Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

VECTOR ALGEBRA
Class 12th Board Super One-Shot Notes
Comprehensive Revision Guide based on Ushank Sir's NCERT Lecture

1 Introduction to Vector Algebra

In secondary school physics and mathematics, physical quantities are broadly classied into two categories
based on whether they require direction for their description.

Key Classication: Scalar vs. Vector Quantities

ˆ Scalar Quantities: Quantities that possess only magnitude (numerical value and unit) and are
completely independent of direction.

ˆ Vector Quantities: Quantities that possess both magnitude and a specied direction, and satisfy

the laws of vector addition (such as the Triangle Law).

1.1 Physical Quantities Classication Table

Based on the examples discussed by Ushank Sir in the lecture, the following table lists common physical
quantities and their classication:

Physical Quantity Type Description / Explanation

10 kg Scalar Represents mass; has only magnitude.

2 meters North-West Vector Represents displacement; has both magnitude (2m) and direction (NW).

40◦ Scalar Represents temperature or angle; has only magnitude.

40 Watts Scalar Represents power; has only magnitude.

10−19 Coulomb Scalar Represents charge; has only magnitude.

2
20 m/s Vector Represents acceleration; has magnitude and direction.

Time Period (e.g., 1 year) Scalar Measures duration; no direction involved.

Distance Scalar Total path length; direction independent.

Force Vector Push or pull; depends heavily on the direction of application.

Velocity Vector Speed in a specic direction.

Work Done Scalar Energy transferred; product of two vectors (dot product), resulting in a scalar.

Table 1: Classication of Common Quantities (NCERT Exercise 10.1)

1.2 Geometric Representation of a Vector

A vector is geometrically represented as a directed line segment.

ˆ If a vector starts at point A and ends at point B, it is written as ⃗

AB or ⃗a.

1 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

ˆ Point A is the initial point (starting point).

ˆ Point B is the terminal point (nal point).

ˆ The length of the directed line segment is called its magnitude, denoted by ⃗ or |⃗a|.
|AB| Note that |⃗a| ≥ 0
always.

1.3 Position Vector

A vector representing the position of a point P (x, y, z) in three-dimensional space with respect to the origin
O(0, 0, 0) is called the Position Vector of point P , denoted as OP ⃗ or ⃗r.

⃗ = ⃗r = xî + y ĵ + z k̂
OP (1)

The magnitude of this position vector represents the direct distance of point P from the origin:
p
|⃗r| = x2 + y 2 + z 2 (2)

2 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

2 Direction Angles, Cosines, and Ratios

2.1 Direction Angles
Let ⃗r = xî + y ĵ + z k̂ be the position vector of a point P (x, y, z). The angles α, β, γ made by the vector ⃗r
with the positive directions of the x, y , and z axes respectively are called Direction Angles.

2.2 Direction Cosines (DCos)

The cosine values of these direction angles are called the Direction Cosines of the vector, typically denoted
by l, m, and n:
l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos γ (3)

Fundamental Direction Cosines Identity

For any vector in 3D space, the sum of the squares of its direction cosines is always equal to 1:

l2 + m2 + n2 = cos2 α + cos2 β + cos2 γ = 1 (4)

2.3 Direction Ratios (DRs)

Any three numbers a, b, c that are proportional to the direction cosines l , m, n of a vector are called the
Direction Ratios of the vector.

ˆ For a vector ⃗a = aî + bĵ + ck̂ , the coecients a, b, and c are its direction ratios (scalar components).

ˆ The relationship between Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios is given by:

a b c
l= √ , m= √ , n= √ (5)
a2 + b2 + c2 a2 + b2 + c2 a2 + b2 + c2

3 Types of Vectors
1. Zero or Null Vector: A vector whose initial and terminal points coincide. It has a magnitude of 0 and
its direction is indeterminate. Denoted as ⃗0 or ⃗ .
AA

2. Unit Vector: A vector whose magnitude is exactly 1 unit. A unit vector in the direction of a given vector
⃗a is denoted as â (read as a-cap or a-hat).

