1. Express each of the following as a single vector.

(a) BC + AB
(b) AC − AB

(a) BC + AB = AB + BC
= AC

(b) AC − AB = AC + BA
= BA + AC
= BC

2. Express each of the following as a single vector.

(a) PQ + QR + RS

(b) PR + SR − QR − SQ

(a) PQ + QR + RS = PR + RS
= PS

(b) PR + SR − QR − SQ = PR + SR + RQ + QS
= PR + RQ + QS + SR
= PQ + QR
= PR

465
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 3. In the figure, ABCDEF is a regular hexagon. Its diagonals AD, BE and CF intersect at G.
A F

B E
G

C D

Express each of the following as a single vector.

(a) CG + EF

(b) BC + DE − EF

(a) CG + EF = DE + EF

= DF

(b) BC + DE − EF = AG + GF + FE

= AF + FE

= AE

4. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. E and F are the mid-points of AB and BC respectively.
A D

B F C

Express each of the following as a single vector.

1
(a) BC + CD
2
(b) BD − 2 EA

466
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 1
(a) BC + CD = FC + CD
2
= FD

(b) BD − 2 EA = BD − BA

= BD + AB

= AB + BD

= AD

5. In the figure, square ADPM is composed of nine identical small squares.

A B C D

F G
E H

J K L
I
v

M u N O P

Express each of the following vectors in terms of u and v.

(a) EH
(b) BJ

(c) BL

(a) EH = 3u

(b) BJ = −2v

(c) BL = BJ + JL
= −2 v + 2u
= 2u − 2 v

467
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 6. In the figure, ABCD is a square. AC and BD intersect at E.
A B

D C

Let DC = a and DA = b. Express each of the following vectors in terms of a and b.

(a) AC
(b) DE

(a) AC = AD + DC
= − DA + DC
= −b + a
=a−b

1
(b) DE = DB
2
1
= ( DC + CB )
2
1
= ( DC + DA)
2
1
= (a + b)
2
1 1
= a+ b
2 2

7. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. AC and BD intersect at E.

A B

D C

Let DC = a and DA = b. Express each of the following vectors in terms of a and b.

(a) AE
(b) BD

468
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 1
(a) AE = AC
2
1
= ( AD + DC )
2
1
= ( − DA + DC )
2
1
= ( −b + a)
2
1 1
= a− b
2 2

(b) BD = BC + CD
= AD + CD
= − DA − DC
= −b − a
= −a − b

8. In the figure, ABC, DEF and GHI are triangles. D, E, F, G, H and I are the mid-points of AB,
BC, CA, DE, EF and FD respectively.
A

F I D

H G

C E B

Let HG = a and HI = b. Express each of the following vectors in terms of a and b.

(a) AC
(b) AB

(a) AC = 2 DE
= 2( 2 IH )
= − 4 HI
= − 4b

469
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (b) AB = AC + CB

= −4b + 2 FD
= −4b + 2(2 HG )
= −4b + 4a
= 4a − 4b

9. In ΔABC, P and Q are points on AB and AC respectively. It is given that PB = 3 AP and QC = 3 AQ,
1
prove that PQ // BC and PQ = BC by using vectors.
4
A

P Q

B C

∵ PB = 3 AP , QC = 3 AQ
i.e. PB = 3 AP , QC = 3 AQ

∴ AB = 4 AP , AC = 4 AQ

BC = BA + AC

= 4 PA + 4 AQ
= 4( PA + AQ )

= 4 PQ

∴ The directions of BC and PQ are the same.

i.e. PQ // BC

Also, BC = 4 PQ

BC = 4 PQ
1
PQ = BC
4

470
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 3 3
10. In ΔABC, D and E are points on AB and AC respectively such that AD = AB and AE = AC .
4 4
Let AB = p and AC = q .
A

D E

B C

(a) Express BC and DE in terms of p and q.

3
(b) Prove that DE = BC .
4

(a) BC = BA + AC
= − AB + AC
= −p + q

DE = DA + AE
3 3
= BA + AC
4 4
3 3
= − AB + AC
4 4
3 3
=− p+ q
4 4

3 3
(b) DE = − p + q
4 4
3
= ( −p + q )
4
3
= BC
4

11. In the figure, ABCD is a quadrilateral. P is a point on BD such that BP = 2 DP . Let CB = u and
CD = v. Express CP in terms of u and v.
A B

D C

471
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 CP = CB + BP
= CB + 2 PD
= CB + 2( PC + CD )
= CB + 2CD − 2CP
3CP = CB + 2CD
1 2
CP = CB + CD
3 3
1 2
= u+ v
3 3

12. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. P and Q are the mid-points of AB and DC respectively.
Prove that PBQD is a parallelogram by using vectors.
D Q C

A P B

ABCD is a parallelogram.
∴ DC = AB
Q is the mid-point of DC.
1
∴ DQ = DC
2
P is the mid-point of AB.
1
∴ PB = AB
2
1
DQ = DC
2
1
= AB
2
= PB
∴ DQ // PB and DQ = PB
∴ PBQD is a parallelogram.

472
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
13. Let a and b be two non-zero vectors and they are not parallel to each other.
(a) If 3x = y, where x = 2a + nb and y = 2ka + 3b, find the values of k and n.
6
(b) If 3x = 5y , where x = ka + nb and y = 3a + b, find the values of k and n.
k

(a) ∵ 3x = y
i.e. 3(2a + nb) = 2ka + 3b
6a + 3nb = 2ka + 3b
⎧6 = 2 k
∴ ⎨
⎩3n = 3
∴ k = 3, n = 1

(b) ∵ 3x = 5y
6
i.e. 3(ka + nb) = 5(3a + b)
k
30
3ka + 3nb = 15a + b
k
⎧3k = 15
⎪
∴ ⎨ 30
⎪⎩3n = k

∴ k = 5, n = 2

14. Let a and b be two non-zero vectors and they are not parallel to each other.
(a) If x = 2y, where x = (k + 3)a + 4b and y = 3a + nb, find the values of k and n.
(b) If x = 2y − z, where x = 2ka + 5b , y = a + kb and z = − na + b , find the values of k and n.

(a) ∵ x = 2y
i.e. ( k + 3)a + 4b = 2(3a + nb )
( k + 3)a + 4b = 6a + 2nb
⎧k + 3 = 6
∴ ⎨
⎩4 = 2 n
∴ k = 3, n = 2

473
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (b) ∵ x = 2y − z
i.e. 2ka + 5b = 2(a + kb) − ( − na + b)
2ka + 5b = ( 2 + n)a + ( 2k − 1)b

⎧2 k = 2 + n
∴ ⎨
⎩5 = 2k − 1
∴ k = 3, n = 4

15. Let a and b be two non-zero vectors and they are not parallel to each other. If x = 4y, where
x = k 2a + n2b and y = (k − 1)a − (2n + 4)b, find the values of k and n.

∵ x = 4y
i.e. k 2a + n 2b = 4[(k − 1)a − (2n + 4)b]
k 2a + n 2b = (4k − 4)a − (8n + 16)b

⎧⎪k 2 = 4k − 4
∴ ⎨ 2
⎪⎩n = −(8n + 16)

∴ k = 2, n = −4

16. In the figure, ABC is a triangle. D and E are the mid-points of AB and AC respectively. BE and
CD intersect at F. Let AB = p and AC = q.
A

E D

C B

(a) Express BE and CD in terms of p and q.

(b) Express p and q in terms of BE and CD.

474
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (a) BE = BA + AE
1
= BA + AC
2
1
= −p + q
2

CD = CA + AD
1
= CA + AB
2
1
= −q + p
2
1
= p−q
2

1
(b) BE = −p + q ............................ (1)
2
1
CD = p − q .............................. (2)
2
(1) × 2: 2 BE = −2p + q ............... (3)

3
(2) + (3): CD + 2 BE = − p
2
4 2
p = − BE − CD
3 3

4 2
Substitute p = − BE − CD into (1),
3 3
4 2 1
BE = − (− BE − CD ) + q
3 3 2
1 1 2
q = − BE − CD
2 3 3
2 4
q = − BE − CD
3 3

475
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
17. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. P is a point on AB. PQD and AQC are straight lines.
It is given that AB = a, AD = b, PB = 3 AP and QC = 4 AQ.
B C

P Q

A D

(a) Express AQ , DQ and DP in terms of a and b.

(b) If DQ = r DP , find the value of r.

1
(a) AQ = AC
5
1
= ( AB + AD )
5
1
= (a + b)
5
1 1
= a+ b
5 5

DQ = DA + AQ
1 1
= −b + ( a + b)
5 5
1 4
= a− b
5 5

DP = DA + AP
1
= DA + AB
4
1
= a−b
4

(b) DQ = r DP
1 4 r
a − b = a − rb
5 5 4
⎧1 r
⎪⎪ =
∴ ⎨5 4
⎪− 4 = − r
⎪⎩ 5
4
∴ r=
5

476
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
18. In the figure, P is a point on AB such that AP = 3PB . M and N are the mid-points of OA and OP
respectively. Let OA = 5a and OB = 5b.
A

M
P

O C B

(a) Express AB, OP and MN in terms of a and b.

(b) MN produced meets OB at C. If OC = kb, find the value of k.

