Chapter 10

VECTOR ALGEBRA
Previous Year Questions

1. Consider the vectors : = 19√2

𝑎⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 3𝑘ˆ (ii)Given 𝑎⃗ = 𝑖ˆ − 7𝑗ˆ + 7𝑘ˆ, 𝑏ˆ𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ
𝑏⃗⃗ = 3𝑖ˆ + 2𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ 𝑖ˆ 𝑗ˆ 𝑘ˆ
(i) Find 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗. (1) 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ = |1 −7 7|
3 −2 2
(ii) Find the angle between 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗.
= 𝑖ˆ(−14 + 14) − 𝑗ˆ(2
(2)(2023 March)
− 21) + 𝑘ˆ(−2 + 21)
ANS.
= 19(𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ) ⟹ |𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗|
𝑎 ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑎1 𝑎2 + 𝑏1 𝑏2 + 𝑐1 𝑐2
(i) = 1×3+2×2+3×1 = 19√2
= 10 The unit vector perpendicular to both the
⃗⃗ 19(𝑗ˆ+𝑘ˆ) 𝑗ˆ+𝑘ˆ
(ii) Angle between 𝑎‾ and 𝑏‾ is given by 𝑎⃗⃗×𝑏
vectors 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗ is |𝑎⃗⃗×𝑏⃗⃗| = =
19√2 √2
𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾
cos 𝜃 =
|𝑎||𝑏‾|
10
= 3. Find the unit vector in the direction of the
√12 + 22 + 32 √32 + 22 + 12 vector 𝑎⃗ = 𝑖‾ + 𝑗‾ + 2𝑘ˆ. (3)(2023 Model)
10 5
= = ANS.
14 7 A unit vector in the direction of 𝑎⃗ is given
5
∴ 𝜃 = cos −1 ( ) 𝑎⃗⃗
by 𝑎ˆ = |𝑎⃗⃗|
7
|𝑎⃗| = √12 + 12 + 22 = √1 + 1 + 4 = √6
𝑎⃗ = 𝑖ˆ − 7𝑗ˆ + 7𝑘ˆ
2. 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ 1 1 2
𝑏⃗⃗ = 3𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ 𝑎ˆ = = 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
√6 √6 √6 √6
(i) Find 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗. (2)
(ii) Find the unit vector perpendicular to 4. Find the area of a parallelogram whose
both 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗. (1) adjacent sides are given by the vectors
(iii) Find the area of parallelogram whose 𝑎⃗ = 3𝑖‾ + 𝑗‾ + 4𝑘‾ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑖‾ − 𝑗‾ + 𝑘‾
adjacent sides are 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ (1)(2023 March) (4)(2023 Model)
ANS. ANS.
(i) We have, Area of the parallelogram = |𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗|
𝑎⃗ = 𝑖ˆ − 7𝑗ˆ + 7𝑘ˆ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = 3𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ 𝑖ˆ 𝑗ˆ 𝑘ˆ
𝑖ˆ 𝑗ˆ 𝑘ˆ ⃗⃗
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏 = |3 1 4|
⃗
⃗
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏 = |1 −7 7| 1 −1 1
3 −2 2 = 𝑖ˆ(1 − −4) − 𝑗ˆ(3 − 4) + 𝑘ˆ(−3 − 1)
= 𝑖ˆ(−14 + 14) − 𝑗ˆ(2 − 21) = 5𝑖ˆ + 𝑖ˆ − 4𝑘ˆ
+ 𝑘ˆ (−2 + 21)
|𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| = √52 + 12 + 42
= 19𝑗ˆ + 19𝑘ˆ
= √25 + 1 + 16
∴ |𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| = √(19)2 + (19)2
= √42 sq. Units
= √2 × (19)2

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5. Write the vector from the point 𝐴(1,3,5) to Therefore unit vector is 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
√2 √2
𝐵(4,3,2) (1) (2022 March)
ANS.
9. If 𝑙, m, n are direction cosines of a line in
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 = position vector of 𝐵 space, then 𝑙 2 + m2 + n2 is
− position vector of 𝐴 (1)(2022 Model)
= (4𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ| − |𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ + 5𝑘ˆ ∣ ANS.
= 3𝑖ˆ − 3𝑘ˆ 𝑙 2 + 𝑚 2 + 𝑛2 = 1

