10 VECTOR ALGEBRA

PREVIOUs YEARS' QUESTIONS

2015

Questions [1 Mar
VeryShort Answer Type
7i+j-4k and b = 2i +6j+3k, then findIthe projection of aon
1. If a =
ab·6(7i +j-4h)" (2i+6j +3Á) 14+6-12
Sol. Projection of a on b v2+6'+32 /4+36+9
Find, if the vectors a = i+3j+k, b = 2i-j-k and c = j+3Á are .
2.
vectors a,b and c are coplanar, then a b c= 0
Sol. If
3
2 -1 -1 =0 ’ l(-3 + 2)-3(6 - 0) + 1(2) 0) = 0
0 3
-3+- 18 + 2, = 0 3) = 21 ’ = 7
find the vae:
3. If a, b and are mutually perpendicular unit vectors, then
2a + b+êl.
vectors.
Sol. á, b and are mutually perpendicular unit
b=b"=*â=0
:. lå|=|b|=|¿|=l and @
Consider, | 2ã +b +¿|² = (2å+b +
= 4a' +b ++ tå b+tâ * +26" i= 4|a|²+|b'|+||+0+0+0
= 4 + 1+ l =6 ’ |2ã +b+ |=v6
unit vector perpendicular to both the vectors a =i+it*and b=i)
4. Write a
=i+jis
Sol. U'nit vector perpendicular to vectors a=itj+kand b
axb
a xb

242 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs(Mathenmatics)-12

 Unit vector ()
36 +1

i0-)-j(0-D+k0-) V37 V37

6. Find the area of a parallelogram
whose adjacent sides are represented
' l + l= by the vectors 2i - 3Å and 4j + 2k.
itoree:
Sol. Let a =2i-3A and b =4j +2k
the,unit vectorin
the direction
&
Find
vectors 2i + 3).À axb = 2 0 -3 = 12i -4j+ 8k
sthe sum ofthe 0 2
Sj+2A. [Foreign)
and4i- Area of parallelogram =axb
sum otthevectors = V144 + 16 +64
N ôi +ê
=2-y -) +(4i -j+ 2X) = = 224 =414 sq units

Short Answer Type Questions 4 Marks]

perpendicular to both of the vectors
: Ef=xi+yj+xÁ, (a-×) and(e - ). (All India)
fnd ( Xi).(r xj) +y. [Delhi)
-
Sol. Given a=i+2j+ k, b=2i+jand
(GNen r =

Xi= (xi +yj + Å) xi

=
xi xi) +y÷ xi)+z(@xi) a-b =i+2j +)-(2i+)
=-itj+k
=0-yë +yj=j-* C-b = (3i -4j- 5)-(2i+)
ixj = i-yj- )xj
=xix)+yjx) +zkx) Unit vector perpendicular to
both ( -) and ( -b) is
Consider ( xi)(rx)+ (i-6)xe-)
=(gj-y) (-i+n)+y
= 0+0-y +ay =0
If a =i +2 + Â, 6 =2i +j and (i-i)x{i-bi) =-1
c=3i - 4j-5Å,then find a unit -5 -5
vector
Vector Algebra 243
 Using trianyle law

(G-i)xG)-164I6-4/2
Unit vector
4/2
Also BD

9. Two vectors j+h and 3i-j +4k, 3:

represent the two side vectors A and
AC respectively of triangleABC. Find In AABD,
the length of the median through A.
|Foreign)
vectorS appplying triang
AD = AB + BD
Sol. Given AB = j+k
A = 3i -j+4k
3:

Length of median =
AD = 9,25
4 4

2014

Very Short Answer Type Questions [1Mark

10. Find the projection of the vector 11, If a and b are two unit vectors Sut
i+3j + 7k on the vector 2i -3,+ 6k. that a + b is also a unit vector, he
[Delhil find the angle between a and b.
Sol. Projection of the vector i+3j+ 7k on
the vector 2i -3j+ 6k is Sol. Given a =1,b=l and c+b=.
(i+3j+ 7k)" (2i-3, +6k) 2-9+42 Sincea+b| =|a+b =!
V4+9+36 /49
35
(a+b)' =1
=5
=5
7
2

