Ans.

(a) 50
1 Ans. (a)
Given two vectors lie in xy-plane. So, a 45 If ∑ tan - 1 = p, then the value of Given that, | a | = 2, | b | = 5 and | a × b | = 8
r =1 2r 2
vector coplanar with them is ⇒ | a | | b | sin θ= ± 8
a = x $i + y $j tan p is [2021, 26 Aug. Shift-II]
⇒ 10 sinθ = ± 8
101 50 4
Since, a ⊥ ($i - $j ) (a) (b) ⇒ sinθ = ±
102 51 5
⇒ (x $i + y $j ) ⋅ ($i - $j ) = 0 51 3
(c) 100 (d) So, cosθ = ± (Qsin2 θ + cos2 θ = 1)
⇒ x - y =0 50 5
⇒ x=y Ans. (b) Now, a ⋅ b = | a | | b | cosθ
∴ a = x $i + x $j 50 1
Given, ∑ tan-1  2  = p =2 × 5 × ± 
 3
and 2
|a | = x + x = x 22 r=1  2r   5
2
∴ Required unit vector Now, ∑ tan-1  

⇒ a⋅b = ± 6
a x ($i + $j ) 1 $ $  1 + 4r 2 - 1  ∴ | a⋅b | = 6
= = = (i + j )
|a | x 2 2  (2r + 1) - (2r - 1) 
= ∑ tan-1  
 1 + (2r + 1) (2r - 1)  48 Let a and b be two non-zero
= ∑ [tan-1 (2r + 1) - tan-1 (2r - 1)]
vectors perpendicular to each
TOPIC 3 = (tan-1 3 - tan-1 1) + (tan-1 5 - tan-1 3) + ...... +
other and | a| = | b|. If | a × b| = | a|,
Vector or Cross Product of tan-1 101 - tan-1 99 then the angle between the vectors
= tan-1 (101) - tan-1 1 [a + b + (a × b)] and a is equal to
Two Vectors and Its [2021, 18 March Shift-II]
101 - 1  -1  50 
Applications = tan-1 
 1 + 101 
 = tan    1 
-1  1 
 51  (a) sin   (b) cos-1  
 3  3
- 1 50 50
44 Let a = i$ + 5$j + αk$ , b = $i + 3$j + βk$ ∴ tan
51
= p ⇒ tanp =
51  1 
(c) cos-1  
1
(d) sin-1  
 6
and c = - i$ + 2$j - 3k$ be three
 2
46 Let p = 2i$ + 3$j + k$ and q = $i + 2$j + k$ Ans. (b)
vectors such that, | b × c | = 5 3 and
a is perpendicular to b. Then, the be two vectors. If a vector Given, a ⊥ b … (i)
greatest amongst the values of | a | 2 r = (α$j + β$j + γk$ ) is perpendicular to | a| = |b| … (ii)
is and | a × b| = | a|
[2021, 27 Aug. Shift-I] each of the vectors (p + q) and
⇒ | a| |b| sin90°= | a| [from Eq. (i)]
Ans. (90) (p - q), and | r| = 3, then
⇒ |b| = 1 = | a| …(iii) [from Eq. (ii)]
Given, a = $i + 5$j + αk$ |α | + | β | + | γ | is equal to …… .
[2021, 25 July Shift-I] From Eq. (iii), we can say that
b = $i + 3$j + βk$ a × b are mutually perpendicular unit
Ans. (3)
and c = - $i + 2$j - 3k$ p = (2, 3,1), q = (1, 2,1)
vectors.
Let a = $i and b = $j
Q a ⊥ b ⇒a ⋅ b = 0 r is perpendicular top + q and p - q.
⇒ ($i + 5$j + αk$) ⋅ ($i + 3$j + βk$) = 0 p + q = (3, 5, 2) ∴ a × b = k$

⇒ 1 + 15 + αβ = 0 p - q = (1, 1, 0) Now, [a + b + (a × b)] = ($i + $j + k$)

or αβ = - 16 ...(i) r is parallel to (p + q) × (p - q) ($i + $j + k$) ⋅ $i 1
i j k ∴ cosθ = =
$i $j k$ 3 1 3
⇒ 3 5 2 = (-2, 2, - 2)
Now, b × c = 1 3 β  1 
1 1 0 ∴ θ = cos-1  
- 1 2 -3  3
⇒ r = λ (-1, 1, -1)
= $i (- 9 - 2β) - $j (- 3 + β) + k$(2 + 3)
⇒ |r | = 3 49 Let a = 2i$ - 3$j + 4k$ and
b × c = $i (- 9 - 2β) + $j (3 - β) + 5k$
⇒ λ 1+ 1+ 1 = 3 b = 7 i$ + $j - 6k$ . If
Given, b× c = 5 3
⇒ λ=1 $ $ $
2 r × a = r × b,r. (i + 2 j + k) = - 3, then.
⇒ b× c = 75 ∴ r = (-1, 1, -1)
⇒ (- 9 - 2β)2 + (3 - β)2 + 25 = 75 α = -1, β = 1 and γ = - 1 r (2$i - 3$j + k$ ) is equal to
⇒ β 2 + 6β + 8 = 0 ⇒ β = - 2, - 4 ∴ |α | + |β | + | γ | = 3 [2021, 17 March Shift-I]

