , A B b , A.a =1.
Vector
Drill Exercise - 1
1. a b
Drill Exercise - 2
1
1. (3i 4 j) 2. x 2y = 1
2
65 65
4. U= (1 3 cot), V = (1 + 3cot), W = 40 cosec
3 3
Drill Exercise - 3
3. F = 2a1 5a 2 3a 3 4. = 1, = 1
5. linearly dependent
n
.i
Drill Exercise - 4
ps
1
2. x= 3. 0
4
te
Drill Exercise - 5
ys
ud
1. 3b 2a 5. 6:1
t
Drill Exercise - 6
.s
1 7 3 2 1
w
1. 59 , 59 , 59 , 59 3. sin1 , sin1
3
ww
1
24 ( 2i 4 j 2k ) 2 3 i j k
4. 5.
Drill Exercise - 7
4
1. = cos1 2. 19
5
4
3. c , 0 5. 2i j
3
'
Vector
Drill Exercise - 8
3 26
3. a b bc ca 0 4. 3i 3j 5.
7
Drill Exercise - 9
Drill Exercise - 10
1. 8i 19 j k 3. i 8 j 2k 5. ,
2 3
Drill Exercise - 11
n
.i
2i k 8i 3 j 7 k 7 i 3 j 5k 1
1. , , 3. r (a c mb)
ps
3 3 3 ab
CA B A (a b) a (b a ) a (a 2 1)
te
4. X 5. A ,B
| A |2 a2 a2
ys
Example 1:
.s
Solution :
Since a , b and c are non-coplanar, we have
[ a.b, c ] 0 . . . . . (i)
Let p a 2b 3c, q 2a 3b 4c and r a 3b 5c . Then
q r ( 2a 3b 4c ) (a 3b 5c )
= 6a b 10a c 3b a 15b c 4c a 12c b ( as a a b b c c 0)
= 3a b 6a c 3b c
= 3 [ a b 2a c b c ]
= [ p q r ] p( q r )
Therefore
= (a 2b 3c ).3(a 2b 2a c b c )
Vector
= 3[ a , a , b ] 6[a , a , c ] [ 3a , b, c ] 6[ b, a , b ] 12[ b, a , c ]
6 [ b, b, c ] 9[ c, a , b ] 18[ c, a , c ] 9[ c, b c ]
as [ a, a, b ] etc. having two
= 12[ a, b, c ] 12[ b, a, c ] vectors equal are all zero and
[ c, a, b ] [ a, b, c ]
as [ b, a , c ] b.(a c)
= 12[ a , b, c ] 12[ b, a , c ] 0 b.(c a )
[ a , b, c ]
Hence, p, q and r are coplanar vectors.
Example 2:
n
The position vectors of the points P and Q are 5i 7j 2k and 3i 3j 6k respectively. A line
.i
1 is parallel to A 3i j k and passes through the point P and a line 2 is parallel to
ps
B 3i 2j 4k and passes through the point Q. A third line parallel to 2i 7j 5k intersects
lines 1 and 2 . Find the position vectors of the points of intersection.
te
Solution :
ys
ud
A B
2i + 7j 5k
t
P(5, 7, 2) ( 3, 3, 6)
Q
w
ww
Let L and M denote the points of intersection of the line with 1 and 2 .
Since vectors PL and A are collinear
we have
PL 1 A , for some real 1 .
i.e., ( x1 5) i ( y1 7) j ( z1 2) k 1 (3i j k )
x1 5 y1 7 z1 2
1
3 1 1
L (31 5, 7 1, 1 2)
Similarly vectors QM and B are collinear
OM 2 B , for some real 2
M (3 2 3, 2 2 3, 4 2 6)
'
Vector
31 3 2 2 3 8 .........(i)
1 2 2 7 3 4 .........(ii)
and 1 4 2 5 3 8 ..........(iii)
n
.i
Hence position vectors of L and M are respectively 2i 8j 3k and j 2k .
Example 3:
ps
Using vector methods for any triangle ABC, prove that c2 = b2 + a2 - 2ab cos C.
te
Solution :
ys
A
ud
B C
t
C
.s
We have
w
AC CB AB
AC CB. AC CB AB.AB
ww
Example 4:
The base BC of a ABC is divided at D so that mBD = nCD. Show that
mAB2 + nAC2 = mBD2 + nCD2 + (m + n) AD2.
