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EXAM
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 11
VECTOR ALGEBRA
11.1. VECTORS AND THEIR REPRESENTATION

 A quantity which has magnitude and direction in space is called a vector; e.g. force, velocity,
displacement etc.

 Vectors are represented by directed line segments. AB, is a vector whose magnitude (modulus)
is the length of the segment AB and its direction is represented by the direction from A to B along
the line segment.

A AB B

 The magnitude of the vector AB is written as |AB|.

JE

11.1.1. DIFFERENT TYPE OF VECTORS

 Like and unlike vectors: Vectors are said to be like when they have the same direction and
ES

unlike when they have opposite directions.

B B
D D
an
a
b

A C A C
ka

(Like vectors) (Unlike vectors)

a
 Unit Vector: A vector of magnitude one is called as a unit vector. Thus â = is a unit
|a|
lp

vector.
 Null Vector (zero vector): If the origin and the terminal points of a vector coincide, then it
is said to be a zero vector. In other words, zero vector is a vector of zero magnitude, the
direction of 0 (zero vector) being left arbitrary.
 Position Vector : If O be a fixed point (called origin of
P
reference) and P be any point; then the vector OP is called the
position vector of the point P w.r.t the origin O. O

 Scalar multiple of a vector: If a be a given vector, then ka is a vector whose magnitude

is |k| times the magnitude of a and whose direction is the same as that of a or opposite as
that of a according as k is positive or negative.
 Collinear or Parallel Vectors: Two or more vectors are said to be collinear when they act
along the same or parallel lines.

-11. 1 -
 Vector Algebra

11.1.2. ADDITION OF VECTORS:

If AB = a, BC = b, then a + b is the vector AB + BC = AC, (fig .1)

C

A a B
(Figure 1)
This law is called triangle law of addition.
If A, B, C, D and E are taken in order, then AB + BC + CD + DE = AE, (Fig. 2).

D
C

E
JE

A B

(Figure 2)
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It follows that the sum of vectors along the sides of a polygon, in the same order is a zero vector.

Parallelogram law of addition:

an

a
C B

b a+b
b
ka

O A
a
(Figure 3)
lp

Since OC = AB = b and OA = CB = a
we can also say OA + OC = OB
i.e a + b = OB (Fig.3)
Note: The magnitude of (a + b) need not be equal to the sum of the magnitudes of a and b

i.e. |a + b |  |a | + | b | in general.

To find AB if the position vectors of points A and B are given

Let the position vectors of the points A and B w.r.t.O as origin, be a and b respectively,
i.e., OA = a and OB = b.
By triangle law of addition,
OA + AB = OB

-11. 2 -
Vector Algebra

i.e a + AB = b B

or AB = b – a
b
Thus AB = (p.v of B) – (p.v of A)
Similarly O A
a

BA = (p.v of A) - (p.v of B)
=a–b

11.1.3. LINEAR COMBINATION OF VECTORS

A vector r is said to be a linear combination of vectors a1, a2, a3, ...., an if there exist scalars
1, 2, 3, ...., n such that r = 1a1 + 2a2 + 3a3 + .... + n an.

Collinear and Non – Collinear Vectors

 If a and b be two collinear vectors, then a = b or b = a for some scalar .
 Let A, B, C be three points; then A, B, C are collinear
JE

 AB and BC are collinear

 AB = BC for some scalar  .
ES

Three points A, B, C with positions vectors a, b, c are collinear iff there exist scalars , , , not
all zero such that a + b + c = 0, where  +  + v = 0.
If a, b are two non-collinear vectors, then xa + yb = la + mb x = l & y = m.
an

Sample Problem-1:
Prove that the points represented by a – 2b + 3c, 2a + 3b – 4c, –7b + 10c are collinear.

Solutions: Let OA = a – 2b +3c

ka

OB = 2a + 3b – 4c
OC = –7b + 10c
lp

AB = (p.v of B) – (p.v of A)
= (2a + 3b – 4c) – (a – 2b + 3c)
= a + 5b – 7c
AC = (p.v. of C) – (p.v of A)
= (–7b + 10c) – (a – 2b + 3c)
= –a – 5b + 7c
Since AC = –AB,  points A, B, C are collinear.

Sample Problem-2:
Given a, b, c are three non-zero vectors such that no two of them are collinear. If
a + 2b is collinear with c and b + 3c is collinear with a, prove that a + 2b + 6c is a null vector.

Solution: a + 2b = c & b + 3c =  a

-11. 3 -
 Vector Algebra

 a + 2b + 6c = c + 6c = (+ 6)c
as well as a + 2a
 (+ 6)c = (1 + 2)a  + 6 = 0 ;  = –6
Thus a + 2b + 6c = 0.

