Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

H2 Mathematics (9758)
Tutorial 1 - Vectors: Basic Properties, Scalar and
Vector Products and Lines
Section 1: Practice Questions
You must attempt all the questions in this section.
 
1. Given that ABCDEF is a regular hexagon, where we denote AB = p and CD = q , express
  
BE , BC and AE in terms of p and q.

Solution:
  
=
BE 2=BO 2=CD 2q
A
  
BC = BO + OC =+q p F B
O
  
= OE − OA
AE
 E C
= q − CB
 D
=q + BC =q + (p + q) =p + 2q

Key Learning Points

• Opposite sides of a regular polygon with even no. of sides are parallel
• As a result, there are 3 pairs of equal vectors for a regular hexagon.
• Regular hexagons can be split into 6 equilateral triangles resulting in many equal
vectors
  
• Law
of 
vector

= AB + BC
addition: AC
• AB = − BA
  
• AB = OB − OA
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• This being the first question, emphasise on the presentation, especially the tilde
• Students not sketching a figure to assist the question answering
Possible Questions to Ask
• Do the properties apply to a regular octagon? (Except for the triangles; it will be
isosceles)
Possible Questions that Students may Ask
• How do we know that the vectors are parallel? (Use angles to explain)
Topic 1: Vectors

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
2. ABCD is a square, and M and N are the midpoints of BC and CD respectively. Express AB,
   
AC and BD in terms of p and q, where AM = p and AN = q .
Solution:
 
Let a = AB and b = AD
1
p= a + b − − − (1)
2
1
a
q= b + a − − − (2) A B
2 p
 4 1
2(1)-(2): 2p − q = 3 a ⇒ a = AB =
2
p− q q
2 3 3
3 4 2 b M
2(2)-(1): 2q − p= b ⇒ b= q− p
2 3 3
 2 2 1
AC = a + b = p + q
3 3 D C
 1 1
BD =−a + b =2q − 2p N

Key Learning Points

• Vector law of addition
• Properties of vector algebra
• Use of diagrams to aid solution
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Introduction of an origin O and confusion over position vectors
Possible Questions to Ask
• Can we use the midpoint theorem to solve this question?
• What if M lies on BC such that BM:MC = 2:1?
Possible Questions that Students may Ask
• Could the vectors be represented differently (i.e. different answer). If not, why?

Topic 1: Vectors

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3. The position vectors of the points P and R, relative to an origin O, are p and r respectively
 
where p and r are not parallel to each other. Q is a point such that OQ = 2OP and S is a
 
point such that OS = 2OR . T is the midpoint of QS. Find, in terms of p and r
   
(i) PR , (ii) OT , (iii) QT , (iv) TR .
What shape is the quadrilateral PRTQ? Name another quadrilateral that has the same shape
as PRTQ.

Solution:
   
OP = p , OR = r , OQ = 2p , OS = 2r
  
(i) PR = OR − OP =− r p
  
(ii) OT =1
( 1
OQ + OS = ( 2p + 2r ) =
2 2
)
p+r
  
(iii) QT = OT − OQ = p + r − 2p = r − p
  
(iv) TR = OR − OT =−
r (p + r ) = −p
 
Since PR = QT , PRTQ is a parallelogram. Another parallelogram is PTSR or OPTR.

Key Learning Points

• Basic vector algebra
• Use of midpoint / ratio theorem
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Unable to identify parallelogram or locate other similar shapes
Possible Questions to Ask
 
• Do we need to show that PQ = TR to prove that the shape is a parallelogram?
Possible Questions that Students may Ask
• What are the properties for other common quadrilaterals like rhombus and
trapezium?

Topic 1: Vectors

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4. Relative to the origin O, two points A and B have position vectors given by
a = 14i + 14 j + 14k and b = 11i − 13 j + 2k respectively.
(i) The point P divides the line AB in the ratio 2 :1 . Find the coordinates of P.
(ii) Show that AB and OP are perpendicular.

(iii) The vector c is a unit vector in the direction of OP . Write c as a column vector, and
give the geometrical meaning of a ⋅ c .

(iv) Find a × p , where p is the vector OP , and give the geometrical meaning of a × p .
Hence write down the area of triangle OAP. [2009/II/2]

Solution:

(i) By Ratio
 Theorem,
 (ii)
 OA + 2OB  12   11  14  
OP =        
3 OP ⋅ AB = −4  ⋅  −13  − 14  
14   11   6   2  14  
         
14  + 2  −13   12   12   −3 
14   2     
 
=    =
 −4 
= −4  ⋅  −27  =−36 + 108 − 72 =0
3 6  6   −12 
     
Coordinates of P are
(12, -4, 6). Thus AB and OP are perpendicular.
(iii) (iv)
 12  14   12   140 
  1      
=c −4  a ×=
p 14  ×  −4=  84 
2  
12 + (−4) + 6  
2 2
14   6   −224 
6      
 12  6 a × p is the area of the parallelogram in which
1   1 
= −4 = −2 OA and OP are a pair of adjacent sides.
14   7   Area of triangle OAP
6 3
 140 
1 1  1
a.c is the length of projection of a = a×p =  84  = 76832 = 98 2
 2 2  2
onto OP i.e. OP  −224 
[a onto c also accepted]

Concepts Tested
• Ratio Theorem
• Finding unit vector
• Dot product of perpendicular vectors = 0
• Geometric meaning of the modulus of a dot and cross product, i.e. a ⋅ c and a × p
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Part (iv): Students will answer area of parallelogram without stating the pair of
adjacent sides
Topic 1: Vectors

Possible Questions to Ask

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• Draw random vectors a and c and ask students to label a ⋅ c

5. (a) a and b are non-zero vectors such that a= (a ⋅ b ) b . State the relation between the
directions of a and b, and find b .
(b) a is a non-zero vector such that a = 3 and b is a unit vector.
5π
Given that a and b are non-parallel and the angle between them is , find the exact
6
value of the length of projection of a on b and the projection vector of a onto b. By
considering ( 2a + b ) ⋅ ( 2a + b ) , or otherwise, find the exact value of 2a + b .