244 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs (Mathematics)-12

 Sol. If vectors 3i +2}+ 9k and i - 201 +3k
are parallel, then
-I 29
2
-2p 3 p=
2
(Os = 9 15. Find a.(6 xc), if a =2i+j+3Å,
A= 120°or
b =i+2j+kand e =3i +j+ 2k.
3
(Al India)
and h are such that, 2 1 3
vectors a
If 2
aunit Sol. a·(b xc) =-1 2
i=3,|b|=,and a xbis 31 2
writethe angle between = 2(4- 1)- 1(-2-3) + 3(-1-6)
rector,then
i andb. [Delhi) = 2(3) 1(-5) + 3(-7)
=6+5-21 =-10.
unitveCtor
UXh1sa 16. Ifa and b are
xb =1, perpendicular vectors,
2 la+b|= 13and |a = 5, find the
b=
Also a = 3, value of | B|. [All India
and b is Sol. a and b are perpendicular vectors so
Angle between a
axh 1 a"b =0 ...)
Sin =
3x 2 la+×|= 13
3
la+b =169
6
(a +b)² = 169
BWrite a unit vector in the direction of
the sum of thevectors a = 2i +2;-5k a+(öd+2a "b =169
and b=2i +j-7h. [Delhi) 7+0=169 [Using (0))
2
Mi=i+i-i+j-BÃ +2i +j-zê (5)'+|b| =169
= 144 ’ b= 12.
Lnit vector along r is 17. Write the projection of vector i +j+*
4i +3j-12% along the vector j. [Foreign]
V16+9+ 144 ab
3
Sol. Projection of vector a along b =
i -9
4Find Projection of vector i +j+h along j
the value of for which the
Vectors 3i +2i+ 9k andi-2pj+ 3k
re parallel.
(All India]

Vector Algebra 245

I8. Finda vector in the direction of vector 19. Write the
2i - Sj +6¢ which has magnitude 21 yalu(áe .of the
ix(j+0) +jx
units. |Foreign)
Sol. Vector of magnitude 21 along Sol. Consider,
a = 21 à ixj+h+ jxktikxij
2i-3j+66 = ixj+ixk+jxk
= 21|
4+9+36
2-j+6Á)
77

= 6i -9)+ 18k
Short Answer Type Questions [4
= k-jti-k+j-i-ö.
jxi,
Marks]
20. Prove that for any three vectors, a, b,c, la + 6 b+e c+ a]= 2(a
Sol. Considera +b b+c c+al
- (ü +b).(6 +c)x(t+a)}
=(a+b)-{x+bxat oxt+exa}
- i-(x)+i-(ixa)+a-(ix)+a-(xa)
i-(õxc)+ b-(6 xa)+5-(cx)+ i(
-<a b dl+0+0+0+0+0+0+[6 a

21. Vectors a, band c are such thata + b+c = 0

Find the angle between a and b.
andla=3,|6|=5 andll:
[Del.
Sol. Consider a+b+c=0
a +6 = -(

(a+(6}+ 2a b = (i 2

9 + 25 + 2a -b = 49 15

15
COs = 2
3×5
9= 60° or

246 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs (Mathematics)-12

 points.A, B, Cand
four
ahe vectors 4i +5j +4, Unit vector along b+is
4(i+i+h (2+)i +6; -2k ..)
+*and V(2+2)' +36+ 4
p coplanar. [Allindia)
are Also a f = |
venponnsare,
À.B--), C(3 +9)+Á)
V(2+)'+40
coplanar,then (2 + 2) +6-2 = /(2+2)'+40
).+6=/(2+)'+ 40
Éz-j-k-4i-5j-f Squaring both sides, we get
2'+36 + 122. =4 + ' + 4,. + 40
’82 = 8 ’ = 1
Substituting . = lin (i), we get
Unit vector along (b +c),
i=
3i +6j -2k
V49
24. Show that the vectors a, b,e are
-6 -2
coplanar if and only if a +b, b te
|-4
=-1 4
6 AC AD -8 -1
and cta are coplanar. [Foreign]

