CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Vector Algebra
Most Important Board Exam Questions
Comprehensive Lecture Notes & Solved Question Bank
Sourced from Ushank Sir’s Wake Up! Series on Science & Fun

1 Core Concepts & Formulas Summary

Before diving into the high-yield questions, this cheat sheet compiles the foundational theory
and mathematical tools used to solve vector algebra problems in Class 12 board examinations.

1.1 Vector and Scalar Quantities

ˆ Scalar Quantities: Have magnitude only (no direction). Examples: mass (10 kg), distance
(5 km), temperature, time, power, and work.
ˆ Vector Quantities: Have both magnitude and direction. Examples: displacement (5 km
due North), velocity, force, acceleration, and momentum.

1.2 Core Types of Vectors

ˆ Zero or Null Vector (⃗0): A vector whose magnitude is zero. Its initial and terminal
⃗ BB).
points coincide (e.g., AA, ⃗ Direction is indeterminate.
ˆ Unit Vector (â): A vector of magnitude 1 unit. Given by:

⃗a
â = (1)
|⃗a|

⃗
ˆ Co-initial Vectors: Vectors having the same initial point. For example, if vectors AB,
⃗ and AD
AC, ⃗ all originate from point A, they are co-initial.

ˆ Equal Vectors: Two vectors are equal if they have the same magnitude and direction,
regardless of their initial points.
ˆ Collinear or Parallel Vectors: Two or more vectors are collinear if they are parallel to
the same line, irrespective of their magnitudes and directions. Mathematically, ⃗a and ⃗b are
collinear if:
⃗a = λ⃗b for some scalar λ (2)
a1 a2 a3
Their direction ratios are proportional: b1 = b2 = b3 = λ1 .

1.3 Position Vectors & Direction Cosines

For any point P (x, y, z) in 3D space, its position vector with respect to the origin O(0, 0, 0) is:
⃗ = xî + y ĵ + z k̂
OP (3)
⃗ |=
p
The magnitude is |OP x2 + y 2 + z 2 .

1
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

ˆ Direction Angles: The angles α, β, γ made by the vector with the positive directions of
the x, y, and z axes respectively.
ˆ Direction Cosines (DCs): The cosines of direction angles, denoted by l, m, n:

l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos γ (4)

A key property of direction cosines is:

l2 + m2 + n2 = cos2 α + cos2 β + cos2 γ = 1 (5)

1.4 Vector Product Algebra

ˆ Scalar (Dot) Product: ⃗a · ⃗b = |⃗a||⃗b| cos θ.

– If ⃗a ⊥ ⃗b, then ⃗a · ⃗b = 0 (for non-zero vectors).

– In component form: ⃗a · ⃗b = a1 b1 + a2 b2 + a3 b3 .
– Standard unit vectors: î · î = ĵ · ĵ = k̂ · k̂ = 1 and î · ĵ = ĵ · k̂ = k̂ · î = 0.

ˆ Vector (Cross) Product: ⃗a × ⃗b = |⃗a||⃗b| sin θn̂, where n̂ is a unit vector perpendicular to
both ⃗a and ⃗b following the right-hand rule.

– If ⃗a ∥ ⃗b, then ⃗a × ⃗b = ⃗0.

– In component form via determinant:

î ĵ k̂
⃗a × ⃗b = a1 a2 a3 (6)
b1 b2 b3

– Standard unit vectors: î × î = ĵ × ĵ = k̂ × k̂ = ⃗0, and î × ĵ = k̂, ĵ × k̂ = î, k̂ × î = ĵ.

1.5 Section Formula

Let points P and Q be represented by position vectors ⃗a and ⃗b. Let point R divide the line
segment P Q in the ratio m : n:
⃗ = m⃗b+n⃗a
ˆ Internal Division: OR m+n

⃗ = m⃗b−n⃗a
ˆ External Division: OR m−n

⃗ = ⃗a+⃗b
ˆ Midpoint Formula (when m : n = 1 : 1): OR 2

2
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

2 Ushank Sir’s ’Ishwari’ Question Bank (Solved)

These questions represent high-yield problems selected from board examinations and the NCERT
curriculum. Each solution contains precise steps required to score full marks in descriptive board
exams.

