10

UNIT-IV CHAPTER
VECTORS
& THREE-
DIMENSIONAL
GEOMETRY VectorS

Syllabus
Vectors and Scalars, Magnitude and direction of a vector. Direction cosines and direction ratios of a
vector , "types of vectors" equal, unit, zero, parallel and collinear vectors, position vector of a "point,

m
negative of a vector", components of a vector, addition of vectors (properties of addition, laws of

ra
addition), Multiplication of a vector by a scalar, position vector of a point dividing a line segment in a

eg
given ratio. Definition, Geometrical interpretation, properties and application of Scalar (dot) product
of vectors, Vector (cross) product of vectors, scalar triple product of vectors.

l
te
Chapter Analysis
2016
df 2017 2018
TOPIC
sp
Delhi OD Delhi OD Delhi/OD
2 Q.
r

Properties – – – –
pe

(1 Mark)
2 Q.
pa

1 Q. (1 Mark)
Angle between vectors – – –
(4 Marks) 2 Q.
e

(2 Marks)
pl

Dot Product – – – – –
am

2 Q. 1 Q.
Cross product – – –
(1 Mark) (4 Marks)
ls

1 Q. 1 Q.
Area of triangle – –
(4 Marks) (4 Marks)
al

1 Q. 1 Q. 1 Q.
@

Coplanarity – –
(4 Marks) (4 Marks) (4 Marks)

Topic-1 TOPIC - 1
Basic Algebra of Vectors
Page 366

Basic Algebra of Vectors Topic - 2 Page 378

Dot Product of Vectors

Topic - 3 Page 389

Cross Product
Revision Notes Topic - 4 Page 403
Scalar Triple Product
1. Vector : Basic Introduction :
→ →
• A quantity having magnitude as well as the direction is called a vector. It is denoted as AB or a . Its magnitude
→ →

(or modulus) is | AB | or | a | otherwise, simply AB or a.


• Vectors are denoted by symbols such as a . [Pictorial representation of vector]
2. Initial and Terminal Points :
The initial and terminal points means that point from which the vector originates and terminates respectively.
VectorS [ 367
3. Position Vector :
→ → 
The position vector of a point say P(x, y, z) is OP = r = xi + y j + zk and the magnitude is | r |= x + y + z .
2 2 2

→ →
The vector OP = r = xi + y j + zk is said to be in its component form. Here x, y, z are called the scalar components or
→ →
rectangular components of r and xi, y j , zk are the vector components of r along x, y, z-axis respectively.
→
• Also, AB = (Position Vector of B) – (Position Vector of A). For example, let A(x1, y1, z1) and B(x2, y2, z2). Then,
→
AB = ( x 2 i + y 2 j + z2 k ) − ( x1 i + y1 j + z1 k ).
• Here i , j and k are the unit vectors along the axes OX, OY and OZ respectively (The discussion about unit
vectors is given later under ‘types of vectors’).
4. Direction Ratios and Direction Cosines :
 →
If r = xi + y j + zk , then coefficient of i , j , k in r i.e., x, y, z are called the direction ratios (abbreviated as d.r.’s) of
→

m
vector r . These are denoted by a, b, c (i.e., a = x , b = y, c = z; in a manner we can say that scalar components of
→

ra
vector r and its d.r.’s both are the same).

eg
→ → x y z
Also, the coefficients of i , j , k in r (which is the unit vector of r ) i.e., , ,
x +y +z
2 2 2
x +y +z
2 2 2
x + y2 + z2
2

l
te
→
are called direction cosines (which is abbreviated as d.c.’s) of vector r .
• These direction cosines are denoted by l, m, n such that l = cos a, m = cos b, n = cos g and l2 + m2 + n2 = 1
df
Þ cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g = 1.
sp
x y z
• It can be easily concluded that = l = cos a, = m = cos b, = n = cos g.
r r r
r


pe

→
Therefore, r = lri + mr j + nrk = r(cos αi + cos β j + cos γ k ) . [Here r = | r |].

5. Addition of vectors
pa

→ →
(a) Triangular law : If two adjacent sides (say sides AB and BC) of a triangle ABC are represented by a and b
e

→
pl

taken in same order, then the third side of the triangle taken in the reverse order gives the sum of vectors a
→ → → → →  
am

and b i.e., AC = AB + BC ⇒ AC = a + b .
→ → → → → 
• Also since AC = − CA ⇒ AB + BC + CA = 0 .
ls

→ → → → → →
And AB + BC − AC = 0 ⇒ AB + BC + CA = 0 .
al

•
@

→ →
(b) Parallelogram law : If two vectors a and b are represented in magnitude and the direction by the two
adjacent sides (say AB and AD) of a parallelogram ABCD, then their sum is given by that diagonal of
→ → → → →
parallelogram which is co-initial with a and b i.e., OC = OA + OB .
6. Properties of Vector Addition
   
(a) Commutative property : a + b = b + a
 
Consider a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k and b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k be any two given vectors,
   
then a + b = ( a1 + b1 )i + ( a2 + b2 ) j + ( a3 + b3 )k = b + a.

     
(b) Associative property : ( a + b ) + c = a + ( b + c ) .
    
(c) Additive identity property : a + 0 = 0 + a = a.
    
(d) Additive inverse property : a + ( − a ) = 0 = ( − a ) + a.

Note : Multiplication of a vector by a scalar

→ 
Let a be any vector and k be any scalar. Then the product ka is defined as a vector whose magnitude is |k|
→
times that of a and the direction is
→ →
(i) same as that of a if k is positive, and (ii) opposite as that of a if k is negative.
368 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Know the Terms

Types of Vectors :

(a) Zero or Null vector : It is that vector whose initial and terminal points are coincident. It is denoted by 0 .
Ofcourse its magnitude is 0 (zero).
• Any non-zero vector is called a proper vector.
(b) Co-initial vectors : Those vectors (two or more) having the same starting point are called the co-initial
vectors.
(c) Co-terminus vectors : Those vectors (two or more) having the same terminal point are called the co-
terminus vectors. →
(d) Negative of a vector : The vector which has the same magnitude as the r but opposite direction. It is denoted
 → → → → → → → →
by – r . Hence if, AB = r or BA = − r i.e., AB = − BA , PQ = − QP etc.
→
(e) Unit vector : It is a vector with the unit magnitude. The unit vector in the direction of vector r is given by

r 
r =  such that | r | = 1, so, if r = xi + y j + zk then its unit vector is :

m
|r |

ra
 x y z
r= i + j + k .

eg
x +y +z
2 2 2
x +y +z
2 2 2
x + y2 + z2
2

 
→ → a×b

l
• Unit vector perpendicular to the plane a and b is : ±   .

te
|a × b|

df →
(f) Reciprocal of a vector : It is a vector which has the same direction as the vector r but magnitude equal to the
sp
→ → –1  −1 1
reciprocal of the magnitude of r . It is denoted as r . Hence r =  .
r

r
pe

(g) Equal vectors : Two vectors are said to be equal if they have the same magnitude as well as direction,
regardless of the position of their initial points.
 
pa

  | a | = | b |
Thus a = b ⇔   
 a and b have same direction
e

 
pl

Also, if a = b ⇒ a i + a j + a k = b i + b j + a k ⇒ a = b , a = b , a = b .
1 2 3 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 3 3
am

 
(h) Collinear or Parallel vector : Two vectors a and b are collinear or parallel if there exists a non-zero scalar
 
l such that a = λb .
ls

→ →
• It is important to note that the respective coefficients of i , j , k in a and b are proportional provided they
al

are parallel or collinear to each other.

@

• The d.r’s of parallel vectors are same (or are in proportion).

→ →
The vectors a and b will have same or opposite direction as l is positive or negative respectively.
•
→ →   
• The vectors a and b are collinear if a × b = 0 .
(i) Free vectors : The vectors which can undergo parallel displacement without changing its magnitude and
direction are called free vectors.

Know the Formulae

The position vector of a point say P dividing a line segment joining the points A and B whose position vectors are
→ →
a and b respectively, in the ratio m : n.
→ → → →
→ m b+ n a → m b− n a
(a) Internally, OP = (b) Externally, OP =
m + n m−n
→ →
a+ b→
• Also if point P is the mid-point of line segment AB, then OP = .
2
VectorS [ 369

Objective Type Questions (1 mark each)

   

Q. 1. Area of a rectangle having vertices A, B, C and AB + BC BC == AC
AC  &((i)
… i) ...(i)
1 1   

D with position vectors −i + j + 4 k , i + j + 4 k , ⇒ AB + BC BC == −− CA CA
2 2    
⇒ AB + BC BC ++CACA = 00 ...(ii)
&((ii)
… ii )
i − 1 j + 4 k and −i − 1 j + 4 k , respectively is
2 2 \ The equation given in alternative (a) is true.
  
1 AB + BC = AC
(a) (b) 1    
2 ⇒ AB + BC − AC = 0
(c) 2 (d) 4
 [NCERT Ex. ] \ The equation given in alternative (b) is true.
Ans. Correct option : (c) From equation (ii), we have
   
Explanation : AB − CB + CA = 0
The position vectors of vertices A, B, C and D of
The equation given in alternative (d) is true.

m
rectangle ABCD are given as :
  Now, consider the equation given in alternative
1
OA = −i + − j + k , OB = i + j + 4k ,

ra
(c) :
2    
AB + BC − CA = 0

eg
 1  1   
OC = i − j + 4k , OD = −i - j + 4k ⇒ AB + BC = CA ...(iii)
2 2
 

l
For equations
  (i) and (iii), we have :

te
The adjacent sides AB and BC of the given
AC = CA
rectangle are given as :  
 1 1
AB = (1 + 1)i +  −  j + ( 4 − 4)k = 2i
df ⇒ AC = − AC
  
2 2 ⇒ AC + AC = 0
sp
  
 1 1 ⇒ 2AC = 0
BC = (1 − 1)i + − −  j + ( 4 − 4)k = − j  
r

 2 2 ⇒ AC = 0, which is not true.

pe

i j k So that, the equation given in alternative (c) is

  incorrect.
pa

∴ AB × BC = 2 0 0 
Q. 3. If a is a non-zero vector of magnitude ‘a’ and l a
0 −1 0 
e

non-zero scalar, then λa is unit vector if

= k (−2) = −2k
pl

(a) l = 1 (b) l = – 1
  (c) a = | l | (d) a = 1/| l | 
⇒ AB × BC = 2
am

[NCERT Ex. ]
Now, it is known that the area of parallelogram Ans. Correct option : (d)
    Explanation :
ls

whose adjacent sides are a and b is a × b .  

Vector λa is a unit vector if λa = 1 .
al

 that,
So  the area of the given rectangle is
AB × BC = 2 sq. units. Now,
@


λa = 1
Q. 2. In triangle ABC (Figure), which of the following is

not true : ⇒ λ a =1
       
(a) AB + BC + CA = 0 (b) AB + BC − AC = 0  1
        ⇒ a = λ ≠ 0
(c) AB + BC − CA = 0 (d) AB − CB + CA = 0 λ
C
1  a = a
⇒ a=
  λ
 1
So that, vector λa is a unit vector if a = .
A λ
B  
 [NCERT Ex. ] Q. 4. If a and b are two collinear vectors, then which
of the following are incorrect :
Ans. Correct option : (c) 
(a) b = λa , for some scalar l
Explanation :  
C (b) a = ±b
 
(c) the respective components of a and b are
not proportional
 
A (d) both the vectors a and b have same direction, but
B different magnitudes
Applying the triangle law of addition in the above [NCERT Ex. ]
triangle, we have Ans. Correct option : (d)
370 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Explanation  :  a
 Any vector in the direction of a vector a is given by  .
If a and b are two collinear vectors, then they are i − 2 j + 2k a
parallel. i − 2 j + 2k
= =
Therefore, we have 3
  1 + 2 + 2
2 2 2
 
b = λa (For some scalar l) 
  \ Vector in the direction of a with magnitude 9.
If λ = ±1, then a = ±b . i − 2 j + 2k
  =9
If a = a1i + a2 j + a3 k and b = b1i + b2 j + b3 k then, 3

b = λa
 = 3(i − 2 j + 2k )
 
1 2 3 (
⇒ b i + b j + b k = λ a i + a j + a k
1 2 3 ) Q. 6. The position vector of the point which divides the
   
join of points 2 a − 3b and a + b in the ratio 3 :1 is :
⇒ b1 i + b2 j + b3 k = ( λa1 )i + (λ
λa2 ) j + ( λa3 )k 
  
⇒ b1 = λa1 , b2 = λa2 , b3 = λa3 (a) 3 a − 2 b (b)
7 a − 8b
b1 b2 b3  2  4
⇒ = = =λ 5a
a1 a2 a3 (c) 3 a (d)
  4 4

m
So that, the respective components of a and b are [NCERT Exemp.]

proportional. However, vectors a and b can have

ra
different directions. Hence, the statement given in Ans. Correct option : (d)
option (d) is incorrect. Explanation :

eg
Let the position
 vector of the R divides the join of
Q. 5. The vector in the direction of the vector i − 2 j + 2 k   
points 2 a − 3b and a + b .

l
  

te
that has magnitude 9 is 
3( a + b ) + 1( 2 a − 3b )
i − 2 j + 2 k ∴ Position vector, R =
(a) i − 2 j + 2k (b) df 3+1
3
Since, the position vector of a point R dividing the
sp
(c) 3(i − 2 j + 2 k ) (d) 9(i − 2 j + 2k ) line segments joining the points P and Q, whose
 
position vectors are p and q in the ration m : n
 [NCERT Exemp. ]  
r

mq + np
pe

Ans. Correct option : (c) internally, is given by .

Explanation :  m+n
 5a
∴R = .
Let a = i − 2 j + 2k
pa

4
e
pl

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

am

→ ∧ ∧ i − 2 j + 2 k
Q. 1. Find a vector in the direction of a = i - 2 j that = 9 ×
ls

3

has magnitude 7 units. R&U [NCERT]
al

= 3i − 6 j + 6 k 1
[Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2015]
@

Q. 3. Write a unit vector in the direction of the sum

→ → → → → → → → →
1  2  a of vectors a = 2 i + 2 j - 5 k and b = 2 i + j - 7 k .
Sol. a = i− j=
→ ½
5 5  R&U [Delhi Set III, 2014]
|a|
→ → → → → →
7  14  r = a + b = 4 i + 3 j − 12 k
then 7a = i− j ½ Sol. Let
5 5 →
|r| = 16 + 9 + 144 = 169 = 13 ½
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015]
So, unit vector
Q. 2. Write a vector in the direction of the vector → ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ r = r 4 i + 3 j − 12 k
i - 2 i + 2 k that has magnitude 9 units. → =
|r| 13
R&U [Delhi Set I Comptt. 2014]
→ 4 ∧ 3 ∧ 12 ∧
Sol. Let a = i − 2 j + 2 k = i+ j− k ½
13 13 13
→
The vector in the direction of a with magnitude 9 is ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 4. Find a vector in the direction of vector 2 i - 3 j + 6 k
9 × a .
which has magnitude 21 units.
i − 2 j + 2 k R&U [Foreign Set I, II, III, 2014]
\ Required vector = 9 ×
12 + ( −2 )2 + 2 2 → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. Let a = 2 i − 3 j+ 6 k
VectorS [ 371
→ Sol. Sum of given two vectors is given as
The vector in the direction of a with a magnitude ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ( i + j + k ) + (2 i − 3 j + 5 k )
21 is 21 × a .
∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ = (1 + 2 ) i + (1 − 3 ) j + (1 + 5 ) k

2 i − 3 j+ 6 k
\ Required vector = 21 × ∧ ∧ ∧ →
2 2 + ( −3)2 + 62 = 3 i −2 j+6k = A
(say) ½
∧ ∧ ∧ A unit vector parallel to this vector
2 i − 3 j+ 6 k ∧ ∧ ∧

= 21 ×
7 3 i −2 j+6k
= →
∧ ∧ ∧
= 6 i − 9 j + 18 k 1 |A|

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
3 i −2 j+6k 3 i −2 j+6k
Q. 5. If a = x i +2 j- zk and b = 3i - y j +k are = =
3 + (− 2) + 6
2 2 2 49
two equal vectors, then write the value of
x + y + z. R&U [Delhi Set I, 2013] 3∧ 2∧ 6∧
= i − j+ k.

m
½
7
7 7
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. a = x i + 2 j− zk

ra
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ Q. 8. Find a unit vector in the direction of
and b = 3i − y j+ k → ∧ ∧ ∧

eg
are equal vectors A = 3 i - 2 j+6 k .
→ →

l
So, a = b R&U [O.D. Set I Comptt. 2012]

te
→
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ Sol. A unit vector in the direction of vector A is
or x i + 2 j− zk = 3i − y j+ k ½ df
given by
\ x = 3, y = – 2, z = – 1 →
∧
sp
\ x + y + z = 3 – 2 – 1 = 0. ½ A
A =
Q. 6. Write a unit vector in the direction of the sum of →
|A|
r

vectors :
pe

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
→
a = 2 i - j + 2 k and b - i + j + 3 k |A| = 3 2 + ( − 2 )2 + 6 2 = 7

pa

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
R&U [NCERT] [Delhi Set III, 2013]
∧ A 3 i −2 j+6k
A = =
e

