Q.Find the values of x, y and z so that the vectors a=xi^+2j^+zk^ and b=2i^+yj^+k^ are equal.
Concept understanding — Vector Equality
Vector Equality
When are two vectors the same vector? A vector carries only two pieces of information — magnitude (length) and direction. It does not carry a fixed starting point. So two vectors are equal when they agree on both magnitude and direction, no matter where each one happens to be drawn.
Precise definition
Two vectors a and b are equal, written a=b, if and only if
- they have the same magnitude, ∣a∣=∣b∣, and
- they have the same direction.
Position is irrelevant. An arrow drawn at the top-left of the page and an identical-length, identical-direction arrow at the bottom-right are the same vector. This is why such vectors are called "free" vectors — you may slide them anywhere without changing them.
In component form
Equality becomes a simple check on coordinates. If
a=a1i^+a2j^+a3k^,b=b1i^+b2j^+b3k^,
then
a=b⟺a1=b1,a2=b2,a3=b3.
Equal vectors have equal corresponding components — a single vector equation is really three scalar equations at once.
Don't confuse it with neighbouring ideas
Equal vectors are not the same as coinitial vectors (which merely share a starting point) or collinear vectors (which are parallel but may differ in length or point oppositely). Two vectors of equal length pointing in opposite directions are not equal — they are negatives of each other, a=−b.
Why it matters
Because equal vectors can be moved freely, we are allowed to shift vectors to a common tail before adding them, to compare forces acting at different points, and to represent every point by a position vector from the origin. Vector equality is what makes the whole "slide it wherever you like" freedom of vector algebra legitimate.
Vector equality is a foundational definition in the NCERT Class 12 Vector Algebra chapter, frequently tested through short conceptual CBSE board questions that distinguish it from coinitial or collinear vectors. Students revising "vector algebra class 12 important questions" for boards or JEE Main should treat this component-matching test as a quick sanity check before any vector proof.
Concept: Vector Equality — two vectors are equal if and only if their corresponding components are equal.
For a=xi^+2j^+zk^ and b=2i^+yj^+k^ to be equal:
- Equate i^-components: x=2
- Equate j^-components: 2=y
- Equate k^-components: z=1
No other conditions are needed — component-wise equality is both necessary and sufficient.
The values are x=2, y=2, z=1, i.e. x=2, y=2, z=1.
Two vectors are equal only when their corresponding components are identical. Equating the coefficients of i^, j^, and k^ gives x=2, y=2, and z=1.
The idea of vector equality is simple but powerful. Two vectors are the same mathematical object only if they have the same magnitude and the same direction. In component form — when we write a vector as a sum of unit vectors along the coordinate axes — this boils down to a very concrete condition: each corresponding component must match exactly.
Think of it like coordinates of a point in space. The point (x,y,z) is the same as (2,y,1) only if x=2 and z=1. Vectors work the same way: the i^-component of a must equal the i^-component of b, and so on for j^ and k^. There is no shortcut around this — it's the definition itself.
Let's apply it step by step.
- Equate the i^-components. The i^ coefficient in a is x. In b, it is 2. For the vectors to be equal:
x=2
- Equate the j^-components. The j^ coefficient in a is 2. In b, it is y. So:
2=y⇒y=2
- Equate the k^-components. The k^ coefficient in a is z. In b, it is 1. Hence:
z=1
A common mistake is to try to match magnitudes or dot products instead of components. That would give a different (and wrong) set of values. Vector equality is stricter — it demands component-by-component identity, not just equal lengths.
That's all there is to it. No extra equations, no hidden conditions. The three component equations are independent and each gives one value directly.
The values are x=2, y=2, and z=1.
Method: Finding unknowns by equating vectors component-wise
Use this whenever two vectors are declared equal and you must solve for unknown components.
Steps
Step 1: Invoke the equality condition.
Two vectors are equal iff their corresponding components match exactly. For a=a1i^+a2j^+a3k^ and b=b1i^+b2j^+b3k^:
a=b⟺a1=b1, a2=b2, a3=b3.
Step 2: Split the one vector equation into scalar equations.
Equate the i^-coefficients, the j^-coefficients, and the k^-coefficients separately — one vector equation becomes three independent scalar equations.
Step 3: Read off each unknown.
Each component equation yields one unknown directly; no magnitudes, dot products, or extra conditions are involved. Component-wise matching is both necessary and sufficient.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Equating magnitudes (or forming ∣a∣=∣b∣) instead of components.
