Pure Maths 3

3.7 Vectors - Hard

Subject: Mathematics
Syllabus Code: 9709
Level: A2 Level
Component: Pure Mathematics 3
Topic: 3.7 Vectors
Difficulty: Hard
Questions
−→
1. With respect to the origin O, the points A and B have position vectors given by OA = 6i + 2j and
−−→
OB = 2i + 2j + 3k. The midpoint of OA is M . The point N lying on AB, between A and B, is
such that AN = 2N B. (9709/32/M/J/20 number 10)

(a) Find a vector equation for the line through M and N .

The line through M and N intersects the line through O and B at the point P .
(b) Find the position vector of P .
(c) Calculate angle OP M , giving your answer in degrees.

2. Two lines have equations r = i + 2j + k + λ(ai + 2j − k) and r = 2i + j − k + µ(2i − j + k), where

a is a constant. (9709/31/O/N/20 number 11)

(a) Given that the two lines intersect, find the value of a and the position vector of the point of
intersection.
(b) Given instead that the acute angle between the directions of the two lines is cos−1 16 , find

the two possible values of a.

       
1 2 2 1
3. Two lines have equations r = 3 + s −1 and r = 1 + t −1. (9709/32/F/M/21
2 3 4 4
number 7)

(a) Show that the lines are skew.

(b) Find the acute angle between the directions of the two lines.
−→
4. With respect to the origin O, the points A and B have position vectors given by OA = 2i − j and
−−→
OB = j − 2k. (9709/32/M/J/21 number 11)

(a) Show that OA = OB and use a scalar product to calculate angle AOB in degrees.
The midpoint
√ of AB is M . The point P on the line through O and M is such that P A :
OA = 7 : 1.
(b) Find the possible position vectors of P .

5. Two lines l and m have equations r = 3i+2j+5k+s(4i−j+3k) and r = i−j−2k+t(−i+2j+2k)

respectively. (9709/31/O/N/21 number 9)

(a) Show that l and m are perpendicular.

(b) Show that l and m intersect and state the position vector of the point of intersection.
√
(c) Show that the length of the perpendicular from the origin to the line m is 13 5.
 
1
−→
6. With respect to the origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by OA =  2 
  −1
0
−−→
and OB = 3. (9709/32/O/N/21 number 10)
1
(a) Find a vector equation for the line l through A and B.
−→ −→
(b) The point C lies on l and is such that AC = 3AB.
Find the position vector of C.

1
 √
(c) Find the possible position vectors of the point P on l such that OP = 14.

7. asdf

In the diagram, OABCD is a pyramid with vertex D. The horizontal base OABC is a square of
side 4 units. The edge OD is vertical and OD = 4 units. The unit vectors i, j and k are parallel to
OA, OC and OD respectively. (9709/33/O/N/21 number 8)
The midpoint of AB is M and the point N on CD is such that DN = 3N C.

(a) Find the vector equation for the line through M and N .
1
√
(b) Show that the length of the perpendicular from O to M N is 3
82.

8. The points A and B have position vectors i + 2j − 2k and 2i − j + k respectively. The line l has
equation r = i − j + 3k + µ(2i − 3j + 4k). (9709/32/M/J/23 number 11)

(a) Show that l does not intersect the line passing through A and B.
(b) Find the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from A to l.

9. The lines l and m have equations

l : r = ai + 3j + bk + λ(ci − 2j + 4k)

m : r = i + 2j + 3k + µ(2i − 3j + k)
Relative to the origin O, the position vector of the point P is 4i + 7j − 2k. (9709/33/M/J/23
number 9)

(a) Given that l is perpendicular to m and that P lies on l, find the values of the constants a, b
and c.
(b) The perpendicular from P meets line m at Q. The point R lies on P Q extended, with
P Q : QR = 2 : 3.
Find the position vector of R.

2
Answers
−→
1. With respect to the origin O, the points A and B have position vectors given by OA = 6i + 2j and
−−→
OB = 2i + 2j + 3k. The midpoint of OA is M . The point N lying on AB, between A and B, is
such that AN = 2N B. (9709/32/M/J/20 number 10)

(a) Find a vector equation for the line through M and N .