→ ∧ ∧ | A| 7
Sol. Given, a = 2 i − j+ 2k
pl

→ ∧ ∧ →
b = − i + j + 3k A unit vector in the direction of A
am

and
→ → → 3∧ 2∧ 6∧
Let, r = a+ b = i − j+ k. 1
7 7 7
ls

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
→
(2 i − j+ 2 k ) + (− i + j+ 3 k )
al

= Q. 9. Find the sum of the vectors a = i - 2 j + k ,

∧ ∧
@

→ →
= i + 5k
b = -2i + 4 j +5k and c = i - 6 j - 7 k .
→ 
| r | = (1)2 + ( 5)2 = 26 ½ R&U [NCERT] [Delhi Set I, 2012]

So, required unit vector → → →
Sol. a+ b+ c
∧ → ^ ^
i + 5kr
r = = = (i − 2 j + k ) + ( −2i + 4 j + 5k ) + (i − 6 j − 7 k )
→ 26
|r|
= (1 – 2 + 1) i + (– 2 + 4 – 6) j + (1 + 5 – 7) k

1 ∧ 5 ∧
= i+ k ½
26 26 = 0 i – 4 j – 1 k = – 4 j – k . 1
Commonly Made Error Q.10. Find the sum of the vectors :
→ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧
 Generally students commit errors in finding the a = i - 2 j , b = 2 i - 3 j , c = 2 i +3 k .
unit vector as they don't get the result in required
vector form.  R&U [Delhi Set II, 2012]
→ → →
Q. 7. Find a unit vector parallel to the sum of vectors Sol. a + b + c = (i − 2 j ) + ( 2i − 3 j ) + ( 2i + 3k )
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
i + j+ k and 2 i - 3 j+5 k . = (1 + 2 + 2 )i + ( −2 − 3) j + 3k

R&U [Delhi Set I Comptt. 2012] = 5i − 5 j + 3k . 1

372 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Q. 11. Find the sum of the vectors : Now ABEC represent a parallelogram with AE as
→ → → the diagonal.
a = i - 3k , b = 2 j - k , c = 2i - 3 j + 2 k .
→ → →
R&U [Delhi Set III, 2012] AE = AB + AC ½
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. a + b + c = (i − 3k ) + ( 2 j − k ) + ( 2i − 3 j + 2 k )
= ( j + k ) + (3 i − j + 4 k ) = 3 i + 5 k

  
= (1 + 2 )i + ( 2 − 3) j + ( −3 − 1 + 2 )k →
Now, | AE | = ( 3)2 + ( 5)2 = 9 + 25 = 34
  
= 3i − j − 2 k . 1
→ 1
Q. 12. Write the number of vectors of unit length \ | AD | = 34 units ½
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ 2
perpendicular to both the vector a = 2 i + j + 2 k Q. 15. Write the position vector of the point which
→ ∧ ∧ divides the join of points with position vectors
and b = j + k . A [O.D. Set I, II, III 2016] → → → →
3 a - 2 b and 2 a +3 b in the ratio 2:1. R&U

m
Sol. There are two such vectors of unit length
→ → →
→ →
OP = 3 a − 2 b

ra
perpendicular to both the given vectors a and b Sol. Let
→ → → → →

eg
a× b OQ = 2 a + 3 b
± ..
and vectors are → → The position vector of the point R dividing the join

l
|a× b|

te
of P and Q internally in the ratio 2 : 1 is
Q. 13. Find the position vector of a point which → → → →
df → 2( 2 a + 3 b ) + ( 3 a − 2 b )
divides the join of points with position vectors OR = ½
→ → → → 2+1
sp
( a - 2 b ) and (2 a + b ) externally in the ratio
→ → → →
2 : 1. R&U [Delhi Set I, II, III 2016] 4 a+6 b+3 a−2 b
r

=
pe

→ → → → 3
1( a − 2 b ) − 2( 2 a + b ) → →
Sol. Required vector = ½ 7a 4b
pa

1−2 + ½
=
→ → → →
3 3
e

( a − 2 b ) − (4 a + 2 b ) →
=

pl

−1 Q. 16. Write the value of p for which the vectors

∧ ∧ ∧
am

→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
3 i + 2 j+ 9 k and i - 2 p j+3 k are parallel
= 3 a+4 b
½
vectors. A [O.D. Set I, 2014]
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
ls

Q. 14. The two vectors j + k and 3 i - j + 4 k represent a1 b c

Sol. = 1 = 1 [For parallel vectors]
a2
al

b2 c 2
the two sides AB and AC, respectively of DABC. 
@

Find the length of the median through A. 3 2 9

or = =
1 −2 p 3
A [Delhi Set I, II, III 2016] [Foreign 2015]
1
→ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ or p= − 1
Sol. AB = j + k and AC = 3 j − j + 4 k 3
→
A Q. 17. Find a vector a of magnitude 5 2 making an

angle of π with x-axis, π with y-axis and an

4 2
acute angle q with z-axis. A [O.D. Set II 2014]
∧ →
Sol. Let a be the unit vector in the direction of vector a .
B
D
C
→ π
Since vector a makes an angle of with x-axis,
4
π
with y-axis and an acute angle q with z-axis
2
therefore
π π
cos2 + cos2 + cos2 θ = 1
4 2
E
[Using cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1]
VectorS [ 373
1 →
or cos2q = Sol. If r is the position vector of N, then by section
2
formula
1
or cos q =
2
π →
→ → → →
or q=
4 r = 2( a + 2 b ) − 1( 2 a − b )
2 −1
→ ∧
Therefore, a = 5 2a → → → →
2 a+ 4 b− 2 a+ b
 π∧ π∧ π ∧ =
= 5 2  cos i + cos j + cos k 
1
 4 2 4 
→
∧ ∧ = 5b 1

= 5 i + 5k 1 →
→ π ∧ π Q.21. Find the scalar components of the vector AB with
Q. 18. If a unit vector a makes an angle with i , initial point A (2, 1) and terminal point B (– 5, 7).
3 4
R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III, 2012]

m
∧ ∧
with j and an acute angle q with k , then find the →
Sol. AB = Position vector of B – Position vector of A

ra
value of q. A [Delhi Set I, 2013] = ( −5i + 7 j ) − ( 2i + 1j )

eg

→
Sol. We know that if a vector a makes angle a, b & g = (– 5 – 2) i + (7 – 1) j

l
∧ ∧ ∧

te
with i , j and k respectively, then = – 7 i + 6 j 1
2 2
cos a + cos b + cos g = 1 2 \ The scalar components are (– 7, 6).
Here, we have
df
Q. 22. If a line has direction ratios 2, – 1, – 2, then what
are its direction cosines ?
sp
π π
a = ,b= and g = q, an acute angle A [Delhi Set I, II, III, 2012]
3 4
r

Sol. Here direction ratios of line are 2, – 1, – 2.

pe

π π 2
\ cos2
+ cos2 + cos2 q = 1 ½ \ Direction cosines of line are ,
3 4
pa

2 + ( −1)2 + ( −2 )2
2
1 1
or + + cos2 q = 1 −1 −2
4 2
e

,
2 2 2
2 + ( −1) + ( −2 ) 2 + ( −1)2 + ( −2 )2
2
pl

1
or cos2 q =
4 2 −1 −2
am

i.e., , , .
1 π 3 3 3
or cos q = ± or q = · ½
2 3 [Note : If a, b, c are the direction ratios of a line, the
ls

Q. 19. P and Q are two points with position vectors a b

direction cosines are , ,
al

→ → → → 2 2
a +b +c 2
a + b2 + c2
2
3 a−2 b and a+ b respectively. Write the
@

c
position vector of a point R which divides the line ]  1
a2 + b2 + c 2
segment PQ externally in the ratio 2 : 1.
R&U [NCERT] [O.D. Set I, 2013] → →
Sol. Consider two points P and Q with position vectors Q. 23. If a and b denote the position vectors of points
→ → → → → → A and B respectively and C is a point on AB such
OP = 3 a − 2 b and OQ = a + b , then position that AC = 2 CB, then write the position vector of
vector of the point R dividing the join of P and Q C. R&U [Outside Delhi Set I, II, III comptt. 2016]
externally in the ratio 2 : 1 is
Sol. AC : CB = 2 :1
→ → → →
→ 2( a + b ) − ( 3 a − 2 b ) Position vector of C
OR = → →
2−1
a+2 b
→ → = 1

= 4 b− a. 1 3
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
Q. 20. L and M are two points with position vectors
→ → → → ® ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
2 a - b and a + 2 b respectively. Write the Q. 24. If a = 4 i - j + k and b = 2 i - 2 j + k , then find a
position vectors of a point N which divides the line → →
segment LM in the ratio 2:1 externally. unit vector parallel to the vector a + b .
R&U [O.D. Set I, 2013] R&U [Outside Delhi Set I, II, III comptt. 2016]
374 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

→ → ∧ ∧
Sol. a + b = 6i − 3 j + 2 k ½ On comparing the coefficients of i and j , we get
→ → 1   1
Unit vector parallel to a + b is
( 6i − 3 j + 2 k ) ½ 2 = ka and – 3 = 6k or k = –
7 2
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] 1
→ →
\ 2=– a or a = – 4 1
2
Q. 25. Give an example of vectors a and b such that
→ → → → Answering Tips
| b | = | b | but a ≠ b . R&U [SQP 2017-18]
 Clarify the concept of collinearity of two vectors.
Q. 28. If A, B and C are the vertices of a DABC, then what
→ ∧ → ∧
→ → →
Sol. a = i , b = j [or any other correct answer] 1 is the value of AB+ BC+ CA ? R&U [Delhi 2011C]
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017-18]
Sol. Let DABC be the given triangle.
→ C
Q. 26. Write a unit vector in the direction of vector PQ

m
→ →
where P and Q are the points (1, 3, 0) and (4, 5, 6),

ra
respectively, R&U [Foreign 2014]

eg
→ → A B
Sol. Given points are P (1, 3, 0) and Q (4, 5, 6).
Now, by triangle law of vector addition, we

l
Here, x1 = 1, y1 = 3, z1 = 0

te
→ → →
and x2 = 4, y2 = 5, z2 = 6 have AB+ BC = AC
∧
So, vector PQ= (x2 – x1) i + (y2 – y1) j + (z2 – z1) k
∧ ∧
df → → →
or AB+ BC + CA = CA + AC
→ →
sp
∧ ∧ ∧ →
= (4 – 1) i + (5 – 3) j + (6 – 0) k [adding CA on both sides]
r
pe

→ → → → → → →
∧ ∧ ∧
= 3 i + 2 j + 6 k ½ or AB+ BC + CA = CA − CA [Q AC = − CA]
pa

→ → → →
\ Magnitude of given vector \ AB+ BC + CA = 0 1
e

→
32 + 2 2 + 6 2 =
pl

PQ = 9 + 4 + 36 Q. 29. Find the unit vector in the direction of the sum of

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
am

= 49 = 7 units vectors 2 i+ 3 j- k and 4 i - 3 j- 2 k .

→ R&U [Foreign 2015]
Hence, the unit vector in the direction of PQ is
ls

Sol. Try Yourself

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 30. A and B are two points with position vectors
al

PQ 3 i + 2 j+ 6 k 3∧ 2∧ 6∧
= = i + j+ k . ½ → → → →
→
7 7 7 7
@

PQ 2 a- 3 b and 6 b- a respectively. Write the

position vector of a point P which divides the line
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
segment AB internally in the ratio 1 : 2.
Q. 27. For what values of a , the vectors 2 i − 3 j + 4 k and R&U [All India 2013]
∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. Try Yourself
a i + 6 j− 8 k are collinear ? Q. 31. Write the position vector of mid-point of the vector
joining points P(2, 3, 4) and Q(4, 1, – 2).
R&U [HOTS; Delhi 2011] R&U [Foreign 2011]
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ Sol. Try Yourself
Sol. Let given vectors are a = 2 i − 3 j + 4 k and
Q. 32. Write a unit vector in the direction of vector
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
b = a i + 6 j− 8 k a = 2 i + j + 2 k R&U [All India 2011; Delhi 2009]
→ → Sol. Try Yourself
vectors a and b are said to be collinear, if
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
.
→ →
Q. 33. Find the magnitude of the vector a = 3 i + 2 j + 6 k
a = k . b , where k is a scalar.
R&U [All India 2011C; Delhi 2008]
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
\ 2 i − 3 j + 4 k = k( a i + 6 j − 8 k ) Sol. Try Yourself
VectorS [ 375
Q. 34. Find a unit vector in the direction of vector Q. 38. Find a unit vector in the direction of vector
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
a = 2 i + 3 j+ 6 k R&U [All India 2011C] a = 2 i - 6 j+ 3 k . R&U [Delhi 2009]
Sol. Try Yourself Sol. Try Yourself
Q. 35. Find a unit vector in the direction of vector Q. 39. Find the position vector of mid-point of the line
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
segment AB, where A is point (3, 4, – 2) and B is
a = 2 i - 3 j+ 6 k R&U [Delhi 2011C] point (1, 2, 4). R&U [Delhi 2010]
Sol. Try Yourself
Sol. Try Yourself
Q. 40. Write a vector of magnitude 9 units in the direction
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 36. Find a vector in the direction of a = 2 i - j + 2 k , of vector – 2 i + j + 2 k . R&U [All India 2010]
which has magnitude 6 units. R&U [Delhi 2010C] Sol. Try Yourself
Sol. Try Yourself
Q. 41. Write a vector of magnitude 15 units in the
Q. 37. Find a unit vector in the direction of vector ∧ ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
direction of vector i - 2 j + 2 k . R&U [Delhi 2010]

m
b = 6 i - 2 j+ 3 k . R&U [All India 2009C]
Sol. Try yourself

ra
Sol. Try Yourself

eg
Short Answer Type Questions (2 marks each)

l
te
Q. 1. Find the area of the parallelogram whose diagonals df 1−1−1
 ∧ ∧ ∧
i.e., cosq =
are represented by the vectors a = 2 i − 3 j + 4 k 3. 3
sp
 ∧ ∧ ∧ 1
and b = 2 i − j + 2 k R&U [SQP 2018-19] i.e., cosq = −
r

3
pe

∧ ∧ ∧  1
i j k Þ q = cos–1  −  . 1
pa

   3
Sol. a × b = 2 −3 4 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2018-19]
e

2 −1 2
pl

Answering Tip
am

∧ ∧ ∧  Concept of Angle between two vectors should be

= −2 i + 4 j + 4 k 1 revised thoroughly.
 
a × b = 4 + 16 + 16 = 6 Q. 3. Show that each of three vectors is a unit vector :
ls

½
  1 ∧ ∧ ∧ 1 ∧ ∧ ∧ 1 ∧ ∧ ∧
al

a×b (2 i +3 j +6 k ), (6 i - 3 j + 2 k ), (3 i - 6 j + 2 k ) .
7 7 7
Area of the parallelogram = = 3sq units. ½
@

2 R&U
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2018-19] → 1
Sol. a = ( 2i + 3 j + 6 k )
7
Answering Tip
→ 1  
 Clarify the concept of finding area of parallelogram b = ( 6i − 3 j + 2 k )
whose diagonal all vectors. 7
→ 1 
Q. 2. Find the angle between the vectors and c = ( 3i − 6 j + 2 k )
 ∧ ∧ ∧  ∧ ∧ ∧ 7
a = i + j − k and b = i − j + k A [SQP 2018-19]
→ 1
|a| = 4 + 9 + 36
  7
Sol. The angle q between the vectors a and b is given
by 1
  = 49
a.b 7
cosq =   1
a b 7
= =1 ½
7
 ∧ ∧
 ∧

∧ ∧ ∧

 i + j− k  . i − j + k  → 1
   |b| = 36 + 9 + 4
i.e., cosq = 7
(1) + (1) + ( −1) . (1) + ( −1) + (1)
2 2 2 2 2 2

376 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

1 →
= 49 c 2i + 2 j + 4 k
7 c = = 1

7
|c| 4 + 4 + 16
= =1 ½
7   

= 2i + 2 j + 4 k
→ 1 1
|c| = 24
and 9 + 36 + 4 = 49
7 7   
7 = 2(i + j + 2 k )
= =1 ½ 2 6
7
→   
→ →
c = i + j + 2 k
|a|=|b| =|c|=1 ½
6

Hence, vectors are unit vectors.
9i + 9 j + 18 k
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ \ Required vector = 9 c = 1
Is 6
Q. 4. If a = 3 i +7 j + 2 k , b = 7 i - 2 j +3 k .
→ → → → →
→ →

m
→ → Q. 6. If | a + b |= 60, | a - b |= 40 and | a |= 22, then
| a |=| b | . Can we say a = b ? Give reason.

ra
R&U →
find | b | . R&U [S.Q.P. 2016-17]
→

eg
Sol. a = 3i + 7 j + 2 k
→ → → → →  → 2 → 2

l
te
|a| = 9 + 49 + 4 = 62 1 | a + b |2 + | a − b |2 = 2 | a | + | b | 
Sol. 1
 
→   
and b = 7i − 2 j + 3 k df →
→ or | b |2 = 2600 – 484 = 2,116 ½
sp
|b| = 49 + 4 + 9 = 62 →