Ishwari Question 1: Finding Vector Equality

Problem Statement: Find the values of x and y such that the vectors ⃗u = 2î + 3ĵ and
⃗v = xî + y ĵ are equal.
Step-by-Step Solution: For two vectors to be equal, their corresponding scalar compo-
nents must be equal. Given:
2î + 3ĵ = xî + y ĵ
Comparing the coefficients of the unit vectors î and ĵ on both sides:

Coefficient of î : x=2
Coefficient of ĵ : y=3

Final Answer: The required values are x = 2 and y = 3.

Ishwari Question 2: Unit Vector Extraction

Problem Statement: Find the unit vector in the direction of the vector ⃗a = î + ĵ + 2k̂.
Step-by-Step Solution: The unit vector in the direction of ⃗a is given by the formula
â = |⃗⃗aa| .

1. Calculate the magnitude of ⃗a:

p √ √
|⃗a| = 12 + 12 + 22 = 1 + 1 + 4 = 6

2. Divide the vector by its magnitude:

î + ĵ + 2k̂ 1 1 2
â = √ = √ î + √ ĵ + √ k̂
6 6 6 6

Final Answer: â = √1 î + √1 ĵ + √2 k̂.

6 6 6

3
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 3: Constructing Vector with Specific Magnitude

Problem Statement: Find a vector in the direction of the vector ⃗a = 5î − ĵ + 2k̂ which
has a magnitude of 8 units.
Step-by-Step Solution: To find a vector with a specified magnitude in a given direction,
we first construct the unit vector in that direction and then multiply it by the desired
magnitude.

1. Calculate the magnitude of ⃗a:

p √ √
|⃗a| = 52 + (−1)2 + 22 = 25 + 1 + 4 = 30

2. Find the unit vector â:

⃗a 5î − ĵ + 2k̂
â = = √
|⃗a| 30
3. Multiply by the required magnitude of 8:
!
5î − ĵ + 2k̂ 40 8 16
⃗v = 8â = 8 √ = √ î − √ ĵ + √ k̂
30 30 30 30

Final Answer: The required vector is ⃗v = √40 î − √8 ĵ + √16 k̂.

30 30 30

4
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 4: Proving Vector Collinearity

Problem Statement: Show that the vectors ⃗a = 2î − 3ĵ + 4k̂ and ⃗b = −4î + 6ĵ − 8k̂ are
collinear.
Step-by-Step Solution: Two vectors are collinear if one is a scalar multiple of an-
other, i.e., ⃗b = λ⃗a. Let us check the ratio of their direction ratios (corresponding scalar
components):

b1 −4
Ratio of î components: = = −2
a1 2
b2 6
Ratio of ĵ components: = = −2
a2 −3
b3 −8
Ratio of k̂ components: = = −2
a3 4
Since the ratios of the corresponding direction ratios are equal, we can write:
⃗b = −2(2î − 3ĵ + 4k̂) = −2⃗a

Here, the scalar factor is λ = −2. Since ⃗b is a scalar multiple of ⃗a, they are parallel to the
same line. Final Answer: The vectors ⃗a and ⃗b are collinear.

Ishwari Question 5: Section Formula Application

Problem Statement: Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining
two points P and Q whose position vectors are OP ⃗ = î + 2ĵ − k̂ and OQ
⃗ = −î + ĵ + k̂
respectively, in the ratio 2 : 1: (i) internally, (ii) externally.
Step-by-Step Solution: Let ⃗a = OP ⃗ = î + 2ĵ − k̂ and ⃗b = OQ
⃗ = −î + ĵ + k̂. The ratio
is m : n = 2 : 1.
⃗ = m⃗b+n⃗a
1. Case (i) - Internal Division: Using the internal division formula OR m+n :

⃗ = 2(−î + ĵ + k̂) + 1(î + 2ĵ − k̂)

OR
2+1
(−2î + 2ĵ + 2k̂) + (î + 2ĵ − k̂)
=
3
−î + 4ĵ + k̂ 1 4 1
= = − î + ĵ + k̂
3 3 3 3

⃗ = m⃗b−n⃗a
2. Case (ii) - External Division: Using the external division formula OR m−n :

⃗ = 2(−î + ĵ + k̂) − 1(î + 2ĵ − k̂)

OR
2−1
(−2î + 2ĵ + 2k̂) − (î + 2ĵ − k̂)
=
1
= −2î + 2ĵ + 2k̂ − î − 2ĵ + k̂ = −3î + 3k̂

Final Answer: (i) Internal division point is − 31 î + 34 ĵ + 13 k̂.

