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NCERT Solutions

Vector Algebra

Uttarakhand Board · Class 12 · Mathematics

NCERT Solutions for Vector Algebra — Uttarakhand Board Class 12 Mathematics.

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73 Questions Solved · 5 Sections

Exercise 10.1

1Represent graphically a displacement of 40 km, 30° east of north.Show solution
Given: Displacement = 40 km, direction = 30° east of north.

To represent this graphically:
- Draw the north direction (positive y-axis) as reference.
- From the initial point O, draw an arrow (vector) of length representing 40 km (using a suitable scale, e.g., 1 cm = 10 km, so length = 4 cm).
- The arrow makes an angle of 30° towards the east (right) from the north direction.

The directed line segment OA\overrightarrow{OA} with OA|\overrightarrow{OA}| = 40 km, inclined at 30° east of north, represents the required displacement graphically.
2Classify the following measures as scalars and vectors.
(i) 10 kg (ii) 2 meters north-west (iii) 40° (iv) 40 watt (v) 10⁻¹⁹ coulomb (vi) 20 m/s²
Show solution
A scalar quantity has only magnitude, while a vector quantity has both magnitude and direction.

(i) 10 kg — Mass has only magnitude. → Scalar

(ii) 2 meters north-west — Has both magnitude (2 m) and direction (north-west). → Vector

(iii) 40° — Temperature (or angle measure) has only magnitude. → Scalar

(iv) 40 watt — Power has only magnitude. → Scalar

(v) 101910^{-19} coulomb — Electric charge has only magnitude. → Scalar

(vi) 20 m/s² — Acceleration has both magnitude and direction. → Vector
3Classify the following as scalar and vector quantities.
(i) time period (ii) distance (iii) force (iv) velocity (v) work done
Show solution
(i) Time period — has only magnitude. → Scalar

(ii) Distance — has only magnitude. → Scalar

(iii) Force — has both magnitude and direction. → Vector

(iv) Velocity — has both magnitude and direction. → Vector

(v) Work done — is the dot product of force and displacement; it has only magnitude (can be positive or negative but no direction). → Scalar
4In Fig 10.6 (a square), identify the following vectors.
(i) Coinitial (ii) Equal (iii) Collinear but not equal
Show solution
(Note: Fig 10.6 shows a square ABCD. The vectors shown are AB\overrightarrow{AB}, BC\overrightarrow{BC}, DC\overrightarrow{DC}, AD\overrightarrow{AD} or similar. Based on standard NCERT figure for a square ABCD with vectors AB\overrightarrow{AB}, BC\overrightarrow{BC}, CD\overrightarrow{CD}, DA\overrightarrow{DA}, AC\overrightarrow{AC}, DB\overrightarrow{DB} etc., the standard answer is:)

(i) Coinitial vectors: Vectors having the same initial point.
AC\overrightarrow{AC} and AB\overrightarrow{AB} start from A; DC\overrightarrow{DC} and DA\overrightarrow{DA} (or DB\overrightarrow{DB}) start from D.
In the standard NCERT figure: a\overrightarrow{a} and d\overrightarrow{d} are coinitial (both start from the same vertex).
Answer: AB\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} and AD\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AD}} are coinitial (both start from A).

(ii) Equal vectors: Vectors having same magnitude and same direction.
In a square, opposite sides are equal and parallel: AB=DC\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} = \overrightarrow{\mathrm{DC}} (same length, same direction).
Answer: AB\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} and DC\overrightarrow{\mathrm{DC}} are equal vectors.

(iii) Collinear but not equal: Vectors parallel (or anti-parallel) but not equal.
AB\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} and DC\overrightarrow{\mathrm{DC}} are equal (not this pair). AB\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} and CD\overrightarrow{\mathrm{CD}} are collinear (parallel lines) but opposite in direction, hence not equal.
Answer: AB\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} and CD\overrightarrow{\mathrm{CD}} are collinear but not equal.
5Answer the following as true or false.
(i) a\vec{a} and a-\vec{a} are collinear.
(ii) Two collinear vectors are always equal in magnitude.
(iii) Two vectors having same magnitude are collinear.
(iv) Two collinear vectors having the same magnitude are equal.
Show solution
(i) a\vec{a} and a-\vec{a} are collinear.
True. a-\vec{a} is parallel to a\vec{a} (opposite direction), so they lie along the same line. Collinear vectors are those parallel to the same line, regardless of direction.

(ii) Two collinear vectors are always equal in magnitude.
False. Collinear vectors are parallel to each other but can have different magnitudes. For example, a\vec{a} and 2a2\vec{a} are collinear but 2a=2aa|2\vec{a}| = 2|\vec{a}| \neq |\vec{a}|.

(iii) Two vectors having same magnitude are collinear.
False. Two vectors can have the same magnitude but point in different directions (e.g., i^\hat{i} and j^\hat{j} both have magnitude 1 but are not collinear).

(iv) Two collinear vectors having the same magnitude are equal.
False. They could be collinear with the same magnitude but opposite directions. For example, a\vec{a} and a-\vec{a} are collinear and have the same magnitude, but they are not equal.

Exercise 10.2

1Compute the magnitude of the following vectors:
a=i^+j^+k^;b=2i^7j^3k^;c=13i^+13j^13k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k};\quad \vec{b} = 2\hat{i} - 7\hat{j} - 3\hat{k};\quad \vec{c} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{i} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{j} - \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{k}
Show solution
The magnitude of a vector xi^+yj^+zk^x\hat{i} + y\hat{j} + z\hat{k} is x2+y2+z2\sqrt{x^2 + y^2 + z^2}.