From Eq. (i), we get (a) 12 (b) 8

47 If | a| = 2,| b| = 5 and | a × b| = 8, then
For β = - 2, α = 8 (c) 13 (d) 10
| a. b| is equal to Ans. (a)
For β = - 4, α = 4 [2021, 25 July Shift-II]
a = 2$i - 3$j + 4k$
2
For maximum value of a , α = 8
(a) 6 (b) 4
b = 7 $i + $j - 6k$
2
∴ α = 1 + 25 + 64 = 90 (c) 3 (d) 5
 51 Let c be a vector perpendicular to Ans. (12)
If r × a = r × b the vectors a = i$ + $j - k$ and Given, a = $i + 2$j - k$, b = $i - $j, c = $i - $j - k$
⇒ r × (a - b) = 0
b = i$ + 2$j + k$ r × a = c× a
⇒ r = λ (a - b) = λ (5$i + 4$j - 10k$) ⇒ r × a - c× a = 0
Now, r ⋅ ($i + 2$j + k$) = - 3 If c ⋅ ($i + $j + 3k$ ) = 8 then the value of ⇒ (r - c) × a = 0
⇒ λ(5$i + 4$j - 10k$) ⋅ ($i + 2$j + k$) = - 3 c ⋅ (a × b) is equal to ……… . ∴ r - c= λ a
[2021, 16 March Shift-II] and r = λa + c
⇒ λ(5 + 8 - 10) = - 3
Ans. (28) ⇒r ⋅b = λa ⋅b + c⋅b (taking dot withb)
⇒ λ=-1
Since, cis perpendicular to a and b. ⇒ 0 = λa ⋅b + c⋅b [Qr ⋅b = 0]
∴r = - 5$i - 4$j + 10k$
So, c = λ(a × b) ⇒ λ ($i + 2$j - k$) ⋅ ($i - $j) + ($i - $j - k$) ⋅ ($i - $j) = 0
So, r ⋅ (2$i - 3$j + k$)
a = $i + $j - k$ ⇒ λ(1 - 2) + 2 = 0 ⇒ λ = 2
= (- 5$i - 4$j + 10k$) (2$i - 3$j + k$)
b = $i + 2$j + k$ ∴ r = 2a + c
= - 10 + 12 + 10 = 12 ⇒ r ⋅ a = 2a ⋅ a + c⋅ a [taking dot with a]
$i $j k$
= 2| a |2 + a ⋅ c
50 Let a = i$ + 2$j - 3k$ and Now, a × b = 1 1 - 1
= 2(1 + 4 + 1) + (1 - 2 + 1)
1 2 1
b = 2i$ - 3$j + 5k$ . If r × a = b × r, ⇒ r ⋅ a = 12
= (1 + 2) $i - (1 + 1 ) $j + (2 - 1)k$
r. (α i$ + 2$j + k$ ) = 3 and 54 Let a, b and c be three unit vectors
= 3$i - 2$j + k$
r. (2$i + 5$j - ak$ ) = - 1, α ∈R, then the such that a + b + c = 0. If
⇒ c = λ (3$i - 2$j + k$) λ = a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a and
value of α + | r| 2 is equal to
[2021, 16 March Shift-II] Now, c⋅ ($i + $j + 3k$) = 8 d = a × b + b × c + c × a, then the
(a) 9 (b) 15 λ(3$i - 2$j + k$ ) ($i + $j + 3k$ ) = 8 ordered pair, (λ , d) is equal to
[2020, 7 Jan. Shift-II]
(c) 13 (d) 11 ⇒ 4λ = 8
3   3 
Ans. (b) ∴ λ =2 (a)  , 3b × c (b)  - , 3c × b
2   2 
Given, a = ($i + 2$j - 3k$) So, c = 2(3$i - 2$j + k$)
3   3 
So, c⋅ (a × b) =2(3$i - 2$j + k$) (3$i - 2$j + k$)
(c)  , 3a × c (d)  - , 3a × b
and b = (2$i - 3$j + 5k$) 2   2 
If r × a = b × r, r ⋅ (α $i + 2$j + k$) = 3 =2(9 + 4 + 1) Ans. (d)
= 28
r ⋅ (2$i + 5$j - αk$) = - 1 Given three unit vectors a, b and csuch
that a + b + c = 0 …(i)
r × a =b×r 52 Let a = i$ + α$j + 3k$ and b = 3$i - α$j + k$ . If we do dot product in Eq. (i) with a,b
⇒ (r × a) = - (r × b) If the area of the parallelogram and c, then we get relations
⇒(r × a) + (r × b) = 0 whose adjacent sides are a⋅a + a⋅ b + a⋅c = 0
⇒ r × (a + b) = 0 represented by the vectors a and b ⇒ a ⋅ b + a ⋅ c = - 1, b⋅ a + b⋅ c = - 1
⇒ r = λ(a + b) is 8 3 square units, then a ⋅ b is and c⋅ a + c⋅ b = - 1
⇒ r = λ [(1 + 2) $i + (2 - 3) $j + (- 3 + 5)k$] equal to ………… . ∴On adding above three obtained
relations,
⇒ r = λ (3$i - $j + 2k$) [2021, 25 Feb. Shift-II]
Ans. (2) we get
r ⋅ (α $i + 2$j + k$) = 3 2(a ⋅ b + b⋅ c + c⋅ a) = - 3 (Qa ⋅ b = b⋅ a)
Area of parallelogram = |a × b|
⇒ λ (3$i - $j + 2k$) (α $i + 2$j + k$) = 3 ⇒λ = a ⋅ b + b⋅ c + c⋅ a = -
3
= | ($i + α$j + 3k$) × (3$i -α$j + k$)| 2
⇒ λ (3α - 2 + 2) = 3
(64)(3) = 16α 2 + 64 + 16α 2 If we do cross product in Eq. (i) with a, b
⇒ αλ = 1 and c, then we get relation
(given, area = 8 3)
r ⋅ (2$i + 5$j - αk$) = - 1 (squaring on both sides) 0 + a × b+ a × c= 0
⇒λ (3$i - $j + 2k$) (2$i + 5$j - αk$) = - 1 ⇒ α2 = 4 ⇒ a × b+ a × c= 0
⇒ λ (6 - 5 - 2α) = - 1 Now, a. b = 3 -α 2 + 3 and b× a + b× c= 0
⇒ λ (1 - 2α) = - 1 = 6 -α 2 = 6 - 4 = 2 and c× a + c× b=0
⇒ λ - 2αλ = - 1 ∴a × b + b × c + c × a = 3(a × b)
⇒ λ -2= - 1 ⇒ λ = 1 53 Let a = i$ + 2$j - k$ , b = $i - $j and = 3( b × c) = 3(c × a)
So, α=1 c = i$ - $j - k$ be three given vectors. ∴ d = 3a × b = 3b × c = 3c × a
r = (3$i - $j + 2k$) If r is a vector such that r × a = c × a From the given options the ordered pair,
2
⇒ | r | = 9 + 1 + 4 = 14 and r ⋅ b = 0, then r ⋅ a is equal to  3 
(λ, d) =  - , 3a × b
∴ α + | r |2 = 1 + 14 = 15 ……… . [2021, 25 Feb. Shift-I]  2 
 r r
55 Let a = i$ - 2$j + k$ and b = i$ - $j + k$ be $ If
57 ÆLetÆα = 3Æ$i + $jand βÆ= 2$i - $j + 3k. Ans. (d)
r Let point P whose position vector is
two vectors. If c is a vector such that β = β 1 - β 2 , where β 1 is parallel to α (- i$ + 2$j + 6k
$ ) and a straight line passing
Æ r
b × c = b × a and c ⋅ a = 0, then c ⋅ b is and β 2 is perpendicular to α, then through Q (2, 3, - 4) parallel to the vector
Æ Æ
equal to [2020, 8 Jan. Shift-II]
β 1 × β 2 is equal to n = 6i$ + 3$j - 4k $.
1 3 1
(a) (b) - (c) - (d) - 1 [2019, 9 April Shift-I] P(–1,2,6)
2 2 2
1 $ $ $ ) (b) 1 (-3i$ + 9 $j + 5 k
$)
Ans. (c) (a) (3i - 9 j + 5 k
2 2 d
Given vectors, a = i$ - 2 $j + k$ and (c) -3$i + 9 $j + 5 k
$ (d) 3$i - 9 $j - 5 k $)
b = i$ - $j + k$ and c, such that b × c = b × a
Ans. (b)
⇒ b × (c - a) = 0 Q(2,3,–4)
Given vectors α = 3$i + $j and
Æ
n=6^
i+3^
j–4^
k
⇒ b || c - a Æ
Æ $ and Æ
β = 2$i - $j+ 3k
Æ Æ
β = β 1 - β 2 such that β 1
⇒ c - a = λb Q Required distanced = Projection of line
⇒ c = a + λb Æ Æ
is parallel toα andβ 2 is perpendicular toα segment PQ perpendicular to vectorn.
⇒ c = (1 + λ) i$ - (2 + λ) $j + (1 + λ) k$ | PQ × n |
So, β = λα = λ(3$i + $j) =
Æ
1 |n |
Q c⋅ a = 0 (given)
Now, β 2 = β 1 - β = λ(3$i + $j) - (2i$ - $j + 3k
$)
Æ Æ Æ

⇒ (1 + λ) + 2(2 + λ) + (1 + λ) = 0 Now, PQ = 3$i + $j - 10 k

$ , so
3 = (3λ - 2) $i + (λ + 1) $j – 3k
$
i$ $j k
$
⇒ 4λ + 6 = 0 ⇒ λ = - Æ
PQ × n = 3 1 - 10 = 26$i - 48$j + 3k
2 Æ $
Q β 2 is perpendicular toα, so β 2 ⋅α = 0
1 1 1
∴ c = - i$ - $j - k$ [since if non-zero vectors a and bare 6 3 -4
2 2 2
1 1 1 1 perpendicular to each other, then (26) + (48) 2 + (3) 2
2
So c⋅ b = - + - = - a ⋅ b = 0] So, d=
2 2 2 2 (6) 2 + (3) 2 + (4) 2
∴ (3λ - 2)(3) + (λ + 1)(1) = 0
Hence, option (c) is correct.
⇒ 9λ - 6 + λ + 1 = 0 676 + 2304 + 9 2989
1 = =
$ and b = $i - $j + k
56 Let a = 3$i + 2$j + xk $, ⇒ 10 λ = 5 ⇒ λ = 36 + 9 + 16 61
2
Æ 3$ 1$ = 49 = 7 units
for some real x. Then | a × b| = r is So, β1 = i+ j
2 2 $ and
59 Let a = 3i$ + 2$j + 2k
possible if [2019, 8 April Shift-II]
3 3 3 Æ 3 $  1 $ $ $ be two vectors. If a
b = i$ + 2$j - 2k
(a) 0 < r ≤ <r≤3 (b) and β 2 =  - 2 i +  + 1 j - 3k
2 2 2 2  2 
vector perpendicular to both the
1 3
(c) 3
3
< r <5
3
(d) r ≥ 5
3 = - $i + $j - 3k
$ vectorsa + b anda - b has the
2 2 2 2 2
magnitude 12, then one such vector is
Ans. (d) $i $j [2019, 12 April Shift-I]
$
Given vectors are a = 3i$ + 2$j + xk
$
Æ Æ
k
(a) 4 (2 $i + 2 $j + k
$) (b) 4 (2 $i - 2 $j - k
$)
3 1
and $ $
b= i - j+ k$ ∴ β 1× β 2 = 0 $ $ $ $ $ $)
2 2 (c) 4 (2 i + 2 j - k) (d) 4 (- 2 i - 2 j + k
-3
$i $j k $ -1 3
 