Solution:

a The directions of a and b are parallel.

=
Case 1: a ⋅ b a b= cos 0 a b
Case 2: a ⋅ b =a b cos180 =− a b
In both cases, ab = a b
a=(a ⋅ b ) b
⇒ a = (a ⋅ b ) a
a=a b b
b =1
2

b =1
b Length of projection of a on b
π 3
= =
3 cos
6 2 a
Alternatively,
5π 3 3 b
a ⋅ b = a b cos = 3× =
6 2 2

3
Hence, the projection vector is b , since b is a unit vector.
2
Topic 1: Vectors

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2a + b = ( 2a + b ) ⋅ ( 2a + b )
2

= 4a ⋅ a + 2a ⋅ b + 2b ⋅ a + b ⋅ b
= 4 a + 4a ⋅ b + b
2 2

5π
=
4(3) + 4 a b cos +1
6
=7
2a + b =7

Key Learning Points

• Scalar product
• Length of projection
• Use of a ⋅ a =
2
a
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Incorrect expansion of the scalar product
• Omission of modulus signs during the working
Possible Questions to Ask
• Given the above result, what is the projection vector of a on b?

Topic 1: Vectors

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6. (i) Given that a × b = 0 , what can be deduced about the vectors a and b?
(ii) Find a unit vector n such that n × ( i + 2 j − 2k ) =0.
(iii) Find the cosine of the acute angle between i + 2 j − 2k and the z-axis.
[2014/I/3]
Solution:
(i) Since a × b = 0, we have
a×b = 0
a b sin θ = 0
∴ a = 0, b = 0 or sin θ = 0 ⇒ θ = 0 or 180
Hence, either a or b or both are zero vectors or a and b are parallel to each other.

(ii) Since n × (i + 2 j − 2k) = 0 , (iii) Let the acute angle be .

using (i), we have n is parallel to .  1  0

   
 2 ⋅0
 −2   1 
1    
cos θ =
   1  0
 2 = 12 + 22 + (−2)=
2
3
   
 −2   2  0
   −2   1 
   
1 1
1  1  −2 2
=
∴n 2 or −  2  = =
3   3  3 3
 −2   −2 

Concepts Tested
• Definition of cross product – when do we get parallel vectors?
• Acute angle between 2 vectors using dot product
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Immediately assuming n = 0
• Omission of modulus & neglecting the fact that θ is acute
• Unable to identify a vector parallel to z-axis
Topic 1: Vectors

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7. (a) The non-zero vectors a, b and c are such that a × b = c × a . Given that b ≠ −c , find a
linear relationship between a, b and c.
(b) The variable vector v satisfies the equation v × ( i − 3k ) =2 j . Find the set of vectors v
and full describe this set geometrically.
[2016 Specimen Paper/I/6]

Solution:

a a × b =c × a
a × b =− ( a × c )
(a × b ) + (a × c) =
0
a × (b + c) =
0

Since b ≠ −c , b + c ≠ 0 and given a ≠ 0 , hence a is parallel to b + c . (Accepted

answer)
Therefore, a linear relationship between a, b and c is=a λ ( b + c ) for some
λ ∈ , λ ≠ 0 .

b  1  0  x
     
Given v ×  0  = 2  , let v =  y  .
 −3   0  z
     

 x  1   −3 y  0
     ( )  
⇒  y × 0  =  − −3x − z  =  2
 z   −3   −y  0
       

2 1
⇒y=
0 and 3 x + z = 2 ⇒ x = − z (Replacing z with λ )
3 3
Therefore,
 2 1  
 x   x  3 − 3λ 
   
   
the set of vectors v is  y  ∈  3 :  y=


 0  , λ ∈   or

 z  z
 
 λ 
  
 2  1 
 x     −  
  x 3 3 

 y  ∈  3 :  y  =    
      0 + λ  0 , λ ∈ 

 z  z 0
   
 1 
  
Topic 1: Vectors

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 1
− 3
 
This set is the set of all lines passing through point  2 , 0, 0  with direction  0  .
3   1 
 

Concepts Tested
• Cross product (Distributive Law)
• Cross product of parallel vectors is the zero vector
• Parallel vectors
• Recognising equation of a line
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Writing zero instead of zero vector.
• Not answering the question (though answer scheme allowed it)
• Unable to relate the Cartesian equations to vector equations of a line
• Possible attempts to “divide” the vector
• Unable to express the set using set notation
Possible Questions to Ask
• What about lines passing the origin, that are parallel to the set of lines found?
• How might the answer change if we changed 2j to 2i or 2z?