→ → or | b | = 46 ½
r

|a| =|b|
pe

Thus, ½ [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]

→ →
but a ¹ b because their corresponding components Q. 7. The position vectors of points A, B and C are
pa

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
are different. ½ λ i + 3 j, 12 i+ µ j and 11 i - 3 j respectively. If C
Q. 5. Find the vector of magnitude of 9 units in the
e

divides the line segment joining A and B in the

pl

→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧
direction of a- b if a = 3 i - 2 j +3 k and ratio 3 : 1, find the values of l and µ.
am

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ R&U [Delhi Comptt. 2017]

b = i - 4 j - k. R&U
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
ls

→ → → ∧ ∧ 3(12 i + µ j ) + 1( λ i + 3 j )
c = a− b
Sol. Let, Sol. 11 i − 3 j = 1
al

4
= ( 3i − 2 j + 3k ) − (i − 4 j − k )
44 = 36 + l, – 12 = 3µ + 3
@

→ l = 8, µ = – 5 ½+½
or c = 2i + 2 j + 4 k
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]

Long Answer Type Questions-I (4 marks each)

Q. 1. Find a vector of magnitude 5 units and parallel → ∧ ∧

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ \ c = 3i+ j
to the resultant of a = 2i +3 j− k and →
∧ → c
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ Now unit vector c in the direction of c is →
b = i − 2 j+ k . R&U [Delhi 2011] |c|
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. Given, a = 2 i + 3 j − k and b = i − 2 j + k . ∧ ∧
3i+ j
→ →
= 1
Now, resultant of above vectors = a + b ( 3)2 + (1)2
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
= (2 i + 3 j− k ) + ( i − 2 j+ k ) = 3 i + j 1 3i+ j 3 ∧ 1 ∧
= = i+ j 1
→ → → 10 10 10
Let a+ b = c
VectorS [ 377
Hence, vector of magnitude 5 units and parallel to → → →
→ → Sol. Given, OP = Position vector of P = 2a + b and
resultant of a and b is. → → → →
OQ = Position vector of Q = a − 3 b Let OR be
 3 1 ∧
15 5 ∧ ∧ ∧
5 i+ j  or i+ j. 1 the position vector of point R, which divides PQ in
 10 10  10 10
the ratio 1 : 2 externally.
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ 2
Q. 2. Let a = i+ j+ k , b = 4 i - 2 j+ 3 k , and
1
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
c = i - 2 j + k Find a vector of magnitude 6 units, Q (OQ) P (OP) R (OR)
→ → →
→ → → →
which is parallel to the vector 2 a - b+ 3 c . →
\ OR = 1( a − 3 b ) − 2( 2 a + b ) 1
R&U [All India 2010]
1−2
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. Given, a = i + j+ k, b = 4 i − 2 j+ 3 k  → → → 
QOR = m (OQ)− n(OP ) .Here, m = 1, n = 2 

m
 m−n 
→

ra
∧ ∧ ∧  
and c = i − 2 j+ k

eg
→ → → →
→ → →
\ 2 a− b+ 3 c a−3 b− 4 a− 2 b
=
−1

l
te
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
= 2( i + j + k ) − ( 4 i − 2 j + 3 k ) + 3( i − 2 j + k ) → →
−3 a − 5 b → →
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
= 2 i + 2 j+ 2 k− 4 i + 2 j− 3 k+ 3 i − 6 j+ 3 k
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
df
=
−1
= 3 a+ 5 b
sp
→ → →
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧
Hence, OR = 3 a + 5 b 1½
r

or 2 a − b + 3 c = i − 2 j+ 2 k 1½
pe

Now, we have to show that P is the mid-point of

Now, a unit vector in the direction of vector
RQ,
pa

∧ ∧ ∧
→ → → i − 2 j+ 2 k → →
→
2 a− b+ 3 c = i.e. OP = OR + OQ
e

2 2 2
(1) + ( −2 ) + ( 2 ) 2
pl

∧ ∧ ∧
am

i − 2 j+ 2 k → → → → → →
= We have, OR = 3 a + 5 b , OQ = a − 3 b
9
ls

∧ ∧ ∧ → → → → → →
i − 2 j+ 2 k OR + OQ (3 a + 5 b ) + ( a − 3 b )
= 1½ \ =
al

3 2 2
@

Hence, vector of magnitude 6 units parallel to the → → → →

→ →  1 ∧ 2 ∧ 2 ∧
→ 4 a+ 2 b 2( 2 a + b )
vector 2 a − b + 3 c = 6  i − j+ k  = =
2 2
3 3 3 
∧ ∧ ∧ → → → → → →
= 2 i − 4 j + 4 k 1 = 2 a + b = OP [QOP = 2 a + b ]

Q. 3. Find the position vector of a point R, which divides Hence, P is the mid-point of line segment RQ. 1½
the line joining two points P and Q whose position ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ → → → Q. 4. Show that the points A(- 2 i+ 3 j+ 5 k ), B( i+ 2 j+ 3k )
vectors are 2 a+ b and a− 3 b respectively,
∧ ∧

externally in the ratio 1 : 2 Also, show that P is the and C( 7 i - k ) are collinear. R&U [Delhi 2009C]
mid-point, of line segment RQ. Sol. Try yourself
R&U [HOTS; Delhi 2010]
378 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Topic-2
Dot Product of Vectors

Revision Notes
1. Products of Two Vectors and Projection of Vectors
→ → →→ → →
(a) Scalar Product or Dot Product : The dot product of two vectors a and b is defined by, a · b = | a || b |cosθ
→ →
where q is the angle between a and b , 0 £ q £ p.

b
θ

m
a
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → →

ra
Consider a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k , then a . b = a1b1 + a2 b2 + a3b3 .

eg
→ →
→  a.b  →
 Projection of a vector : a on the other vector say b is given as  →  .
 

l
| b |

te
→ →
→ →
 Projection of a vector : b on the other vector say a is given as 
a.b 
 → 
.
df
sp
| a |
r
pe

Know the Properties (Dot Product)

pa

• Properties/Observations of Dot product

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
e

 i . i =| i || i |cos 0 = 1 or i . i = 1 = j . j = k ·k
pl

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ π ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧∧
 i . j =| i || j |cos = 0 or i . j = 0 = j . k = k ·i
am

2
→ →
 a · b ÎR, where R is real number i.e., any scalar.
ls

→ → → →
al

 a · b = b · a (Commutative property of dot product).

→ →
@

→ → → →
 a · b = 0 Û a ^ b or | a |= 0 or | b |= 0.
→ → → → → → →
 If q = 0, then a · b = | a || b | . Also a . a =| a |2 = a 2 ; as q in this case is 0.
→ → → →
Moreover if q = p, then a · b = – | a || b | .
→  → → → → → →
 a .  b + c  = a . b + a . c (Distributive property of dot product).
 
→  →  → →  → →
 a . − b  = −  a . b  =  − a  . b .
     

Know the Formulae

→ →
 Angle between two vectors a and b can be found by the expression given below :
→→  →→ 
a·b −1  a . b 
cos θ = or, θ = cos
→ →  → →  .
| a || b | | a || b |

VectorS [ 379

Objective Type Questions (1 mark each)

   
Q. 1. If q is the angle between two vectors a and b , Q. 3. The angle between two vectors a and b with
   
then a.b ≥ 0 only when
magnitudes 3 and 4, respectively, and a .b = 2 3 is :
π π π π
(a) 0 < θ < (b) 0 ≤ θ ≤ (a) (b)
2 2 6 3
(c) 0 < q < p (d) 0 £ q £ p π 5π
(c) (d)
 [NCERT Misc. Ex. Q. 16, Page 459] 2 2
Ans. Correct option : (b)  [NCERT Exemp. Ex. 10.3, Q. 22, Page 217]
Explanation : Ans. Correct option : (b)
 
Let q be the angle between two vectors a and b . Explanation :
   
 Here, a = 3 , b = 4 and a.b = 2 3 [Given]
Then, without loss of generality, a and b are non-

m
 
zero vectors so that | a | and | b | are positive. We know that,

ra
     
It is known that, a.b = a b cos θ . a.b = a b cos θ


eg
\ ∴ a.b ≥ 0 ⇒ 2 3 = 3 .4.cos θ
 
⇒ a b cosθ ≥ 0

l
2 3 1

te
⇒ cos θ = =
 4 3 2
⇒ cosθ ≥ 0 Q a and b are positive.
  df π
∴ θ=
π 3
sp
⇒0≤θ≤
2. Q. 4. Find the value of l such that the vectors
 
a = 2i + λ j + k and b = i + 2 j + 3k are orthogonal.
r

 
pe

Q. 2. Let a and b be two-unit vectors and q is the angle

  (a) 0 (b) 1
between them. Then a + b is a unit vector if 3 −5
pa

π π (c) (d)
(a) θ = (b) θ = 2 2
4 3
e

 [NCERT Exemp. Ex. 10.3, Q. 23, Page 217]

π 2π
pl

Ans. Correct option : (d)

(c) θ = (d) θ =
2 2 Explanation :
am

 
 [NCERT Misc. Ex. Q. 17, Page 459] Since, two non-zero vectors a and b are orthogonal,
 
Ans. Correct option : (d) i.e., a.b = 0
ls

Explanation : ∴ ( 2i + λ j + k ) ⋅ (i + 2 j + 3k ) = 0

 
al

Let a and b be two-unit vectors and q be the angle ⇒ 2 + 2λ + 3 = 0

between them.
@

   −5
Then, a + b = | b | = 1. ∴ λ=
2
    Q. 5. The value of l for which the vectors 3i − 6 j + k
Now, a + b is a unit vector if a + b = 1 .
  and 2i − 4 j + λ k are parallel is
a+b =1
  (a) 2/3 (b) 3/2
⇒ ( a + b )2 = 1 (c) 5/2 (d) 2/5
     [NCERT Exemp. Ex. 10.3, Q. 24, Page 217]
⇒ ( a + b ).( a + b ) = 1
       Ans. Correct option : (a)
⇒ a.a + a.b + b .a + bb = 1 Explanation :
2  2    
⇒ a + 2 a.b + b = 1 Let a = 3i − 6 j + k and b = 2 i − 4 j + λ k
 
  Since, a || b
⇒ 12 + 2 a b cos θ + 12 = 1
3 −6 1
1 ⇒ = =
⇒ cos θ = − 2 −4 λ
2 2
2π ⇒ λ=
⇒θ= 3
3       
  2π Q. 6. If a , b and c are unit vectors such that a + b + c = 0 ,
So that, a + b is a unit vector if θ = .      
3 then the value of a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a is
380 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

(a) 1 (b) 3 
 b 
(c) –3/2 (d) None of these =a⋅  b
 [NCERT Exemp. Ex. 10.3, Q. 29, Page 218] b
Ans. Correct option : (c)
Explanation :   
       b  
We have, a + b + c = 0 and a 2 = 1 , b 2 = 1 , c 2 = 1 = a ⋅   ⋅ b
       b
∴ ( a + b + c )( a + b + c ) = 0  
                     
⇒ a2 + a ⋅ b + a ⋅ c + b ⋅ a + b 2 + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a + c ⋅ b + c 2 Q. 8. If a , b, and c are three vectors such that a + b + c = 0
  
=0 and a = 2, b = 3 and c = 5, then the value of
2 2 2            
⇒ a + b + c + 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0
a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a is
            (a) 0 (b) 1
[Q a ⋅ b = b ⋅ a , b ⋅ c = c ⋅ b and c ⋅ a = a ⋅ c ]
      (c) –19 (d) 38
⇒ 1 + 1 + 1 + 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0
 [NCERT Exemp. Ex. 10.3, Q. 31, Page 218]
      3 Ans. Correct option : (c)
⇒ a ⋅b +b ⋅c + c ⋅a = −
2

m
Explanation :
      2 2 2
Q. 7. The projection vector of a on b is Here, a + b + c = 0 and a = 4, b = 9, c = 25

ra
           
a⋅b a⋅b ∴ (a + b + c ) ⋅ (a + b + c ) = 0

eg
(a)    b (b)                 
 b  b ⇒ a2 + a ⋅ b + a ⋅ c + b ⋅ a + b 2 + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a + c ⋅ b + c 2 = 0
            

l
    ⇒ a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0 [∵
∵ a ⋅ b = b ⋅ a]

te
a⋅b a⋅b
(c)  (d)   2 
b      
⇒ 4 + 9 + 25 + 2( a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a ) = 0
a  a 
 [NCERT Exemp. Ex. 10.3, Q. 30, Page 218]
df       −38
⇒ a ⋅b +b ⋅c + c ⋅a = = −19
sp
Ans. Correct option : (a) 2
Explanation :

r


Projection vector of a on b is given by,
pe
pa

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

e
pl

→ →
Q. 1. If a and b are unit vectors, then what is the Sol. ( 2i + 3 j + 2 k )·( 2i + 2 j + k ) = 12 ½
am

→ → → →
angle between a and b , so that 2 a - b is a →→
a·b 12
p= or p= →
unit vector ? A [Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2015] →
ls

|b| |b|
al

→ → → → → →
Sol. 2 a.a− 2 2 a.b+ b .b = 1 12
= =4 ½
@

→ → → → 3
2 | a | −2 2 a . b +| b | = 1
2 2
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015]

→ →
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
2 − 2 2 a.b+ 1 = 1 Q. 3. Write the projection of the vector a = 2 i - j+ k on
→ → −2 1
a.b = = → ∧ ∧ ∧
−2 2 2 the vector b = i + 2 j+ 2 k .
→ → 1
| a || b |cos q = R&U [Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2014]
2
→ →
1 Sol. Projection of a vector a on the vector b is given by
1.1.cos q = →→
2
a·b
π = →
q= 1 |b|
4
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] ( 2i − j + k )·(i + 2 j + 2 k )
=
→ 12 + 2 2 + 2 2
Q. 2. Find the projection of vector a = 2i +3 j + 2 k on
2−2+2 2
→ = = 1
the vector b = 2i + 2 j + k . R&U [NCERT] 3 3

[O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2015] [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
VectorS [ 381
→ → →
Commonly Made Error b+c
Q.7. Write the projection of on a,
 Most of the candidates calculate dot product instead
of applying projection formula. ^ ^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
where a = 2 i - 2 j+ k , b = i + 2 j - 2 k and
Answering Tip → ^ ^ ^
 Clarify the concept of scalar projection of vector c = 2 i - j+ 4 k .
thoroughly.
R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2013]
∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 4. Find the projection of vector i +3 j+7 k on the → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. a = 2 i − 2 j+ k
∧ ∧ ∧
vector 2 i - 3 j+6 k . R&U [Delhi Set II, III 2014] → ∧ ∧ ∧
b = i + 2 j− 2k

Sol. Required projection :
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ and c = 2 i − j+ 4 k
( i + 3 j + 7 k ).( 2 i − 3 j + 6 k )

m
= → → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ b + c = i + 2 j− 2 k+ 2 i − j+ 4 k
|2 i − 3 j + 6 k |

ra
∧ ∧ ∧

eg
35 35 = 3 i + j+ 2 k
= = = 5 1
49 7

l
→ → →

te
∧ ∧ ∧ Projection of ( b + c ) on a
Q. 5. Write the projection of the vector i + j + k along
→ → →
∧
df =
( b + c )· a
½
the vector j . R&U [Foreign Set I, II, III 2014] →
sp
| a |
→
r

Sol. We know that the projection of a vector a on the ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧

pe

( 3 i + j + 2 k )·( 2 i − 2 j + k )
→ →→ =
vector b is given by a · b . 4+4+1
pa

→
|b| 6−2+2
= = 2. ½
3
e

∧ ∧ ∧
pl

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]

\ The projection of the vector i + j + k along the
→
am

∧
vector j is, Q. 8. Find ‘l’ when the projection of a = λ i + j + 4k
→
 ∧  on b = 2i +6 j +3k is 4 units.
ls

 ∧ ∧ ∧  j  = 1.
 i + j + k .
  2 1
al

2 2 R&U [Delhi Set I, II, III 2012]

 0 + 1 + 0 

@

→ →
∧ ∧ ∧ Sol. Projection of a on b = 4,
Q. 6. Write the projection of the vector 7 i + j - 4 k on (given)
∧ ∧ ∧ →→
a·b
the vector 2 i +6 j+3 k . R&U [Delhi 2015] =4 ½
→
\ |b|
[Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2013]
( λi + j + 4 k ).( 2i + 6 j + 3k )
→→ or =4
→ → 4 + 36 + 9
Sol. Projection of a on b = a · b or 2l + 6 + 12 = 7 × 4
→
|b| or 2l = 28 – 18 = 10
or l = 10 = 5. ½
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ 2
(7 i + j − 4 k )·( 2 i + 6 j + 3 k )
= [CBSE Marking Scheme 2012]
2 2 + 6 2 + 32
→ →
14 + 6 − 12 8 Q. 9. If a and b are perpendicular vectors,
= = 1
49 7 → → → →
| a + b | = 13 and | a | = 5, find the value of | b | .
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013] A [O.D. Set III 2014]
382 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

∧ ∧ ∧
→ → → → → → Q. 11. For what value of l are the vectors i + 2 λ j+ k and
2 2 2
Sol. | a + b | = | a | +| b | + 2 a . b
→
∧ ∧ ∧
2
(13) = ( 5) +| b | +02 2 2 i + j - 3 k perpendicular ?
or
→ → → → R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2013, 2011]
{ a ⊥ b Þ | a |·| b | cos q = 0 as q = 90°} [Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2012]
→
Sol. For two vectors to be perpendicular, their product
or (169 – 25) = | b |2 should be zero.
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ \ ( i + 2λ j + k ).( 2 i + j − 3 k ) = 0
or | b | = 12 1
or
1 × 2 + 2l × 1 + 1 × (– 3) = 0
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
1
l= · 1
Q. 10. Write the value of l so that the vectors 2

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → →
a = 2 i + λ j+ k and b = i - 2 j+3 k are Q. 12. Find | x |, if for a unit vector a and

m
perpendicular to each other ?
→ → → →

ra
( x + a ) .( x - a ) = 15. A [O.D. Set I 2013]
A [Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2013]

eg
[O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2012] →
∧ ∧ ∧ Sol. | a |=1
→

l
a = 2 i + λ j+ k,

te
Sol. → → → →
Given ( x − a ).( x + a ) = 15
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
b = i −2 j+3k df →→ →→ →→ →→
and or x · a − a · x + x · x − a · a = 15
sp
For perpendicular : →
or | x |2 – 1 = 15
→→
r

→
pe

a . b =0
{Qa is a unit vector | a | =1}
or 2 × 1 + l(– 2) + 1 × 3 = 0 ½ → →
pa

| x |2 = 16 or | x | ± 4
or 2l = 5
As magnitude of a vector is non-negative.
e

5
or l= · ½ →
pl

2 So | x | = 4. 1
am

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]

→ → → → → →
Q. 13. If a and b are unit vectors, then what is the angle between a and b for a - 2 b to be unit vectors ?
ls

R&U [O.D. Set-II, 2016]

al
@

Sol.

