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Product of vectors
SCALAR PRODUCT
Definitions and Key Points :
 
Def: Let a, b be two vectors dot product (or) scalar product (or) direct product (or)
    
inner product denoted by a.b .Which is defined as a b cos θ where θ = (a, b) .
  
* The product a.b is zero when a = 0 (or) b = 0 (or) θ = 900 .
 
* Sign of the scalar product : Let a, b are two non-zero vectors

(i) If θ is acute then a.b > 0 (i.e 0< θ < 900 ).

(ii) If θ is obtuse then a.b < 0 (i.e 900 < θ < 1800 ).

(iii) If θ = 900 then a.b = o .
  
(iv) If θ = 00 then a.b = a b .
  
(v) If θ = 1800 then a.b = a b .

Note:-
(1) The dot product of two vectors is always scalar.
 
(2) a.b = b.a i.e dot product of two vectors is commutative.
     
(3) If a.b are two vectors then a.(−b) = (−a).b = −(a.b) .
  
(4) (−a).(−b) = a.b .
   
(5) If l,m are two scalars and a.b are two vectors then (la).(mb) = lm(a.b) .
    
(6) If a and b are two vectors then a.b = ± a b .
  2
(7) If a is a vector then a.a = a .
    2
(8) If a is a vector a.a is denoted by (a)2 hence (a)2 = a .

* Component and orthogonal projection

   
Def: Let a = OA b = OB be two non zero vectors let the plane passing through B and
 
perpendicular to a intersect OA ln M.
   
(i) If (a, b) is acute then OM is called component of b on a .
   
(ii) If (a, b) is obtuse then –(OM) is called the component of b on a .

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(iii) The vector OM is called component vector of b on a .
 B B
b 
b

O M A O  A
M a

   
Def: Let a = OA ; b = PQ be two vectors let the planes passing through P, Q and
  
perpendicular to a intersect OA in L, M respectively then LM is called orthogonal
 
projection of b on a

b Q
P

 O L  A
a
Note : i) The orthogonal projection of a vector b on a is equal to component vector
 
of b on a .
   
ii) Component of a vector b on a is also called projection of b on a
 
iii) If A< B, C, D are four points in the space then the component of AB on CD is
 
same as the projection of AB on the ray CD .
   
* If a, b be two vectors (a ≠ o) then

  b.a
i) The component of b on a is 
a
 
  (b.a ) a
iii) The orthogonal projection of b on a is  2 .
a

 
* If i, j, k form a right handed system of Ortho normal triad then
  
i) i. j = j. j = k .k = 1
     
ii) i. j = j.i = 0 ; j.k = k . j = 0 ; k .i = i.k = 0
        
a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k ; b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k then a.b = a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 .
* If

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* If a, b, c are three vectors then
    
i) (a + b)2 = (a)2 + (b)2 + 2a.b
    
ii) (a − b) 2 = (a) 2 + (b)2 − 2a.b
     
iii) (a + b).(a − b) = (a) 2 − (b) 2
     
iv) (a + b) 2 = (a − b) 2 = 2 {(a ) 2 + (b) 2 }
    
v) (a + b)2 − (a − b)2 = 4a.b
        
vi) (a + b + c) 2 = (a) 2 + (b)2 + (c) 2 + 2a.b + 2b.c + 2c.a .
       
* If r is vector then r = (r.i)i + (r + j ) j + (r.k )k .

Angle between the planes :- The angle between the planes is defined as the angle
between the normals to the planes drawn from any point in the space.

SPHERE * The vector equation of a sphere with centre C having position vector c
  2 
and radius a is (r − c)2 = a 2 i.e. r − 2r.c + c 2 = a 2
 
* The vector equation of a sphere with A(a) and B (b) as the end points of a diameter
        
is (r − a).(r − b) = 0 (or) (r )2 − r.(a + b) + a.b = 0

Work done by a force :- If a force F acting on a particle displaces it from a position
  
A to the position B then work done W by this force F is F . AB
* The vector equation of the plane which is at a distance of p from the origin along
 
the unit vector n is r.n = p .
* The vector equation of the plane passing through the origin and perpendicular to
the vector m is r.m =0
* The Cartesian equation of the plane which is at a distance of p from the origin
along the unit vector n = li + mj + nk of the plane is n = lx + my + nz
* The vector equation of the plane passing through the point a having position vector
    
a and perpendicular to the vector m is (r − a).m = 0 .

* The vector equation of the plane passing through the point a having position vector
   
a and parallel to the plane r.m=q is (r − a).m = 0 .

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CROSS( VECTOR) PRODUCT OF VECTORS

 
* Let a, b be two vectors. The cross product or vector product or skew product of
   
vectors a, b is denoted by a × b and is defined as follows
     
i) If a = 0 or b = 0 or a, b are parallel then a × b = 0
         
ii) If a ≠ 0 , b ≠ 0 , a, b are not parallel then a × b = a b (sin θ )n where n is a unit vector
    
perpendicular to a and b so that a, b, n form a right handed system.
 
Note :- i) a × b is a vector
     
ii) If a, b are not parallel then a × b is perpendicular to both a and b
     
iii) If a, b are not parallel then a, b, a × b form a right handed system .
           
iv) If a, b are not parallel then a × b = a b sin(a, b) and hence a × b ≤ a b
   
v) For any vector a a × b = o
     
2. If a, b are two vectors a × b = −b × a this is called “anti commutative law”
       
3. If a, b are two vectors then a × (−b) = (−a) × b = −(a × b)
     
4. If a, b are two vectors then (−a) × (−b) = a × b
     
5. If a, b are two vectors l,m are two scalars then (la) × (mb) = lm(a × b)
  
6. If a, b, c are three vectos, then
             
i) a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c ii) (b + c) × a = b × a + c × a
 
7. If l , l , k from a right handed system of orthonormal triad then
                     
i) l × l = j × j = k × k = o ii) i × j = k = − j × l ; j × k = l = −k × j ; k × l = j = −l × k
  
l j k
         
* If a = a1 l + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1 l + b2 j + b3 k then a × b = a1 a2 a3 .
b1 b2 b3
          
* If a = a1 l + a2 m + a3 n , b = b1 l + b2 m + b3 n where l , m, n form a right system of non
     
m×n n×l l ×m
 
coplanar vectors then a × b = a1 a2 a3
b1 b2 b3
    
* If a, b are two vectors then (a × b)2 + (a.b)2 = a 2b2 .

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* VECTOR AREA :-

If A is the area of the region bounded by a plane curve and n is the unit vector
perpendicular to the plane of the curve such that the direction of curve drawn can be

considered anti clock wise then An is called vector area of the plane region bounded
by the curve.
1   1   1  
* The vector area of triangle ABC is AB × AC = BC × BA = CA × CB
2 2 2
  
* If a, b, c are the position vectors of the vertices of a triangle then the vector area of
1      
the triangle is (a × b + b × c + c × a)
2
   
* If ABCD is a parallelogram and AB = a , BC = b then the vector area of ABCD is
 
a×b .
   
* If ABCD is a parallelogram and AC = a , BC = b then vector area of parallelogram
1  
ABCD is ( a × b)
2

* The vector equation of a line passing through the point A with position vector a
     
and perpendicular to the vectors b × c is r = a + t (b × c) .

* The vector equation of a line passing through the point A with position vector a
     
and perpendicular to the vectors b × c is r = a + t (b × c) .

SCALAR TRIPLE PRODUCT

     
* If a, b, c are the three vectors, then the real numbers (a × b).c is called scalar triple
     
product denoted by [a b c] . This is read as ‘box’ a, b, c
  
2. If V is the volume of the parallelepiped with coterminous edges a, b, c then
 
V = [a b c]
    
3. If a , b, c form the right handed system of vectors then V = [a b c]
     
4. If a, b, c form left handed system of vectors then −V = [a, b, c]
Note: i) The scalar triple product is independent of the position of dot and cross.
   
i.e. a × b.c = a.b × c

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ii) The value of the scalar triple product is unaltered so long as the cyclic order
remains unchanged
   
[a b c] = [b c a] = [c a b]

iii) The value of a scalar triple product is zero if two of its vectors are equal
  
[a a b] = 0 [b b c] = 0
    
iv) If a, b, c are coplanar then [abc] = 0
   
v) If a, b, c form right handed system then [a b c] > 0
    
vi) If a, b, c form left handed system then [a b c] < 0
vii)The value of the triple product changes its sign when two vectors are interchanged
  
[a b c] = −[a c b]
       
viii) If l,m, n are three scalars a, b, c are three vectors then [la m b nc] = lmn[a b c]
   
* Three non zero non parallel vectors a b c nare coplanar iff [ a b c] = 0
a1 a2 a3
            
* If a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k , c = c1 i + c2 j + c3 k then [a b c] = b1 b2 b3
c1 c2 c3
              
* If a = a1 l + a2 m + a3 n , b = b1 l + b2 m + b3 n , c = c1 l + c2 m + c3 n where l , m, n form a right
     
m× n n×l l ×m
 
handed system of non coplanar vectors, then [abc] = b1 b2 b3
c1 c2 c3

* The vectors equation of plane passing through the points A, B with position vectors
             
a, b and parallel to the vector c is [r − a b − a c] = 0 (or) [r b c + [r c a ] = [a b c]

* The vector equation of the plane passing through the point A with position vector a
         
and parallel to b, c is [r − a b c] = 0 i.e. [r b c] = [a b c]
Skew lines :- Two lines are said to be skew lines if there exist no plane passing
through them i.e. the lines lie on two difference planes
Def:- l1 and l2 are two skew lines. If P is a point on l1 and Q is a point on l2 such that
 r  
PQ ⊥ l1 and PQ ⊥ r l2 then PQ is called shortest distance and PQ is called shortest

distance line between the lines l1 and l2 .

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      [a − c b d ]
The shortest distance between the skew lines r = a + tb and r = c + td is  
b×d

VECTOR TRIPLE PRODUCT

Cross Product of Three vectors : For any three vectors a , b and c then cross
product or vector product of these vectors are given as a × ( b × c ), ( a × b ) × c or
( b × c ) × a etc.
i. a × ( b × c ) is vector quantity and | a × ( b × c )| = |( b × c ) × a |

ii. In general a × ( b × c ) ≠ ( a × b ) ×. c
iii. a × ( b × c ) = ( a × b ) × c if a and c are collinear
iv. a × ( b × c ) = –( b × c ) × a

v. ( a × b ) × c = – c × ( a × b ) =

(a . c )b – (a . b )c = a × (b × c )
vi. If a , b and c are non zero vectors and a × ( b × c ) = O then b and c are parallel (or
collinear) vectors.
vii. If a , b and c are non zero and non parallel vectors then a × ( b × c ), b × ( c ×
a )and c × ( a × b ) are non collinear vectors.

viii. If a , b and c are any three vectors then a ( b × c ) + b × ( c × a ) + c × ( a × b ) =

O

ix. If a , b and c are any three vectors then a ( b × c ) + b × ( c × a ) + c × ( a × b ) are

coplanar. [since sum of these vectors is zero]
x. a ( b × c ) is vector lies in the plane of b and c or parallel to the plane of b and c .