Solution :
Vector
B C
D
With A as origin, let the position vectors of B and C be b and c.
m BD n DC
m DB n DC 0
Now,
2
2
AB2 AB AD DB AD 2 DB 2 2AD.DB
AC AD DC AD DC
2 2
AC 2 2 2
2AD.DC
Multiplying by m and n respectively and adding, we get
n
mAB2 nAC2 (m n )AD2 mBD2 nDC2 2AD mDB n DC
.i
= (m + n) AD2 + mBD2 + nDC2.
Example 5:
ps
If a, b, c are mutually perpendicular vectors of equal magnitude, show that a + b + c is equally
inclined to a, b, c.
te
Solution :
ys
Given that :
b. a = a. b = b .c = c. b = a. c = c. a . . . (i)
ud
|a + b + c|2 = (a + b + c). (a + b + c)
.s
= a. a + a. b + a. c + b. a + b. b + b. c + c. a + c. b + c. c
= 3 | a |2
w
|a + b + c| =
ww
3|a|
Let 1 , 2 , 3 be angles at which a + b + c is inclined to a, b, c respectively, then
(a b c).a | a |2 1
cos 1
|abc| |a| 3| a | 2
3
1
Similarly cos 2 cos 3 1 2 3
3
Example 6:
Determine a unit vector perpendicular to the plane of a and b, where a = 4i + 3j - k and
b = 2i - 6j - 3k. Also obtain sine of the angle between a and b.
Solution :
'
Vector
i j k
a b = 4 3 1
2 6 3
= 15 i + 10 j + 30 k
As a b is the vector perpendicular to the plane of a and b, hence a unit vector perpendicular to
the plane of a and b is
ab 15i 10 j 30k 3 2 6
= i j k
|ab| (15) (10) (30)
2 2 2 7 7 7
If be the angle between the vectors, then
35 5
=
n
26 (49) 26
.i
Example 7:
Show that the perpendicular distance of a point whose position vector is a from the plane through
ps
three points with position vectors b, c, d is ([b c d] + [c a d] + [a b d] - [a b c]) / |b c + c d + d b|
te
Solution :
ys
A
ud
h
t
.s
B D
w
ww
C
Let ABCD be the tetrahedron whose vertices A, B, C, D have position vectors a, b, c, d
respectively.
Volume of tetrahedron ABCD
1
= (area BCD) h
3
where h is the perpendicular distance of A from the plane BCD
3 volume of tetrahedron ABCD
h= Area of BCD
1
6
AB, AC, AD
[b a , c a , d a ]
= 3.
1 | (c b ) (d b ) |
BC BD
2
Vector
(b a ).[(c a ) (d a )]
=
| cd cd bd |
(b a ).[c d c a a d ]
=
| bc cd d b |
[ b c d ] [ b c a ] [ b a d ] [a c d ]
=
| bc cd d b |
[ b c d ] [c a d ] [a b d ] [a b c]
=
| bc cd d b |
Example 8:
Examine whether the vectors 5a + 6b + 7c, 7a 8b + 9c and 3a + 20b + 5c,
n
(a, b, c being non-coplanar vectors ) are linearly independent or dependent.
Solution :
.i
ps
If possible, let the linearly dependent. Then there exist scalars x1, x2, x3, not all zero, such that
x1(5a + 6b + 7c) + x2(7a 8b + 9c) + x3(3a + 20b + 5c) = 0 ...........(i)
te
x1 x 2 x 3
k ( say )
2 1 1
w
x1 = 2k, x2 = k, x3 = k
ww
Example 9:
The straight line joining the mid-points of two non-parallel sides of a trapezium is parallel to the
parallel sides and half their sum.
Solution :
'
Vector
Let ABCD be a trapezium with parallel sides AB, CD. A as the origin of reference. Let
AB b, AD d ,
So that b, d are the position vectors of the points B and D respectively the mid point A as the origin
of reference.
As DC is parallel to AB, the vector DC must be a product of the vector AB by some scalar t.
Let DC t AB tb ........(i)
Now the position vector of C is
n
.i
AC AD DC d tb
1 1
ps
The position vectors of the midpoints E and F of BC and AD are ( b d tb) and d
2 2
respectively.
te
We have
ys
FE AE AF
ud
1 1
= (b d tb) d
2 2
t
.s
1 1
= (1 t )b (1 t )AB
2 2
w
1
(1 t )
ww
Example 10:
If D, E, F are three points on the sides BC, CA, AB respectively of a triangle ABC such that the
BD CE AF
points D, E, F are collinear, then prove that . . 1 and conversely..