We need to find the direction vector of M N ,

−−→ −−→ −−→
M N = ON − OM
−−→ −−→ 1 −→
M N = ON − OA
2
−−→ −−→ 1
M N = ON − (6i + 2j)
2
−−→ −−→
M N = ON − 3i − j

−−→
Now let’s find ON ,
−−→ −−→
AN = 2N B
−−→ −→ −−→ −−→
ON − OA = 2OB − 2ON
−−→ −−→ −→
3ON = 2OB + OA
−−→ 2 −−→ 1 −→
ON = OB + OA
3 3
−−→ 2 1
ON = (2i + 2j + 3k) + (6i + 2j)
3 3
−−→ 4 4 2
ON = i + j + 2k + 2i + j
3 3 3
−−→ 10
ON = i + 2j + 2k
3

Now Let’s find the direction vector of M N ,

−−→ −−→
M N = ON − 3i − j
−−→ 10
M N = i + 2j + 2k − 3i − j
3
−−→ 1
M N = i + j + 2k
3

Therefore, the final answer is,

 
1
r = (3i + j) + µ i + j + 2k
3

The line through M and N intersects the line through O and B at the point P .
(b) Find the position vector of P .
 
1
r = (3i + j) + µ i + j + 2k
3

3
 We already have the equation of the line through M and N . Let’s state the equation
of the line through O and B, we will use the origin, O as our point and the direction
−−→
vector is OB,
r = λ(2i + 2j + 3k)

Now we have two vector equations,

 
1
r = (3i + 2j) + µ i+j+k r = λ(2i + 2j + 3k)
3

Let’s solve them simultaneously,

1
3 + µ = 2λ
3
1 + µ = 2λ
2µ = 3λ

Let’s make µ the subject of the formula in the second equation,

µ = 2λ − 1

Substitute into the third equation,

2(2λ − 1) = 3λ
4λ − 2 = 3λ
λ=2

Our point P has the general coordinates,

 
2λ
2λ
3λ

Substitute λ with 2 to get the exact coordinates,

 
2(2)
2(2)
3(2)
 
4
4
6

Therefore, the final answer is,  

4
4
6
(c) Calculate angle OP M , giving your answer in degrees.
OP · M P
cos θ =
|OP ||M P |

4
 Let’s find the direction vector of M P ,
−−→ −→ −−→
M P = OP − OM
   
4 3
−−→    
MP = 4 − 1
6 0
 
1
−−→  
MP = 3
6

−→ −−→
Now let’s find the scalar product of OP and M P ,
   
4 1
4 · 3
6 6
4 + 12 + 36
52

Now let’s find their magnitudes,

√
|OP | = 42 + 42 + 62
√
|OP | = 2 17
√
|M P | = 12 + 32 + 62
√
|M P | = 46

Substitute into the formula,

52
cos(OP M ) = √ √
2 17 × 46
 
−1 52
OP M = cos √ √
2 17 × 46
OP M = 21.6◦

Therefore, the final answer is,

OP M = 21.6◦
2. Two lines have equations r = i + 2j + k + λ(ai + 2j − k) and r = 2i + j − k + µ(2i − j + k), where
a is a constant. (9709/31/O/N/20 number 11)
(a) Given that the two lines intersect, find the value of a and the position vector of the point of
intersection.

Let’s solve the two equations simultaneously,

1 + aλ = 2 + 2µ

2 + 2λ = 1 − µ
1 − λ = −1 + µ

5
 Let’s make µ the subject of the formula in the third equation,

µ=2−λ

Substitute into the second equation,

2 + 2λ = 1 − (2 − λ)

2 + 2λ = 1 − 2 + λ
2 + 2λ = −1 + λ
λ = −3

Let’s evaluate µ,
µ = 2 − (−3)
µ=5

Substitute λ = −3 and µ = 5 into the first equation,

1 + a(−3) = 2 + 2(5)

1 − 3a = 12
3a = −11
11
a=−
3

The position vector of the point of intersection has the following general coordinates,
 
2 + 2µ
 1−µ 
−1 + µ

Substitute µ with 5,  
2 + 2(5)
 1−5 
−1 + 5
 
12
−4
4

Therefore, the final answer is,

 
12
11 −4
a=−
3
4

(b) Given instead that the acute angle between the directions of the two lines is cos−1 1


6
, find
the two possible values of a.