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PRODUCT OF FOUR VECTORS
* Dot product of four vectors : The dot product of four vectors a , b , c and d is
a.c a.d
given as ( a × b ) . ( c × d ) = ( a . c )( b . d ) – ( a . d )( b . c ) =
b.c b.d
* Cross product of four vectors : If a , b , c and d are any four vectors then ( a × b )
× (c×d ) =
[a c d ]b – [b c d ]a
= [a b d ]c – [a b c]d
a.l b.l c.l
* [ a b c ] [ l m n ] = a.m b.m c.m
a.n b.n c.n
* The vectorial equation of the plane passing through the point a and parallel to
the vectors b , c is [ rbc] = [ abc] .

* The vectorial equation of the plane passing through the points a , b and parallel
to the vector c is [ rbc] + [ rca] = [ abc] .

* The vectorial equation of the plane passing through the points a , b , c is

[ rbc] + [ rca] + [ rab] = [ abc] .
* If the points with the position vectors a , b , c , d are coplanar, then the condition
is [ abd] + [ bcd] + [ cad] = [ abc]

* Length of the perpendicular from the origin to the plane passing through the
[a bc]
points a , b , c is .
| b×c + c×a + a×b |

* Length of the perpendicular from the point c on to the line joining the
(a − c ) × (c − b )
points a , b is .
a−b

* P, Q, R are non collinear points. Then distance of P to the plane OQR is

O P.(O Qx OR )
| O QxOR |

* Perpendicular distance from P ( α ) to the plane passing through A(a ) and

parallel to the vectors b and c is

[α − a b c ]
| bxc |

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* Length of the perpendicular from the point c to the line r = a + tb is
| (c − a ) × b |
.
|b|
PROBLEMS
VSAQ’S

1. Find the angle between the vectors i + 2 j + 3k and 3 i − j + 2k .

Sol. Let a = i + 2 j + 3k and b = 3 i − j + 2k

Let θ be the angle between the vectors.

a ⋅b
Then cos θ =
| a || b |

( i + 2 j + 3k) ⋅ (3 i − j + 2k)
cos θ =
i + 2 j + 3k 3 i − j + 2k
3− 2+ 6 7 1
= = =
14 14 14 2
1
cos θ = ⇒ cos θ = cos 60°
2
∴θ = 60°

2. If the vectors 2 i + λ j − k and 4 i − 2 j + 2k are perpendicular to each other, then

find λ.
Sol. Let a = 2 i + λ j − k and b = 4 i − 2 j + 2k

By hypothesis, a, b are perpendicular then a ⋅ b = 0

⇒ (2 i + λ j − k) ⋅ (4 i − 2 j + 2k) = 0
⇒ 8 − 2λ − 2 = 0
⇒ 6 − 2λ = 0
⇒λ=3

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3. a = 2 i − j + k, b = i − 3 j − 5k . Find the vector c such that a, b and c form the
sides of triangle.
Sol.
A

c b

B C
a

We know that AB + BC + CA = 0
c+a+b=0
c = −a − b
c = −2 i + j − k − i + 3 j + 5k
c = −3i + 4 j + 4k

4. Find the angle between the planes r ⋅ (2 i − j + 2k) = 3 and r ⋅ (3 i + 6 j + k) = 4 .

Sol. Given r ⋅ (2 i − j + 2k) = 3

r ⋅ (3 i + 6 j + k) = 4

Given equation r ⋅ n1 = p, r ⋅ n 2 = q

Let θ be the angle between the planes.

n1 ⋅ n 2
Then cos θ =
| n1 || n 2 |

(2 i − j + 2k) ⋅ (3i + 6 j + k)
=
2 i − j + 2k 3 i + 6 j + k
6−6+2 2
= =
9 46 3 46

2
cos θ =
3 46
⎛ 2 ⎞
∴θ = cos −1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 3 46 ⎠

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1
5. Let e1 and e2 be unit vectors containing angle θ. If | e1 − e2 |= sin λθ , then
2

find λ.
1
Sol. | e1 − e2 |= sin λθ
2

Squaring on both sides

1
⇒ (e1 − e2 ) 2 = sin 2 λθ
4
1
⇒ ⎡⎣(e1 ) 2 + (e2 ) 2 − 2e1 e2 ⎤⎦ = sin 2 λθ
4
1
⇒ ⎡⎣ e12 + e22 − 2 | e1 || e2 | cos θ ⎤⎦ = sin 2 λθ
4

1
⇒ [1 + 1 − 2 cos θ] = sin 2 λθ
4
1
⇒ [ 2 − 2 cos θ] = sin 2 λθ
4
2
⇒ [1 − cos θ] = sin 2 λθ
4
1
⇒ [1 − cos θ] = sin 2 λθ
2
1⎡ θ⎤
⇒ ⎢ 2sin 2 ⎥ = sin 2 λθ
2⎣ 2⎦
θ
⇒ sin 2 = sin 2 λθ
2
θ 1
⇒ = λθ ⇒ λ =
2 2

6. Find the equation of the plane through the point (3, –2, 1) and
perpendicular to the vector (4, 7, –4).
Sol. Let a = 3 i − 2 j + k, b = 4 i − 7 j − 4k

b
A(a)(3, 2,1)

Equation of the required plane will be in the form r ⋅ b = a ⋅ b

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r ⋅ (4 i + 7 j − 4k) =
(3i − 2 j + k) ⋅ (4 i + 7 j − 4k)
⇒ r ⋅ (4 i + 7 j − 4k) = 12 − 14 − 4
⇒ r ⋅ (4 i + 7 j − 4k) = −6

π
7. If | p |= 2, | q |= 3 and (p, q) = , then find | p × q |2 .
6

π
Sol. Given | p |= 2, | q |= 3 and (p, q) =
6

| p × q |2 = [| p || q | sin(p, q) ]
2

2 2
⎡ π⎤ ⎡ 1⎤
= ⎢ 2 ⋅ 3sin ⎥ = ⎢ 2 ⋅ 3 ⋅ ⎥
⎣ 6⎦ ⎣ 2⎦

| p × q |2 = [3]2 = 9
⇒ | p × q |2 = 9

8. If a = 2 i − 3 j + k and b = i + 4 j − 2k , then find (a + b) × (a − b) .

Sol. a + b = 3 i + j − k, a − b = i − 7 j + 3k

i j k
(a + b) × (a − b) = 3 1 −1
1 −7 3
= i (3 − 7) − j(9 + 1) + k(−21 − 1)
(a + b) × (a − b) = −4 i − 10 j − 22k

2p
9. If 4 i + j + pk is parallel to the vector i + 2 j + 3k , find p.
3

2p
Sol. Let a = 4 i + j + pk, b = i + 2 j + 3k
3

From hyp. a is parallel to b then a = λ b , λ is a scalar.

2p
⇒ 4i + j + pk = λ[ i + 2 j + 3k]
3

Comparing i , j, k on both sides

4=λ⇒λ=4

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2p
= 2λ ⇒ p = 3λ ⇒ p = 12
3

10. Compute a × (b + c) + b × (c + a) + c × (a + b) .

Sol. a × (b + c) + b × (c + a) + c × (a + b)

= a × b + a × c) + b × c + b × a) + c × a + c × b
= a×b− c×a − c×b−a×b+ c×a + c×b = 0

11. Compute 2 j × (3 i − 4k) + ( i + 2 j) × k .

Sol. 2 j × (3 i − 4k) + ( i + 2 j) × k

= 6( j × i ) − 8( j × k) + ( i × k) + 2( j × k)
= −6k − 8 i − j + 2 i
= −6 i − j − 6k

12. Find unit vector perpendicular to both i + j + k and 2 i + j + 3k .

Sol. Let a = i + j + k and b = 2 i + j + 3k

i j k
a×b = 1 1 1
2 1 3

= i (3 − 1) − j(3 − 2) + k(1 − 2)
= 2i − j − k
| a×b| = 6

Unit vector perpendicular to

a×b 2i − j − k
a and b = ± =±
| a×b| 6

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13. If θ is the angle between the vectors i + j and j + k , then find sin θ.

Sol. Let a = i + j and b = j + k

i j k
a×b = 1 1 0
0 1 1
= i (1 − 0) − j(1 − 0) + k(1 − 0)
a×b = i − j +k
| a × b |= 3,| a |= 2,| b |= 2
| a×b| 3
sin θ = =
| a || b | 2 2
3
⇒ sin θ =
2

14. Find the area of the parallelogram having a = 2 j − k and b = − i + k as adjacent

sides.
Sol. Given a = 2 j − k and b = − i + k

∴ Area of parallelogram = | a × b |

i j k
= 0 2 −1 = | 2 i − j + 2k |= 9 = 3
−1 0 1

15. Find the area of the parallelogram whose diagonals are

3i + j − 2k and i − 3 j + 4k .

Sol. Given AC = 3 i + j − 2k, BD = i − 3 j + 4k

1
Area of parallelogram = | AC × BD |
2

i j k
1
= 3 1 −2
2
1 −3 4
1
= ⎡ i (4 − 6) − j(12 + 2) + k(−9 − 1) ⎤⎦
2⎣
1
= [−2 i − 14 j − 10k]
2

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= | − i − 7 j − 5k |
= 1 + 49 + 25 = 75

∴ Area of parallelogram = 5 3 sq.units.

16. Find the area of the triangle having 3 i + 4 j and −5 i + 7 j as two of its sides.

Sol.
A

B C

Given AB = 3i + 4 j, BC − 5 i + 7 j

We know that,
AB + BC + CA = 0
CA = −AB − BC = −3 i − 4 j + 5 i − 7 j
CA = 2 i − 11 j

1
∴ Area of ΔABC = | AB × AC |
2

i j k
1 1
= 3 4 0 = ⎡⎣ k(−33 − 8) ⎤⎦
2 2
2 −11 0

−41k 41
= =
2 2

17. Find unit vector perpendicular to the plane determined by the vectors
a = 4 i + 3 j − k and b = 2 i − 6 j − 3k .

Sol. Given a = 4 i + 3 j − k , b = 2 i − 6 j − 3k

i j k
a × b = 4 3 −1
2 −6 −3
= i (−9 − 6) − j(−12 + 2) + k(−24 − 6)
= −15 i + 10 j − 30k = 5(−3 i + 2 j − 6k)

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| a × b |= 5 9 + 4 + 36 = 5 × 7 = 35

∴ Unit vector perpendicular to both

a×b −15 i + 10 j − 30k
a and b = ± =±
| a×b| 35

18. If | a |= 13,| b |= 5 and a ⋅ b = 60 , then find | a × b | .

Sol. Given | a |= 13,| b |= 5 and a ⋅ b = 60

We know that
| a × b |2 = | a |2 | b |2 −(a ⋅ b) 2
= 169 ⋅ 25 − 3600
= 25(169 − 144) = 625
| a × b |2 = 625
∴| a × b |= 25

19. If a = i − 2 j − 3k, b − 2 i + j − k , c = i + 3 j − 2k then compute a ⋅ (b × c) .

Sol. Given a = i − 2 j − 3k, b − 2 i + j − k , c = i + 3 j − 2k

i j k
b× c = 2 1 −1 = i + 3 j + 5k
1 3 −2

a ⋅ (b × c) = ( i − 2 j − 3k) ⋅ ( i + 3 j + 5k)
= 1 − 6 − 15 = −20
∴ a ⋅ (b × c) = −20

20. Simplify ( i − 2 j + 3k) × (2 i + j − k) ⋅ ( j + k) .

Sol. ( i − 2 j + 3k) × (2 i + j − k) ⋅ ( j + k)

1 −2 3
=2 1 −1
0 1 1
= 1(1 + 1) + 2(2 − 0) + 3(2 − 0)
= 2 + 4 + 6 = 12

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21. Find the volume of parallelepiped having co-terminous edges i + j + k, i − j
and i + 2 j − k .