CD AE BF
Solution :
Vector
Let BE, CF at H
Let a, b, c, h be the position vectors of the four points A, B, C, H relative to any origin O of
reference.
These four points being coplanar, there exist four scalars x, y, z, t such that
xa + yb + zc + th = 0, x + y + z + t = 0
xa zc xa yb
The position vectors of the points E and F, therefore, are , respectively..
xz xy
xa zc xa yb
We now require the position vector of the point D. Writing e ,f
n
xz xy
.i
and eliminating, a, we have
(x + z) e (x + y) f = zc yb,
ps
( x z)e ( x y)f zc yb
( x z ) ( x y) zy
te
zc yb
ys
This equality shows that is the position vector of the point D. Thus
zy
ud
BD z CE x AF x
, ,
CD y EA z FB y
t
BD CE AF
.s
. . 1
CD EA FB
w
BD CE AF
Conversely, let D, E, F be three points on the sides BC, CA, AB such that . . 1
ww
CD EA FB
BD z CE x AF y
Suppose that , , so that
CD y AE z BF z
BD z CE x AF y
, ,
DC y EA z EB x
Thus if a, b, c be the position vectors of the vertices A, B, C, then the position vectors of the points
zc yb xa zc xa yb
D, E, F are , , respectively. Denoting these by d, e, f respectively,,
zy xz xy
we obtain (z y)d + (x + z)e (x + y)f = 0, where (z y) + (x + z) (x + y) = 0.
Thus, the points D, E, F are collinear.
Example 11:
Show that the circumcenter, the centroid and the orthocenter of a triangle are collinear and the
'
Vector
centroid divides the join of the circumcenter and the orthocenter in the ratio 1 : 2.
Solution :
Let O, G, H denote the circumcenter, centroid and orthocenter respectively of a triangle ABC.
Let a, b, c be the position vectors of the vertices A, B, C of the triangle with respect to the
circumcenter O, as the origin of reference.
We have
OA = OB = OC
a2 = b2 = c2
1
Also the position vector of G is OG (a b c)
3
We have, by (i)
[(a + b + c) a] . (b c) = 0,
[(a + b + c) b] . (c a) = 0,
n
[(a + b + c) c] . (a b) = 0,
HA BC, H B CA, HC AB
So that H is the orthocentre of the triangle ABC
ys
and we have OH a b c
ud
Thus, we have
OH 3 OG
t
Example 12:
P, Q are the mid-points of the non-parallel sides BC and AD of a trapezium ABCD. Show that
APD CQB .
Solution :
Let AB b and AD d
Vector
Now DC is parallel to AB
there exists a scalar t such, that DC t AB t b
AC AD DC d t b
1 1
The position vectors of P and Q are ( b d tb) and d respectively..
2 2
Now
2 APD AP AD
1 1
= (b d tb) d (1 t ) (b d )
2 2
1
= 2 CQB CQ CB d (d tb) [b (d tb)]
2
1
n
= (1 t )d b tb d
2
.i
1 1
= (1 t )b d tb d (1 t 2 t )b d
ps
2 2
1
te
= (1 t )b d 2 APD
2
ys
Example 13:
Prove that [a p, b q, c r ] [a q, b r , c p] [a r , b p, c q ] 0 .
ud
Solution :
t
[a p, b q, c r ] (a p).[( b q ) (c r )]
.s
= (a p).{[ b q r ] [a p r ][ b q c] ..........(i)
Also, [a q, b r , c p]
= ( b r ).[(c p) (a q )]
= ( b r ).[{( b q ).r}c {( b q ).c}r ]
= ( b r ).{[ c p q ]a [c p a ]q}
= [ b r a ][c p q ] [ b q r ][a p c] ...........(ii)
[ a q , b p, c q ]
= (c q ).[(a r ) ( b p)]
= (c q ).[{( a r ).p}b {(a r ).b}p]
= [ c q b ] [ a r p ] [c q b ] [a r b ] ..........(iii)
Adding (i), (ii) and (iii) the required result follows
'
Vector
Example 14:
In a ABC, let M be the mid point of segment AB and let D be the foot of the bisector
Area CDM
of C . Then find the ratio of .