(a) AB = AO + OB
= −5a + 5b

OP = OB + BP
1
= OB + BA
4
1
= 5b + (5a − 5b)
4
5 15
= a+ b
4 4

MN = MO + ON
1 1
= − OA + OP
2 2
1 1 5 15
= − (5a) + ( a + b)
2 2 4 4
15 15
=− a+ b
8 8

(b) NC = NO + OC
1
= − OP + OC
2
1 5 15
= − ( a + b) + kb
2 4 4
5 15
= − a + (k − )b
8 8

477
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 Let MN = λ NC , where λ ≠ 0.
15 15 5 15
− a + b = λ[− a + (k − )b]
8 8 8 8
15 15 5λ 15
− a + b = − a + λ(k − )b
8 8 8 8
⎧ 15 5λ
⎪⎪− 8 = − 8 ................ (1)
∴ ⎨
⎪15 = λ( k − 15 ) ........... (2)
⎪⎩ 8 8
From (1), λ = 3
Substitute λ = 3 into (2),
15 15
= 3(k − )
8 8
5
k=
2

19. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. E and F are points on AD and AC respectively such
that AD = 4 AE and AC = 5 AF . Let AB = a and AD = b.
D C

E
F
A B

(a) Express EF and FB in terms of a and b.

(b) Hence prove that E, F and B are collinear, and find EF : FB .

(a) EF = EA + AF
1 1
= DA + AC
4 5
1 1
= − AD + ( AB + BC )
4 5
1 1
= − AD + ( AB + AD )
4 5
1 1
= AB − AD
5 20
1 1
= a− b
5 20

478
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 FB = FA + AB
1
= CA + AB
5
1
= (CB + BA) + AB
5
1
= ( DA + BA) + AB
5
1
= ( − AD − AB ) + AD
5
4 1
= AB − AD
5 5
4 1
= a− b
5 5

4 1
(b) FB = a− b
5 5
1 1
= 4( a − b )
5 20
= 4 EF
∴ E, F and B are collinear.
∵ FB = 4 EF
∴ EF : FB = 1 : 4

20. In the figure, OABC is a square. M and L are the mid-points of BC and AB respectively. OL and
AM intersect at P, OP = hOL and MP = k MA. Let OA = a and OC = b.
C M B

L
P

O A

(a) Express OP in terms of h, a and b.

(b) (i) Express MP in terms of k, a and b.
(ii) Express OP in terms of k, a and b.
(c) Hence find h : k .

479
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (a) OP = hOL
= h(OA + AL )
1
= h(OA + AB )
2
1
= h(OA + OC )
2
1
= h(a + b)
2
h
= ha + b
2

(b) (i) MP = k MA
= k ( MB + BA)
1
= k ( CB + CO )
2
1
= k ( OA − OC )
2
1
= k ( a − b)
2
k
= a − kb
2

(ii) OP = OA + AP
= OA + (1 − k ) AM
= OA + (1 − k )(− MA)
1
= a + (1 − k )(− a + b)
2
1 k
= a − a + a + (1 − k )b
2 2
1 k
= ( + )a + (1 − k )b
2 2

(c) From (a) and (b)(ii),

h 1 k
ha + b = ( + )a + (1 − k )b
2 2 2
⎧ 1 k
⎪⎪h = 2 + 2 ............. (1)
∴ ⎨
⎪ h = 1 − k .......... .... (2)
⎪⎩ 2

480
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 Substitute (1) into (2),
1 1 k
( + ) =1− k
2 2 2
1 + k = 4 − 4k
3
k=
5
3
Substitute k = into (1),
5
1 1 3
h= + ( )
2 2 5
4
=
5
4 3
∴ h:k = :
5 5
= 4:3

21. In the figure, ABC is a triangle. AC = 4 , BC = 2 and ∠ACB = 60° . If CA = a and CB = b, find
b−a .
A
4

C 60°
2
B

b − a = CB − CA

= CB + AC

= AB

= 4 2 + 2 2 − 2 × 4 × 2 × cos 60°

= 12

=2 3

481
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
22. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. AB = 3, BC = 4 and ∠BCD = 120° . If AB = a and BC = b,
find b − a .
A D

120°
B 4 C

b − a = BC − AB

= BC − DC

= BC + CD

= BD

= 4 2 + 32 − 2 × 4 × 3 × cos 120°
= 37

23. In the figure, ABC is a triangle. BC = 5 , ∠ACB = 50° and ∠BAC = 55°. If CA = a and CB = b,
find b − a . (Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures.)
A

55 °

50 °
C 5 B

b − a = CB − CA

= CB + AC

= AB
= AB
sin 55° sin 50°
=
5 AB
5 × sin 50°
AB =
sin 55°
= 4.68 (corr. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ b − a = 4.68

482
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
24. In the figure, ABCD is a parallelogram. BC = 5 , ∠ABC = 150° and the area of ABCD is 10.
If BC = a and BD = b, find a − b .

A D

150°

B 5 C

a − b = BC − BD

= BC + DB

= DC

= AB

= AB
1
2 × × AB × 5 × sin150° = 10
2
AB = 4
∴ a−b = 4

25. In the figure, OABC is a parallelogram. D and E are the mid-points of OC and BC respectively.
OB intersects AD and AE at F and G respectively, where AF = rAD and GE = sAE . Let OA = a
and OC = b.
C E B

G
D

O A

(a) Express OF in terms of r, a and b.

(b) Express GB in terms of s, a and b.
(c) It is given that F and G are the trisection points of OB. Find the values of r and s.

483
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (a) OF = OA + AF

= OA + r AD
= OA + r ( AO + OD)
1
= OA + r (−OA + OC )
2
r
= (1 − r )OA + OC
2
r
= (1 − r )a + b
2

(b) GB = GE + EB

= s AE + EB

= s ( AB + BE ) + EB

= s (OC − EB ) + EB

= (1 − s ) EB + sOC
1− s
= CB + sOC
2
1− s
= OA + sOC
2
1− s
= a + sb
2

(c) ∵ F and G are the trisection points of OB.

∴ OF = GB
⎧ 1− s
⎪⎪1 − r = 2 .......... .. (1)
∴ ⎨
⎪ r = s .......... .......... .. ( 2)
⎪⎩ 2

Substitute (2) into (1),

1 − 2r
1− r =
2
r
2 − 2r = 1 −
2
2
r=
3

484
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 2
Substitute r = into (2),
3
2
3
=s
2
1
s=
3
2 1
∴ r= ,s=
3 3

26. Find the modulus and direction of each of the following vectors. (Give your answers correct to
1 decimal place if necessary.)
(a) 3i + 3j
(b) 5i − 4 j

(a) Modulus = 32 + 32
=3 2
Let θ be the positive angle between 3i + 3j and the x-axis.
3 1 3 1
sin θ = = , cos θ = =
3 2 2 3 2 2
∴ θ is in quadrant I.
∴ θ = 45°
∴ The angle between 3i + 3j and the x-axis is 45°.

(b) Modulus = 52 + (−4) 2

= 41
Let θ be the positive angle between 5i − 4 j and the x-axis.
−4 5
sin θ = , cos θ =
41 41
∴ θ is in quadrant IV.
∴ θ = 321.3° (corr. to 1 d.p.)
∴ The angle between 5i − 4 j and the x-axis is 321.3°.

485
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
27. Find the modulus and direction of each of the following vectors. (Give your answers correct to
1 decimal place if necessary.)
(a) −2i + 3j
(b) −5j

(a) Modulus = (−2) 2 + 32

= 13
Let θ be the positive angle between −2i + 3j and the x-axis.
3 −2
sin θ = , cos θ =
13 13
∴ θ is in quadrant II.
∴ θ = 123.7° (corr. to 1 d.p.)
∴ The angle between −2i + 3j and the x-axis is 123.7°.

(b) Modulus = 0 2 + (−5) 2

=5
Let θ be the positive angle between −5j and the x-axis.
−5 0
sin θ = = −1, cos θ = = 0
5 5
∴ θ = 270°
∴ The angle between −5j and the x-axis is 270°.

28. For each of the following, find AB, AB and the direction of AB. (Give your answers correct
to 1 decimal place if necessary.)
(a) A(5, −2), B(3, −3)
(b) A(−2, 1), B(1, 3)

(a) AB = (3 − 5)i + [−3 − (−2)]j

= −2i − j

AB = (−2) 2 + (−1) 2

= 5

486
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 Let θ be the positive angle between AB and the x-axis.
−1 −2
sin θ = , cos θ =
5 5
∴ θ is in quadrant III.
∴ θ = 206.6° (corr. to 1 d.p.)
∴ The angle between AB and the x-axis is 206.6°.

(b) AB = [1 − (−2)]i + (3 − 1) j
= 3i + 2 j

AB = 32 + 22

= 13

Let θ be the positive angle between AB and the x-axis.

2 3
sin θ = , cos θ =
13 13
∴ θ is in quadrant I.
∴ θ = 33.7° (corr. to 1 d.p.)
∴ The angle between AB and the x-axis is 33.7°.

29. For each of the following, find AB , AB and the direction of AB . (Give your answers correct
to 1 decimal place if necessary.)
(a) A(2, 6), B(1, 8)
(b) A(0, 6), B(6, 0)

(a) AB = (1 − 2)i + (8 − 6) j
= −i + 2 j

AB = (−1) 2 + 22

= 5

Let θ be the positive angle between AB and the x-axis.