Topic 1: Vectors

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8. With reference to the origin O, two points A and B have position vectors a and b
respectively. The points O, A and B are not collinear. The point P divides AB in the ratio
π
AP : PB = 3 : 2 . It is given that a is a unit vector, OB = 4 , angle AOB = and the foot of
3
the perpendicular from P to the line passing through points O and A is F. Show that

OF = λa , where λ is a constant to be determined.
[CJC Prelim 2015/I/2]

Solution:
 
 3OB + 2OA 3 2
=
OP = b+ a
5 5 5
 
( )
OF = OP a a since a is a unit vector

   3 2  
=
OF   b + a a  a
 5 5  
3 2 
=  ba + aa  a
5 5 
3 π 2 
=  (4)(1) cos + (1) 2  a
5 3 5 
8
= a
5

Concepts Tested
• Ratio theorem
• Evaluating dot product
• Finding foot of perpendicular
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Confusion over length of projection and the projection vector
• Omitting modulus sign in evaluating the length of projection
Possible Questions to Ask
• How would the answer change if a has a magnitude of 2?
Topic 1: Vectors

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9. The points A, B, C and D have position vectors given by i − j + k , j − k , 2i − j − k and

i + 4 j + 3k respectively.
(i) Find the area of the triangle ABC. Hence, find the sine of the angle BAC.
(ii) Find a vector perpendicular to the plane ABC.
 
(iii) Find the length of projection of AC onto AB .
(iv) Determine whether the points A, B, C and D are coplanar or not.
(A, B, C and D are coplanar if they all lie on the same plane.)
[Hint: Let A, B and C lie on a plane. Determine the condition if D also lies on the
plane.]

Solution:
(i) 1 0 2 1
           
OA =  −1 , OB =  1  , OC =  −1 , OD =  4
1  −1  −1  3
       
1 0 1
        
BA =OA − OB = −1 −  1  = −2 
 1   −1  2 
     
 1   2   −1
        
CA = OA − OC =  −1 −  −1 =  0 
 1   −1  2 
     
 1   −1  −4 
1   1     1  
Area of triangle ABC = BA × CA = −2 × 0 = −4
2 2     2  
 2 2  −2 
1
=
= 42 + 42 + 2=
2
3 units2
2

 
Area of triangle ABC = 1 BA CA sin θ where θ = ∠BAC
2
1  −1
1    
=
3
2  −2   0  sin θ
2 2
   
6 = 5 9 sin θ
2 2 5
θ
sin= =
5 5
 
(ii) A vector perpendicular to the plane ABC is also perpendicular to BA and CA
 1   −1  −4   2
         
BA × CA = −2  ×  0  = −4  =−2  2 
 2   2   −2  1
       
Topic 1: Vectors

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 2
 
Hence, a vector perpendicular to the plane is  2  .
1
 
(iii)  −1  1
     
= AB = 2  , AC  0 
 −2   −2 
   
  1   −1 
 AB 1   
= AC
Length of projection =   0  2 
2 
AB 1 +2 +2    
2 2

 −2   −2 
1
= ( −1 + 0 + 4 )= 1 unit
3
(iv) 1  1  0
        
AD= OD − OA=  4  −  −1=  5
 3  1   2
     
 2  0  2
      
AD 2=   5  2= 12 ≠ 0
1  2 1
    
 2
  
Since AD is not perpendicular to  2  , D does not lie on the plane ABC and hence A,
1
 
B, C and D are not coplanar.

Concepts Tested
• Cross product and applications to area and finding perpendicular vectors
• Relating area of triangle to cross product
• Length of projection
• Dot product of two perpendicular vectors is 0.
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
 
• Using position vectors instead of BA, CA in (ii)
• Unable to relate result of (ii) to (iv)
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

10. The lines l1 and l2 have Cartesian equations

y+3 x−2
−=x = 2 z and = 1 − z, y =
4.
2 3
Express the equation of the lines in vector form and find the coordinates of the point where
l1 and l2 meet the xy-plane.

Solution:
 −1   2 3
0  
     
l1 : r = −3  + λ  2  , λ ∈   4 + µ  0 , µ ∈ 
l2 : r =
0   1  −1
  1     
 2
l1 meets the xy plane, z=0. Where l2 meets the xy plane, z=0.
Where
z = 0 ⇒ 1− µ = 0 ⇒ µ = 1
1
z =0 ⇒ λ =0 ⇒ λ =0
2 The coordinates are ( 5, 4,0 ) .
The coordinates are ( 0, −3,0 ) .

Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

11. Relative to the origin O, the points A, B, C have position vectors 5i + 4 j + 10k ,
−4i + 4 j − 2k , −5i + 9 j + 5k respectively.
(i) Find the Cartesian equation of the line AB.