6
Let’s call the first line, line l and the second, line m,
 
l·m −1 1
cos θ = θ = cos
|l||m| 6

Let’s start by finding the scalar product of the directions of l and m,

   
a 2
 2  · −1
−1 1

2a − 2 − 1
2a − 3

Now let’s find the modulus of the direction vectors,

p
|l| = a2 + 22 + (−1)2
√
|l| = a2 + 5
p
|m| = 22 + (−1)2 + 12
√
|m| = 6

Substitute into the formula,

2a − 3
cos θ = √ √
2
a +5× 6
2a − 3
cos θ = p
6 (a2 + 5)

We are given that,  

−1 1
θ = cos
6

This means that,

1
cos θ =
6
2a − 3 1
p =
2
6 (a + 5) 6

Cross multiply, p
6(2a − 3) = 6 (a2 + 5)

Square both sides,

36(2a − 3)2 = 6 a2 + 5

7
 Expand the brackets,
36 4a2 − 12a + 9 = 6a2 + 30

144a2 − 432a + 324 = 6a2 + 30

144a2 − 6a2 − 432a + 324 − 30 = 0
138a2 − 432a + 294 = 0
23a2 − 72a + 49 = 0
(23a − 49)(a − 1) = 0
49
a= a=1
23

Therefore, the final answer is,

49
a= a=1
23
       
1 2 2 1
3. Two lines have equations r = 3 + s −1 and r = 1 + t −1. (9709/32/F/M/21
2 3 4 4
number 7)

(a) Show that the lines are skew.

Let’s solve the equations simultaneously,

1 + 2s = 2 + t

3−s=1−t
2 + 3s = 4 + 4t

Make t the subject of the formula in the first equation,

t = 2s − 1

Substitute into the second equation,

3 − s = 1 − (2s − 1)

3 − s = 1 − 2s + 1
3 − s = 2 − 2s
s = −1

Let’s evaluate t,
t = 2(−1) − 1
t = −3

Let’s substitute s = −1 and t = −3 into the third equation,

2 + 3(−1) ̸= 4 + 4(−3)

−1 ̸= −8

8
 All three equations are not satisfied. And we can also tell that the direction vectors
of the two lines are not multiples of each other. Therefore, the final answer is,
All three equations are not satisfied and the direction vectors of the two lines are not
multiples of each other. This means that the lines are skew.
(b) Find the acute angle between the directions of the two lines.

Let’s call the first line, line s and the second, line t,
s·t
cos θ =
|s||t|

Let’s find the scalar product of the directions of the two lines,
   
2 1
−1 · −1
3 4
2 + 1 + 12
15

Let’s find the magnitudes of the directions,

p
|s| = 22 + (−1)2 + 32
√
|s| = 14
p
|t| = 11 + (−1)2 + 42
√
|t| = 3 2

Substitute into the formula,

15
cos θ = √ √
14 × 3 2
 
−1 15
θ = cos √ √
14 × 3 2
θ = 19.1◦

Therefore, the final answer is,

θ = 19.1◦
−→
4. With respect to the origin O, the points A and B have position vectors given by OA = 2i − j and
−−→
OB = j − 2k. (9709/32/M/J/21 number 11)

(a) Show that OA = OB and use a scalar product to calculate angle AOB in degrees.

Let’s find the magnitudes of OA and OB,

p p
|OA| = 22 + (−1)2 |OB| = 12 + (−2)2
√ √
|OA| = 5 |OB| = 5
|OA| = |OB|

9
 Let’s find the scalar product of OA and OB,
   
2 0
−1 ·  1 
0 −2

0−1+0
−1

Substitute into the formula for angle between two vectors,

−1
cos(AOB) = √ √
5× 5
 
−1 −1
AOB = cos √ √
5× 5
AOB = 101.5◦

Therefore, the final answer is,

AOB = 101.5◦
The midpoint
√ of AB is M . The point P on the line through O and M is such that P A :
OA = 7 : 1.
(b) Find the possible position vectors of P .