2 −1
sin θ = , cos θ =
5 5
∴ θ is in quadrant II.
∴ θ = 116.6° (corr. to 1 d.p.)
∴ The angle between AB and the x-axis is 116.6°.

487
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (b) AB = (6 − 0)i + (0 − 6) j
= 6i − 6 j

AB = 62 + (−6) 2

=6 2

Let θ be the positive angle between AB and the x-axis.

−6 1 6 1
sin θ = =− , cos θ = =
6 2 2 6 2 2
∴ θ is in quadrant IV.
∴ θ = 315°
∴ The angle between AB and the x-axis is 315°.

30. In each of the following, AB and the coordinates of one of its end-points are given. Find the
coordinates of the other end-point.

(a) AB = 6i + 5 j ; A(2, −1)

(b) AB = −3i + 7 j ; B(2, 4)

(a) Let (x, y) be the coordinates of B, then

AB = ( x − 2)i + ( y + 1) j
It is given that AB = 6i + 5 j.
∴ x − 2 = 6 and y + 1 = 5
x = 8 and y=4
∴ The coordinates of B are (8, 4).

(b) Let (x, y) be the coordinates of A, then

AB = (2 − x)i + (4 − y ) j
It is given that AB = −3i + 7 j .
∴ 2 − x = −3 and 4 − y = 7
x=5 and y = −3
∴ The coordinates of A are (5, −3).

488
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
31. In each of the following, AB and the coordinates of one of its end-points are given. Find the
coordinates of the other end-point.
(a) AB = i − 4 j ; A(−3, 7)
(b) AB = −2i − 3 j ; B(2, 3)

(a) Let (x, y) be the coordinates of B, then

AB = ( x + 3)i + ( y − 7) j
It is given that AB = i − 4 j.
∴ x + 3 = 1 and y − 7 = −4
x = −2 and y=3
∴ The coordinates of B are (−2, 3).

(b) Let (x, y) be the coordinates of A, then

AB = (2 − x)i + (3 − y ) j
It is given that AB = −2i − 3 j.
∴ 2 − x = −2 and 3 − y = −3
x = 4 and y=6
∴ The coordinates of A are (4, 6).

32. For each of the following, express a in terms of i and j.

(a) a = 4, and the direction of a is the same as turning j 30° in a clockwise direction.
(b) a = 2, and the direction of a is the same as turning −i 45° in an anti-clockwise direction.

(a) y
a

30°

j
x
O i

a = 4 cos 60°i + 4 sin 60° j

= 2i + 2 3 j

489
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (b) y

−i
x
45° O
−j

a = 2 cos 225°i + 2 sin 225° j

= − 2i − 2 j

33. Find a unit vector which has the same direction as each of the following vectors.
(a) 4i − 3j
(b) 3i

4i − 3 j
(a) Required unit vector =
4 2 + (−3) 2
4 3
= i− j
5 5

3i
(b) Required unit vector =
32 + 02
=i

34. Find a unit vector which has the same direction as each of the following vectors.
(a) −7i − 15j
(b) −2i + 4 j

−7i − 15 j
(a) Required unit vector =
(−7) 2 + (− 15 ) 2
7 15
=− i− j
8 8
−2i + 4 j
(b) Required unit vector =
(−2) 2 + 42
5 2 5
=− i+ j
5 5

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© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
35. If u = 2i − j and v = i + 3j, express −9i + j in terms of u and v.

Let −9i + j = λu + µv.

−9i + j = λ (2i − j) + µ(i + 3 j)
= (2λ + µ)i + (3µ − λ ) j
⎧2λ + µ = −9 ................... (1)
∴ ⎨3µ − λ = 1 ...................... (2)
⎩
From (2), λ = 3µ − 1 ............... (3)
Substitute (3) into (1), 2(3µ − 1) + µ = −9
7µ = −7
µ = −1
Substitute µ = −1 into (3), λ = 3(−1) − 1
= −4
∴ −9i + j = −4u − v

36. If u = −3i + 4 j and v = i − 2 j, express 3i − 5j in terms of u and v.

Let 3i − 5j = λu + µv.
3i − 5 j = λ (−3i + 4 j) + µ(i − 2 j)
= (µ − 3λ )i + (4λ − 2µ) j
⎧µ − 3λ = 3 .......... .......... ... (1)
∴ ⎨4λ − 2µ = −5 .......... ........ (2)
⎩
From (1), µ = 3λ + 3 ............... (3)
Substitute (3) into (2), 4λ − 2(3λ + 3) = −5
−2λ = 1
1
λ=−
2
1 1
Substitute λ = − into (3), µ = 3(− ) + 3
2 2
3
=
2
1 3
∴ 3i − 5 j = − u + v
2 2

491
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
37. In the figure, OABC is a rhombus. The coordinates of A are (2, 0) and ∠AOC = 60° .
y

C B

60°
x
O A (2, 0)

(a) Express OC in terms of i and j.

(b) Express OB and AC in terms of i and j.

(a) OC = OA
=2
OC = 2 cos 60°i + 2 sin 60° j
= i + 3j

(b) OB = OA + OC
= 2i + (i + 3 j)
= 3i + 3 j

AC = OC − OA
= (i + 3 j) − 2i
= −i + 3 j

38. In the figure, OABC is a rhombus. The coordinates of C are (−4, 0) and ∠AOC = 60° .
y

B A

60°
x
C (−4, 0) O

(a) Express OA in terms of i and j.

(b) Express OB and AC in terms of i and j.

492
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (a) OA = OC = 4

OA = 4 cos 120°i + 4 sin 120° j

= −2i + 2 3 j

(b) OB = OA + OC
= (−2i + 2 3 j) + (−4i )
= −6i + 2 3 j

AC = OC − OA
= ( −4i ) − (−2i + 2 3 j)
= −2 i − 2 3 j

39. (a) The positive angle between OP and the x-axis is θ, and the modulus of OP is r. Prove that
OP = r (cos θi + sin θj).
(b) Express the following vectors in the form of r (cos θi + sin θj), where r ≥ 0 and 0° ≤ θ < 360° .
(i) −5i
(ii) 2i − 2 j

(a) x-component = r cos θ

y-component = r sin θ
OP = r cos θi + r sin θj = r (cos θi + sin θj)

(b) (i) r cos θ = −5

r sin θ = 0
∴ tan θ = 0
θ = 180° (∵ sinθ = 0 and cosθ < 0)
∴ r =5
∴ −5i = 5(cos 180°i + sin 180° j)

(ii) r cos θ = 2
r sin θ = −2
∴ tan θ = −1
θ = 315° (∵ sinθ < 0 and cosθ > 0)
∴ r=2 2
∴ 2i − 2 j = 2 2 (cos 315°i + sin 315° j)

493
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
40. It is given that u = 4i − 3j and v = −3i + 3j.
(a) Express i and j in terms of u and v.
(b) If i + 3j = au + bv , find the values of a and b.

⎧u = 4i − 3j .......................... (1)
(a) ⎨
⎩ v = −3i + 3j ........................ (2)
(1) + (2): u + v = i
i=u+v
Substitute i = u + v into (1),
u = 4(u + v) − 3j
4
j=u+ v
3
4
(b) i + 3j = u + v + 3(u + v)
3
= 4u + 5v
∴ a = 4, b = 5

41. It is given that u = 5i + 2 j and v = −i − 4 j.

(a) Express i and j in terms of u and v.
(b) If 4i − 5j = au + bv, find the values of a and b.

⎧u = 5i + 2 j .......... .......... ..... (1)

(a) ⎨
⎩ v = −i − 4 j .......... .......... ..... (2)
(1) × 2: 2u = 10i + 4 j .......... (3)
(2) + (3): v + 2u = 9i
2 1
i= u+ v
9 9
2 1
Substitute i = u + v into (2),
9 9
2 1
v = − ( u + v) − 4 j
9 9
1 5
j=− u− v
18 18

494
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 2 1 1 5
(b) 4i − 5 j = 4( u + v) − 5(− u − v)
9 9 18 18
7 11
= u+ v
6 6
7 11
∴ a= ,b=
6 6

42. In the figure, OABC is a square. P and Q are the mid-points of AB and BC respectively. Let
OA = 6i, OC = 6 j, OP = p and OQ = q.
C Q B

6j q P
p

O 6i A

(a) Express p and q in terms of i and j.

(b) Express AB and BC in terms of p and q.

(a) p = OA + AP
1
= OA + OC
2
1
= 6i + (6 j)
2
= 6i + 3 j

q = OC + CQ
1
= OC + OA
2
1
= 6j + (6i )
2
= 3i + 6 j

495
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (b) AB = OC = 6 j
Let 6 j = λp + µq.
6 j = λ (6i + 3 j) + µ(3i + 6 j)
= (6λ + 3µ)i + (3λ + 6µ) j
⎧6λ + 3µ = 0 .......... .......... (1)
∴ ⎨3λ + 6µ = 6 .......... .......... (2)
⎩
From (1), µ = −2λ .................. (3)
Substitute (3) into (2),
3λ + 6(−2λ) = 6
2
λ=−
3
2
Substitute λ = − into (3),
3
2
µ = −2(− )
3
4
=
3
2 4
∴ AB = − p + q
3 3

BC = −OA = −6i
Let −6i = αp + βq.
−6i = α(6i + 3 j) + β(3i + 6 j)
= (6α + 3β)i + (3α + 6β) j
⎧6α + 3β = −6 ................. (4)
∴ ⎨3α + 6β = 0 .......... ......... (5)
⎩
From (5), α = −2β .................. (6)
Substitute (6) into (4),
6( −2β) + 3β = −6
2
β=
3
2
Substitute β = into (6),
3
2
α = −2( )
3
4
=−
3
4 2
∴ BC = − p + q
3 3

496
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
43. P(2, 5) and Q(6, 2) are two given points.
(a) (i) Express PQ in terms of i and j.