Why it's wrong: vector equality is stricter than equal length — it requires each corresponding component to match, so a magnitude equation gives wrong values for x,y,z. Correct approach: equate the i^, j^, k^ coefficients separately: x=2, 2=y, z=1.
Mistake 2: Cross-matching components (e.g. pairing x with the j^-term).
Why it's wrong: only like components are equated — the i^-part of one with the i^-part of the other. Correct approach: line the vectors up axis-by-axis before setting coefficients equal.
Showing the 12 most recent of 21 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-FN1 markMCQQ.If a=i+j+k, c=j−k, a×b=c and a⋅b=3, then b= (A) 31(5i+2j+2k) (B) 31(2i+5j+2k) (C) 31(2i+2j+5k) (D) 31(2i+5j+5k)
›Reveal solutionSolution
We use the vector triple product identity a×(a×b)=(a⋅b)a−(a⋅a)b to solve for b directly from the given cross and dot products. The answer is 31(2i+2j+5k), option (C).
The key idea is that we know a×b=c and a⋅b=3, but we don’t know b itself. The cross product alone gives only the part of b perpendicular to a; the dot product gives the parallel part. To extract b cleanly, we can cross a with the given cross product — this uses the vector triple product identity, which neatly separates b into components along and perpendicular to a.
- Set up the triple product. Take a×(a×b). By the identity:
a×(a×b)=(a⋅b)a−(a⋅a)b.
We know a⋅b=3, and a⋅a=12+12+12=3. So:
a×(a×b)=3a−3b.
- Replace a×b with c. Since a×b=c, we have:
a×c=3a−3b.
- Compute a×c. a=i+j+k, c=j−k.
a×c=i10j11k1−1=i(1⋅(−1)−1⋅1)−j(1⋅(−1)−1⋅0)+k(1⋅1−1⋅0)
=i(−1−1)−j(−1−0)+k(1−0)=−2i+j+k.
- Solve for b. From step 2: −2i+j+k=3a−3b. But 3a=3i+3j+3k. So:
−2i+j+k=(3i+3j+3k)−3b.
Rearranging:
3b=3i+3j+3k−(−2i+j+k)=(3+2)i+(3−1)j+(3−1)k=5i+2j+2k.
Hence:
b=31(5i+2j+2k).
Watch outThis result matches option (A), not (C). A quick check: if b=31(5i+2j+2k), then a⋅b=31(5+2+2)=3, correct. And a×b indeed gives c. So the correct option is (A) — the initial TLDR had a typo; the working above is definitive.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A): b=31(5i+2j+2k).
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-20-AN1 markMCQQ.If a=2i+j−k, b=i−j+3k, x=(∣b∣2a⋅b)b, y=(∣a∣2a⋅b)a and θ is angle between a and b, then x2+y2= (A) 17cos2θ (B) (6+11)cos2θ (C) 17cos2θ (D) 17sin2θ
›Reveal solutionSolution
The problem reduces to computing the squared magnitudes of two projection-like vectors. Using dot product and magnitude formulas, x2+y2=17cos2θ, so the answer is (A).
The key idea here is that x and y are each a scalar multiple of b and a respectively — specifically, they are the projections of a onto b and of b onto a, scaled by the dot product. Their squared magnitudes simplify neatly using the relation a⋅b=∣a∣∣b∣cosθ.
Let’s work through it step by step.
-
Compute the dot product and magnitudes.
a=2i+j−k, so ∣a∣2=22+12+(−1)2=4+1+1=6.
b=i−j+3k, so ∣b∣2=12+(−1)2+32=1+1+9=11.
Their dot product: a⋅b=(2)(1)+(1)(−1)+(−1)(3)=2−1−3=−2.
-
Write x and y explicitly.
x=(∣b∣2a⋅b)b=(11−2)b.
y=(∣a∣2a⋅b)a=(6−2)a=(−31)a.
-
Find x2 and y2.
Since x is a scalar times b, x2=∣x∣2=(112)2∣b∣2=1214×11=114.
Similarly, y2=∣y∣2=(31)2∣a∣2=91×6=32.
So x2+y2=114+32=3312+3322=3334.
-
Express this in terms of cosθ.
We know cosθ=∣a∣∣b∣a⋅b=611−2=66−2.
So cos2θ=664=332.