2(33) Sol. Consider [a +b b+c c+a]

z-415) + 6(21) -
=0 - li+b){(6+c)x(7+a)}
:-60+ 126-66
Hence. points 4, B,
Cand D are = (a +b) ×xc+bxa+
c Xc+c Xat
caplanar.
the vector
s The scalar product of
vector
= a- (bxc) + a(Õ xa) + 7-( x)
= i+j+ k with a unit
vectors + a(xa + B(× xë) + b(Q xa)
along the sum of the
i=i+4j-5k andc = ài +2j + 3k +6(c x()+b*(c xa)
value of
Is equal to one. Find the
:and hence find the unit vector along
[AlIndia]
r =b+c
=2i +4)- 5¢ +hi +2} +3A = [a bc]+la b c]
=(2+2)i +6j 2k
Vector Algebra 247
 = 2{a b Sol. Given a = i+)+k
and b = i+2j+3k
...) a+b = i+j+k
+i+2) +3.
Let a + b, b + cand c+ a are coplanar = 2i +3; + 4k
la +b 6 + c+ a = 0 d-b = i+j+k-i-2)-3Å
From (i), we get = j-2k
Unit vector
2{a b c] = 0’ (a b c] = 0 perpendicular to both
(a+b)and (a-b) is
a, b, c are coplanar.
(a+õ)x(a -i)
Conversely, let a, b, c are coplanar. (a+6)x(a -6)| -..(i)

k
From (2), we get (a +6) × (a -6) =2 4
0 -1 -2
i+a]=0
= -2i + 4j - 2
a+b. b +6. c+a are coplanar
Ia+b)x(a -b) = /4+16+4
Hence, a, b, c are coplanar, if and only
= /24 =2/6
if a +b, b +c, c + aare coplanar. From (i), we get
25. Find a unit vector perpendicular to -2i +4j - 2k
Unit vector =

both of the vectors a+6 and a -b 2/6

where a =í+j+ h, b =i+2j +3h.
(Foreign])
= --

i+j-.
V6

2013

Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]

26. If a =á+j - zk and b =3í - yi+k 27. Write a unitvector in the direction of
are two equal vectors, then write the the sum of vectors a = 2i -i+2k and
[Delhil
value of x + y + z. (Delhij b=-i+j+ 3k.
Sol. Given a =b ’á +2j zh = 3i - yj+k|Sol. =u+h=2i-i+2k-itj+ 3k=i+5k
x= 3, y= -2,z = -1 i+5k 5_i.
x+ + z= 3-2-I= 0. i= it
V1+25 v26 /26

248 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs (Mathematics)-12

 are two points with 6h -a + 4a - 6b
and @ 3a
vectors 3a - 26 and a+b
position 3 3
respectively. Write the position Hence, position vector of the point P
rectorof a
point R which divides is a.

theline segment PQ in the ratio 31. L and M are two points with
2:lexternally. (AI India)
point P(3a - 2b) and position vector 2a -b and a +26
Rdivides the respectively. Write the position
externally
O-b)in the ratio 2 : l vector of a point N which divides the
Position vector ofR is line segment LM in the ratio 2: 1
externally.
2a - 26- 3a + 26
[AM India)
2-1 Sol. Let position vector of a point N which
divides the joining of points with
46)
i.e. R(-a + position vector L (2a - b) and M
vector a. (a +26 ) in the ratio 2: 1externally is
0 Find x, if foraunit
(-a) (r+ a)= 15. [All India) 2(a +25)-i(2% 6)
2-1
S. (x-a)*(x + a) = 15 2a + 4b - 2a + b
=
= 56
(j-7j- 15 1

-|x|-la|² = 15 32. If a is a unit vector and (x -a).

(x +a) = 24, then write the value of
x|²-1 = 15 (Foreign)
|x|² = 16 Sol. Consider, (x -a). (x + a) = 24
|x| = 4. (-(4) = 24
30. 4 and B are two points with
position vectors 2a -36 and 6b -a - a = 24
2
respectively. Write the position x - 1 = 24
vector of a point P which divides the
line segment AB internally in the = 25 = 5.
ratio 1: 2.
[All India] 33. For any three vectors a, b and c,
ol. Position vector of
point P dividing write the value of the following:
he join of points with
2a - 36) and (66 -a)position vector
in the ratio
ax(b +e)+b x(¢ +a) +c x(a +×)
1:2internally is (Foreign]
u) + 2 (2a - 36) Sol. Consider, a x (b +c)+b x(c+a)+
1+2 c X(a+ b)