M is the midpoint of AB, let’s find its coordinates,

 2+0 
−−→  −1+1 2
OM = 2

0−2
2
 
1
−−→  
OM = 0
−1

Let’s state the vector equation for the line through O and M , we will use the origin
−−→
O for our point and direction vector OM ,
 
1
r=µ 0 

−1

P lies on the line through O and M , let’s find its general coordinates,
 
µ
−→  
OP = 0
−µ

We are given that, √

|P A| : |OA| = 7:1

10
We can write this as, √
|P A| 7
=
|OA| 1
|P A| √
= 7
|OA|

Let’s find the direction vector of P A,

−→ −→ −→
P A = OA − OP
   
2 µ
−→    
P A = −1 − 0
0 −µ
 
2−µ
−→ 
PA = −1 
µ

Now let’s find the magnitude of P A and the magnitude of OA,

p p
|P A| = (2 − µ)2 + (−1)2 + µ2 |OA| = 22 + (−1)2
p √
|P A| = (2 − µ)2 + (−1)2 + µ2 |OA| = 5

Let’s substitute into the equation,

|P A| √
= 7
|OA|

(2 − µ)2 + (−1)2 + µ2 √
p
√ = 7
5

Get rid of the denominator,

p √ √
(2 − µ)2 + (−1)2 + µ2 = 7 × 5
p √
(2 − µ)2 + (−1)2 + µ2 = 35

Square both sides,

(2 − µ)2 + (−1)2 + µ2 = 35
µ2 − 4µ + 4 + 1 + µ2 = 35
2µ2 − 4µ + 5 − 35 = 0
2µ2 − 4µ − 30 = 0
µ2 − 2µ − 15 = 0
(µ − 5)(µ + 3) = 0
µ = 5 µ = −3

11
 Now let’s evaluate the possible position vectors of P ,
 
µ
 0 
−µ
   
5 −3
0 0
−5 3

Therefore, the final answer is,

   
5 −3
0 0
−5 3

5. Two lines l and m have equations r = 3i+2j+5k+s(4i−j+3k) and r = i−j−2k+t(−i+2j+2k)

respectively. (9709/31/O/N/21 number 9)

(a) Show that l and m are perpendicular.

If l and m are perpendicular then the scalar product of their directions is equal to 0,
   
4 −1
−1 ·  2 
3 2

−4 − 2 + 6
−6 + 6
0

Therefore, the final answer is,

Since the scalar product of the directions of the to lines is equal to 0, they are perpendicular.
(b) Show that l and m intersect and state the position vector of the point of intersection.

r = 3i + 2j + 5k + s(4i − j + 3k) r = i − j − 2k + t(−i + 2j + 2k)

Let’s solve the two vector equations simultaneously,

3 + 4s = 1 − t

2 − s = −1 + 2t
5 + 3s = −2 + 2t

Let’s make t the subject of the formula in the first equation,

t = 1 − 3 − 4s

t = −2 − 4s

12
 Substitute into the second equation,

2 − s = −1 + 2(−2 − 4s)

2 − s = −1 − 4 − 8s
2 − s = −5 − 8s
8s − s = −5 − 2
7s = −7
s = −1

Now let’s evaluate t,

t = −2 − 4(−1)
t=2

Substitute s = −1 and t = 2 into the third equation,

5 + 3(−1) = −2 + 2(2)

2=2

Since all three equations are satisfied, the two lines l and m intersect.

