VECTORS PAGE # 1

VECTORS
1. Any directed line segment is called a vector and is usually represented as and is denoted as a or a
or a.

2. Vectors contains two informations : direction and magnitude for vec. a magnitude is denoted by a or | a |
and represents length of the line segment

a
.
sunits

3. Zero vector or null vector is a vector with zero magnitude and indeterminate direction and is denoted

by 0 .

4. Unit vector is a vector of magnitude 1 and is usually denoted by a i.e. | a | = 1.

5. Position vector of a point is the vector obtained by joining the point with origin (reference point and directed
towards it

position vector of a point is unique.

6. Free or fixed vectors :

A vector is called free vector if it can be translated in the space while protecting its magnitude & direction.
The physical effect caused by free vectors remain unchanged with the location of vector.
eg. : For a in linear motion.

Fixed vector :
If point of application is fixed then it is called fixed vector.
the physical effect caused by fixed vectors will change with point of application
eg : For a in rotational motion. Position vector of a point is a fixed vector.

7. Equal vectors :
Two vectors are equal vectors if they have same direction & magnitude.

8. Parallel vectors :
If the line of application of two vectors is // then they are called parallel vectors.
If their direction is same then they are called like vectors and if their direction is opposite then they are
called unlike vectors.

9. Angle between two vectors :

It is the angle b/w their directions & will belong to [0, ].
VECTORS PAGE # 2
NOTE : To find the angle, make their initial point same

d i
< b/w a & b = a, b

1. b/w vectors = 0.

2. b/w vectors = 30.

3. b/w vectors = 90.

4. b/w vectors = 180.

5. = 150.

6. = 60.

ALGEBRA OF VECTORS :

1. (a) multiplication with a scalar

a
2

2a 5/2 a
4 unit 5 unit

(b) sum of two vectors :

To find sum of vectors put initial point of successive vectors at final point of the vector. T he v ect or
joining initial point of 1st vector with final point of final vector & pointing towards final point is called sum

vector. To find a b we can add a and b .
VECTORS PAGE # 3

e.g.: (i)

(ii)

a b c 2c .

(iii)

(iv)

NOTE : To find a b

make their initial point same & vector joining final points of a with final point of b & directed towards final

point of a will represent a b .

OR
VECTORS PAGE # 4

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

NOTE :

1. For two vectors a and b by taking them as adjacent sides if a // gm is drawn then one of its diagonal
represent their sum & other diagonal represent their difference.

2. In a vector corresponding to one of the sides will always represent sum of diff. of vector corresponding
to remaining sides.

(i)

(ii)
VECTORS PAGE # 5

(iii)

(iv)

(v)
a b c d e 0

NOTE : Inequality..

(i) a b a b .

(ii) a b a b .

Q.1 Find the angle b/w a & b if

(i) a = 5 b =6 a b = 11
1

(ii) a = 5 b =6 a b = 11
1

(iii) a = 5 b =6 ab = 1

(i) zero
(ii)
(iii)

Q.2 If sum of two unit vectors is a unit vector then find < b/w vectors & magnitude of their difference.

2
RA
3

AC = AB cos 30

3
= 1. .
2

a b = AD = 2AC = 3.
VECTORS PAGE # 6
Collinear vectors :
Two vectors are said to be callinear if their lines of actions are parallel.

POINTS TO REMEMBER :

1. Two points are always collinear.

2. Three or more points may or may not be collinear.

3. A vector can be contained by planes.

4. Two non-collinear vectors will always define unique point which will contain both the vectors.

5. Parallel to a plane, unit vectors exist.

6. Perpendicular to a plane, two unit vector (direction) exist.

7. // to a line two unit vectors exist.

8. to a line unit vectors exist.

9. Two vectors are always coplanar.

10. Three or more vectors may or may not be coplanar.

11. To fix a straigh line we require

(a) Either two points.
(b) or a point and a // direction.
(c) a point and two directions perpendicular to required line which are mutually non-collinear.

NOTE : All directions to a straight line are mutually coplanar..

12. To fix a plane we require

(a) Either 3 non-collinear points.
(b) or a direction to plane & a point on it.
(c) a point and two perpendicular directions to the plane, which are mutually non-collinear.
(d) or two points and a vector // to the plane. Which is non-collinear with the vector joining two points.

13. Two straight lines in space will

(a) Either be //
(b) Coincident
(c) Intersecting
(d) Skew lines (non-parallel, non-intersecting)

NOTE : // lines & intersecting lines are always coplanar.

Skew lines will always be non-coplanar.

14. In space two planes will

VECTORS PAGE # 7
(a) Either be coincident.
(b) Parallel.
(c) Intersecting & will intersect in a straight line.
The line is called line of intersection.

Plane : Plane is a surface such that the line segment joining any two points on it will entirely lie in it.

15. (a) To a given vector there exist two collinear directions.

(b) directions & all the directions will be coplanar..

(c) directions which makes an angle with it ( 0, , ) and all these directions will lie on a conical
2
surface for which the given vector will be axis & will be semi-vertical angle.

RESOLUTION OF A VECTOR ALONG TWO COPLANAR DIRECTIONS :

If a and b are two non-collinear vectors then any vector c in their plane can uniquely be written as a

linear combination of a and b .

i.e. if a and b are non-collinear then any c in their plane can be expressed as

c 1 a 2 b

Also, if c 1 a 2 b

= 1 a 2 b

then 1 1 & 2 2 .

NOTE : A vector non-coplanar with a and b can never be written as a linear combination of a and b .

LINEAR COMBINATION OF VECTORS :

1. Any vector, b collinear with a can always be written uniquely as

b = a.

2. If b is non-collinear with a then it can never be written in terms of a .

3. If a and b are non-collinear then the equation of type

1a 2b 0

1 2 0
VECTORS PAGE # 8

4. Any vector c, coplanar with a and b can uniquely be written

c 1a 2b .

5. If a, b, c are non-coplanar then

1a 2b 3 c = 1a 2b 3 c

1 1

2 2

3 3 .

1a 2b 3 c 0 1 2 3 0 .

6. If a, b, c are three non-coplanar vectors then any vector d in space can uniquely be written as

d 1a 2b 3 c
Suppose if possible that

d 1a 2b 3 c & d = 1a 2b 3 c

1 1
2 2

3 3 .

Q.1 If 1a 2b 0 1 2 0 . [T/F]

Ans. It is false statement because of insufficient information it will be true only if a & b are non-collinear

Q.2 If 1a 2b 1a 2b then 1 1 & 2 2 . [T/F]

Ans. It is false statement because of insufficient information it will be true only if a & b are non-collinear

Q.3 If 1a 2b 3 c 0 1 2 3 = 0. [T/F]

Ans. It is false statement because of insufficient information it will be true only if a , b & c are non-coplanear..