Sol. Let a = i + j + k, b = i − j, c = i + 2 j − k

Volume of parallelepiped = ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

1 1 1
= 1 −1 0
1 2 −1
= 1(1 − 0) − 1(−1 − 0) + 1(2 + 1)
= 1 + 1 + 3 = 5Cubic units

22. Compute ⎡⎣ i − j j − k k − i ⎤⎦ .

1 −1 0
Sol. ⎡⎣ i − j j−k k − i ⎤⎦ = 0 1 −1
−1 0 1

= 1(1 − 0) + 1(0 − 1) + 0(0 + 1)

= 1−1 = 0

23. For non-coplanar vectors a, b and c determine the value of p in order that
a + b + c , a + pb + 2c and − a + b + c are coplanar.

Sol. Let
A = a + b + c, B = a + pb + 2c, C = − a + b + c

From hyp. Given vectors are coplanar.

1 1 1
Then 1 p 2 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = 0
−1 1 1

⇒ [1(p − 2) − 1(1 + 2) + 1(1 + p)][a b c] = 0

⇒ [p − 2 − 3 + 1 + p][a b c] = 0
[∵[a b c] ≠ 0]
⇒ 2p − 4 = 0
[∵ a, b, c are non-coplanar vectors]
⇒ 2p = 4
∴p = 2

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24. Find the volume of tetrahedron having the edges i + j + k , i − j and
i +2j+k .

Sol. Let a = i + j + k, b = i − j, c = i + 2 j + k

∴ Volume of the tetrahedraon

1
= ⎡ a b c ⎤⎦
6⎣
1 1 1
1
= 1 −1 0
6
1 2 1
1
= [1(−1 − 0) − 1(1 − 0) + 1(2 + 1)]
6
1
= [−1 − 1 + 3]
6
1 1
= [1] = cubic units
6 6

25. Let a, b and c be non-coplanar vectors and α = a + 2b + 3c, β = 2a + b − 2c and

γ = 3a − 7c then find [ α β γ ] .

1 2 3
Sol. [α β γ ] = 2 1 −2 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦
3 0 −7

= [1(−7 − 0) − 2(−14 + 6) + 3(0 − 3) ] ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

= [−7 + 16 − 9] ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

= 0 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = 0

26. Prove that a × ⎡⎣ a × (a × b) ⎤⎦ = (a ⋅ a)(b × a) .

Sol. a × ⎡⎣ a × (a × b) ⎤⎦ = a × [(a ⋅ b)a − (a ⋅ a)b]

= (a ⋅ b)a × a − (a ⋅ a)a × b (∵ b × a = − a × b)
= (a ⋅ b)(0) + (a ⋅ a)(b × a)

a × ⎡⎣ a × (a × b) ⎤⎦ = (a ⋅ a)(b × a)

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27. If a, b, c and d are coplanar vectors then show that (a × b) × (c × d) = 0 .

Sol. If a, b, c are coplanar ⇔ [a b c] = 0

(a × b) × (c × d) = [(a × b) ⋅ d] ⋅ c − [(a × b) ⋅ c]d

= [a b d]c − [a b c]d
= 0 ⋅ c − 0 ⋅ d [∵ a, b, c, d are coplanar]
∴ (a × b) × (c × d) = 0

28. Show that [(a × b) × (a × c)] ⋅ d = (a ⋅ d)[a b c] .

Sol. [(a × b) × (a × c)] ⋅ d

= [(a × b) ⋅ c]a − [(a × b) ⋅ a c] ⋅ d

= ⎡⎣[a b c]a − [a b a]c ⎤⎦ ⋅ d

= ⎡⎣[a b c]a − 0 ⋅ c ⎤⎦ ⋅ d
= [a b c]a ⋅ d (∵ a ⋅ b = b ⋅ a)
∴[(a × b) × (a × c)] ⋅ d = (a ⋅ d)[a b c]

29. Show that a ⋅ ⎡⎣(b + c) × [a + b + c]⎤⎦ = 0 .

Sol. L.H.S. = a ⋅ ⎡⎣(b + c) × [a + b + c]⎤⎦

= a ⋅ [b × a + b × b + b × c + c × a + c × b + c × c]
= a ⋅ [b × a + 0 − c × b + c × a + c × b + 0]
= a ⋅ [b × a + c × a]
= a ⋅ (b × a) + a ⋅ (c × a)
= [a b a] + [a c a]
= 0 + 0 = 0 = R.H.S.

30. If a, b and c are unit vectors then find ⎡⎣ 2a − b 2b − c 2c − a ⎤⎦ .

Sol. ⎡⎣ 2a − b 2b − c 2c − a ⎤⎦

2 −1 0
= 0 2 −1 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦
−1 0 2

= [ 2(4 − 0) + 1(0 − 1) + 0(0 − 2) ] ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

= [2 × 4 − 1](0)
= [8 − 1](0)
= [7](0) = 0

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31. Show that (a + b) ⋅ (b + c) × (c + a) = 2 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ .

Sol. We know that a ⋅ (b × c) = (a b c)

1 1 0
(a + b) ⋅ (b + c) × (c + a) = 0 1 1 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦
1 0 1

= [1(1 − 0) − 1(0 − 1) + 0(0 − 1) ] ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = (1 + 1) ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

= 2 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

32. Find the equation of the plane passing through (a, b, c) and parallel to the
plane r ⋅ ( i + j + k) = 2 .
Sol. Cartesian form of the given plane is
x+y+z=2
Equation of the required plane will be in the form x + y + z = k
Since it is passing through (a, b, c)
a+b+c=k
Required plane is
x+y+z=a+b+c
Its vector form is : r ⋅ ( i + j + k) = a + b + c .
33. Let a and b be non-zero, non collinear vectors. If | a + b | = | a − b | , then find the
angle between a and b .

Sol. | a + b | =| a − b |

⇒| a + b |2 = | a − b |2
⇒ (a + b)(a + b) = (a − b)(a − b)
⇒ a 2 + 2ab + b 2 = a 2 − 2ab + b 2
⇒ 4ab = 0 ⇒ a ⋅ b = 0

Angle between a and b is 90°.

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34. Let a, b and c be unit vectors such that b is not parallel to c and
1
a × (b × c) = b . Find the angles made y a with each of b and c .
2

1
Sol. b = a × (b × c) = (a ⋅ c)b − (a ⋅ b)c
2

Such b and c are non-coplanar vectors, equating corresponding coefficients on

1
both sides, a ⋅ c = and a ⋅ b = 0 .
2

∴ a makes angle π/3 with c and is perpendicular to b .

35. For any four vectors a, b, c and d , prove that (b × c) ⋅ (a × d) + (c × a) ⋅ (b × d) +
(a × b) ⋅ (c × d) = 0 .

Sol. L.H.S. =
b⋅a b⋅d c ⋅b c ⋅d a ⋅ c a ⋅d
= + +
c⋅a c ⋅d a ⋅b a ⋅d b⋅ c b⋅d

= (b ⋅ a)(c ⋅ d) − (b ⋅ d)(c ⋅ a) + (c ⋅ b)(a ⋅ d) − (a ⋅ b)(c ⋅ d) + (a ⋅ c)(b ⋅ d) − (a ⋅ d)(b ⋅ c) = 0

36. Find the distance of a point (2, 5, –3) from the plane r ⋅ (6 i − 3 j + 2k) = 4 .

Sol. Here a = 2 i + 5 j − 3k, N = 6 i − 3 j + 2k , and d = 4.

∴ The distance of the point (2, 5, –3) from the given plane is
| (2 i + 5 j − 3k)(6 i − 3 j + 2k) − 4 |
| 6 i − 3 j + 2k |
|12 − 15 − 6 − 4 | 13
= =
36 + 9 + 4 7

x +1 y z − 3
37. Find the angle between the line = = and the plane
2 3 6
10x + 2y – 11z = 3.
Sol. Let φ be the angle between the given line and the normal to the plane.
Converting the given equations into vector form, we have

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r = (− i + 3k) + λ(2 i + 3 j + 6k)
and r ⋅ (10 i + 2 j − 11k) = 3
Here,
b = 2 i + 3 j + 6k and n = 10 i + 2 j − 11k
(2 i + 3 j + 6k) ⋅ (10 i + 2 j − 11k)
sin φ =
22 + 32 + 62 102 + 22 + 112
−40 8
= =
7 ×15 21
⎛ 8 ⎞
⇒ φ = sin −1 ⎜ ⎟
⎝ 21 ⎠

38. If a ⋅ b = a ⋅ c and a × b = a × c, a ≠ 0 then show that b = c .

Sol. Given that,

a ⋅ b = a ⋅ c ⇒ a(b − c) = 0 ...(1)
a × b = a × c ⇒ a × (b − c) = 0 ...(2)

From (1) and (2) it is evident that, the vector (b − c) cannot be both perpendicular
to a and parallel to a .
Unless it is zero
∴ b − c = 0 (a ≠ 0)
∴b = c

SAQ’S

39. If | a |= 2,| b |= 3 and | c |= 4 and each of a, b, c is perpendicular to the sum of the

other two vectors, then find the magnitude of a + b + c .
Sol. a ⊥ (b + c)

⇒ a ⋅ (b + c) = 0
⇒ a ⋅b + c⋅a = 0 ...(1)
b ⊥ (c + a)
⇒ b ⋅ (c + a)
⇒ b⋅c + b⋅a = 0 ...(2)
c ⊥ (a + b)
⇒ c ⋅ (a + b) = 0
⇒ c⋅a + c⋅b = 0 ...(3)

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(1) + (2) + (3) ⇒
2[a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a] = 0
⇒ a ⋅b + b⋅c + c⋅a = 0 ...(4)

Consider
| a + b + c |2 = (a + b + c) 2
= (a) 2 + (b) 2 + (c) 2 + 2(a ⋅ b + b ⋅ c + c ⋅ a) = 22 + 32 + 42
=| a |2 + | b |2 + | c |2 +0 (∵ from(4))

= 4 + 9 + 16 = 29
| a + b + c |= 29

40. Let a = i + j + k and b = 2 i + 3 j + k find

i) The projection vector of b on a and its magnitude.

ii) The vector components of b in the direction of a and perpendicular to a .
Sol. Given that a = i + j + k , b = 2 i + 3 j + k

a ⋅b
i) Then projection of b on a = ⋅a
| a |2

( i + j + k) ⋅ (2 i + 3 j + 3k)
= ⋅| i + j + k |
| i + j + k |2
2 + 3 +1
= ⋅i + j+k
( 3) 2
6( i + j + k)
= = 2( i + j + k)
3

| a ⋅ b | | ( i + j + k) ⋅ (2 i + 3 j + k) |
Magnitude = =
|a| | i + j+k|

| 2 + 3 + 1| 6
= = = 2 3 unit
| 3| 3

(a ⋅ b)
ii) The component vector of b in the direction of a = ⋅a
| a |2

= 2( i + j + k) (∵ from 10(i))

The vector component of b perpen-dicular to a .