Ans. (b)
∴ a × b= 3 2 x 2 2
  Given vectors are
 1 -1 1   3  9
= $i  - - 0  - $j - - 0  a = 3i$ + 2$j + 2k
$
   2   2 
= $i (2 + x) - $j(3 - x) + k$ (-3 - 2) and b = i$ + 2$j - 2k
$
$ 9 + 1
+k
= (x + 2) $i + (x - 3) $j - 5k$ 
 4 4
 Now, vectors a + b = 4i$ + 4$j
3 9 5$ a - b = 2$i + 4k
= - $i + $j + k and $
⇒ | a × b | = (x + 2) 2 + (x - 3) 2 + 25 2 2 2
∴A vector which is perpendicular to both
1
2
= 2x - 2x + 4 + 9 + 25 = (-3$i + 9$j + 5k$) the vectors a + b and a - b is
2 $i $j k$
1 1
= 2 x 2 - x +  - + 38 58 The distance of the point having (a + b) × (a - b) = 4 4 0
 4 2 $ from
2
position vector - $i + 2$j + 6k 2 0 4
1 75
= 2 x -  + the straight line passing through = $i (16) - $j(16) + k
$ (- 8)
 2 2
the point (2, 3, - 4) and parallel to the $ $
= 8(2i - 2 j - k)$
75 1 $ is
vector, 6$i + 3$j - 4k
So, | a × b | ≥ [at x = , | a × b | is Then, the required vector along
2 2 [2019, 10 April Shift-II] (a + b) × (a - b) having magnitude 12 is
minimum]
(a) 2 13 (b) 4 3 8(2$i - 2$j - k$)
± 12 ×
3 8× 4+ 4+ 1
⇒ r≥ 5 (c) 6 (d) 7
2 = ± 4(2$i - 2$j - k $)
60 Let a = 2$i + $j - 2k,
$ b = i$ + $j and c be (a) c + 
a⋅ c 
b (b) b + 
b⋅ c 
c
Ans. (d)
a vector such that | c - a | = 3,
 a⋅ b  a⋅ b Given that, u = $i + $j , v = $i - $j ,
| (a × b) × c | = 3 and the angle (c) c - 
a⋅ c 
b (d) b - 
b⋅ c 
c w = $i + 2 $j + 3k$ ,
 a⋅ b  a⋅ b
between c and a × b is 30°. Then, u⋅n = 0 and v ⋅n = 0
a ⋅ c is equal to [JEE Main 2017] Ans. (c) u× v
25 1 i. e., n=
(a) (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) Given, a ⋅b ≠ 0, a ⋅ d = 0 …(i) |u × v |
8 8 and b ×c =b ×d
⇒ b × (c - d) = 0 $i $j k$
Ans. (b)
∴ b | | (c - d) Now, u× v = 1 1 0
We have, a = 2i$ + $j - 2k
$
⇒ c - d = λb
⇒ d = c - λb …(ii) 1 -1 0
⇒ |a | = 4 + 1 + 4 = 3
Taking dot product witha, we get
and b = i$ + $j ⇒ | b | = 1 + 1 = 2 = 0 $i - 0 $j - 2k$ = - 2k$
a ⋅ d = a ⋅ c - λa ⋅ b
Now, | c - a | = 3 ⇒| c - a |2 = 9 ⇒ 0 = a ⋅ c - λ (a ⋅ b) | w ⋅ u × v | | - 6k |
a ⋅c ∴ | w ⋅ n| = = =3
⇒ (c - a) ⋅ (c - a) = 9 ∴ λ= …(iii) |u × v | | - 2k |
a ⋅b
⇒ | c |2 + | a |2 - 2 c⋅ a = 9 …(i) (a ⋅c) [Qw ⋅ (u × w) = ($i + 2$j + 3k$ ) ⋅ (- 2k$ ) = - 6k$ ]
Again, | (a × b) × c | = 3 ∴ d =c - b
(a ⋅b) Hence, | w ⋅n | = 3
6
⇒ | a × b | | c | sin30 °= 3 ⇒| c | =
|a × b | 63 If u and v are unit vectors and θ is 66 A tetrahedron has vertices at
$i $j k
$ the acute angle between them, O(0, 0, 0), A(1, 2, 1), B (2, 1, 3) and C(-1, 1, 2).
But a × b = 2 1 - 2 = 2$i - 2$j + k
$ then 2 u × 3 v is a unit vector for Then, the angle between the faces
[AIEEE 2007]
1 1 0 OAB and ABC will be [AIEEE 2003]
(a) exactly two values of θ
6
∴ | c| = =2 …(ii) (b) more than two values of θ  19   17 
4+ 4+ 1 (a) cos-1   (b) cos-1  
(c) no value of θ  35   31
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get (d) exactly one value of θ (c) 30° (d) 90°
(2) 2 + (3) 2 - 2c⋅ a = 9 ⇒ 4 + 9 - 2c⋅ a = 9 Ans. (d) Ans. (a)
⇒ c⋅ a = 2 Since, (2u × 3v) is a unit vector.
Vector perpendicular to face OAB is n1 .
⇒ |2u × 3v | = 1
1
61 If a = (3$i + k$ ) and ⇒ 6 |u | | v | | sin θ | = 1 Y
10 1
1 ⇒ sinθ = [Q|u | = | v | = 1] B(2, 1, 3)
b = (2$i + 3$j - 6k$ ), then value of 6
7 Since, θ is an acute angle, then there is
(2 - b) ⋅ [(a × b) × (a + 2b)] is exactly one value of θ for which (2u × 3v) is
(a) -3 (b) 5 [AIEEE 2011] a unit vector.
X
(c) 3 (d) -5 64 For any vector a, the value of O A (1, 2, 1)
Ans. (d) (a × $i) 2 + (a × $j) 2 + (a × k$ ) 2 is equal to
1
a= (3$i + k$ ) [AIEEE 2005] C (–1, 1, 2)
10 (a) 4a 2 (b) 2a 2 (c) a 2 (d) 3a 2 Z
1
and b = (2$i + 3$j - 6 k$ ) Ans. (b) $i $j k$
7
Let a = a 1 $i + a 2 $j + a 3 k$
∴ (2a - b) ⋅ {(a × b) × (a + 2b)} = OA × OB = 1 2 1
= (2a - b) ⋅ {(a × b) × a + (a × b) × 2b} Then, a × $i = - a 2 k$ + a 3 $j 2 1 3
= (2a - b) ⋅ {(a ⋅ a ) b - (b ⋅ a ) a
a × $j = a 1 k$ - a 3 $i = 5 $i - $j - 3k$
+ 2 (a ⋅ b) b - 2 (b ⋅ b) a }
= (2a - b) ⋅ { 1 (b) - (0) a + 2 (0) b - 2 (1) a } a × k = - a1 j + a2 i Vector perpendicular to face ABC is n2
[as a ⋅ b = 0 and a ⋅ a = b ⋅ b = 1] ∴ (a × i) 2 + (a × j) 2 + (a × k ) 2 $i $j k$
= (2a - b) (b - 2a ) = a 22 + a 23 + a 21 + a 23 + a 21 + a 22
= AB × AC = 1 -1 2
= - (4 |a |2 - 4 a ⋅b + |b |2 ) = - {4 - 0 + 1 } = 2 (a 21 + a 22 + a 23 ) = 2a 2
=-5 -2 -1 1