Now check: 17cos2θ=17×332=3334, which matches exactly.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that x2 means ∣x∣2, not the square of the vector itself. Always take the magnitude squared when dealing with vector quantities.
TipNotice that we never needed to compute θ itself — only cos2θ from the dot product and magnitudes. This is a classic trick: work with squares and avoid angles directly.
✓Final answerThe value is 17cos2θ, which corresponds to option (A).
-
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.a,b,c are three unit vectors such that xa+yb+zc=p(b×c)+q(c×a)+r(a×b). If (a,b)=(b,c)=(c,a)=3π, (a,b×c)=6π and a,b,c form a right-handed system, then p+q+rx+y+z= (A) 43 (B) 21 (C) 22 (D) 83
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to express the given vector equation in terms of a basis formed by a,b,c and use the given angles to compute dot products and scalar triple products, leading to p+q+rx+y+z=83.
We are given three unit vectors a,b,c with pairwise angles 3π, and the angle between a and b×c is 6π, with a right-handed system. The equation
xa+yb+zc=p(b×c)+q(c×a)+r(a×b)
relates two linear combinations. The goal is to find p+q+rx+y+z.
Concept and intuition:
Since a,b,c are not coplanar (they form a right-handed system and have a nonzero scalar triple product), they form a basis for 3D space. The right side uses cross products, which are perpendicular to the original vectors. To compare coefficients, we can take dot products with each of a,b,c to get equations linking x,y,z to p,q,r. Then summing those equations yields the desired ratio.
- Compute the scalar triple product [abc]. For unit vectors with pairwise angles 3π, the volume of the parallelepiped is
[abc]=a⋅(b×c)=∣a∣∣b×c∣cos6π.
Since ∣b×c∣=sin3π=23, we get
[abc]=1⋅23⋅23=43.
This positive value confirms the right-handed system.
- Take dot product of the given equation with a.
Left side: x(a⋅a)+y(b⋅a)+z(c⋅a)=x+ycos3π+zcos3π=x+2y+2z.
Right side: p(b×c)⋅a+q(c×a)⋅a+r(a×b)⋅a.
- (b×c)⋅a=[abc]=43.
- (c×a)⋅a=0 (cross product perpendicular to a).
- (a×b)⋅a=0 (same reason). So right side = p⋅43. Equation (1):
x+2y+2z=43p.
- Take dot product with b.
Left: xcos3π+y+zcos3π=2x+y+2z.
Right: p(b×c)⋅b+q(c×a)⋅b+r(a×b)⋅b.
- (b×c)⋅b=0.
- (c×a)⋅b=[bca]=[abc]=43 (cyclic permutation).
- (a×b)⋅b=0. So right side = q⋅43. Equation (2):
2x+y+2z=43q.
- Take dot product with c.
Left: 2x+2y+z.
Right: p(b×c)⋅c+q(c×a)⋅c+r(a×b)⋅c.
- (b×c)⋅c=0.
- (c×a)⋅c=0.
- (a×b)⋅c=[abc]=43. So right side = r⋅43. Equation (3):
2x+2y+z=43r.
- Add the three equations. Left sum: (x+2y+2z)+(2x+y+2z)+(2x+2y+z) = (x+2x+2x)+(2y+y+2y)+(2z+2z+z) = (2x)+(2y)+(2z)=2(x+y+z). Right sum: 43(p+q+r). Hence
2(x+y+z)=43(p+q+r).
- Solve for the ratio.
p+q+rx+y+z=83.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that (c×a)⋅b equals the scalar triple product [bca], which is the same as [abc] for a cyclic permutation, not zero.
TipThe symmetry of the problem makes summing the three dot-product equations much faster than solving for individual variables.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
ANSWER: D
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If a is a vector such that a×i=j+k and a⋅i=1, then equation of the line passing through the point i+j+k and parallel to a is (A) r=(t+1)i+(1−t)j+(t+1)k (B) r=(t+1)i−(2t−1)j+tk (C) r=i+tj−tk (D) r=5ti+7tj+k
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to determine the unknown vector a from the given cross product and dot product conditions, then write the line equation through i+j+k parallel to a and match it to the options. The correct option is (A).
We are given two conditions on a:
- a×i=j+k
- a⋅i=1
We need the line through point i+j+k parallel to a. The line equation is r=(i+j+k)+ta.
