INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA

A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3

TOPIC 7: Vectors

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to
i. Understand the significance of all the symbols used when the equation of a straight line is
expressed in the form 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃
ii. Determine whether two lines are parallel, intersect or are skew

7.0 Introduction

A quantity having direction as well as magnitude, especially as determining the position of one point in
space relative to another.

7.1 Equation of straight line

A line is exactly located in space if

a) It has a known direction and passes through a known fixed point
b) It passes through two known fixed points

7.1.1 A line with known direction passing through a known fixed point

Consider a line that is parallel to a vector b and that passes through a fixed point 𝑨 with position vector a

If r is the position vector, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

𝑶𝑷, of a point p then
b P
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑡𝒃
P is a point on this line ↔ 𝑨𝑷

Where t is a variable scalar, i.e. a parameter.

A
Now, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑶𝑨
𝑶𝑷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝑨𝑷
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗

i.e 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃

i.e P is on the line ↔ 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃 O

For each value of the parameter t this equation gives the position vector of one point on the line and it
is called the vector equation of the line.

a is the position vector of any point on the line so a can have many different values. This means that
the equation of the line is not unique.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 1:

Find a vector equation of the line that passes through the point with position vector 2𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌 and is
parallel to the vector 𝒊 + 𝒋 − 2𝒌

Solution: The vector equation of a line is 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃 where a is the position vector of a point on
the line and b is parallel to the line.
For this line, 𝒂 = 2𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌 and 𝒃 = 𝒊 + 𝒋 − 2𝒌

∴ A vector equation of the line is 𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌 + 𝒕(𝒊 + 𝒋 − 2𝒌)

Example 2:

Write down a vector that parallel to 𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌 + 𝒕(𝒊 + 𝒋 − 2𝒌)

Example 3:

Write down a vector that parallel to 𝒓 = (1 − 2𝑠)𝒊 + (4𝑠 − 3)𝒋 + (1 + 𝑠)𝒌

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.1.2 A line with known direction passing through two given points

To find the equation of a line l passing through two given points with position vector 𝒂 and 𝒃, we can
use of the points as a fixed point, and, as the diagram shows, the difference between the vector parallel
to the line.
𝒙𝟏 𝒙𝟐
Let vector position 𝒂 = (𝒚𝟏 ) and vector 𝒃 = (𝒚𝟐 )
𝒛𝟏 𝒛𝟐
𝒓 = 𝑶𝑨⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝑡 𝑨𝑩
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝑡 (𝑨𝑶
𝒓 = 𝑶𝑨 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ + 𝑶𝑩
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ )
𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡 (−𝒂 + 𝒃)
So an equation of the line 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡(𝒃 − 𝒂)

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵
𝐴

𝒂
𝒃

Example 4: Find a vector equation for line through the points 𝐴(1,2,1) and 𝐵(3, −2, −1)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Exercise 1

1. Write down equations in vector form for the line through a point 𝐴 with position vector a and in the
direction of vector b where
(a) 𝒂 = 𝒊 − 𝟑𝒋 + 𝟐𝒌 𝒃 = 𝟓𝒊 + 𝟒𝒋 − 𝒌
(b) 𝒂 = 𝟐𝒊 + 𝒋 𝒃 = 𝟑𝒋 − 𝒌
(c) A is in origin 𝒃=𝒊−𝒋−𝒌

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

2. State whether the following pairs of line are parallel.

(a) 𝒓 = 𝒊 + 𝒋 − 𝒌 + 𝜆(𝟐𝒊 − 3𝒋 + 𝒌)
𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 4𝒋 + 5𝒌 + 𝜆(𝒊 + 𝒋 − 𝒌)

(b) 𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 𝒋 + 5𝒌 + 𝑠(𝒊 + 𝒋 − 𝒌)
𝒓 = (3 + 𝑡)𝒊 + (𝑡 − 1)𝒋 − (5 − 𝑡)𝒌

(c) 𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌 + 𝝀(𝒊 + 𝒋 + 3𝒌)

𝒓 = 𝝁(𝟐𝒊 + 2𝒋 + 6𝒌)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

3. Find a vector equation for the line through the points 𝐴(3,4, −7) and 𝐵(1, −1,6)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.2 Pairs of lines

Two lines in space may be

(a) Parallel
(b) Not parallel and intersecting
(c) Not parallel and not intersecting/skew

7.2.1 Parallel Lines

If two lines have similar directions, then the lines are parallel.