Q.4 If 1a 2b 3 c = 1a 2b 3 c 1 1 , 2 2 & 3 3 . [T/F]

Ans. It is false statement because of insufficient information it will be true only if a , b & c are non-coplanear..

Q.5 If c 1a 2b for three given vectors then always 1 & 2 are unique

Ans. It is false statement because of insufficient information it will be true only if a , b & c are non-collinear. If

a , b & c are collinear then infinitely many values of 1 & 2 are possible.
VECTORS PAGE # 9

Q.6 If a, b, c are coplanar vector then for any vector d always some 1, 2 , 3 such that

d 1a 2b 3 c .

Ans. Since d can be either coplaner & non-coplaner with a, b, c Hence the statement is true only when d lies
in the plane. [T/F]

REPRESENTATION OF A VECTOR IN TERMS OF A ORTHO NORMAL TRAID :

(i) x, y, z are three mutually 'r axis of reference.

(ii) i , j, k are unit vectors in direction of x, y and z axis resp.

(iii) OA BQ x i

OB AQ y j

OC QP z t .

(iv) OA = component of OP in direction of x-axis

= projection of OP on x-axis = xi .

N.P. OP OA AQ QP

OP x i yj zk

OP 2 OQ 2 QP 2
VECTORS PAGE # 10

e 2 2
= OA AQ QP
2
j
OP 2 x 2 y 2 z 2

OP x2 y 2 z2

| OP| = x2 y 2 z2

OP
N.P. OP =
|OP |

= 2
x y z
1
2 2
exi yj zk j

F x I F y I F z I
= G
GH x JJ i + GG JJ j + G JJ k
2
K H x 2
K GH x 2
K
=
1
bx, y, zg .
x2

DIRECTION COSINE :

COSINE of the angle made by a direction with positive directions of axes are called directions cosines and
the corresponding angles are called direction angles.
Direction cosines are usually denoted by , m, n. It is the property of direction. If direction s are
, , then

OA
cos (in right angled OAP )
OP

x
= .
x y 2 z2
2

y
cos
//ly m =
x y 2 z2
2

z
n = cos
2
x
NOTE : Direction cosines are the components of unit vectors of direction along axis

i.e. OP = cos 2 i cos 2 j cos k

2 m 2 n 2 cos 2 cos 2 cos 2 1

VECTORS PAGE # 11

2
cos 1.

Q.1 Find if direction angle of direction are 30 , 60 &

Ans. .
2

Q.2 Find if direction angle of direction are 60

Sol. cos 2 60 cos 2 60 cos 2 1

1 1
cos 2 1
2 2

1
cos
2

3
, .
4 4

NOTE :

(i) If / 2 , then is not possible.

(ii) If / 2 / 2.

(iii) If / 2
Two direction (or ) are possible.

Q. Find the no. of unit vectors & the no. of straight line passing through origin which are equally inclined to x-
axis, y-axis & z-axis ?
If a direction makes angle or ( ) with x-axis then its inclination will be same. Hence if inclination is a
then direction cosine could be cos or cos( )
cos

cos 2 cos 2 cos 2 1

1
cos
3

FG 1 , 1 , 1 IJ 1
H 3 3 3K
FG 1 , 1 , 1 IJ 1
H 3 3 3K
VECTORS PAGE # 12

FG 1 , 1 , 1 IJ 3
H 3 3 3K
FG 1 , 1 , 1 IJ 3
H 3 3 3K
(i) No. of unit vectors having same inclination = 8

(ii) No. of unit vectors making equal s with +ve direction of x-axis = 2.

(iii) No. of lines equally inclined = 4.

APPLICATION IN COORDINATE GEOMETRY :

1. Distance formula :

A = x1i y1j z1k

& B = x2 i y 2 j z2k

AB = AB OB OA

= bx 2 g b g b
x1 i y 2 y1 j z2 z1 k g
= bx 2 x1 g by
2
2 y1 g bz
2
2 z1 g 2
.

2. OP = position vector of pt. p

= x1i y1j z1k

OQ = position vector of pt Q

= x2 i y 2 j z2k

PQ PO OQ

= OP OQ
VECTORS PAGE # 13

= OQ OP

b g b g b g
= x 2 x1 i y 2 y 1 j z 2 z1 k .

3. Section formula :

r OR

= OP PR

m
= p .PQ
mn

m
= p
m n
qp c h

mq np
r
mn

pq
In particular mid pt. m .
2
4. In a ABC

If A : a A : a denotes position vector of A

B : b

&C : c

abc
then centroid = G = g
3

FG b c IJ 1.a

g
2
H 2K
21

abc
g .
3

5. Incentre
VECTORS PAGE # 14

aa bb cc
I=
abc

| a| a

a |b c|

|b c|a
=
|b c|

for excircles

aa bb c c
I1
a b c

aa bb c c
I2
abc

aa bb c c
I3 .
abc

6. CIRCUMCENTER :

d sin b2A gi a sin b2Bg b sin b2Cg c
k
sin b2Ag

sin b2Ag. a
=
sin b2A g
VECTORS PAGE # 15
7. ORTHOCENTRE :


H
tan A . a
tan A

8. COLLINEARITY :

AB + BC = AC

ba cb ca .

Total three conditions will be possible according to respective possitions of the points A, B & C.

Q. In a let centroid is G and mid point of the sides opp. to A, B, C is D, E, F. Then prove that

(i) AG O

(ii) AD O

(i) AG
=
F
GH OG OAJK
I

= 3 OG OA

= 3 OG 3 OG
VECTORS PAGE # 16

= 0 ...(i)

3 3
(ii) AD = 2 AG = 2 AG 0 using (i).

NOTE : If A, B, C are three non-collinear points then KA 0 is true if & only if ( ) k is centroid of formed by

ABC.

1. In a ABC, prove that a AI 0 .

aa bb cc
I
abc

babc I g aa

a e I aj b e I bj c e I c j 0

a AI bBI c CI 0 .

tan bAg.HA 0

Q. P.T.

a tan A b tan B c tan C
H
tan A tanB tan C

e j e
tan A H a tan B H b tan C H c 0 j e j

tan A . AH tanB .BH tan C . CH 0

AH.tan A . BH tanB CH tan C 0 .

Q. P.T. line joining mid points of two sides of is // to 3rd side & is half of it ?

cb
M1 M2
2

1
=
2
e
cb j
1
= BC
2
BC //M1M2.