Concept and intuition:
The cross product with i tells us about the components of a perpendicular to i, while the dot product gives the component along i. Together they uniquely determine a. Once we have a, we substitute into the line equation and compare with the options.
-
Write a in component form.
Let a=a1i+a2j+a3k.
-
Use the dot product condition.
a⋅i=a1=1. So a1=1.
-
Use the cross product condition.
Compute a×i:
a×i=ia11ja20ka30=i(a2⋅0−a3⋅0)−j(a1⋅0−a3⋅1)+k(a1⋅0−a2⋅1)
Simplify:
=0i−j(0−a3)+k(0−a2)=a3j−a2k.
This is given equal to j+k.
- Equate components. From a3j−a2k=j+k, we get:
a3=1and−a2=1⟹a2=−1.
- Thus a is determined.
a=i−j+k.
- Write the line equation. Through point i+j+k and parallel to a:
r=(i+j+k)+t(i−j+k)=(1+t)i+(1−t)j+(1+t)k.
- Match with options. Option (A) is r=(t+1)i+(1−t)j+(t+1)k, which matches exactly.
TipA common mistake is miscomputing the cross product determinant sign. Double-check the j and k coefficients: the j component is −(a1⋅0−a3⋅1)=a3, not −a3.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (A).
ANSWER: A
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.If the vector αi+βj+k is along the bisector of the angle between the vectors 2i−j+2k and i+2j+2k, then 2α+6β= (A) 0 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
A vector along the angle bisector is proportional to the sum of unit vectors along the two given vectors. Using this, we find α=1, β=1, so 2α+6β=8. Wait — that’s not among the options. Let’s check carefully: the correct result is 2α+6β=2, option (B).
The key idea: the internal angle bisector of two vectors is along the direction of the sum of their unit vectors. This is a geometric fact — if you take two unit vectors from the same point, their sum points exactly along the bisector of the angle between them. So we don’t need to solve for the angle itself; we just need to make the given vector parallel to that sum.
Let’s work it through.
-
Find unit vectors along the two given vectors.
First vector: a=2i−j+2k. Its magnitude:
∣a∣=22+(−1)2+22=4+1+4=9=3.
So unit vector a^=31(2i−j+2k).
Second vector: b=i+2j+2k. Its magnitude:
∣b∣=12+22+22=1+4+4=9=3.
So unit vector b^=31(i+2j+2k).
-
The bisector direction is along a^+b^.
Compute:
a^+b^=31[(2i−j+2k)+(i+2j+2k)]
=31(3i+j+4k).
So any vector along the bisector is a scalar multiple of 3i+j+4k.
-
The given vector is αi+βj+k.
For it to be along the bisector, its components must be proportional to (3,1,4). That means there exists some scalar k such that:
α=3k, β=1k, and 1=4k.
From 1=4k, we get k=41.
Then α=3×41=43, and β=41.
-
Now compute 2α+6β:
2α=2×43=23,
6β=6×41=23,
Sum = 23+23=3.
Watch outA common mistake is to use the sum of the original vectors (not unit vectors) as the bisector direction. That only works if the vectors have equal magnitude — here they do (both magnitude 3), so it accidentally gives the same result. But the correct general method is to use unit vectors. In this problem, since magnitudes are equal, both approaches agree.
TipWhen two vectors have the same magnitude, the sum of the vectors themselves points along the bisector — a handy shortcut. Here ∣a∣=∣b∣=3, so we could have used a+b=3i+j+4k directly, skipping the unit vector step.
✓Final answerThe value is 3, which corresponds to option (C).
-
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If a=i+2j+k, b=3(i−j+k) and c is a vector such that a×c=b and a⋅c=3, then a⋅(c×b−b−c)= (A) 32 (B) 24 (C) 20 (D) 36
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to use vector identities to simplify the expression a⋅(c×b−b−c) into a form involving known dot and cross products, then substitute the given values to get the result 24, which corresponds to option (B).
We are given:
a=i+2j+k,b=3(i−j+k),a×c=b,a⋅c=3.
We need a⋅(c×b−b−c).
Concept and intuition:
The expression mixes dot and cross products. The term c×b is perpendicular to both c and b, but when dotted with a, we can use the scalar triple product identity: a⋅(c×b)=c⋅(b×a). Since we know a×c=b, we can relate b×a to something simpler. The other terms a⋅b and a⋅c are directly computable or given. This avoids solving for c explicitly.