Example 5:
State whether or not the line with equation
𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 3𝒋 + 2𝒌 + 𝑡(𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌) and 𝒓 = (3 − 𝜇)𝒊 − (3 − 𝜇)𝒋 + (2 − 4𝜇)𝒌 are parallel.

7.2.2 Non-parallel Lines and intersecting

Consider two lines whose vector equations are 𝒓1 = 𝒂1 + 𝑡𝒃1 and 𝒓2 = 𝒂2 + 𝑠𝒃2
If these line INTERSECT, there must be values of 𝑡 and 𝑠 such that
𝒂1 + 𝑡𝒃1 = 𝒂2 + 𝑠𝒃2
If no such values can be found, the lines DO NOT INTERSECT.

𝑙1

𝑙2
𝑟

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 6
Find out whether the following pairs of lines are parallel, non parallel and intersecting, or non-parallel
and non intersecting.

a) 𝑟 = 𝑖 + 𝑗 + 2𝑘 + 𝑡(3𝑖 − 2𝑗 + 4𝑘) and 𝑟 = 2𝑖 − 𝑗 + 3𝑘 + 𝑠(−6𝑖 + 4𝑗 − 8𝑘)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

b) 𝑟 = 𝑖 − 𝑗 + 3𝑘 + 𝑡(𝑖 − 𝑗 + 𝑘) and 𝑟 = 2𝑖 + 4𝑗 + 6𝑘 + 𝑠(2𝑖 + 𝑗 + 3𝑘)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

c) 𝑟 = 𝑖 + 𝑘 + 𝑡(𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 4𝑘) and 𝑟 = 2𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 𝑠(4𝑖 − 𝑗 + 𝑘)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Exercise 2: (a) S15_31_Q6

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

(b) S15_32_Q10

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.2.3 Point of intersection between two lines

Consider two straight lines with equations:

𝒓1 = 𝒂1 + 𝑡𝒃1 and 𝒓2 = 𝒂2 + 𝑠𝒃2 where 𝒕 and 𝒔 are scalar
If the two line meet, then
𝒓1 = 𝒓2
𝒂1 + 𝑡𝒃1 = 𝒂2 + 𝑠𝒃2

From the equation obtained the values of 𝒕 and 𝒔 can be determined.

Note: if there does not exist any values of 𝒕 and 𝒔 then the two lines do not meet.

Example7:
Find the position vector for the point of intersection between line

1  − 3 1  − 3
       
L1 : r =  0  +   − 2  and L2 : r =  2  +   − 4 
1  2   2  1 
       

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Exercise 3: (a) W14_33_Q7

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

(b) W12_31_Q10

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.3 Cartesian equation of a line

In general, three-dimensional Cartesian equation of a line which passes through the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) in
l
 
the direction of  m  can be written as
n
 

𝒓= 𝒂+ 𝑡 𝒃
 x   x1   l 
     
 y  =  y1  + t  m 
z z  n
   1  
Equating the coefficients of and 𝒊, 𝒋, and 𝒌,

Hence, three dimensional Cartesian equation of a line which passes through the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) in the
l
 
direction of  m  can be written as
n
 

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 8: Find the Cartesian equation of the line AB where A is (1,2,−2 ) and B is (4,−4,3)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 9: Find the Cartesian equation of the lines

(a) 𝒓 = 𝒊 − 2𝒋 + 3𝒌 + 𝜇(2𝒊 + 5𝒋 − 1𝒌)

(b) 𝒓 = 4𝒊 + 3𝒋 + 𝜇(−𝒊 + 2𝒌)

(c) 𝒓 = (3 − 𝜇)𝒊 − (3 − 𝜇)𝒋 + (2 − 4𝜇)𝒌

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.4 Angle between two lines

Consider two straight lines:

L1 : r = a1 + tb1 which has direction of b1

L2 : r = a2 + tb2 which has direction of b2

Therefore, the required angle is between the direction of the two lines, which are b1 and b2

Using scalar product,

b1 • b2 = b1 b2 cos   is angle between two lines

𝑙1
b1 • b2
cos  =
b1 b2

Example 10: Find the acute angle between the lines 𝑙2

 − 1 1  5  2
       
L1 : r =  4  +   2  and L2 : r =  − 3  +   5 
 − 5  3  6   − 1
       

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Exercise 4: Find the acute angle between the lines