(ii) Find the length of the projection of AC onto the line AB.
(iii) Hence or otherwise find the perpendicular distance from C to the line AB and the
position vector of the foot N of the perpendicular from C to the line AB.
Solution:
(i)  −9   3
      
AB = OB − OA =  0  = −3  0 
 −12   4
   
5  3
   
Vector equation of line AB=
: r  4  + λ0 , λ∈
10   4
   
x − 5 z − 10
Cartesian equation of line AB: = = ,y 4
3 4
(ii)  −5 − 5   −10 
      
AC = OC − OA =  9 − 4  =  5 
 5 − 10   −5 
   

 3
AB
A N B
 
Let d =  0  , which is the direction vector of line AB.
 4
 

  AC d
Length of projection of AC onto line= =
AB AN
d
 −10   3 
   
 5 ⋅ 0
   
  −5   4  −30 − 20
length of projection of AC onto line AB = = = 10 units
9 + 16 5
(iii) 
→
AC= 100 + 25 + 25= 150

( AC ) − ( AN ) = 150 − 100 = 5 2
2 2
Perpendicular distance from C to the line AB=

Projection vector of AC onto line AB
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial


= AN
 3
 
0
 4
= −10  
3 + 02 + 42
2

 3
 
= −2  0 
 4
 
  
= ON − OA
AN
  
= AN + OA
ON
 3  5 
   
=−2  0  +  4 
 4  10 
   
 −1
 
= 4 
2
  AB
A N B
‘Otherwise’ Method
 5 + 3λ 
  
Since N is on line AB, ON =  4  for some λ ∈  ,
10 + 4λ 
 
 5 + 3λ   −5  10 + 3λ 
        
CN = ON − OC =  4  −  9  =  −5 
     5 + 4λ 
10 + 4λ   5   

 3 10 + 3λ   3 
      
CN ⊥ line AB ⇒ CN ⋅  0=  0 ⇒  −5  .  0=  0 ⇒ 25λ + 50= 0 ⇒ λ= −2
 4  5 + 4λ   4 
    
 5 + 3 ( −2 )   −1
    
= ON = 4  4
10 + 4 ( −2 )   2 
   

Concepts Tested
• Finding Cartesian equations
• Using dot product to evaluate length of projection
• Use of projection vector to find foot of perpendicular
Topic 1: Vectors

Misconceptions & Common Mistakes

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

• Can encourage students to draw diagrams to aid visualisation

• Confusion over the terms “perpendicular distance” and “foot of perpendicular”
Possible Questions to Ask
• How do we decide on a method to use for (iii)?
• Does it matter whether the angle between the vectors and/or lines is acute? When
will it matter?

 1   − 1
   
12. The equation of a straight line l is r =  2  + t  1  , where t is a parameter.
 3  1 
   
The point A on l is corresponds to t = 0 , and the origin is denoted by O.
(a) Calculate the acute angle between OA and l, giving your answer correct to the nearest
degree.
(b) Find the position vector of the point P on l such that OP is perpendicular to l.
(c) A point Q on l is such that the length of OQ is 5 units. Find the two possible position
vectors of Q.
(d) The points R and S on l are given by t = λ and t = 2λ respectively. Show that there is
no value of λ for which OR and OS are perpendicular.

Solution:
(a)  1   − 1 1
      
l : r =  2  + t  1  . At t = 0, OA =  2 
 3  1   
 3
     
Let θ be the required (acute) angle.
 1   −1
   
 2 .  1 
 3  1 
    4
cos θ= = ⇒ θ= 52° (nearest degree)
14 3 14 3
(b)  1− t 
  
Since P is on l , OP =  2 + t  for some t ∈ 
3+t 
 
 −1  1 − t   −1
       4
OP ⊥ l ⇒ OP ⋅  1  = 0 ⇒  2 + t  .  1  = 0 ⇒ t = −
1 3+t   1  3
    
 1+ 4  7
  3  1  
OP =  2 − 43  =  2 
 4  3  5 
3− 3   
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

(c)  1− t 
  
Since Q is on l , OQ=  2 + t  for some t ∈ 
3+t 
 

OQ = (1 − t ) 2 + (2 + t ) 2 + (3 + t ) 2 = 5 ⇒ 3t + 8t − 11 =
2
0
11
(3t + 11)(t − 1) =0 ∴ t=− or 1
3
1  −1  14   1   −1  0 
   11   1         
OQ =−  2 3  1  =  −5  or OQ = 2  +  1  = 3 
 3  1  3  −2   3  1   4
           
(d)  1− λ   1 − 2λ 
     
=  2 + λ  , OS
OR =  2 + 2λ 
3+ λ  3 + 2λ 
   
 1 − λ   1 − 2λ 
     
OR OS=  2 + λ   2 + 2λ = (1 − λ )(1 − 2λ ) + ( 2 + λ )( 2 + 2λ ) + ( 3 + λ )( 3 + 2λ )
 3 + λ   3 + 2λ 
   
=  = 6λ + 12λ + 14 = 6(λ + 1) 2 + 8 > 0 for all λ ∈ 
2
 
Since there is no value of λ such that OROS = 0 ,there is no value of λ for which
 
OR and OS are perpendicular.