6. The vertices of a triangle are 10. Find the area of a parallelogram whose
(0,2), (0,3), (4,6), then area of the triangle adjacent sides are given by the vectors :
is 𝑎⃗ = 3𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 4𝑘ˆ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
(a) 1 (3)(2022 Model)
(b) 2
(c) 3 ANS.
(d) 4 (1) (2022 March)
ANS. Area of the parallelogram
b) 2
𝑖ˆ 𝑗ˆ 𝑘ˆ
1 0 2 1 −4
Area of triangle = |0 3 1| = = |𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗|, 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ = |3 1 4|
2 2 1 −1 1
4 6 1
= −2
= 5𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ − 4𝑘ˆ
7. Find the direction cosines of the vector
3𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ + 5𝑘ˆ (1)(2022 March) ∴ area |𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| = √42
ANS.
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
Direction cosines are 𝑙 = 𝑟 , 𝑚 = 𝑟 , 𝑛 = 𝑟
𝑟 = √9 + 4 + 25 = 38 11. Consider the vectors
Direction cosines are 𝑙 =
3
,𝑚 = 𝑎‾ = 3𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 4𝑘ˆ and 𝑏‾ = 𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
−2 5
√38
(i) Find 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾. (2)
,𝑛 = (ii) Find the area of the parallelogram
√38 √38
whose adjacent sides are 𝑎‾ and 𝑏‾. (1)
8. Consider the vector 𝑎⃗ = 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ and (iii) Find a vector perpendicular to both 𝑎‾
𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ. and 𝑏‾. (1)(2021 IMP)
(a) Find 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ (2) ANS.
(b) Find a unit vector perpendicular to 𝑎⃗ and 𝑖⃗ 𝑗⃗ 𝑘 ⃗⃗
⃗
⃗
(i) 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏 = |𝑎1 𝑎2 𝑎3 |
𝑏⃗⃗. (1)(2022 March)
𝑏1 𝑏2 𝑏3
ANS.
𝑖̂ 𝑗̂ 𝑘̂
𝑖ˆ 𝑗ˆ 𝑘ˆ = |3 1 4|
a) 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ = |2 1 1| = −𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ
1 −1 1
1 1 1 ⃗⃗
= 5𝑖⃗ + 𝑗⃗ − 4𝑘
b) unit vector perpendicular to 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ ii) Area of the parallelogram = |𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗|
=
|𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ |
|𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| = √(2) = √52 + 12 + (−4)2 = √42

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 iii) Vector perpendicular to both 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ 𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
ii) 𝑐‾ = |1 1 1|
= 𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ 2 −5 3
= 8𝑖 − 𝑗 − 7𝑘
= 5𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 4𝑘̂
15. The position vectors of three points A, B, C
are given to be î + 3ĵ + 3k̂, 4î + 4𝑘ˆ and
12. Find the projection of the vector 𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ + −2𝑖ˆ + 4𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ respectively.
7𝑘ˆ on the vector 7𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 8𝑘ˆ. (a) Find ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ AC. (1)
(3)(2021 March) (b) Find the angle between ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ AB and AC⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗. (1)
ANS. (c) Find a vector which is perpendicular to
⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ = 7 − 3 + 56 = 60.
𝑎 both 𝐴𝐵⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ and 𝐴𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ having magnitude 9 units.
|𝑏⃗⃗| = √114 (2)(2019 March)
Projection of 𝑎⃗ on 𝑏⃗⃗ ANS.
⃗⃗
=
𝑎⃗⃗⋅𝑏 𝐴𝐵 = 3𝑖̂ − 3𝑗̂ + 𝑘̂
a) ̅̅̅̅
|𝑏⃗⃗|
60 𝐴𝐶 = −3𝑖̂ + 𝑗̂ − 𝑘̂
̅̅̅̅
= ̅̅̅̅ | = √∣ 9
b) |𝐴𝐵
√114
̅̅̅̅ | = √11
|𝐴𝐶
13. Find a unit vector both perpendicular to the ̅̅̅̅ ⋅ 𝐴𝐶
𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅
vectors if 𝑎⃗ = 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 3𝑘ˆ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = 3𝑖ˆ + cos 𝜃 = | |
̅̅̅̅||𝐴𝐶
|𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ |
5𝑗ˆ − 2𝑘ˆ (4)(2021 March) −13 13
ANS. =| |=
√19 ⋅ √11 √19 ⋅ √11
Find a unit vector perpendicular to both the 13
vectors . 𝜃 = cos ( )
√19 ⋅ √11
𝑖ˆ 𝑗ˆ 𝑘ˆ ̅̅̅̅ ×𝐴𝐶
𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅
⃗
⃗
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏 = |2 1 3 | c) 𝑛ˆ = |𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ ×𝐴𝐶
̅̅̅̅ |
3 5 −2 𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
= −17𝑖ˆ + 13𝑗ˆ + 7𝑘ˆ ̅̅̅̅ × 𝐴𝐶
𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ = | 3 −3 1 |
−3 1 −1
|𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| = √507 = 2𝑖 − 6𝑘
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗ ̅̅̅̅ × 𝐴𝐶
|𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ | = √40
Required Vector = .
|𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| 9(2î − 6k̂)
∴ Required vector =
−17𝑖ˆ + 13𝑗ˆ + 7𝑘ˆ √40
=
√507
16. Consider the vectors
14. Let 𝑎⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ, 𝑏⃗⃗ = 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑚𝑗ˆ + 3𝑘ˆ 𝑎⃗ = 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 3𝑘ˆ and
(i) If 𝑎⃗ is perpendicular to 𝑏⃗⃗, find m. (1) 𝑏⃗⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 4𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ
(ii) Find a vector c⃗ perpendicular to both 𝑎⃗ (a) Find the projection of 𝑎⃗ on 𝑏⃗⃗ (2)
and 𝑏⃗⃗. (2) )(2019 Say) (b) If 𝑎⃗ is perpendicular to a vector 𝑐⃗ then
projection of 𝑎⃗ on 𝑐⃗ =_____ (1)
ANS. (c) Write a vector 𝑑⃗ such that the projection
i) 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = 0 of 𝑎⃗ on 𝑑⃗ = |𝑎⃗|. (1)(2018 SAY)
2 + 𝑚 + 3=0, m=-5 ANS.
= 𝑎‾ x 𝑏‾