Step-by-step solution:
- Simplify the triple product term. Use the scalar triple product cyclic property:
a⋅(c×b)=c⋅(b×a).
Now, b×a=−(a×b). But we know a×c=b. To relate a×b, take the cross product of both sides of a×c=b with a:
a×(a×c)=a×b.
Use the vector triple product identity: a×(a×c)=(a⋅c)a−(a⋅a)c.
So:
a×b=(a⋅c)a−∣a∣2c.
Given a⋅c=3, and ∣a∣2=12+22+12=6, we have:
a×b=3a−6c.
Hence:
b×a=−(a×b)=−3a+6c.
Therefore:
a⋅(c×b)=c⋅(b×a)=c⋅(−3a+6c)=−3(a⋅c)+6∣c∣2.
Since a⋅c=3, this becomes:
a⋅(c×b)=−9+6∣c∣2.
- Find ∣c∣2 using the given cross product. From a×c=b, take the magnitude squared:
∣a×c∣2=∣b∣2.
We know ∣a×c∣2=∣a∣2∣c∣2−(a⋅c)2 (Lagrange's identity).
Compute ∣b∣2: b=3(1,−1,1), so ∣b∣2=9(1+1+1)=27.
Also ∣a∣2=6, a⋅c=3.
Thus:
6∣c∣2−9=27⇒6∣c∣2=36⇒∣c∣2=6.
- Plug back into the triple product term.
a⋅(c×b)=−9+6×6=−9+36=27.
- Compute the remaining terms. The full expression is:
a⋅(c×b−b−c)=a⋅(c×b)−a⋅b−a⋅c.
We already have a⋅(c×b)=27 and a⋅c=3.
Now compute a⋅b:
a⋅b=(1,2,1)⋅(3,−3,3)=3−6+3=0.
So:
a⋅(c×b−b−c)=27−0−3=24.
TipNotice that a⋅b=0 tells us a and b are perpendicular — a quick check that saves arithmetic.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.In a triangle ABC, if AB=i^−2j^+3k^, BC=3i^+2j^−2k^ then the triangle is (A) obtuse angled triangle (B) isosceles triangle (C) isosceles right angled triangle (D) equilateral triangle
›Reveal solutionSolution
We determine the type of triangle by calculating the lengths of its sides and the dot products of its side vectors. The triangle has two sides of equal length (17) and no right or obtuse angles, making it an isosceles triangle. The correct option is (B).
To classify a triangle, we typically need information about its side lengths and its angles. Vectors provide a direct way to obtain both:
- The magnitude of a vector representing a side gives the length of that side.
- The dot product of two vectors originating from a common vertex can tell us about the angle at that vertex. Specifically, if the dot product is zero, the angle is 90∘ (right angle). If it's positive, the angle is acute. If it's negative, the angle is obtuse.
Let's apply these concepts to the given vectors.
- Find the third side vector: We are given AB and BC. In a triangle ABC, the vector AC is the sum of AB and BC by the triangle law of vector addition.
AC=AB+BC
Substitute the given vectors:AC=(i^−2j^+3k^)+(3i^+2j^−2k^)
AC=(1+3)i^+(−2+2)j^+(3−2)k^
AC=4i^+0j^+1k^=4i^+k^
- Calculate the magnitudes of all three sides:
The length of a side is the magnitude of its corresponding vector.
- Length of side AB:
∣AB∣=12+(−2)2+32=1+4+9=14
* Length of side BC:∣BC∣=32+22+(−2)2=9+4+4=17
* Length of side AC:∣AC∣=42+02+12=16+0+1=17
Since $|\overrightarrow{BC}| = |\overrightarrow{AC}| = \sqrt{17}$, two sides of the triangle are equal in length. This means the triangle is **isosceles**. This eliminates options (A) and (D).3. Check for right or obtuse angles using dot products:
We need to check the angles at each vertex. For an angle at a vertex, we take the dot product of the two vectors originating from that vertex.
* Angle at A: Formed by AB and AC.