62 The vectors a and b are not 65 Let u = i$ + $j , v = $i - $j and = $i - 5 $j - 3k$

perpendicular and c and d are two w = $i + 2$j + 3k$ . If n is a unit vector Since, angle between faces is equal to the
vectors satisfying b × c = b × d and angle between their normals.
such that u ⋅ n = 0 and v ⋅ n = 0, then n ⋅n
a ⋅ b = 0. Then, the vector d is equal | w ⋅ n | is equal to [AIEEE 2003] ∴ cos θ = 1 2
|n1 | |n2 |
to [AIEEE 2011] (a) 0 (b) 1 (c) 2 (d) 3
 5 × 1 + (-1) × (-5) + (-3) × (-3) Ans. (c) Vector product
=
2 2 2 2 2 2
5 + (-1) + (-3) 1 + (-5) + (-3) a × [(r - b) × a] + b × [(r - c) × b] + c (a + b) × [(a × (a - b) × b) × b]
5+ 5+9 19 × [(r - a) × c] = 0 = (a + b) × [(a × (a × b - b × b) × b]
= = ⇒a ⋅ a (r - b) - (a ⋅ (r - b)) a + b ⋅ b (r - c)
35 35 35 = (a + b) × [(a × (a × b)) × b]
- (b ⋅ (r - c)) b + c ⋅ c (r - a) - (c ⋅ (r - a)) c = 0
19 [Qb × b = 0]
⇒ θ = cos-1   ⇒ | a |2 (r - b) - (r ⋅ a) a + | b |2 (r - c) - (r ⋅ b) b
 35  = (a + b) × [[(a ⋅ b) a - (a ⋅ a) b] × b]
+ | c |2 (r - a) - (r ⋅ c) c = 0
= (a + b) × [(a ⋅ b) (a × b)]
67 If the vectors a, b and c form the [Qa, b, c are mutually perpendicular;
= (a ⋅ b) (a + b) × (a × b)
sides BC, CA and AB respectively of ∴ a ⋅ b = b ⋅ c = c ⋅ a = 0]
= (a ⋅ b) [[(a + b) ⋅ b] a - [(a + b) ⋅ a] b]
⇒| a |2 [3r - (a + b + c)] - [(r ⋅ a) a + (r ⋅ b) b
a ∆ABC, then a ⋅ b = ($i + $j + 2k$) ⋅ (- $i + 2$j + 3k$)
(a) a ⋅ b = b⋅ c = c ⋅ b = 0 [AIEEE 2002] + (r ⋅ c) c] = 0
= - 1+ 2+ 6= 7 ...(i)
(b) [Q | a | = | b | = | c |]
a × b = b× c = c× a (a + b) = 0 $i + 3$j + 5k$ ...(ii)
(c) a ⋅ b = b⋅ c = c ⋅ a = 0 ⇒ | a |2 [3r - (a + b + c) - r] = 0
∴ 3r - (a + b + c) - r = 0 (a + b) ⋅ a = (3$j + 5k$) ⋅ ($i + $j + 2k$) = 13 ...(iii)
(d) a ×a + a ×c+ a ×a =0
a + b+ c
Ans. (b) ⇒ r= (a + b) ⋅ b = (3$j + 5k$) ⋅ (- $i + 2$j + 3k$) = 21 .(iv)
2
Since, a +b+c=0 Substituting the values from Eqs. (i), (ii),
(iii) and (iv), we get
⇒ a +b = -c 70 Let a = i$ + $j + k$ and b = $j - k$ . If c is a
⇒ (a + b) × c = - c × c (a ⋅b) [(a + b) ⋅b] a - [(a + b)⋅ ab]
vector such that a × c = b and = 7 [21a - 13b]
⇒ b ×c =c×a
a ⋅ c = 3, then a ⋅ (b × c) is equal to = 7 [21($i + $j + 2k$) - 13(- $i + 2$j + 3k$)]
Similarly, a ×b = b × c [2021, 26 Aug. Shift-I]
Hence, a ×b = b × c = c × a (a) -2 (b) - 6 = 7 (34$i - 5$j + 3k$)
(c) 6 (d) 2
68 If the vectors c, a = x $i + y $j + z k$ and Ans. (a) 72 Let a = $i + $j + k$ , b and c = $j - k$ be
b = $j are such that a, c and b form a Given, a × c = b three vectors such that a × b = c
right handed system, then c is a × (a × c) = a × b and a ⋅ b = 1. If the length of
[AIEEE 2002] (a. c) a - (a. a) c = a × b projection vector of the vector b on
(a) z $i - x k$ (b) 0 We have, a = (1, 1, 1), b = (0, 1, - 1), a ⋅ c = 3 the vector a × c is l, then the value
(c) y $j (d) - z $i + x k$ $i $j k$ of 3I 2 is equal to …………
[2021, 27 July Shift-I]
Ans. (a) a × b = 1 1 1 = -2$i + $j + k$
Ans. (2)
Since, the vectorsa = x $i + y $j + z k$ and 0 1 -1
Given, a = $i + $j + k$,
b = $j are such thata , c and b form a right So, 3a - 3c = (-2$i + $j + k$) c = $j - k$
handed system.
$i $j k$ ⇒ (3 $i + 3$j + 3k$) - 3 c = (-2$i + $j + k)
$
Given, a × b = c and a ⋅ b = 1
⇒ 3c = (5$i + 2$j + 2k$) Projection of bon a × c is
∴ c = b × a = 0 1 0 = z $i - x k$
Now, a ⋅ (b × c) l = |b | cos α
x y z
1 1 1
1 1 b
=   0 1 -1 = (4 - 5 - 5) = -2
TOPIC 4  3
5 2 2
3
α
Scalar and Vector a×c
and b ⋅ (a × c) = | b | | a × c | cosα
Triple Product 71 Let a = i$ + $j + 2k$ and (a × c)
∴ l = b⋅
b = - i$ + 2$j + 3k$ . Then the vector | a × c|
69 Let a, b and c be three vectors product As, we know that,
mutually perpendicular to each (a + b) × [(a × {(a - b) × b)} × b] is [a b c] = [b a c] = [c a b]
other and have same magnitude. If equal to [2021, 27 July Shift-I] So, if a ×b= c
a vector r satisfies. (a) 5(34$i - 5$j + 3k$ ) Then, c ⋅ (a × b) = c ⋅ c
a × {(r - b) × a} + b × {(r - c) × b} (b) 7 (34$i - 5$j + 3k$ ) [c a b] = | c |2
+ c × {(r - a) × c} = 0 , then r is equal [b a c] [c a b] | c |2
(c) 7 (30 i$ - 5$j + 7 k$ ) l= = =
to [2021, 31 Aug. Shift-II] | a × c| | a × c| | a × c|
(d) 5(30 $i - 5$j + 7 k$ )
1 1 $i $j k$
(a) (a + b + c) (b) (2a + b - c) Ans. (b)
3 3 a × c= 1 1 1 = - 2$i + $j + k$
1 1 Given, a = $i + $j + 2k$
(c) (a + b + c) (d) (a + b + 2c) 0 1 -1
2 2 b = - $i + 2$j + 3k$
 ∴ | a × c | = 22 + 12 + 12 = 6 α and β are integers, so possible values Ans. (d)
of α and β are
∴ c = $j - k$ a ×b = c
If α = 1 ⇒β = 2 b× c = a
| c | = 12 + 12 = 2 If α = 2 ⇒β = 1 and | a| = 2
( 2) 2 2 If α = - 1 ⇒β = - 2 (a) a × [(b + c) × (b - c)] = 0
∴ l= =
6 6 If α = - 2 ⇒β = - 1 ⇒ a × [b × (b - c) + c × (b - c)] = 0
2 4 Now, b⋅ c = 10
and 3l = 3 ⋅ = 2 ⇒ a × [-b × c + c × b] = 0
6 ⇒ - 3α - 2β - α = 10 ⇒ a × (- a - a) = 0 (True)
⇒ 2α + β + 5 = 0 (b) Projection of a on b × c is 2.
73 Let a,b and c be three vectors such ∴Value of α = - 2 and β = - 1 satisfy this (b × c) a. a | a|2
equation. a. = = =2
that a = b × (b × c). If magnitudes of |b × c| | a| | a|
the vectors a, b and c are 2, 1 and So, a = $i + 2$j - k$ ⇒ b = 3$i - $j + 2k$ (c) [abc] + [cab] = 8
2, respectively and the angle c = 2$i - 2$j + k$ [abc] + [abc] = 8
π
between b and c is θ 0 < θ <  , then 1 2 -1 ⇒ [abc] = 4 ⇒ a .(b × c) = 4
 2 ⇒ a. a = 4 ⇒ | a|2 = 4 (True)
[a b c] = 3 -1 2
the value of (1 + tanθ) is equal to 2 -2 1
2
(d) |3a + b - 2c| = 51
[2021, 27 July Shift-II] (3a + b - 2c) ⋅ (3a + b - 2c)
(a) 3 + 1 (b) 2 = 1 (-1 + 4) - 2(3 - 4) - 1(-6 + 2)
= 9| a|2 + |b|2 + 4| c|2
3+1 =3+ 2+ 4=9
(c) 1 (d) = (9 × 4) + 1 + (4 × 4)
3 = 36 + 1 + 16 = 53 (False)
75 Let the vectors
Ans. (b) So, (d) is the correct option.
(2 + a + b) i$ + (a + 2b + c) $j - (b + c)k,
$
Given that,
a = b × (b × c) (1 + b) i$ + 2b$j - bk$ and 77 Let a vector a be coplanar with
and | a | = 2, |b | = 1, | c | = 2 (2 + b) $i + 2b$j + (1 - b) k,
$ a, b, c ∈R be vectors b = 2$i + $j + k$ and
Now, a = b × (b × c) coplanar. [2021, 25 July Shift-I] c = $i - $j + k.
$ If a is perpendicular to
= (b ⋅ c) b - (b⋅ b) c Then, which of the following is d = 3i$ + 2$j + 6k$ and | a| = 10. Then a
= (1⋅2 cosθ) b - (1) c true? possible value of
[a ⋅b = | a | |b | cosθ, a ⋅ a = | a -1 |2 ] (a) 2b = a + c (b) 3 c = a + b [a b c] + [a b d] + [a c d] is equal to
⇒ a = 2 cosθb - c (c) a = b + 2 c (d) 2a = b + c [2021, 22 July Shift-II]
| a |2 = (2 cosθ) 2 + 22 - 2⋅2 cosθ (b⋅ c) Ans. (a) (a) -42 (b) -40
⇒ 2 = 4 cos2 θ + 4 - 4 cosθ (2 cosθ) Given vectors are coplanar (c) -29 (d) -38
⇒ - 2 = - 4 cos2 θ a + b + 2 a + 2b + c -b - c Ans. (a)
1 ∴ b+1 2b -b = 0 a = λb + µc b = (2, 1,1)
⇒ cos2 θ = ⇒ sec2 θ = 2
2 b+2 2b 1 -b a ⊥ d  Given, c = (1, - 1,1)
⇒ 1 + tan2 θ = 2 ⇒ tan2 θ = 1 Apply, R 3 Æ R 3 - R 2 , R 1 Æ R 1 - R 2 |a| = 10  d = (3, 2, 6)
π  π
⇒ θ= where,0 < θ <  So, a ⋅d = 0
4  2 a + 1 a + c -c
⇒ (λb + µc) ⋅d = 0 ⇒ λ.b⋅ d + µc.d = 0
Hence, the value of 1 + tanθ = 1 + 1 = 2. b + 1 2b -b = 0
⇒λ (6 + 2 + 6) + µ(3 - 2 + 6) = 0