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 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ 𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
a) Projection |4 4 0|
|𝑏⃗⃗| 2 0 4
=
𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ = 3, |𝑏⃗⃗| = √18 √162 + 162 + 82
3 1 16𝑖ˆ − 16𝑗ˆ − 8𝑘ˆ
Projection = or =
√18 √2 √576
b) 0 2𝑖 − 2𝑗 − 𝑘
c) 𝑑⃗ = 𝑎⃗, or any vector parallel to 𝑎⃗ =
3

17. (a)In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. If Remark:

AB = 3𝑖˙ − 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘˙ and AD
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 2𝑘ˆ Unit vector ⊥𝑟 to 𝑎‾ and 𝑏‾
𝑎‾𝑥𝑏‾
find ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AC and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
DB. (2) = |𝑎‾×𝑏‾|
(b) If a⃗⃗ and b ⃗⃗ are adjacent sides of any
̅̅̅̅ = 𝑖‾ + 4𝑗‾ − 4𝑘‾
𝐴𝐵
parallelogram and c⃗ and ⃗⃗ d are its diagonals.
show that |𝑐⃗ × 𝑑| = 2|𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗|
⃗ 𝐵‾ 𝐶 = 𝑖‾ + 4𝑗 − 4𝑘‾
(2)(2018 Say) ∴ ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵‾ 𝐶
ANS. 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 arc collinear
𝑎) ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐶 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ 𝐴𝐷 = 4𝑖ˆ + 4𝑘ˆ
𝐴𝐵 + ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
19. (i) The value of |𝑥⃗|, if 𝑏⃗⃗ is a unit vector and
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ − 𝐴𝐷
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 𝐴𝐵
𝐷𝐵 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = 2𝑖ˆ − 2𝑗ˆ
(2𝑥⃗ − 2𝑏⃗⃗) ⋅ (𝑥⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗) = 30.
𝑏) Let 𝑐⃗ = 𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ and 𝑑⃗ = 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗ (a) √6
(b) 6
𝑐⃗ × 𝑑⃗ = (𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗) × (𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗ ) = −2(𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗) (c) 4
(d) 2 (1)
|𝑐⃗ × 𝑑⃗| = 2|𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| (ii) If 𝑎⃗ = 𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ and 𝑏⃗⃗ = 3𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ, then find
a unit vector which is perpendicular to both
𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗. (2)(2017 Say)
18. (a) If a⃗⃗ = 3î + 2ĵ + 2k̂, ⃗⃗
b = î + 2ĵ − 2k̂ ANS.
⃗
⃗
(i) Find 𝑎⃗ + 𝑏 and 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏. ⃗⃗ (2) (i) (C) 4
(ii) Find a unit vector perpendicular to both (ii)
𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ and 𝑎⃗ − 𝑏⃗⃗. (2) 𝑖ˆ 𝑗ˆ 𝑘ˆ
⃗
⃗
𝑎⃗ × 𝑏 = |1 3 0|
(b) Consider the points
A(1,2,7), B(2,6,3), C(3,10, −1). 0 3 1
(i) Find ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
AB, ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
BC (1) = 3𝑖ˆ − 3 + 3𝑘ˆ
(ii) Prove that A, B, C are collinear points. |𝑎⃗ × 𝑏⃗⃗| = √19
(1)(2018 March) unit vector perpendicular to 𝑎⃗ and 𝑏⃗⃗ is
ANS. ⃗⃗
𝑎⃗⃗×𝑏 3𝚤ˆ−𝑗ˆ+3𝑘ˆ
⃗⃗|
=
(𝑎) |𝑎⃗⃗×𝑏 √19