Q. P.T. line joining mid pts of non-parallel sides of a trapezium is // to // sides & is half of their summation ?
VECTORS PAGE # 17

d
M1
2

M2
e
b d b j
2


M1 M2
e
b d b j d
2 2

=
b 1g b .
2


AB CD = b b = 1 b . b g
Q. In a quad. ABCD, P.T.
(i) Quad obt. by joining mid pts. of sides in order will be a//gm.
(ii) line joining mid pts of opp. sides will bisect each other.

(iii) if line joining mid pts. of opp. sides intersect at G then 4 OG OA .

ad
(i) M2
2

cd
M1
2

ab
M3
2

cb
M4
2

ac
M1 M2
2

ac
M4 M3
2

M1 M2 M4 M3 also |M1M2 | = |M3M4 |

M1 M2 M3 M4 is a//gm.

F b a I F c d I
(ii) MM1 M3
G J G J
= H 2 K H 2 K
2
VECTORS PAGE # 18

abcd
=
4

abcd
Similarly MM2M4 =
4

MM1M3 = MM2M4

(iii) 4 OG =
e
4 abcd j = a b c d
4

OA a b c d .

Q. Let two out of any three vectors a, b, c are non-collinear & if a 2b is collinear with c and b 3c is

collinear with a then find a 2b in terms of c ?

a 2b c

e
2 b 3 c a j

a 6 c c 2 a

6
2 1

a 2b 6 c .

Q. Let ABCD is a//gm and two points P & Q divides BC and DC in the ratio 2 : 3 and 1 : 4 resp. Then find the
ratio in which AC divides PQ
2
Pb d
5
1
Q d b
5

Q 1.P
K =
bd e j [pt. vector of k]
1 1

FG
1 2 IJ FG IJ
= H
d b b d
5 5 K H K
1

1
Comparing coeff of b 5 =
1 1
VECTORS PAGE # 19

2

Comparing coeff of d = 5 =
1 1

2
1
5 5

3
.
4

Q. If ABCDEF is a regular hexagon where M is the mid pt. of DE, N is the mid pt. of AM, P is the mid pt. of BC

and if NP AB AF then = ? & = ?

b
M f c
2

M 1 b

F I
N
2 2
f c
2 GH JK

c
pb
2

3 f
NP b
4 2

3 1
= AB AF
4 2

3 1
.
4 2

TETRAHEDRON :

1. Plyramid will have slant faces as s .

2. Pyramid with regular base is called tetrahedron.

3. In tetrahedron
(a) no. of vertices = 4
(b) no. of faces = 4
(c) no. of edges = 6

4. (a) Vertex A & face BCD are called opp. pair.

(b) AB and CD are called pair of opp. edges.
(c) Let G 1 is centroid of face BCD then

bcd
G1 GBCD
3
VECTORS PAGE # 20
let k is a pt. on AG 1 dividing it in ratio 3 : 1 then

F
3G
b c dI


H 3 K J 1. a
k
3 1

a b c d
k
4
using symmetry same point will be obtained on BG 2, CG 3 & DG 4
Hence these 4 lines should be concurrent.
Hence the line joining vertices to centroid of opp. face (4 such lines) will be concurrent at a point and are

a
divided by point of concurrency in the ratio 3 : 1 and will have position vector as 4
. This pt. is called

centre of tetrahedron.

abcd
Let M1 is mid pt. of AB and M 2 is mid pt. of CD then MM1M2 .
4

Mid. pt. of M1 M2 will be centre of tetrahedron.

Hence line joining mid pts of pair of opp. edges (3 such lines) will be concurrent at center & will be bisected
by it.

Q. Let G is the centre of tetrahedron ABCD then P.T. GA 0
F
GH OA OGJK
I

OA 4 OG

4 OG 4 OG = 0 .

PARALLELOPIPED :

1. In prism slant faces are rectangular or // gm.

2. Parallelopiped will be a prism with base as //gm.

3. In parallelopied
(a) no. of vertices = 8
(b) no. of faces = 6
(c) no. of edges = 12
(d) Main diagonals = 4(AG, BH, CE, DF)
(e) no. of face diagonals = 12 (AC, BD, etc)

4. To uniquely construct a parallelopied, we require 3 non-coplanar vectros.

VECTORS PAGE # 21

5. The vertices joining main diagonals are called pair of opp. vertices.

7. AD & FG are called pair of opp. edges.

8. If A is origin

G a b c AG

ab c
M AG
2

Let D : b , B : a & E : c

F ac

abc
MDF .
2
Mid point of FD & AG in same.
Hence they will intersect.

Thus all diagonals (Total 4) are concurrent at a point & point of concurrency is called centre & these
diagonals are bisected by this point.
Similarly lines joining mid points of pair of opp. edges (Total 6 pairs) are also concurrent at centre & are
bisected by it.

b
M1 MAD
2


M2 MFG
c h e
ac abc b
ac

j
2 2

abc
MM1M2
2

Now let M1 M2 be mid points of AC & FG

ab
M1
2

ab
M2 c
2

abc
MM1 M2 .
2

-----------******----------
VECTORS PAGE # 22

DOT PRODUCT

1. Dot product of two vectors a & b is a scalar quantity denoted as a . b = ab cos

where is b/w a and b .

2. (a) a . b = 0

either one of a or b in zero vector or ab

Hence condition a . b = 0 can be used to check perpendicularity of two non-zero vectors.

(b) a . b > 0

angle between a and b is acute and

if a . b < 0 angle is obtuse
Hence this can also be used to find whether two vectors make acute or obtuse angle.

3. (a) a . b = ab when a & b have same direction.
max

(b) a . b = ab when a & b have opp. direction
min

(c) a . b = ab when a & b are collinear
max

(d) a . b = 0 when a b .
min

4. Algebra of dot products :

(i) a . b b . a

e j e j
(ii) a . kb k a . b

e j
(iii) a . b c a . b a. c

(iv) a . b a. c

a . b a. c 0

e
a. b c 0j

either a 0

or b c

or b c a .
VECTORS PAGE # 23

5. a . a a 2 = | a |2 = a2 .
This can be used to find magnitude of a vector which is expressed in terms of other vectors,
magnitudes of which & angle b/w them is known

for e.g. : Let a, b, c are three vectors of magnitude 1, 2, 3 resp. & angle b/w each pair is 60 then find
magnitude of

(a) 3a 4b

(b) a 2b 3c

Sol. | a| 1 |b | 2 |c| 3

a . b ab cos 60 1

b. c 3

3
a. c
2

a. a a2

|a| a.a

| 3a 4b | = e3a 4bje3a 4bj

= 9 a2 24 a. b 16b 2

= 9 24 16 4 = 97 .