Sample Problem-3:
D, E, F are points dividing side BC, CA, AB of a triangle ABC in the ratio 2 : 3, 1 : 2 and 3 : 1
respectively. Show that the lines AD, BE, CF are concurrent and hence find the position vector
of their point of intersection.

Solution: If d, e, f are p.v of points D, E & F respectively, then, by section formula

2c  3b A(a)
d = ...(i)
5
3 2
2c  a F E
e = ...(ii) P
JE

3 1
1
3b  a
f = ...(iii) B(b) 2 D 3 C(c)
4
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Equation of line AD is r  a  t ( d  a )

Equation of line BE is r  b  m ( e  b )

For intersection of AD and BE we need that “ a  t ( d  a ) = b  m ( e  b ) ” be true

an

for some 0 < t, m < 1.

( 2 c  3b  5 a ) ( 2 c  a  3b )
a t = b m
ka

5 3

m 3t 2t 2 m
 1–t= ; = 1 – m; 
3 5 5 3
lp

5 1
 t= ,m=
6 2

The existence of t and m assures the intersection of AD and BE .

5 a  3b  2c
The point of intersection is r  a  ( d  a ) =
6 6

a  3b  2 c
Similarly it may be shown that AD and CF intersect at
6
We give below a different proof of the assertions:
By (i) & (ii), 5d – 3b = 3e – a

1 1
 (5d + a) = (3e + 3b) ...(iv)
6 6

-11. 4 -
Vector Algebra

Similarly, using (ii)& (iii), we have

3e – 2c = 4 f – 3b

1 1
 (2c + 4 f ) = (3e + 3b) ...(v)
6 6
By (iv) & (v), we conclude that AD & CF intersect at the point P on BE having.

1 1
p.v. (3e + 3b) = (2c + a + 3b)
6 6

Alternative Method
Let l = a – 2b + 3c, m = 2a + 3b – 4c and n = –7b + 10c

If we can choose scalars x, y, z (not all zero) such that

xl + ym + zn = 0

and x + y + z = 0
JE

then the three points are collinear.

xl + ym + zn = 0  (x + 2y) a + (–2x + 3y – 7z) b + (3x – 4y + 10z) c = 0

ES

 (x + 2y) ( a  5 b  7 c ) = 0 as x+y+z=0

 x + 2y = 0 and x + y = –z
x = –2y, z = y. Thus, we may choose x = 2, y = –1, z = –1.
an

Hence the points are collinear.

ka

11.1.4. SECTION FORMULA

Internal Division
Let A, B be two points with position vectors a and b B
lp

respectively, and let C be a point dividing AB internally b

n mb + na
in the ratio m : n. The position vector of C is given by O C m+n
m
mb  n a a
OC = A
mn

If C is the mid-point, then it divides AB in the ratio 1 : 1. Therefore, the position vector of C is
ab
.
2
External Division
Let A and B be two points with position vectors a and b respectively and let C be a point dividing
AB externally in the ratio m : n. Then the position vector of C is given by

mb  na
OC =
mn

-11. 5 -
 Vector Algebra

Coplanar Vectors

A number of vectors are coplanar if they all lie in a plane.

If a, b, c are coplanar and non-collinear, then a = b + c where  and  are some scalars.

If a, b, c are three given non-coplanar vectors, then every vector r in space can be uniquely
expressed as r = xa + yb + zc for some scalars x, y and z.

11.2. LINEARLY INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT VECTORS

11.2.1. LINEARLY INDEPENDENT VECTORS :

A set of non-zero vectors a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , ...., a n is said to be linearly independent if

“ a1 + 2 a2 + 3 a3 + .... + n an = 0” can happen only if 1 = 2 = .... = n = 0.
JE

11.2.2. LINEARLY DEPENDENT VECTORS :

A set of vectors a1 , a 2, a3 , ...., a n is said to be linearly dependent if there exists scalars

,2, ...., n, not all zero such that 1a1 + 2a2 + 3a3 + .... + nan = 0.
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Note :

 Any two non-zero, non collinear vectors are linearly independent.

an

 Any three coplanar vectors are linearly dependent.