Unit Vector Formula

⃗a
â = (6)
|⃗a|
p
where |⃗a| = a21 + a22 + a23 is the magnitude of ⃗a = a1 î + a2 ĵ + a3 k̂ .

3. Co-initial Vectors: Two or more vectors having the same initial (starting) point. For example, if vectors
⃗ , AC
AB ⃗ , and ⃗
AD all originate from point A, they are co-initial.

4. Collinear or Parallel Vectors: Two or more vectors are collinear if they are parallel to the same straight
line, regardless of their magnitudes and directions.

ˆ Two vectors ⃗a and ⃗b are collinear if and only if ⃗b = λ⃗a for some non-zero scalar λ.
ˆ This implies that their direction ratios are proportional:
b1
a1 = b2
a2 = b3
a3 = λ.

3 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

5. Equal Vectors: Two vectors ⃗a and ⃗b are equal (written as ⃗a = ⃗b) if they have the same magnitude and
the same direction, regardless of the positions of their initial points.

6. Negative of a Vector: A vector that has the same magnitude as a given vector ⃗a but has the opposite
direction. The negative of vector ⃗
AB is ⃗ = −AB
BA ⃗ .

4 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

4 Components of a Vector & Vector Operations

4.1 Components of a Vector
If we consider three mutually perpendicular axes x, y , and z, let the unit vectors along these axes be î, ĵ , and
k̂ respectively. For any v = v1 î + v2 ĵ + v3 k̂ :
vector ⃗

ˆ v1 , v2 , v3 are called the scalar components of the vector (also its direction ratios).

ˆ v1 î, v2 ĵ, v3 k̂ are called the vector components of the vector.

4.2 Vector joining two points

If A(x1 , y1 , z1 ) and B(x2 , y2 , z2 ) are two points, the vector joining A to B is given by:

⃗ = (x2 − x1 )î + (y2 − y1 )ĵ + (z2 − z1 )k̂

AB (7)

Its magnitude is the standard distance formula:

p
⃗ =
|AB| (x2 − x1 )2 + (y2 − y1 )2 + (z2 − z1 )2 (8)

4.3 Addition of Vectors

Vector addition represents physical displacement.

ˆ Triangle Law of Vector Addition: If two vectors are represented by two sides of a triangle taken in order,

then their sum is represented by the third side of the triangle taken in the opposite order.

⃗ + BC
AB ⃗ = AC
⃗ (9)

ˆ Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition: If two co-initial vectors are represented by the adjacent sides of

a parallelogram, their sum is represented by the diagonal passing through their common initial point.

ˆ Algebraic Addition: If ⃗a = a1 î + a2 ĵ + a3 k̂ and ⃗b = b1 î + b2 ĵ + b3 k̂ , then:

⃗a + ⃗b = (a1 + b1 )î + (a2 + b2 )ĵ + (a3 + b3 )k̂ (10)

4.4 Scalar Multiplication

Multiplying a vector ⃗a = a1 î + a2 ĵ + a3 k̂ by a scalar λ scales its magnitude and preserves or reverses its
direction:
λ⃗a = (λa1 )î + (λa2 )ĵ + (λa3 )k̂ (11)

The magnitude of the scaled vector is:

|λ⃗a| = |λ||⃗a| (12)

5 Section Formula & Midpoint Formula

Let P and Q be two points represented by position vectors ⃗ = ⃗a
OP and ⃗ = ⃗b.
OQ Let point R divide the line
segment P Q in the ratio m : n.

5.1 Internal Division

If R divides PQ internally:
⃗
⃗ = mb + n⃗a
OR (13)
m+n

5 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

5.2 External Division

If R divides PQ externally:
⃗
⃗ = mb − n⃗a
OR (14)
m−n

5.3 Midpoint Formula

If R is the midpoint of P Q, then m : n = 1 : 1:

⃗
⃗ = ⃗a + b
OR (15)
2

6 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

6 Product of Two Vectors

6.1 Scalar (Dot) Product
The scalar product of two non-zero vectors ⃗a and ⃗b, denoted by ⃗a · ⃗b, is dened as:

⃗a · ⃗b = |⃗a||⃗b| cos θ (16)

where θ is the angle between ⃗a and ⃗b (0 ≤ θ ≤ π ).