𝑖)𝑎‾ + 𝑏 = 4𝑖‾ + 4𝑗‾

𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾ = 2𝑖‾ + 4𝑘‾ 20. (i) Cosine of the angle between the vectors
𝑖𝑖) unit vectorperpendicular to both 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ and 𝑖ˆ − 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ is
(a) 1/3
(b) 2/3
(c) 1/2

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 (d) 1 (1) (ii) If 𝑎⃗, 𝑏⃗⃗, 𝑐⃗ are unit vectors such that 𝑎⃗ +
⃗⃗
(ii) If 𝑎⃗, 𝑏, 𝑐⃗ are three vectors such that 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗ = 0, find the value of 𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ +
|𝑎⃗| = 3, |𝑏⃗⃗| = 4, |𝑐⃗| = 4 and each one of 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗ (4) (March 2017)
them is perpendicular to the sum of other ANS.
two, then find |𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗|. (4)(2017 Say) (i) a 60∘ (𝜋/3)
ANS. (ii) ∣ 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾ ∣= 0
(i)1/3 (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾)2 = 0
(ii) 𝑎⃗ ⋅ (𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗) = 0 |𝑎‾|2 + |𝑏‾|2 + |𝑐‾|2 + 2𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ + 2𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑐‾ + 2𝑏‾
𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ (𝑎⃗ + 𝑐⃗) = 0 ⋅ 𝑐‾ = 0
3 + 2(𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ + 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑐‾ + 𝑏‾ ⋅ 𝑐‾) = 0
𝑐⃗ ⋅ (𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗) = 0
𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ + 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑐‾ + 𝑏‾ ⋅ 𝑐‾ = −3/2
2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) = 0 Remark: For alternate method and correct
|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗|2 = |𝑎⃗|2 + |𝑏⃗⃗|2 + |𝑐⃗|2 + answer (4)
2(𝑎⃗ ⋅ 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ ⋅ 𝑐⃗ + 𝑐⃗ ⋅ 𝑎⃗) |𝑎‾| = |𝑏‾| = |𝑐‾| = 1 (I scose)
= 9 + 16 + 16 + 0
|𝑎⃗ + 𝑏⃗⃗ + 𝑐⃗| = √41 23. (i) (𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾) × (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾) is equal to
(a) 𝑎‾
(b) |𝑎‾|2 − |𝑏‾|2
(c) 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾
21. (i) The projection of the vector 2𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ + (d) 2(𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾)
2𝑘ˆ on the vector 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ is (ii) If 𝑎‾ and 𝑏‾ are any two vectors, then
3 ‾
(a)
√3 (𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾)2 = |𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑎‾ 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏|[4] [May
7
‾
𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏 𝑏𝑏‾ ‾
(b) 2016]
√3
3 ANS.
(c)
√17
7 (i) (d) 2(𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾)
(d) (1) (ii) (𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾)2 = (𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾)(𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾)
√17
(ii) Find the area of a parallelogram whose = 𝑎2 𝑏 2 𝑠𝑖𝑛2 𝜃 = 𝑎2 𝑏 2 − 𝑎2 𝑏 2 cos 𝜃
adjacent sides are the vectors 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ & = (𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑎‾)(𝑏‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾) − (𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾)2
‾
𝑖ˆ-𝑗ˆ (2)(2017 March) = |𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑎‾ 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏|
ANS. 𝑎‾𝑏‾ ‾
𝑏⋅𝑏 ‾
(𝑖) 𝑏 7/√3
(ii) A = |𝑎 × 𝑏| 24. (a) The angle between the vectors 𝑎‾ and 𝑏‾
𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 such that |𝑎⃗| = |𝑏‾| = √2 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = 1 is
𝜋
𝑎‾ × 𝑖𝑏 = |2 1 1| (i) 2
1 −1 0 𝜋
(ii) 3
= 𝑖 + 𝑗 − 3𝑘 𝜋
(iii) 4
|𝑎 × 𝑏| = √11
(iv) 0
22. (i) The angle between the vectors 𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ and (b) Find the unit vector along 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾ where
𝑗ˆ + 𝑘ˆ is 𝑎‾ = 𝑖 + 3𝑗 − 𝑘 and 𝑏‾ = 3𝑖 + 2𝑗 + 𝑘
(a) 60∘ [3] [March 2016]
(b) 30∘ ANS.
𝜋
(c) 45∘ (a) (ii) 3 ; {𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = |𝑎‾|𝑏⃗⃗ ∣ 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 ⇒ 1 =
(d) 90∘ (1) 2𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃}