 Any two collinear vectors are linearly dependent.

ka

11.2.3. CO-ORDINATE AXES AND COMPONENTS OF A VECTOR

Let XOX , Y OY and ZOZ be three mutually perpendicular lines

lp

Y
intersecting at O. Let iˆ, ˆj, kˆ be unit vectors along OX, OY and
P(x, y, z)
OZ respectively. Let P(x, y, z) be a point in space; then, its r

position vector is r = x iˆ + y ĵ + z k̂ . The scalars x, y,, z

(which can be positive or negative) are known as the X, Y, Z O X
components of vector r. Z

Important Result:

iˆ, ˆj, kˆ are three unit vectors along axes of x, y, z

respectively where each pair of axes are mutually
perpendicular and | iˆ | = | ĵ | = | k̂ | = 1

Let P be a point whose co-ordinates are (x, y, z). The

-11. 6 -
Vector Algebra

position vector of P is r. In triangle OQP, z

P(x, y, z)
r = OQ + QP.
k̂ r
= (OM + ON) + QP
N y
= x iˆ + y ĵ + z k̂ O
ĵ
= (x, y, z) M
y Q
2 2 iˆ
|r| = |OP |= OQ  QP x

= (OM ) 2  (ON ) 2  QP 2 = x2  y2  z2

 If , ,  are angles made by a vector r with positive directions of X, Y, Z axes respectively, then
cos , cos  and cos  are known as direction cosines of the vector r .

x y z
cos  = , cos  = and cos  =
|r | |r | |r |
JE

Hence cos2  + cos2  + cos2  = 1.

ES

11.3. SCALAR PRODUCT OR DOT PRODUCT

Let a and b be two vectors and let  be the angle between them. Then, the scalar product or dot
product of a and b, denoted by a · b is defined as |a | | b | cos  = abcos . Clearly, the scalar
product of two vectors is a scalar.
an

11.3.1. GEOMETRICAL INTERPRETATION OF DOT PRODUCT

ka

The scalar product is used to find the projection of a

vector along some given direction. ON is the B P
component of vector OB (= b) in the direction of M
lp

vector OA = a ; ON = b cos. P1 P2

 a·b  
Thus, projection of b along â =  ·aˆ . O N A
|a|

 a ·b 
 ON =  a
 | a |2 
 

a ·b ˆ
Projection of a on b̂ = b
|b|

 a·b 
 OM =  b
 | b |2 
 

-11. 7 -
 Vector Algebra

11.3.2. PROPERTIES OF SCALAR PRODUCT

 Let  be the angle between two non-zero vectors a and b. Then

a ·b
cos  =
| a || b |

 Length of a vector : Let a be any vector.

Then, a · a = | a | |a | cos 0º = | a |2

 If a · b = 0, then ab cos  = 0 which implies either a = 0 or b = 0 or cos = 0. (i.e., 

π
= 2 ). Hence if the scalar product of two vectors is zero, then at least one of the vectors is

a zero vector or vectors are perpendicular to each other.

 Orthonormal vector triad : Let iˆ , ĵ , k̂ be unit vectors along three mutually perpendicular lines
x-axis, y axis and z-axis respectively.
i. iˆ · iˆ = | iˆ | | iˆ | cos 0º = 1
JE

Similarly ( ĵ · ĵ ) = 1 and ( k̂ · k̂ ) = 1.
ii. iˆ · ĵ = | iˆ | | ĵ |cos 90º = 0
Similarly, iˆ · k̂ = 0, ĵ · k̂ = 0, ĵ · iˆ = 0, k̂ · iˆ = 0 and k̂ · ĵ = 0
ES

 Commutative property: a·b = b·a

 Distributive property: a·(b + c) = a·b + a·c

an

 If m is a real number and a, b be any two vectors, then (ma)·b = m(a·b) = a·(mb).

 Scalar product in terms of components :

Let a = a1 iˆ + a2 ĵ + a3 k̂ and b = b1 iˆ + b2 ĵ + b3 k̂ , then
ka

a·b = a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3

 For any two vectors a and b

lp

i. | a ± b |2 = | a |2 + | b |2 ± 2 a·b
ii. | a + b |2 + |a – b |2 = 2(|a |2 + |b|2)
iii. | a + b | = |a| + |b|  a is parallel to b.

 If the angle between a and b is obtuse, then a·b < 0.

If the angle between a and b is acute, then a·b > 0.

If the angle between a and b is  , then a·b = 0.

2

11.3.3.VECTOR PRODUCT OR CROSS PRODUCT

Let a and b be two vectors and let  be the angle between them, where 0    . The vector
product or cross product of a and b is defined as

-11. 8 -
Vector Algebra

a  b = (| a || b| sin ) n̂
n̂
where n̂ is a unit vector perpendicular to both a and b taken in
such a way that a, b, n̂ form a right handed screw system. b
Hence a  b is perpendicular to the plane containing a and b. a 

11.3.4. PROPERTIES OF CROSS PRODUCT

 If a and b are collinear, a × b = 0.

ab
 Unit vector perpendicular to both a and b is n̂ =  .
| a  b|
 (ma)  b = m(a  b) = a  (mb).
 For unit vectors iˆ , ĵ , k̂ :
iˆ  ĵ = k̂ = – ĵ  iˆ
ĵ  k̂ = iˆ = – k̂  ĵ
JE

k̂  iˆ
= ĵ = – iˆ  k̂
 Let a = a1 iˆ + a2 ĵ + a3 k̂ ,
ES

b = b1 iˆ + b2 ĵ + b3 k̂

iˆ ˆj kˆ
then, a  b = a1 a2 a3
an

b1 b2 b3

 Distributive Law
ka
a (b + c) = a b + a c.