Concepts Tested
• Using equation of a line to find position vectors
• Calculating acute angles
• Finding magnitude of the vector
• Finding possible values of the parameter
• Use of completing the square to prove that an expression is always positive
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Unable to distinguish between position vectors and the vector equation
Possible Questions to Ask
• How do we know if the angles between lines are acute or obtuse?
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

1  2 
   
13. The equation of the line L is r =  3  + t  −1 . The points A and B have position vectors
7  5 
   
9 13 
   
 3  and  9  respectively. The line L intersects the line through A and B at P. Find α
 26   
  α 
and the acute angle between line L and AB.
 2
 
The point C has position vector  5  and the foot of perpendicular from C to L is Q.
1
 
(i) Find the position vector of Q. Hence find the shortest distance from C to L.
(ii) Find the position vector of the point of reflection of the point C about the line L.
Hence, find the reflection of the line passing through C and the point (1, 3, 7) about
the line L.
[N04/I/15 (modified)]
Solution:
1  2  Let the angle required be θ
     2   4
L : r =  3  + t  −1 , t ∈ 
7  5     
     −1 •  6 
 5  8
9 13   4  cos θ =    
        
OA =  3  , OB =  9  ⇒ AB =  6  4 + 1 + 25 16 + 36 + 64
 26  α   α − 26 
     
9  4 
   
l AB : r =  3  + s 6 , s ∈ 
42
=
 26   α − 26 
    30 116
At the point of intersection P, θ = 44.6
 1 + 2t   9 + 4s 
   
 3−t =   3 + 6s 
 7 + 5t   26 + sα − 26 s 
   
∴1 + 2t = 9 + 4 s − − − (1)
3 − t = 3 + 6 s − − − (2)
(1) + 2(2) : 7 = 15 + 16 s
1
s=
− ,t =
3
2
1
7 + 5(3) = 26 + 13 − α ⇒ α = 34
2
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

(i)  2
  
OC =  5  C
1
 
 1 + 2t 
  
Since Q lies on OQ=  3 − t  for some Q
 7 + 5t  L
 
t ∈
 −1 + 2t 
    
Shortest distance from C to L
CQ = OQ − OC =  −2 − t  = CQ
 6 + 5t  
  = CQ
CQ ⊥ L
 −3 
 −1 + 2t   2   
   =  −1 
 −2 − t  −1 =0 1
 
 6 + 5t   5 
  
= 9 +1+1
−2 + 4t + 2 + t + 30 + 25t =0
30t = −30 = 11
t = −1
 −1
  
OQ =  4 
2
 

(ii) Let the point of reflection be C '

 
CQ = QC '
   
OQ − OC = OC ' − OQ
  
=' 2OQ − OC
OC
 −2   2   −4 
     
=  8  −5 =  3 
 4  1  3 
     
1  1   −4  
      
L':r =  3  + λ  3  −  3   , λ ∈ 
7  7   3  
 
1 5
   
 3 + λ  0, λ ∈ 
L':r =
   
7  4

Concepts Tested
Topic 1: Vectors

• Finding point of intersection

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

• Evaluating shortest distance

• Relating shortest distance and foot of perpendicular to the reflection of points
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Confusion over parameter and variable in solving for the point of intersection (part
(i))
• Unable to extend the reflection of a point to the reflection of a line  not realising
that a direction vector would need to be found
Possible Questions to Ask
• What would the reflection of the point (1,3,7) about the line L be?
• How can we check if our answer to (ii) is correct?

14. In the diagram, O is the centre of the square base ABCD of

a right pyramid, vertex V. Perpendicular unit vectors i, j, k
are parallel to AB, AD, OV respectively. The length of AB C
is 4 units and the length of OV is 2h units. P, Q, M and N
are the mid-points of AB, BC, CV and VA respectively. The
point O is taken as the origin for position vectors.
A
Show that the equation of the line PM may be expressed as
 0  1
r =  −2  + t  3  , where t is a parameter.
 0  h
   
(i) Find an equation for the line QN.

→
(ii) Show that the lines PM and QN intersect and that the position vector OX of their point
 12 
of intersection is  − 1 2  .
 1 h
 2 
(iii) Given that OX is perpendicular to VB, find the value of h and calculate the acute angle
between PM and QN, giving your answer correct to the nearest 0.1°.

Solution:
0  0  1
  
OP =  −2     
∴ lPM : r = −2  + t  3  , t ∈ 
0  0  h
     
 1  
=
OM
2
(
OC + OV ) (shown)

 2  0   1
1      
=  2 +  0  =  1
2      
  0   2h    h 
1
    
PM = OM − OP =  3 
h
 
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

 1  

(i)
=
ON
2
(
OA + OV )
  −2   0    −1
1      
=   −2  +  0   = −1
2      
  0   2h    h 
 2
  
OQ =  0 
0
 
 −3 
    
QN = ON − OQ =  −1 
h
 
 2   −3 
   
∴ lQN : r =  0  + s  −1  , s ∈ 
0  h 
   

(ii)  t   2 − 3s  Check against

    −2 + 3t =− s
At X,  −2 + 3t  =  − s 
 ht   sh  LHS =−2 + =−
3 1
    2 2
∴ s =t from ht = sh 1
s= 2 − 3s RHS = −
2
1 1 Therefore the lines intersect.
=s =,t
2 2   12 
OX =  − 12  (shown)
 1 h
 2 
   
(iii) OX ⊥ VB ⇒ OX VB =0 Let angle required be θ
 2   0    1   −3 
 1 2         
 − 1 2   −2  −  0   =
0  3  −1 
 1 h  2  2
 2   0   2 h      4
     =cos θ =
 2  1+ 9 + 2 9 +1+ 2 12 12
 12   
 − 1 2  −2  =
0
 1 h
 2   −2h 
 
1 + 1 − h =0
2
θ = 70.5
h = 2 (since h>0)

Concepts Tested
• Expressing position vectors w.r.t. an origin specified within the question
• Use of ratio theorem
Topic 1: Vectors

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• Finding points of intersection

• Relating dot product and perpendicular vectors
• Finding angle between lines
Misconceptions & Common Mistakes
• Unable to identify position vectors correctly
• Unable to explain reason for rejecting h = − 2
• Confusion over the parameter and unknown in evaluating point of intersection
Possible Questions to Ask
• What might be some ways to evaluate the area of triangle VXB?