(ii) Find PQ .

(b) If A is a point on PQ such that PA = 2, express PA in terms of i and j.

(a) (i) PQ = (6 − 2)i + (2 − 5) j

= 4i − 3j

(ii) PQ = 42 + (−3) 2
=5

PQ 4i − 3j
(b) =
PQ 5

4 3
= i− j
5 5
4 3
PA = PA ( i − j)
5 5
4 3
= 2( i − j)
5 5
8 6
= i− j
5 5

44. P(−1, 2) and Q(2, −3) are two given points.

(a) (i) Express PQ in terms of i and j.
(ii) Find PQ .
34
(b) If A is a point on PQ such that PA = , express PA in terms of i and j.
2

(a) (i) PQ = [2 − (−1)] i + (−3 − 2) j

= 3i − 5 j

(ii) PQ = 32 + (−5) 2

= 34

497
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 PQ 3i − 5 j
(b) =
PQ 34

3 34 5 34
= i− j
34 34
3 34 5 34
PA = PA ( i− j)
34 34
34 3 34 5 34
= ( i− j)
2 34 34
3 5
= i− j
2 2

k
45. A(2, 1), B(1, 2) and C ( − , 2k ) are three given points, where k is a constant.
2
(a) (i) Express AB in terms of i and j.
(ii) Express BC in terms of i, j and k.
(b) If A, B and C are collinear, find the value of k.

(a) (i) AB = (1 − 2)i + (2 − 1) j

= −i + j

k
(ii) BC = (− − 1)i + (2k − 2) j
2

(b) ∵ A, B and C are collinear.

∴ AB = mBC, where m ≠ 0
k
−i + j = m(− − 1)i + m(2k − 2) j
2
⎧ k
⎪−1 = m(− − 1) .......... ...... (1)
∴ ⎨ 2
⎪⎩1 = m( 2k − 2) .......... ......... (2)

(1) − k2 − 1
: −1 =
(2) 2k − 2
k
2 − 2k = − − 1
2
3k
=3
2
k=2

498
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 k
46. A(−3, −2), B(3, 0) and C (3k ,) are three given points, where k is a constant.
2
(a) (i) Express AB in terms of i and j.
(ii) Express BC in terms of i, j and k.
(b) If A, B and C are collinear, find the coordinates of C.

(a) (i) AB = [3 − (−3)] i + [0 − (−2)]j = 6i + 2j

k k
(ii) BC = (3k − 3)i + ( − 0) j = (3k − 3)i + j
2 2

(b) ∵ A, B and C are collinear.

∴ AB = mBC, where m ≠ 0
k
6i + 2 j = m(3k − 3)i + m( ) j
2
⎧6 = m(3k − 3) .......... ...... (1)
⎪
∴ ⎨ k
⎪⎩2 = m( 2 ) .......... .......... .. (2)
(1) 3k − 3
: 3= k
(2) 2
3k
= 3k − 3
2
3k
=3
2
k=2
∴ The coordinates of C are (6, 1).

47. In the figure, AC = 8. u and v are two unit vectors. The angles u and v make with AC are 30°
and 20° respectively. Express AC in terms of u and v. (Give your answer correct to 1 decimal
place.)
C

v 20 °

30 °
u
A

499
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 C

20°

v 20 °
v
30 ° 130°
A u B

AB 8
=
sin 20° sin 130°
8 sin 20°
AB =
sin 130°
= 3.6 (corr. to 1 d.p.)
BC 8
=
sin 30° sin 130°
8 sin 30°
BC =
sin 130°
= 5.2 (corr. to 1 d.p.)
∴ AC = 3.6u + 5.2v

48. In the figure, AC = 7. u and v are two unit vectors. The angles u and v make with AC are 20°
and 35° respectively. Express AC in terms of u and v. (Give your answer correct to 1 decimal
place.)
C

7
v
35°
20°
A u

35°
7
v
v
35° 125°
20°
A u B

500
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 AC 7
=
sin 35° sin 125°
7 sin 35°
AB =
sin 125°
= 4.9 (corr. to 1 d.p.)
BC 7
=
sin 20° sin 125°
7 sin 20°
BC =
sin 125°
= 2.9 (corr. to 1 d.p.)
∴ AC = 4.9u + 2.9v

49. In ΔOAB, OA = OB = 3.
y

60 ° 3 A
x
O 10°

(a) Express OA and OB in terms of i and j. (Give your answers correct to 1 decimal place.)
(b) Express AB in terms of i and j. (Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.)
(c) Hence prove that AB = 3.

(a) OA = 3 cos10°i + 3sin 10°j = 3.0i + 0.5j (corr. to 1 d.p.)

OB = 3 cos 70°i + 3sin 70°j = 1.0i + 2.8j (corr. to 1 d.p.)

(b) AB = OB − OA
= (3 cos 70°i + 3 sin 70° j) − (3 cos10°i + 3 sin 10° j)
= 3(cos 70° − cos10°)i + 3(sin 70° − sin 10°) j
= −1.9i + 2.3 j (corr. to 1 d.p.)

(c) AB = [3(cos 70° − cos 10°)]2 + [3(sin 70° − sin 10°)]2

=3

501
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
50. In ΔOAB, OA = OB = 5.
y

5
B
60°
5
x
20° O

(a) Express AB in terms of i and j. (Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.)
(b) Hence find AB .

(a) OA = 5 cos 100°i + 5 sin 100° j

OB = 5 cos 160°i + 5 sin 160° j

AB = OB − OA
= (5 cos160°i + 5 sin 160° j) − (5 cos100°i + 5 sin 100° j)
= 5(cos160° − cos100°)i + 5(sin 160° − sin 100°) j
= −3.8i − 3.2 j (corr. to 1 d.p.)

(b) AB = [5(cos160° − cos100°)]2 + [5(sin 160° − sin 100°)]2

=5

51. Consider two points A(2, 0, 1) and B(1, −1, 2). Find AB and AB .

AB = (1 − 2)i + (−1 − 0) j + (2 − 1)k

= −i − j + k

AB = (−1) 2 + (−1) 2 + 12

= 3

502
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
52. Consider two points A(−2, 3, 6) and B(5, 2, −1). Find AB and AB .

AB = [5 − (−2)]i + (2 − 3) j + (−1 − 6)k

= 7 i − j − 7k

AB = 7 2 + (−1) 2 + (−7) 2

= 3 11

53. Consider two points A(1, −3, 2) and B(2, −1, 4).

(a) Find AB and AB .

(b) Find the unit vector which has the same direction as AB.

(a) AB = (2 − 1)i + [−1 − (−3)]j + (4 − 2)k

= i + 2 j + 2k

AB = 12 + 22 + 22
=3

AB
(b) Required unit vector =
AB

i + 2 j + 2k
=
3
1 2 2
= i + j+ k
3 3 3

54. Consider two points A(2, −1, −2) and B(1, 1, 3).

(a) Find AB and AB .

(b) Find the unit vector which has the same direction as AB.

503
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (a) AB = (1 − 2)i + [1 − (−1)]j + [3 − (−2)]k
= −i + 2 j + 5k

AB = (−1) 2 + 22 + 52
= 30

AB
(b) Required unit vector =
AB
−i + 2 j + 5k
=
30
30 30 30
=− i+ j+ k
30 15 6

55. Consider two points A(3, 1, −4) and B(9, −2, 2). Find the unit vector which has the same direction
as AB.

AB = (9 − 3)i + (−2 − 1) j + [2 − (−4)]k

= 6i − 3j + 6k

AB = 62 + (−3) 2 + 62
=9
AB
∴ Required unit vector =
AB
6i − 3 j + 6k
=
9
2 1 2
= i − j+ k
3 3 3

56. Consider two points A(−2, 1, −3) and B(1, 2, 4). Find the unit vector which has the same direction
as AB.

AB = [1 − (−2)] i + (2 − 1) j + [4 − (−3)]k
= 3i + j + 7k

504
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 AB = 32 + 12 + 7 2
= 59
AB
∴ Required unit vector =
AB

3i + j + 7k
=
59
3 59 59 7 59
= i+ j+ k
59 59 59

57. It is given that the coordinates of A and B are (2, λ, 5) and (−λ, 4, 1) respectively. If AB = 42,
find the values of λ.

AB = (−λ − 2) 2 + (4 − λ) 2 + (1 − 5) 2

= 2λ2 − 4λ + 36
∵ AB = 42

∴ 2λ2 − 4λ + 36 = 42
2λ2 − 4λ − 6 = 0
2(λ − 3)(λ + 1) = 0
λ = 3 or λ = −1

58. It is given that the coordinates of A and B are (1, −4, −λ) and (λ + 1, −1, −8) respectively.
If AB = 7, find the values of λ.