(ii) | a 2b 3c | = ea 2b 3c jea 2b 3c j

= a 2 4b 2 9c 2 4a. b 12b. c 6a. c .

6. a . b ab cos

aI F bI

F
cos G J . G J
H aK H bK
= a . b

cos a . b

e j
cos 1 a . b .

This will be used to find angle b/w two directions.

Q. In the previous ques. find the angle b/w vectors

VECTORS PAGE # 24

3a 4b and a 2b


| a 2b | = ea 2bjea 2bj = a 2 4b 2 4a . b = 21

F e3a 4b j.ea 2bj I

cos 1 GG JJ
H |3a 4b| |a 2b| K
F 3a 8b 10a .b I
2 2
cos 1
GH 97 . 21 JK
F 45 I
= cos
1
GH 97 . 21JK .

Q. Let a, b, c are three coinitial vectors making an angle 60 with each other using these vectors a parallelopied

is formed given | a | |b | | c | 6 then find
(i) length of face diagonal
(ii) length of main diagonal
(iii) dist. b/w centres of opp. faces
(iv) angle b/w main diagonal & face diagonal passing through same vertex.
(v) angle b/w main diagonal & side passing through same vertex.

| a | |b | | c | 6

1
a . b b . c c . a 36 = 18
2

(ii) OG | a b c |

= 3 . 36 2 . 3 .18 = 216


(i) OB | a b| =

ea bjea bj

= a 2 b 2 2a. b = 36 36 2 18 = 108

|a b|
(iii) M1
2

(a b) ( a b 2c )
M1M2 =
2

= c.

= | c | = 6.

(iv) Angle will be same if | a| |b | | c | 1
VECTORS PAGE # 25

a.b b. c c . a 1 / 2


OG 3 = ea b c jea b c j = ea bjea bj

OB . OG = OB OG cos

cos = OB . OG

=
ea b jea b cj
|a b| |a b c |

a 2 b 2 2a . b a . c b. c
=
3 3

1 1 1 1 4
= = .
3 3 3 3

NOTE : (i) i . i j . j k . k 1

(ii) i . j i . k j . k 0

(iii) If a a1 i a2 j a 3 k

b b1 i b2 j b 3 k

a . b a1b1 a 2b 2 a3 b 3 = ab cos

= a12 a 22 a23 b12 b 22 b 23 cos

F a b I
= cos
1 GG JJ 1 1

H a b K 2
1
2
1

8. ea bj ea bj |a b| 2

e j
2
= ab = a 2 b2 2a . b .

ea bj
2
9. a2 b2 2a . b

1 2 2
10.
2 2
(a) a b
2
e
| a b| | a b| j
1 2 2
e
(b) a . b | a b| | a b|
4
j
VECTORS PAGE # 26

11. e je j
a b a b a2 b2

ea b c j
e a .bj .
2
12. a2 b2 c2 2

Q.1 Let | a | = 11 and | b | = 23 & | a b | = 30 then find | a b |.

Q.2 Let a b c 0 and if

(a) | a | = 5, | b | = 7, | c | = 2

(b) | a | = 5, | b | = 6, | c | = 7

then find b/w a and b .

1.

e
| a b |2 = 2 a b | a b|
2 2
j
= 2 e11 j
2
23 2 30 2

| a b | = 20.

2.
abc 0
| a | = 5 | c | = 2

|b | = 7

b/w a & b

b/w b & c

(ii) a b c 0

|a|= 5

|b | = 6
| c | = 7

a b c

e je
sq. a b . a b c . c j c hc h

a 2 b2 2a. b c 2

25 36 60 cos 49
60 cos = 12

1
cos =
5

1 1 FG IJ
= cos 5
. H K
VECTORS PAGE # 27

13. If a b c 0 then they will always either form & or all three vectors will be collinear vectors.

14. The presence of cos in an expression to be proved may imply application of dot product.

PROJETION AND PROJECTION VECTOR :

1. OC = length of projection of a on b

OC = projection vector or component of a along b (// to b )

CA = component of a r to b .
OC = OA cos

= | a . b |

b

OC =
a.b e j
|b |

e j
= a . b b

=
ea . bj b
b2

CA OA OC

e j
= a a . b b .

Similarly length of projection of b on a |b . a |

component of b along a b . a a e j

component of b ' r to a b b . a a . e j
Q. Let A = (1, 2, 3), B (1, 7, 8) then find

(a) Ratio of length of projection of OB on OA to that of OA on OB

(b) dist of pt. B on line OA

b . a b 114 114 57
(c) = = = = .
a.b a 14 14 7

(b) CB OB OC

FG IJ

H
= OB OB . OA OA
K
VECTORS PAGE # 28

(OB . OA ) OA
= OB
| OA |2

b
= 1, 7, 8 g 1
14
b gb
37 1, 2, 3 g
FG 1 37 , 7 37 , 8 37 3 IJ .
= H 14 7 14 K

(c) dist. of pt. A on OB

P1 OA = P2 OB

P1 OA
P2 =
OB

MEMORIZE :

1. e j e j e j
a a . i i a. j j a. k k

As a1 = Projection of a along x-axis
= (vector) (unit vector of direction)

= a . i .

Q. Let in space two points A and B are given at a dist. 10 units and is moving pt. c always satisfies the relation

CA . AB 5
then find locus of c if

(a) C moves in a given plane containing AB (b) C moves in space.

A. (a) AC . AB 5

AC AB cos = 5

1
AC cos =
2
AC cant be ve
is obtuse
VECTORS PAGE # 29
Locus is a straight line at a dist 1/2 from A away from B.

(b) Rotate plane along AB & C comes in space

1
Locus is a plane to AB at a dist from A away from B.
2

CROSS PRODUCT OR VECTOR PRODUCT :

1. Cross produce of two vectors a and b is a vector quantity denoted as a b and is defined as

a b ab sin . n where is angle b/w vectors and n is a unit vector to both a and b and n follows
right handed system.

2. | a b | = ab sin .

3. | a b | = 0
a=0
or b = 0
or a & b are collinear.
This can be used as a contion for collinearity of two vectors.

1. If a & b are non-zero vectors

then ab ab when a b
max

ab 0 when a & b are collinear..
min

5. (a) i i j j k k 0

(b) i j k

j k i

k i k .