The general coordinates of the position vector of the point of intersection are,
 
3 + 4s
2−s
5 + 3s

Substitute s with −1 to get the exact coordinates,

 
3 + 4(−1)
 2 − (−1) 
5 + 3(−1)
 
−1
3
2

Therefore, the final answer is,

Since all three equations are satisfies, the two lines l andm intersect.
 The position vector of
−1
the point of intersection is  3 .
2
√
(c) Show that the length of the perpendicular from the origin to the line m is 13 5.

r = i − j − 2k + t(−i + 2j + 2k)

13
Let’s sketch a diagram of our problem,

m X

X lies on the line m, we can use the equation of line m to find its general coordinates,
 
1−t
−−→ 
OX = −1 + 2t
−2 + 2t

When two vectors are perpendicular their scalar product is equal to 0,

   
1−t −1
−1 + 2t ·  2  = 0
−2 + 2t 2

−1 + t − 2 + 4t − 4 + 4t = 0
−7 + 9t = 0
9t = 7
7
t=
9

Now let’s find the exact coordinates of X,

1 − 79

 
−−→ 
OX = −1 + 2 79

−2 + 2 79
 2 
−−→  95 
OX = 9
− 49

Let’s evaluate the magnitude of OX,

s 
2  2  2
2 5 4
|OX| = + + −
9 9 9

1√
|OX| = 5
3
14
 Therefore, the final answer is,
1√
|OX| = 5
3
 
1
−→
6. With respect to the origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by OA =  2 
  −1
0
−−→
and OB = 3. (9709/32/O/N/21 number 10)
1

(a) Find a vector equation for the line l through A and B.

r = a + tb

Let’s start by finding the direction vector of AB,

−→ −−→ −→
AB = OB − OA
   
0 1
−→    
AB = 3 − 2
1 −1
 
−1
−→  
AB = 1
2

Therefore, the final answer is,

   
0 −1
r = 3 +t 1 
  
1 2

−→ −→
(b) The point C lies on l and is such that AC = 3AB.
Find the position vector of C.
−→ −→
AC = 3AB

−→
Substitute AB,  
−1
−→
AC = 3  1 
2
 
−3
−→  
AC = 3
6
 
−3
−→ −→  
OC − OA = 3
6
 
−3
−→   −→
OC = 3 + OA
6

15
    
−3 1
−→    
OC = 3 + 2
6 −1
 
−2
−→  
OC = 5
5

Therefore, the final answer is,  

−2
−→  
OC = 5
5
√
(c) Find the possible position vectors of the point P on l such that OP = 14.
   
0 −1
r = 3 +t 1 
  
1 2

P lies on the line l, we can use the equation of line l to find the general coordinates
of P ,  
−t
−→ 
OP = 3 + t 
1 + 2t

Let’s find the magnitude of OP in terms of t,

p
|OP | = (−t)2 + (3 + t)2 + (1 + 2t)2
p
|OP | = t2 + (3 + t)2 + (1 + 2t)2

We are told that, √

|OP | = 14
p √
t2 + (3 + t)2 + (1 + 2t)2 = 14

Square both sides,

t2 + (3 + t)2 + (1 + 2t)2 = 14

Expand the brackets and solve the resulting quadratic,

t2 + t2 + 6t + 9 + 4t2 + 4t + 1 = 14

6t2 + 10t + 10 = 14
6t2 + 10t + 10 − 14 = 0
6t2 + 10t − 4 = 0
3t2 + 5t − 2 = 0
(3t − 1)(t + 2) = 0
1
t= t = −2
3

16
 −→
Now let’s find the exact coordinates of OP ,
 
−t
−→ 
OP = 3 + t 
1 + 2t
− 13
   
−(−2)
−→  − →
OP = 3 + 13
 OP =  3 + (−2) 
1 + 2 31 1 + 2(−2)
 1  
− 2
−→  103  −→  
OP = 3
OP = 1
5
3
−3

Therefore, the final answer is,

− 31
   
2
−→  10 −→  
OP = 3
 OP = 1
5
3
−3
7. asdf

In the diagram, OABCD is a pyramid with vertex D. The horizontal base OABC is a square of
side 4 units. The edge OD is vertical and OD = 4 units. The unit vectors i, j and k are parallel to
OA, OC and OD respectively. (9709/33/O/N/21 number 8)
The midpoint of AB is M and the point N on CD is such that DN = 3N C.
(a) Find the vector equation for the line through M and N .