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 (b) 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾ = −2𝑖 + 𝑗 − 2𝑘 ⇒ |𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾| = 1
2𝑎𝑏 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = −1 ⇒𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 = −
√9 = 3 2
𝑎‾−𝑏‾ 2𝜋
Unit vector along 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾ = |𝑎‾−𝑏‾| = ⇒𝜃=
3
−2𝑖+𝑗−2𝑘
(c) Since (2𝑖 + 𝑗 − 3𝑘) and (𝑚𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ −
3
𝑘ˆ) are perpendicular to each other then
25. Consider the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 with vertices (2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ − 3𝑘ˆ) ⋅ (𝑚𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ) = 0
𝐴(1,2,3), 𝐵(−1,0,4), 𝐶(0,1,2) 2 𝑚 + 3 + 3 = 0 ⇒ 2𝑚 = 6 ⇒ 𝑚 = −3
(a) Find ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 and ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐶 𝐿𝑒𝑡 = 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ − 3𝑘ˆ 𝑎𝑛𝑑
= 3𝑖ˆ + 3𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ
(b) Find ∠𝐴
𝑖ˆ 𝑗 𝑘
(c) Find the area of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶. 𝑎 × 𝑏 = | 2 1 −3|
[6] [May – 2015] −3 3 −1
= (−1 + 9)𝑖ˆ − (−2 − 9)𝑗ˆ + (6 + 3)𝑘ˆ
ANS.
= 8𝑖ˆ + 11𝑗ˆ + 9𝑘ˆ
(a) 𝐴𝐵 = −2𝑖 − 2𝑗 + 𝑘; 𝐴𝐶 = −𝑖 − 𝑗 − 𝑘 |𝑎 × 𝑏| = √64 + 121 + 81 = √266
𝐴𝐵⋅𝐴𝐶 (−2𝑖−2𝑗+𝑘)(−𝑖−𝑗−𝑘)
(b) 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝐴 = |𝐴𝐵
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗|𝐴𝐶
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ ∣
=
√4+4+1√1+1+1
3 1 1 27. (a) If 𝑎‾, 𝑏‾, 𝑐‾, 𝑑‾ respectively are the
= = ⇒ 𝐴 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( ) position vectors representing the vertices
3√3 √3 √3
𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶, 𝐷 of a parallelogram, then write 𝑑‾
(c) 𝐴𝐵 × 𝐴𝐶 = |−2 −2 1 | in terms of 𝑎‾, 𝑏‾, 𝑐‾.
−1 −1 −1 (b) Find the projection vector of 𝑏‾ = 𝑖 +
= −3𝑖 − 3𝑗 2𝑗 + 𝑘 along the vector ‾ = 2𝑖 − ∞ + 𝑗 +
1 3 2𝑘. Also write 𝑏‾ as the sum of a vector
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = |𝐴𝐵 × 𝐴𝐶| =
2 √2 along 𝑎‾ and a perpendicular to 𝑎‾.
(c) Find the area of a parallelogram for
26. (a) Write the magnitude of a vector 𝑎‾ in which the vectors 2𝑖 + 𝑗, 3𝑖 + 𝑗 + 4𝑘 are
terms of dot product. adjacent sides. [6] [March 2015]
(b) If 𝑎‾, 𝑏‾, 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ are unit vectors, then ANS.
2𝜋 (a)
prove that the angle between 𝑎 ‾and 𝑏‾ is 3
(c) If 2𝑖 + 𝑗 − 3𝑘 and 𝑚𝑖 + 3𝑗 − 𝑘 are
perpendicular to each other, then find ' 𝑚 '.
Also find the area of the rectangle having
these two vectors as sides.
[6] [March – 2015]
ANS.
𝐶𝐷 = −𝐴𝐵
(a) |𝑎‾|2 = 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑎‾
𝑑‾ − 𝑐‾ = −(𝑏‾ − 𝑎‾) ⇒ 𝑑‾ − 𝑐‾
(b) |𝑎‾| = 1; |𝑏‾| = 1; |𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾| = 1
= −𝑏‾ + 𝑎‾
|𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾|2 = (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾) ⋅ (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾)
⇒ 𝑑‾ = −𝑐‾ = 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾
= 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑎‾ + 2𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ + 𝑏‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ 𝑎‾𝑏‾
(b) Projection of 𝑏‾ on 𝑎‾ = |𝑎‾|
1 = 1 + 1 + 2𝑎𝑏𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 2+2+2 6
= = =3
√4 + 1 + 4 3