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(a ⋅ b)a
= b− = (2 i + 3 j + k) − 2( i + j + k)
| a |2
= 2 i + 3 j + k − 2 i − 2 j − 2k = j − k

41. If a + b + c = 0,| a |= 3,| b |= 5 and | c | = 7 then find the angle between a and b .
Sol. Given | a |= 3,| b |= 5,| c |= 7 and
a+b+c =0
a + b = −c

Squaring on both sides

a 2 + b 2 + 2a ⋅ b = c 2
⇒| a |2 + | b |2 | 2[| a || b | cos(a, b)] = | c |2
⇒ 9 + 25 + 2[3.5cos(a, b)] = 49
⇒ 2[15cos(a, b)] = 49 − 34
15
⇒ cos(a, b) =
30
1 π
⇒ cos(a, b) = = cos
2 3
π
⇒ (a, b) =
3

∴ Angle between a and b is 60°.

42. Find the equation of the plane passing through the point a = 2 i + 3 j − k and
perpendicular to the vector 3i − 2 j − 2k and the distance of this plane from
the origin.
Sol. Let a = 2 i + 3 j − k and b = 3 i − 2 j − 2k

Equation of the required plane is

r ⋅b = a ⋅b
r.(3i − 2 j − 2k) =
(2 i + 3 j − k) ⋅ (3 i − 2 j − 2k)
= 6−6+2
r.(3i − 2 j − 2k) = 2

Its Cartesian form is

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(x i + yj + zk) ⋅ (3i − 2 j − 2k) = 2
⇒ 3x − 2y − 2z = 2

Perpendicular distance from the origin to the above plane is

| a ⋅b | 2 2
= =
|b| 9+4+4 17

43. If a = 2 i + j − k, b = − i + 2 j − 4k and c = i + j + k then find (a × b) ⋅ (b × c) .

i j k
Sol. a × b = 2 1 −1
−1 2 −4

= i (−4 + 2) − j(−8 − 1) + k(4 + 1)

= −2 i + 9 j + 5k
i j k
b × c = −1 2 −4
1 1 1
= i (2 + 4) − j(−1 + 4) + k(−1 − 2)
= 6 i − 3 j − 3k

(a × b) ⋅ (b × c)
= (−2 i + 9 j + 5k) ⋅ (6 i − 3 j − 3k)
= −12 − 27 − 15 = −54

44. If a, b, c are unit vectors such that a is perpendicular to the plane of b, c

and the angle between b and c is π/3, then find | a + b + c | .

Sol. a perpendicular to plane contain b and c .

⇒ a ⋅ b = 0, a ⋅ c = 0

Consider
| a + b + c |2 = (a + b + c) 2
= a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2c a

=| a |2 + | b |2 + | c |2 +0
+2 | b || c | cos(b, c) + 0

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π
= 1 + 1 + 2 + 2(1)(1) cos
3
1
= 3 + 2× = 3 +1 = 4
2
∴ | a + b + c |= 2

45. If a = 2 i + 3 j + 4k, b = i + j − k and c = i − j + k then compute a × (b × c) and

verify that it is perpendicular to a.
Sol. Given a = 2 i + 3 j + 4k, b = i + j − k , c = i − j + k
i j k
b× c = 1 1 −1 = i (1 − 1) − j(1 + 1) + k(−1 − 1) = −2 j − 2k
1 −1 1
i j k
a × (b × c) = 2 3 4 = i (−6 + 8) − j(−4 − 0) + k(−4 − 0) = 2 i + 4 j − 4k
0 −2 −2
(a × (b × c) ⋅ a = (2 i + 4 j − 4k) ⋅ (2 i + 3 j + 4k)
= 4 + 12 − 16 = 16 − 16 = 0
∴ a × (b × c) is perpendicular to a .

46. Let a, b and c are non-coplanar vectors prove that if ⎡⎣ a + 2b 2b + c 5c + a ⎤⎦ =

λ ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ , then find λ.
Sol. Given
⎡⎣ a + 2b 2b + c 5c + a ⎤⎦ = λ ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

1 2 0
0 2 1 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = λ ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦
1 0 5
⇒ [1(10 − 0) − 2(0 − 1) + 0(0 − 2) ]
⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = λ ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

⇒ (10 + 2) ⎣⎡ a b c ⎦⎤ = λ ⎣⎡ a b c ⎤⎦
∴λ = 12

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47. If a = i − 2 j − 3k, b = 2 i + j − k and c = i + 3 j − 2k verify that a × (b × c) ≠ (a × b) × c .

i j k
Sol. b× c = 2 1 −1
1 3 −2

= i (−2 + 3) − j(−4 + 1) + k(6 − 1)

b × c = i + 3 j + 5k

i j k
a × (b × c) = 1 −2 −3 = i (−10 + 9) − j(5 + 3) + k(3 + 2)
1 3 5

a × (b × c) = − i − 8 j + 5k

i j k
a × b = 1 −2 −3 = i (2 + 3) − j(−1 + 6) + k(1 + 4)
2 1 −1

a × b = 5 i − 5 j + 5k
i j k
(a × b) × c = 5 −5 5 = i (10 − 15) − j(−10 − 5) + k(15 + 5)
1 3 −2

(a × b) × c = −5 i + 15 j + 20k
∴ a × (b × c) ≠ (a × b) × c

48. Let b = 2 i + j − k, c = i + 3k . If a is a unit vector then find the maximum value

of [a b c] .

i j k
Sol. Consider b × c = 2 1 −1
1 0 3

= i (3) − j(6 + 1) + k(0 − 1)

= 3i − 7 j − k

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| b × c |= 9 + 49 + 1 = 59
Let (a, b × c) = θ
Consider [a b c] = a ⋅ b × c
= | a || b × c | cos[a, b × c]
= (1)( 59) cos θ
= 59 cos θ

We know that –1 ≤ cos θ ≤ 1

∴ Maximum value of [a b c] = 59 .

49. Let a, b, c be mutually orthogonal vectors of equal magnitudes. Prove that

the vector a + b + c is equally inclined to each of a, b, c , the angle of
1
inclination being cos −1 .
3

Sol. Let | a | = | b | = | c | = λ

Now, | a + b + c |2 = a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2Σ a ⋅ b

= 3λ 2 (∵ a ⋅ b = b ⋅ c = c ⋅ a = 0)

Let θ be the angle between a and a + b + c

a ⋅ (a + b + c) a ⋅a 1
Then cos θ = = =
| a || a + b + c | λ(λ 3) 3

1
Similarly, it can be proved that a + b + c inclines at an angle of cos −1 with
3

b and c.
50. In ΔABC, if BC = a, CA = b and AB = c , then show that a × b = b × c = c × a .

Sol. a + b + c = BC + CA + AB = BB = 0

∴ a + b = −c
∴ a × (a + b) = a × (− c)
∴ a × b = −(a × c) = c × a

Also (a + b) × b = (− c) × b
∴ a × b = −(c × b) = b × c
∴b× c = a × b = c × a

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51. Let a = 2 i + j − 2k, b = i + j . If c is a vector such that a ⋅ c =| c |,| c − a |= 2 2 and
the angle between a × b and c is 30°, then find the value of | (a × b) × c | .

Sol. | a |= 3,| b |= 2 and a ⋅ c =| c |

2 2 =| c − a |
⇒ 8 =| c − a |2 =| c |2 + | a |2 −2(a ⋅ c)
∴ 8 =| c |2 +9 − 2 | c |
∴ (| c | −1) = 0
2

∴| c |= 1

i j k
Now, a × b = 2 1 −2 = 2 i − 2 j + k
1 1 0

∴| (a × b) × c | = | a × b || c | sin 30°
⎛1⎞ 3
= 3(1) ⎜ ⎟ =
⎝2⎠ 2

52. If a is a non-zero vector and b, c are two vectors such that a × b = a × c and
a ⋅ b = a ⋅ c then prove that b = c .

Sol. a × b = a × c ⇒ a × (b − c) = 0

⇒ either b = c or b − c is collinear with a

Again a ⋅ b = a ⋅ c ⇒ a ⋅ (b − c) = 0

⇒ b = c or b − c is perpendicular to a

∴ If b ≠ c, then b − c is parallel to a and is perpendicular to a which is impossible.

∴ b= c.
53. Prove that for any three vectors a, b, c, ⎡⎣ b + c c + a a + b ⎤⎦ = 2 ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ .

Sol. ⎡⎣ b + c c+a a + b ⎤⎦

= (b + c) ⋅ {(c + a) × (a + b)}

= (b + c) ⋅ { c × a + c × b + a × b}

= b(c × a) + b(c × b) + b(a × b)

+ c(c × a) + c(c × b) + c(a × b)

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= [b c a] + 0 + 0 + 0 + 0 + [c a b]
= 2[a b c]

54. For any three vectors a, b, c prove that ⎡⎣ b × c c × a a × b ⎤⎦ = [a b c]2 .

Sol. ⎡⎣ b × c c×a a × b ⎤⎦

= (b × c) ⋅ {(c × a) × (a × b)}
= (b × c) ⋅ {[c a b]a − [a a b]c}

= (b × c) ⋅ a[c a b] = [a b c]2

55. For any four vectors a, b, c and d , (a × b) × (c × d) = [a c d]b − [b c d]a and

(a × b) × (c × d) = [a b d]c − [a b c]d .

Sol. Let m = c × d
∴ (a × b) × (c × d) = (a × b) × m
= (a ⋅ m)b − (b ⋅ m)a
= (a ⋅ (c × d))b − (b ⋅ (c × d))a
= [a c d]b − [b c d]a

Again, Let a × b = n , then

(a × b) × (c × d) = n × (c × d)
= (n ⋅ d)c − (n ⋅ c)d
= ((a × b) ⋅ d)c − ((a × b)c)d
= [a b d]c − [a b c]d

P
56. The angle in semi circle is a right angle
Proof: Let APB be a semi circle with centre at O.
 