AB = (λ + 1 − 1) 2 + [−1 − (−4)]2 + [−8 − (−λ)]2

= 2λ2 − 16λ + 73
∵ AB = 7
∴ 2λ2 − 16λ + 73 = 49
2λ2 − 16λ + 24 = 0
2(λ − 2)(λ − 6) = 0
λ = 2 or λ = 6

505
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
59. It is given that A(1, −2, −3), B(2, 0, 3) and C are collinear, where BC = 2 AB.

(a) Find BC.

(b) Find AC.

(a) AB = (2 − 1)i + [0 − (−2)]j + [3 − (−3)]k

= i + 2 j + 6k

BC = 2 AB
= 2(i + 2 j + 6k )
= 2i + 4 j + 12k

(b) AC = AB + BC
= (i + 2 j + 6k ) + (2i + 4 j + 12k )
= (1 + 2)i + (2 + 4) j + (6 + 12)k
= 3i + 6 j + 18k

60. It is given that A(−2, −2, 4), B(1, 2, 1) and C are collinear, where BC = 3AB.

(a) Find BC.

(b) Find AC.

(a) AB = [1 − (−2)] i + [2 − (−2)]j + (1 − 4)k

= 3i + 4 j − 3k

BC = 3 AB
= 3(3i + 4 j − 3k )
= 9i + 12 j − 9k

(b) AC = AB + BC
= (3i + 4 j − 3k ) + (9i + 12 j − 9k )
= (3 + 9)i + (4 + 12) j + (−3 − 9)k
= 12i + 16 j − 12k

506
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
61. It is given that the coordinates of A and C are (2, −5, 3) and (4, 1, −1) respectively.
1
If AB = AC , express BC in terms of i, j and k.
2

AC = (4 − 2)i + [1 − (−5)]j + (−1 − 3)k

= 2i + 6 j − 4k
1
AB = AC
2
1
= (2i + 6 j − 4k )
2
= i + 3 j − 2k

BC = AC − AB
= (2i + 6 j − 4k ) − (i + 3j − 2k )
= (2 − 1)i + (6 − 3) j + [−4 − (−2)]k
= i + 3j − 2k

62. It is given that the coordinates of A and C are (−1, 4, −2) and (2, 1, 7) respectively. If
3AB − AC = 0, express BC in terms of i, j and k.

AC = [2 − (−1)]i + (1 − 4) j + [7 − (−2)]k
= 3i − 3j + 9k

3 AB − AC = 0
1
AB = AC
3
1
= (3i − 3 j + 9k )
3
= i − j + 3k

BC = AC − AB
= (3i − 3j + 9k ) − (i − j + 3k )
= (3 − 1)i + [−3 − (−1)]j + (9 − 3)k
= 2i − 2 j + 6k

507
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
63. It is given that AB = i − 7 j + 4k and A(2, −1, 3). Find the coordinates of B.

Let (x, y, z) be the coordinates of B, then

AB = ( x − 2)i + [ y − (−1)]j + ( z − 3)k
= ( x − 2)i + ( y + 1) j + ( z − 3)k
It is given that AB = i − 7 j + 4k .
∴ x − 2 = 1 and y + 1 = −7 and z − 3 = 4
x = 3 and y = −8 and z=7
∴ The coordinates of B are (3, −8, 7).

64. It is given that AB = −2i − j + 5k and A(1, −1, 3). Find the coordinates of B.

Let (x, y, z) be the coordinates of B, then

AB = ( x − 1)i + [ y − (−1)]j + ( z − 3)k
= ( x − 1)i + ( y + 1) j + ( z − 3)k
It is given that AB = −2i − j + 5k.
∴ x − 1 = −2 and y + 1 = −1 and z − 3 = 5
x = −1 and y = −2 and z =8
∴ The coordinates of B are (−1, −2, 8).

65. It is given that AB = 2i − 7 j − 8k and B(−1, −2, −4). Find the coordinates of A.

Let (x, y, z) be the coordinates of A, then

AB = (−1 − x)i + (−2 − y ) j + (−4 − z )k
It is given that AB = 2i − 7 j − 8k .
∴ −1 − x = 2 and −2 − y = −7 and − 4 − z = −8
x = −3 and y=5 and z=4
∴ The coordinates of A are (−3, 5, 4).

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© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
66. It is given that AB = −3i − 4 j + 5k and B(2, −2, 1). Find the coordinates of A.

Let (x, y, z) be the coordinates of A, then

AB = (2 − x)i + (−2 − y ) j + (1 − z )k
It is given that AB = −3i − 4 j + 5k .
∴ 2 − x = −3 and −2 − y = −4 and 1 − z = 5
x=5 and y=2 and z = −4
∴ The coordinates of A are (5, 2, −4).

67. It is given that the coordinates of A, B, C and D are (1, 2, 1), (2, 0, −1), (3, λ, 5) and (5, −2, 1)
respectively. If AB// CD, find the value of λ.

AB = (2 − 1)i + (0 − 2) j + (−1 − 1)k

= i − 2 j − 2k
CD = (5 − 3)i + (−2 − λ) j + (1 − 5)k
= 2i + (−2 − λ) j − 4k
∵ AB// CD
∴ AB = mCD, where m ≠ 0
i − 2j − 2k = 2mi + m(−2 − λ) j − 4mk
⎧1 = 2m .......... .......... ....... (1)
⎪
∴ ⎨−2 = m(−2 − λ) .......... ... (2)
⎪−2 = −4m .......... .......... .. (3)
⎩
(2) −2 − λ
: −2 =
(1) 2
− 4 = −2 − λ
λ=2

68. It is given that the coordinates of A, B, C and D are (2, 1, −2), (0, 2, −6), (1, 2λ − 1, −µ − 2)
and (7, λ − 1, µ) respectively. If AB// CD, find the values of λ and µ.

AB = (0 − 2)i + (2 − 1) j + [−6 − (−2)]k

= −2i + j − 4k

509
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 CD = (7 − 1)i + [λ − 1 − (2λ − 1)]j + [µ − (−µ − 2)]k
= 6i − λj + (2µ + 2)k
∵ AB// CD
∴ AB = mCD , where m ≠ 0
−2i + j − 4k = 6mi − mλj + m(2µ + 2)k
⎧−2 = 6m .......... .......... .... (1)
⎪
∴ ⎨1 = −mλ .......... .......... .... (2)
⎪− 4 = m(2µ + 2) .......... ... (3)
⎩
1
From (1), m = −
3
1
Substitute m = − into (2),
3
1
1 = − ( − )λ
3
λ=3
1
Substitute m = − into (3),
3
1
− 4 = − ( 2µ + 2)
3
12 = 2µ + 2
µ=5

69. ABCD is a parallelogram, where the coordinates of A, B and C are (2, 1, −2), (1, 2, −2) and
(3, −1, 1) respectively. Find the coordinates of D.

Let (x, y, z) be the coordinates of D, then

DC = (3 − x)i + (−1 − y ) j + (1 − z )k
AB = (1 − 2)i + (2 − 1) j + [−2 − (−2)]k
= −i + j
∵ ABCD is a parallelogram.
∴ AB = DC
3 − x = −1, −1 − y = 1, 1 − z = 0
∴ x = 4, y = −2, z = 1
∴ The coordinates of D are (4, −2, 1).

510
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
70. ABCD is a parallelogram, where the coordinates of A, B and C are (−1, k, 2), (3, k + 1, 1) and
(2, −2, 1) respectively, and k is a constant. Find the coordinates of D.

Let (x, y, z) be the coordinates of D, then

DC = (2 − x)i + (−2 − y ) j + (1 − z )k
AB = [3 − (−1)]i + (k + 1 − k ) j + (1 − 2)k = 4i + j − k
∵ ABCD is a parallelogram.
∴ AB = DC
2 − x = 4, −2 − y = 1, 1 − z = −1
∴ x = −2, y = −3, z = 2
∴ The coordinates of D are (−2, −3, 2).

71. Given four points A(1, 3, 1), B(4, 1, 2), C(6, 4, 1) and D(3, 6, 0), prove that ABCD is a rhombus.

AB = (4 − 1)i + (1 − 3) j + (2 − 1)k = 3i − 2 j + k
BC = (6 − 4)i + (4 − 1) j + (1 − 2)k = 2i + 3j − k
DC = (6 − 3)i + (4 − 6) j + (1 − 0)k = 3i − 2 j + k
AD = (3 − 1)i + (6 − 3) j + (0 − 1)k = 2i + 3j − k

AB = 32 + (−2) 2 + 12

= 14

BC = 22 + 32 + (−1) 2

= 14

DC = 32 + (−2) 2 + 12

= 14

AD = 22 + 32 + (−1) 2

= 14
∴ AB = DC , BC = AD and AB = BC = DC = AD
Since the lengths of the four sides of ABCD are equal and the two pairs of opposite sides are
parallel, this ensures that the four points lie on the same plane in a three-dimensional space,
and thus ABCD is a rhombus.

511
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
72. Given three points A(−1, 2, 4), B(2, 1, 2) and C(4s, r, −s),

(a) express AB in terms of i, j and k.

(b) express BC in terms of i, j, k, r and s.
(c) If A, B and C are collinear, find the values of r and s.