(a) 𝒓 = (3 − 2𝜆)𝒊 + (4 − 5𝜆)𝒋 + (−7 + 13𝜆)𝒌 and 𝒓 = (2 + 𝜆)𝒊 − (1 − 𝜆)𝒋 + (4 − 2𝜆)𝒌

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

x − 3 y − 1 2z + 7 3− x 8− y z −4
(b) = = and = =
4 −2 5 1 7 3

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

(c) 𝒓 = 𝒊 + 2𝒋 + 4𝒌 + 𝜇(7𝒊 − 2𝒋 + 3𝒌) and 𝒓 = −2𝒊 + 3𝒋 + 11𝒌 + 𝜇(2𝒋 + 𝒌)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to
iv. Understand the significance of all the symbols used when the equation of a plane is expressed in
either of the forms 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 𝑑 or (𝒓 − 𝒂) ∙ 𝑛 = 0

7.4 The vector equation of a plane

𝑃 𝐴
𝑟−𝑎

𝑛
𝑟 𝑎

(𝒓 − 𝒂) ∙ 𝒏 = |𝒓 − 𝒂||𝒏| cos 𝜃

Since both are perpendicular, so 𝜃 = 90°

𝑂
(𝒓 − 𝒂) ∙ 𝒏 = |𝒓 − 𝒂||𝒏| cos 90°
𝑎
The point A, whose position vector is ___________ in the plane. (𝒓 − 𝒂) ∙ 𝒏 = |𝒓 − 𝒂||𝒏|(0)

𝑛
The position vector _______ is perpendicular to the plane. (𝒓 − 𝒂) ∙ 𝒏 = 0

𝑟
The vector _______ is the position vector of any point in the plane.

𝑟−𝑎
The vector __________________ 𝑛
is in the plane and so it is perpendicular to ___________

𝑟−𝑎
Therefore, the scalar product of _____________________ 𝑛
and _________________ 0
is ______________

Rewrite the equation,

(𝒓 − 𝒂) ∙ 𝒏 = 0

This equation is one form of the equation of a plane.

The Vector Equation of the plane:

(𝒓 − 𝒂) ∙ 𝑛 = 0 or 𝒓 ∙ 𝒏 = 𝒂 ∙ 𝒏
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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.5 The Cartesian equation of a plane

𝒏 = 𝑝𝒊 + 𝑞𝒋 + 𝑟𝒌

Points of the plane through 𝑃 have coordinate (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) or we can write as 𝑟 = 𝑥𝒊 + 𝑦𝒋 + 𝑧𝒌 and the

𝑝
Normal vector that perpendicular to point 𝑃, 𝑛 = (𝑞 ) or we can write as 𝒏 = 𝑝𝒊 + 𝑞𝒋 + 𝑟𝒌
𝑟

So, scalar product of both 𝒓 and 𝒏, should satisfy 𝒓 ∙ 𝒏 = 𝒅 where 𝒅 is a constant.

𝒓∙𝒏 =𝒅 Cartesian equation

of plane should
𝑥 𝑝 satisfy 𝒓 ∙ 𝒏 = 𝒅
𝒓 ∙ 𝒏 = ( ) ∙ (𝑞 ) = 𝒅
𝑦
𝑧 𝑟

𝑝𝑥 + 𝑞𝑦 + 𝑟𝑧 = 𝒅

This is called the Cartesian equation of the plane

Cartesian Equation of the plane:

𝑝𝑥 + 𝑞𝑦 + 𝑟𝑧 = 𝒅
𝒅 is actually the
distance of the plane
from origin
Just remain the constant 𝑥, 𝑦, and 𝑧 as
constants. Because these constants can be any
point on the plane.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 11:
1. Find the Cartesian equation of a plane that passes through the point (2, −4, −5) and is perpendicular
to vector 3𝒊 + 𝒋 − 2𝒌

2. Write down the Cartesian equation of these planes.

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

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

3. Write down the vector equations of these planes.

(a) 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 5
(b) 5𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 4𝑧 = 7

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 12:
4
Find the Cartesian equation of the plane through the point (1, 2, 3) with normal (5)
6

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 13:
1 2
Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the line 𝑟 = (0) + 𝑡 ( 1 ) with the plane
1 −3
3𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 11.