OA = OB = OP also OB = −OA B
      A
O
AP.BP = (OP − OA).(OP − OA)
     
= (OP − OA).(OP + OA) ∵ OB = −OA
       
= (OP) 2 − (OA) 2 {
∵ (a + b0.(a − b) = (a) 2 − (b) 2 }
 2  2
= OP − OA = OP 2 − OP 2 = 0 {∵ OA = OP}
   
AP.BP = 0 ∴ AP ⊥ r PB Hence ∠APB = 900

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Hence angle in semi –cricle is 900

     2 2
57. For any two vectors a and b prove that (a × b)2 + (a.b)2 = a b
  
Sol: ( a × b) 2 + ( a.b) 2
2 2   
a b sin 2 (a, b) + (a.b) 2
2 2   
a b {1 − cos 2 (a, b)} + (a.b) 2
2 2 2 2   
a b − a b cos 2 (a, b) + (a.b) 2
2 2  
a b − (a.b) 2 + (a.b) 2
2 2
= a b = R.H .S
i j k
58. If a = a1i + a2 j + a3k b = b1i + b2 j + b3k , then a × b = a 1 a2 a3
b1 b2 b3

Proof : a × b = (a1i + a2 j + a3k ) × (b1i + b2 j + b3k )

= a1b1 ( i × i ) + a1b2 ( i × j ) + a1b3 ( i × k ) + a2b1 ( j × i ) + a2b2 ( j × j ) + a2b3 ( j × k )

+ a3b1 (k × i ) + a3b2 (k × j ) + a3b3 (k × k )

= a1b1 (0) + a1b2 (k ) + a1b3 (− j ) + a2b1 (−k ) + a2b2 (0) + a2b3 ( i ) + a3b1 ( j ) + a3b2 (− i ) + a3b3 (0)

= i (a2b3 − a3b2 ) − j (a1b3 − a3b1 ) + k (a1b2 − a2b1 )

i j k
= a 1 a2 a3
b1 b2 b3

   
        a.c a.d
59. If a, b, c, d are four vectors then (a × b).(c × d ) =    
b.c b.d
       
Proof : (a × b).(c × d ) = {(a × b) × c }.d {∵ dot and cross are inter changeable }
              
{(a.c)b − (b.c)a }.d = (a.c) (b.d ) − (b.c)(a.d )
   
a.c a.d
=    
b.c b.d

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60. If a, b, c, d are four vectors then (a × b) × (c × d ) = [a b d ]c − [a b c ] d
       
= [a c d ]b − [b c d ] a
                   
Proof :- (a × b) × (c × d ) = (a × b.d )c − (a × b.c)d = [a b d ]c − [a b c]d
           
(a × b) × (c × d ) = (c × d . a]b − (c × d . b]a
       
= [a c d ]b − (b c d ]a

LAQ’S
61. a, b, c and d are the position vectors of four coplanar points such that
(a – d).(b – c) = (b – d).(c – a) = 0 show that the point ‘d’ represents the
orthocenter of the triangle with a, b and c as its vertices.
Sol.
A(a)

D(d)

B(b) C(c)

Let O be the origin and

OA = a, OB = b, OC = c, OD = d

Given that (a − d) ⋅ (b − c) = 0

⇒ (OA − OD) ⋅ (OB − OC) = 0

⇒ DA ⋅ CB = 0
⇒ DA perpendicular to CB

D is an altitudes of ΔABC
Consider (b − d) ⋅ (c − a) = 0

(OB − OD) ⋅ (OC − OA) = 0

DB ⋅ AC = 0
⇒ DB perpendicular to AC

⇒ DB is also an altitude of ΔABC

The altitudes DA, DB intersect at D.
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⇒ D is the orthocenter of ΔABC.
62. Let a = 4 i + 5 j − k, b = i − 4 j + 5k and c = 3 i + j − k . Find the vector which is
perpendicular to both a and b whose magnitude is twenty one times the
magnitude of c .
Sol. Given that a = 4 i + 5 j − k, b = i − 4 j + 5k and c = 3 i + j − k

| c | = 9 + 1 + 1 = 11

a×b
The unit vector perpendicular to both a and b is =
| a×b|

i j k
Now a × b = 4 5 −1
1 −4 5

= i (25 − 4) − j(20 + 1) + k(−16 − 5)

= 21i − 21 j − 21k
= 21( i − j − k)
| a × b |= 21 1 + 1 + 1 = 21 3

The vector perpendicular both a and b and having the magnitude 21 times
magnitude of c is
21| c | (a × b)
=±
| a×b|
21 11 × 21( i − j − k)
=±
21 3
±21 11( i − j − k)
=
3
±7 ⋅ 3 11( i − j − k)
=
3
= ±7 3 11( i − j − k)
= ±7 33( i − j − k)

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63. G is the centroid ΔABC and a, b, c are the lengths of the sides BC, CA and
AB respectively. Prove that a2 + b2 + c2 = 3(OA2 + OB2 + OC2) – 9(OG)2
where O is any point.
Sol.
A

c b

B C
a

Given that BC = a, CA = b, AB = c
Let O be the origin
OA + OB + OC = 3OG
2
a 2 = BC = (OC − OB) 2
2 2
= OC + OB − 2OC ⋅ OB
2
b 2 = CA = (OA − OC) 2
2 2
= OA + OC − 2OA ⋅ OC
2
c 2 = AB = (OB − OA) 2
2 2
= OB + OA − 2OB ⋅ OA

Consider

a 2 + b 2 + c2 = 2 ⎡ OA + OB + OC ⎤ −2 ⎡⎣OA ⋅ OB + OB ⋅ OC + OC ⋅ OA ⎤⎦ ...(1)
2 2 2

⎣⎢ ⎥⎦

We have OA + OB + OC = 3OG
Squaring on both sides
2 2 2 2
OA + OB + OC + 2 ⎡⎣OA ⋅ OB + OB ⋅ OC + OC ⋅ OA ⎤⎦ = 9OG

⇒ −2(OA ⋅ OB + OB ⋅ OC + OC ⋅ OA)
2 2 2 2
= OA + OB + OC − 9OG ...(2)

Substituting in eq.(1), we get

a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 2 ⎡OA + OB + OC ⎤ +[OA + OB + OC ] − 9OG

2 2 2 2 2 2 2
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

a 2 + b 2 + c 2 = 3 ⎡OA + OB + OC ⎤ − 9OG
2 2 2 2
⎢⎣ ⎥⎦

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64. A line makes angles θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4 with the diagonals of a cube. Show that
4
cos 2 θ1 + cos 2 θ2 + cos 2 θ3 + cos 2 θ4 = .
3

Sol.
B C′

A′ P
j r L
i
A
O
k
C B′

Let OAB′C, BC′PA′ be a unit cube.

Let OA = i , OB = j and OC = k

OP, AA′, BB′, CC′ be its diagonals.

Let r = x i + yj + zk be a unit vector along a line L.

Which makes angles θ1, θ2, θ3 and θ4 with AA′, BB′, CC′ and OP .

⇒ | r |= x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 1
We have OB′ = OA − OC = i + k
OP = OB′ − B′P = i + k + j [∵ B′O = OB = j]
= i + j+k

AA′ = OA′ − OA = j + k − i = − i + j + k
BB′ = OB′ − OB = i + k − j = i − j + k
CC′ = OC′ − OC = i + j − k
Let ( r , OP) = θ1

r ⋅ OP (x i + yj + zk) ⋅ ( i + j + k)
cos θ1 = =
| r || OP | 1⋅ 1 + 1 + 1
x+y+z
= ...(1)
3

Similarly ( r , AA′) = θ2

r ⋅ AA′ (x i + yj + zk) ⋅ (− i + j + k)
⇒ cos θ2 = =
| r || AA′ | 1⋅ 1 + 1 + 1
−x + y + z
= ...(2)
3

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( r , BB′) = θ3
r ⋅ BB′
⇒ cos θ3 =
| r || BB′ |

(x i + yj + zk) ⋅ ( i − j + k)
=
1⋅ 1 + 1 + 1
x−y+z
= ...(3)
3

( r , CC′) = θ4
r ⋅ CC′
⇒ cos θ3 =
| r || CC′ |
(x i + yj + zk) ⋅ ( i + j − k)
=
1⋅ 1 + 1 + 1
x+y−z
= ...(4)
3

∴ cos 2 θ1 + cos 2 θ2 + cos 2 θ3 + cos 2 θ4

2 2 2 2
⎛ x + y + z ⎞ ⎛ −x + y + z ⎞ ⎛ x − y + z ⎞ ⎛ x + y − z ⎞
=⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝ 3 ⎠

(x + y + z) 2 + (x − y + z) 2 + (x + y − z) 2
(x + y + z) + (− x + y + z) =
2 2
3
2(x + y) 2 + 2z 2 + 2(x − y) 2 + 2z 2 2 ⎡⎣(x + y) + (x − y) ⎤⎦ + 4z
2 2 2

= =
3 3
2 ⎡⎣ 2x 2 + 2y 2 ⎤⎦ + 4z 2
=
3

4x 2 + 4y 2 + 4z 2 4 2 4 4
= = ⎡⎣ x + y 2 + z 2 ⎤⎦ = (1) =
3 3 3 3

65. If a + b + c = 0 then prove that a × b = b × c = c × a .

Sol. Given a + b + c = 0
a + b = −c
(a + b) × b = − c × b
a ×b + b×b = b× c
a ×b +0 = b× c
a ×b = b× c ...(1)

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Given a + b + c = 0
a + b = −c
(a + b) × a = − c × a
a × a + b × a = −c × a
0 − a × b = −c × a
a×b = c×a ...(2)

From (1) and (2)

a ×b = b× c = c×a

66. Let a and b be vectors, satisfying | a | = | b |= 5 and (a, b) = 45° . Find the area of
the triangle have a − 2b and 3a + 2b as two of its sides.

Sol. Given a and b are two vectors.

| a | = | b |= 5 and (a, b) = 45°

c = a − 2b and d = 3a + 2b

| c×d |
The area of Δle having c and d as adjacent sides is
2

| c × d |=| (a − 2b) × (3a + 2b) |

= | 3(a × a) + 2(a × b) − 6(b × a) − 4(b × b) |
= | 3(0) + 2(a × b) + 6(a × b) − 4(0) |
= | 8(a × b) |
= 8| a ×b |
= 8 | a || b | sin(a, b)
= 8 ⋅ 5 ⋅ 5sin 45°
1
= 200 ⋅ = 100 2
2
| c × d | 100 2
∴ Area = = = 50 2 sq.units.
2 2

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67. Find a unit vector perpendicular to the plane determined by the points
P(1, –1, 2), Q(2, 0, –1) and R(0, 2, 1).
Sol. Let O be the origin and
OP = i − j + 2k, OQ = 2 i − k, OR = 2 j + k

PQ = OQ − OP = i − 2k
P R = OR − OP = − i + 3 j − k
i j k
PQ × PR = 1 0 −2
−1 3 −1

= i (0 + 6) − j(−1 − 2) + k(3 − 0)
PQ × PR = 6 i + 3 j + 3k
| PQ × PR |= 3 4 + 1 + 1 = 3 6

∴ The unit vector perpendicular to the plane passing through

PQ × PR
P, Q and R is = ±
| PQ × PR |

3(2 i + j + k) 2i + j + k
=± =±
3 6 6

68. If a, b and c represent the vertices A, B and C respectively of ΔABC, then

prove that | (a × b) + (b + c) + (c × a) | is twice the area of ΔABC.