Section 2: Supplementary Questions

You may try these questions after the tutorial for extra practice.

15. Find the unit vector in the direction of 3i − 4 j + k . Hence, find a vector of magnitude 25
which is parallel to the vector 3i − 4 j + k .

Solution:
 3  3
1   1  
r
Unit vector, = −4= −4
2  
3 + (−4) + 1  
2 2
26  
 
1 1
3 4 1
Therefore the unit vector is i− j+ k .
26 26 26
A vector that is of magnitude 25 and parallel to the given vector is:
3
25   75 100 25
 −4=
 i− j+ k
26   26 26 26
1

16. With respect to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B, C and D are 4i + 7 j ,
i + 3 j , 2i + 4 j and 3i + dj respectively.
 
(i) Find the vectors BA and BC .
BC
(ii) Find the value of d if B, C and D are collinear. State the ratio .
BD
Solution:
  4    1    2    3 
=OA =  , OB =  , OC  =  , OD  
7  3  4 d 
    4   1   3 
(i) BA = OA − OB =   −   =  
 7   3  4 
    2   1  1
BC = OC − OB =   −   =  
 4   3   1
Topic 1: Vectors

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 
(ii) If B, C and D are collinear, then BC = λ BD for some λ ∈ 
 1  
=
 
 1
λ (
OD − OB )
  3   1    2λ 
= λ    −   =  
  d   3    λ (d − 3) 
1
2λ =1 ⇒ λ =
2
1
1= (d − 3) ⇒ d= 5
2
BC 1
=
BD 2

17. The points A and B have position vectors a, b respectively, referred to an origin O, where
a and b are not parallel to each other. The point C lies on AB between A and B and is such
AC
that = 2 , and D is the mid-point of OC. The line AD produced meets OB at E.
CB
Find, in terms of a and b,
(a) The position vector of C (referred to O),
 OE AE
(b) The vector AD . Find the values of and .
EB ED
Solution:
 
 OA + 2OB 1
=
(a) OC = ( a + 2b )
1+ 2 3
 1  1
=
(b) OD =
OC ( a + 2b )
2 6
   1 1 5
AD= OD − OA= ( a + 2b ) − a= b − a
 
6  3 6
Let AE = k AD and OE = sb for some k , s ∈ 
  
OE − OA = k AD
k 5k
sb − a= b− a
3 6
5k 6
=1 ⇒ k =
6 5
16 2
=s = 
3 5 5
OE 2 AE
= and =6
EB 3 ED
Topic 1: Vectors

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  

= OP + 6OR .
18. (a) Show that the three points P, Q and R are collinear if 7OQ
 
(b) Two points P and Q are coincident if OP = OQ . Prove that X and Y are coincident if
   
BY + AB = AX + YX .
(c) Use a vector method to show that the lines joining the midpoints of the sides of any
quadrilateral form a parallelogram.

Solution:
  
= OP + 6OR
(a) 7OQ
   
6OQ + OQ = OP + 6OR
   
OQ − OP = 6OR − 6OQ
 
PQ = 6QR
P, Q and R are collinear.
   
(b) BY + AB = AX + YX
       
OY − OB + OB − OA = OX − OA + OX − OY
 
2OY = 2OX
 
OY = OX
X and Y are coincident.

(c) Consider quadrilateral OABC with midpoints M,N,P,Q of sides OA, AB, BC and
OC respectively.
  
= ON − OM
MN
1   1 
=
2
(
OA + OB − OA
2
)
1 

= OB
2
  
QP= OQ − OP
1  1  
= OC − OB + OC
2 2
( )
1  

= = OB MN
2
 
Since MN = QP , MNPQ is a parallelogram.
Topic 1: Vectors

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6
19. The angle between the vectors 3i − 2 j and 6i + dj − 7k is cos −1   . Show that
 13 
2d − 117 d + 333 =
2
0.
[2016 Specimen Paper/II/3a]

Solution:
 3  6 
   
 −2  ⋅  d 
 0 
   7   6
Given cos = cos  cos −1 
9 + 4 36 + d + 7
2  13 
Therefore,
6
=
18 − 2d 13 43 + d 2
13
6
18 −=2d 43 + d 2
13
(18 − 2d )2 = 36 ( 43 + d 2 )
13
13 (
324 − 72d + 4d 2 ) − 43 − d 2 =
0
36
4 2
d − 26d + 74 = 0
9
2d 2 − 117 d + 333 = 0 (shown)

20.
A

P
M
Q
O B
 
Referred to the origin O, the points A and B are such that OA = a and OB = b . The point
P on OA is such that OP : PA = 1: 2 , and the point Q on OB is such that OQ : QB = 3 : 2 .
The mid-point of PQ is M (see diagram).

(i) Find OM in terms of a and b and show that the area of triangle OMP can be
written as k a × b , where k is a constant to be found.