[Topper’s Answer 2016]

∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 14. If a ,b and c are mutually perpendicular unit | a| = |b | = | c | = 1
and ...(ii)
∧ ∧ ∧
vectors, then find value of | 2 a+ b + c |. ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Now, | 2 a + b + c |2 = ( 2 a + b + c ).( 2 a + b + c )
R&U [All India 2015] ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
= 4( a . a ) + 2( a . b ) + 2( a . c ) + 2( b . a )
∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. Given a , b and c are mutually perpendicular ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
unit vectors, i.e., +( b . b ) + ( b . c ) + 2( c . a ) + ( c . b ) + ( c . c )

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → → →
a. b = b.c = c .a = 0 ...(i) [Q a . a = | a |2 ]
VectorS [ 383
→ → → →
[Qdot product is distributive over addition] ½
∧ ∧ Sol. Given, | a | = 2, | b | = 3 and a . b = 3
2 2
= 4(| a | ) + 2( 0 ) + 2( 0 ) + 2( 0 )+ | b | +( 0 ) → →
∧ \ Projection of b on a
+2( 0 ) + ( 0 )+ | c |2 → → → →

b.a a.b → → → →
→ → → → = →
= → [Q a . b = b . a ]
[from Eq. (i) and a . b = b . a ]
|a| |a|
= 4(1) + 1 + 1 = 4 + 1 + 1 = 6
∧ ∧ ∧ 3 → → →
= [Q a . b = 3 and | a | = 2] 1
\ | 2 a+ b + c | = 6 ½ 2
[Q length cannot be negative]
→ → → → → → →
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] Q. 18. If a , b , c are unit vectors such that a + b + c = 0
→ → → → → → → → → →
Q. 15. If a and b are two unit vectors such that a + b is then write the value of a . b + b . c + c . a .
→
R&U [Foreign 2015]
also a unit vector, then find the angle between a

m
→ Sol. Try Yourself 1

ra
and b . R&U [Delhi 2014]
→ →
Q. 19. If a and b are unit vectors, then find the angle

eg
→ → → →
Sol. Given, | a | = 1, | b | = 1 and | a + b | = 1 → → → →
between a and b , given that ( 3 a - b ) is a unit

l
→ → → → → →

te
Now, | a + b |2 = ( a + b ).( a + b ) vector. R&U [Delhi 2014C][NCERT Exemplar]
→ → → → → → → → Sol. Try Yourself
df 1
= a . a + b . a + a . b + b . b ∧ ∧
Q. 20. Write the projection of vector i - j on the vector
sp
→ → → → → →
2 2 2
or | a + b | = | a | +2 a . b + | b |
∧ ∧
i+ j . R&U [All India 2011]
r

→ → → → → → →
2
[Q a . b = b . a and a . a = | a | ]
pe

Sol. Try Yourself 1

→ →
or 1 = 1 +2 a.b+1 → ∧ → ∧
pa

∧
→ →
Q. 21. If P is a unit vector and ( x − P ).( x + P ) = 80, then
or 2 a.b = – 1 ½ →
e

→ → 1 → → → → find | x | . R&U [All India 2009]

pl

or | a || b | cosq = – [Q a . b = | a || b |cosθ]
2 Sol. Try Yourself 1
am

1 → → → →
or cosq = – [Q| a |=| b |=1] Q. 22. Write the angle between vectors a and b with
2
ls

→ →
2p 2p magnitudes 3 and 2 respectively, having a . b =
or cosq = cos or q =
al

3 3 6. R&U [All India 2011]

@

2p→ → Sol. Try Yourself 1

Hence, the angle between a and b is . ½
3 → → → →
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] Q. 23. If | a | = 3 ,| b | = 2 and angle between a and b
→ →
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ is 60°, then find a . b . R&U [Delhi 2011C]
Q. 16. Find a . b , if a = – i + j− 2 k and b = 2 i + 3 j − k .
Sol. Try Yourself 1
R&U [All India 2009C]
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧ →
Q. 24. Find a . b, if a = 3 i - j+ 2 k and b =
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. Given, a = − i + j − 2 k and b = 2 i + 3 j − k ∧ ∧ ∧
2 i + 3 j+ 3 k . R&U [Delhi 2009C]
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Then, a . b = ( − i + j − 2 k ).( 2 i + 3 j − k ) Sol. Try Yourself 1
= – 2 + 3 + 2 = 3 1 ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 25. Find the value of l, if the vectors 3 i+ λ j+ 3 k and
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2019]
∧ ∧ ∧
→ → → → 3 i + 2 j − 4 k are perpendicular to each other.
Q. 17. If | a | = 2, | b | = 3 and a . b = 3, then find the
→ → R&U [All India 2010C]
projection of b on a . R&U [All India 2010C]
Sol. Try Yourself 1
384 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

→ → → → Detailed Solution :
Q. 26. Find the projection of a on b , if a . b = 8 and → → 9
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ Given, angle q = 60° and a . b =
2
b = 2 i + 6 j+ 3 k . R&U [Delhi 2009]
→ →
Sol. Try Yourself 1 a.b
Q cos q = → →
→
Q. 27. Find the magnitude of each of the vectors a and | a |.| b |
→ 9/2
b , having the same magnitude such that the angle Þ cos 60° = → →
→ →
(Q| a |=| b |) ½
9 | a |.| a |
between them is 60° and their scalar product is .
2 1 →2 9 →
Þ |a| = Þ | a | = 3.
R&U [Delhi/O.D. 2018] 2 2
→ →
→ → \ | a | = | b | = 3. ½
Sol. | a | = | b | = 3 ½+½

[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]

m
ra
Short Answer Type Questions (2 marks each)

eg
→ → → →

l
Q. 1. If either vector a = 0 or b = 0 then a · b = 0 But

te
→ → →
the converse need not be true. Justify your answer. From eqn. (i), 2 a + b is ⊥ to b .
 A [NCERT] [Foreign 2011] df [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2013]
→→ ∧ ∧ ∧
sp
Sol. Let a·b = 0 Q. 3. Find the projection (vector) of 2 i - j+ k on
→ →
r

∧ ∧ ∧
or | a || b |cos θ = 0
i - 2 j+ k .
pe

R&U [SQP 2017-18]

→→
a·b
pa

as cos q = → → 1 → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → → →

| a || b |
Sol. a = 2 i − j + k , b = i − 2 j + k , a . b = 5, | b | = 6.

½

e

→ →
| a | = 0 or | b | = 0
pl

Either → →
The required projection (vector) of a on b
or cos q = 0
am

→ →
π a.b →
q = 1 = b 1
2 →
ls

thus, it is clear that the dot product of two non-zero | b |2

al

perpendicular vector is always zero. This shows ∧ ∧ ∧

5
that the converse is not true. = ( i − 2 j + k ). ½
@

→ → → → → 6
Q. 2. If a , b are two vectors such that | a + b |=| a |,
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧
then prove that 2 a + b is perpendicular to b . Q. 4. If q is the angle between two vectors i − 2 j + 3 k
A [Delhi Set I 2013] ∧ ∧ ∧
and 3 i − 2 j + k , find sin q. R&U [Delhi/O.D.-2018]
→ → →
Sol. Given, |a + b| =|a|
→ → →
( ) (
| i − 2 j + 3k × 3i − 2 j + k | )
2 2 Sol. sin q = ½

|a + b| =|a| |i − 2 j + 3 j || 3i − 2 j + k |

→ → →→
| a |2 + | b |2 + 2 a · b = | a |2
→ ( ) (
| i − 2 j + 3k × 3i − 2 j + k |
)
or
→ →→
| b |2 + 2 a · b = 0 ...(i) = | 4i + 8 j + 4 k | = 4 6 1

→ → → →→ →→ 4 6 2 6
Now, ( 2 a + b )· b = 2 a · b + b · b 1 sin q = = ½
14 7
→ → → [CBSE Marking Scheme, 2018]
b .( 2 a + b ) = 0 1

VectorS [ 385
Detailed Answer : 3+4+3 10 5
= = = .
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ →
2 2 2 14 14 7
Let a = i − 2 j + 3 k Þ | a | = 1 + ( −2 ) + 3 = 14
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → \ sin q = 1 − cos2 θ
2 2 2
b = 3 i − 2 j + k Þ | b | = 3 + ( −2 ) + 1 = 14
25
sin q = 1−
→ → 49
a.b
Q cos q = → → 24 2 6
| a |.| b | = = 1
7 7
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
( i − 2 j + 3 k ).( 3 i − 2 j + k )
= 1
14 . 14

Long Answer Type Questions-I (4 marks each)

m
→

ra
Q. 1. Find the vector p which is perpendicular to both → →
AB × AC
Sol. Required vector = 1

eg
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → →
→ →
α = 4 i +5 j - k and β = i - 4 j+5 k and p . q = 21, AB × AC

l
→ ∧ ∧ ∧

te
where q = 3 i + j - k . →
or AB = (Position vector of B)
A [O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2014]
df – (Position vector of A)
sp
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. Any vector perpendicular to both α and or AB = − i + 2 j + k
r

→ → →
Similarly
pe

β = Parallel to ( α × β ) ½
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ → → AC = 0 i + j + 2 k 1
\ p = l (α × β )
pa

i j k
i j k
→ →
e

AB× AC = −1 2 1
pl

= λ 4 5 −1 ½ 0 1 2
1 −4 5
am

= i( 4 − 1) − j(−2 − 0 ) + k (−1 − 0 )

= λ[i( 25 − 4 ) − j( 20 + 1) + k ( −16 − 5)]

ls

→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
AB × AC = 3 i + 2 j − k
= λ[ 21i − 21j − 21k ] 1 1
al

\ Required unit vector

@

→ →
p . q = 21 1 ∧ ∧ ∧
(Given) = (3 i + 2 j − k ) 1
14
λ( 21i − 21j − 21k ).( 3i + j − k ) = 21 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]

l(63 – 21 + 21) = 21 ½
Commonly Made Error
1
l = ½  Sometimes, candidates use cross product without
3 → →
evaluating AB and AC . Some candidates make
\ p = λ( 21i − 21j − 21k )
mistakes while evaluating the unit vector in the
1  final answer.
p= ( 21i − 21j − 21k )
3
Answering Tip
∧ ∧ ∧
p = 7i − 7 j −7k 1  Vector algebra in finding unit vector need to be
understood by the students.
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 2. Find the unit vector perpendicular to the plane
Q. 3. If a = i - j+7 k and b = 5 i - j+ λ k , then find
ABC where the position vectors A, B and C are
→ → → →
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
2 i - j+ k , i + j+ 2 k and 2 i +3 k . the value of l so that a+ b and a - b are
perpendicular vectors. R&U [O.D. Set I 2013]
R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2014]
386 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Sol. Given , ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ ( i + j + k )·( 2 i + 4 j − 5 k ) + ( i + j + k )·( λ i + 2 j + 3 k )

a = i− j+ 7k
∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
→ = (λ + 2) i + 6 j − 2 k ½
and b = 5i− j+ λk
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
or (2 + 4 – 5) + (l + 2 + 3)
→ →
a + b = ( i − j + 7 k ) + (5 i − j + λ k ) 1 2
= ( λ + 2 ) + 36 + 4 1

∧ ∧ ∧
\ (l + 6)2 = (l + 2)2 + 40 or l = 1 ½
= 6 i − 2 j + (7 + λ ) k
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ b+ c 3 i + 6 j− 2k
Hence =
and a – b = ( i − j + 7 k ) − (5 i − j + λ k ) → → 7
|b+ c|
∧ ∧
− 4 i + (7 − λ ) k
= 1
3∧ 6∧ 2∧
→ → → → = i + j− k 1
7 7 7
Since ( a + b ) and ( a – b ) are perpendicular
vectors, [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]

m
→ → → → Alternative Method :
\ ( a + b )·( a – b ) = 0

ra
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ Let a = i + j+ k

eg
{6 i – 2 j + (7 + l) k }·{– 4 i + (7 – l) k } = 0
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
or – 24 + (7 + l) (7 – l) = 0 1 and b + c = (2 i + 4 j − 5 k ) + (λ i + 2 j+ 3 k )
49 – l2 – 24 = 0

l
or

te
or l2 = 49 – 24 = 25 → → ∧ ∧ ∧

b + c = (2 + λ) i + 6 j − 2 k
or l = ± 5 units 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2013] df So,
→ →
|b + c|= ( 2 + λ )2 + 36 + 4
sp
→ → → → → →
Q. 4. Vectors a , b and c are such that a + b + c = 0 = λ 2 + 4 λ + 44 = r, (say) ...(i) ½

r

→ → → → →
pe

and | a |= 3,| b |= 5 and | c |= 7. Find the angle \ Unit vector along b + c is given by :

→ → → →
pa

between a and b . R&U [Delhi Set I, II, III, 2014] (b + c) 2+λ∧ 6∧ 2 ∧

→ → = i+ j− k ½
r r r
|b+ c|
e

→ → → → → →
Sol. a + b + c = 0 , \ a + b = − c ½
pl

→ → →
( a + b ) = (− c )
→ → 2 → 2 → Since, a .( b + c ) = 1
am

2
or =| c | ½
∧ ∧ ∧  2 + λ ∧ 6 ∧ 2 ∧
→ → or ( i + j + k ).  i + j − k = 1 ½
or 9 + 25 + 2 a b cosθ = 49 1  r r r 
ls

→ →  2 + λ
al

 6  −2 
q being angle between a and b ,
1 or 1 + 1  + 1  = 1 ½
 r   r  r 
@

15 1 π
\ cos q = = or q = 1 λ+6
2·3·5 2 3 or =1 ⇒ λ+6=r
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014] r
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
or l+6= λ 2 + 4 λ + 44 , from (i) ½
Q. 5. The scalar product of the vector a = i+ j+ k
with a unit vector along the sum of vectors or λ 2 + 12 λ + 36 = λ 2 + 4 λ + 44
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ or 8l = 8
b = 2 i+ 4 j - 5 k and c = λ i + 2 j + 3 k is equal to
\ l=1Þr=7 ½
one. Find the value of l and hence find the unit → → ∧ ∧ ∧
→ → b+ c 3i +6 j−2 j
vector along| b + c |. Hence, → → =
R&U [OD 2009] 7
 |b+ c|
[O.D. Set I, II, III, 2014]
3∧ 6∧ 2∧
Sol. Given that = i + j− k 1
→ →
7 7 7
→ b+ c
a· Q. 6. Dot product of a vector with vectors
→ →
=1 ½ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
b+ c i - j + k , 2 i + j - 3 k and i + j+ k are respectively
→→ →→ → → 4, 0 and 2. Find the vector.
or a·b + a·c = b + c ½  A [Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2013]
VectorS [ 387
Sol. Let the required vector be → → →
→ Sol. Let, c = a+ b
r = xi + y j + zk ½
→ ∧ ∧ or | c | = | a |2 + | b |2 +2 | a || b |cos θ 1
Also, let a = i− j + k ,
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → → →
b = 2 i + j − 3k Given that c , a and b are unit vectors.
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ So, |a|=|b|=|c|=1
and c = i + j+ k or 2| a | | b | cos q = – 1 1
→→ → → →
Given, r · a = 4 or x – y + z = 4 ...(i) ½ or d = a− b
→→
r · b = 0 or 2x + y – 3z = 0 ...(ii) ½ | d | = | a |2 + | b |2 − 2 | a || b |cos θ
→→
and r · c = 2 or x + y + z = 2 ...(iii) ½ = 1+1+1 = 3 1
By solving eqns. (i), (ii), & (iii), we get → →
x = 2, y = – 1, z = 1 1½ \ |a − b|= 3. 1

m
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
\ The req. vector is r = 2 i − j + k ½ [CBSE Marking Scheme 2012]

ra
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013] → → →
Q. 9. If a, b, c are three vectors such that

eg
Answering Tip → → → → → → →
 | a |= 5, | b |= 12 and | c |= 13 and a+ b+ c = 0 ,
Generally students commit errors in simplifying

l
te
→ → → → → →
equation which leads to get the wrong result.
find the value of a . b + b . c + c . a .
Q. 7. Find the values of l for which the angle between the df
R&U [Delhi Set I, II, III, 2012]
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
vectors a = 2 λ 2 i + 4 λ j + k and b = 7 i - 2 j +λ k
sp
→ → → →
is obtuse. A [O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2013]
Sol. a+ b+ c = 0
r