Vector Algebra 249

 = axb+a xc+ bxc+bXat =49
cX +c X b 35. If a is a unit
x=7
vector and
- axb-c Xa+bxc-axb+ (2x + 3a)= 91, then write(2x - 3a)
c X a-b x of *|.
=
the value
34. If is a unit vector and (x -p) Sol. Consider, (2x-3a)· (2x +:+
3a) =91 [Foreign)
(x + ) = 48, then write the value of ’ 4(4}-9(ã} = 9l
[Foreign] ’ 4*-9a = 91
Sol. Given (r-p)(x+p) = 48 4x-9(1) =91 ’ 4x J00
= 48
> x =25 ’x=5
- =48 ’-1=48
Short Answer Type Questions (4 Marks]
36. If a and bare two vectors such that Sol. Let vector c = xi+yj +zk;
|a+ õ|=|a|, then prove that vector Given ia=i+j+k; b=j-k
2a + b is perpendicular to vector b.
(Delhi]
a xc = b ’|1 1 1=-k
Sol. Given la+b|=|a |
2 ’2
a+b= a ’(-)i-(z-x)j+ ( -x)Å = j-i
(a+ b)² = (a Z-y= 0; x-z= l;y -x=-1

a t +2a · b = (a' y=z and x -y =l ...)

Also a"c =3
(B +2a ·b = 0 ... (2)
Consider (2a + b) b= 2a -b+bb
’i+j+).(xi +yj +zÂ) 3
.(0)
= 2a "b+(6} From (i) and (2), we get
=) [From ()] 2’y=
y +1+y +y = 3’3y =
Hence, (2a + b) is perpendicular to
2 and z = 2
vector b.
3
37. If a =itj+* and b =j- h, find
a vector c, such that axc= b and c=+
a c = 3. (Delhi)

250 Chapterwise CBSE PYQS (Mathematics)-12

 find the area of the
vectors,
sing with vertices A(1, 2, 3),
miangleABC
4)and C(4, 5,
-1). [Delhi] =-41 +(7-)k
tnangleABC = BC ×B¢| Ifa +b is perpendiculartoà-ithen
Areaof (a +b).(a - b) = 0
...(0)
A(1.2, 3) ’ -24 + (7 + (7- ) = 0
-24 + 49 - 2 = 0
2 = 25
. = + 5.

40. If p=5i +àj-3k and q =i +3j 5k,

then find the value of 2, so that +q
B(2. -1. 4) C(4, 5, -1)
and p - q are perpendicular vectors.
-4)Å [AIlIndiaj
RC =(4-2)i +(5+ 1); + (-l
Sol. Given p=5i+,-k and q =i+3j- 5k
- 2i +6j-5k
Then +q =5i + j -3k +i +3j - 5k
B¢ =(1 - 2)i + (2 + 1); + (3 - 4)Å
=-i+ 3j -k =6i +(à +3)j 8k
and -q =5i + j- 3k -i-3j + 5k
BC XB¢ = 6 -5 =4i +(2-3)j +2k
3 -1
If()+q)and (p - q)are perpendicular.
i-6+13)- j-2-5) + k(6 + 6) then
= 9, +7,+ 12k {6i+ (a +3) j- 8Å}"
B × B¢ = /81+49 +144 = 274 {4i + (à -3) j+ 2Å} =0
From () >24 + (à + 3) (^- 3) 16 = 0
’ - 9 + 8 = 0 ’1*= l’à= tl.
Area of riangle = 274 sq units 41, Using vectors, find the area of
the triangle ABC, whose vertices
39., If a= i-j+ 7h and × = 5i -j+ k, are A(1, 2, 3), B(2, -1, 4) and
then find the value of , so that
a+b anda -b are C(4, 5, -1). [All Indial
vectors.
perpendicular Sol. Refer to Q. 38.
[All India]
Sol. Given ü =i-j+7k 42. The magnitude of the vector product
and of the vector i + j+ k with a unit
b=5i-j +xk vector along the sum of vectors 2i +
Then a+b=i-j+ 7k +5i -j+ 4j- 5kand Ai + 2j + 3k is equal to
= 6i -2,+(7+ 2)k V2. Find the value of a (Foreign)

Vector Algebra 251

Sol. Let, = (% +4)-5A) + (i + 2j +3A) -2i +4- 2k
=
6
r = (2+ )i +6; -2k V4+ 16+4
(2+4)i + 6) - 2k 12(-i+2j -k)
v2+A)+ 36 +4 /24
Conside, i x +j+ k) =-/6i+ 2V6 j-/6k
44. Find a unit vector
2+2 6
to each of the perpendicular
vectors a + 26 and
v(2+2)+40 2a + 6, where a =3i +
1
B =i +2,-2k.
2j+2k and
[8i -(4 +)j
Sol. Given a = 3i +2j+2
[Foreign)
Va+42 + 44
+(^-4) k] and b=i+2j-26
Given i x(i+j+ h)=/2 a+ 26 = 3i +2j+ 2k +2i +4,-4Å
= 5i +6j-2
/+42 +44
2a+b = 6i +4,+ 4k +i+2j-2Å
|64 + (4 +2)²+ (a-4) = 2
’ 64 + 16 + 82 + 7 + 1-82 + 16 = 7i+6j+ 2Å
2[2 + 4, + 44] Unit vector perpendicular to (a +2b)
22 + 96 = 22 + 82 + 88 and (2a+ b) is
’ 82 = 8’ =1.
(a+2b) x (2a + b)
43. Find a vector of magnitude 6, n = .. 0)
perpendicular to each of the vectors (a + 2b) x (2a + b)
a+b and a-×, where a = i+j+k <eN