Area ABC
Area CDM
Solution :
Area CBA
=
1 a b ba a b
2(a b) ba
1 (a b) b a
=
2(a b) ba
ab
=
2 (a b )
sin A sin B
n
=
2 (sin A sin B)
AB
2 cos sin
AB
.i
ps
= 2 2
AB A B
2 2 sin cos
2 2
te
Example 15:
ys
Prove using vectors that the distance of the circumcenter of the ABC from the centroid
1
ud
2 1 2
.s
1 2 2
2
Solution : 2 2 2
9
1
9
3R 2 2R 2 (cos 2A cos 2B cos 2C)
1
9
3R 2 2R 2 (3 2 sin 2 A)
1 2 2 a
2
b2 c2
9 R 4 R 2
9 4R 4 R 2 4 R 2
Example 1:
If a, b, and c are unit vectors, then |a - b|2 + |b - c|2 + |c - a|2 does not exceed
Vector
(a) 4 (b) 9
(c) 8 (d) 6
Solution :
We have
0 |a + b + c|2 = |a|2 + |b|2 + |c|2 + 2|a. b + b. c + c.a|
= 3 + 2|a. b + b. c + c. a|
So, a. b + b. c + c. a - 3/2.
Now, |a - b|2 + |b - c|2 + |c - a|2
= 2 (|a|2 + |b|2 + |c|2 - (a. b + a. c + b. c) 2 (3 + 3/2) = 9.
Hence (b) is the correct answer.
Example 2 :
Let a = 2i + j - 2k and b = i + j. If c is a vector such that a. c = |c|, |c - a| = 2 2 and the angle
between a b and c is 30, then |(a b) c| =
2 3
(a) (b)
3 2
n
(c) 2 (d) 3
.i
Solution : ps
i j k
a b = 2 1 2 = 2i + 2j + k |a b| = 4 4 1 = 3. Also |c - a| = 8
2
te
1 1 0
ys
Example 3:
ww
Let v = 2i + j - k and w = i + 3k. If u is a unit vector, then for the maximum value of the scalar triple
product [u v w], u =
1 1
(a) (3i j 2k ) (b) (2i j k )
14 6
1 1
(c) (i 3k ) (d) (3i 7 j k )
10 59
Solution :
v w = 3i - 7j - k
Now, [u v w] = u. (3i - 7j - k)
'
Vector
1
Thus [u v w] is maximum if cos = 1 i.e. = 0 or u = (3i - 7j - k)
59
Hence (d) is the correct answer.
Example 4:
Let there be two points A and B on the curve y = x2 in the plane OXY satisfying OA. i = 1 and OB.
i = - 2 then the length of the vector 2OA - 3OB is
(a) 14 (b) 2 51
(c) 3 41 (d) 2 41
Solution :
Let OA = x1i + y1j and OB = x2i + y2j. Since 1 = OA. i = x1 and - 2 = OB. i = x2.
Moreover,
y1 = x12 and y2 = x22 = 4, so
OA = i + j and OB = - 2i + 4j. Hence |2OA - 3OB| = |8i - 10j| = 164 = 2 41
n
Hence (d) is the correct answer.
Example 5 : .i
ps
If A, B, C and D are four points in space satisfying AB. CD = k [|AD|2 + |BC|2 - |AC|2 - |BD|2]
te
Solution :
ud
Example 6 :
For unit vectors b and c and any non-zero vector a, the value of
{{(a + b) (a + c)} (b + c)}. (b + c) is
(a) | a |2 (b) 2| a |2
(c) 3| a |2 (d) none of these.
Solution :
The given expression
= {{a c + b a + b c} (b c)}. (b + c)
= {(a c) (b c) + (b a) (b c)}. (b + c)
Vector
= [(a.(b c))c - (c.(b c))a + (b.(b c))a - (a.(b c)b)]. (b + c)
= [(a. (b c))(c - b). (b + c)] = (a. (b c)) [|c|2 - |b|2] = 0 [ |b| = |c| = 1].
Hence (d) is the correct answer.
Example 7 :
Three non-coplanar vectors a, b and c are drawn from a common initial point. The angle between the
plane passing through the terminal points of these vectors and the vector a b + b c + c a is
(a) (b)
4 2
(c) (d) none of these.
3
Solution :
Let the terminal points be A, B, C and the common initial point be the origin of reference so that
AB = b - a and AC = c - a. The vector AB AC is perpendicular to the plane ABC.
AB AC = (b - a) (c - a) = b c + c a + a b. Hence the angle between the plane and the given vector
n
is .
.i
Hence (b) is the correct answer.
ps
Example 8 :
If a + b + c = 0 and | a | = 3 | b | = 5 and | c | = - 7, then the angle between a and b is
te
2
(a) (b)
6 3
ys
5
(c) (d)
ud
3 3
Solution :
t
therefore cos =
2 .3 .5 2
ww
3
Hence (c) is correct answer.