(a) AB = [2 − (−1)] i + (1 − 2) j + (2 − 4)k

= 3i − j − 2k

(b) BC = (4s − 2)i + (r − 1) j + (−s − 2)k

(c) ∵ A, B and C are collinear.

∴ AB = mBC, where m ≠ 0
3i − j − 2k = m(4s − 2)i + m(r − 1) j + m(−s − 2)k
⎧3 = m(4s − 2) .......... ...... (1)
⎪
∴ ⎨−1 = m(r − 1) .......... ....... (2)
⎪−2 = m(− s − 2) .......... ... (3)
⎩
(1) 3 4s − 2
: − =
(3) 2 −s − 2
3s + 6 = 8s − 4
5s = 10
s=2

Substitute s = 2 into (3),

−2 = m ( −2 − 2 )
−2 = −4 m
1
m=
2
1
Substitute m = into (2),
2
1
−1 = (r − 1)
2
−2 = r − 1
r = −1

512
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
73. Given three points A(1, 1, 2), B(0, 2, 5) and C(r, s, −r − 1),

(a) express AB in terms of i, j and k.

(b) express BC in terms of i, j, k, r and s.
(c) If A, B and C are collinear, find the coordinates of C.

(a) AB = (0 − 1)i + (2 − 1) j + (5 − 2)k

= −i + j + 3k

(b) BC = (r − 0)i + ( s − 2) j + (−r − 1 − 5)k

= ri + ( s − 2) j + (−r − 6)k

(c) ∵ A, B and C are collinear.

∴ AB = mBC, where m ≠ 0
−i + j + 3k = mri + m(s − 2) j + m(−r − 6)k
⎧−1 = mr ...................... (1)
⎪
∴ ⎨1 = m( s − 2) ................ (2)
⎪3 = m(−r − 6) ............. (3)
⎩
(3) −r − 6
: −3 =
(1) r
−3r = − r − 6
r =3

Substitute r = 3 into (1),

−1 = m(3)
1
m=−
3
1
Substitute m = − into (2),
3
1
1 = − ( s − 2)
3
−3 = s − 2
s = −1
∴ The coordinates of C are (3, −1, −4).

513
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
74. Let a and b be the unit vectors of u and v respectively, where u = 4i − 4 j − 2k and v = 3i − 2 j + 6k.
It is given that αa + βb = 5i − γj + 5k, find the values of α, β and γ.

4i − 4 j − 2k
a=
4 + (−4) 2 + (−2) 2
2

2 2 1
= i − j− k
3 3 3
3i − 2 j + 6k
b=
32 + (−2) 2 + 6 2
3 2 6
= i − j+ k
7 7 7
2 2 1 3 2 6
αa + βb = α( i − j − k ) + β( i − j + k )
3 3 3 7 7 7
2 3 2 2 1 6
= ( α + β)i + (− α − β) j + (− α + β)k
3 7 3 7 3 7
It is given that αa + βb = 5i − γj + 5k.

⎧2 3
⎪ 3 α + 7 β = 5 .............. (1)
⎪
⎪ 2 2
∴ ⎨− α − β = − γ ........ (2)
⎪ 3 7
⎪ 1 6
⎪− 3 α + 7 β = 5 ........... (3)
⎩
2 3 1 6
2 × (1) − (3): 2( α + β) − (− α + β) = 2 × 5 − 5
3 7 3 7
5
α=5
3
α=3
Substitute α = 3 into (3),
1 6
− (3) + β = 5
3 7
β=7

Substitute α = 3 and β = 7 into (2),

2 2
− (3) − (7) = − γ
3 7
γ=4

514
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
75. Let a and b be the unit vectors of u and v respectively, where u = i − 2j − 2k and v = −6i + 6 j − 7k.
It is given that αa − βb = (2γ + 1)i − (3γ − 1) j + (γ + 2)k, find the values of α, β and γ.

i − 2 j − 2k
1 2 2
a= = i − j− k
2 2
1 + (−2) + (−2) 3 32 3

−6i + 6 j − 7k 6 6 7
b= =− i + j− k
(−6) 2 + 62 + (−7) 2 11 11 11

1 2 2 6 6 7
αa − βb = α( i − j − k ) − β(− i + j − k )
3 3 3 11 11 11
1 6 2 6 2 7
= ( α + β)i + (− α − β) j + (− α + β)k
3 11 3 11 3 11
It is given that αa − βb = (2γ + 1)i − (3γ − 1) j + (γ + 2)k.
⎧1 6
⎪ 3 α + 11 β = 2 γ + 1
⎪
⎪ 2 6
∴ ⎨− α − β = −(3γ − 1)
⎪ 3 11
⎪ 2 7
⎪− 3 α + 11 β = γ + 2
⎩
⎧11α + 18β − 66γ = 33
⎪
i.e. ⎨−22α − 18β + 99γ = 33
⎪−22α + 21β − 33γ = 66
⎩
⎛ 11 18 −66 33 ⎞
⎜ ⎟
The augmented matrix corresponding to the system is ⎜ −22 −18 99 33 ⎟.
⎜ −22 21 −33 66 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
R1 − R2 → R1
⎛ 11 18 −66 33 ⎞ R2 + 2 R1 → R2 ⎛11 18 −66 33 ⎞
⎜ ⎟ R3 + 2 R1 → R3 ⎜ ⎟ R3 − 19 R → R3
6 2
⎜ −22 −18 99 33 ⎟ ⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯→ ⎜ 0 18 −33 99 ⎟ ⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯→
⎜ −22 21 −33 66 ⎟ ⎜ 0 57 −165 132 ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
1
R → R1
11 1
⎛11 0 −33 −66 ⎞
⎜ ⎟ ⎛ 1 0 −3 −6 ⎞ R1 + 3 R3 → R1
2 ⎛1 0 0 3 ⎞
⎜ − R → R3
⎟ R2 + 33R3 → R2 ⎜ ⎟
⎜ 0 18 −33 99 ⎟ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ 121 3
⎯→ ⎜ 0 18 −33 99 ⎟ ⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯→ ⎜ 0 18 0 198 ⎟
⎜⎜ 363 ⎟ ⎜0 0
121
⎝0 0 − 2 − 2 ⎠
⎟
⎝ 1 3 ⎟⎠ ⎜0 0 1 3 ⎟
⎝ ⎠

1 ⎛1 0 0 3 ⎞
R → R2
⎜ ⎟
18 2
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯→ ⎜ 0 1 0 11⎟
⎜0 0 1 3 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
∴ α = 3, β = 11, γ = 3

515
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
76. For each of the following, find AB and AB .

(a) OA = 2i − j, OB = 5i + 3 j
(b) OA = i − j + k , OB = 2i + j + 3k

(a) AB = (5i + 3j) − (2i − j)

= 3i + 4 j

AB = 32 + 42
=5

(b) AB = (2i + j + 3k ) − (i − j + k )
= i + 2 j + 2k

AB = 12 + 22 + 22
=3

77. For each of the following, find AB and AB .

(a) OA = −i − j, OB = 4i − 2 j
(b) OA = −i + j + 2k , OB = i − j − k

(a) AB = (4i − 2 j) − (−i − j)

= 5i − j

AB = 52 + (−1) 2
= 26

(b) AB = (i − j − k ) − (−i + j + 2k )
= 2i − 2 j − 3k

AB = 2 2 + (−2) 2 + (−3) 2
= 17

516
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
78. Given two points A(1, −2) and B(7, 6), find
(a) the position vectors of A and B.
(b) the unit vector which has the same direction as AB.

(a) OA = i − 2 j

OB = 7i + 6 j

(b) AB = (7i + 6 j) − (i − 2 j)
= 6i + 8 j

AB = 6 2 + 82
= 10
6i + 8 j
∴ Required unit vector =
10
3 4
= i+ j
5 5

79. Given two points A(−1, 1) and B(2, 3), find

(a) the position vectors of A and B.
(b) the unit vector which has the same direction as AB.

(a) OA = −i + j

OB = 2i + 3j

(b) AB = (2i + 3j) − (−i + j)

= 3i + 2 j

AB = 32 + 22

= 13
3i + 2 j
∴ Required unit vector =
13
3 13 2 13
= i+ j
13 13

517
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
80. Given two points A(2, 1, −1) and B(1, 3, 1), find
(a) the position vectors of A and B.
(b) the unit vector which has the same direction as AB.

(a) OA = 2i + j − k

OB = i + 3 j + k

(b) AB = (i + 3j + k ) − (2i + j − k )
= −i + 2 j + 2k

AB = (−1) 2 + 22 + 22
=3
− i + 2 j + 2k
∴ Required unit vector =
3
1 2 2
= − i + j+ k
3 3 3

81. Given two points A(−1, 1, 2) and B(2, 2, 1), find

(a) the position vectors of A and B.
(b) the unit vector which has the same direction as AB.

(a) OA = −i + j + 2k

OB = 2i + 2 j + k

(b) AB = (2i + 2 j + k ) − (−i + j + 2k )

= 3i + j − k

AB = 32 + 12 + (−1) 2

= 11
3i + j − k
∴ Required unit vector =
11
3 11 11 11
= i+ j− k
11 11 11

518
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
82. It is given that p, q and r are the position vectors of P, Q and R with respect to O respectively.
4q − r
If PQ = 3QR + 2 RP , prove that p = .
3

PQ = 3QR + 2 RP
q − p = 3(r − q) + 2(p − r )
q − p = r − 3q + 2p
3p = 4q − r
4q − r
p=
3

83. Find the coordinates of the mid-point of A(7, 2, −3) and B(2, −1, 5).

Let M be the mid-point of A and B.