→ → →
pe

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
or ( a + b + c )2 = 0 ½
Sol. Here, a = 2λ 2 i + 4 λ j + k
pa

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → → → → → → → → → → → →
b = 7i − 2 j+ λk or a . a + b . b + c . c + 2( a . b + b . c + c . a )
and
→ → = 0 1
e

If q is the angle between the vectors a and b ,

pl

then → → →
or | a |2 + | b |2 + | c |2
am

→→ → →
→ → → → → →
a · b = | a || b |cos θ + 2(a .b+ b . c + c . a) = 0 1

→→
→→ →→ →→
ls

a·b \ a.b+ b. c+ c .a
Or cos q = → → ½
al

| a || b | 1 → → →
= − [| a |2 + | b |2 + | c |2 ] ½
@

2
for q to be obtuse
→→ 1
cos q < 0 or a · b < 0 ½ = − (25 + 144 + 169)
2
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
2 1
or ( 2 λ i + 4 λ j + k ) · (7 i − 2 j + λ k ) < 0

= – 169 1
or 14l2 – 8l + l < 0 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2012]
or 14l2 – 7l < 0 → → →
Q. 10. If a, b and c are three vectors such that
or 2l2 – l < 0
or l(2l – 1) < 0 ½ → → →
| a |= 3,| b |= 4 and| c |= 5 and each one of them
½
is perpendicular to the sum of the other two, then
→ → →
1
\ l Î  0 ,  1 find | a + b + c |. R&U [O.D. Comptt. 2011, 2010]
 2
[O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2013]
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]
→ → → → →
Q. 8. If the sum of two unit vectors a and b is a unit Sol. Since a ⊥ ( b + c ), therefore
vector, then show that the magnitude of their → → →
a .( b + c ) = 0
difference is 3.
→ → → →
R&U [Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2012] or a.b + a.c = 0
388 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

→ → → → → → → → → → → → → → → →
or a. a+(a.b+ a. c) = a.a+ 0 ½ ( a + b + c ). a = | a + b + c || a | cos a
→ → → → →
or a .( a + b + c ) = | a |2  → 
or a = cos –1  |a| 
→ → → →  → → → 
or a .( a + b + c ) = 32 = 9 ...(i) ½  | a + b + c |
→ → → → →
 → 
Similarly, b .( a + b + c ) = | b |2 = 16 ...(ii) ½ |b| 
Similarly, b = cos–1  and
→ → → → →  → → → 
and c .( a + b + c ) = | c |2 = 25 ...(iii) ½  | a + b + c |
Adding eqn. (i), (ii) and (iii), we get  → 
→ → → → → → → → g = cos –1  |c|  1
a .( a + b + c ) + b .( a + b + c )  → → → 
→ → → →  | a + b + c |
+ c .( a + b + c ) = 50 ½ using (i), we get a = b = g ½

→ → → → → → Now

m
or ( a + b + c ).( a + b + c ) = 50 ½ → → → → → → → → → → → →
| a + b + c |2 = | a |2 + | b |2 + | c |2 +2( a . b + b . c + c . a )

ra
→ → →
or | a + b + c |2 = 50 ½ 1

eg
→ → → → → → →
or |a+ b+ c | = 50 = 5 2 ½ or | a + b + c |2 = 3 | a |2 (using (i))

l
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013] → → → →

te
or |a+ b+ c | = 3| a |
∧ ∧
Q. 11. Find the angle between the vectors i − j and df  1 
∧ ∧
= cos–1 
\  =b=g ½
 3
sp
j − k.  R&U [NCERT Exemplar]
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017]
 [Outside Delhi Set-II, 2015]
r

→ → →
pe

Q. 13. If a , b and c are mutually perpendicular vectors

→ ∧ ∧ →
Sol. a = i− j Þ |a| = 2 of equal magnitudes, find the angles which the
pa

→ → → → →
→
→ ∧ ∧
vector 2 a+ b+ 2 c makes with the vectors a , b
b = j− k Þ |b| = 2
e

→
→ →   and c . A [O.D. Comptt. 2017]
a . b = | a || b | cosq
pl

am

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → → → →
 i − j  . j − k  = 2 × 2 cosq Sol. Let the vector P = ( 2 a + b + 2 c ) makes angles a,
  
→ → →
ls

1 b, g respectively with the vector a , b , c

− = cosq
2
al

→ → → → →
→ →
2π Given that | a | = | b | = | c | and a . b = c . a = 0
@

q=
3 1
2π → → → →
\ angle between vectors is ( 2 a + b + 2 c ). a
3 cos a = ½
→ → → →
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] | 2 a + b + 2 c || a |
→ → →
→
Q .12. If a , b , c are mutually perpendicular vectors 2 | a |2 2 2
→ → →
= → →
= or a = cos–1 1
3 3
of equal magnitudes, show that the vector a + b + c 3 | a || a |
→ → → → → → → →
is equally inclined to a , b and c . Also, find the ( 2 a + b + 2 c ). b | b |2 1
cos b = = =
→ → → → → → → → → → → → 3
angle which a + b + c makes with a or b or c . | 2 a + b + 2 c || b | 3 | b || b |
A [Delhi 2017] 1
or b = cos–1 1
→ → →
3
→ → → → → →
Sol. | a | = | b | = | c | and a . b = 0 = b . c = c . a ...(i) 1 → → → →
( 2 a + b + 2 c ). c
→ → → cos g =
→ → → →
Let a, b and g be the angles made by ( a + b + c ) | 2 a + b + 2 c || c |
→ → →
with a , b and c respectively
VectorS [ 389
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
→
2 Q. 15. If vectors a = 2 i + 2 j +3 k , b = − i + 2 j + k , and
2 | c |2
= =
→ → 3 → ∧ ∧ → →
3 | c || c | c = 3 i + j are such that a + λ b is perpendicular
2 →
or g = cos–1
½ to c , then find the value of l.
3
 R&U [Foreign 2011; All India 2009C]
[CBSE Marking Scheme, 2017] → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧

→ → →
Sol. Given, a = 2 i + 2 j + 3 k, b = − i + 2 j + k
Q. 14. If a and b are two vectors, such that | a | = 2, → ∧ ∧

→ → → → → → →
and c = 3i + j
| b | = 1 and a ·b = 1, then find (3 a - 5 b ) . (2 a + 7 b ). → → →

R&U [Delhi 2011] Also, a + λ b is perpendicular to c .

→ → →

→ → → →
\ ( a + λ b )· c = 0 ...(i) 1
Sol. Given, | a | = 2, | b | = 1 and a · b = 1 → → →→
 [\ when a ⊥ b , then a · b = 0]

m
→ → → →
Now, ( 3 a − 5 b ).( 2 a + 7 b ) → → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧

ra
→ → → → → → → →
Now, a + λ b = ( 2 i + 2 j + 3 k ) + λ( − i + 2 j + k )
= 6 a · a + 21 a · b − 10 b · a − 35 b · b

eg
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
or a + λ b = i ( 2 − λ ) + j( 2 + 2 λ ) + k ( 3 + λ ) 1
→ → → → → → 
= 6 | a |2 +21 a · b − 10 b · a − 35 | b|2 Then from Eq. (i), we get

l
te
1
 ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
[ i ( 2 − λ ) + j( 2 + 2 λ ) + k ( 3 + λ]·[3 i + j] = 0 1
→ → → → → → →


[Q x ·x =| x | and a · b = b · a ]
2 df or 3(2 – l) + 1(2 + 2l) =0
or 8–l =0
sp
→ → → →
= 6 | a |2 +11 a · b − 35 | b |2 \ l = 8 1
r

2 2
= 6(2) + 11(1) – 35(1)
pe

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 16. If p = 5 i + λ j − 3 k and q = i +3 j − 5 k , then
= 24 + 11 – 35 = 0 1
→ → → →
pa

→ →
 [Q | a | = 2 and | b | = 1] find the value of l, so that p + q and p − q are
→ → → →
perpendicular vectors. [All India 2013] R&U
e

Hence, ( 3 a − 5 b ).( 2 a + 7 b ) = 0 2 Sol. Try Yourself Like Q.3 LATQ-I.

pl

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2011]

am

Topic-3
ls

Cross Product
al
@

Revision Notes
→ →
1. The cross product of two vectors a and b is defined by,
→ → → → ∧ → → ∧
a × b = a b sin θ n , where q is the angle between the vectors a and b , 0 £ q £ p and n is a unit vector

→ →
perpendicular to both a and b . For better illustration, see figure.
n b

–n a

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Consider a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k .
∧ ∧ ∧
i j k
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
then, a × b = a1 a2 a3 = ( a2 b3 − a3b2 ) i − ( a1b3 − a3b1 ) j + ( a1b2 − a2 b1 ) k .
b1 b2 b3
390 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

• Properties/Observations of Cross Product

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
 i × i =|i || i |sin 0 = 0 or i × i = 0 = j × j = k × k .

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ π ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
 i × j = | i || j |sin . k = k or i × j = k , j × k = i , k × i = j .
2

→ → → → → →
 a × b is a vector c (say) then this vector c is perpendicular to both the vectors a and b .
→ → → → → → → → →
 a × b = 0 ⇔ a || b or , a = 0 , b = 0 .
→ → →
 a × a=0.

→ → → →

 a × b ≠ b × a (Commutative property does not hold for cross product).

m
→ → → → → → →
 a × ( b + c ) = a × b + a × c (Left distributive).

ra
→ → → → → → →

eg
 ( b + c ) × a = b × a + c × a (Right distributive).

l
(Distributive property of the vector product or cross product)

te
2. Relationship between Vector product and Scalar product [Lagrange’s Identity]
→ →  → →2 → → df
or | a × b |2 +  a · b  = | a |2 ·| b |2
 
sp
3. Cauchy-Schwarz inequality :
r

→ → →→ → →
pe

For any two vectors a and b , always have | a· b |≤| a || b |.

pa

Note :
→ →
• If a and b represent the adjacent sides of a triangle, then the area of triangle can be obtained by evaluating
e

1 → →
pl

| a × b |.
2
am

→ →
• If a and b represent the adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then the area of parallelogram can be obtained by
ls

→ →
evaluating | a × b |.
al

→ → 1 → →
• The area of the parallelogram with diagonals a and b is | a × b| .
@

Know the Formulae

→ →
 Angle between two vectors a and b in terms of cross-product can be found by the expression given here :
→ →  → → 
|a × b|
sin θ = or θ = sin −1 | a × b | .
→ →  → → 
| a || b |  
| a || b |

Theorem
Triangle Inequality
→ → → → → →
For any two vectors a and b , we always have | a + b | ≤ | a | +| b | .
→ → → → → →
Proof : The given inequality holds trivially when either a = 0 or b = 0 i.e., in such a case | a + b | = 0 = | a | +| b |.
→ →
So, let us check it for | a | ≠ 0 ≠ | b |.
→ → → → → →
Then consider
| a + b|2 = | a |2 +| b |2 + 2 a . b
VectorS [ 391
→ → → → → →
or | a + b|2 = | a |2 + | b |2 + 2 | a || b |cos θ
→ → → →
For cos q £ 1, we have : 2 | a || b |cos θ ≤ 2 | a || b |
→ → → → → → → →
or | a |2 +| b |2 +2 | a || b |cos θ ≤| a |2 +| b |2 +2 | a || b |
→ → → 2
 →
or | a + b |2 ≤ | a | + | b |
 
→ → → →
or | a + b |≤| a | +| b | Hence proved


Objective Type Questions (1 mark each)

Q. 1. The value of i.( j × k ) + j.(i × k ) + k .(i × j ) is Ans. Correct option : (b)

m
Explanation :
(a) 0 (b) –1

ra
  2
(c) 1 (d) 3 It is given that a = 3 and b = .
3

eg
 [NCERT Misc.]  
 
Ans. Correct option : (c) We know that a × b = a b sin θ n , where n is a unit

l
Explanation :

te
 
i.( j × k ) + j.(i × k ) + k .(i × j ) vector perpendicular to both a and b and q is the
 
= i.i + j.(− j ) + k .k df angle between a and b .
   
Now, a × b is a unit vector if a × b = 1 .
sp
= 1 − j.j + 1
 
= 1−1+1 a ×b =1
r

 
pe

=1 ⇒ a b sin θn = 1
   
Q. 2. If q is the angle between any two vectors a and b , ⇒ a b sin θ = 1
pa

   
then a.b = a × b when q is equal to 2
⇒ 3× × sin θ = 1
e

(a) 0 (b) p/4 3

pl

1
(c) p/2 (d) p ⇒ sin θ =
2
am

 [NCERT Misc. ]
π
Ans. Correct option : (b) ⇒ θ=
4
Explanation :   

ls

 So that, a × b is a unit vector if the angle between a

Let q be the angle between two vectors a and b . 
 π
al

 and b is .
Then, without loss of generality, a and b are non-
 4
@


zero vectors, so that | a |and | b |are positive. Q. 4. The vectors from origin to the points A and B are
    
a.b = a × b a = 2i − 3 j + 2 k and b = 2i + 3 j + k respectively, then
    the area of triangle OAB is
⇒ a b cos θ = a b sin θ
  (a) 340 (b) 25
⇒ cos θ = sin θ Q a and b are posittive. 1
(c) 229 (d) 229
⇒ tan θ = 1 2
 [NCERT Exemp. ]
π
⇒ θ= Ans. Correct option : (d)
4 Explanation :
1  
   π Area of ∆OAB = OA × OB
So that, a.b = a × b when q is equal to . 2
4 1  
= ( 2i − 3 j + 2 k ) × ( 2i + 3 j + k )
   2
Q. 3. Let the vectors a and b be such that a = 3 and i j k
 2 1
b = , = 2 −3 2

3 then a × b is a unit vector, if the angle 2
2 3 1
 
between a and b is =
1 
i(−3 − 6 ) − j( 2 − 4 ) + k ( 6 + 6 )
(a) p/6 (b) p/4 2 
(c) p/3 (d) p/2 1
= −9i + 2 j + 12 k
 [NCERT Ex. ] 2
392 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

   
Area of DOAB ∴ a ⋅ b = a b cos θ
1
= ( 81 + 4 + 144 ) 12 = 10 × 2 cos θ
2 12 3
1 ⇒ cos θ = =
= 229 20 5
2 9
    ⇒ sin θ = 1 − cos2 θ = 1 −
Q. 5. Foranyvector a ,thevalueof ( a × i)2 + ( a × j )2 + ( a × k )2 25
4
is equal to sin θ = ±
  5
(a) a 2 (b) 3 a 2    
  ∴ a × b = a b sin θ
(c) 4 a 2 (d) 2 a 2
 [NCERT Exemp.] 4
= 10 × 2 ×
Ans. Correct option : (d) 5
Explanation : = 16

Let a = xi + yj + z
k
Q. 7. The vectors λi + j + 2 k , i + λ j − k and 2i − j + λ k

m

∴ a 2 = x2 + y2 + z2 are coplanar, if

ra
i j  k (a) l = –2 (b) l = 0

∴ a ×i = x y z (c) l = 1 (d) l = –1

eg
1 0 0  [NCERT Exemp.]
Ans. Correct option : (a)

l
= i[0] − j[− z] + 

te
k[ − y ] Explanation :
  
= zj − y k Let a =λi + j + 2 k , b = i + λ j − k and c = 2i − j + λ k
 df  
∴ ( a ×i )2 = ( zj − y k )( zj − y
k) For a, b and c to be coplanar,
λ 1 2
sp
= y +z
2 2

  1 λ −1 = 0
Similarly, ( a × j ) = x + z and ( a ×  k )2 = x 2 + z 2
2 2 2
r

 2   2   2 2 −1 λ
(a × i) + (a × j) + (a × k ) = y2 + z2 + x2 + z2 + x2 + y2
pe

 ⇒ λ( λ 2 − 1) − 1( λ + 2 ) + 2(−1 − 2 λ ) = 0
= 2( x 2 + y 2 + z 2 ) = 2a 2
pa

      ⇒ λ3 − λ − λ − 2 − 2 − 4λ = 0
Q. 6. If a = 10, b = 2 and a ⋅ b = 12 , then the value of a × b
⇒ λ 3 − 6λ − 4 = 0
is
e