11.3.5. GEOMETRICAL INTERPRETATION

B C
lp

1. The area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are

represented by a and b is |a b| (It is twice the area of the b
triangle OAB).

O H a A

2. The area of a triangle ABC = 1 | AB × AC | A

2

= 1 | BC  BA | = 1 |CB × CA |
2 2
B C
1
3. The area of a plane quadrilateral ABCD is 2 |AC × BD |

where AC and BD are its diagonals.

-11. 9 -
 Vector Algebra

Sample Problem-4:
a b c
In a triangle ABC, prove by vector method that  
sin A sin B sin C A
Solution: a+b+c=0
c b
 a  (a + b + c) = 0
B C
 ab=ca ...(i) a

Again, a+b+c=0

 b  (a + b + c) = 0

 bc=ab ...(ii)

Thus, from (i) and (ii), we get

ab=bc=ca
JE

 | a  b| = | b  c | = | c  a|

ab sin ( – C) = bc sin (– A) = ca sin ( – B)

ES

ab sin C = bc sin A = ca sin B

sin C sin A sin B

 
c a b
an

a b c
  (sine formula).
sin A sin B sin C

Sample Problem-5:
ka

Show that the angle bisectors of a triangle ABC are concurrent and hence find the position vector
of the incentre.
lp

Solution: Let a, b, c be the position vectors of the vertices A, B and C respectively and let ,
,  be the lengths of the sides opposite to these vertices.
Let AD, BE and CF be the angle bisectors of the triangle.
Let p be the p.v. of the point of intersection I of BE & AD;
then, using article 3 (geometrical application of vectors), we have
A(a)
 ab cb 
   × (p – b) = 0 ...(i)
| a  b | | c  b |   
F I E
 ca ba 
   × (p – a) = 0 ...(ii)
| c  a | | b  a |  B(b) D C(c)
We need to show that 

-11. 10 -
Vector Algebra

 bc ac 
   × (p – c) = 0 ...(iii)
| b  c | | a  c | 

On adding (i) & (ii), we have

 ab cb ca ba 

     ×p
| a  b | | c  b | | c  a | | b  a | 
=
 (a  b) (c  b) (c  a ) (b  a ) 
 b b a  a 
| a  b | |cb| |ca| |ba| 

 bc ac   ab cb ca ba 

i.e.,    × p = –     
| b  c | | a  c | | a  b | | c  b | | c  a | | b  a | 

bc ac
= 
|bc| |ac|
JE

which proves (iii)

Sample Problem-6:
ES

Find the vector c, directed along the internal bisector of the angle between the vectors
a = 7 iˆ – 4 ĵ – 4 k̂ and b = –2 iˆ – ĵ + 2 k̂ with | c | = 5 6 .

Solution: The required vector c is given by

an

 a b 
c = λ  
 | a| | b| 

 7 iˆ – 4 ˆj – 4kˆ  2iˆ – ˆj  2kˆ 

ka

= λ  
 9 3 
 
λ ˆ
= ( 7 i – 4 ˆj – 4 kˆ – 6 iˆ – 3 ˆj  6 kˆ )
lp

9
λ ˆ
= ( i – 7 ˆj  2kˆ ) ...(i)
9
||
| c | = 1  49  4
9
||
5 6= 54
9
 |  | = 15
Substituting values of  in (i)
15 ˆ
c=  (i – 7 ˆj  2kˆ )
9
5 ˆ
c=  (i – 7 ˆj  2kˆ )
3

-11. 11 -
 Vector Algebra

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-11.1 TO 11.3.