X
74 Let a = i$ - α $j + βk$ , b = 3i$ + β$j - αk$
1 0 1
= (a + 1)2b - (a + c)(2b + 1) - c (-2b)
⇒
⇒
14λ + 7µ = 0
µ = - 2λ
and c = -α $i - 2$j + k$ , where α and β = 2ab + 2b - 2ab - a - 2bc - c + 2bc a = (2λ, λ, λ) + (µ,-µ, µ)
are integers. If a ⋅ b = - 1 and ⇒ 2b - a - c = 0 = (2λ + µ) $i + (λ - µ) $j + (λ + µ)k$
b ⋅ c = 10, then (a × b) ⋅ c is equal to = 0 $i + 3λ$j - λk$ = λ (3j$ - k$)
……… . [2021, 27 July Shift-II] er
76 Let three vectors a, b and c be
such that a × b = c,b × c = a and Now, | a| = 10
Ans. (9) ⇒ λ 2 (32 + 12 ) = 10
| a| = 2. Then, which one of the
Let a = $i - α$j + βk$ following is not true ? λ2 = 1 ⇒ λ = ± 1
b = 3$i + β$j - α k$ [2021, 22 July Shift-II]
[abc] + [abd] + [acd] = [abc] [a, b + c, d]
a = ±1(3$j - k$) 
and c = -α $i - 2$j + k$ (a) a × ((b + c) × (b - c)) = 0 
(b) Projection of a on (b × c) is 2 b = 2$i + $j + k$ , b + c = 3$i + 2k$
Given that,
(c) [a b c] + [c a b] = 8 c = $i - $j + `k$ 
a ⋅b = - 1 
(d) | 3a + b - 2c |2 = 51
⇒ 3 -αβ -αβ = - 1 ⇒ αβ = 2 d = 3 i + 2 j + 6k$
$ $
 As, a is coplanar withb and c. So, - β + 2α + 1 = - 3 ⇒14x 2 + 6 = 20 ⇒14x 2 = 14
[abc] = 0 β - 2α = 4 ⇒x 2 = 1 ⇒x = ± 1 but x must be positive
0 3 -1  - 2 as in question conditions i.e. x > 0.
⇒ β - 2  =4
± 3 0 2 = ± (-36 - 6) = ± 42  β  ∴ x=-1 (Rejected)
3 2 6 ⇒ β 2 + 4 = 4β Hence, x = 1
⇒ β 2 - 4β + 4 = 0 ∴ y = 2x = 2 × 1 = 2
78 Let a = 2$i + $j - 2k$ and b = $i + $j. If c is ⇒ (β - 2) 2 = 0 Now, OP, OQ and OR are coplanar.
⇒ β =2 ∴ [OP OQ OR] = 0
a vector such that αβ = -2 ⇒α⋅2 = - 2 x y -1
a ⋅ c = | c|,| c - a| = 2 2 and the angle ⇒ α=-1 ⇒ - 1 2 3x = 0
π 1
between (a × b) and c is , then the [(a × b) ⋅ c] 3 z -7
6 3
value of | (a × b) × c| is a = < - 1, 2, 3 > 1 2 -1
[2021, 20 July Shift-I] b = < - 2, 1, - 1 > ⇒ -1 2 3 =0
2 c = < 1, - 2, - 1 > 3 z -7
(a) (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 3/2
3 $i $j k$ ⇒ 1 (- 14 - 3z) - 2(7 - 9) - 1(- z - 6) = 0
Ans. (d) (a × b) = - 1 2 3 ⇒ z = -2
a = 2$i + $j - 2k$ -2 1 - 1 ∴ x2 + y2 + z2 = 1 + 4 + 4 = 9
⇒ |a |= 4+ 1+ 4 =3
b = $i + $j = - 5$i - 7 $j + 3k$ 81 If (1, 5, 35), (7, 5, 5), (1, λ, 7) and
a⋅ c= | c| (a × b) ⋅ c = (- 5$i - 7 $j + 3k$) ($i - 2$j - k$) (2λ , 1, 2) are coplanar, then the sum
| c- a | = 2 2 = - 5 + 14 - 3 = 6 of all possible values of λ is
1 1 [2021, 26 Feb. Shift-I]
⇒ | c - a |2 = 8 ∴ [(a × b) - c] = × 6 = 2 39 39 44 44
⇒ (c - a) ⋅ (c - a) = 8 3 3 (a) (b) - (c) (d) -
5 5 5 5
⇒ | c |2 - 2a ⋅ c + | a |2 = 8
80 Let O be the origin. Let Ans. (c)
⇒ | c |2 - 2| c | + 9 = 8
⇒ | c |2 - 2 | c | + 1 = 0
OP = x $i + y$j - k$ and Let P(1, 5, 35), Q (7, 5, 5), R (1, λ, 7), S (2λ, 1, 2)

⇒ (| c | - 1) 2 = 0 OQ = - i$ + 2$j + 3xk$ , x, y ∈R, x > 0, be Given P, Q , R, S are coplanar. Then,PQ,

PR, PSlie on the same plane.
⇒ | c| = 1 such that | PQ | = 20 and the vector
π PQ = (7 - 1) $i + (5 - 5) $j + (5 - 35)k$
| (a × b) × c | = | a × b | | c | sin   OP is perpendicular to OQ. If
6 = 6$i - 30k$
OR = 3i$ + z$j - 7k$ , z ∈R, is coplanar
1
= (| a × b | | c |)
with OP and OQ, then the value of PR = (1 - 1) $i + (λ - 5) $j + (7 - 35)k$
2
$i $j k$ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 is equal to = (λ - 5) $j - 28k$
[2021, 17 March Shift-II]
a × b = 2 1 - 2 = 2$i - 2$j + k$ PS = (2λ - 1) $i + (1 - 5) $j + (2 - 35) k$
(a) 7 (b) 9
1 1 0 (c) 2 (d) 1 = (2λ - 1) $i - 4$j - 33k$
|a ×b|= 4+ 4+ 1 =3 Ans. (b) QPQ,PR and PS lie on same plane, then
3
∴ | (a × b) × c | = | c | =
3 Given, OP = x $i + y$j - k$ 6 0 - 30
2 2 OQ = - $i + 2$j + 3xk$ 0 λ - 5 - 28 = 0
2λ - 1 - 4 - 33
OR = 3$i + z$j - 7k$
79 If a = α $i + β$j + 3k$ , b = - β $i - α$j - $j
and | PQ | = 20 Expand along first row,
and c = $i - 2$j - k$ ,such that a. b = 1 6[- 33λ( - 5) - 112] + 30 [2λ - 1)(λ - 5] = 0
Now, | PQ | = | OQ - OP | = | OP - OQ |
1 6(- 33λ + 53) + 30 (2λ 2 - 11λ + 5) = 0
and b. c = - 3, then [(a × b) ⋅ c] is = (x + 1) $i + (y - 2) $j - (1 + 3x)k$
3 60 λ2 - 528λ + 468 = 0
⇒ | PQ |2 = ( 20 ) 2 = 20
equal to ……… . 10 λ2 - 88λ + 78 = 0
⇒ (x + 1) 2 + (y - 2) 2 + (1 + 3x) 2 = 20 2
[2021, 17 March Shift-I] 5λ - 44λ + 39 = 0 … (i)
⇒ (x + 1) 2 + (2x - 2) 2 + (1 + 3x) 2 = 20
Ans. (2) Possible value of λ are roots of Eq. (i).
 QOP ⊥ OQ 
a = < α, β,3 >  ∴OP⋅ OQ = 0  Then, sum of all possible values of λ
b = < -β , -α , - 1 >   = Sum of roots of Eq. (i)
 ⇒ - x + 2y - 3x = 0  - (-44) 44
c = < 1, - 2, - 1 >  ⇒ y = 2x  = =
a ⋅b = 1   5 5
-αβ -αβ - 3 = 1 ⇒ x 2 + 1 + 2x + 4x 2 + 4 - 8x + 1 + 9x 2 + 6x [Qax 2 + bx + c = 0, sum of roots
αβ = - 2 = 20 = - b / a}
b⋅ c = - 3
82 If a and b are perpendicular, then -Let x 0 be the point of local maxima
84 Ans. (b)
a × (a × (a × (a × b))) is equal to off (x) = a ⋅ (b × c), where and As we know, the volume of
[2021, 26 Feb. Shift-I] $ . Then the value of parallelopiped, where coterminus edges
1 c = 7 i$ - 2$j + xk are given by vectors
(a) 0 (c) | a |4 b
2 a ⋅ b + b⋅ c + c⋅ a at x = x 0 is a = i$ + $j + nk
$ , b = 2$i + 4$j - nk
$
[2020, 4 Sep. Shift-I]
(c) a × b (d) | a |4 b and c = $i + n$j + 3k$ , (n≥ 0), is
Ans. (d) (a) 14 (b) -4 (c) - 22 (d) - 30
1 1 n 
Ans. (c) 2 4 - n= 158 [given]
a × [a × { a × (a × a)}]
= a × (a × [(a ⋅b) a - (a ⋅ a)b]) Given vectors a = x$i - 2$j + 3k$  
1 n 3 
[Using, a × (b × c) = (a ⋅ cb) - (a ⋅b) c] b = - 2$i + x$j - k$
⇒1(12 + n2 ) - 1(6 + n) + n(2n - 4) = 158
= a × [a × ((a ⋅b) a - | a |2 b)] and c = 7 $i - 2$j + xk$
⇒ 3n2 - 5n + 6 = 158
= a × [(a × (a ⋅b) a) - | a |2 (a × b)] And, it is given that 2
 x -2 3  ⇒ 3n - 5n - 152 = 0
= a × [0 - | a |2 (a × b)] [Qa × a = 0] ⇒ 3n2 - 24n + 19n - 152 = 0
f (x) = a ⋅ (b × c) =-2 x -1
= - | a |2 [a × (a × b)]   ⇒ (3n + 19)(n - 8) = 0
= - | a |2 [(a ⋅b) a - (a ⋅ a)b]  7 -2 x 
⇒n = 8 as n≥ 0
= x (x 2 - 2) + 2(-2x + 7) + 3(4 - 7 x)
= - (a ⋅b) a | a |2 + | a |4 b [Q(a ⋅ a) = | a |2 ] ∴ $ , b = 2$i + 4$j - 8k
a = $i + $j + 8k $
= x 3 - 27 x + 26
= 0 + | a |4 b [Qa ⋅b = 0] and c = $i + 8$j + 3k
$
4 It is also given thatf (x) has local maxima
=|a| b at x = x 0 . ∴ a ⋅ c = 1 + 8 + 24 = 33
So, f ′ (x 0 ) = 0 ⇒3x 02 - 27 = 0 ⇒ x 02 = 9 and b⋅ c = 2 + 32 - 24 = 10
83 Let three vectors a, b and c be
⇒x 0 = ± 3, but maximum at x 0 = - 3 .
such that c is coplanar with a and b,
a⋅c = 7 and b is perpendicular to c,
Now, a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c⋅ a ↓
87 Let the volume of a parallelopiped
whose conterminous edges are
= - 2x - 2x - 3 - 14 - 2x - x + 7 x + 4 + 3x
where a = - i$ + $j + k$ and b = 2i$ + k$ , $ , v = i$ + $j + 3k
given by u = i$ + $j + λk $
= 3x - 13
then the value of2 | a+ b+ c | 2 is ........ . $ be 1 cu. unit. If θ
[2021, 24 Feb. Shift-I]
∴The value of a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c⋅ a at and w = 2$i + $j + k
x = x 0 = - 3,is -22 =>