(ii) The vectors a and b are now given by

a = 2 pi − 6 pj + 3 pk and b = i + j − 2k ,
Topic 1: Vectors

where p is a positive constant. Given that a is a unit vector,

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(a) find the exact value of p,

(b) give a geometric interpretation for a ⋅ b ,
(c) evaluate a × b .
[2011/I/7]
Solution:
(i)  1  3
= OP = a, OQ b
3 5
 
 OP + OQ 1 3
OM = = a+ b
2 6 10
1 
 

=
Area OP × OM
2
1 1 1 3 
= a× a + b
2 3 6 10 
1 1 1 1 3
= a× a + a× b
2 3 6 3 10
1
= a×b
20
1
∴k =
20
(ii) a =1
(a)
( 2 p ) + ( −6 p ) + ( 3 p ) =1
2 2 2

49 p 2 = 1
1  1 
p=  reject p =
− since p > 0 
7  7 
(b) a ⋅ b is the length of projection of b onto a . (Note: a is a unit vector)
(c)  2p   1  2 1 9
        1 
a×b =
 −6 p  ×  1  =−
p 6× 1  = 7
 3 p   −2   3   −2  7  8 
          Topic 1: Vectors

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21. The position vectors of the vertices of A, B and C of a triangle are a, b and c respectively.
1
If O is the origin, show that the area of triangle OAB is a × b and deduce an expression
2
for the area of the triangle ABC.
Hence or otherwise, show that the perpendicular distance from B to AC is
a×b + b×c + c×a
.
c−a

Solution:

=
Area of triangle OAB 1
θ
a b sin=
1
a × b since a × b =a b sin θ
2 2
Area of triangle ABC
1  
= AB × AC
2
1
= (b − a) × (c − a)
2
1
= (b × c) − (b × a) − (a × c) + (a × a)
2
1
= (b × c) + (a × b ) + (c × a)
2
Let the perpendicular distance of B to AC be d
1 1
× d × c − a= (b × c) + (a × b ) + (c × a)
2 2
(b × c) + (a × b ) + (c × a)
d= ( shown)
c−a

Topic 1: Vectors

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22. Find a vector equation and Cartesian equation of the line

(a) passing through the point with position vector 7i + 2 j and parallel to i − 3 j ,
(b) passing through the points (1, −2 ) and ( 0, 4 ) ,
(c) passing through the point with position vector 7i and parallel to the line
r =(2 − p )i + pj, p ∈  ,
(d) whose Cartesian equation is 3= y 2 x − 6 [in this case, find the vector equation]
(e) passing through the point (0,4) and parallel to the line 3 x − y =4.

Solution:
Vector equation Cartesian equation
(a) 7 1  x= 7 + λ
  + λ  , λ ∈ 
l1 : r = 
 2  −3   y= 2 − 3λ
2− y
x−7 =
3
(b)   1   0   1   x= 1+ µ
AB =   −   =   
 −2   4   −6   y =−2 − 6 µ
 1  1 y+2
  µ  , µ ∈ 
l2 : r =+ x − 1 =−
 −2   −6  6
(c) 2− p  x= 7 − s
= r  , p ∈ 
 p   y=s
 2  −1 7−x = y
r=   + p , p ∈ 
0 1
 7   −1
l3 : r =  + s , s ∈
0  1 
(d) Let 3 y = 2 x − 6 = t -
Then y= 1 t , x= t + 6= 3 + 1 t
3 2 2
1
 3  2 
l4 : r =
  + t  1 , t ∈ 
0  
 
3
 3  3
  + β  , β ∈
l4 : r =
0  2
(e) 3x − y = 4 ⇒ y = 3x + 4  x =γ
Let y = 3 x + 4 = α 
 y= 4 + 3γ
α −4
=x = ,y α y−4
3 x=
4 1
3
x =− + α , y = α
3 3
Topic 1: Vectors

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 4 1
− 
l : r =3 + α  3  , α ∈ 

   
 0  1
 4
 − 3  + k 1, k ∈ 
r=
   3 
 0 
 0 1
  + γ  , γ ∈
l5 : r =
 4   3

23. Show that the following lines do not intersect:

r =−2i + j + 9k + s (2i + 5 j + 4k ) ,
r= 11i + 8 j + 3k + t (3i − j + 5k ) ,
where s and t ∈ .
State whether the lines are parallel or skew, giving a reason for your answer. If the line is
skew, find the angle between the lines.
[N2000/I/3 (modified)]
Solution:
 −2   2   2 3
       
l1 : r =  1  + s5, s ∈ Let  5=  k  −1
 9   4  4 5
       
11  3  Since there does not exist a k such that the
    above holds true, l1 and l2 are not parallel.
l2 : r=  8  + t  −1 , t ∈ 
3  5 
   
Let angle required be θ
 −2 + 2s  11 + 3t   2  3 
      
Let  1 + 5s  = 8 − t 
 9 + 4s   3 + 5t   5  −1
     4  5 
= cos θ =    21
−2 + 2 s = 11 + 3t -(1)
4 + 25 + 16 9 + 1 + 25 45 35
1 + 5s =8 − t -(2)
9 + 4 s =3 + 5t -(3)

(1)+3(2): 17 s = 34 θ = 58.1 (1 d.p)

s = 2, t = −3

Check LHS of (3): LHS = 17

Check RHS of (3): RHS = = −12 ≠ LHS
∴ l1 and l2 do not intersect.
Topic 1: Vectors