     
1. The position vectors of two vertices and the centroid of a triangle are i  j ,2i  j  k and k
respectively. The position vector of the third vertex of the triangle is

     2
(a) 3i  2 k (b) 3i  2k (c) i  k (d) none of these
3

 a  iˆ  ˆj  2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ ˆ
Hint (a): Let P.V. of third vertex be a then k
3
 a  3iˆ  2kˆ

               
2. If r  2i  2 j  5k , a  2i  j  k , b  i  3 j  2k and c  2i  j  3k such that
   
r  a  b  c then


(a) , ,  are in AP (b)   are AP.
JE

2
(c)  are in HP (d)  are in GP

Hint (a): Here 3iˆ  2 ˆj  5kˆ   (2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ)   (iˆ  3 ˆj  2kˆ)   ( 2iˆ  ˆj  3kˆ)
ES

on compressing the coefficients of iˆ, ˆj , kˆ ,

we get 2 + µ – 2 = 3, –  + 3µ +  = 2,  – 2µ – 3 = –5
 = 3,  = 1,  = 2
an


 , ,  are in AP
2
  
ka

3. If a and b are two vectors of magnitude 2 inclined at an angle 60° then the angle between a
 
and a  b is
(a) 30° (b) 60° (c) 45° (d) none of these
lp

     
Hint (a): Here | a  b | | a |2  | b |2 2 | a || b | cos   8  4  2 3
  
   a.(a  b ) 3
Now angle between a and a  b     
| a || a  b | 2

 = 30°

       
4. ( a.i )i  (a. j ) j  ( a.k ) k equal to
  
(a) i  j  k (b) a (c) 3a (d) none of these

Hint (b): Let a  a1iˆ  a2 ˆj  a3 kˆ
   
so (a.iˆ)iˆ  ( a. ˆj ) ˆj  (a.k ) kˆ  a1iˆ  a2 ˆj  a3 kˆ  a

-11. 12 -
Vector Algebra

    
5. Let a  2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ, b  iˆ  2 ˆj  kˆ and a unit vector c be a coplanar. If c is perpendicular to a
then c =

1 1 1 ˆ 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
(a) (  ˆj  kˆ) (b) (  ˆj  ˆj  kˆ ) (c) ( j  2 ˆj ) (d) (i  j  k )
2 3 5 3
 
Hint (a): Let c = ta  sb where t, s  R
= (2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ)t  (iˆ  2 ˆj  kˆ ) s

Now | c | 1  (2t + s)2 + (t + 2s)2 + (t – s)2 = 1

a.c  0  2(2t + s) + 1 (t + 2s) + 1(t – s) = 0
1 2
on solving, we get t =  ,s  
3 2 3

   
6. If a , b , c are three vectors of equal magnitude and the angle between each pair of vectors is
3
  
JE


such that | a  b  c | 6 , then | a | is equal to

1
(a) 2 (b) –1 (c) –2 (d) 6
3
ES

  
Hint (c): Let | a || b || c | k

      k2
 a.b  b .c  c .a 
2
an

  2
Now | a  b  c |  6
     
 | a |2  | b |2  | c |2 2(a.b  b .c  c .a )  6
ka

3k 2
 3k2 + 2. 6  k = ± 1
2
 
So | a | 1 as | a | is always positive
lp

     
7. If p, q are two noncollinear and nonzero vectors such that (b – c) p  q + (c – a) p + (a – b) q
= 0, where a, b, c are the lengths of the sides of a triangle, then the triangle is
(a) right angled (b) obtuse angled (c) equilateral (d) isosceles
   
Hint (c): Here p, q and p  q are non coplanar so we must have a – b = b – c = c – a = 0
a=b=c
           
8. If a , b , c are any three vectors such that (a  b ). c  (a  b ).c  0 , then ( a  b )  c is
 
(a) 0 (b) a (c) b (d) none of these
     
Hint (a): Here ( a  b ).c  0  (a  b ).c
   
 c  a and c  b
  
 c || ( a  b )
   
 (a  b )  c  0

-11. 13 -
 Vector Algebra

9. A unit vector perpendicular to the plane passing through the points whose positive vectors are
iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ, 2iˆ  kˆ and 2 ˆj  kˆ is

1 1 ˆ
(a) 2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ (b) (2iˆ  ˆj  kˆ) (c) (i  2 ˆj  kˆ) (d) none of these
6 6
Hint (b): Let the three given points be A, B, C.
Then unit vector  to plane passing through A, B, C
 
AB  AC 8iˆ  4 ˆj  4kˆ 1 ˆ ˆ ˆ
=       (2i  j  k )
| AB  AC | 4 6 6

10. If  and × represent dot product and cross product respectively then which of the following is
meaningless?
       
(a) ( a  b ).(c  d ) (b) (a  b )  (c  d )
     
JE
(c) ( a.b ) (c  d ) (d) ( a.b )  (c  d )
   
Hint (d): ( a  b ) and (c  d ) are vectors

where as ( ( a.b ) is scalar
ES

  
So ( a.b )  (c  d ) is meaningless

11.4. SCALAR TRIPLE PRODUCT

an

The Scalar triple product of three vectors a, b, c is defined as (a  b)·c and is denoted by [a b
c].
ka

11.4.1.GEOMETRICAL INTERPRETATION
lp

The Scalar triple product represents the volume of a parallelopiped whose co-terminous edges are
represented by a, b and c.