AB⋅AC=(i^−2j^+3k^)⋅(4i^+k^)
=(1)(4)+(−2)(0)+(3)(1)=4+0+3=7
Since the dot product is $7 \neq 0$, angle A is not a right angle. Since $7 > 0$, angle A is acute. * **Angle at B:** Formed by $\overrightarrow{BA}$ and $\overrightarrow{BC}$. First, find $\overrightarrow{BA} = -\overrightarrow{AB} = -(\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}) = -\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - 3\hat{k}$.BA⋅BC=(−i^+2j^−3k^)⋅(3i^+2j^−2k^)
=(−1)(3)+(2)(2)+(−3)(−2)=−3+4+6=7
Since the dot product is $7 \neq 0$, angle B is not a right angle. Since $7 > 0$, angle B is acute. * **Angle at C:** Formed by $\overrightarrow{CA}$ and $\overrightarrow{CB}$. First, find $\overrightarrow{CA} = -\overrightarrow{AC} = -(4\hat{i} + \hat{k}) = -4\hat{i} - \hat{k}$. First, find $\overrightarrow{CB} = -\overrightarrow{BC} = -(3\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - 2\hat{k}) = -3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}$.CA⋅CB=(−4i^−k^)⋅(−3i^−2j^+2k^)
=(−4)(−3)+(0)(−2)+(−1)(2)=12+0−2=10
Since the dot product is $10 \neq 0$, angle C is not a right angle. Since $10 > 0$, angle C is acute. > [!WARNING] > When checking angles using dot products, ensure the vectors originate from the vertex where the angle is being measured. For example, for angle B, use $\overrightarrow{BA}$ and $\overrightarrow{BC}$, not $\overrightarrow{AB}$ and $\overrightarrow{BC}$. Using $\overrightarrow{AB} \cdot \overrightarrow{BC}$ would give the angle between $\overrightarrow{AB}$ and $\overrightarrow{BC}$, which is the exterior angle at B, or $\pi - B$.4. Conclusion:
We found that the triangle has two sides of equal length (∣BC∣=∣AC∣=17), so it is an isosceles triangle.
We also found that none of the angles are 90∘ (no dot product was zero), so it is not a right-angled triangle. Furthermore, all dot products were positive, meaning all angles are acute.
Therefore, the triangle is an isosceles acute-angled triangle.
Comparing this with the given options:
(A) obtuse angled triangle - Incorrect.
(B) isosceles triangle - Correct.
(C) isosceles right angled triangle - Incorrect (not right-angled).
(D) equilateral triangle - Incorrect (side lengths are 14,17,17).
Option (B) is the most accurate description among the choices.✓Final answerThe triangle is an (B) isosceles triangle.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.a,b,c are the position vectors of three points A, B, C respectively. If ∠ABC=2π, AB=i+4j+(4−λ)k, AC=(λ−1)i+6j+(2−λ)k, then λ= (A) 0 (B) −31 (C) −43 (D) 32
›Reveal solutionSolution
The right angle at B forces λ=32 (D).
∠ABC=2π means BA⊥BC. Writing these through the given vectors, BA=−AB and BC=AC−AB, so
BA⋅BC=−AB⋅(AC−AB)=∣AB∣2−AB⋅AC=0 ⇒ ∣AB∣2=AB⋅AC.
With AB=i+4j+(4−λ)k and AC=(λ−1)i+6j+(2−λ)k:
∣AB∣2=1+16+(4−λ)2=λ2−8λ+33,
AB⋅AC=(λ−1)+24+(4−λ)(2−λ)=λ2−5λ+31.
Setting them equal:
λ2−8λ+33=λ2−5λ+31 ⇒ −3λ=−2 ⇒ λ=32.
✓Final answerλ=32 — option (D).
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-04-FN1 markMCQQ.If the vectors −3i+4j+λk and μi+8j+6k are collinear, then λ−μ= (A) 0 (B) −3 (C) 6 (D) 9
›Reveal solutionSolution
For two vectors to be collinear, one must be a scalar multiple of the other. Equating components gives λ=−3 and μ=−6, so λ−μ=3. Wait — check the arithmetic: the correct values are λ=−3 and μ=−6, so λ−μ=3, but that's not among the options. Let's re-evaluate carefully: the scalar multiple is k=−2, giving λ=−3 and μ=−6, so λ−μ=3. However, none of the options match 3. There's a mistake: actually, if vectors are collinear, their components are proportional. Let's solve properly: μ−3=84=6λ. From 84=21, we get μ−3=21⇒μ=−6, and 6λ=21⇒λ=3. Then λ−μ=3−(−6)=9. The correct answer is 9, option (D).
✓Final answerThe value of λ−μ is 9, which corresponds to option (D).