(a) 5 (b) 10 ⇒ (λ + 2) (λ 2 − 2λ − 2) = 0
pl

(c) 14 (d) 16 2 ± 12
λ = −2 or λ =
am

 [NCERT Exemp. ] ⇒
2
Ans. Correct option : (d) 2±2 3
Explanation : ⇒ λ = −2 or λ = = 1± 3
ls

    2
Here, a = 10, b = 2 and a ⋅ b = 12 [Given]
al
@

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

Q. 1. Write the value of (i × j ).k + i. j. Q. 3. Write the value of ( k × i )· j + i . k .
R&U [O.D. Set I, 2012] R&U [O.D. Set III, 2012]

Sol. (i × j ).k + i.j. = k .k + i.j Sol. ( k × i)·j + i . k = j.j + i . k

= 1 + 0 = 1 1
=1+0=1 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2012] [CBSE Marking Scheme 2012]
→ →
Q. 2. Write the value of ( k × j ). i + j. k . Q. 4. If a and b are two vectors of magnitude 3 and
→ →
R&U [O.D. Set II, 2012] 2 respectively such that a × b is a unit vector,
3
( k × j ).i + j. k = − i .i + 0
→ →
Sol. write the angle between a & b .
R&U [O.D. 2010] [Delhi Set II, 2014] [S.Q.P. 2012]
= – i.i + 0

Sol. We know

=–1+0=–1 1 → → → → ∧ ∧
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2012] | a × b | = | a || b |sin θ. n , where n = 1

VectorS [ 393
→ → →
|a× b|=1 then x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 (as, | a | = a)
→
→ a × i = − yk + z j ,
| a |=3 [Given]

→ 2 → →
and |b|= a × j = xk − zi ,
3
2 → →
\ 1=3× sin q and a × k = − x j + yi
3
1 → → →
or sin q =
\ ( a × i) + ( a × j ) + ( a × k )
2 2 2
2
π = 2(x2 + y2 + z2) = 2a2 1
or q= 1
6 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2012]
→ → 2 → → Q. 8. Find the direction cosines of the vector joining the
Q. 5. Vectors a and b are such that | a |= 3 , | b |=

m
3 points A(1, 2, – 3) and B(– 1, – 2, 1) directed from B
→ →
and a × b is a unit vector. Write the angle to A.

ra
→ → R&U [Outside Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2016]
between a & b . R&U [Delhi Set II, 2014]

eg
→
Sol. BA = 2i + 4 j − 4 k

l
→ →

te
Sol. Since a × b is a unit vector, therefore →
→ → or d-ratios of BA are 2, 4, – 4
|a × b| = 1 df
1 2 2
→ → \ Direction cosines are :
, ,− 1
sp
or | a || b |sin θ = 1 3 3 3
 2
r

or ( 3 )   sin θ = 1 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]

pe

 3
→ →
3 Q. 9. Find the angle between two vectors a and b
sin q =
pa

or
2
having the same length 2 and their vector
π
e

\ q= · 1 ∧ ∧ ∧
3 product is - i - j + k .
pl

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]

am

→ → R&U [Outside Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2016]

→ →
Q. 6. If | a |= 8,| b |= 3 and | a × b |= 12, find the
→
| −i − j + k |
ls

→
angle between a and b . Sol. sin q =
2· 2
al

R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2014] 3

sin q =
@

Sol. We know 2

→ → → →
or q = 60°
| a × b | = | a || b |sin θ
π
→ → or q= 1
| a × b|
12 1 3
or sin q = → → = =
| a || b | 8 × 3 2 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]

π Q. 10. Find l and m if (i +3 j +9 k )×(3i − λ j + µ k ) = 0.

\ q= 1
6 R&U [O.D. 2016]
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
→ → Sol. Getting l=–9
Q. 7. For vector a , if | a | = a, then write the value of : and m = 27 1
∧ 2 ∧ 2 ∧ 2
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
→ → →
 a × i  +  a × j  +  a × k . Detailed Solution :
     
(i + 3 j + 9 k ) × ( 3i − λ j + µ k ) = 0

 R&U [NCERT Exemplar] i j k
[Delhi Set I, II, III Comptt. 2016]
→ or 1 3 9 =0
Sol. Let a = xi + y j + zk
3 −λ µ
394 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

→
or i( 3µ + 9 λ ) − j( µ − 27 ) + k ( − λ − 9 ) = 0
→
Q. 11. If a and b are two non-zero vectors such that
or 3m + 9l = 0 ...(i) → → →→
| a × b |= a · b , then find the angle between
or m – 27 = 0 ...(ii)
→ →
or –l–9 =0 ...(iii) a and b . R&U [O.D. 2010] [S.Q.P. 2016]
from eqn. (ii) and (iii),
m = 27 Sol. sin q = cos q
and l =–9 or q = 45° 1
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
→ → → 1 → 4 → → 1 → →
Q. 12. If vectors a and b are such that | a |= ,| b |= and | a × b |= , then find | a · a |. R&U [O.D. Set II 2016]
2 3 3

Sol.

ra
l eg
te
df
r sp
pe
e pa
pl

1
am

[Topper’s Answer 2016]

→ →
Q. 13. Write the angle between the vectors a × b and
ls

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ → Sol. i × ( j + k ) + j × (k + i ) + k × (i + j)
b × a.  R&U [Delhi Comptt. 2017]
al

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
= i × j + i ×k+ j×k + j×i + k ×i+ k × j
@

→ → → →
Sol. Angle between a × b and b × a is p. 1
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ →
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] = k − j+i −k + j−i = 0
→ → → → →
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 14. If ( a × b )2 + ( a · b )2 = 225 and | a | = 5, then write [Q i × j = k , i × k = − j , j × k = i , j × i

→
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
the value of | b |. R&U [O.D. Comptt. 2017] − k × i = j, k × j = − i ] 1
 
→ → → →  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
Sol. ( a × b )2 + ( a · b )2 = 225
Answering Tip
→ →
2 2 Practice of calculation of vectors should be done
or | a || b | (sin q + cos q) = 225
2 2

properly.
→ →
or ( 5)2 | b |2 = 225 or | b | = 3 1 → →
Q. 16. Find the angle between a and b with magnitudes
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] → →

Q. 15. Write the value of the following. 1 and 2 respectively, when | a × b |= 3. 

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
i ×( j + k )+ j ×( k + i ) + k ×( i + j ) R&U [Delhi 2009]

→ → → →
 R&U [Foreign 2014] Sol. Given, | a | = 1,| b | = 2 and | a × b | = 3
VectorS [ 395
→ → 6 – 9p = 0
or | a || b | sin q = 3
2
\ p= 1
→ → → → ∧ ∧ 3
[Q a × b = | a || b |sin θ. n and| n | = 1]
  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2009]
or 1 × 2 × sin q = 3 Alternate Method :
3 π π → → a1 b1 c1
or sin q = = sin or q = Since a and b are parallel, = =
2 3 3 a 2 b2 c 2
π → →
3 2 9 2
Hence, the angle between a and b is . 1 Þ = = Þ p= .
3  1 p 3 3
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2009] → → → → →

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 18. If | a × b |2 +| a · b |2 = 400 and | a | = 5, then write
Q. 17. Write the value of p, for which a = 3 i + 2 j +9 k →

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ the value of | b |.  R&U [Foreign 2016]

and b = i + p j +3 k are parallel vectors.
 Sol. Try Yourself

m
R&U [Delhi 2009] Q. 19. Find l, if

ra
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ (2 i +6 j +14 k )×( i − λ j +7 k ) = 0
Sol. Given vectors are a = 3 i + 2 j + 9 k and

eg
 R&U [All India 2010]
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
b = i + p j + 3k

l
Sol. Try Yourself

te
→ →
Q. 20. Find the value of p,
Also a and b are parallel vectors.

So,
→
a×b =0
→
df ∧ ∧ ∧
if (2 i +6 j + 27 k )×( i +3 j + p k ) = 0
∧ ∧ ∧ →
sp
∧ ∧ ∧
 R&U [All India 2009]
i j k
r

→
or 3 2 9 = 0 Sol. Try Yourself
pe

1 p 3 Commonly Made Error

pa

 Some candidates make mistakes while calculating

∧ ∧ ∧ →
dot & cross product as vector i.i = 1 and i × i = 0 is
or i ( 6 − 9 p ) − j( 9 − 9 ) + k ( 3 p − 2 ) = 0
e

right method but candidates like i × i = 1 and i.i =

0 which is wrong.
pl

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
or i (6 − 9 p ) + k(3p − 2 ) = 0 i + 0 j + 0 k
am

∧ ∧
On comparing the coefficients of i or k form both
sides, we get
ls
al

Short Answer Type Questions

@

(2 marks each)

→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ i j k
Q. 1. Find | a × b |, if a = i + 2 j - k , b = 3 i + j - k . → →
Sol. a× b =
R&U 1 −1 2
i j k 2 −1 −1
→ →
Sol. a × b = 1 2 −1 = i(1 + 2) – j(– 1 – 4) + k(– 1 + 2)
= 3i + 5j + k 1
3 1 −1 → →

Area of | a× b | = 9 + 25 + 1 = 35 sq. units 1
∧ ∧ ∧
= i ( − 2 + 1) − j( − 1 + 3) + k (1 − 6 )
→ → → → →→
= – i – 2j – 5k 1
Q. 3. Find | a× b | if | a |= 10, | b |= 2 and a · b = 12.
→ →
a× b = 12 + 2 2 + 52 R&U
→→
= 1 + 4 + 25 = 30 1 a·b 12 3
Sol.  cos q = = =
Q. 2. Find the area of parallelogram whose adjacent | a || b | 10 × 2 5
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
sides are determined by the vector a = i - j + 2 k 3
cos q =
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
5
and b = 2 i - j - k . R&U
396 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

9 4 Answering Tip
sin q = 1 − cos2 θ = 1 − = 1
25 5  Learn the concept of area of triangle in terms of
→ → vector algebra.
|a× b|
sin q = →
→ → → → → → → →
→ Q. 5. If a × b = c × d and a × c = b × d , then show that
| a || b |
→ → → →
→ → → → ( a - d ) is parallel to ( b - c ), it is being given that
or | a × b | = | a || b |sin θ
→ → → →
[Foreign 2016] [Delhi 2009]
→ → 4 a ≠ d and b ≠ c . 
or | a × b | = 10 × 2 × = 16 1
5 Sol. Given,
→ → → → → → → →
Q. 4. Using vectors, find the area of triangle ABC, with a × b = c × d and a × c = b × d
vertices A(1, 2, 3), B(2, – 1, 4) and C(4, 5, –1). → → → → → → → →
R&U [Foreign 2017] or a × b − a × c = c × d − b × d
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → → → → → →

m
→
Sol. AB = i − 3 j + k , AC = 3 i + 3 j − 4 k  ½+½ or a × ( b − c ) + ( b − c ) × d = 0 1

ra
1 → →
[By left and right distributive law]
Area of DABC = | AB × AC |
2

eg
→ → → → → → → → → → →
∧ ∧ ∧ or a × ( b − c ) − d × ( b − c ) = 0  [Q a × b = − b × a ]
i j k

l
1

te
= magnitude of 1 −3 1 1 → → → → →
2 or ( a − d ) × ( b − c ) = 0
3 3 −4

274
 df
or
→ → →
( a − d ) || ( b − c )
→
1
sp
= sq. units
2  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2009]
r

 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]

pe
pa

Long Answer Type Questions-I (4 marks each)

e

Q. 1. The two adjacent sides of a parallelogram are

pl

→ →
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
2 i - 4 j - 5 k and 2 i+ 2 j+3 k . Find the two unit a+ b
= → → ½
am

vectors parallel to its diagonals. Using the diagonal |a+ b|

vectors, find the area of the parallelogram. ∧ ∧ ∧

ls

R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III 2016] 4 i − 2 j− 2 j

=
al

16 + 4 + 4
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ 4 ∧ 2 ∧ 2 ∧
@

Sol. a = 2 i - 4 j - 5k = i− j− k
24 24 24
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
and b = 2 i + 2 j + 3k 2 ∧ 1 ∧ 1 ∧
= i− j− k ½
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
6 6 6
a+ b = 4 i− 2 j− 2k → → →
\
Unit vector parallel to d2 = b − a is
→ → ∧ ∧
and b − a = 6 j+ 8k ½ → → ∧ ∧
6 j+ 8k b−a
b = → → = 36 + 64
|b− a|
d1 6 ∧ 8 ∧ 3∧ 4∧
½
b

= j+ k = j+ k
–

10 10 5 5 
a

a a 1 → →
b Area of parallelogram | d1 × d2 |
a+ d2 2
∧ ∧ ∧
i j k
→ →
b \ d1 × d2 = 4 −2 −2
→ → →
Unit vector parallel to d1 = a + b is 0 6 8
VectorS [ 397
∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
= i ( −16 + 12 ) − j( 32 − 0 ) + k ( 24 − 0 ) i j k ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
= 1 −3 2 = −4 i + 2 j − k 1½
= −4 i − 32 j + 24 k −1 2 0

Area of parallelogram
→ →
| d1 × d2 | = 16 + 1024 + 576 1 → → → →
= ( a + b )×( b + c )
2

= 1, 616 ½
21
= sq. units 1½
\ Area of parallelogram 2
1 → → [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
= | d1 × d2 | ½
2 Q. 4. Find the unit vector perpendicular to both the
1 → → → → → ∧ ∧ ∧

= 1616 vectors a + b and a - b , where a = i + j + k
2
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧

m
1 and b = i + 2 j +3 k .
= × 4 101

ra
2
R&U [Foreign Set I, II, III 2014]

eg
= 2 101
→ →  ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. a + b =  2 i + 3 j + 4 k , 1
= 20.09 or 20.1 sq. units 1

l
 

te
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
→ → ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ → ∧ df and a − b = – j − 2 k ½
Q. 2. If r = x i + y j + z k find ( r × i ) .( r × j )+ xy .
→ → → → →
sp
[Delhi, 2015] Let c = (a + b)×(a − b) 1
R&U
r

∧ ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
pe

i j k
Sol. r × i = (x i + y j + z k ) × i

= 2 3 4 ½
pa

∧ ∧ 0 −1 −2
= − y k + z j 1
e

→ → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
or c = −2 i + 4 j− 2k
pl

r × j = (x i + y j + z k ) × j

am

∧ ∧
∧ 1 ∧ 2 ∧ 1 ∧
or c = − i+ j− k 1
= x k − z i 1 6 6 6
ls

→ ∧ → ∧ [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]

\ ( r × i )·( r × j )
→ ∧ ∧
al

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ →
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ Q. 5. If a = i + j+ k and b = j - k , find a vector c ,
@

= ( 0 i + z j − y k )·( − z i + 0 j + x k )
→ → → →→
such that a × c = b and a . c = 3.
= – xy 1
A [Delhi Set II, 2013]
→ ∧ → ∧
\ ( r × i )·( r × j ) + xy → ∧ ∧ ∧
= – xy + xy = 0 1 Sol. Let c =xi +y j +zk
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] → ∧ ∧ ∧
Given a = i + j + k
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧
Q. 3. If a = 2 i - 3 j + k, b = - i + k, c = 2 j - k are → ∧ ∧
three vectors, find the area of the parallelogram b = j – k
→ → → → According to the question,
having diagonals a + b and b + c .
 → →
a · c =3
R&U [Delhi Set I Comptt. 2014]
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → → ∧ ∧ or ( i + j + k )·(x i + y j + z k ) = 3 1
Sol. a + b = i − 3 j + 2 k; b + c = − i + 2 j 1
or x+y+z=3 ...(i)
→ → → → → → →
( a + b )×( b + c ) and a × c = b
398 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Therefore,
^ ^ ^
i j k → ∧ ∧ → →
1 1 1 = b = j – k 1 | AB × AC | = ( 9 )2 + (7 )2 + (12 )2
or
x y z
= 81 + 49 + 144

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ = 274
or (z – y) i + (x – z) j + (y – x) k = j – k
Hence,
On equating the coefficients of like terms, we get 1
z – y = 0, or y = z ...(ii) required area = 274. unit2 1
2
x–z=1 ...(iii)
and y – x = –1 ...(iv) 1 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]
Solving eqns. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), we get Q. 7. Find the unit vector perpendicular to the
x = 5/3 plane of DABC whose vertices are A (3, – 1, 2),
and y = 2/3 = z B (1, – 1, – 3) and C (4, – 3, 1) R&U [S.Q.P., 2013]
→ 5 ∧ 2 ∧ 2 ∧
Hence, c = i + j + k 1
3 3 3 Sol. A vector ^r to the plane of DABC,

m
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013] → ∧ ∧ ∧
OA = 3 i − j + 2 k ,

ra

Q. 6. Using vectors, find the area of the triangle
→ ∧ ∧ ∧

eg
whose vertices are A(1, 2, 3), B(2, – 1, 4) and C(4, OB = i − j − 3 k ,
5, – 1). R&U [Delhi 2017] [Delhi Set III, 2013] ∧ ∧ ∧

l
→
OC = 4 i − 3 j + k

te
OR
Using vectors find the area of triangle ABC with → → → ∧ ∧ ∧
vertices A(1, 2, 3) B(2, – 1, 4) and C(4, 5, –1). AB = OB − OA = − 2 i + 0 j − 5 k
df