Ans. (75) Hence, option (c) is correct. be the angle between the edges u
Given, c is co-planar with a and b and w, then cosθ can be
a⋅ c = 7 85 If a = 2i$ + $j + 2k$ , then the value of [2020, 8 Jan. Shift-I]
5 7
b ⊥ c ⇒ b⋅ c = 0 | i$ × (a × $i)| 2 + | $j × (a × $j)| 2 (a) (b)
a = - $i + $j + k$ + | k$ × (a × k$ )| 2 is equal to ……… .
3 3 6 3
7 5
b = 2$i + k$ (c) (d)
[2020, 4 Sep. Shift-II] 6 6 7
Now, c = λ[b × (a × b)] Ans. (18)
-
> Ans. (b)
[Qcis coplanar with a and b]
Given vector a =2i$ + $j + 2k $
Since, the volume of parallelopiped
= λ [(b⋅b) a - (b⋅ a) b] $ $ $ $
∴ | i × (a × i)| = | a –(a ⋅ i) i| 2
2
whose coterminous edges are
= λ [( 5) 2 (- $i + $j + k$) u = i$ + $j + λk$ , v = $i + $j + 3k$ and
= | a –2$i| 2 = | $j + 2k
$ |2 = 5
- (- 2 + 1) (2i$ + k$)] Similarly,  1 1 λ
$ $ $
= λ [5(- i + j + k) + 2 $i + k$] | $j × (a × $j)|2 = | a –(a ⋅ $j) $j |2 = | a – $j |2 w = 2$i + $j + k $ is [u v w] = 1 1 3 = 1
 