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-FN1 markMCQQ.Let a=i+j+k, b=i−2j+k, c=i+3j−2k, d=2i+j−k be four vectors and let l=b⋅c and m=c⋅a. Then [mb+la b d]= (A) 79 (B) −63 (C) 0 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The problem asks for the scalar triple product [mb+la b d], where l=b⋅c and m=c⋅a. The key is to expand using linearity and note that the triple product with two parallel vectors is zero; the result simplifies to m[a b d], which evaluates to −63, so the correct option is (B).
We are given four vectors:
a=i+j+k,b=i−2j+k,c=i+3j−2k,d=2i+j−k.
We define scalars:
l=b⋅c,m=c⋅a.
We need the scalar triple product:
[mb+la b d].
Concept and intuition:
The scalar triple product [u v w]=u⋅(v×w) is linear in each argument. Here the first argument is a linear combination of a and b. Expanding will give two terms. One term will involve [b b d], which is zero because two vectors are the same (parallel). The other term will be m[a b d]. So the whole thing reduces to computing m times the triple product of a,b,d. That’s much simpler.
Step-by-step solution:
- Compute l and m.
l=b⋅c=(1)(1)+(−2)(3)+(1)(−2)=1−6−2=−7.
m=c⋅a=(1)(1)+(3)(1)+(−2)(1)=1+3−2=2.
- Expand the triple product using linearity.
[mb+la b d]=m[b b d]+l[a b d].
Since [b b d]=0 (two identical vectors), we get:
=l[a b d].
- Compute [a b d]. Write vectors as rows (or columns) in a determinant:
a=(1,1,1),b=(1,−2,1),d=(2,1,−1).
The scalar triple product is:
[a b d]=1121−2111−1.
Compute the determinant:
=1⋅−211−1−1⋅121−1+1⋅12−21.
=1⋅((−2)(−1)−(1)(1))−1⋅((1)(−1)−(1)(2))+1⋅((1)(1)−(−2)(2)).
=1⋅(2−1)−1⋅(−1−2)+1⋅(1+4).
=1⋅1−1⋅(−3)+1⋅5=1+3+5=9.
- Multiply by l.
l[a b d]=(−7)⋅9=−63.
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that [b b d]=0 and try to compute the triple product directly with the combination, leading to messy algebra. Always look for linearity and zero terms first.
TipThe scalar triple product is unchanged under cyclic permutations but changes sign under swapping two vectors. Here we didn’t need that, but it’s a handy check.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (B).
ANSWER: B
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-04-FN1 markMCQQ.If (49,45,415) is the centroid of a tetrahedron whose vertices are (a,2,1), (1,b,4), (4,0,c) and (1,1,7), then (A) a=b=c (B) a=b=c+1 (C) b=c=a+1 (D) a=c=b+1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The centroid of a tetrahedron is the average of its four vertices. Equating the given centroid to the average yields three equations, which give a=2, b=3, c=4, so b=c=a+1.
The centroid of a tetrahedron is not the same as the centroid of a triangle — but the idea is similar. For a triangle, the centroid is the average of the three vertices. For a tetrahedron (a 3D solid with four vertices), the centroid is simply the average of the coordinates of its four vertices. That’s the key concept: if the vertices are A, B, C, D, then the centroid G is
G=(4xA+xB+xC+xD,4yA+yB+yC+yD,4zA+zB+zC+zD).
We are told this centroid equals (49,45,415). So we just match coordinates and solve.
- Set up the x-coordinate equation. The x-coordinates of the vertices are a, 1, 4, 1. Their sum is a+1+4+1=a+6. The centroid’s x-coordinate is 4a+6, and this must equal 49.
4a+6=49⇒a+6=9⇒a=3.
- Set up the y-coordinate equation. The y-coordinates are 2, b, 0, 1. Their sum is 2+b+0+1=b+3. The centroid’s y-coordinate is 4b+3, and this must equal 45.
4b+3=45⇒b+3=5⇒b=2.
- Set up the z-coordinate equation. The z-coordinates are 1, 4, c, 7. Their sum is 1+4+c+7=c+12. The centroid’s z-coordinate is 4c+12, and this must equal 415.
4c+12=415⇒c+12=15⇒c=3.
So we have a=3, b=2, c=3. Now check the options:
- (A) a=b=c? No, 3=2 is false.
- (B) a=b=c+1? 3=2 is false.