and b = i + 2 + 3k. [Foreign] (a +26) x (2a +b) = 5 6 -2

Sol. Given a=i+j+k and b=i+2+ 3k 7 6

a+b=2i +3,+4kand a- b =-j- 2k = 24i -24,-12k = 12(2i-2j-Ã)

r= (a +b) x (a-b) V4 +4+1
(a + 26) x (2a +b)= 12
Let

= 36
2 3 4 = -2i +4j-2k 12(2i-2j-k)
0 -1 -2 .. From (i), ñ = 36
Vector of magnitude 6 and perpendi -

cular to u+b and a-b is 6f

252 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs (Mathematics)-12

 2012

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1 Mark]

Find à when the projection of Sol. ä+b+i =i-3é +2;-k+2i
45. -3j+2k
= iitj+4À on b= 2i +6j +3Å
is 4 units. [Delhi) = 3i-j- 2Ã
a.b
= 4
49. Write the value of (ixj). k+i.j.
Sol. Given: (All India)
2).+6+12 Sol. (i xj)k+i.j=kk+0=1
= 4
/4+36 +9
50. Find the scalar components of the
22 +18 = 28 ’ )=5 vector AB with initial point A(2, 1)
and terminal point B(-5,7). (All India)
46. Find the sum of the vectors
Sol. AB = (-5-2)i +(7-1)j=-7i+6j
a =i-2j+, b = -2i +4Ë +5Å
Scalar components are -7, 6.
and c = i-6j-7. |Delhil
51. Write the value of (x)i+jk.
Sol. a +b+c =(i-j+B) +(-+4j+ 5A) [AlIndia)

+i -6j- 7) Sol. (k x)-i+jk = -ii+jk=-1+0= -1

52. Write the value of (kx).j+i.k
47. Find the sum of the following [AI! India')

vectors:
Sol. (kxi.j+i.k= j.j+i.k= |+0 =I
[Delhi!
a=i-j,6= 2i-3j, e= 2i+3k 53. Write the value of(i x)k+(jxÂi.
|Foreign)
Si. a-bi =i-j+2i - 3j +2i+34
Sol. (ix)k+ (jx'i = kk+ii=l+l=2
= 5i-5j +3k
54. Write the value of the area of the
. Find the sum of the
following parallelogram determined by the
vectors: vectors 2i and 3 j. (Foreign)
a=i-3k, 6= 2j-k,c =2i -3,+ 2k Sol. Area of parallelogram
|Delhi) - |2i x 3;|=6lk| = 6 sq units.

Vector Algebra 253

 Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]
55. If a, b, c are three vectors such that From (i), b= t32i-j-144)
lal = 5, l×| = 2 and lel = 13,
and a + b +e=0, find the value of Also p.c = 18
a-b + c tca. [Delhil

Sol. Consider a +b +c = 0 ta(32i-j- 14k).(2i-j+4X) =lk

’ t
(64+ l-56) =18
±2 = 18
(G+6+(7} + 9
=2

2a.b +2b.c +2c.a = 0 à = #2

From (iü), = +(64i -2j -28Ã)

2la.b +b.c +Ca) = 0
25 + 144 + 169 + 57. If a=3i+4j+ 5k and B=2i+j-4i.
2la.b +b.c + C.a) = 0 then express ß in the form ß=B, +B.
2la.b + b.c+ C.a) =-338 where B, is parallel to a and B, is
a.b + b.c + c.a =- 169 perpendicular to a. [Foreign
56. Let a = i+4,+ 2k, b = 3i- 2,+ 7Â Sol. B=B+B ..i)
and c = 2i- j+ 4k. Find a vector p
where B, || a and B, la
which is perpendicular to both a and
b and p.c = 18.
Let B, = (3i +4j +5X) ..0)
[All India]
Sol. Given vectors :: 2i+j -4k = A(3i + 4j +5X) +B,
a =i t 4j + 2k, [From (0)
6 = 3i -2 + 7k
B, = (2-32)i +(1l - 42)j
and c = 2i- j+ 4k. +(-4-5A)k . )
Vector p is perpendicular to both a
and b. Also B, la B,.a =0
p = t2axi) .(i) ’ 3(2-32) + 4 (1 42) +
52)= 0
i 5(-4-
üxb = 4 2
-10 A=-
502 =
-2 7