= λ (- 3$i + 5$j + 6k$) = |2$i + 2k$ |2 = 8 2 1 1 
and | k$ × (a × k $ )|2 = | a –(a ⋅ k$ )k
$ |2 cubic unit (given)
Now, c⋅ a = 7
⇒ λ(- 3$i + 5$j + 6k$) ⋅ (- $i + $j + k$) = 7 = | a –2k$ |2 = |2$i + $j |2 = 5 ⇒|1(1 - 3) - 1(1 - 6) + λ (1 - 2)| = 1
⇒ |- 2 + 5 - λ | = 1
⇒ 3λ + 5λ + 6λ = 7 $ $ $ $
∴ | i × (a × i)| + | j × (a × j)|2 + | k
2 $ × (a × k $ )|2
⇒ |λ - 3 | = 1 ⇒ λ - 3 = ± 1
7 1
⇒ λ= = = 5 + 8 + 5 = 18 ⇒ λ = 2, 4
14 2
86 If the volume of a parallelopiped, Since, angle between u and w is θ, so
∴2 | a + b + c |2 |2 + 1 + λ | |λ + 3 |
2 whose coterminus edges are given cosθ = =
-3  5  $,
=2  - 1 + 2 $i +  + 1 $j + (3 + 1 + 1) k$ by the vectors a = i$ + $j + nk 1 + 1 + λ2 4 + 1 + 1 λ2 + 2 6
 2  2 
$ and c = i$ + n$j + 3k
b = 2i$ + 4$j - nk $ for λ = 2,cosθ =
5
[by putting a, b, c]
6
1 49 (n≥ 0), is 158 cu units, then
= 2 + + 25 for λ = 4, cosθ =
7
4 4  [2020, 5 Sep. Shift-I]
6 3
= 25 + 50 = 75 (a) n = 9 (b) b⋅ c = 10
Hence, option (b) is correct.
∴ Required value is 75. (c) a ⋅ c = 17 (d) n = 7
88 If the vectors p= (a + 1) i$ + aj$ + ak$ , Ans. (30)
There are three vectors given a, b and c, 91 Let α ∈R and the three vectors
q = ai$ + (a + 1) $j + ak$ and such that | a | = 3,| b | = 5 and b⋅ c = 10 $ , b = 2i$ + $j - αk
a = αi$ + $j + 3k $
r = ai$ + aj$ + (a + 1) k$ (a ∈R) are π
So, | b | | c | ⋅ cos = 10
3 and c = α $i - 2$j + 3k $ . Then, the set
coplanar and
π
3( p. q) 2 - λ | r × q| 2 = 0, then the (Q it is given angle between band cis ) S = {α : a, b and care coplanar}
3
value of λ is ........ . [2019, 12 April Shift-II]
1
[2020, 9 Jan. Shift-I] ⇒ 5 | c |   = 10 ⇒| c | = 4 (a) is singleton.
 2
Ans. (1) (b) is empty.
Now, as a is perpendicular to the vector
The given vectors are
b × c, so (c) contains exactly two positive
p = (a + 1) i$ + aj$ + ak$, numbers.
|a|| b × c|sin π
| a × (b × c)| = 
q = ai$ + (a + 1) $j + ak$  2 (d) contains exactly two numbers only
and r = ai$ + aj$ + (a + 1) k$, (a ∈ R) are =|a||b × c|=|a|| b|| c|sin
π one of which is positive.
coplanar, So, [ p q r] = 0 3 Ans. (b)
a+1 a a 3 Given three vectors are
= ( 3) (5) (4) = 30
⇒ a a+1 a =0 2 a = αi$ + $j + 3k $
Hence answer is 30. $ $
b = 2i + j - αk $
a a a+1
⇒(a + 1) [(a + 1) 2 - a 2 ] - a [a (a + 1) - a 2 ]
and c = α $i - 2$j + 3k$
90 If the volume of parallelopiped
+ a [a 2 - a (a + 1)] = 0 $, α 1 3
formed by the vectors $i + λ$j + k
⇒ (a + 1) [2a + 1] - 2a [a] = 0 Clearly, [a b c] = 2 1 -α
$ and λ$i + k
$j + λk $ is minimum, then λ
⇒ 2a 2 + 3a + 1 - 2a 2 = 0 α -2 3
1 is equal to [2019, 12 April Shift-I] 2
⇒ a=- =α (3 - 2α ) - 1(6 +α ) +3 (- 4 -α )
3 1 1
(a) - (b) = - 3 α 2 - 18 = - 3 (α 2 + 6)
2 1 1$ 1 2 1
So, p = i$ - $j - k, q = - i$ + $j - k$ 3 3
QThere is no value ofα for which
3 3 3 3 3 3 (c) 3 (d) - 3 - 3(α 2 + 6) becomes zero, so
1 1 2
and r = - i$ - $j + k$ Ans. (b) α 1 3
3 3 3
2 2 = 2 1 -α [a b c] ≠ 0
2 2 1  3 1 Key Idea Volume of parallelopiped
So, ( p⋅ q) 2 =  - - +  =  = formed by the vectors a, b and cis α -2 3
 9 9 9  9 9
V = [ a b c]. ⇒vectors a, b and care not coplanar
i$ $j k$ Given vectors are $i + λ$j + k
$ , $j + λk
$ and for any value α ∈R.
1 1 2 $ $ , which forms a parallelopipe(d) So, the set S = {α : a, b and c are
and r × q = - - λi + k
3 3 3 coplanar} is empty set.
1 2 1 ∴Volume of the parallelopiped is
- - $ and c be a
3 3 3 1 λ 1 92 Let a = i$ - $j, b = i$ + $j + k
1 4 1 2 2 1 V= 0 1 λ = 1 + λ3 - λ
= i$  -  - $j  +  + k$  - -  vector such that a × c + b = 0 and
 9 9  9 9  9 9 λ 0 1
1 1 1
a ⋅ c = 4, then | c| 2 is equal to
= - i$ - $j - k$ ⇒ V = λ3 - λ + 1 [2019, 9 Jan. Shift-I]
3 3 3 19
1 1 1 1 On differentiating w.r.t. λ, we get (a) 8 (b)
∴ | r × q |2 = + + = dV 2
9 9 9 3 = 3 λ2 - 1 17
QIt is given that dλ (c) 9 (d)
dV 2
3( p⋅ q) 2 - λ | r × q |2 = 0 For maxima or minima, =0 Ans. (b)
1 1 dλ
⇒ 3  - λ   = 0 1 We have, (a × c) + b = 0
 9  3 ⇒ λ=±
3 ⇒ a × (a × c) + a × b = 0
⇒ λ=1
d 2V (taking cross product with a on both
Hence, answer is 1. and = 6λ
dλ2 sides)
2 3 > 0 , for λ = 1 $i $j k$
89 Let a, b and c be three vectors such 
= 3 ⇒ (a ⋅c) a - (a ⋅a ) c + 1 -1 0 = 0
that | a| = 3,| b| = 5, b ⋅ c = 10 and the 1
π 2 3 < 0 , for λ = - 1 1 1
angle between b and c is . If a is  3
3 d 2V 1 (Qa × (b × c) = (a . c) b - (a ⋅b) c)
Q 2 is positive for λ = , so volume ‘V ’
perpendicular to the vector b × c, dλ 3 ⇒ 4( i - j ) - 2c + (- $i - $j + 2k$ ) = 0
$ $
then | a × (b × c)| is equal to ...... . 1
is minimum for λ = [Qa ⋅a = ($i - $j )($i - $j ) = 1 + 1 = 2 and a ⋅c = 4]
[2020, 9 Jan. Shift-II] 3
 ⇒ 2c = 4$i - 4$j - $i - $j + 2k$ ⇒ (µ - 1) [µ (µ + 1) - 1 - 1] = 0 3 $ $
and a$ × ( b$ × c$ ) = (b + c)
⇒ (µ - 1) [µ2 + µ - 2] = 0 2
3$i - 5$j + 2k$
⇒ c= ⇒ (µ - 1) [(µ + 2) (µ - 1)] = 0 3 $ $
2 Now, consider a$ × ( b$ × c$ ) = (b + c)
⇒ µ = 1 or - 2 2
9 + 25 + 4 19
⇒ |c |2 = = So, sum of the distinct real values of 3 3
4 2 ⇒ (a$ ⋅c$ ) b$ - (a$ ⋅b$) c$ = b$ + c$
µ = 1 - 2 = - 1. 2 2
$ , b = i$ + λ$j + 4k
93 Let a = i$ + 2$j + 4k $ On comparing, we get
95 Let a, b and c be three unit vectors,
$ be 3 3
and c = 2i$ + 4$j + (λ 2 - 1) k out of which vectors b and c are a$ ⋅b$ = - ⇒ |a$ | |b$ | cos θ = -
2 2
coplanar vectors. Then, the non-parallel. If α and β are the
3
non-zero vector a × c is angles which vector a makes with ⇒ cosθ = - [Q |a$ | = |b$ | = 1]
2
[2019, 11 Jan. Shift-I] vectors b and c respectively and π 5π
1 ⇒ cos θ = cos  π -  ⇒ θ =
(a) - 10 $i + 5 $j (b) - 10 $i - 5 $j a × (b × c) = b, then | α - β | is equal  6 6
(c) - 14 $i - 5 $j (d) - 14 $i + 5 $j 2
Ans. (a) to [2019, 12 Jan. Shift-II]
97 Let a, band c be three non-zero
(a) 30º (b) 45º vectors such that no two of them
We know that, if a, b, c are coplanar
(c) 90º (d) 60º
vectors, then [a b c] = 0 are collinear and
Ans. (a) 1
1 2 4 (a × b) × c = | b|| c| a. If θ is the angle
1
∴ 1 λ 4 =0 Given, a × ( b × c) = b 3
2 between vectors band c, then a
2 4 λ2 - 1 1
⇒ (a ⋅ c) b - (a ⋅ b) c = b value of sinθ is [JEE Main 2015]
⇒ 1 { λ (λ2 - 1) - 16} - 2((λ2 - 1) - 8) + 4 2
(4 - 2λ) = 0 2 2 - 2 2 -2 3
[Qa × ( b × c) = (a ⋅ c) b - (a ⋅ b) c] (a) (b) (c) (d)
⇒ λ3 - λ - 16 - 2λ2 + 18 + 16 - 8λ = 0 3 3 3 3
On comparing both sides, we get
⇒ λ3 - 2λ2 - 9λ + 18 = 0 1 Ans. (a)
a⋅c = …(i) 1
⇒ λ2 (λ - 2) - 9 (λ - 2) = 0 2 Given, (a × b) × c = |b | |c |a
3
⇒ (λ - 2)(λ2 - 9) = 0 and a⋅ b = 0 …(ii) 1
(λ - 2) (λ + 3) (λ - 3) = 0 ⇒ - c × (a × b) = |b| |c |a
⇒ Qa, b and care unit vectors, and angle 3
∴ λ = 2, 3 or - 3 between a and bis α and angle between 1
a and cis β, so ⇒ - (c ⋅b) ⋅a + (c ⋅a )b = |b| |c |a
If λ = 2, then $ $ 3
i j k$ | a | | c| cosβ =
1
[from Eq. (i)]  1 |b| |c | + (c ⋅b)  a = (c ⋅a ) b
a× c= 1 2 4 2  3 
1
2 4 3 ⇒ cosβ = [Q| a | = 1 = | c | ] Since, a and b are not collinear.
2 1
c ⋅b + |b | |c | = 0 and c ⋅a = 0
= $i (6 - 16) - $j (3 - 8) + k$ (4 - 4) ⇒ β=
π
…(iii) 3
3 1
= - 10 $i + 5$j ⇒ |c | |b| cosθ + |b| |c | = 0
Qcos π = 1  3
$i $j k$  3 2  1
⇒ |b| |c |  cosθ +  = 0
 3
If λ = ± 3, then a × c = 1 2 4 = 0 and | a | | b| cosα = 0 [from Eq. (ii)]
1
2 4 8 π ⇒ cosθ + = 0 (Q|b| ≠ 0, |c | ≠ 0)
⇒ α= …(iv) 3
2 1
(because last two rows are proportional). ⇒ cosθ = -
From Eqs. (iii) and (iv), we get 3
π π π 8 2 2
94 The sum of the distinct real values |α - β | = - = = 30 ° ⇒ sinθ= =
2 3 6 3 3
of µ, for which the vectors,