11.4.2. PROPERTIES OF SCALAR TRIPLE PRODUCT

 If a, b, c be expressed in terms of unit vectors iˆ , ĵ , k̂ as a = a 1 iˆ + a 2 ĵ + a 3 k̂ ,

b = b1 iˆ + b2 ĵ + b3 k̂ , c = c1 iˆ + c2 ĵ + c3 k̂

a1 a2 a3
then[a b c] = b1 b2 b3
c1 c2 c3
 (a  b)·c = a·(b  c)

 (a  b)·c = (b  c)·a = (c  a)·b

-11. 14 -
Vector Algebra

Thus the scalar triple product of three vectors remains unchanged so long as their order
remains unchanged i.e. [a b c] = [b c a] = [c a b].

 The scalar triple product changes in sign but not in magnitude, when the cyclic order of vectors
is changed i.e. [a b c] = –[a c b].

 The scalar triple product vanishes if any two of its vectors are equal i.e [a a b] = 0

[a b a] = 0 and [b a a] = 0.

 Necessary and sufficient condition for three non-zero, non-collinear vectors a, b, c to be

coplanar is that [a b c] = 0.
 [(a + b) c d] = [a c d] + [b c d].
 [ a b c] =  [a b c].
 For any three vectors a, b, c
JE

a·a a·b a·c

[a b c]2 = b·a b·b b·c
c·a c·b c·c
ES

 The volume of a tetrahedron whose co-terminous edges in the right-handed system are a, b,
c is (1/6) | [a b c] |.
an

11.4.3. VECTOR TRIPLE PRODUCT

If a, b, c are three vectors, then (a × b) × c, a × (b × c), etc. are known as vector triple products.
The vector triple product can be expanded as a × (b × c) = (a·c)b – (a·b)c, and
ka

(b × c) × a = (b·a)c – (c·a)b
Hence a × (b × c)  (b × c) × a
lp

The vector triple product a × (b × c) is a linear combination of two vectors. The vector r = a × (b × c)
is perpendicular to a and lies in the plane of b and c.

11.4.4. RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF VECTORS

Let a, b, c be three non coplanar vectors so that [a b c]  0, then the vectors

(b  c ) (c  a ) (a  b)
a  , b  , c 
[a b c ] [a b c ] [a b c ]

are said to form a reciprocal system of vectors with the vectors a, b, c.

If a, b, c and a, b, c form a reciprocal system of vectors, then
 a·a = b·b = c·c = 1
 a·b = a·c = 0, b·a = b·c = 0 and c·a = c·b = 0

-11. 15 -
 Vector Algebra

11.4.5. PROPERTIES OF RECIPROCAL SYSTEM OF VECTORS

The system of orthonormal triad of unit vectors iˆ , ĵ , k̂ is self orthogonal iˆ   iˆ , ĵ  ĵ and
k̂  k̂

OBJECTIVE QUESTION-11.4:

  
1. If a '  iˆ  ˆj , b '  iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ and c '  2iˆ  ˆj  ˆj  kˆ, then the altitude of the parallelepiped formed by
  
the vectors a , b , and c having base formed by b and c is where ( a is reciprocal vector a ,
etc.)

3 2 1 1
(a) 1 (b) (c) (d)
2 6 2
  
Hint (d): Here [a ' b ' c ']  4

  1
 [a b c ] 
4
JE

  1   2 1
Now b  c  a '  | b  c | 
4 4 2 2
ES

1 1
So length of altitude = 2 2 
4 2

      
2. If a  b , then vector v in terms of a and b satisfying the equations v .a  0 and v.b  1 and
 
an

[vab ]  1 is
        
b a b b ab b a b
(a)  2    2 (b)  2    2 (c)  2    (d) none of these
|b | | ab | |b | | ab | | b | | a b |
ka

    
Hint (a): Let v  xa  yb  z (a  b )
       
Now a.b  0  v . a , v . b  1, [v a b ]  1
lp

  
v . a  0  x | a |2  0  x = 0

   1
Again v .b  y | b |2  1  y = 2
b

     1
and v .(a  b )  z (a  b ) 2  1  z =   2
| a b |

3. If V be the volume of a tetrahedron and V be the volume of another tetrahedron formed by the
centroids of the previous tetrahedron, if V = KV; then K is equal to
(a) 9 (b) 12 (c) 27 (d) 81
Hint (c): Consider a tetrahedron with vertices O(0, 0, 0), A(a, 0, 0), B(0, b, 0) and C(0, 0, c)
1  
Its volume V = [a b c ]
6

-11. 16 -
Vector Algebra

  
1 a b c  1
Also volume of tetrahedron by centroids = V =   V
6  3 3 3  27

 k = 27

   
4. A(a ), B(b ), and C (c ) are the vertices of ABC and R(r ) is any point in the plane of ABC,
      
then r .(a  b  b  c  c  a ) is always equal to
   
(a) zero (b) [ abc ] (c) [abc ] (d) none of these
  
Hint (b): A vector perpendicular to the plane of A(a ), B(b ), and C (c ) is
         
= (b  a )  (c  a )  a  b  b  c  c  a .