32i-j-14k
254 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs (Mathematics)-12
 ; in (7) and (i), we From (u) and (i), we get
sinbstitutingfor 2
3: I:
B, =
si+4j+ 5k)= and
5

andB,= [From()]
-3Å [From (i))
13;+-8 zi*j-sh -(-)-(-)
2i*j-4i=(--4) 59. The two adjacent sides of a
13: 9 parallelogram are 2i - 4j + 5k and
+(-s) i-2 - 3Ã. Find the unit vector
parallel to one of its diagonals. Also,
58. If a =3i - and ß=2i +j-3k then [Foreign]
find its area.
express B in
the form ß=B, +B
Sol. Let adjacent sides be along
B, is
where B, is parallel to a and a =2i-4j+ 5k and b=i-2,- 3k
perpendicular to a. [Foreign]
then vector along one diagonal
Sol. Given: a= 3i - jand B= 2i +j-3k r = a+ b = 3i- 6,+ 2k
.:. Unit vector parallel to one of the
B= B, +B ...()
diagonals is
Where B, is parallel to a and Bo is 3i -6, +2k 3i - 6j +2k
‘=
perpendicular to a. V9+ 36 +4 7

B, || a 6

B, = (3i-) ...ü)
From (i) and (iü), we get Area of aparallelogram = la xb|
(
2i +j- 3k = (3i-j)+B, uxb =2N -4
-2 -3
’ B, =(232)i + (1+2)j3k ...m)
Also B, a ’ ..B, = 0 = i(22)-i(-)+k (0) = 22+ 11;
3(2- 3.) (1+ 2) = 0
= 1(2i +j)
6 9) -|-=0 Area = |laxb|
1 = |1(2i +i)l= llV4+1
5 =102’=
2 = |l/5 sq. unit
Vector Algebra 255
 2011

Very Short Answer Type Questions (1Mark]

60. For what value of a' the vectors 64. Write the angle between
two
magnitudes /3 vectors
2-3,+ 4k and ai + 6j - 8k are a and b with
collinear? |Delhi) and 9
2 -3 4
’ a = -4
respectively having a.b=/6.
Sol.
6 -8
Sol. Let 0 be an angle between the(AJl India
61. Write the direction cosines of the a and b vectors
vector -2i + j-5k. |Delhi)
COs = V6
Sol. Unit vector along -2i +j- 5k
5
9 = 45°
/30 /30 /30
65. Write the position vector of the mid.
Direction cosines are
2 1 5 point of the vector joining the points
P(2, 3, 4) and (4, 1, 2). [Foreign]
/30 30 /30
Sol. Position vector of the mid-point
62. Write the projection of the vector
i-jon the vector i+j.
Sol. Projection =
i- ).i+j) 3i +2}+X
/1+1?
lx1-1 x1 l-1 66. If a.a = 0 and a.b = 0, then what
= ) can be concluded about the vector b?
V+1 [Foreign)
63. Write a unit vector in the direction of
the vector a=2i+j+2k. (Al India) Sol. a.a =0 ’ a=0 lal=0
2i +j+2k 2: 1: ’a=0 ’ a.b=0
Sol. ú=
i 4+l+4 Vector b can be any vector.