(c) a a1i a 2 j a 3 k

b b1i b 2 j b 3 k

i j k
a a a3
ab = 1 2
b1 b2 b3

b g b g b g
= i a2b 3 b 2 a3 j a 3b1 a1b 3 k a1b 2 b1a 2 .
VECTORS PAGE # 30

b
(i) a 1, 2, 5 g

b
b 3, 2, 4 g

b
a b 2, 11, 4 . g

(ii) a b1, 2, 3g

b b 2, 3, 5g

a b b1, 11, 7g .

6. e j e
(i) a k . b k a b j

e j
(ii) a b c a b a c

(iii) a b b a

a b b a

a b c is meaningless.

(iv) if a b a c

e j
a b c 0 then

either a 0

or b c

or a & b c are collinear..

(v) a b

ac = bc

a. c b. c
but vice-versa may not be true.

LAGRANGES IDENTITY :

1.

c he j e j
| a b |2 = a. a b . b a . b
2

a. a a.b
=
a.b b.b

2. As if a & b are non-collinear vectors

a b will be to a & b .
VECTORS PAGE # 31

ab
Hence a unit vector to both a & b can be taken as .
| a b|

GEOMETRICAL INTERPRETATION OF CROSS PRODUCT :

1. | a b | = ab sin
= b(a sin )
= OB.AD
= 2(Aree of OAB)
= Area of //gm OABC

hence magnitude of a b i.e. | a b | given the aree of //gm having a and b as its two adjacent sides.

1
2. Hence area of the = (magnitude of cross product of any two adjacent sides)
2

1
Ar(ABC) = | a b|
2

1
= |b c|
2

1
= | c a|
2
proof :

1 1
=
2
|b c| = |b a b |
2
e j
1
= |b a b b|
2

1
= | a b| .
2

3. If vertices of ABC are a, b & c resp. then its area is given by

1
AR( ABC) = | a b b c c a|
2
Proof :

1
Ar(ABC) =
2
e j c
| ba ca | h
1
= |b c c a a b |
2
VECTORS PAGE # 32

1
= |a b b c c a| .
2

4. Hence a unit vector to plane formed by A : a , B : b , C : c can given as

abbcca
.
| a b b c c a|

Q. Let ABCD is a tetrahedron & defined 4 area vectors A 1 , A 2 , A 3 , A 4 , each coming out of the face to

it & having may equals to area of face then proves that A1 0 .

1
A1 a c
2
c h
1
A2 b a
2
e j
1
A3 c b
2
e j
1
A4
2
ee
bccaab jj
1
=
2
ebccaab j

A 1 = 0.

NOTE : (i) If a, b & c are mutually vector

| a b c | a2 b 2 c 2

ea b c j a 2
b2 c2 2 e a.bj .
(ii) In the above case of tetrahedron if three of the 4 faces are mutually 'r

then A1, A 2 , A 3 will be mutually 'r

e
A 4 = A1 A 2 A 3 j

| A 4 | = | A1 A 2 A 3 |

A4 = A 12 A 22 A 23 .

Q.1 Find the area of triangle ABC in following figure:

Sol.
VECTORS PAGE # 33

1 6
Method-1 : 23
2 2

1 2
2 1
2 2

1 3
3 1
2 2

1 7
Method-2 : Ar( ABC) = 36 9 4 = .
2 2

Q.2 If AB = (2, 1, 0) and AC = (2, 0, 3) then find the area of triangle ABC

Sol. AB = (2, 1, 0)

AC = (2, 0, 3)

1
Ar( ABC) = | AB AC|
2

1 1 2 7
= |(3, 6, 2)| = 3 6 2 22 = .
2 2 2

(iii) Area of quadrilateral having d1& d2 as its diagonals is given

1
= | d1 d2 |
2

1
= d1 d2 sin .
2

Q. If | a i |2 + | a j |2 + | a k | = a2 find .

put a i

L.H.S. = 0 |k || j|2 = 2
R.H.S. =
=2

| a i|
2
Sol. L.H.S. =

F
G
H e je j e I
.ij J
2

K
2 2
= a i a

ea. i j
2
2
= 3a

= 3a2 a2 2a2 .
VECTORS PAGE # 34

Q. Let A and B are two fixed pts. in space at a dist. 5 units and pt moves such that | AB AB | = 10
Find locus of c is it moves
(i) In a plane (fixed) containing A and B

(ii) In spale
AC AB sin = 10

AC sin = 2

(i) A pair of straight line // to AB at a dist z from AB

(ii) Locus is a cylinder with axis as AB/cadius 2 & length .

SCALAR TRIPLE PRODUCT :

1. S.T.P. of three vectors a, b, c is a scalar quantity & can be denoted as


a. b c
and is defined as

a. b c = abc cos () sin () where is the angle b/w b and c and is the angle b/w b c and a .

2. Geometrical interpretation :


a. b c = abc cos sin

= a cos bc sin
= Height(Base Area)

= |Volume of //to piped formed by a, b, c |.

3. S.T.P. of a, b, c i.e.


a. b c is denoted by [ a b c .]

4. If a a1i a2 j a3 k

b b1i b2 j b3 k

and c c1i c 2 j c 3k

a1 a2 a3


a. b c = b1 b2
c1 c 2
b3 .
c3
VECTORS PAGE # 35

PROPERTIES :

1. Dot & cross can be interchanged i.e.

a. b c a b .c
2. If cyclic order is maintained then S.T.P. will remain the same


i.e. a. b c b. c a c . a b

a b c b c a
c a b


= a c b b a c .

3. k a b c k a b c .

4. a b c d a b c a b d

5. a b c 0


a b c will be coplanar..
This will be used as a condition for coplanarity of 3 vectors.
Or Two of the vector are collinear.
or One of the vector is zero vector
[Zero vector can be placed in any plane]

7. a b b c c a 2 a b c


e.g. a 3b 2b 5c 3c 2a

= a b c

= 6 a b c + 30 a b c

= 36 a b c .

8. For 3 vectors a b c of given magnitude

a b c
max abc if a b c are mutually & follow right handed system.

a b c
min abc if a b c are mutually & follow left handed

a b c abc if a b c are mutually & follow left/right handed
max
VECTORS PAGE # 36

a b c 0 if a b c are coplanar
min

9. a b c 0

Right-handed system

a b c 0

Left-handed system.

Q. Find if

(i) a 1, 2, 3

b 3, 4, 7

c , 1, 2
are coplanar

(ii) A : (1, 2, 3)
B : (2, 4, 6)
C : (7, 3, 8)
D : (, 1, 1, 5) are coplanar

(i) a b c 0

1 2
1 2 3
=0
3 4 7

2 1 2 2 2 0
= 1.