(ii) External division point is −3î + 3k̂.

5
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 6: Finding Vector from Direction Angles

√
Problem Statement: A vector ⃗r has magnitude 2 2 units and makes angles π3 and π4
with the x and y axes respectively. Find the vector ⃗r.
Step-by-Step Solution: Let the direction angles be α = π3 , β = π4 , and γ (angle with
z-axis).

1. Calculate direction cosines l and m:

π 
1
l = cos =
3 2
π  1
m = cos =√
4 2

2. Solve for the third direction cosine n = cos γ: We know that l2 + m2 + n2 = 1:

 2 
1 2

1
+ √ + n2 = 1
2 2
1 1
+ + n2 = 1
4 2
3 1 1
+ n2 = 1 =⇒ n2 = =⇒ n = cos γ = ±
4 4 2
Assuming an acute angle with the positive z-axis, we choose n = 12 .
3. Write the unit vector r̂:
1 1 1
r̂ = lî + mĵ + nk̂ = î + √ ĵ + k̂
2 2 2

4. Construct the full vector ⃗r = |⃗r|r̂:

√ √ √
 
1 1 1
⃗r = 2 2 î + √ ĵ + k̂ = 2î + 2ĵ + 2k̂
2 2 2
√ √
Final Answer: The vector is ⃗r = 2î + 2ĵ + 2k̂.
Teacher’s Exam Tip
In the video lecture, the teacher highlights a common notation trap: sometimes the
final simplification is simplified under the assumption
√ of√other coordinates. If the
1
third angle is obtuse, cos γ = − 2 , giving ⃗r = 2î + 2ĵ − 2k̂. Be prepared to state
both cases in a subjective exam!

6
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 7: Angle from Perpendicular Combinations

Problem Statement: If ⃗a and ⃗b are two unit vectors such that the vectors (⃗a + 2⃗b) and
(5⃗a − 4⃗b) are perpendicular to each other, find the angle θ between ⃗a and ⃗b.
Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Use the perpendicularity condition (dot product equals zero):

(⃗a + 2⃗b) · (5⃗a − 4⃗b) = 0

2. Expand using the distributive property of dot product:

5(⃗a · ⃗a) − 4(⃗a · ⃗b) + 10(⃗b · ⃗a) − 8(⃗b · ⃗b) = 0

3. Apply vector properties (⃗a · ⃗a = |⃗a|2 , and dot product is commutative):

5|⃗a|2 + 6(⃗a · ⃗b) − 8|⃗b|2 = 0

4. Substitute values of unit vectors (|⃗a| = 1, |⃗b| = 1):

5(1)2 + 6(⃗a · ⃗b) − 8(1)2 = 0

1
5 + 6(⃗a · ⃗b) − 8 = 0 =⇒ 6(⃗a · ⃗b) = 3 =⇒ ⃗a · ⃗b =
2

5. Find the angle θ using ⃗a · ⃗b = |⃗a||⃗b| cos θ:

⃗a · ⃗b
 
1/2 1 1 π
cos θ = = = =⇒ θ = cos−1 =
⃗
|⃗a||b| (1)(1) 2 2 3

Final Answer: The angle between the unit vectors is θ = π

3 (or 60◦ ).

7
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 8: Dot Product using Square Expansion

Problem Statement: If ⃗a is a given vector of magnitude 3 (where ⃗a = 2î + ĵ − 2k̂) and

⃗c is a vector such that |⃗c − ⃗a| = 3 and |⃗c| = 2, find the value of the dot product ⃗c · ⃗a.
Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Write down the given quantities:

p √
⃗a = 2î + ĵ − 2k̂ =⇒ |⃗a| = 22 + 12 + (−2)2 = 4 + 1 + 4 = 3
|⃗c| = 2, |⃗c − ⃗a| = 3

2. Square both sides of the relation |⃗c − ⃗a| = 3:

|⃗c − ⃗a|2 = 32
(⃗c − ⃗a) · (⃗c − ⃗a) = 9
|⃗c|2 + |⃗a|2 − 2(⃗c · ⃗a) = 9

3. Substitute the known magnitudes (|⃗c| = 2 and |⃗a| = 3):

(2)2 + (3)2 − 2(⃗c · ⃗a) = 9

4 + 9 − 2(⃗c · ⃗a) = 9
4 − 2(⃗c · ⃗a) = 0 =⇒ 2(⃗c · ⃗a) = 4 =⇒ ⃗c · ⃗a = 2

Final Answer: The value of ⃗c · ⃗a is 2.