Let R(r ) be any point in the plane of A, B and C.
       
Then ( r  a ).( a  b  b  c  c  a )  0
        
JE

 r .(a  b  b  c  c  a )  [ a b c ]

  
5. Let a , b and c be three non-coplanar vectors and r be any arbitrary vector. Then
           
(a  b )  (r  c ) + (b  c )  (r  a )  (c  a )  ( r  b ) is always equal to
ES

       
(a) [ a b c ]r (b) 2[a b c ]r (c) 3[ a b c ]r (d) none of these
       
Hint (b): Here ( a  b )  ( r  c )  [ a b c ]r  [a b r ]c
          
an

(b  c )  ( r  a )  [b c a ]r  [b c r ]a
       
(c  a )  ( r  b )  [c a b ]r  [c a r ]b
         
ka

So required = 3[a b c ]r  [b c r ]a  [c a r ]b  [a b r ]c
        
= 3[ a b c ]r  [ a b c ]r  2[ a b c ]r
lp

 
6. The condition for the equation r  a  b and r  c  d to be consistent is
          
(a) b . c  a. d  0 (b) a.b  c.d (c) a.b  c .d (d) a. b  c .d  0
    
Hint (a): d  ( r  a )  d  b
      
 ( a.d ) r  (d .r ) a  d  b ....(i)
    
Also b  (r  c )  b  d
     
 (b .c ) r  (b .r )c  b  d ....(ii)

Adding (i) and (ii), we get

       
((a , d )  (b .c ))r  ( d .r ) a  (b .r )c  0
    
 a.d  b .c  0 as d .r  b . r  0

-11. 17 -
 Vector Algebra

 
7. If a and b are orthogonal unit vectors, then for a vector r noncoplanar with a and b , vector
 
r  a is equal to
          
(a) [ r ab ]b  ( r .b )(b  a ) (b) [ r ab ](a  b )
      
(c) [ r ab ]a  ( r .a ) a  b (d) none of these
     
Hint (a): Let r  a  a  b  (a  b )

Now [ r a a ]  0  = 0
   
Also [ r a b ]  a.b   (b .b )  [a b b ]  
     
Also ( r  a )  b  ( a  b )  b
        
 ( ( r .b ) a  (a. b ) r  (( a.b )b  (b .b )a )

 = – (r .b )

       
JE

8. If (a  b )  (b  c )  b , where a , b and c are non-zero vectors, then

   
(a) a , b and c can be coplanar (b) a , b and c must be coplanar
 
(c) a , b and c cannot be coplanar (d) none of these
ES

    
Hint (c): ( a  b )  (b  c )  b
   
 [ a b c ]b  b
    
an

 [a b c ]  1  a , b , c can not be coplanar

      
9. a  iˆ  ˆj  kˆ, b  ˆj  kˆ . Then a vector r satisfying a  r  b and a.r  3 is
ka

5ˆ 2 ˆ 2 ˆ 5 2 2 5ˆ 2 ˆ 2 ˆ 5ˆ 2 ˆ 2 ˆ
(a) i j k (b) iˆ  ˆj  kˆ (c) i  j k (d) i j k
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Hint (c): a  r  b
lp

    
 a  ( a  r )  a  b
     
 ( a.r ) a  (a.a ) r  a  b
    
 ( a.a )r  3a  ( a  b )

 1
 r  (5iˆ  2 ˆj  2kˆ )
3

10. If the two diagonals of one of its faces are 6iˆ  6kˆ and 4 ˆj  2kˆ and of the edges not containing

the given diagonal is c  4 ˆj  8kˆ then the volume of parallelepiped is

(a) 60 (b) 80 (c) 100 (d) 120

  
Hint (d): Let a  6iˆ  6kˆ, b  4 ˆj  2kˆ, c  4 ˆj  8kˆ
 
 a  b  12( 2iˆ  ˆj  2kˆ )

-11. 18 -
Vector Algebra

1   1
so area of base of the parallelepiped = | a  b |  12  3  18
2 2

and height of parallelepiped = Length of projection of c on a  b
  
| c .( a  b ) | 12( 4  16) 20
=    
| ab | 36 3

20
so volume = 18   120
3

11.5. GEOMETRICAL APPLICATIONS OF VECTORS

11.5.1. Vector equation of a line: The vector equation of a line passing P
b
through a point having position vector a and parallel to vector b is
b
r = a + b, where parameter   R.
A r
The vector equation of a line passing through two points A (a) and
JE

B (b) is a
r = a +  (b – a). O

11.5.2. Bisector of the Angle Between two Lines: If a and b are unit vectors along the straight lines
ES

enclosing an angle, then a + b and a – b are the vectors along the internal and external bisectors
of the angle respectively.