To do that we first need to find the direction vector of M N ,

−−→ −−→ −−→
M N = ON − OM
−−→ −−→ −→ −−→
M N = ON − (OA + AM )
−−→ −−→ 1 −→
M N = ON − (4i + OC)
2
−−→ −−→ 1
M N = ON − (4i + (4j))
2
−−→ −−→
M N = ON − (4i + 2j)
−−→ −−→
M N = ON − 4i − 2j

17
 −−→
Now let’s find ON ,
−−→ −−→
DN = 3N C
−−→ −−→ −→ −−→
ON − OD = 3OC − 3ON
−−→ −→ −−→
4ON = 3OC + OD
−−→ 3 −→ 1 −−→
ON = OC + OD
4 4
−−→ 3 1
ON = (4j) + (4k)
4 4
−−→
ON = 3j + k

−−→
Let’s evaluate M N ,
−−→
M N = 3j + k − 4i − 2j
−−→
M N = −4i + j + k

Therefore, the final answer is,

r = 3j + k + t(−4i + j + k)

1
√
(b) Show that the length of the perpendicular from O to M N is 3
82.

r = 3j + k + t(−4i + j + k)

Let’s sketch a diagram of our problem,

−−→
MN X

X lies on the line through M and N , let’s find its general coordinates,
 
−4t
−−→ 
OX = 3 + t
1+t

18
 When two lines are perpendicular their scalar product is equal to 0,
   
−4t −4
3 + t ·  1  = 0
1+t 1

16t + 3 + t + 1 + t = 0
18t + 4 = 0
18t = −4
2
t=−
9

Now let’s find the exact coordinates of X,

−4 − 29


−−→ 
OX = 3 − 29 
1 − 29
8
−−→  25 9
OX = 9 
7
9

Now let’s find the magnitude of OX,

s 
2  2  2
8 25 7
|OX| = + +
9 9 9

1√
|OX| = 82
3

Therefore, the final answer is,

1√
|OX| = 82
3
8. The points A and B have position vectors i + 2j − 2k and 2i − j + k respectively. The line l has
equation r = i − j + 3k + µ(2i − 3j + 4k). (9709/32/M/J/23 number 11)

(a) Show that l does not intersect the line passing through A and B.

r = i − j + 3k + µ(2i − 3j + 4k)

We need to find the line through A and B. Let’s start by finding its direction vector
AB,
−→ −−→ −→
AB = OB − OA
−→
AB = 2i − j + k − (i + 2j − 2k)
−→
AB = 2i − j + k − i − 2j + 2k
−→
AB = i − 3j + 3k

Let’s state the equation of the line through A and B,

r = i + 2j − 2k + λ(i − 3j + 3k)

19
 We now have the two vector equations,

r = i − j + 3k + µ(2i − 3j + 4k) r = i + 2j − 2k + λ(i − 3j + 3k)

Let’s solve them simultaneously,

1 + 2µ = 1 + λ

−1 − 3µ = 2 − 3λ
3 + 4µ = −2 + 3λ

Let’s make λ the subject of the formula in the first equation,

λ = 1 − 1 + 2µ

λ = 2µ

Substitute into the second equation,

−1 − 3µ = 2 − 3(2µ)

−1 − 3µ = 2 − 6µ
6µ − 3µ = 2 + 1
3µ = 3
µ=1

Let’s evaluate λ,
λ = 2(1)
λ=2

Substitute µ = 1 and λ = 2 into the third equation,

3 + 4(1) ̸= −2 + 3(2)

7 ̸= 4

Therefore, the final answer is,

All three equations are not satisfied. This means that l does not intersect the line passing
through A and B.
(b) Find the position vector of the foot of the perpendicular from A to l.