OA + OB
OM =
2
(7i + 2 j − 3k ) + (2i − j + 5k )
=
2
9 1
= i + j+k
2 2
9 1
∴ The coordinates of the mid-point of A and B are ( , , 1).
2 2

84. P is a point on AB such that AP = 2 PB . If the coordinates of A and B are (1, 3, 2) and (1, 0, 2)
respectively, find the coordinates of P.

OA + 2OB
OP =
1+ 2
(i + 3j + 2k ) + 2(i + 2k )
=
3
= i + j + 2k
∴ The coordinates of P are (1, 1, 2).

519
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
85. P is a point on AB such that 3 AP = PB. If the coordinates of A and B are (2, −1, −2) and
(2, 7, 14) respectively, find the coordinates of P.

OA + 13 OB
OP =
1 + 13
(2i − j − 2k ) + 13 (2i + 7 j + 14k )
= 4
3
= 2i + j + 2k
∴ The coordinates of P are (2, 1, 2).

86. P is a point on AB such that 3AP = 2PB. If the coordinates of A and B are (−2, 1, 2) and
(1, −2, 3) respectively, find the coordinates of P.

OA + 23 OB
OP = 2
1+ 3
(−2i + j + 2k ) + 23 (i − 2 j + 3k )
= 5
3
4 1 12
= − i − j+ k
5 5 5
4 1 12
∴ The coordinates of P are (− , − , ).
5 5 5

87. A(2, −1, −7) and P(2, 2, 2) are given. If P is a point on AB such that AP : PB = 3 : 1, find the
coordinates of B.

Let p, a and b be the position vectors of P, A and B with respect to O respectively.

a + 3b
p=
1+ 3
2i − j − 7k + 3b
2i + 2 j + 2k =
4
8i + 8 j + 8k = 2i − j − 7k + 3b
3b = 6i + 9 j + 15k
b = 2i + 3j + 5k
∴ The coordinates of B are (2, 3, 5).

520
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
88. A(1, 2, 3) and P(−4, 5, −6) are given. If P is a point on AB such that AP : PB = 4 : 3 , find the
coordinates of B.

Let p, a and b be the position vectors of P, A and B with respect to O respectively.

a + 34 b
p= 4
1+ 3
i + 2 j + 3k + 34 b
− 4i + 5 j − 6k = 7
3
28 35 4
− i+ j − 14k = i + 2 j + 3k + b
3 3 3
4 31 29
b=− i+ j − 17k
3 3 3
31 29 51
b=− i+ j− k
4 4 4
31 29 51
∴ The coordinates of B are (− , , − ).
4 4 4

89. The coordinates of A and B are (2, −2, 6) and (2, −6, −10) respectively. For each of the following
cases, find the coordinates of C.
(a) C is the mid-point of AB.
(b) C is a point on AB such that AC : CB = 1 : 3.

Let a, b and c be the position vectors of A, B and C with respect to O respectively.

a+b
(a) c =
2
(2i − 2 j + 6k ) + (2i − 6 j − 10k )
=
2
= 2i − 4 j − 2k
∴ The coordinates of C are (2, −4, −2).

b + 3a
(b) c =
1+ 3
(2i − 6 j − 10k ) + 3(2i − 2 j + 6k )
=
4
= 2i − 3j + 2k
∴ The coordinates of C are (2, −3, 2).

521
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
90. The position vectors of the vertices of ΔABC are a = i − j + 2k , b = −i + 2 j − 3k and c = i + 2 j + 4k.
If D is the mid-point of BC, find AD .

Let d be the position vector of D.

1
d= (b + c)
2
1
= [(−i + 2 j − 3k ) + (i + 2 j + 4k )]
2
1
= 2j + k
2

AD = d − a
1
= (2 j + k ) − (i − j + 2k )
2
3
= − i + 3j − k
2

91. The position vectors of the vertices of ΔABC

are a = 7i − 4 j + 3k , b = −2i − 2 j − 6k and c = 5i + j − 4k . If D is the mid-point of BC, find AD .

Let d be the position vector of D.

1
d= (b + c)
2
1
= [(−2i − 2 j − 6k ) + (5i + j − 4k )]
2
3 1
= i − j − 5k
2 2

AD = d − a
3 1
= ( i − j − 5k ) − (7i − 4 j + 3k )
2 2
11 7
=− i + j − 8k
2 2

522
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
92. The coordinates of A, B and M are (2y, −z, −2x), (2z, −5z, −y + 1) and (−2x, −y, z) respectively.
If M is the mid-point of AB, find the coordinates of M.

Let a, b and m be the position vectors of A, B and M with respect to O respectively.

a+b
m=
2
(2 yi − zj − 2 xk ) + [2 zi − 5 zj + (− y + 1)k ]
=
2
−2 x − y + 1
= ( y + z )i − 3zj + k
2
It is given that m = −2 xi − yj + zk .
⎧ y + z = −2 x
⎪⎪−3 z = − y
∴ ⎨
⎪ −2 x − y + 1 = z
⎪⎩ 2
⎧2 x + y + z = 0 ......... (1)
⎪
i.e. ⎨ y = 3z ..................... (2)
⎪2 x + y + 2 z = 1 ........ (3)
⎩
(3) − (1): z = 1
Substitute z = 1 into (2), y = 3(1)
=3
Substitute y = 3 and z = 1 into (1), 2 x + 3 + 1 = 0
x = −2
∴ The coordinates of M are (4, −3, 1).

13
93. It is given that the position vectors of A, P and B are 4i + j , i + 6 j and 8i + 9 j respectively.
2
Prove that A, P and B are collinear, and find AP : PB .

13
AP = ( i + 6 j) − (4i + j)
2
5
= i + 5j
2

523
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 13
PB = (8i + 9 j) − ( i + 6 j)
2
3
i + 3j
=
2
3 5
= ( i + 5 j)
5 2
3
= AP
5
∴ A, P and B are collinear.
AP : PB = 5 : 3

94. In ΔABC, P is the mid-point of BC, Q is a point on AC such that AQ : QC = 1 : 2, R is a point on

BQ such that BR : RQ = 3 : 1. Let AQ = u and AB = v.
A

B P C

(a) Express AR in terms of u and v.

(b) Express AP in terms of u and v.
(c) Hence prove that A, R and P are collinear.

AB + 3 AQ
(a) AR =
1+ 3
v + 3u
=
4
3 1
= u+ v
4 4

AB + AC
(b) AP =
2
AB + 3 AQ
=
2
v + 3u
=
2
3 1
= u+ v
2 2

524
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 3 1
(c) AR = u+ v
4 4
1 3 1
= ( u + v)
2 2 2
1
= AP
2
∴ A, R and P are collinear.

95. In the figure, AD and BC intersect at E. AE : ED = BE : EC = 1 : 5. Let AB = a, AC = b.

D

B
A E

(a) Express AE in terms of a and b.

(b) Express AD in terms of a and b. Hence prove that AB // CD .

AC + 5 AB
(a) AE =
1+ 5
b + 5a
=
6
5 1
= a+ b
6 6

(b) AD = 6AE
5 1
= 6( a + b)
6 6
= 5a + b

CD = AD − AC
= 5a + b − b
= 5a
= 5 AB
∴ AB // CD

525
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
96. In the figure, AD and BC intersect at E. AE : ED = BE : EC = 2 : 9. Let AB = a, AC = b.
D

A E

(a) Express AE in terms of a and b.

(b) Express AD in terms of a and b. Hence prove that AB // CD .

9
AC + 2 AB
(a) AE =
1+ 9
2
9
b + 2a
= 11
2
9 2
= a+ b
11 11

11
(b) AD = AE
2
11 9 2
= ( a + b)
2 11 11
9
= a+b
2

CD = AD − AC
9
= a+b−b
2
9
= a
2
9
= AB
2
∴ AB // CD

526
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
97. In the figure, A and B lie on the x-axis and the y-axis respectively. M and N are points on AB
9
such that AM = MN = NB . Prove that AB 2 = (OM 2 + ON 2 ).
5
y

B
N

x
O A

Let ai and bj be the position vectors of A and B respectively, where a and b are constants.
AB2 = a2 + b2
OB + 2OA
OM =
1+ 2
bj + 2 ai
=
3
2a b
= i+ j
3 3
2a 2 b
OM 2 = ( ) + ( )2
3 3
4a 2 b 2
= +
9 9
OA + 2OB
ON =
1+ 2
ai + 2bj
=
3
a 2b
= i+ j
3 3
a 2b
ON 2 = ( ) 2 + ( ) 2
3 3
a 2 4b 2
= +
9 9
9 9 4a 2 b 2 a 2 4b 2
(OM 2 + ON 2 ) = [( + )+( + )]
5 5 9 9 9 9
9 5a 2 5b 2
= ( + )
5 9 9
= a 2 + b2
= AB 2

527
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
98. The figure shows a parallelogram OABC. P is the mid-point of OA. PC and OB intersect at Q.
Find OQ : QB.
C B

O P A

Let a and c be the position vectors of A and C with respect to O respectively, PQ : QC = r : 1.