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]

Sol. Unit vector perpendicularto(a+b)
67. Find a unit vector perpendicular
to each of the vectors a +b and
and (a -6)
a-b, where a=3i +2j +2k and (a +6)x(i-i) ..)
b=i+2j- 2k. (a+i)x(a-i)1
256 Chapterwise CBSE PYOs (Mathematics)12
 b=(3)+2j +
26) +(i +2} - 2h) Vector of magnitude 5and parallel
to r is
= 4i + 4;
= 4i +4j + 0k 5(3i +)
+2j+ 2Å)-(i +2j -2k) 5 =
6 = (3i
+ 4k
- 2i + 0j + 4k = 2i 15
+

li+bxla -b)=4 4 0 70. Using vectors, find the area of

|2 0 4 the triangle with vertices A(1, 1, 2),
8) B(2, 3,5) and C(1, 5, 5). (AH India)
=il6 0) -j(160) + k(0
SÁ Sol. Area of a triangle = |AB× ACI
= 16i16j -
16í 16,- &Á C(1,5,5)
Lnitvector =
/16)²+ (-16) +(-8)²
[From ()]
16i 16, - 8Á A(1,1,2) B(2,3,5)
24
AB = (2- 1)i +(3 1),+ (52)k
=i+2j +3A
A = (1- 1)i +(51)j +(5-2)k
68. If two vectors a and b are such that
= (oi +4j+ 3Á)
lal=2, l6l=1and a.b =1, then
find the value of AB X A = 1
3a - 5%).(2a + 76). [Delhi] 04 3

Sol. (3 -5b).(2a +76) = i(612)- j(3 0) +*(4 -0)

= -6i 3j +4k
- 6(a +11a.b 35(B )
Area of a triangle = AB× AC
[:: ab=b:a]
= 24 +||-35 = 0
69. Find avector of :
=
-6i -3j +4k|
fmagnitude 5 units,and 36 +9 +16 = ,
-V61 sq. units.
parallel to the resultant of the vectors
a=2i +3j - kand b =i-2j+k. 71. If vectors a 2i + 2j + 3k,
[Delhi)
Sol. =-i+2j + k and c=3i +,
Resultant of a and b is a + b.
such that a +b is perpendicular
are

a+ b = r
=3i +j to c, then find the value ofi. Foreign]

Vector Algebra 257

Sol. a +Ab is perpendicular to c (i +2j +34) (3i + j)
la+ab). =0 +à(-i+2j +k) -(3i +)
a.c+ab.)= 0
(6 + 2) + (-3 + 2) = 0 =)
2. = 8

2010

Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark

72. Write a vector of magnitude 15 units 75. Find à, if
in the direction of vector i-2j+2k. (2i +6j + 14k) × (i- j+7h) = 0.
[Delhi]
[All India)
Sol. Letr =i-2j +2k 6 14 = 0
Sol. 2
’ i= i-2j+ 2k 7
/1+4 +4 ’ i(42 + 142) -j(14 14) +
i -2j +2k
Required vector= 3
X(- 2% -6) =0
- 22- 6= 0 =-3
= 5i -1oj +10k and 42 + 142 = 0 ’ =-3
73. What is the cosine of theangle which .. = -3
the vector /2i+j+k makes with
y-axis? [Delhi] 76. If a and b are two vectors such that
Sol. Let = /2i+j +k, a-b = a xõ|, then what is the
lal = /2+1+1 = 2 angle between a and b? [AllIndia)
1 Sol. la.6| = laxõl
a=
a
cos = sin
tan = 1=.=
4
Cos B =
9
77. Vectors a and b are such that
74. Write a vector of magnitude 9 units in 2
the direction of vector -2i + j+ 2k. lal= /3, l×| = and (a xb) is a
3
[AllIndial unit vector. Write the angle between
[AllIndia)
Sol. Letr= -2i+j +2k; i = -2i + j+ 2k a and b.
V3
/4+1+4 laxõl
Sol. sin 0 =
-2i + j+ 2k
Required vector =
3 3
’0 =
= -6i +3; +6k
258 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs (Mathematics)12
 value of pis (i+j+ h)b a 79. Find lx, if for a unit vector a,
Corwhat
unitvector? [Foreign] (*-a).*+a) = 15. [Foreignl
=1 (-G=15>;-i = 15
pipj+pk| Sol.
p+p+p =Ip=t 9
x = 16 ’ x = 4.
/3