Example 9 :
b gb g
b g b
Given that x a . x a = 8 and x . a = 2, then the angle between x a & x a is : g
FG 3 IJ FG 3 IJ
(a) cos 1
H 14 K (b) cos 1
H 21 K
FG 5 IJ
(c) cos 1
H 21 K (d) none of these
Solution : x a x a = 8 x=3
To determine x a we have
'
Vector
x a . x a
=9+1 4 = 6 so that
x a = 6 and similarly x a = 14
Then x a . x a = 14 x 6 cos
8= 14 x 6 cos
4
cos =
21
Example 10 :
e j
The vector a 3 b is perpendicular to e7 a 5 b j and ea 4 b j is pernendicular to
e j
7 a 2 b . The angle between a & b is :
(a) 30 (b) 45
(c) 60 (d) none of these
Solution :
n
Given a 3 b . 7 a 5 b = 0
.i
7 a2 15 b2 + 16 a . b = 0 ...... (1)
ps
Also, a 4 b . 7 a 2 b = 0
te
7 a2 + 8 b2 30 a . b = 0 ...... (2)
ys
b2
Subtracting, 23 b2 + 46 a . b = 0 a . b =
2
ud
.s
Thus a . b = ab cos
w
b2 1
= b2 cos cos =
ww
2 2
or = 60 .
Example 11 :
Xcomponent of a is twice its Ycomponent . If the magnitude of the vector is 5 2 and
it makes an angle of 135 with zaxis then the vector is :
(a) 2 3 , 3 , 3 (b) 2 6 , 6 , 6
Solution :
Let a 2 x i x j z k
5 x 2 z2 = 5 2
Vector
z z 1
Also, cos 135 = 2 2
= =
5x z 5 2 2
z=5
then x = 5,
The required vector a 2 5 i 5 j 5 k
Example 12:
If a . b = a b , then the angle between a & b is :
Solution :
n
We have a . b = a b
.i
ps
a b cos = a b sin
te
Example 13:
If the non zero vectors a & b are perpendicular to each other then
ud
the solution of the equation, r a b is :
t
1 1
e j
.s
(a) r x a a b (b) r x b a b
a.a b.b
e j
w
Solution :
Since a , b and are non coplanar
r xa yb z a b ...... (1)
for some scalars x, y, z
Now b r a
b xa yb z a b a
= x a a y b a z a b a
= 0 y b a z a . a b a . b a
'
Vector
b y b a z a . a b a . b 0
Comparing the coefficients, we get
1
y = 0 and z =
a . a
Putting the values of y and z in (1), we get
1
r xa a b
a . a
Example 14:
If a , b & c are non coplanar unit vectors such that
bc
e
a bc = j 2
, then the angle between a & b is :
3
(a) (b)
4 4
.i
(c) (d)
2 ps
Solution :
te
We have
a bc = bc
2
ys
b c
a . c b a . b c
2
2
ud
1 1
a . c b a . b c =0
t
2 2
.s
1 1
then a.c = 0 and a . b =0
w
2 2
ww
1
a.b
2
a , b , c are non coplanar
Let the angle between a & b be then
1
a.b
2
1
a b cos
2
1
1 . 1 cos =
2
3
=
4
Vector
Example 15 :
Let a & b are two vectors making angle with each other, then unit vectors along bisector of
a & b is :
a b a b
(a) (b)
2 2 cos
(c)
a b
(d)
ea bj
2 cos / 2 a b
Solution :
Now in ABC
BD a
DC b
n
BD = ak, DC = bk
BC = (a + b) k
.i
ps
(BC)2 = (AB)2 + (AC)2 2AB . AC cos
te
a 2 b 2 2 ab cos
k2 =
a b 2
ud
b 2 AD b 2 k 2 a 2 AD a 2 k 2
2 2
w
cos =
2 2 b AD 2 a AD
ww
(AD)2 = ab (1 k)2
a 2 b 2 2 ab cos
= ab 1 [from (1)]
a b 2
4 a 2 b 2 cos 2 2
=
a b 2
2 ab cos 2
AD =
a b
'
Vector
AD =
a b b a
a b
a b a b
=
a b a b
=
ab
a b
a b
=
AD
=
a b
AD AD 2 cos 2
n
.i
ps
te
ys
tud
w .s
ww
Vector
'
ww
w.s
tud
ys
te
ps
.i
n