(ii) AB AC AD 0

1 1 2
1 2 3
= 0.
6 5 5

Q.1 P.T. a b i a b i .
VECTORS PAGE # 37

a. a. a.

b. b. b.
Q.2 P.T. a b c = .
c. c. c.

a a. i i a.j j a.k k

ab a b i i .

a.a a.b a.c
2
a b c b.a b.b b.c
10. .
c.a c.b c.c

Q. If a, b, c follow right handed system & are of magnitude 2 each & are inclined at an angle 60 with each

other then find value of [ a, b, c ]

a.a b.b c.c 4

1
a.b b.c b.c 2.2. 2
2

4 2 2
2
a b
c 2 4 2

2 2 4

2 1 1
2
a b
c 8 1 2 1

1 1 2

2
a b c 32 .

2
a b c 32 .

abc sin cos = 4 2

3
2.2.2 cos 4 2
2

2
cos
3

2
sin1
3
VECTORS PAGE # 38

2
1
if is made by c with plane of a & b . then = 2 cos 3 .

Q. P.T. a b c p q

p.a q.a a

p.b q.b b
=
p.c q.c c

Proof :

a1 a2 a3 i j k
b1 b2 b3 p1 p2 p3
.
c1 c 2 c 3 q1 q2 q3

Q. Let O, A, B are three non-collinear points & a point C moves in space such that OA OB OC k , then find
locus of pt. C.

OA OB .OC k
volume of //lopiped formed by OA , OB & OC = k
Base area height = k

k
Height (dist of c from plane OAB ) = .
Base area
Hence locus of C will be a plane // to the plane formed by OAB & at a constant dist. from it.

EQUATION OF STRAIGHT LINE :

(i) If a point A is given on the line & a vector b is // to the line then

OR OA AR

equa. of line r a b .

(ii) r a b

r a b 0 .

(iii) Parametric form

x a1 b1 ,

y a2 b2 ,

z a3 b3 .
VECTORS PAGE # 39

(iv) If line passes through A : a & B : b

r a ba

FOR THE LINE r a b A POINT p CAN BE ASSUMED ON IT AS p = a 1b .

Let OD is AB & D : d = d a 1b then
then

OD b

d.b 0

a b .b 0
1

1
a . b
.
b2

NOTE : Foot of 'r (D : d ) from origin to line is obtained by putting the value of 1 in the equation of the line


a.b b
= a
b2


= a a . b b .

e.g.: Length of 'r from origin

= a a . b b .

2. The equation of line can be written as

r a b
In this case || will give distance from pt. A.

Hence a point on line at a dist. d 1 from pt. A can be taken as r a d1b

Q. Let on the line

x 1 3t 1 t 3

y 3 3 t 0

z 4t 0 t 4
find pts on it which are at dist. 2 units from (5, 3, 8) on it.
VECTORS PAGE # 40
r 1, 3, 0 t 3, 0, 4

3 4
b , 0,
5 5

3 4
Req. pts. = 5, 3, 8 2 5 , 0, 5 .

Q. Find foot of & length of 'r from

(1, 2, 3) to r 3, 2, 1 2, 2, 1 .

1. Equation of line passing through pt. A with position vector and 'r to B and C , (which are non-collinear)
is given by :


r a bc .
2. The angle b/w two straight line is given by the angle b/w their directions (angle is always acute)

e.g.: L1 r a b

L 2 r c a

1
b/w L1 and L2 = cos |b.d | .

Q. Find b/w r 1, 2, 3 2, 2, 1 & r 3, 2, 1 2, 3, 6

1 2, 2, 1 . 2, 3, 6

A : Req. angle = cos 3.7

1 4
= cos 21 .

3. Intersection b/w two straight lines :

case I : If b d 0

(a) If c a b 0 Lines will be coincident

(b) If c a b 0 Lines will be distinct &//.

case II : If b d 0
VECTORS PAGE # 41

(a) c a b d 0 0 ( c a, b, d are coplanar

Lines will be intersecting.

(b) If c a b d 0 Lines are skew (non-intersecting, non// and will be non-coplanar..

ALTERNATIVE :

Solve the two lines simultaneously (i.e. equate r ). Now solve any two of the three obtained scalar equations
(coresponding to equating x, y, z component) If obtained values of parameters satisfy III rd equ. then lines
are intersecting and pt. of intersection can be obtained by putting value of obtained parameter.

If III rd equ. is not satisfied then lines are non-intersecting and if b d is not equlas to zero then lines will be
skew.

1. r 1, 2, 3 t 3, 2, 1

r 4, 4, 4 6, 4, 2

As b // d lines will be // or coincident also to c a = (3, 2, 1) which is // to b Lines are coincident.

2. Find whether lines intersecting or not if intersecting find pt. of intersection ?

r 1, 2, 3 2, 2, 1

r 2, 12, 3 3, 6, 2

For pt. of intersection

r r
1 2 2 3 ...(i)

2 2 12 6 ...(ii)
3 + = 3 + 2 ...(iii)
from (i) & (ii)
1 = 10 9 = 1
putting in (ii)
=2
putting in (iii)
= 2 5 = 5 Lines are intersecting = 1
& pt. of intersection is (5, 6, 5).

LEAST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO SKEW LINES :

VECTORS PAGE # 42

1. let L1 = r = a b

L2 = r c d

are two skew lines.

The least dist. b/w two curves will be along common normal.

Let N1 N2 or to both straight lines then it will be the least distance b/w lines

N1N2 b

& N1N2 d

Let n1 a 1b

& n2 c 2 d

N1N2 n2 n1 c a 2 d 1b

using N1N2 . b = 0

c a .b 2 d.b 1b2 0 ...(i)

& N1N2 .d 0

c a .d 2 d 1b.d 0
2
...(ii)

solve (i) & (ii) to find 1 & 2 and hence N1 N2 & least distance b/w lines = N1 N2 = n2 n1 .

ALTERNATIVE :

The least distance = N1 N2 = projection of AC on line N1N2.

bd
= c a . | b d

|

c a b d

= .
|bd|

DISTANCE B/W TWO // LINES :

Req. Distance = AD
= AC sin

= | a c b |
VECTORS PAGE # 43

a c b
= |b|
.

Q. Find least dist b/w

r 1, 2, 3 2, 2, 1 & r 3, 4, 5 3, 6, 2

Sol. b d 10, 7, 6

bd
| b d | 100 49 36 and then use c a . .

|b d|

EQUATION OF PLANE :

(i) Equation of plane passing through a pt. A and 'r to n is given by

r a .n 0

(ii) Equation of plane passing through A : a &
parallel to two non-collinear vectors is given by


r a . b c 0

r a b c 0 .