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 Let 𝑚 be a scalar then a vector along 𝑎‾ can ANS.
be written as mā. (i) 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑖 + 2𝑗 + 3𝑘 − (𝑖 + 𝑗 + 𝑘)
Let 𝑐‾ be a vector perpendicular to 𝑎‾ = 𝑗 + 2𝑘
then 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎 = 0 𝐴𝐶 = 2𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 𝑘 − (𝑖 + 𝑗 + 𝑘) = 𝑖 + 2𝑗
∴ 𝑏 can be written as 𝑏 = 𝑐 ⋅ 𝑎 + 𝑚𝑎‾ (ii) 𝐴𝐵 × 𝐴𝐶 = |𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 0 1 2 1 2 0 |
(c) Let 𝑎‾ = 2𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ and 𝑏‾ = 3𝑖ˆ + 𝑗ˆ +
= −4𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘
4𝑘ˆ 1 |−4𝑖+2𝑗−𝑘|
(iii) Area = 2 |𝐴𝐵 × 𝐴𝐶| = 2
𝑖 𝑗 𝑘
𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾ = |2 1 0| √21
3 1 4 =
2
= (4 − 0)𝑖 − (8 − 0)𝑗 + (2 − 3)𝑘
= 4𝑖ˆ − 8𝑗ˆ − 𝑘ˆ
30. Let 𝑎‾ = 2𝑖 − 𝑗 + 2𝑘 and 𝑏‾ = 6𝑖 + 2𝑗 +
|𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾| = √42 + (−8)2 + (−1)2 = 9 3𝑘
Area of parallelogram = 9 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 2 (i) Find a unit vector in the direction of 𝑎‾ +
𝑏‾
28. Consider the vectors 𝑎‾ = 𝑖 − 7𝑗 + (ii) Find the angle between 𝑎 and 𝑏 [4]
7𝑘; 𝑏‾ = 3𝑖 − 2𝑗 + 2𝑘 [March 2014]
(a) Find 𝑎‾𝑏.
(b) Find the angle between 𝑎‾ and 𝑏‾. ANS.
(c) Find the area of parallelogram with (i) 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ = 8𝑖 + 𝑗 + 5𝑘
adjacent sides 𝑎‾ and 𝑏‾. [4] [May 2014] 8𝑖+𝑗+5𝑘 8𝑖+𝑗+5𝑘
Unit vector = =
|8𝑖+𝑗+5𝑘| √90
ANS.
−1 𝑎‾⋅𝑏‾
(a) 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = (𝑖 − 7𝑗 + 7𝑘) ⋅ (3𝑖 − 2𝑗 + (ii) Angle = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 [|𝑎‾|𝑏‾∣]
2𝑘) = 3 + 14 + 14 = 31 (2𝑖 − 𝑗 + 2𝑘)(6𝑖 + 2𝑗 + 3𝑘)
𝑎‾⋅𝑏‾ = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ]
(b) Angle = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [|𝑎‾|𝑏⃗⃗∣] √4 + 1 + 4√36 + 4 + 9
12 − 1 + 6 16
31 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ] = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ]
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ] 3×7 21
√1 + 49 + 49√9 + 4 + 4
31 31 31. (i) Find the angle between the vectors
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ] = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ]
√99√17 3√11√17
(c) 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾ = 𝑖(−14 + 14) − 𝑗(2 − 𝑎‾ = 3𝑖 + 4𝑗 + 𝑘 and 𝑏‾ = 2𝑖 + 3𝑗 − 𝑘
21) + 𝑘(−2 + 21) = 19𝑗 + 19𝑘 (ii) The adjacent sides of a parallelogram are
Area of the Parallelogram = 𝑎‾ = 3𝑖 + 𝜆𝑗 + 4𝑘 and 𝑏‾ = 𝑖 − 𝜆𝑗 + 𝑘
2 2
√19 + 19 = 19√2 (a) Find 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾
ANS.
29. Consider the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 with vertices 3×2+4×3+1(−1)
𝐴(1,1,1), 𝐵(1,2,3) and 𝐶(2,3,1) (i) 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
√32 +42 +12 √22 +32 +(−1)2
(i) Find 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐴𝐶
6 + 12 − 1 17
(ii) Find 𝐴𝐵 × 𝐴𝐶 = =
(iii) Hence find the area of the triangle [4] √26√14 √26√14
[March 2014]

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 17 (i) 𝑎‾ × (𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾) + 𝑏‾ × (𝑐‾ + 𝑎‾) + 𝑐‾ ×
𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ]
√26√14 (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾)