8
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 9: Acute Angle Between Parallelogram Diagonals

Problem Statement: Find the acute angle between the diagonals of a parallelogram
whose adjacent sides are represented by the vectors ⃗a = 3î − ĵ + 2k̂ and ⃗b = −î + 3k̂ (where
⃗b has no ĵ term).
Step-by-Step Solution: In a parallelogram with adjacent sides ⃗a and ⃗b, the two diago-
nals are represented by:
d⃗1 = ⃗a + ⃗b and d⃗2 = ⃗a − ⃗b

1. Determine the diagonal vectors:

d⃗1 = (3î − ĵ + 2k̂) + (−î + 0ĵ + 3k̂) = 2î − ĵ + 5k̂

d⃗2 = (3î − ĵ + 2k̂) − (−î + 0ĵ + 3k̂) = 4î − ĵ − k̂

2. Calculate the dot product d⃗1 · d⃗2 :

d⃗1 · d⃗2 = (2)(4) + (−1)(−1) + (5)(−1) = 8 + 1 − 5 = 4

3. Calculate individual magnitudes:

√ √
|d⃗1 | = 22 + (−1)2 + 52 = 4 + 1 + 25 = 30
p
√ √ √
|d⃗2 | = 42 + (−1)2 + (−1)2 = 16 + 1 + 1 = 18 = 3 2
p

4. Compute the cosine of the angle θ between the diagonals:

|d⃗1 · d⃗2 | 4 4 4 2
cos θ = =√ √ = √ = √ = √
|d⃗1 ||d⃗2 | 30 × 3 2 3 60 6 15 3 15
 
Final Answer: The acute angle between the diagonals is θ = cos−1 √2
3 15
.

9
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 10: Orthogonality Conditions

Problem Statement: Let the vectors ⃗a = î − ĵ + 2k̂ and ⃗b = 2î + 4ĵ + k̂ be given. If a
third vector ⃗c = pî + ĵ + q k̂ is perpendicular to both ⃗a and ⃗b, find the values of p and q.
Step-by-Step Solution: Since ⃗c is perpendicular to both ⃗a and ⃗b, their dot products
must equal zero.

1. Perpendicularity to ⃗a (⃗c · ⃗a = 0):

(pî + ĵ + q k̂) · (î − ĵ + 2k̂) = 0 =⇒ p(1) + 1(−1) + q(2) = 0 =⇒ p + 2q = 1 — (1)

2. Perpendicularity to ⃗b (⃗c · ⃗b = 0):

(pî + ĵ + q k̂) · (2î + 4ĵ + k̂) = 0 =⇒ p(2) + 1(4) + q(1) = 0 =⇒ 2p + q = −4 — (2)

3. Solve the system of linear equations: From equation (1), express p as:

p = 1 − 2q

Substitute this into equation (2):

2(1 − 2q) + q = −4
2 − 4q + q = −4
2 − 3q = −4 =⇒ −3q = −6 =⇒ q = 2

Substitute q = 2 back to find p:

p = 1 − 2(2) = −3

Final Answer: The required values are p = −3 and q = 2.

10
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 11: Unit Vector Cyclic Combinations

Problem Statement: Find the value of the expression î · (ĵ × k̂) + ĵ · (k̂ × î) + k̂ · (î × ĵ).
Step-by-Step Solution: Let us evaluate each vector cross product term cyclically:

ˆ For the first term: ĵ × k̂ = î, so î · (ĵ × k̂) = î · î = 1.

ˆ For the second term: k̂ × î = ĵ, so ĵ · (k̂ × î) = ĵ · ĵ = 1.
ˆ For the third term: î × ĵ = k̂, so k̂ · (î × ĵ) = k̂ · k̂ = 1.

Summing these three results:

1+1+1=3
Final Answer: The value of the expression is 3.
Warning: Non-cyclic NCERT Variation
In some textbook editions, the second term is written as ĵ ·(î× k̂). Since cross products
are anti-commutative, î × k̂ = −ĵ. In that case, the evaluation yields:

î · (î) + ĵ · (−ĵ) + k̂ · (k̂) = 1 − 1 + 1 = 1

Check your question carefully in examinations to spot if the terms are cyclic!