- (C) b=c=a+1? 2=3 is false, and 3=3+1 is false.
- (D) a=c=b+1? 3=3 is true, and 3=2+1 is true.
Watch outA common mistake is to treat the centroid as the average of three vertices (like a triangle) or to forget to divide by 4. Always use 4 for a tetrahedron.
✓Final answerThe correct option is (D).
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-05-AN1 markMCQQ.Let a,b,c be unit vectors such that 2a+3b+4c=0. Then ∣b×c∣= (A) 815 (B) 1615 (C) 415 (D) 215
›Reveal solutionSolution
By manipulating the given vector equation and using the properties of unit vectors, we first find the dot product b⋅c. Then, using the identity relating the magnitude of the cross product to the dot product, we calculate ∣b×c∣. The result is 815.
The problem asks for the magnitude of the cross product of two unit vectors, ∣b×c∣, given a linear relationship between three unit vectors. The core idea is to use the given vector equation 2a+3b+4c=0 to find the dot product b⋅c. Once we have this dot product, we can use a fundamental identity that connects the magnitude of the cross product, the magnitudes of the individual vectors, and their dot product. Since b and c are unit vectors, their magnitudes are 1, which simplifies the calculation significantly.
To find b⋅c from the given equation, we can isolate the term involving a and then take the dot product of both sides with themselves. This eliminates a from the equation and introduces dot products of b and c, which is exactly what we need.
Here is a step-by-step solution:
-
Understand the given information:
We are given that a,b,c are unit vectors. This means their magnitudes are 1:
∣a∣=1
∣b∣=1
∣c∣=1
We are also provided with the vector equation:
2a+3b+4c=0
-
Isolate a term to simplify the equation:
To establish a relationship between b and c that involves their dot product, we can move the term containing a to one side of the equation. This allows us to eliminate a when we take the dot product of the equation with itself.
2a=−(3b+4c)
-
Square both sides (take the dot product with itself):
Taking the dot product of each side with itself is a standard technique to introduce magnitudes and dot products of vectors.
(2a)⋅(2a)=(−(3b+4c))⋅(−(3b+4c))
Using the property x⋅x=∣x∣2, the left side becomes 4∣a∣2.
The right side simplifies to (3b+4c)⋅(3b+4c).
So, we have:
4∣a∣2=(3b+4c)⋅(3b+4c)
-
Expand the dot product and substitute magnitudes:
Expand the dot product on the right side using the distributive property:
(3b+4c)⋅(3b+4c)=(3b)⋅(3b)+(3b)⋅(4c)+(4c)⋅(3b)+(4c)⋅(4c)
=9(b⋅b)+12(b⋅c)+12(c⋅b)+16(c⋅c)
Since b⋅b=∣b∣2, c⋅c=∣c∣2, and b⋅c=c⋅b, this simplifies to:
=9∣b∣2+16∣c∣2+24(b⋅c)
Now, substitute this back into the equation from step 3:
4∣a∣2=9∣b∣2+16∣c∣2+24(b⋅c)
Since a,b,c are unit vectors, we substitute ∣a∣=1,∣b∣=1,∣c∣=1:
4(1)2=9(1)2+16(1)2+24(b⋅c)
4=9+16+24(b⋅c)
4=25+24(b⋅c)
-
Solve for the dot product b⋅c:
Rearrange the equation to solve for b⋅c:
24(b⋅c)=4−25
24(b⋅c)=−21
b⋅c=−2421
Simplifying the fraction:
b⋅c=−87
-
Use the identity relating cross product magnitude and dot product:
We need to find ∣b×c∣. A fundamental identity connects the magnitude of the cross product, the magnitudes of the individual vectors, and their dot product:
∣u×v∣2=∣u∣2∣v∣2−(u⋅v)2
Applying this identity for vectors b and c:
∣b×c∣2=∣b∣2∣c∣2−(b⋅c)2
-
Substitute known values and calculate ∣b×c∣:
Substitute ∣b∣=1, ∣c∣=1, and the calculated value b⋅c=−87:
∣b×c∣2=(1)2(1)2−(−87)2
∣b×c∣2=1−6449
To subtract, find a common denominator:
∣b×c∣2=6464−6449
∣b×c∣2=6415
Finally, take the square root of both sides to find ∣b×c∣:
∣b×c∣=6415
∣b×c∣=815
✓Final answerThe value of ∣b×c∣ is 815.
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