R&U [Delhi 2017]
sp
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧
BC = OC − OB = 3 i − 2 j + 4 k
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
r

Sol. Given, OA = i + 2 j + 3 k → →
pe

AB × BC
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ Unit vector perpendicular to plane =
→ →
OB = 2 i − j + 4 k | AB × BC|
pa

→ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
and OC = 4 i + 5 j − k i j k
e

→ → ∧ ∧ ∧
AB × BC = −2 0 −5 = −10 i + 7 j + 4 k 1
pl

→ → →
Now, AB = OB − OA 3 −2 4
am

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → →
| AB × BC | = 100 + 49 + 16 = 165 1
= ( 2 i − j + 4 k ) − ( i + 2 j + 3 k )
\ Unit vector ^r to the plane
ls

∧ ∧ ∧
1 ∧ ∧ ∧
= i − 3 j + k ½
al

= ( −10 i + 7 j + 4 k ) . 1
165
@

→ → →
and AC = OC − OA [CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → →
= ( 4 i + 5 j − k ) − ( i + 2 j + 3 k ) Q. 8. Let a = i + 4 j + 2 k , b = 3i - 2 j +7 k and
∧ ∧ ∧ → →
= 3i + 3 j − 4k ½ c = 2i - j + 4 k . Find a vector p which is

→ → →→
\ The area of the given triangle perpendicular to both a and b and p . c = 18.
1 → →
= | AB × AC | 1 R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III, 2012]
2
→ → →
^ ^ ^ Sol. p is ^ to both a and b
→ → i j k
Now, AB × AC = 1 −3 1 → → →
or p = λ( a × b ) 1½
3 3 −4
∧ ∧ ∧
i j k
∧ ∧ ∧ → →
= i (12 – 3) + j (3 + 4) + k (3 + 9) Now, a× b = 1 4 2
3 −2 7
∧ ∧ ∧
= 9 i + 7 j + 12 k 1
VectorS [ 399
∧ ∧ ∧ 3x – y = 0 ...(i)
= 32 i − j − 14 k 1 → → →
Now, b = b1 + b2
→→
Given that p . c = 18 ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
or 2 i + j − 3 k = ( 3λ + x ) i + ( y − λ ) j + z k
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
or λ( 32 i − j − 14 k ) ( 2 i − j + 4 k ) = 18 1 Comparing the corresponding components
2 = 3l + x ...(ii) ½
or l(64 + 1 – 56) = 18
1=–l+y
l=2 or l=y–1 ...(iii) ½
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ –3=z ...(iv) ½
\ p = 64 i − 2 j − 28 k . ½
From eqn. (ii), 2 = 3(y – 1) + x
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2012] or 2 = 3y – 3 + x
or x + 3y = 5 ...(v) ½
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
1 3
Q. 9. If a = 2 i + j +3 k and b = 3 i + j - 2 k , then find Solving eqn. (i) & (v), x = , y =
2 2
→ →

m
| a × b |. R&U [Outside Delhi Set-II, 2015] 1
\ From eqn. (iii), l =
2

ra
∧ ∧ ∧ → 3∧ 1∧
i j k \ b1 = i − j ½

eg
→ → 2 2
Sol. a× b = 2 1 3 → 1∧ 3∧ ∧
and b2 = i + j − 3 k

l
3 5 −2 ½

te
2 2
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]
→ → ∧
∧
∧ df
a × b = i (–2 – 15) – j (–4 – 9) + k (10 – 3) Commonly Made Error
sp
 
a × b = ( −17 )2 + (13 )2 + ( 7 )2 →
 Generally students do not able to find the vector b
r

→ → →
pe

= 289 + 169 + 49 in the form of b + b2 , instead they add vector a

= 507
pa

→
and b which leads incorrect result.
= 3 × 169
e

  Answering Tip
a × b = 13 3
pl

 Read and understand the question carefully to

am

[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] avoid such errors.

Q. 11. Find a unit vector perpendicular to both of
→ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → → → →
ls

Q. 10. If a = 3 i - j and b = 2 i + j - 3 k , then express the vectors 3 a +2 b and 3 a - 2 b , where

al

→ → → → → → → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
b in the form of b = b1 + b2 , where b1|| a and a = i + j + k and b = i + 2 j +3 k .
@

R&U [Delhi Set I, II, III, Comptt. 2016]

→ →
b2 perpendicular to a . → →
  
Sol. Here 3 a + 2 b = 5i + 7 j + 9 k
A [NCERT] [O.D. Set I, II, III, 2013]
→ →

→ ∧ ∧ and 3 a - 2 b = i − j − 3k 1+1

Sol. Here a = 3i− j →
Let c be the vector perpendicular to both
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
and b = 2 i + j− 3k → → → →
( 3 a + 2 b ) & ( 3 a − 2 b ).
→ → →
To express b = b1 + b2 , → → → → →
Then, c = (3 a + 2 b ) × (3 a − 2 b )
→ → → →
where b1 || a or b1 = l a i j k
→ ∧ ∧ = 5 7
9
b1 = λ(3 i − j ) ½
1 −1 − 3
∧ ∧ ∧
Let b2 = x i + y j + z k = − 12i + 24 j − 12 k 2

→ → → →
Now, b2 ⊥ a or b 2 · a [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
½
400 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Detailed Solution : → →
→ and 3 a − 2 b = i − j − 3k 1
   
Given a = i+ j+k
→ → → → →
→
   \ c = (3 a + 2 b ) × (3 a − 2 b )
b = i + 2 j + 3k
→
  
3 a = 3i + 3 j + 3k
i j k

→
   = 5 7 9
and 2 b = 2i + 4 j + 6 k 1
→ → → 1 −1 − 3
Let c be the vector perpendicular to both ( 3 a + 2 b )
→ →
= i( − 21 + 9 ) − j( − 15 − 9 ) + i( − 5 − 7 )

and ( 3 a − 2 b ) . = − 12i + 24 j − 12 k 1
→ → 
\ 3 a + 2 b = 5i + 7 j + 9 k 1

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 12. Show that the points A, B, C with position vectors 2 i − j + k , i − 3 j − 5 k and 3 i − 4 j − 4 k respectively, are the
vertices of a right-angled triangle, hence find the area of the triangle. R&U [O.D. Set-I, 2017]

m
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧

ra
Sol. AB = − i − 2 j − 6 k , BC = 2 i − j + k , CA = − i + 3 j + 5 k 1

eg
→ → → → → → →
Since AB, BC , CA are not parallel vectors, and AB + BC + CA = 0 \ A, B, C form a triangle 1
→ →

l
Also BC · CA = 0 \ A, B, C form a right triangle 1

te
1 → → 1
Area of D = | AB× BC | = 210 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] 1
2 2 df
sp
OR
r
pe
e pa
pl
am
ls
al
@

4
[Topper’s Answer 2017]
VectorS [ 401
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
→ →
Q. 13. If a = 2 i − j − 2 k and b = 7 i + 2 j − 3 k then b2 ⊥ a or 2(7 – 2l) – 1(2 + l) + 2(3 – 2l) = 0
→ → → → →
express b in the form of b = b1+ b2 , where b1 is or l =2
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
→ → → \ b1 = 4 i − 2 j − 4 k ½
parallel to a and b2 is perpendicular to a .
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
R&U [O.D. 2017] and b2 = 3 i + 4 j + k ½
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. b1 || a or let b1 = λ( 2 i − j − 2 k )  ½ or (7 i + 2 j − 3 k ) = ( 4 i − 2 j − 4 k ) + ( 3 i + 4 j + k ) 1
→ → →  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
b2 = b − b1

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ Answering Tip
= (7 i + 2 j − 3 k ) − ( 2 λ i − λ j − 2 λ k )
 Clarify the concept of scalar protection of vector
 ½ thoroughly.
∧ ∧ ∧
= (7 − 2 λ ) i + ( 2 + λ ) j − ( 3 − 2 λ ) k 1


m
ra
→ → → → → →
Q. 14. Given that vectors a , b , c form a triangle such that a = b + c . Find p, q, r, s such that area of triangle is 5 6

eg
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
where a = p i + q j + r k , b = s i +3 j + 4 k and c = 3 i + j − 2 k .  K&A [O.D. Set II 2016]

l
te
Sol.
df
r sp
pe
e pa
pl
am
ls
al
@

4

[Topper’s Answer 2016]
402 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Q. 15. Find the area of a parallelogram ABCD whose side → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧

AB and the diagonal DB are given by the vectors Q. 17. If a = 2 i + j − k , b = 4 i − 7 j + k , find a vector
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → → → → → →
5 i +7 k and 2 i + 2 j +3 k respectively. c such that a × c = b and a · c = 6.
 
K [Foreign 2017] K&U [Foreign 2017]
→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → →
Sol. AD = AB − DB = 3 i − 2 j + 4 k  1 Sol. Let c = x i + y j + z k ; a · c = 6 or 2x + y – z = 6
→ → → → →
Area = | AB × AD | Now, a×c = b
D C ∧ ∧ ∧
i j k
∧ ∧ ∧
or 2 1 −1 = 4 i − 7 j + k 1½

x y z
A B

m
∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
i j k or i ( z + y ) − j( 2 z + x ) + k ( 2 y − x ) = 4 i − 7 j + k

ra
= magnitude of 5 0 7  1
3 −2 4 or z + y = 4, 2z + x = 7, 2y – x = 1 1

eg
Solving and getting x = 3, y = 2, z = 2

l
∧ ∧ ∧

te
= |14 i + j − 10 k | 1 → ∧ ∧ ∧

c = 3i + 2 j + 2k 1½
= 297 sq. units or 3 33 sq. units 1
 df [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
Q. 16. Find the area of a parallelogram ABCD whose side
sp
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 18. If a = i + 2 j + k , b = 2 i + j and c = 3 i − 4 j − 5 k ,
AB and the diagonal AC are given by the vectors
then find a unit vector perpendicular to both of the
r

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
3 i + j + 4 k and 4 i +5 k respectively.
pe

 → → → →
vectors ( a − b ) and ( c − b ).  R&U [All India 2015]
R&U [Foreign 2017]
pa

Sol. Try Yourself

→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. BC = AC − AB = i − j + k 1 Q. 19. Find a unit vector perpendicular to both of the
e

 → → → → → ∧ ∧ ∧
vectors a + b and a − b where, a = i + j + k and
pl

→ →
Area = | AB × BC |
am

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
b = i + 2 j +3 k .  R&U [Foreign 2014]
D C
Sol. Try Yourself
ls

Q. 20. Find a unit vector perpendicular to each of the

al

→ → → → → ∧ ∧ ∧

A vectors a + b and a − b , where a = 3 i + 2 j + 2 k

@

B
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
and b = i + 2 j − 2 k . R&U [Delhi 2011]
i j k
= magnitude of 3 1 4 1 Sol. Try Yourself
1 −1 1 Q. 21. Using vectors, find the area of triangle with
vertices A(1, 1, 2), B(2, 3, 5) and C(1, 5, 5).
∧ ∧ ∧
 R&U [All India 2011]
= | 5 i + j − 4 k |  1 Sol. Try Yourself
Q. 22. Using vectors, find the area of triangle with
= 42 sq. units 1 vertices A(2, 3, 5), B(3, 5, 8) and C(2, 7, 8).
 R&U [Delhi 2010C]
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
Sol. Try Yourself
VectorS [ 403

Topic-4
Scalar Triple Product

Revision Notes
1. Scalar Triple Product
→ → → → → →
If a , b and c are any three vectors, then the scalar product of a × b with c is called scalar triple product of
→ → →
a , b and c .

→ → → → → →
Thus, ( a × b ). c is called the scalar triple product of a , b and c .
→ → → →→→
• Notation for scalar triple product : The scalar triple product of a , b and c is denoted by [ a b c ] i.e.,

m
→ → → →→→
( a × b ). c = [ a b c ].

ra

• Properties/Observations of Scalar Triple Product

eg
→ → → → → →
 ( a × b ). c = a .( b × c ) . i.e., the position of dot and cross can be interchanged without change in the

l
te
value of the scalar triple product (provided their cyclic order remains the same).

→→→ →→→ →→→

of the vectors is maintained.
df
 [ a b c ] = [ b c a ] = [ c a b ] , i.e., the value of scalar triple product doesn’t change when cyclic order
sp
→→→ →→→ →→→ →→→
r

Also, [ a b c ] = −[ b a c ]; [ b c a ] = −[ b a c ]. i.e., the value of scalar triple product remains the same in
pe

magnitude but changes the sign when cyclic order of the vectors is altered.
pa

→ → → →→→ →→→
 For any three vectors a , b , c and scalar l, we have [ λ a b c ] = λ[ a b c ].
e

 The value of scalar triple product is zero if any two of the three vectors are identical. That is,
pl

→→→ →→→ →→→

[ a a c ] = 0 = [ a b b ] = [ a b a ] etc.
am

 Value of scalar triple product is zero if any two of the three vectors are parallel or collinear.
ls

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Scalar triple product of i , j and k is 1 (unity) i.e., [ i j k ] = 1
al


→ → →
@

→→→
 If [ a b c ] = 0 , then the non-parallel and non-zero vectors a , b and c are coplanar.

Know the Formulae

Volume of Parallelepiped
→ → →
• If a , b and c represent the three co-terminus edges of a parallelepiped, then its volume can be obtained by :
→→→ → → →
[ a b c ] = ( a × b ). c . i.e.,
→ → →
( a × b ). c = Base area of Parallelepiped × Height of Parallelepiped on this base

Note :
→ → → →→→
• If for any three vectors a , b and c , we have [ a b c ] = 0 , then volume of parallelepiped with
→ → → → →
the co-terminus edges as a , b and c , is zero. This is possible only if the vectors a , b and c
are co-planar.
404 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 mark each)

→ → →
Q. 1. Find a .( b × c ) , if → → → ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
\ a .( b × c ) = ( 2 i + j + 3 k ).( 3 i + 5 j − 7 k )
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
a = 2 i + j+3 k , b = - i + 2 j+ k and
= 6 + 5 – 21 = – 10 1
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
c = 3 i + j+ 2 k . R&U [O.D. Set I, II, III, 2014] Q. 2. Find l, if the vectors
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧ a = i +3 j+ k , b = 2 i - j - k and

→ → i j k
Sol. b × c = −1 2 1 → ∧ ∧
3 1 2 c = λ j+3 k are coplanar.
R&U [Delhi, 2015]

1 3 1

m
∧ ∧ ∧ Sol. 2 −1 −1 = 0 ½
= i ( 4 − 1) − j ( −2 − 3) + k ( −1 − 6 )
0 λ 3

ra
∧ ∧ ∧ or l=7 ½

eg
= 3 i + 5 j− 7 k
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015]

l
te
Short Answer Type Questions df (2 marks each)
sp
∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 1. If the vectors i − j + k , 3 i + j + 2 k and i + λ j − 3 k Q. 2. If the vectors a = i +3 j + k b = λ i +7 j +3 k
r

are coplanar, then find the value of l.

pe

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
and c = 2 i − j − k are coplanar, then find the
R&U [O.D. Comptt, 2017]
value of l. R&U [O.D. Comptt, 2017]
pa

Sol. For three vectors to be coplanar

1 −1 1 1 3 1
e

3 1 2 = 0 1 Sol. For coplanarity of vectors 2 −1 −1 = 0 1

pl

1 λ −3 λ 7 3
am

or l = 15 1 4 – 18 + 3l + 14 + l = 0
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] Solving to get l = 0 1
ls

 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]

al
@

Long Answer Type Questions-I (4 marks each)

Q. 1. Prove that : → → → → → →
→ → → → → → → → → = 3[ a b c ] − 2[ a b c]
a ·{( b+ c )×( a + 2 b +3 c )}=[ a b c ].

→ → →
R&U [S.Q.P. 2016-17] = [a b c] 1
→ → → → → → → → → → [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
Sol. LHS = a ·( b × a + 2 b × b + 3 b × c + c × a + 2 c
→ → → Commonly Made Error
× b +3 c × c) 1
 Many candidates make errors while simplifying the
→ → → → → → → → scalar triple product.
= a ·( b × a ) + 3a·( b × c ) + a ·( c × a )
→ → → Answering Tip
+ 2 a ·( c × b )  Scalar triple product and its applications need to be

→ → → → practiced with the help of practical examples.
as b × b = c × c = 0 1
Q. 2. Show that the four points A(4, 5, 1), B(0, – 1, – 1),
→ → → → → →
= 3[ a b c ] + 2[ a c b] C(3, 9, 4) and D(– 4, 4, 4) are coplanar.
1
R&U [CBSE Outside Delhi, 2016]
VectorS [ 405
→ → → →
Sol. AB = – 4i − 6 j − 2 k , \ AB, AC , AD are coplanar and these three
→ vectors are co-initial vectors. So, points A, B, C, D
AC = − i + 4 j + 3k , are coplanar. 1
→ Q. 3. Prove that
and AD = − 8 i − j + 3k 1½
→→ →→ →→→ →→→
For 4 points to be coplanar, [ a b + c d ]=[ a b d ]+[ a c d].
→ → →
| AB AC AD | = 0 A [O.D. Set I, II, III Comptt. 2015]