11
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 12: Algebraic Unit Vector Identity

Problem Statement: Let ⃗a, ⃗b, and ⃗c be three unit vectors. If |⃗a + 2⃗b|2 + |⃗a + 2⃗c|2 = 2,
find the value of |⃗a − ⃗b|2 + |⃗a − ⃗c|2 .
Step-by-Step Solution: Given that ⃗a, ⃗b, and ⃗c are unit vectors, we have |⃗a| = |⃗b| =
|⃗c| = 1.

1. Expand the given equation using the vector dot-product identity |⃗u + ⃗v |2 =
|⃗u|2 + |⃗v |2 + 2⃗u · ⃗v :

|⃗a + 2⃗b|2 = |⃗a|2 + 4|⃗b|2 + 4(⃗a · ⃗b) = 1 + 4(1) + 4(⃗a · ⃗b) = 5 + 4(⃗a · ⃗b)
|⃗a + 2⃗c|2 = |⃗a|2 + 4|⃗c|2 + 4(⃗a · ⃗c) = 1 + 4(1) + 4(⃗a · ⃗c) = 5 + 4(⃗a · ⃗c)

2. Substitute these expansions back into the given equation:

 
5 + 4(⃗a · ⃗b) + (5 + 4(⃗a · ⃗c)) = 2
10 + 4(⃗a · ⃗b + ⃗a · ⃗c) = 2
4(⃗a · ⃗b + ⃗a · ⃗c) = −8 =⇒ ⃗a · ⃗b + ⃗a · ⃗c = −2

3. Expand the target expression |⃗a − ⃗b|2 + |⃗a − ⃗c|2 :

|⃗a − ⃗b|2 = |⃗a|2 + |⃗b|2 − 2(⃗a · ⃗b) = 1 + 1 − 2(⃗a · ⃗b) = 2 − 2(⃗a · ⃗b)
|⃗a − ⃗c|2 = |⃗a|2 + |⃗c|2 − 2(⃗a · ⃗c) = 1 + 1 − 2(⃗a · ⃗c) = 2 − 2(⃗a · ⃗c)

4. Sum these expressions and substitute the known scalar product sum:
 
Target = 2 − 2(⃗a · ⃗b) + (2 − 2(⃗a · ⃗c))
= 4 − 2(⃗a · ⃗b + ⃗a · ⃗c)
= 4 − 2(−2) = 4 + 4 = 8

Final Answer: The value of the expression is 8.

12
CLASS 12 MATHS: VECTOR ALGEBRA EXAM PRACTICE NOTES

Ishwari Question 13: Standard Cross-Product Vector Identity

Problem Statement: For any vector ⃗a, show that the value of the expression |⃗a × î|2 +
|⃗a × ĵ|2 + |⃗a × k̂|2 is equal to 2|⃗a|2 .
Step-by-Step Solution: Let us represent vector ⃗a in component form: ⃗a = xî + y ĵ + z k̂
so that |⃗a|2 = x2 + y 2 + z 2 .

1. Evaluate the first term ⃗a × î:

⃗a × î = (xî + y ĵ + z k̂) × î = x(î × î) + y(ĵ × î) + z(k̂ × î)

Since î × î = ⃗0, ĵ × î = −k̂, and k̂ × î = ĵ:

⃗a × î = −y k̂ + z ĵ = z ĵ − y k̂

The magnitude squared is:

|⃗a × î|2 = z 2 + y 2

2. Evaluate the second and third terms by symmetry:

⃗a × ĵ = (xî + y ĵ + z k̂) × ĵ = −z î + xk̂ =⇒ |⃗a × ĵ|2 = z 2 + x2

⃗a × k̂ = (xî + y ĵ + z k̂) × k̂ = y î − xĵ =⇒ |⃗a × k̂|2 = y 2 + x2

3. Sum the three squared magnitudes:

Sum = (z 2 + y 2 ) + (z 2 + x2 ) + (y 2 + x2 )
= 2x2 + 2y 2 + 2z 2 = 2(x2 + y 2 + z 2 ) = 2|⃗a|2

Final Answer: The expression simplifies to 2|⃗a|2 .

13