Sol.
A(a)

B(b) C(c)

Let O be the origin,

OA = a, OB = b, OC = c

Area of ΔABC is = 12 (AB × AC)

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1
= (OB − OA) × (OC − OA)
2
1
= (b − a) × (c − a)
2
1
= b× c − b×a − a × c + a ×a
2
1
= b× c + a ×b + c×a + 0
2
1
= b× c + a ×b + c×a
2

2Δ = a × b + b × c + c × a . Hence proved.

69. If a = 4 i − 2 j + 3k, b = 2 i + 8k and c = i + j + k then a × b, a × c and a × (b + c) .

Verify whether the cross product is distributive over vector addition.
Sol. Given
a = 4 i − 2 j + 3k, b = 2 i + 8k , c = i + j + k

i j k
a × b = 7 −2 3
2 0 8

= i (−16 − 0) − j(56 − 6) + k(0 + 4)

a × b = −16 i − 50 j + 4k
i j k
a × c = 7 −2 3
1 1 1

= i (−2 − 3) − j(7 − 3) + k(7 + 2)

a × c = −4 i − 4 j + 9k

i j k
a × (b + c) = 7 −2 3
3 1 9

= i (−18 − 3) − j(63 − 9) + k(7 + 6)

∴ a × (b + c) = −21i − 54 j + 13k
a × b + a × c = −21i − 54 j + 13k
∴ a × (b + c) = a × b + a × c

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70. If a = i + j + k , c = j − k , then find vector b such that a × b = c and a ⋅ b = 3 .

Sol.
c

b
a
Let b = x i + yj + zk

i j k
a × b = 1 1 1 = i (z − y) − j(z − x) + k(y − x) = c(given)
x y z

a×b = c
⇒ i (z − y) − j(z − x) + k(y − x) = j − k

z−y=0 ...(1)
x − z =1 ...(2)
y − x = −1 ⇒ x − y = 1 ...(3)

a ⋅b = 3
( i + j + k) ⋅ (x i + yj + zk) = 3
x+y+z =3 ...(4)
Put y = z in (4)
x+z+z =3
x + 2z = 3 ...(5)

From (2) and (5)

x + 2y = 3
x–z=1
2 2
3z = 2 ⇒ z = ⇒ y =
3 3

Now, we have
x+y+z=3

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2 2
x+ + =3
3 3
4
x+ =3
3
4 5
x = 3− =
3 3
5 2 2 1
∴ b = i + j + k = ⎡⎣5 i + 2 j + 2k ⎤⎦
3 3 3 3

71. a, b, c are three vectors of equal magnitudes and each of them is inclined at
an angle of 60° to the others. If | a + b + c |= 6 , then find | a | .

Sol. | a + b + c |= 6

⇒| a + b + c |2 = 6
⇒ a 2 + b 2 + c 2 + 2ab + 2bc + 2c a = 6
Let | a |=| b |=| c |= a
⇒ a 2 + a 2 + a 2 + 2a 2 cos(a, b) +2a 2 cos(b, c) + 2a 2 cos(c, a) = 6

⇒ 3a 2 + 2a 2 cos 60° + 2a 2 cos 60° + 2a 2 cos 60° = 6

⇒ 3a 2 + 6a 2 cos 60° = 6
1
⇒ 3a 2 + 6a 2 × =6
2
⇒ 3a 2 + 3a 2 = 6
⇒ 6a 2 = 6
⇒ a 2 = 1 ⇒ a = 1 ⇒| a |= 1

72. a = 3 i − j + 2k, b = − i + 3 j + 2k , c = 4 i + 5 j − 2k and d = i + 3 j + 5k ,then compute the

following.
i) (a × b) × (c × d)

ii) (a × b) ⋅ c − (a × d) ⋅ b

i j k
Sol. i) a × b = 3 −1 2
−1 3 2

= i (−2 − 6) − j(6 + 2) + k(9 − 1)

a × b = −8 i − 8 j + 8k

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i j k
c × d = 4 5 −2
1 3 5
= i (25 + 6) − j(20 + 2) + k(12 − 5)
= 31i − 22 j + 7k

i j k
(a × b) × (c × d) = −8 −8 8
31 −22 7
= i (−56 + 176) − j(−56 − 248) + k(176 + 248)
∴ (a × b) × (c × d) = 120 i + 304 j + 424k

ii) (a × b) ⋅ c = (−8 i − 8 j + 8k) ⋅ (3 i − j + 2k)

= −24 + 8 + 16
(a × b) ⋅ c = 0

i j k
a × d = 3 −1 2
1 3 5
= i (−5 − 6) − j(15 − 2) + k(9 + 1)
= −11i − 13 j + 10k
(a × d) ⋅ b(−11i − 13 j + 10k) ⋅ (− i + 3 j + 2k)
= 11 − 39 + 20 = −8
∴ (a × b) ⋅ c − (a × d) ⋅ b = 0 − (−8)
= 0+8 = 8

73. If a, b and c are mutually perpendicular unit vectors then find the value of
2
⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ .

Sol. Case (i) : Let a, b, c form a right hand system

⇒ b× c = a
⇒ ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = a ⋅ (b × c) = a ⋅ a =| a |2 = 1
2
∴ ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = 1

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Case (ii) : Let a, b, c form a left hand system

⇒ (b × c) = − a
⇒ ⎣⎡ a b c ⎦⎤ = a ⋅ (b × c)

= −(a ⋅ a) = − | a |2 = −1
2
∴ ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = 1

2
∴ In both cases we have ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ = 1 .

74. If a, b and c are non-zero vectors and a is perpendicular to both b and c. If

2π
| a |= 2,| b |= 3,| c |= 4 and (b, c) = , then find ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ .
3

Sol. If a is perpendicular to b and c .

⇒ a is parallel to b × c

⇒ ⎡⎣ a, b × c ⎤⎦ = 0
⇒ b × c = | b || c | sin(b, c)aˆ
2π
⇒| b × c |= 3 × 4sin aˆ
3
3
⇒| b × c |= 12sin120.1 = 12 × =6 3
2
∴ ⎡⎣| a b c |⎤⎦ = | a ⋅ (b × c) |= | a || b × c | cos(a b c)

= (2 ⋅ 6 3) cos 0 = 12 3
∴| a ⋅ b × c | = (2 ⋅ 6 3) = 12 3

75. If ⎡⎣ b c d ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣ c a d ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣ a b d ⎤⎦ = ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦ then show that a, b, c, d are

coplanar.
Sol. Let O be the origin, then
OA = a, OB = b, OC = c, OD = d are position vectors.

Then AB = b − a, AC = c − a and AD = d − a

The vectors AB, AC, AD are coplanar.

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∴ ⎡⎣ AB AC AD ⎤⎦ = 0

⇒ ⎣⎡ b − a c−a d − a ⎦⎤ = 0
⇒ (b − a) × (c − a) ⋅ (d − a) = 0
⇒ (b × c − b × a − a × c + a × a) ⋅ (d − a) = 0

⇒ (b × c + a × b + c × a) ⋅ (d − a) = 0
(∵ a × a = 0)

⇒ (b × c) ⋅ d + (a × b) ⋅ d + (c × a) ⋅ d − (b × c) ⋅ a − (a × b) ⋅ a − (c × a) ⋅ a = 0

⇒ (b × c) ⋅ d + (a × b) ⋅ d + (c × a) ⋅ d − (b × c) ⋅ a = 0
⇒ ⎡⎣ b c d ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣ a b d ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣ c a d ⎤⎦ = ⎡⎣ a b c ⎤⎦

76. If a, b, c non-coplanar vectors then prove that the four points with position
vectors 2a + 3b − c, a − 2b + 3c,3a + 4b − 2c and a − 6b + 6c are coplanar.

Sol. Let A, B, C, D be the position vectors of given vectors.

Then OA = 2a + 3b − c, OB = a − 2b + 3c

OC = 3a + 4b − 2c, OD = a − 6b + 6c

AB = OB − OA = − a − 5b + 4c
AC = OC − OA = a + b − c
AD = OD − OA = − a − 9b + 7c

Let AB = xAC + yAD where x, y are scalars.

− a − 5b + 4c = x(a + b − c) + y(− a − 9b + 7c)

− a − 5b + 4c = (x − y)a + (x − 9y)b + (− x + 7y)c

Comparing a, b, c coefficients on both sides

x – y = –1 …(1)
x – 9y = –5 …(2)
–x + 7y = 4 …(3)
1
(1) – (2) ⇒ 8y = 4 ⇒ y =
2

1
From (1) : x = −
2

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1 7 8
⇒ + =4⇒ =4⇒4=4
2 2 2

∴ Given vectors are coplanar.

77. Show that the equation of the plane passing through the points with
position vectors 3i − 5 j − k, − i + 5 j + 7k and parallel to the vector 3i − j + 7k is
3x + 2y – z = 0.
Sol. Let OA = 3 i − 5 j − k, OB = − i + 5 j + 7k

OC = 3 i − j + 7k

Let P(x i + yj + zk) be any point on the plane with position vector.

Such that OP = x i + yj + zk
AP = OP − OA = x i + yj + zk − 3 i + 5 j + k
= (x − 3) i + (y + 5) j + (z + 1)k
AB = OB − OA = − i + 5 j + 7k − 3i + 5 j + k ∴ The vector equation of the plane passing
= −4 i + 10 j + 8k
C = 3i − j + 7k

through A, B and parallel to C is :

[AP AB C] = 0

x − 3 y + 5 z +1
⇒ −4 10 8 =0
3 −1 7
⇒ (x − 3)[70 + 8] − (y + 5)[−28 − 24] +(z + 1)[4 − 30] = 0
⇒ (x − 3)78 + (y + 5)52 + (z + 1)(−26) = 0
⇒ 26 [ (x + 1)3 + (y + 5)2 + (z + 1)(−1) ] = 0
⇒ 3x − 9 + 2y + 10 − z − 1 = 0
⇒ 3x + 2y − z = 0

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78. Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the intersection of
planes r ⋅ (2 i + 2 j − 3k) = 7, r ⋅ (2 i + 5 j + 3k) = 9 and through the point (2, 1, 3).