→ → → →
−4 −6 −2
Sol. Taking LHS = a ·{( b + c ) × d } 1+1
i.e., −1 4 3 =0 1½
−8 −1 3 → → → → →
= a ·{( b × d ) + ( c × d )} 1
= – 4(12 + 3) + 6(– 3 + 24) – 2(1 + 32)
→ → → → → →
= – 60 + 126 – 66 = 0, which is true = a ·( b × d ) + a ·( c × d ) 1
Hence, points are coplanar. 1

m
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2016] →→ → →→→

ra
= [ a b d ] + [ a c d ]
Alternative Method :
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015]

eg
If four points A, B, C, D are coplanar, then vector
→ → → → → →
AB, AC and AD will be coplanar and so Q. 4. If the vectors a , b and c are coplanar, prove

l
te
→ → → → → → → → →
| AB AC AD | = 0 that the vectors a + b , b + c and c + a are also

A = (4, 5, 1)
df
coplanar. R&U [Delhi Set I Comptt. 2014]
sp
B = (0, – 1, – 1) [Delhi Set III Comptt. 2013]
C = (3, 9, 4) [Foreign Set I, II, III, 2014] [Delhi Set I, II, III, 2016]
r
pe

D = (– 4, 4, 4) → → → → → →
Sol. Here, ( a + b ), ( b + c ), ( c + a ) are coplanar, 1
By considering O = (0, 0, 0) as initial point
pa

→ → →  → → → → 
OA = 4i + 5 j + k \ ( a + b )·( b + c ) × ( c + a ) = 0 1
 
e

→
OB = − j − k , → → → → → → → → → →
pl

or ( a + b )·( b × c + b × a + c × c + c × a ) = 0
→
OC = 3i + 9 j + 4 k 1
am

→
and OD = − 4i + 4 j + 4 k  ½ → → → → → → → → →
or a ·( b × c ) + a ·( b × a ) + a ( c × a )
ls

→ → →
al

\ AB = OB − OA → → → → → → → → →
+ a ( c × c ) + b ·( b × c ) + b ·( b × a )
= − j − k − ( 4i + 5 j + k )
@

→ → → → → →
+ b ( c × c ) + b ·( c × a ) = 0 ½
= − 4i − 6 j − 2 k  ½
→ → → → → → 
2  a ·( b × c ) = 0
AC = OC − OA or  
→ → →
= 3i + 9 j + 4 k − ( 4i + 5 j + k ) ∵ a ·( b × c ) = 0
= − i + 4 j + 3k  ½ ½
→ → →
→ → → \ a , b , c are coplanar.
and AD = OD − OA
Similarly converse part can also be proved.
= − 4 i + 4 j + 4 k − ( 4i + 5 j + k ) [CBSE Marking Scheme 2014]
= − 8 i − j + 3k  ½ Q. 5. Find the value of l, if the points with position
Now, ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
vectors 3 i - 2 j - k , 2 i +3 j - 4 k , - i + j+ 2 k and
→ → → − 4 −6 −2
| AB AC AD | = −1 4 3 ∧ ∧ ∧
4 i +5 j+ λ k are coplanar. R&U [S.Q.P. 2013]
−8 −1 3
= – 4(12 + 3) + 6(– 3 + 24) + (– 2)(1 + 32) Sol. Let the points be A (3, – 2, – 1), B (2, 3, – 4), C (– 1, 1, 2)
= – 60 + 126 – 66 and D (4, 5, l)
= 0 1
406 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

→ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
AB = (Position vector of B) Q. 7. If p = i + j + k and q = i − 2 j + k , find a vector of

– (Position vector of A) magnitude 5 3 units perpendicular to the vector

→ → →
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ q and coplanar with vectors p and q .
\ AB = − i + 5 j − 3 k ,
R&U (SQP 2018-19)
Similarly
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧

AC = − 4 i + 3 j + 3 k Sol. Let r = ai + b j + c k be the required vector.

 
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ Since, r ⊥ q
and AD = i + 7 j + ( λ + 1) k 1½
therefore, 1a – 2b + 1c = 0 ...(1) 1
→ → →
A, B, C, D are coplanar if [ AB AC AD] = 0
½ → →
→
Also, p , q and r are coplanar.
→ → → −1 5 −3
 → → →
[ AB AC AD] = −4 3 3 =0

m
½ \ p q r  = 0
1 7 λ +1  

ra
\ 1(15 + 9) – 7 (– 3 – 12) + (l + 1) (– 3 + 20) = 0 1
1 1 1

eg

24 + 105 + 17l + 17 = 0 1 −2 1 = 0 Þ a – c = 0 ...(2) 1
146 a b c

l
or l= − ½

te
17
Solving equation (1) and (2)
Commonly Made Error df a b c
= =
 Some candidates fail to apply condition of 2−0 1+1 0+ 2
sp
coplanarity.
a b c
Þ = =
r

Answering Tip 2 2 2
pe

 Scalar triple product and its applications need to be a b c

practiced with the help of practical examples. i.e., = =
pa

1 1 1
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 6. If a = 2 i - 3 j+ 4 k , b = i + 2 j - 3 k and →
r = 1i + 1 j + 1k
e

\
pl

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
→
c = 3 i+ 4 j - k , then find |r| = 3

am

→ → → → → → → ∧ ∧ ∧
a .( b × c ) and ( a × b ). c . Is,
∧
r i+ j+ k
\ Unit vector r = = 1
ls

→
→ → → → → → 3
a .( b × c ) = ( a × b ). c ?
R&U |r|
al

∧
∧ ∧ ∧
@

2 −3 4 \ Required vector = 5 3 r = 5  i + j + k  1
→ → →  
Sol. a .( b × c ) = 1 2 −3 ½
3 4 −1 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2018-19]
Q. 8. Find x such that the four points A(4, 1, 2), B(5, x, 6),
= 2( −2 + 12 ) + 3( −1 + 9 ) + 4( 4 − 6 )
C(5, 1, – 1) and D(7, 4, 0) are coplanar.
= 20 + 24 – 8  A [Outside Delhi Set-II, 2015]
= 36 1 → → →
→ → → → → →
Sol. Here, AB , BC , CD are coplanar
and ( a × b ). c = c .( a × b )
→  → → 

3 4 −1 So AB . BC × CD  = 0 1
 
= 2 −3 4 ½
triple product is 0.
1 2 −3
→ ∧ ∧ ∧

AB = 1 i + ( x − 1) j + 4 k
= 3( 9 − 8 ) − 4( −6 − 4 ) − 1( 4 + 3)

→ ∧ ∧ ∧
= 3 + 40 – 7 = 36 1
BC = 0 i + (1 − x ) j − 7 k
→ → → → → →
\ a .( b × c ) = ( a × b ). c . 1 →
∧ ∧ ∧

CD = 2 i + 3 j + k 1½
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2013]
VectorS [ 407

1 x −1 4 1 1 1
→ → →
i.e., −1 + + + =0
AB .( BC × CD) = 0 1 − x −7 = 0 1− a 1−b 1− c
1 1 1
2 3 1
i.e., + + =1 1
1−a 1−b 1−c
expanding by R1
1(1 – x + 21) – (x – 1) 14 + 4(2(x – 1) = 0 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2016]
22 – x – 14x + 14 + 8x – 8 = 0
–7x = – 28 Commonly Made Error
x=4 1½  Some candidates do mistake while doing scalar
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] triple product.
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧  → → → →  → →

Q. 9. If the vector p = a i + j + k , q = i + b j + k and  The right product is  a b c  = a . b × c 

   
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
r = i + j + ck are coplanar, then for a, b, c ¹ 1, then  → → →  → → →
 but student do mistake  a b c  =  a . b  × c or
show that.
   

m
1 1 1  → → →  → → →
+ + =1  a b c  =  a × c  × b

ra
1- a 1- b 1- c  
R&U [Outside Delhi Set I, II, III, Comptt. 2016]

eg
→ → → → → → →

[SQP Dec. 2016-17] Q. 10. If a , b , c are three vectors such that a + b + c = 0

l
→ → → → → →

te
→ → →
then prove that a × b = b × c = c × a , and hence
Sol. Since the vector p , q and r are coplanar,
→ → →
→ → →
\ [p, q, r ] = 0 1 df show that [ a b c ] = 0. R&U [SQP 2017-18]
sp
a 1 1 → → → → → →
Sol. a × (a + b + c) = a × 0  1
1 b 1 =0
r

i.e.,
pe

→ → → → →
1 1 c or a×b+a×c = 0 ½
pa

R2 ® R2 – R1 → → → →
or a×b = c ×a  ½
and R3 ® R3 – R1, 1
e

a 1 1 → → → → → →
b ×(a + b + c) = b × 0  ½
pl

or 1−a b −1 0 =0
→ → → →
am

1−a 0 c −1 or b×c = a×b ½

Or a(b – 1)(c – 1) – 1(1 – a)(c – 1) – 1(1 – a)(b – 1) = 0 → → → → → →
\ a×b = b×c = c ×a ½
ls

i.e., a(1 – b)(1 – c) + (1 – a)(1 – c) + (1 – a)(1 – b) = 0 

1
al

→ → → → → → → → →
[ a b c ] = a ·( b × c ) = c ·( a × b ) = 0
Dividing both the sides by (1 – a)(1 – b)(1 – c), we
@

get  [As the scalar triple product of three vectors

a 1 1  is zero if any two of them are equal.] ½
+ + =0
1−a 1−b 1−c  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017-18]

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
Q. 11. Find the value of l, if four points with position vectors 3 i +6 j +9 k , i + 2 j +3 k , 2 i +3 j + k and 4 i +6 j + λ k
are coplanar. R&U [O.D. Set I 2017]

→ → →
Sol. Given points, A, B, C, D are coplanar, if the vectors AB, AC and AD are coplanar, i.e.,
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧
AB = −2 i − 4 j − 6 k , AC = − i − 3 j − 8 k , AD = i + ( λ − 9 ) k are coplanar 1½

−2 −4 −6
i.e., −1 −3 −8 = 0
1 0 λ−9

or – 2[– 3l + 27] + 4[– l + 17] – 6(3) = 0 1+1

or l = 2. [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] ½
408 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

OR

m
ra
eg

l
te
df
sp
4
[Topper’s Answer 2017]
r
pe

Q. 12. Find the value of x such that the points A(3, 2, 1), → → → → → →
B(4, x, 5), C(4, 2, –2) and D(6, 5, –1) are coplanar. \ a , b , c are coplanar [ a b c ] = 0 or c3 = 21
pa

 R&U [O.D. 2017]

(ii) c2 = – 1, c3 = 1
Sol. Points A, B, C and D are coplanar, then the vectors → → →
e

→ → →
[a b c ] = c2 – c3 = – 2 ¹ 0
AB, AC , and AD must be coplanar.
pl

→ → →
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ or No value of c1 can make a , b , c coplanar 1
am

AB = i + ( x − 2 ) j + 4 k ; AC = i − 3 k ,
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
→ ∧ ∧ ∧
AD = 3 i + 3 j − 2 k  1½ Q. 14. If four points A, B, C and D with position
ls

∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧ ∧
1 x−2 4 vectors 4 i +3 j +3 k , 5 i + x j +7 k , 5 i +3 j and
al

i.e., 1 0 −3 = 0 1 ∧ ∧ ∧
@

7 i +6 j + k respectively are coplanar, then find

3 3 −2
the value of x. R&U [Delhi Comptt. 2017]
or 1(9) – (x – 2) (7) + 4(3) = 0 or x = 5.1½
 [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017] → ∧ ∧ ∧
Sol. AB = i + ( x − 3) j + 4 k
→ ∧ ∧ ∧ → ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
→ ∧ ∧
Q. 13. Let a = i + j + k , b = i and c = c1 i + c2 j + c3 k , then AC = i − 3 k

→ → → ∧ ∧ ∧
(i) Let c1 = 1 and c2 = 2, find c3 which makes a , b and AD = 3 i + 3 j − 2 k  1½
→
c coplanar. As A, B, C and D are coplanar
(ii) If c2 = – 1 and c3 = 1, show that no value of c1 can → → →
→ → → \ AB·( AC × AD) = 0
make a , b and c coplanar. R&U [Delhi 2017]
1 x−3 4
1 1 1 i.e., 1 0 −3 = 01½
→ → →
Sol. [a b c] = 1 0 0 = c2 – c3 1 3 3 −2
c1 c2 c3
9 – (x – 3) (7) + 12 = 0
(i) c1 = 1, c2 = 2 which gives
→ → → x =6 1
[a b c ] = 2 – c 3 1  [CBSE Marking Scheme 2017]
VectorS [ 409

Long Answer Type Question-II (6 marks each)

∧ ∧
→ → →
Q. 1. If a, b, c are unit vectors such that Q. 2. If a and b are unit vectors inclined an angle q,
→ →
→→ →→ → → θ | a − b|
a · b = a · c = 0 and the angle between b and c then prove that tan = → → .
2 | a + b|
π
is , then prove that : → → → →
6 Sol. Given | a | = | b | = 1 & q is angle between a and b
→ → →
(i) a =±2( b × c ) → → → → → → → → → → → →
 a − b . a − b  = a . a − b . a − a . b + b . b
  
→ →→ →→ → → →→ →
(ii) [ a + b b + c c + a ]=±1 . A [S.Q.P. 2015-16]
= | a | −2 a b +| b |
2 2

Sol. (i) As given → →

m
= 1 – 2 a . b + 1 1
→→ →→ → → →
a · b = 0 , a · c = 0 = a ^ both b and c

ra
→ → → →
| a − b |2 = 2 − 2 a . b

eg
→ → →
(as a , b , c are non-zero vectors) 1 = 2 – 2 |a||b| cosq
→ →  2 θ


l
→ → → | a − b |2 = 2(1 – cosq) = 2  2 sin  1

te
or a || ( b × c )  2
→ → → → → θ
Let a = l( b × c ), df 2
| a − b |2 = 4sec 2
sp
→ → →
θ → →
then | a | = | λ ||( b × c )| 2 sin = |a − b|
2
r

→
pe

|a| θ 1 → →
or = |l| sin = |a − b| 1
→ → 2 2
pa

|( b × c )|
→ → → → → → → → → → → →
Now  a + b  . a + b  = a . a + a . b + b . a + b . b
1
e

  
or |l| = =2
π
pl

sin → → → → → →
6 | a + b |2 = | a |2 +2 . a . b +| b |
am

\ l =±2 → → → →
| a + b |2 = 1 + 2 . a . b + 1 ½
→ → →
ls

\ a = ± 2( b × c ) → → → →
| a + b |2 = 2 + 2 | a || b |cos θ

al

Hence proved. 2
→ →
→ → → → → → | a + b |2 = 2 (1 + cosθ )
@

(ii) Now [ a + b b + c c + a ]
→ → 2 θ
→ → → → → → | a + b |2 = 4 cos 2 ½
= [( a + b ) × ( b + c )]·( c + a )

→ → → → → → → → θ
= ( a × b )· c +( b × c )· a 1 | a + b |2 = 2 cos 2

(As the scalar triple product = 0, if any two vectors θ 1 ∧ ∧
are equal) cos = a+ b
2 2
Hence,  
→ → → → → → → → → → → → θ a−b
a ·( b × c ) + ( a × b )· c = a ·( b × c ) + c ·( b × c ) tan =   Hence Proved. 2
2 a+b
→→ → Q. 3. If with reference to right handed system of
= 2 a ( b × c ) 1+½ ∧ ∧
∧
mutually perpendicular unit vectors i , j and k
→ 1 →
= 2 a  ± a  → ∧ ∧ → ∧ ∧ ∧
 2  and α = 3 i − j , , β = 2 i + j − 3 k , then express in
= ± 1 ½ → → → → →
the form β = β 1 + β 2 , where β1 is parallel to α
Hence proved.
→
[CBSE Marking Scheme 2015] and β2 is perpendicular to α .
→
410 ] Oswaal CBSE Chapterwise & Topicwise Question Bank, Mathematics, Class–XII

→ → →
Sol. Given β1 || to α β2 ·α = [(2 – 3l) i + (1 + l) – 3k].[3i – j] = 0
→ → 3(2 – 3l) – (1 + l) = 0
\ β1 = λ α 5 – 10l = 0
→
 ∧ ∧ 1
β1 = λ  3 i − j  2 l=
  2
→ → → 1 → 1 ∧ 3∧ ∧
β2 is ^ to α β1 = (3i – j) & β2 = i + j − 3k 2
2 2 2
→ →
\ β2 . α = 0 Commonly Made Errors
→ → → →
 ∧ ∧ ∧
  Some students do dot product first then cross
Given β = β1 + β2 ⇒ β2 =  2 i + j − 3 k  – λ  3 i − j 
∧ ∧
product which is wrong.
   
2  The right method is to do the cross product first
then dot product in scalar triple product.
→ ∧ ∧
β2 = (2 – 3l) i + (1 + l) i − 3 k

m
ra
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