Solution:
1 2 𝑥 1 2
𝑟 = (0) + 𝑡 ( 1 ) can be written as (𝑦) = (0) + 𝑡 ( 1 )
1 −3 𝑧 1 −3
Where 𝑥 = 1 + 2𝑡
𝑦=𝑡
𝑧 = 1 − 3𝑡
Substitute into equation of plane: 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 11
3(1 + 2𝑡) + 2(𝑡) + 4(1 − 3𝑡) = 11
3 + 6𝑡 + 2𝑡 + 4 − 12𝑡 = 11
−4𝑡 = 4
𝑡 = −1
Since 𝑡 = −1 then, the point of intersection is
𝑥 1 2
(𝑦) = (0) + (−1) ( 1 )
𝑧 1 −3
𝑥 −1
(𝑦) = (−1)
𝑧 5

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to
v. Use equation of lines and planes to solve problems concerning distance, angles and intersections, and
in particular . ie. find the equation of a line or a plane, given sufficient information.

Example 13:
Find the coordinates of the point where the line 𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 3𝒋 + 2𝒌 + 𝒔(𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌) cuts the 𝑥𝑦-plane.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 14:
The position vectors of the point A and B are (3𝒊 + 2𝒋 − 2𝒌) and (2𝒊 + 𝒋 + 5𝒌) respectively.
The point 𝐶 is the midpoint of 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐷 is the position vector (𝒊 − 4𝒋 + 𝒌). Find the equation of the line
through 𝐶 and 𝐷

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 15:
The line 𝑟1 = 𝒊 − 𝒋 + 3𝒌 + 𝑡(𝒊 − 𝒋 + 𝒌) and 𝑟2 = 2𝒊 + 4𝒋 + 6𝒌 + 𝑠(𝟐𝒊 + 𝒋 + 3𝒌) intersect at the point
with position vector −2𝒊 + 2𝒋. Find the Cartesian equation of the plane containing the lines.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 16:
The equation of a line is 𝒓 = (1 − 𝑠)𝒊 + (2 + 3𝑠)𝒋 + 6𝑠𝒌 and the equation of plane is
𝒓 ∙ (2𝒊 − 𝒋 + 𝒌) = 3. Find
(a) The coordinates of the point where the line cuts the plane
(b) The angle between the line and the plane in degree correct to 1 decimal place.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to
v. Use equation of lines and planes to solve problems concerning distance, angles and intersections, and
in particular. i.e. Determine whether a line in a plane, is parallel to the plane, or intersects a plane,
and find the point of intersection of a line and a plane when it exists.

7.7 Lines and Planes

A line either can be in a plane, or in parallel to a plane or it can intersect the plane.

7.7.1 Part I: A line that is in the plane

• A line with equation 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃 is in the plane 𝒑 if any two points on the line are also
points in the plane
• We can take any two values of 𝑡 to find the position vectors of two points on the line.
• If these position vector also satisfy the equation of the plane, then the line must be in the plane

Example 17:
1 4
Find whether or not the line 𝒓 = ( 2 ) + 𝑡 (3) lie in the plane 2𝑥 − 𝑦 − 𝑧 = 1
−1 5

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Exercise 5: (a) S15_32_10

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

(b) W14_31_10

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.7.2 Part II: A line that is parallel to the plane

• A line with equation 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃 is parallel to position vector 𝒃.

• If 𝒏 is a vector perpendicular to a plane 𝒑 . and this line is parallel to 𝒑
• Then 𝒃 is also perpendicular to 𝒏
• Therefore 𝒃 ∙ 𝒏 = 0

Example 18:
Show that the line 𝑳 whose vector equation is 𝒓 = 2𝒊 − 2𝒋 + 3𝒌 + 𝑡(𝒊 − 𝒋 + 4𝒌) is parallel to the plane
𝑷 whose vector equation is 𝒓 ∙ (𝒊 + 5𝒋 + 𝒌) = 5

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.7.3 Part III: A line that intersect a plane

• A line that is not parallel to a plane must intersect the plane. So the condition for a line to
intersect the plane is 𝒃 ∙ 𝒏 ≠ 0

7.7.3.1 The line intersection of two planes

When two planes intersect, the equation of the line between the planes can be found by using the
Cartesian equation of the planes.