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]

position vector of a point 82. Let a = it 4j + 2k, b = 3i -2j + 7k
80. Findthe
divides the line joining and c = 2i- j+ 4k. Find a vector d
Rwhich
P and Q whose position which is perpendicular to both a and
two points a-3h)
and
vectors are (2a +b) b andc .d = 18. [AIl India]
ratio
respectively, externally in the mid Sol. Refer to Q. 56.
the
1:2. Also, show that Pis 83. The scalar product of the vector
pointof the line segment RQ. [Delhi] i+2;+ 4k with a unit vector along
Sol. R P(2a+ b) o(a-36) the sum of vectors i+2j+3k and
it 4j - 5k is equal to one. Find the
Position vector of R
value of . [Foreign)
-36-4a - 26 = 3a + 56
1-2 Sol. Sum of vectors(r)= (a+ 1)i +6j-2k.
Position vector of mid-point of RQ =
(^+ 1)i+6, - 2k
(a-36)+(34 +55) = 24 +h V(a+ 1)+36 + 4
2
According toquestion,
81. If a = i+Ë+k, b = 4i - 2j + 3k (i+2)+4k).{(2+ 1i +6j -2k} = 1
and c i-2+ k, find a vector of
/a+1)+36 +4
magnitude 6 units which is parallel
(+l) + 12 +(-8) = 1
to the vector 2a-b+3c. [All India] ’
Sol. Let = 20 -b +3c /a'+1+ 22 +40
2+ 5= Va'+ 22+ 41
=2i+2j+2k-4i +2j-3k +3i -6j +3k
’ + 25 + 102 = 2 + 22 + 41
r=i-2+2k= i = 8. = 16 ’ à = 2
Required vector =6.‘ 84. Let a = i-j, b = 3j - kand c
2j + 2k = 7i-k. Find a vector d which is
= 2i -4j + 4k perpendicular to both a and b, and
1+4 +4 e-d = 1. [Foreign)

VectorAlgebra 259
 Also Cd = I
Sol. As d is perpendicular to both a and
[Link] d is along vector a x 6. (7i-k).à(i +j +3k) = 1
72 32= | ’ 2al
d = la xi) = I -1 0 4
3 :. From (i), we get d 1: 1.
= i+j+3Á) ...() =i++',
4 4 4

2009

Very Short Answer Type Questions [1 Mark]

89. Find the value of , if
85. Find the projection of a onb if
a .b = 8 and b = 2i +6j + 3k. (Delhil (2î + 6j + 27k) x (i+3j + p)=0.
[All India
('N H
N
Sol. Projectionof a on b = 0
Sol. 2 6 27|= 0
/4+36 +9 7 3

86. Write a unit vector in the direction ’ i(6p-81)-j(2p -27) +k(6 6) =P

of a = 2i - 6,+ 3k. [Delhi] ’ 6p - 81 = 0, 2 - 27 =0

Sol. á=
2i - 6j + 3Á ’=
a /4+ 36 +9
90. If p is a unit vector and
-

(-p)-(* +p) = 80, then find |*.

87. Write the value of p for which [All India)

a=3í +2j +9k and b =i+pË+ 3k Sol. ( - ; = 80 ’x=81

are parallel vectors. (Delhi]
Sol.
3 2 9 2 |x=9
3
’= 3
88. Find the angle between two vectors
91. If a= /3,b|=2 and a.b=/3,
find the angle between a and b.
a and b with magnitudes 1 and 2 [Foreign]
respectively and when la xõ|=/3. a.b /3 1
Sol. cos =
[Delhi)
la|B| Sx2
/3x2 2
axb|
Sol. sin =
|x2 3
3

260 Chapterwise CBSE PYQs (Mathematics)-12

 vector in the direction of
Find a unit 66. Sol. á = 2i -3j+6k
G i -3j+ |Foreign) /449 +36
3 6

Short Answer Type Questions [4 Marks]

faxb =cXd and a Xc =bxd. 95. If a,b,c are three vectors. If a "b
show that a-d is parallel to b - c,
= ac and a xb = a X c, a # 0,
bc. then show that b = c. [Foreign)
where a#d and [Delhil
x(6 -Þ Sol. h= a.C
soL Consider (a - d)
a .

axh-a xc-d xb +d xT = 0 a .
(5-) =0
= xd - xd+b xã-xd =0 a =0, b-c= 0 or

[using a xb=c xd, axG=Bxi As a#0

Ixb=-5x ] h =c or a L(b - ) ..)
As cross product is zero. a yh= a X c
X

: (a -d) is parallel to (6 -). ax (6-) = ö

94. The scalar product of the vector u=0, b -c=0 or a ||(6-c)
i+j+* with the unit vector along
As a#0
the sum of vectors 2i + 4j- 5k and
ii+ 2j + 34 is equal to one. Find the 6 = c or a ||(b-c) ...ü)
value of i.. (All India] From (i) and (ii), a cannot be
Sol. Refer to Q. 23. parallel and perpendicular to (b - c)
simultaneously. Hence, b = c.

Vector Algebra 261