Sol. Cartesian form the given planes is

2x + 2y – 3z = 7 …(1) and
2x + 5y + 3z = 9 …(2)
Equation of the required plane will be in the form
(2x + 2y – 3z – 7) + λ(2x + 5y + 3z – 9) = 0
Since it is passing through the point (2,1,3)
[2(2) + 2(1) – 3(3) – 7] +λ[2(2) + 5(1) + 3(3) – 9] = 0
(4 + 2 – 9 – 7) + λ(4 + 5 + 9 – 9) = 0
–10 + 9λ = 0
10
9λ = 10 ⇒ λ =
9

Required plane is :
10
(2x + 2y − 3z − 7) + (2x + 5y + 3z − 9) = 0
9
18x + 18y − 27z − 63 + 20x + 50y + 30z − 90 = 0
38x + 68y + 3z − 153 = 0

Its vector form is

r ⋅ (38 i + 68 j + 3k) = 153 .

79. Find the shortest distance between the lines r = 6 i + 2 j + 2k + λ( i − 2 j + 2k) and
r = −4 i − k + μ(3 i − 2 j − 2k) .

Sol. Given lines are

r = 6 i + 2 j + 2k + λ( i − 2 j + 2k)

r = −4 i − k + μ(3 i − 2 j − 2k)

Let a = 6 i + 2 j + 2k, b = i − 2 j + 2k
c = −4 i − k, d = 3 i − 2 j − 2k

Shortest distance between the given lines is

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[a − c b d]
| b×d |

a − c = 10 i + 2 j + 3k
10 2 3
[a − c b d] = 1 −2 2
3 −2 −2
= 10(4 + 4) − 2(−2 − 6) + 3(−2 + 6)
= 80 + 16 + 12 = 108

i j k
[b × d] = 1 −2 2
3 −2 −2

= i (4 + 4) − j(−2 − 6) + k(−2 + 6)
= 8 i + 8 j + 4k
| b × d |= 64 + 64 + 16 = 144 = 12

108
∴ Distance = = 9 units.
12

80. If a, b, c are the position vectors of the points A, B and C respectively. Then
prove that the vector a × b + b × c + c × a is perpendicular to the plane of
ΔABC.
Sol. We have
AB = b − a, BC = c − b and CA = a − c

Let r = a × b + b × c + c × a
then r ⋅ AB = r ⋅ (b − a)

= (a × b + b × c + c × a) ⋅ (b − a)
= a × b ⋅ b − a × b ⋅ a + b × c ⋅ b −b × c ⋅ a + c × a ⋅ b − c × a ⋅ a
= ⎣⎡ a b b ⎤⎦ − ⎡⎣ a b a ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣ b c b ⎤⎦ − ⎡⎣ b c a ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣ c a b ⎤⎦ − [ c a a]

= − ⎡⎣ b c a ⎤⎦ + ⎡⎣ c a b ⎤⎦ (∵ ⎡⎣ ab b ⎤⎦ = 0)
= 0 (∵ ⎡⎣ c a b ⎤⎦ = ⎡⎣ b c a ⎤⎦ )

Thus r is perpendicular to AB
(∵ neither of them is zero vector)

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Similarly we can show that r ⋅ BC = 0 and hence r is also perpendicular to BC .
Since r is perpendicular to two lines in the plane ΔABC, it is perpendicular to the
plane ΔABC.

81. Show that (a × (b × c)) × c = (a ⋅ c)(b × c) & (a × b) ⋅ (a × c) + (a ⋅ b)(a ⋅ c) = (a ⋅ a)(b ⋅ c) .

Sol. [a × (b × c)] × c = [(a ⋅ c)b − (a ⋅ b)c] × c

= (a ⋅ c)(b × c) = (a ⋅ b)(c × c)
= (a ⋅ c)(b × c) − (a ⋅ b)(0)

[a × (b × c)] × c = (a ⋅ c)(b × c)
(a × b) ⋅ (a × c) + (a ⋅ b)(a ⋅ c) = (a ⋅ b)(b ⋅ c)

a ⋅a a⋅c
(a × b) ⋅ (a × c) = = (a ⋅ a)(b ⋅ c) − (a ⋅ c)(b ⋅ a)
b⋅a b⋅c

L.H.S. = (a × b) ⋅ (a × c) + (a ⋅ b)(a ⋅ c)
= (a ⋅ a)(b ⋅ c) − (a ⋅ c)(b ⋅ a) + (a ⋅ b)(a ⋅ c)
= (a ⋅ a)(b ⋅ c) = R.H.S.

82. If A = (1, –2, –1), B = (4, 0, –3), C = (1, 2, –1) and D = (2, –4, –5) find the
shortest distance between AB and CD.
Sol. Let O be the origin
Let OA = i − 2 j − k, OB = 4 i − 3k

OC = i + 2 j − k, OD = 2 i − 4 j − 5k

The vector equation of a line passing through A, B is

r = (1 − t)a + tb, t ∈ R
= a + t(b − a)
= i − 2 j − k + t(4 i − 3k − i + 2 j + k)
= i − 2 j − k + t(3 i + 2 j − 2k)
= a + tb
where a = i − 2 j − k, b = 3 i + 2 j − 2k

The vector equation of a line passing through C, D is

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r = (1 − s)c + sd,s ∈ R
r = c + s(d − c)
= i + 2 i − k + s[2 i − 4 j − 5k − i − 2 j + k]
= i + 2 j − k + s[ i − 6 j − 4k]
= c + sd
where c = i + 2 j − k, d = i − 6 j − 4k

i j k
b × d = 3 2 −2
1 −6 −4

= i [−8 − 12] − j[−12 + 2] + k[−18 − 2]

= −20 i + 10 j − 20k = 10[−2 i + j − 2k]
| b × d |= 10 4 + 1 + 4 = 10 ⋅ 3 = 30

a − c = i − 2 j − k − i − 2 j + k = −4 j
[a − c b ⋅ d] (a − c) ⋅ (b × d)
=
| b×d | | b×d |
−4 j ⋅10[−2 i + j − 2k] 10[4] 40 4
= = = =
30 30 30 3

∴ The shortest distance between the lines = 4/3.

83. If a = 2 i + j − 3k, b = i − 2 j + k , c = − i + j − 4k and d = i + j + k then compute

| (a × b) × (c × d) | .

i j k
Sol. a×b = 2 1 −3
1 −2 1

= i (1 − 6) − j(2 + 3) + k(−4 − 1)
a × b = −5 i − 5 j − 5k

i j k
c × d = −1 1 −4 = i (1 + 4) − j(−1 + 4) + k(−1 − 1)
1 1 1

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c × d = 5 i − 3 j − 2k
i j k
(a × b) × (c × d) = −5 −5 −5 = i (10 − 15) − j(10 + 25) + k(15 + 25)
5 −3 −2

= −5 i − 35 j + 40k
(a × b) × (c × d) = +5 ⎡⎣ − i − 7 j + 8k ⎤⎦

| (a × b) × (c × d) | = +5 1 + 49 + 64
∴| (a × b) × (c × d) | = +5 114

84. If A = (1 a a 2 ), B = (1 b b 2 ) and c = (1 c c 2 ) are non-coplanar vectors and

a a 2 1+ a3
b b 2 1 + b 3 = 0 then show that (a b c + 1) = 0 .
c c2 1+ c3

a a 2 1+ a3
Sol. Given b b 2 1 + b 3 = 0
c c2 1+ c3

a a2 1 a a2 a3
b b2 1 + b b2 b3 = 0
c c2 1 c c2 c3

a a2 1 1 a a2
⇒ b b2 1 + a b c 1 b b2 = 0
c c2 1 1 c c2

a a2 1 a 1 a2
⇒ b b2 1 + a b c b 1 b2 = 0
(−)
c c2 1 c 1 c2

a a2 1 a a2 1
⇒ b b2 1 + a b c b b2 1 = 0
( − )( − )
c c2 1 c c2 1

a a2 1
⇒ b b 2 1 (1 + a b c) = 0
c c2 1

a b c +1 = 0

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(∵ a b c are non-coplanar vectors)
⇒ a, b, c = −1

85. If a, b, c are non-zero vectors | (a × b)c |= | a || b || c |⇔ a ⋅ b = b ⋅ c = c ⋅ a = 0 .

Sol. Given a ≠ 0, b ≠ 0 and c ≠ 0

| a × b ⋅ c | = | a || b || c |
⇒| a × b || c | cos ( (a × b) ⋅ c ) =| a || b || c |

⇒| a || b |sin(a, b) ⋅ cos(a × b ⋅ c) =| a || b |
⇒ sin(a, b) ⋅ cos(a × b ⋅ c) = 1
⇒ sin(a, b) = 1 and cos(a × b ⋅ c) = 1
⇒ a ⋅ b = 90° and a × b ⋅ c = 0
⇒ a ⋅ b = 90° and a × b parallel to c
a ⋅ b = 90° and a, b are perpendicular to c
⇒ a ⋅ b = 0° and a ⋅ c = b ⋅ c = 0
⇒ a ⋅b = b⋅c = c⋅a = 0

86. If | a | = 1,| b | = 1,| c |= 2 and a × (a × c) + b = 0 , then find the angle between a and c .

Sol. Given that | a | = 1,| b | = 1,| c |= 2

Let (a, c) = θ

Consider a ⋅ c =| a || c | cos θ
= (1)(2) cos θ
= 2 cos θ ...(1)
Consider a × (a × c) + b = 0
(a ⋅ c)a − (a ⋅ a)c + b = 0
(2 cos θ)a − (1)c + b = 0 ...(2)
(2 cos θ)a − c = − b
Squaring on both sides
[(2 cos θ)a − c]2 = (− b) 2
⇒ (4 cos 2 θ)(a) 2 + (c) 2 − 4 cos θ(a ⋅ c) = b 2
⇒ 4 cos 2 θ(1) + (2) 2 − 4 cos θ(2 cos θ) = 1
⇒ 4 cos 2 θ + 4 − 8cos 2 θ = 1
⇒ 4 − 4 cos 2 θ = 1
⇒ 4 cos 2 θ = 3

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3 3
⇒ cos 2 θ = ⇒ cos θ = ±
4 2

Case I :
3 π
If cos θ = ⇒θ=
2 6
π
⇒ (a, c) = = 30°
6

Case II :
3 π 5π
If cos θ = − ⇒ θ = π− = = 150°
2 6 6
5π
⇒ (a, c) = = 150°
6

87. Prove that the smaller angle θ between any tow diagonals of a cube is given
by cos θ = 1/3.
Sol. Without loss of generality we may assume that the cube is a unit cube.
∴ Let OA = i , OC = j and OG = k be coterminus edges of the cube.
G D

F
E
k
j
C
O
i
A B

∴ Diagonal OE = i + j + k and diagonal BG = − i − j + k .