(ii) (a) 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾ = = 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾ + 𝑎‾ × 𝑐‾ + 𝑏‾ × 𝑐‾ + 𝑏‾ × 𝑎‾
+ 𝑐‾ × 𝑎‾ + 𝑐‾ × 𝑏‾
𝑖(𝜆 + 4𝜆) − 𝑗(3 − 4) + 𝑘(−3𝜆 − 𝜆)
= 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾ + 𝑎‾ × 𝑐‾ + 𝑏‾ × 𝑐‾ − 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾
= 𝑖(5𝜆) + 𝑗 − 𝑘(4𝜆) − 𝑎‾ × 𝑐‾ − 𝑏‾ × 𝑐‾ = 0
(ii) 𝐴𝐵 = 𝑗 + 2𝑘, 𝐴𝐶 = 𝑖 + 2𝑗
𝐴𝐵 × 𝐵𝐶 = |𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 0 1 2 1 2 0 |
32. Consider A (2,3,4), 𝐵(4,3,2) and 𝐶(5,2, −1)
= −4𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘
be any three points 1
(i) Find the projection of 𝐵𝐶 on 𝐴𝐵 Area of the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 2 |𝐴𝐵 × 𝐵𝐶|
(ii) Find the area of triangle ABC
[4] [March 2013] 1 1
= √16 + 4 + 1 = √21
ANS. 2 2
(i) 𝐴𝐵 = (4𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 2𝑘) − (2𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 4𝑘)
= 2𝑖 − 2𝑘
𝐵𝐶 = (5𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘) − (4𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 2𝑘) = 𝑖 − 34. Consider the vectors 𝑎‾ = 2𝑖 + 𝑗 − 2𝑘 and
𝑗 − 3𝑘 𝑏‾ = 6𝑖 − 3𝑗 + 2𝑘.
𝐵𝐶⋅𝐴𝐵 (i) Find 𝑎‾𝑏‾ and 𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾.
Projection of 𝐵𝐶 on 𝐴𝐵 = |𝐴𝐵| (ii) Verity that |𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾| = |𝑎⃗|2 |𝑏‾|2 −
(𝑖 − 𝑗 − 3𝑘) ⋅ (2𝑖 − 2𝑘) 2 + 0 + 6 (𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾)2 [4] [March 2012]
= =
|2𝑖 − 2𝑘| √8 ANS.
= √8 (i) 𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = 12 − 3 − 4 = 5
𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾ = |𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 2 1 − 2 6 − 3 2 |
∣𝐴𝐵×𝐵𝐶
(ii) Area of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = = −4𝑖 − 16𝑗 − 12𝑘
2
(ii) |𝑎‾ |𝑏⃗⃗|2 − (𝑎‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾)2
2
𝐴𝐵 × 𝐵𝐶 = |𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 2 0 − 2 1 − 1 3 |
= −2𝑖 + 4𝑗 − 2𝑘 = √4 + 1 + 4√36 + 9 + 4 − 25
|𝐴𝐵 × 𝐵𝐶| = √4 + 16 + 4 = √24 = 2√6 = 9 × 49 − 25 = 416
Area of triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = √6
|𝑎‾ × 𝑏‾|2 = 16 + 256 + 144 = 416

Hence verified.
33. (i) For any three vectors 𝑎‾, 𝑏‾, 𝑐‾, show that
𝑎‾ × (𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾) + 𝑏‾ × (𝑐‾ + 𝑎‾) + 𝑐‾ × (𝑎‾ +
35. (i) Write the unit vector in direction of 𝑖 +
𝑏‾) = 0
2𝑗 − 3𝑘.
(ii) Given 𝐴(1,1,1), 𝐵(1,2,3), 𝐶(2,3,1) are the (ii) If 𝑃𝑄 = 3𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘 and the coordinate
vertices of △ 𝐴𝐵𝐶 a triangle. Find the area of of 𝑃 are (1, −1,2), find the coordinates of
the △ 𝐴𝐵𝐶 [4] [May – 2012] Q. [3] [May 2012]
ANS.
ANS. 𝑖+2𝑗−3𝑘 𝑖+2𝑗−3𝑘
(i) Unit vector = =
√1+4+9 √14
(ii) 𝑃𝑄 = 3𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘

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 ⇒ 𝑂𝑄 − 𝑂𝑃 = 3𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘 ⇒ |𝑑‾ + 𝑏‾|2 = |𝑑‾ − 𝑏‾|2

⇒ 𝑂𝑄 − (𝑖 − 𝑗 + 2𝑘) = 3𝑖 + 2𝑗 − 𝑘 ⇒ (𝑑‾ + 𝑏‾)2 = (𝑑‾ − 𝑏‾)2

⇒ 𝑂𝑄 = 4𝑖 + 𝑗 + 𝑘 ⇒ |𝑑‾|2 + |𝑏‾|2 + 2𝑑‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾

= |𝑑‾|2 + |𝑏‾|2 − 2𝑑‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾
Coordinate of 𝑄 is (4,1,1) ⇒ 𝑑‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = −𝑑‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ ⇒ 2𝑑‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = 0
⇒ 𝑑‾ ⋅ 𝑏‾ = 0
36. (i) If 𝑎‾ = 3𝑖 − 𝑗 − 5𝑘 and 𝑏‾ = 𝑖 − 5𝑗 +
Hence 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 parallelogram is rectangle.
3𝑘 Show that 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ and 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾ are
perpendicular.
38. Let 𝐴(2,3,4), 𝐵(4,3,2) and 𝐶(5,2, −1) be
(ii) Given the position vectors of three
three points
points as 𝐴(𝑖 − 𝑗 + 𝑘); 𝐵(4𝑖 + 5𝑗 +
(i) Find 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐵𝐶
7𝑘); 𝐶(3𝑖 + 3𝑗 + 5𝑘)
(ii) Find the projection of 𝐵𝐶 on 𝐴𝐵
(a)Find 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐵𝐶 [2] [March 2011] (iii) Fiñd the area of the triangle ABC. [6]
ANS. [May 2010]
(i) 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ = 4𝑖 − 6𝑗 − 2𝑘, 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾ ANS.
= 2𝑖 + 4𝑗 − 8𝑘 (i) 𝐴𝐵 = (4 − 2)𝑖 + (3 − 3)𝑗 + (2 −
(𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾)(𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾) 4)𝑘 = 2𝑖 − 2𝑘
= 4 × 2 + (−6 × 4) + (−2 × −8) = 0 𝐵𝐶 = 𝑖 − 𝑗 − 3𝑘
(ii) Projection of 𝐵𝐶 on 𝐴𝐵
37. ABCD is a parallelogram with 𝐴 as the 𝐵𝐶 ⋅ 𝐴𝐵 2 + 6
origin, 𝑏‾ and 𝑑‾ are the position vectors of = = = √8
|𝐴𝐵| √8
𝐵 and 𝐷 respectively.
(iii) 𝐴𝐵 × 𝐵𝐶

= |𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 2 0 − 2 1 − 1 − 3 |
= −2𝑖 + 4𝑗 − 2𝑘
1
(i) What is the position vector of C? Area of the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 2 |𝐴𝐵 × 𝐵𝐶|
(ii) What is the angle between 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐴𝐷?
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | = |𝐵𝐷
(iii) If |𝐴𝐶 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ |, show that 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 is a 1 √24
= √4 + 16 + 4 = = √6
rectangle. [6] [May 2011] 2 2
ANS.
(i) Since 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 is a parallelogram with 𝐴 as
the origin. 39. (i) Find a vector in the direction of 𝑟‾ =
We have |𝐴𝐷| = |𝐵𝐶| and 𝐴𝐵||𝐵𝐶 ⇒ 3𝑖 − 4𝑗 that has a magnitude of 9 .
𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐶 (ii) For any three vectors 𝑎− , 𝑏‾ and 𝑐‾, and
So position vector of 𝐶 = 𝐴𝐶 = 𝑑‾ + 𝑏‾ Prove that (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾) + 𝑐‾ = 𝑎‾ + (𝑏‾ +
𝑐‾).
(ii) Angle between 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐴𝐷
(iii) Find a unit vector perpendicular to
𝐴𝐵 ⋅ 𝐴𝐷 𝑏‾ ⋅ 𝑑‾
= 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ] = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 [ ] 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ and 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾, where 𝑎‾ = 𝑖 − 3𝑗 +
|𝐴𝐵||𝐴𝐷| |𝑏‾ ∥ |𝑑‾ ∣ 3𝑘 and 𝑏‾ = 3𝑖 − 3j+2k.
(iii) Given |𝐴𝐶| = |𝐵𝐷 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ | ⇒ |𝑑‾ + 𝑏‾| = [6] [March 2010]
|𝑑‾ − 𝑏˜| ANS.
(i) Unit vector of magnitude 9

+917510998855
+919207998855
 𝑟‾ 3𝑖 − 4𝑗
=9× = 9×
|𝑟| √9 + 16
3𝑖 − 4𝑗
= 9×
5
(ii)

𝑃𝑅 = 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾, 𝑆𝑄 = 𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾𝑃𝑄
= 𝑃𝑅 + 𝑅𝑄 = (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾) + 𝑐‾
Similarly; 𝑃𝑄 = 𝑃𝑆 + 𝑆𝑄
= 𝑎‾ + (𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾)
Hence; (𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾) + 𝑐‾ = 𝑎‾ + (𝑏‾ + 𝑐‾)
(iii) 𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾ = 4𝑖 − 6𝑗 + 5𝑘, 𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾
= −2𝑖 + 𝑘
(𝑎‾ + 𝑏‾) × (𝑎‾ − 𝑏‾)
= |𝑖 𝑗 𝑘 4 − 6 5 − 2 0 1 |
= 𝑖(−6 − 0) − 𝑗(4 + 10) + 𝑘(0 − 12)
= −6𝑖 − 14𝑗 − 12𝑘
−6𝑖 − 4𝑗 − 12𝑘
Unit Vector =
√36 + 16 + 144
−6𝑖 − 4𝑗 − 12𝑘
=
√376

+917510998855
+919207998855