(iii) Equation of the plane passing through

A : a , B : b , C : c is given by

n abbcca

r a . n 0 .

(iv) Equation of plane passing through A : a & B : b

and // to c (non-collinear with AB ) is given by

r a .b a c 0 .
VECTORS PAGE # 44
V. Parametric form :

If plane passes through pt. A and is // to b and c

then its equation can be given as :

r a . b c 0

r a b c 0


r a b c

r a b c

x = a1 b1 c1

y = a2 b2 c 2

z = a3 b3 c 3 .

VI. Geometrical interpretation : (OF form vi) :

r a .n 0

r .n a.n
= Projection of r on
n

= Projection of a on n

1. r .n = constant = magnitude of which will be given distance of plane from origin

r .n q

q
r .n d .
n

Q. Find dist of plane from origin

r . 2, 3, 6 21

2 3 6
r . , , 3
7 7 7

FOOT OF 'r FROM ORIGIN :

1. Let P is foot of 'r to r .n q ...(i)

from origin then

OP n (say)
As OP starts from origin hence will represent positive vector of pt. p
which lies in plane. Hence will satisfy equation of plane
VECTORS PAGE # 45

n .n q

q

n2
foot of 'r from origin to plane

q q
= 2 n n n .
n

Q. Find foot of from origin

r . 2, 2, 1 18

2 2 1
r . , , 6
3 3 3

2 2 1
Foot of 'r from origin = 6 , ,
3 3 3
Angle b/w Two planes :

p1 r .n1 q1

p2 r .n2 q2

b/w p1 and p2
b/w their normal vectors

= cos 1 | n 1 .n 2 |

b/w Plane and line :

P = r .n q

L = r r a b
b/w P and L

= |
cos1 | n.b
2

= sin1 | n . b | .

---------********---------

INTERSECTION OF LINE AND PLANE :

For intersection of plane P = r .n q and line L = r a b
solve the equations simultaneously


a b .n q

b.n q a.n .
VECTORS PAGE # 46

Case-1 : If b.n 0 & q a.n
L lies in P (Infinite common points)

Case-2 : If b.n 0 & q a.n
L is // to p (No. pt. of Intersection)
But not in it.

Case-3 : If b.n 0
(Unique pt. of intersection will be in the plane P)

q a.n
=
b.n

q a.n
point of x will be a b .
b.n

Q. Let P is r . 2, 2, 1 33 & a point A : (1, 2, 4) is given and a line L passes through A, parallel to (2, 2, 1)
& intersects p at pt. B then find
(i) equ. of line

(ii) pt. B

(iii) b/w L and P

(iv) foot of 'r from A to P (say c).

(v) length of 'r from A to P

(vi) reflection of A in plane (say A)

(vii) equation of BC

(viii) length of 'r & foot of 'r from C to L.

(ix) reflection of L in plane

(x) distance of A from P along (6, 2, 3) & also find corresponding pt. (say D)

(xi) area of BCD

(xii) equ. of plane ABD (say P1)

(xiii) Foot of 'r from origin to P1 & also length of .

(xiv) b/w plane P1 and plane P..

Q. (i) A : (1, 2, 4)

p = r . 2, 2, 1 = 33.
VECTORS PAGE # 47

L = r 1, 2, 4 2, 2, 1

(ii) for B solve L & P

1, 2, 4 2, 2, 1 . 2, 2, 1 33
31
31
1
B = (1, 2, 4) + (31) (2, 2, +1)
= (63, 60, 27)

1 2, 2, 1 . 2, 2, 1
1 1
(iii) sin 9
sin
9

(iv) Let c a AC

= a n

2 2 1
= 1, 2, 4 3 , 3 , 3

As C lies on plane P

c. 2, 2, 1 33

2 2 1
1, 2, 4 , , . 2, 2, 1 33
3 3 3

31
.
3

31
(v) Length of 'r from A to plane P = AC = || = .
3

31
(vi) foot of 'r = 1, 2, 4 2, 2, 1
9

(vii) a ' 2c a

(vii) BC c b

DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO // PLANES :

Dist b/w planes

r .n q1

r .n q2
VECTORS PAGE # 48

q1 q2
will be equals to n
.

BISECTOR AND BISECTOR PLANE :

In space the locus of a point which is equidistant from two given points A : a , B : b will be a plane to
line joining two points & containing mid point.

| r a | = | r b|

| r a |2 = | r b |2


r a . r a r b . r b

r 2 2r .a a2 r 2 2 r .b b2


2r . a b a2 b2 0


2r . a b a b . a b 0

2r a b . a b 0



a b
r
2

. a b 0 .

NOTE : The points equidistant from three given points A, B, C will lie on a straight line to plane ABC & passing
through circumuntre of ABC.

ANGULAR BISECTOR :

1. The angular bisector of a and b will be along ( a b ).

2.
The external angular bisector of lines of actions along a & b will be along a b

3. | a b | = a b a b
= =
a2 b2 2a.b 1 1 2cos
VECTORS PAGE # 49

= 2cos .
2

where = a, b .

unit vector along external bisector of a & b

a b
= .
2 sin
2

3.
All the vectors which makes equal angle with a & b lies on a plane containing a b or to a b and


to the plane of a & b .


Out of these vectors two vetors a b will be coplanar with a & b

a.r
b.r a b .r 0
r . a b 0 .

4. All the vectors which makes equal angle with lines of action of a & b will lie on either of the two planes
each containing one of the two vectors a b or a b and to other..

5. The direction which makes equal angles with three given directions a, b, c will be along a b b c c a .

VECTOR TRIPLE PRODUCT : [V.T.P.]

V.T.P. of three vectors a, b, c say a b c is a vector quantity

a b c a.c

b b.c a
also


a b c a.c b a.b c .

1. a b c a b c .

2. A direction to a and in the plane of a & b can be given as a b a .
3. V.T.P. can be used to convert cross product into linear form or to make vector equation cross free.

4. A unit vector coplanar with a & b and to c can be given as
VECTORS PAGE # 50


ab c
.


| ab c |
2
Q.1 P.T. a b b c c a = a b c .

Sol.1
L.H.S. a b . b c c a

let b c =

a b . .a c .c a


= ab . b c .a c b c .c a


= a b . b c a c 0
= b. c a a b .c
2
= b c a a b c
= a b c .

NOTE :

1. If a, b, c are non-coplanar vectors then a b, b c, c a will also be non-coplanar and vice-versa.

2. a b, b c, c a will always follows right handed skrew system irrespective of system followed by a, b & c .