Let θ be the smaller angle between the diagonals OE and BG.

| OE ⋅ BG | | −1 − 1 + 1| 1
Then cos θ = = =
| OE || BG | 3 3 3

88. The altitudes of a triangle are concurrent

     
Proof : Let OA = a , OB = b and OC = c be the position vectors of the vertices of of a
triangle ABC
 
Let the altitudes through A and B meet at p. let OP = r now
 r   
AP ⊥ BC ⇒ AP.BC = 0
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(r − a).(c − b) = 0 ⇒ r.(c − b) = a.(c − b) → (1)
   
Also BP ⊥ r BC ⇒ BP.CA = 0
         
(r − a).(a − c) = 0 ⇒ r.(a − c) = b.(a − c) → (2) A
           
(1)+(2) ⇒ r.(c − b) + r (a − c) = a.(c − b) + b.(a − c)
     
r.(a − b) = c.(b − a )
      P
r.(b − a ) − c.(b − a ) = 0
   
(r − c).(b − a) = 0 B C
   
CP. AB = 0 ∴ CP ⊥ r AB

∴ Altitude through C also passes through

∴ Altitudes are concurrent

89. The perpendicular bisectors of sides of a triangle are concurrent.

  
Proof: Let A ,B, C be the vertices of a triangle with position vectors a, b, c .
Let D, E, F be the mid points of BC, CA, AB respectively Let ‘O’ be point of
intersection of perpendicular bisectors of BC and AC
   
 b + c  a + c
OD = OE = A
2 2
   
OD ⊥r BC ⇒ OD.BC = 0
 
⎛b+c⎞  
⎜ ⎟ .(c − b) = 0 E
⎝ 2 ⎠ O
 
(c) 2 − (b) 2 = 0 → (1)
B C
 
 a + c   
OE = AC = c − a
2
   
OE ⊥r CA ⇒ OE.CA = 0
 
⎛a+c⎞  
⎜ ⎟ .( a − c) = 0
⎝ 2 ⎠
 
⇒ (a ) 2 − (c) 2 = 0 → (2)
     
(1)+(2) we have (a) 2 − (b)2 = 0 ⇒ (a + b).(a − b) = 0
 
⎛ a+b⎞    
⎜ ⎟ .( a − b) = 0 ⇒ OF .BA = 0
⎝ 2 ⎠
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OF ⊥ r BA

∴⊥ r bisector of AB also passes through O

Hence perpendicular bisectors are concurrent.

90. The vector equation of plane passing through the points A, B, C having
                
position vectors a, b, c is [r − a b − a c − a] = 0 (or) r.{(b × c) + (c × a) + (a × b)] = [a b c]
       
Sol: Let OP = r be any point on the plane OA = a , OB = b , OC = c are the given points
  
AP, AB, AC are coplanar
   P
[ AP AB AC ] = 0
B
    
[r − a b − a c − a] = 0
C
     
(r − a). ( b − a) × ( c − a) = 0 A
       
(r − a). { b × c + c × a + a × b} = 0
             
r.{ b × c + c × a + a × b} − a .b × c − a.c × a − a.a × b = 0
           
{
r.{ b × c + c × a + a × b} = [ a b c] ∴a.c × a = 0 a.a × b = 0 }
  
91. If a, b, c are three vectors then
             
i) a × (b × c) = (a.c)b − (a.b) c ii) (a × b) × c = (c.a)b − (c.b) b
           
Proof : i) Let a = a1 l + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1 l + b2 j + b3 k , c = c1 l + c2 j + c3 k be three
  
i j k
    
vectors a × b = a1 a2 a3 = l (a2b3 − a3b2 ) − j (a1b3 − a3b1 ) + k (a1b2 − a2b1 )
b1 b2 b3
  
i j k
  
(a × b) × c = a2b3 − a3b2 a3b1 − a1b3 a1b2 − a2b1
c1 c2 c3
  
= l{c3 ( a3b1 − a1b3 ) − c2 ( a1b2 − a2b1 )} − j {c3 ( a2b3 − a3b2 − c1 ( a1b2 − a2b1 )} + k{c2 ( a2b3 − a3b2 ) − c1 ( a3b1 − a1b3 )}

      
(c.a )b − (c.b) a = ( a1c1 + a2 c2 + a3c3 ){b1 l + b2 j + b3 k )
 
( a1b1c1 + a2b1c2 + a3b1c3 − a1b1c2 − a1b3c3 )l + ( a1b2 c1 + a2b3c2 + a3b3c3 − a2b1c1 − a2b2 c2 − a2b3c3 ) j

+ ( a1b3c1 + a2b3c2 + a3b3c3 − a3b1c1 − a3b2 c2 − a3b3c3 ) k

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⇒ {c3 ( a3b1 − a1b3 ) − c2 ( a1b2 − a2b1 )}l + j{c3 ( a2b3 − a3b2 ) − c1 ( a1b2 − a2b1 ) + k{c2 ( a2b3 − a3b2 ) − c1 ( a3b1 − a1b3 )}
Hence proved

i j k
 
Proof ii ; b × c = b1 b2 b3
c1 c2 c3

  
= l (b2 c3 − b3c2 ) − j (b1c3 − b3c1 ) + k (b1c2 − b2 c1 )
 
i j k
  
a × (b × c) = a1 a2 a3
b2 c3 − b3c2 b3c1 − b1c3 b1c2 − b2 c1
  
= l{a2 (b1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b3c1 − b1c3 )} − j {a1 (b1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b1c2 − b2 c1 )} + k {a1 (b3c1 − b1c3 ) − a2 (b2 c3 − b3c2 )}

   
R.H.S. (a.c)b − (a.b)c
     
( a1c1 + a2 c2 + a3c3 ){b1 l + b2 j + b3 k } − ( a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 ){c1 l + c2 j + c3 k }
  
⇒ l {a2 (b1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b3c1 − b1c3 )} − j {a1cb1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b1c2 − b2 c1 )} + k{a1 (b3c1 − b1c3 ) − a2 (b2 c3 − b3c2 )}

   
        a.c a.d
92. If a, b, c, d are four vectors then (a × b).(c × d ) =    
b.c b.d
       
Proof : (a × b).(c × d ) = {(a × b) × c }.d {∵ dot and cross are inter changeable }
   
               a.c a.d
{(a.c)b − (b.c)a }.d = (a.c) (b.d ) − (b.c)(a.d ) =    
b.c b.d

   
93. If a, b, c, d are four vectors then
                   
(a × b) × (c × d ) = [a b d ]c − [a b c ] d = [a c d ]b − [b c d ] a
           
Proof :- (a × b) × (c × d ) = (a × b.d )c − (a × b.c)d
       
= [a b d ]c − [a b c]d
           
(a × b) × (c × d ) = (c × d . a]b − (c × d . b]a
       
= [a c d ]b − (b c d ]a

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1   1   1  
94. The vector area of a triangle ABC is AB × AC = BC × BA , = CA × CB
2 2 2
   
Sol: In a triangle ABC , AB , BC , CA are the vectors represented by the sides AB,
BC, CA
     
A = ( AB, AC ) B = ( BA, BC ) C = (CB, CA)
     
Let n be the unit vector ⊥ r AB, AC and AB, AC , n form right handed system
area of triangle ABC
1
Δ= AB. AC sin A A
2
1  
Δ= AB AC sin A
2
 1   
Δ n = AB AC n sin A
2 B C
 1  
Δ n = AB × AC
2
 1   1  
Δ n = BC × BA = CA × CB
2 2
  
95. If a, b, c are the prove that of the vertices of the triangle ABC then vector
1      
area = {b × c + c × a + a × b}
2
     
Sol: OA = a OB = b OC = c be the given vertices
1  
Vector area = AB × AC
2
1    
=
2
{ }
(b − a ) × (c − a)

1        
=
2
{b×c −b×a − a×c + a×a }
1      
=
2
{b×c + a×b + c×a }

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1
( )
1/2
96. In ΔABC the length of the median through the vertex A is 2b 2 + 2c 2 - a 2
2

Proof: Let D be the mid point of the side BC. Take ‘A’ as the origin. Let AB = α and
AC = β so that (α, β) = ∠A
C

β D

A α B
Fig. 2.16

α +β
have 4 AD = α + β + 2α.β = AB + AC + 2 AB AC cos ( AB, AC )
2 2 2 2 2
Since AD = , we
2

= c2 + b2 + 2bc cosA = c2 + b2 + (b2+c2–a2)= 2b2 + 2c2 – a2

1
∴ AD = 2b 2 + 2c 2 − a 2
2

  
97. Theorem : If a, b, c are three vectors then
             
i) a × (b × c) = (a.c)b − (a.b) c ii) (a × b) × c = (c.a)b − (c.b) b
           
Proof : i) Let a = a1 l + a2 j + a3 k , b = b1 l + b2 j + b3 k , c = c1 l + c2 j + c3 k be three
  
i j k
    
vectors a × b = a1 a2 a3 = l (a2b3 − a3b2 ) − j (a1b3 − a3b1 ) + k (a1b2 − a2b1 )
b1 b2 b3
  
i j k
  
(a × b) × c = a2b3 − a3b2 a3b1 − a1b3 a1b2 − a2b1
c1 c2 c3
  
= l{c3 ( a3b1 − a1b3 ) − c2 ( a1b2 − a2b1 )} − j {c3 ( a2b3 − a3b2 − c1 ( a1b2 − a2b1 )} + k{c2 ( a2b3 − a3b2 ) − c1 ( a3b1 − a1b3 )}

      
(c.a )b − (c.b) a = ( a1c1 + a2 c2 + a3c3 ){b1 l + b2 j + b3 k )
 
( a1b1c1 + a2b1c2 + a3b1c3 − a1b1c2 − a1b3c3 )l + ( a1b2 c1 + a2b3c2 + a3b3c3 − a2b1c1 − a2b2 c2 − a2b3c3 ) j

+ ( a1b3c1 + a2b3c2 + a3b3c3 − a3b1c1 − a3b2 c2 − a3b3c3 ) k
  
⇒ {c3 ( a3b1 − a1b3 ) − c2 ( a1b2 − a2b1 )}l + j{c3 ( a2b3 − a3b2 ) − c1 ( a1b2 − a2b1 ) + k{c2 ( a2b3 − a3b2 ) − c1 ( a3b1 − a1b3 )}

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Hence proved


i j k
 
Proof ii ; b × c = b1 b2 b3
c1 c2 c3

  
= l (b2 c3 − b3c2 ) − j (b1c3 − b3c1 ) + k (b1c2 − b2 c1 )
 
i j k
  
a × (b × c) = a1 a2 a3
b2 c3 − b3c2 b3c1 − b1c3 b1c2 − b2 c1
  
= l{a2 (b1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b3c1 − b1c3 )} − j {a1 (b1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b1c2 − b2 c1 )} + k {a1 (b3c1 − b1c3 ) − a2 (b2 c3 − b3c2 )}

   
R.H.S. (a.c)b − (a.b)c
     
( a1c1 + a2 c2 + a3c3 ){b1 l + b2 j + b3 k } − ( a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3 ){c1 l + c2 j + c3 k }
  
⇒ l {a2 (b1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b3c1 − b1c3 )} − j {a1cb1c2 − b2 c1 ) − a3 (b1c2 − b2 c1 )} + k{a1 (b3c1 − b1c3 ) − a2 (b2 c3 − b3c2 )}

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