Example 19:
The planes with equation 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 2 and 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 𝑧 = 4 intersect in the line 𝑙. Find the equation
of line 𝑙.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 20:
Find a vector equation of the line of intersection of the planes 𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 6𝑧 = 2 and 2𝑥 + 7𝑦 − 3𝑧 = 7

40
 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 21:
Find a vector equation of the line through (4 2 −3), parallel to the line of intersection of the planes
3𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 6 and 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 7.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.8 The perpendicular distance of a point from a line

𝐶 is the point with position vector 𝒄 and 𝒍 is the line with equation 𝒓 = 𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃

• To find the perpendicular distance of 𝑪 from line 𝒍, first find a point 𝑩 on the line such that

______________________________________________________________________________

• 𝒓 is position vector of any point on the line. So, for any point 𝑩 on the line

⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑪𝑩 =

• ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ to be perpendicular to line 𝒍,

For 𝑪𝑩

• Therefore, [(𝒂 + 𝑡𝒃) − 𝒄] ∙ 𝒃 = 𝟎 can be solved to ______________________________

• Using this value of 𝑡, the ________________________________________________________

of 𝑪 from line 𝒍.

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 21:
2 −1
Find the perpendicular distance of the point 𝐴 (1 3 2) from the line 𝑟 = (5) + 𝑡 ( 2 )
1 1

𝐵
𝑟 = (2 − 𝑡)𝒊 + (5 + 2𝑡)𝒋 + (1 + 𝑡)𝒌
−𝒊 + 2𝒋 + 𝒌
𝑑

𝐴 (𝒊 + 3𝒋 + 2𝒌)

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 22:
Find the distance of the point 𝑸 with coordinates (1, 2, 3) from straight line with equation
𝒓 = 𝟑𝒊 + 4𝒋 − 2𝒌 + 𝑡(𝒊 − 2𝒋 + 2𝒌)

Solution:

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.9 The perpendicular distance of a point from a plane

Let the Cartesian equation for plane:

Plane: 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑧 = 𝐷

Let the point 𝑀(𝑚1 , 𝑚2 , 𝑚2 )

Therefore, the distance perpendicular from point M to plane, 𝑝 is

|(𝐴 ∙ 𝑚1 ) + (𝐵 ∙ 𝑚2 ) + (𝐶 ∙ 𝑚3 ) + 𝐷|
𝑑=
√𝐴2 + 𝐵2 + 𝐶 2

Example 23:
Find the distance of the point 𝐴(2, 3, 1) from the plane 𝑃 with equation 𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 𝑧 = 4

45
 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.10 Angle between two planes

The angle between two planes is equal to the acute angle determined by the normal vectors of the
planes.

The Cartesian equation for plane:

Plane 1: 𝐴1 𝑥 + 𝐵1 𝑦 + 𝐶1 𝑧 = 𝑑

Plane 2: 𝐴2 𝑥 + 𝐵2 𝑦 + 𝐶2 𝑧 = 𝑑

Therefore, the angle between two planes is

|(𝐴1 ∙ 𝐴2 ) + (𝐵1 ∙ 𝐵2 ) + (𝐶1 ∙ 𝐶2 )|

cos 𝛼 =
√𝐴12 + 𝐵12 + 𝐶12 ∙ √𝐴22 + 𝐵22 + 𝐶22

Example 24:
Find the angle between the planes with equation:

(a) 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 2 and 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 𝑧 = 4

(b) 3𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 1 and 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 2

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

7.11 Angle between line and plane

The angle between line, 𝐿 and plane, 𝑝 is the angle between the line and its projection onto this plane.

if in plane given the direction 𝒂 of line, 𝐿

𝑝
𝒂 = (𝑞 ) = 𝑝𝒊 + 𝑞𝒋 + 𝑟𝒌
𝑟

And equation of the plane, 𝑝

𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑧 = 𝐷

Then the angle between this line and plane can be found using this formula

|(𝐴 ∙ 𝑝) + (𝐵 ∙ 𝑞) + (𝐶 ∙ 𝑟)|
sin 𝜃 =
√𝐴2 + 𝐵2 + 𝐶 2 ∙ √𝑝2 + 𝑞 2 + 𝑟 2

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 25:
Find the angle between the line

𝑥−4 𝑦+2 𝑧−6

= =
2 6 3

and the plane 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 + 4 = 0

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 INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC SCHOOL MALAYSIA
A-LEVEL: Pure Mathematics 3
TOPIC 7: Vectors

Example 26:
Find the angle between the line 𝒓 = (1 − 𝑠)𝒊 + (2 + 3𝑠)𝒋 + (6𝑠)𝒌 and the equation of plane
𝒓 ∙ 𝟐𝒊 − 𝒋 + 𝒌 = 3

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