$ i$ + µ$j + k
µi$ + $j + k, $ , $i + $j + µk
$ are 96 Let a, b and c be three unit vectors 98 If [a × bb × cc × a] = λ [a b c] 2 , then
3 λ is equal to [JEE Main 2014]
coplanar, is [2019, 12 Jan. Shift-I] such that a × (b × c ) = (b + c). If b
(a) 2 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) - 1 2 (a) 0 (b) 1
is not parallel to c, then the angle (c) 2 (d) 3
Ans. (d)
between a and b is [JEE Main 2016] Ans. (b)
Given vectors,µ$i + $j + k$ , $i + µ$j + k$ , 3π π
$i + $j + µk$ will be coplanar, if (a) (b) Use the formulae
4 2 a × (b × c) = (a ⋅ c)b - (a ⋅b) c,
µ 1 1 2π 5π
(c) (d) [a b c] = [b c a ] = [c a b]
1 µ 1 =0 3 6 and [a a b] = [a b b] = [ a c c] = 0
1 1 µ Ans. (d)
Further simplify it and get the result.
2
⇒ µ(µ - 1) - 1 (µ - 1) + 1 (1 - µ) = 0 Given, |a$ | = |b$ | = |c$ | = 1
 Now, [a × b b × c c × a ] (a) exactly two values of (p, q). 103 Let a = $i + $j + k$ , b = $i - $j + 2k$ and
(b) more than two but not all values of
= a × b ⋅ ((b × c) × (c × a ))
(p, q). c = x$i + (x - 2) $j - k$ . If the vector c
= a × b ⋅ ((k × c × a )) [here, k = b × c] (c) all values of (p, q). lies in the plane of a and b, then x
= a × b ⋅ [(k ⋅a ) c - (k ⋅c) a ] (d) exactly one value of (p, q).
equal to [AIEEE 2007]
= (a × b) ⋅ ((b × c ⋅a ) c - (b × c ⋅ c) a ) Ans. (d)
(a) 0 (b) 1 (c) – 4 (d) –2
= (a × b) ⋅ ([b c a ] c) - 0 Since, [3u p v p w ] - [p v w q u]
Ans. (d)
[Q[b × c ⋅c] = 0] - [2w qv qu] = 0
Since, given vectorsa , b and c are
= a × b ⋅ c [b c a ] = [a b c] [b c a ] ∴3p2 [u⋅ (v × w)] - pq [v ⋅ (w × u)] coplanar.
= [a b c] 2 {Q[a b c] = [b c a ]} - 2q 2 [w ⋅ (v × u)] = 0 1 1 1
Hence, [a × b b × c c × a ] = λ [a b c] 2 ⇒ (3p - pq + 2q 2 ) [u ⋅ (v × w)] = 0
2 ∴ 1 -1 2 = 0
2 2
⇒ [a b c] = λ [a b c] But [u v w] ≠ 0 x x - 2 -1
⇒ λ=1 ⇒ 2
3p - pq + 2q = 0 2
⇒1 { 1 - 2 (x - 2)} - 1 (-1 - 2 x)
∴ p=q =0 + 1 (x - 2 + x) = 0
99 If the vectors p$i + $j + k$ , i$ + q $j + k$ ⇒ 1 - 2x + 4 + 1 + 2x + 2x - 2 = 0
and i$ + $j + r k$ (where, p ≠ q ≠ r ≠ 1) 102 The vector a = αi$ + 2$j + βk$ lies in ⇒ 2 x = - 4 ⇒ x = -2
are coplanar, then the value of the plane of the vectors b = i$ + $j
104 If (a × b) × c = a × (b × c), where
pqr - (p + q + r) is [AIEEE 2011]
and c = $j + k$ and bisects the angle a, b and c are any three vectors
(a) - 2 (b) 2 (c) 0 (d) -1
between b and c. Then, which one such that a ⋅ b ≠ 0, b ⋅ c ≠ 0, then a
Ans. (a) and c are [AIEEE 2006]
of the following gives possible
Given, a = p $i + $j + k,
$ b = $i + q$j + k$ and
(a) inclined at an angle of
π
between
$ $ $
values of α and β? [AIEEE 2008]
c = i + j + rk are coplanar and 6
(a) α = 1, β = 1
(b) α = 2 , β = 2 them.
p ≠ q ≠ r ≠ 1.
(c) α = 1, β = 2 (b) perpendicular.
Since,a , b and c are coplanar.
p 1 1 (d) α = 2 , β = 1 (c) parallel.
π
(d) inclined at an angle of between
⇒ [a b c] = 0 ⇒ 1 q 1 = 0 Ans. (a) 3
them.
1 1 r Given that, b = $i + $j and c = $j + k$ . Ans. (c)
⇒ p (q r - 1) - 1 (r - 1) + 1 (1 - q) = 0 The equation of bisector ofb and c is
Since, (a × b) × c = a × (b × c)
 $i + $j $j + k$  ∴ (a ⋅c) b - (b ⋅c) a = (a ⋅c) b - (a ⋅b) c
⇒ pqr - p - r + 1 + 1 - q = 0 r = λ(b + c) = λ  + 
∴ pqr - (p + q + r) = - 2  2 2  ⇒ (b ⋅c) a = (a ⋅b) c
λ $ (a ⋅b)
= ( i + 2$j + k$ ) … (i) ⇒ a= ⋅c
100 Let a = $j - k$ and a = i$ - $j - k$ . Then, 2
Hence, a is parallel toc.
(b ⋅c)
Since, vectora lies in plane ofb and c.
the vector b satisfying a × b + c = 0
and a⋅ b = 3, is [AIEEE 2010]
∴ a = b + µc
λ $
105 Let a = i$ - k$ , b = xi$ + $j + (1 - x) k$ and
(a) - $i + $j - 2 k$ (b) 2 $i - $j + 2 k$ ⇒ ( i + 2$j + k$ ) = ($i + $j ) + µ( $j + k$ )
2 c = y i$ + x $j + (1 + x - y) k$ . Then, [a b c]
(c) $i - $j -2 k$ (d) $i + $j -2 k$ On equating the coefficient ofi both depends on [AIEEE 2005]
Ans. (a) sides, we get (a) Neither x nor y (b) Both x and y
We have, a ×b +c =0 λ
=1 ⇒ λ= 2 (c) Only x (d) Only y
⇒ a × (a × b) + a × c = 0 2
⇒ (a ⋅b) a - (a ⋅a ) b + a × c = 0 On putting λ = 2 in Eq. (i), we get Ans. (a)
⇒ 3a - 2b + a × c = 0 r = $i + 2$j + k$ Given, vectors are
⇒ 2b = 3a + a × c Since, the given vectora represents the a = $i - k$ , b = x $i + $j + (1 - x) k$
⇒ 2b = 3$j - 3k$ - 2 $i - $j - k$ same bisector equationr. and c = y $i + x $j + (1 + x - y) k$
= - 2 $i + 2 $j - 4k$ ∴ α = 1 and β = 1 1 0 -1
∴ b = - $i + $j - 2k$ Alternate Solution ∴ [a b c] = x 1 1- x
Since,a , b and c are coplanar. y x 1+ x - y
α 2 β
101 If u, v and w are non-coplanar
⇒ 1 1 0 =0 ApplyingC 3 Æ C 3 + C 1 , we get
vectors and p, q are real numbers,
0 1 1 1 0 0
then the equality
= x 1 1 = 1(1 + x) - x = 1
[3u p v p w] - [p v w q u] ⇒ α (1 - 0) - 2 (1 - 0) + β (1 - 0) = 0
y x 1+ x
- [2 w q v q u] = 0 holds for ⇒ α + β = 2, which is possible for
[AIEEE 2009] α = 1, β = 1. Thus, [a b c] depends upon neither x nor y.
106 Let a , b and c be distinct λ (a 1 + b 1 ) λ (a 2 + b 2 ) λ (a 3 + b 3 ) vectors b and c, then sinθ is equal
∴ λ2 b 1 λ2 b 2 λ2 b 3 to [AIEEE 2004]
non-negative numbers. If the
λc 1 λc 2 λc 3
vectors a $i + a $j + c k$ , i + k and (a)
1
(b)
2
(c)
2
(d)
2 2
a1 a2 a3 3 3 3 3
c $i + c $j + b k$ lie in a plane, then c is Ans. (d)
= b1 + c 1 b2 + c 2 b3 + c 3
[AIEEE 2005] 1
b1 b2 b3 Given that, |b | |c |a = (a × b) × c
(a) the harmonic mean of a and b . 3
a1 a2 a3 a1 a2 a3
(b) equal to zero. We know that, (a × b) × c = (a ⋅c) b - (b ⋅c) a
⇒ λ4 b 1 b2 b3 = - b1 b2 b3 1
(c) the arithmetic mean of a and b . ∴ |b | | c |a = (a ⋅ c) b - (b ⋅c) a
(d) the geometric mean of a and b . c1 c2 c3 c1 c2 c3 3
Ans. (d) 4
⇒ λ = -1 On comparing the coefficients ofa and b,
we get
Since, the given vectors lie in a plane. So, no real value of λ exists.
1
|b | | c | = -b ⋅ c and a ⋅ c = 0
a a c 3
108 If a, b,c are non-coplanar vectors 1
∴ 1 0 1 =0 ⇒ |b | |c | = - |b | |c | cos θ
c c b and λ is a real number, then the 3
vectors a + 2b + 3c, λb + 4c and ⇒
1
cosθ = - ⇒ 1 - sin2 θ =
1
ApplyingC 1 Æ C 1 - C 2 , we get (2λ - 1) c are non-coplanar for 3 9
0 a c (a) all values of λ. [AIEEE 2004] 8
⇒ sin2 θ =
1 0 1 =0 (b) all except one value of λ. 9
0 c b (c) all except two values of λ. 2 2 Q 0 ≤ θ ≤ π 
∴ sinθ = 
(d) no value of λ. 3 2 
⇒ -1 (ab - c 2 ) = 0
Ans. (c)
⇒ c 2 = ab 110 If u, v and w are three
The three vectors (a + 2b + 3c),(λb + 4c)
Hence, c is GM of a and b.
and(2λ - 1) c are non-coplanar, if non-coplanar vectors, then
1 2 3 (u + v - w ) ⋅ [(u - v) × (v - w )]
107 If a, b, c are non-coplanar vectors
0 λ 4 ≠0 equal to [AIEEE 2003]
and λ is a real number, then (a) 0 (b) u ⋅ v × w
0 0 2λ - 1
[λ (a + b) λ2 b λc] = [a b + c b] for (c) u ⋅ w × v (d) 3u ⋅ v × w
[AIEEE 2005]
1
⇒ (2 λ - 1)(λ) ≠ 0 ⇒ λ ≠ 0,
2 Ans. (b)
(a) exactly two values of λ.
So, these three vectors are non- (u + v - w) ⋅ [(u - v) × (v - w)]
(b) exactly three values of λ.
coplanar for all except two values of λ. = (u + v - w) ⋅ [u × v - u × w - v × v + v × w]
(c) no value of λ.
(d) exactly one value of λ. = u⋅ (u × v ) - u⋅ (u × w ) + u⋅ (v × w ) + v ⋅ (u × v )
109 Let a, b and c be non-zero vectors - v ⋅ (u × w) + v ⋅ (v × w) - w ⋅ (u × v)
Ans. (c) 1
such that (a × b) × c = | b|| c | a. If θ is + w ⋅ (u × w) - w ⋅ (v × w)
Given that, 3 = u⋅ v × w - v ⋅u × w - w ⋅u × v {[a ,a b] = 0}
[λ (a + b) λ2 b λ c] = [a b + c b]
an acute angle between the = u⋅ v × w + w ⋅u × v - w ⋅u × v = u⋅ v × w