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24. The vector equations of lines l 1 and l 2 are given by

r = 7i + 3 j + 7k + λ ( i + k ) , and r =3 j + 3k + µ ( qi + 2k ) ,
respectively, where λ , µ and q ∈  .
It is given that l 2 passes through the points A and B with position vectors 3 j + 3k and
qi + 3 j + 5k respectively.
(i) If the acute angle between l 1 and l 2 is 60° , find the exact values of q.
(ii) If q = 1 , find the position vector of the point C on l 1 such that A is the foot of
perpendicular from C to l 2 .
(iii) Let T be any point on l 1 . If the area of triangle ABT is constant for any λ, find the
value of q.
[TJC Prelim 2011/I/8]

Solution:
°
(i) Given the acute angle between l 1 and l 2 is 60 ,
1  q
   
0   0 
   
1  2
cos60° =   2
2 q +4
1
q=
+2 q2 + 4
2

(q + 2)2 =
2
( q + 4)
1 2

q2 + 8q + 4 = 0
−8 ± 48
⇒q= =−4 ± 2 3
2
(ii) What is the aim of the question? 
 Obtain OC in terms of one
To find OC . unknown λ only.

What can we observe from the diagram? l1

C
1
    
(
AC ⊥ l2 ⇒ OC − OA  0  = ) 0
 2 l2
  A(0,3,3)
7 + λ 
  
Since= C lies on l 1 , OC  3  for some λ ∈ 
7 + λ 
 
 7 + λ   0    1 
 
So,  3  −  3    0  = 0
 7 + λ   3    2 
Topic 1: Vectors

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7 + λ  1
   
 0   0 = 0
   
4+λ   2
⇒λ =−5
 2
 
∴ OC =  3 
 2
 
(iii) Since the area of ABT is constant for all λ, l1 and l2 are parallel.
1 q
   
∴  0  = k  0  , where k ∈ 
1  2
   
1 = kq ------(1)
1=2k ------(2)
Solving eq (1) & (2):
1
k= and q = 2
2
[Alternative solution]
7 + λ 
  
Since T lies on l 1 , OT =  3  .
7 + λ 
 

 
  
1
(
Area of ∆ABT = OB − OA × OT − OA
2
) ( )
q 7 + λ 
1   
=  0× 0 
2   
 2 4 + λ 
 0 
1  
=
2 14 − 4q + ( 2 − q ) λ 
 
 0 
1
= 14 − 4q + ( 2 − q ) λ
2
Since the area is a constant independent of λ, (2 − q ) =
0
∴q =2
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

Answers:

1 2q , q + p , p + 2q 2 4 2 2 2
p − q , p + q , 2q − 2p
3 3 3 3
3 (i) r − p (ii) p + r (iii) r − p (iv) −p 4 6
1 
(i) (12, -4, 6) (iii)  −2  (iv) 98 2
7 
 3
5
(a) 1, (b)
3 3
, b , 7
6 1 1
1  1  2
2 2 (ii)  2  or −  2  (iii)
3  3  3
 −2   −2 
7b  2  1  8 8
 x     −  
a
  x 3 3  5

 y  ∈  3 :  y  =    
      0 + λ  0  , λ ∈ 

 z  z 0
   
 1 
  
9  2 10
0  −1 
2 5    
(i) 3, (ii)  2  , (iii) 1  
5 l1 : r = −3  + λ  2  , λ ∈ 
1 0  
    1 
 2
 2 3
   
l2 : r = 4 + µ  0 , µ ∈ 
1  −1
   
(0, -3, 0), (5,4,0)
11 (i) x − 5 z − 10 12 7  14  0
= = ,y 4
3 4 1  1   
(a) 52° (b)  2  (c)  −5  or  3 
 −1 3  3   4
  5  −2   
(ii) 10 (iii) 5 2 ,  4 
2
 
13 α = 34 , θ = 44.6 14  2   −3 
 −1    
   (i) lQN : r =  0  + s  −1  , s ∈ 
(i) OQ =  4  , 11 0  h 
   
2
  (iii) 70.5 

1 5
   
(ii) L ' : r = 3 + λ  0, λ ∈ 
7  4
   
15 75
i−
100
j+
25 16  3 1 BC 1
k  ,   , d = 5, =
26 26 26  4 1 BD 2
Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy
Eunoia Junior College 2017 JC1 H2 Mathematics Tutorial

17 1 1 5 2 20 1 3 1 1
(a) ( a + 2b ) (b) b − a , ,6 (i)a+ b , k = (ii) p = ,
3 3 6 3 6 10 20 7
9
1 
7
7  
8
23 24  2
Skew, 58.1  
(i) −4 ± 2 3 (ii)  3  (iii) 2
 2
 

22:

Vector equation Cartesian equation

(a) 7 1 2− y
  + λ  , λ ∈ 
l1 : r = x−7 =
 2  −3  3
(b) 1 1 y+2
  µ  , µ ∈ 
l2 : r =+ x − 1 =−
 −2   −6  6
(c)  7   −1 7−x =y
l3 : r =
  + s , s ∈
0  1 
(d)  3  3 -
  + β  , β ∈
l4 : r =
0  2
(e) 0 1 y−4
  + γ  , γ ∈
l5 : r = x=
 4  3 3

Topic 1: Vectors

Teachers’ Copy