1
Q.2
If a b c = b
2

Find angle b/w a & b & angle b/w a & c .

Sol.2
a b c = a . c b a . b c
1

a.c
2

1
1 1.cos =
2

=
3

b/w a & c 3

a.b 0
1 1 cos = 0
VECTORS PAGE # 51

=
2

b/w a & b 2 .

Q.3
If i a i j a j k a k a find .
Sol.3
i i j2 a j a.
i2a a.
j k 2a k a.k

= 3a a = 2a = 2.

Q.4



P.t. d. a b c d = b . d a c d .


Sol.4
d. a b c d = d. a c b.d d b.c


a c .d b.d a d .d b.c = a c .d b.d 0
= a c d b.d .

Q.5 Let v1 a b c & v3 c a b = v 2 b c a

P.T. v1, v 2 and v 3 forms sides of .

Sol.5
v1 a b c a.c b a.b c

v 2 b c a b.a c b.c a


v 3 c a b c .b a c .a b

v1 v 2 v 3 0 Summation of three vectors is zero.

v1, v 2 and v 3 forms sides of .

Q.6
PROVE THAT a b . c a a.c b.d a.d b.c

Sol. we know that p. q r p q . r

L.H.S.
= ab . cd

= a b c .d

= a.c b b.c a.d


= a.c b.d b.c a.d .

LINEAR DEPENDENT AND INDEPENDENT SET OF VECTORS :

VECTORS PAGE # 52

1. A set of vectors v1, v 2 , v 3 ......v n are called linearly independent, if any equation.

1v1 2 v 2 ...... n vn 0

1 2 3 ...... n 0 .

2. A set of vectors which is not independent is called dependent set of vectors.

3. For dependent set of vectors at least one of the vectors can be written as a linear combination of other
vectors.

4. Two collinear vectors will always be linearly dependent.

5. Two non-collinear vectors will be linearly independent.

6. Three co-planar vectors will always be dependent.

7. Three non-coplanar vectors will be linearly independent.

8. Four or more vectors will always be linearly dependent vectors.

REPRESENTATION OF A VECTOR :

1. Any vectors r collinear with a can be written as

r a .

2. Any vector r coplanar with a & b which are mutually non-collinear can uniquely be written as

r 1a 2b .

3. If a, b, c are three non-coplanar vectors then any r in space can uniquly be written as

r 1a 2b 3 c


r 1a 2b 3 a b

or
r 1 a b 2 b c 3

c a .

CONDITION OF COLLINEARITY OF THREE POINTS OR COPLANARITY OF FOUR POINTS :

Three points A : a , B : b & C : c will be collinear if & only if a set of scalars 1, 2 & 3
not all zero simultneously such that

1a 2b 3 c 0

& 1 2 3 0

Proof : AB AC

b a c a
VECTORS PAGE # 53

1 a 1.b c 0

1 2 3 0 .
for vice-versa

1 2 3

2 3 a 2b 3 c 0


2 b a 3 c a 0 .

2 AB 3 AC 0

3
AB CA
2

A, B, C are collinear..

e.g.:

If 7a 5b 12c 0

a, b, c are collinear..

e.g.:

If a, b, c are collinear & if

3a 5b c 0
= 2.

* Four points A : a , B : b , C : c , D : d will be coplanar if & only if four scalars 1, 2 , 3 , 4 , not all zero

1a 2b 3 c 4 d 0

& 1 2 3 4 0 .
Proof : If A, B, C, D are coplanar

AB AC AD


b a c a d a

1 a 1.b c d 0
1 2 3 4 0
for vice-versa

1 2 3 4
also


1a 2b 3 c 4 d
VECTORS PAGE # 54

1 2
1a 2b
=
3c 4d
1a 2b
=
3c 4d
1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4

Point dividing AB in the ratio 2 : 1 and the point dividing CD in ratio 4 : 3 is same. Hence will be
point of intersection of AB and CD.
AB & CD are intersecting
A, B, C, D are coplanar points.

Q. which divides it in
Let AB is a circular arc which makes an angle 90 at centre O and C is a point on AB
in terms of OB
the ratio 1 : 2. Then find OA and OC
?

c 1a 2b

c.a 1a2 2a.b

a.c r 2 cos30 1a2 a.b 0

3
= r2 1r 2
2

3
1
2

b.c 1a.b 2b2

r.r cos60 2 r 2

1
2
2

3 1
c a b
2 2

2 1
a c b
3 3

a
Method-2 : c1 = r cos 30 a r cos 30 .
r

c1 a.cos 30

c 2 b.sin30

c c1 c 2

3 1
c a b.
2 2

Q. Let a light ray coming along e1 strikes a surface which are normal vector coming out of it along n . Find
VECTORS PAGE # 55
unit vector in direction of reflected ray

cos e 1 .n

If angle between a and b is then | a b | 2cos
2

e 2 e 1
In the adjacent figure angle between e1 and e2 is 2 thus n
2cos

e 2 e 2 2cos n

e 2 e 1 2 e 1 .n n

Alternate :

e2 1 e1 2n e1, e2 , n are coplanar

by finding e1 .e2 and e2 .n . we get to equations in 1 & 2 . By solving them we get 1 & 2 and hence.

required vector e2 .

Q. P.T. if a, b, c are non-coplanar then

r .a r .b r .c

r b c c a a b
a b c a b c a b c



Sol.
Let r 1 b c 2 c a 3 a b


r .a 1 b c .a 0 0

r .a r .b r .c
1
a b c Similarly we get 2 a b c and
3
a b c .

Q. Express b c as a linear combination of a, b and c ?

Let b c = 1a 2b 3 c

2
b c = 1a. b c 0 0
2
bc
1
a b c


and b c . c a 2 a b c
VECTORS PAGE # 56


b c . c a
2
a b c

b c . a b

Similarly 3
a b c .

Q. Let forces P and Q have initial point O & their resultant is R and a straight line intersects with their lines
of action at point A, B, C resp. Then P.T.

P Q R

OA OB OC

R PQ

RR PP Q Q

POA
ROC QOB

OC OA OB
R P Q
| OC | | OA | | OB |

P Q R
OA OB OC 0
| OA | | OB | | OC |

1 2 3 0

P Q R

OA OB OC

OA, OB, OC are p.v. of A, B, C which are collinear..

VOLUME OF TETRAHEDRAL :

1. Normal to plane ABC

= n1 = a b b c c a
Volume of tetrahedral (Pyramid)
1
= Base area height
3

1 1

= 3 2 a b b c c a proj. of OA on OD or n OD is plane ABC

1
=
6
a.n
n
VECTORS PAGE # 57