Key Properties of Dot Product

ˆ Result is a Scalar: The dot product always yields a real number.

ˆ Commutative Law: ⃗a · ⃗b = ⃗b · ⃗a.

ˆ Orthogonality Condition: Two non-zero vectors ⃗a and ⃗b are perpendicular if and only if:

⃗a · ⃗b = 0 (17)

ˆ Self Dot Product: ⃗a · ⃗a = |⃗a|2 .

ˆ Standard Unit Vectors: î · î = ĵ · ĵ = k̂ · k̂ = 1, and î · ĵ = ĵ · k̂ = k̂ · î = 0.
ˆ Component Form: If ⃗a = a1 î + a2 ĵ + a3 k̂ and ⃗b = b1 î + b2 ĵ + b3 k̂ , then:

⃗a · ⃗b = a1 b1 + a2 b2 + a3 b3 (18)

ˆ Angle between two vectors:

⃗a · ⃗b a1 b1 + a2 b2 + a3 b3
cos θ = =p 2 (19)
|⃗a||⃗b|
p
a1 + a22 + a23 b21 + b22 + b23

6.1.1 Projection of a Vector

The projection of vector ⃗a on vector ⃗b is given by:

⃗
Projection of ⃗a on ⃗b = ⃗a · b = ⃗a · b̂ (20)
|⃗b|

6.2 Vector (Cross) Product

The vector product of two non-zero vectors ⃗a and ⃗b, denoted by ⃗a × ⃗b, is dened as:

⃗a × ⃗b = |⃗a||⃗b| sin θn̂ (21)

where θ is the angle between them (0 ≤ θ ≤ π ), and n̂ is a unit vector perpendicular to both ⃗a and ⃗b such
a, ⃗b, and n̂ form a right-handed system.
that ⃗

7 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

Key Properties of Cross Product

ˆ Result is a Vector: The cross product always yields a vector.

ˆ Non-commutative: ⃗a × ⃗b = −(⃗b × ⃗a).

ˆ Parallelism Condition: Two non-zero vectors ⃗a and ⃗b are parallel if and only if:

⃗a × ⃗b = ⃗0 (22)

ˆ Self Cross Product: ⃗a × ⃗a = ⃗0.

ˆ Standard Unit Vectors: î × î = ĵ × ĵ = k̂ × k̂ = ⃗0, and
î × ĵ = k̂, ĵ × k̂ = î, k̂ × î = ĵ .
ˆ Component Form (Determinant Method):

î ĵ k̂
⃗a × ⃗b = a1 a2 a3 = î(a2 b3 − a3 b2 ) − ĵ(a1 b3 − a3 b1 ) + k̂(a1 b2 − a2 b1 ) (23)
b1 b2 b3

ˆ Angle between two vectors:

|⃗a × ⃗b|
sin θ = (24)
|⃗a||⃗b|

6.2.1 Geometric Applications of Cross Product

ˆ Area of a Triangle: If ⃗a and ⃗b are adjacent sides of a triangle, then its area is:

1
Area = |⃗a × ⃗b| (25)
2

ˆ Area of a Parallelogram: If ⃗a and ⃗b are adjacent sides of a parallelogram, then its area is:

Area = |⃗a × ⃗b| (26)

ˆ Area of a Parallelogram with Diagonals: If d⃗1 and d⃗2 are the diagonals of a parallelogram, then its
area is:
1
Area = |d⃗1 × d⃗2 | (27)
2

8 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

7 Ushank Sir's 'Ishwari' Exam Picks (NCERT Solved Problems)

In this section, we solve the most critical board-level questions as discussed in the lecture. These cover the
typical high-probability questions (Ishwari Questions) that frequently appear in exams.