OB = a + c
1
OP = a
2
OP + r OC
OQ =
1+ r
1 a + rc
= 2
1+ r
1 r
= a+ c
2(1 + r ) 1+ r

Let OQ = sOB.
OQ = s(a + c)
= sa + sc
⎧ 1
⎪⎪ 2(1 + r ) = s .......... .... (1)
∴ ⎨
⎪ r = s .......... ......... (2)
⎪⎩1 + r
(1) 1
: =1
(2) 2r
1
r=
2
1
Substitute r = into (1),
2
1
=s
2(1 + 12 )
1
s=
3
1
∴ OQ = OB
3
i.e. OQ : QB = 1 : 2

528
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
99. The figure shows a quadrilateral ABCD. Diagonals AC and BD intersect at E. AC = 3AB + 2 AD.
Let AB = u and AD = v.
D

B C

(a) Let AE = k AC. Express AE in terms of u, v and k.

(b) Let ED : BE = 1 : r . Express AE in terms of u, v and r.
(c) Hence find the values of k and r.
(d) Express BE in terms of u and v.

(a) AE = k AC
= k (3 AB + 2 AD )
= 3ku + 2kv

AB + r AD
(b) AE =
1+ r
1 r
= u+ v
1+ r 1+ r

(c) From (a) and (b),

1 r
3ku + 2kv = u+ v
1+ r 1+ r
⎧ 1
⎪⎪3k = 1 + r ................. (1)
∴ ⎨
⎪2k = r ................. ( 2)
⎪⎩ 1+ r
(2) 2
: =r
(1) 3
2
r=
3
2
Substitute r = into (1),
3
1
3k =
1 + 32
1
k=
5

529
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 3 2
(d) AE = u+ v
5 5
BE = AE − AB
3 2
= u+ v−u
5 5
2 2
=− u+ v
5 5

100. The figure shows ΔPST. Q and R are points on PS and PT respectively such that PS = 5PQ and
PT = 3PR. QT and SR intersect at M. Let PQ = a and PR = b.
T

R
M
P Q S

(a) Express QR, QS and QT in terms of a and b.

(b) Let RM : MS = 1 : s . Express QM in terms of a, b and s.
(c) Let QM = t QT . Express QM in terms of a, b and t.
(d) Hence find the values of s and t.
(e) Express QM and MS in terms of a and b.

(a) QR = PR − PQ
=b−a
= −a + b

QS = 4PQ = 4a

QT = PT − PQ
= 3PR − PQ
= 3b − a
= − a + 3b

QS + sQR
(b) QM =
1+ s
4a + s (−a + b)
=
1+ s
4−s s
= a+ b
1+ s 1+ s

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 (c) QM = t QT
= t (−a + 3b)
= −ta + 3tb

(d) From (b) and (c),

4−s s
a+ b = −ta + 3tb
1+ s 1+ s
⎧4 − s
⎪⎪ 1 + s = −t .............. (1)
∴ ⎨
⎪ s = 3t ............... (2)
⎩⎪1 + s
(1) 4−s 1
: =−
(2) s 3
12 − 3s = − s
s=6
Substitute s = 6 into (1),
4−6
= −t
1+ 6
2
t=
7

2 6
(e) QM = − a + b
7 7

MS = QS − QM
2 6
= 4a − (− a + b)
7 7
30 6
= a− b
7 7

101. Let ∠AOC = θ , OA = i and OB = j. If C is a point on AB such that AC : CB = 3 : 1, find θ. (Give

your answer correct to 1 decimal place.)
y

B
C

θ
x
O A

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© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 OA + 3OB
OC =
1+ 3
i + 3j
=
4
1 3
= i+ j
4 4
3
4
tan θ = 1
4
=3
θ = 71.6° (corr. to 1 d.p.)

102. In ΔABC, D, E and F are the mid-points of BC, CA and AB respectively. G is the centroid of
ΔABC. O is the origin. Prove the followings.

(a) AD + BE + CF = 0
(b) OA + OB + OC = OD + OE + OF
1
(c) OG = (OA + OB + OC )
3
(d) GA + GB + GC = 0
(e) G and the centroid of ΔDEF are the same point.
[ Hint: The centroid divides each median in the ratio of 2 : 1. ]

AB + AC BA + BC CA + CB
(a) AD + BE + CF = + +
2 2 2
1
= ( AB + AC − AB + BC − AC − BC )
2
1
= 0
2
=0

(b) AD + BE + CF = 0
OD − OA + OE − OB + OF − OC = 0

OA + OB + OC = OD + OE + OF

532
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
 (c) C

E D
G

A F B

OA + 2OD
OG =
1+ 2
OA + 2OD
= ................ (1)
3
OB + OC
OD = .................. (2)
2
Substitute (2) into (1),

OA + 2( OB +2OC )
OG =
3
1
= (OA + OB + OC )
3

(d) GA + GB + GC = OA − OG + OB − OG + OC − OG

= OA + OB + OC − 3OG
1
= OA + OB + OC − 3 × (OA + OB + OC )
3
=0

(e) Let G ' be the centroid of ΔDEF.

1
OG ' = (OD + OE + OF ) [ From (c)]
3
1
= (OA + OB + OC ) [ From (b)]
3
= OG
∴ G and the centroid of ΔDEF are the same point.

533
© 2010 Chung Tai Educational Press. All rights reserved.
103. It is given that the coordinates of A and B are (1, −2, −8) and (1, −2, 4) respectively. AB cuts the
xy-plane at P.
(a) Find the coordinates of P.
(b) Find AP : PB .

(a) Let (x, y, 0) be the coordinates of P.

AP = ( x − 1)i + [ y − (−2)]j + [0 − (−8)]k
= ( x − 1)i + ( y + 2) j + 8k
AB = (1 − 1)i + [−2 − (−2)]j + [4 − (−8)]k
= 12k
Let AP = t AB, where t is a constant.
( x − 1)i + ( y + 2) j + 8k = 12tk
⎧x − 1 = 0
⎪
∴ ⎨y + 2 = 0
⎪8 = 12t
⎩
∴ x = 1, y = −2
∴ The coordinates of P are (1, −2, 0).

(b) From (a),

2
t=
3
2
∴ AP =AB
3
i.e. AP : PB = 2 : 1

104. The coordinates of A, B and P are ( x − 1, 3z + 2, −2 z), ( z − 2, −2 x , −4 y) and (− y , y + 2 z , − x)

respectively. If A, B and P are collinear such that AP : PB = 2 : 3 , find the coordinates of A, B
and P.

Let a, b and p be the position vectors of A, B and P with respect to O respectively.

2
a+ 3b
p=
1+ 2
3
2
[( x − 1)i + (3z + 2) j − 2 zk ] + 3 [( z − 2)i − 2 xj − 4 yk ]
= 5
3
3 2 7 4 9 6 8 6
= ( x + z − )i + (− x + z + ) j + (− y − z )k
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

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 It is given that p = − yi + ( y + 2 z) j − xk.
⎧3 2 7
⎪5 x + 5 z − 5 = − y
⎪
⎪ 4 9 6
∴ ⎨− x + z + = y + 2 z
⎪ 5 5 5
⎪ 8 6
⎪− 5 y − 5 z = − x
⎩
⎧3x + 5 y + 2 z = 7
⎪
i.e. ⎨4 x + 5 y + z = 6
⎪5 x − 8 y − 6 z = 0
⎩
⎛3 5 2 7⎞
⎜ ⎟
The augmented matrix corresponding to the system is ⎜ 4 5 1 6⎟.
⎜ 5 −8 −6 0 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
⎛ 3 5 2 7 ⎞ R1 − R2 → R1 ⎛ −1 0 1 1 ⎞ R2 + 4 R1 → R2 ⎛ −1 0 1 1⎞
⎜ ⎟ R3 − R2 → R3 ⎜ ⎟ R3 + R1 → R3 ⎜ ⎟
⎜ 4 5 1 6 ⎟ ⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯→ ⎜ 4 5 1 6 ⎟ ⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯→ ⎜ 0 5 5 10 ⎟
⎜ 5 −8 −6 0 ⎟ ⎜ 1 −13 −7 −6 ⎟ ⎜ 0 −13 −6 −5 ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
− R1 → R1
1 ⎛ 1 0 −1 −1 ⎞ ⎛ 1 0 −1 −1⎞ 1 ⎛ 1 0 −1 −1⎞
R → R2
5 2
⎜ ⎟ R3 +13R2 → R3 ⎜ ⎟ 7 R3 → R3 ⎜ ⎟
⎯→ ⎜ 0 1
⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ 1 2 ⎟ ⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯⎯→ ⎜ 0 1 1 2 ⎟ ⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⎯→ ⎜ 0 1 1 2 ⎟
⎜ 0 −13 −6 −5 ⎟ ⎜ 0 0 7 21⎟ ⎜0 0 1 3 ⎟
⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠ ⎝ ⎠
⎛1 0 0 2 ⎞
R1 + R3 → R1
⎜
R2 − R3 → R2 ⎟
⎯→ ⎜ 0 1 0 −1⎟
⎯⎯ ⎯ ⎯ ⎯
⎜0 0 1 3 ⎟
⎝ ⎠
∴ x = 2, y = −1, z = 3
∴ The coordinates of A are (1, 11, −6), the coordinates of B are (1, −4, 4),
the coordinates of P are (1, 5, −2).

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