11.5.3. Bisectors of angles between two lines: The bisectors of the angle between the lines given
an

 b c 
by r = a + b and r = a + c are given by r  a  λ    where parameter R.
 |b | | c| 
ka

11.5.4. Vector Equation of a plane : Let A(a) be a given point and R(r) be an arbitrary point both lying
on a plane. Let n̂ be the normal to this plane. As vector AR lies in the plane we have:

AR · n̂ =0 n
lp

(r – a)· n̂ = 0 R(r)
or r· n̂ = d (where a· n̂ = d)
A(a)
This is the equation of the plane.

The above concept has been discussed in detail in chapter “Three Dimensional Geometry”.

Sample Problem-7:

If the vectors x iˆ + ĵ + k̂ , iˆ + y ĵ + k̂ and iˆ + ĵ + z k̂ are coplanar where x  1, y  1, z 

1 1 1
1, then prove that   1.
1 x 1 y 1 z

Solution: a = x i + j + k; b = i + y j + k; c = i + j + z k
a·(b × c) = 0 as a, b, c are coplanar

-11. 19 -
 Vector Algebra

i j k
1 y 1
b×c= = (yz – 1)i + (1 – z)j + (1 – y)k
1 1 z

a·(b × c) = 0  (yz – 1)x + (1 – z) + (1 – y) = 0

 xyz – x – y – z + 2 = 0 ...(i)
We need to prove that

1 1 1
 = 1
1 x 1 y 1 z
i.e., (2 – x – y)(1 – z) = –z(1 – x)(1 – y)
which is true by (i)

Sample Problem-8:
Express b × c in terms of a, b, c if a, b, c are non-coplanar vectors.
JE

Solution: Let b × c = la + mb + nc ...(i)

Taking dot product with a × b on both sides, we have
(b × c)·(a × b) = l[a a b] + m[b a b] + n[c a b]
ES

( b  c )·( a  b )
 n= ...(ii)
[a b c ]
Similarly by taking dot product with b × c and c × a, we get
an

( b  c )·(b  c )
l = ...(iii)
[a b c ]

( b  c )·( c  a )
ka

and m = ...(iv)
[a b c ]
From (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)
lp

1
b×c= [(b × c)·(b × c)a + (b × c)·(c × a)b + (b × c)·(a × b)c]
[a b c ]

Sample Problem-9:

The position vectors of two points A and C are 9 iˆ – ĵ + 7 k̂ and 7 iˆ – 2 ĵ + 7 k̂ respectively..

The point of intersection of vectors AB = 4 iˆ – ĵ + 3 k̂ and
CD = 2 iˆ – ĵ + 2 k̂ is P. If vector PQ is perpendicular to AB and CD and PQ = 15 units, find
the position vector of Q.

Solution: Equations of lines AB and CD are

r = 9 iˆ – ĵ + 7 k̂ + 1 (4 iˆ – ĵ + 3 k̂ )
r = 7 iˆ – 2 ĵ + 7 k̂ + 2 (2 iˆ – ĵ + 2 k̂ )
To find the point of intersection P, equate the values of r and comparing the coefficients
of iˆ , ĵ and k̂ , we get

-11. 20 -
Vector Algebra

9 + 41 = 7 + 22
–1 – 1 = –2 – 2
7 + 3 1 = 7 + 2 2
Solving them, we get 1 = –2 and 2 = –3
Hence point of intersection P is 9 iˆ – ĵ + 7 k̂ – 2(4 iˆ – ĵ + 3 k̂ )
= iˆ + ĵ + k̂
PQ  AB and PQ CD
 PQ || AB × CD
 PQ = (AB × CD), where  is some scalar

iˆ ˆj kˆ
AB × CD = 4  1 3  iˆ – 2 ˆj – 2kˆ
2 1 2

| PQ | = 15  3. |  | = 15
JE

 = ±5
Hence position vector of Q is either 6 iˆ – 9 ĵ – 9 k̂ or – 4 iˆ + 11 ĵ + 11 k̂ .
ES
an
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ADD NOTES HERE :-)

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ADD NOTES HERE :-)

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ADD NOTES HERE :-)

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ADD NOTES HERE :-)

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ADD NOTES HERE :-)

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ADD NOTES HERE :-)

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