Ishwari Question 1: Finding x and y for Equal Vectors

Problem: Find the values of x and y such that the vectors ⃗a = 2î + 3ĵ and ⃗b = xî + y ĵ are equal.
Detailed Solution: Two vectors are equal if and only if their corresponding scalar components (direction

ratios) are equal. Given:

2î + 3ĵ = xî + y ĵ
By comparing the coecients of î and ĵ on both sides:

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

Therefore, the values are x=2 and y = 3.

Ishwari Question 2: Finding Unit Vector

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

1. Calculate the magnitude |⃗a|:

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

2. Apply the unit vector formula:

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

9 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

Ishwari Question 3: Vector with Specic Magnitude

Problem: Find a vector in the direction of vector ⃗a = 5î − ĵ + 2k̂ which has magnitude 8 units.
Detailed Solution: To nd a vector with magnitude 8 in the direction of ⃗a, we rst nd the unit vector
â and then multiply it by 8:

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 magnitude 8:

!
5î − ĵ + 2k̂ 40 8 16
⃗v = 8â = 8 √ = √ î − √ ĵ + √ k̂
30 30 30 30

Final Answer: ⃗v = √40 î − √8 ĵ + √16 k̂ .

30 30 30

Teacher's Exam Tip: In the board exams, you can also write this as: ⃗b = −2⃗a, therefore ⃗a and ⃗b are
collinear vectors as one is a scalar multiple of another.

10 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

Ishwari Question 4: Proving Collinearity

Problem: Show that the vectors ⃗a = 2î − 3ĵ + 4k̂ and ⃗b = −4î + 6ĵ − 8k̂ are collinear.
Detailed Solution: Two vectors ⃗a and ⃗b are collinear if ⃗b = λ⃗a for some scalar λ. Let us compare the
components:

b1 −4
a1 = 2, b1 = −4 =⇒
= = −2
a1 2
b2 6
a2 = −3, b2 = 6 =⇒ = = −2
a2 −3
b3 −8
a3 = 4, b3 = −8 =⇒ = = −2
a3 4
Since the ratios of their direction ratios are equal:

b1 b2 b3
= = = −2
a1 a2 a3
We can write:
⃗b = −2(2î − 3ĵ + 4k̂) = −2⃗a

Here, λ = −2. Since ⃗b is a scalar multiple of ⃗a, both vectors are parallel to the same line. Therefore, the
a and ⃗b are collinear.
vectors ⃗

Ishwari Question 5: Section Formula Application

Problem: Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining two points P and Q whose
position vectors are ⃗ = î + 2ĵ − k̂
OP and ⃗ = −î + ĵ + k̂ respectively, in the ratio 2 : 1:
OQ (i) internally,
(ii) externally.
Detailed Solution: Let ⃗a = î + 2ĵ − k̂ , ⃗b = −î + ĵ + k̂ , m = 2, and n = 1.

1. Case (i) Internally:

⃗
⃗ = mb + n⃗a = 2(−î + ĵ + k̂) + 1(î + 2ĵ − k̂)
OR
m+n 2+1
(−2î + 2ĵ + 2k̂) + (î + 2ĵ − k̂)
=
3
−î + 4ĵ + k̂ 1 4 1
= = − î + ĵ + k̂
3 3 3 3

2. Case (ii) Externally:

⃗
⃗ = mb − n⃗a = 2(−î + ĵ + k̂) − 1(î + 2ĵ − k̂)
OR
m−n 2−1
(−2î + 2ĵ + 2k̂) − (î + 2ĵ − k̂)
=
1
= −3î + 0ĵ + 3k̂ = −3î + 3k̂

Final Answers:

(i) Internal Position Vector: − 31 î + 34 ĵ + 13 k̂

(ii) External Position Vector: −3î + 3k̂

11 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)

Class 12 Maths | Vector Algebra Super One-Shot Revision Notes

End of Study Notes

Practice these concepts to secure full marks in Vector Algebra!
Do Waqt Ki Roti Chhod Do, Is Prashna Ko Mat Chhodna Beta!  Ushank Sir

12 Science & Fun (Ushank Sir)