20
Let’s sketch a diagram of our problem,

l X

X lies on the line l, let’s use the equation of line l to find the general coordinates
of X,  
1 + 2µ
−−→ 
OX = −1 − 3µ
3 + 4µ

−−→
Let’s find the general coordinates of AX,
−−→ −−→ −→
AX = OX − OA
   
1 + 2µ 1
−−→ 
AX = −1 − 3µ −  2 
3 + 4µ −2
 
2µ
−−→ 
AX = −3 − 3µ
5 + 4µ

When two vectors are perpendicular their scalar product is equal to 0,

   
2µ 2
−3 − 3µ · −3 = 0
5 + 4µ 4
4µ + 9 + 9µ + 20 + 16µ = 0
29µ + 29 = 0
29µ = −29
µ = −1

−−→
Now let’s find the exact coordinates of OX,
 
1 + 2(−1)
−−→ 
OX = −1 − 3(−1)
3 + 4(−1)
 
−1
−−→  
OX = 2
−1

21
 Therefore, the final answer is,  
−1
−−→  
OX = 2
−1
9. The lines l and m have equations

l : r = ai + 3j + bk + λ(ci − 2j + 4k)

m : r = i + 2j + 3k + µ(2i − 3j + k)
Relative to the origin O, the position vector of the point P is 4i + 7j − 2k. (9709/33/M/J/23
number 9)

(a) Given that l is perpendicular to m and that P lies on l, find the values of the constants a, b
and c.

l is perpendicular to m this means that the scalar product of their directions is equal
to 0,    
c 2
−2 · −3 = 0
4 1
2c + 6 + 4 = 0
2c + 10 = 0
2c = −10
c = −5

P lies on l, we can find the general coordinates of P using the equation of line l,
 
a− 5λ
−→ 
OP = 3 − 2λ
b + 4λ

In the stem of the question we are given the exact coordinates of P ,

 
4
−→  
OP = 7
−2

This means that,    

a − 5λ 4
3 − 2λ =  7 
b + 4λ −2
a − 5λ = 4
3 − 2λ = 7
b + 4λ = −2

22
 Let’s use the second equation to evaluate λ,

3 − 2λ = 7

2λ = −4
λ = −2

Let’s evaluate a using the first equation,

a − 5(−2) = 4

a + 10 = 4
a = −6

Let’s evaluate b using the third equation,

b + 4(−2) = −2

b − 8 = −2
b=6

Therefore, the final answer is,

a = −6 b = 6 c = −5

(b) The perpendicular from P meets line m at Q. The point R lies on P Q extended, with
P Q : QR = 2 : 3.
Find the position vector of R.

Q lies on the line m, let’s find its general coordinates,

 
1 + 2µ
−→ 
OQ = 2 − 3µ
3+µ

Let’s find the general coordinates of P Q,

−→ −→ −→
P Q = OQ − OP
   
1 + 2µ 4
−→ 
P Q = 2 − 3µ −  7 
3+µ −2
 
−3 + 2µ
−→ 
P Q = −5 − 3µ
5+µ

23
P Q is perpendicular to m. This means that the scalar product of their directions is
equal to 0,    
−3 + 2µ 2
−5 − 3µ · −3 = 0
5+µ 1
−6 + 4µ + 15 + 9µ + 5 + µ = 0
14 + 14µ = 0
14µ = −14
µ = −1

−→
Let’s find the exact coordinates of OQ,
 
1 + 2(−1)
−→ 
OQ = 2 − 3(−1)
3 + (−1)
 
−1
−→  
OQ = 5
2)

−→
Let’s find the exact coordinates of P Q,
 
−3 + 2(−1)
−→ 
P Q = −5 − 3(−1)
5 + (−1)
 
−5
−→  
P Q = −2
4

The ratio of P Q : QR is 2 : 3. This means that,

−→
PQ 2
−→ = 3
QR
−→ −→
3P Q = 2QR
−→ −→ −→
3P Q = 2OR − 2OQ
−→ −→ −→
2OR = 3P Q + 2OQ
−→ 3 −→ −→
OR = P Q + OQ
2
   
−5 −1
−→ 3    
OR = −2 + 5
2
4 2)
 15   
− −1
−→  2   
OR = −3 + 5
6 2)
 17 
−
−→  2 
OR = 2
8

24
Therefore, the final answer is,
− 17
 
−→  2
OR = 2 
8

25