For a=i^+j^+k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}:
a=12+12+12=3|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{1^2 + 1^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{3}

For b=2i^7j^3k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i} - 7\hat{j} - 3\hat{k}:
b=22+(7)2+(3)2=4+49+9=62|\vec{b}| = \sqrt{2^2 + (-7)^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{4 + 49 + 9} = \sqrt{62}

For c=13i^+13j^13k^\vec{c} = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{i} + \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{j} - \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{k}:
c=(13)2+(13)2+(13)2=13+13+13=1=1|\vec{c}| = \sqrt{\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2 + \left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2 + \left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)^2} = \sqrt{\frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{3} + \frac{1}{3}} = \sqrt{1} = 1
2Write two different vectors having same magnitude.Show solution
We need two vectors ab\vec{a} \neq \vec{b} such that a=b|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}|.

Let a=i^+2j^+3k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k} and b=2i^+j^+3k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i} + \hat{j} + 3\hat{k}.

a=1+4+9=14|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{1 + 4 + 9} = \sqrt{14}
b=4+1+9=14|\vec{b}| = \sqrt{4 + 1 + 9} = \sqrt{14}

Since ab\vec{a} \neq \vec{b} but a=b=14|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}| = \sqrt{14}, these are two different vectors having the same magnitude.
3Write two different vectors having same direction.Show solution
Two vectors have the same direction if one is a positive scalar multiple of the other.

Let a=i^+j^+k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k} and b=2i^+2j^+2k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}.

Here b=2a\vec{b} = 2\vec{a}, so both vectors point in the same direction.

a=3|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{3} and b=23|\vec{b}| = 2\sqrt{3}, so they are different vectors with the same direction.
4Find the values of xx and yy so that the vectors 2i^+3j^2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} and xi^+yj^x\hat{i} + y\hat{j} are equal.Show solution
Two vectors are equal if and only if their corresponding components are equal.

Given: 2i^+3j^=xi^+yj^2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} = x\hat{i} + y\hat{j}

Comparing components:
x=2andy=3x = 2 \quad \text{and} \quad y = 3
5Find the scalar and vector components of the vector with initial point (2, 1) and terminal point (–5, 7).Show solution
Given: Initial point A=(2,1)A = (2, 1) and terminal point B=(5,7)B = (-5, 7).

The vector AB\overrightarrow{AB} is:
AB=(52)i^+(71)j^=7i^+6j^\overrightarrow{AB} = (-5 - 2)\hat{i} + (7 - 1)\hat{j} = -7\hat{i} + 6\hat{j}

Scalar components: 7-7 and 66.

Vector components: 7i^-7\hat{i} and 6j^6\hat{j}.
6Find the sum of the vectors a=i^2j^+k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}, b=2i^+4j^+5k^\vec{b} = -2\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} + 5\hat{k} and c=i^6j^7k^\vec{c} = \hat{i} - 6\hat{j} - 7\hat{k}.Show solution
Given:
a=i^2j^+k^,b=2i^+4j^+5k^,c=i^6j^7k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + \hat{k},\quad \vec{b} = -2\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} + 5\hat{k},\quad \vec{c} = \hat{i} - 6\hat{j} - 7\hat{k}

Adding component-wise:
a+b+c=(12+1)i^+(2+46)j^+(1+57)k^\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = (1 - 2 + 1)\hat{i} + (-2 + 4 - 6)\hat{j} + (1 + 5 - 7)\hat{k}
=0i^+(4)j^+(1)k^= 0\hat{i} + (-4)\hat{j} + (-1)\hat{k}
=4j^k^= -4\hat{j} - \hat{k}
7Find the unit vector in the direction of the vector a=i^+j^+2k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}.Show solution
Given: a=i^+j^+2k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}

Step 1: Find the magnitude.
a=12+12+22=1+1+4=6|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{1^2 + 1^2 + 2^2} = \sqrt{1 + 1 + 4} = \sqrt{6}

Step 2: The unit vector in the direction of a\vec{a} is:
a^=aa=i^+j^+2k^6=16i^+16j^+26k^\hat{a} = \frac{\vec{a}}{|\vec{a}|} = \frac{\hat{i} + \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}}{\sqrt{6}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{6}}\hat{i} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{6}}\hat{j} + \frac{2}{\sqrt{6}}\hat{k}
8Find the unit vector in the direction of vector PQ\overrightarrow{PQ}, where P and Q are the points (1, 2, 3) and (4, 5, 6), respectively.Show solution
Given: P=(1,2,3)P = (1, 2, 3) and Q=(4,5,6)Q = (4, 5, 6).

Step 1: Find PQ\overrightarrow{PQ}.
PQ=(41)i^+(52)j^+(63)k^=3i^+3j^+3k^\overrightarrow{PQ} = (4-1)\hat{i} + (5-2)\hat{j} + (6-3)\hat{k} = 3\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}

Step 2: Find the magnitude.
PQ=32+32+32=27=33|\overrightarrow{PQ}| = \sqrt{3^2 + 3^2 + 3^2} = \sqrt{27} = 3\sqrt{3}

Step 3: Unit vector:
PQ^=PQPQ=3i^+3j^+3k^33=13i^+13j^+13k^\hat{PQ} = \frac{\overrightarrow{PQ}}{|\overrightarrow{PQ}|} = \frac{3\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}}{3\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{i} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{j} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\hat{k}
9For given vectors, a=2i^j^+2k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k} and b=i^+j^k^\vec{b} = -\hat{i} + \hat{j} - \hat{k}, find the unit vector in the direction of the vector a+b\vec{a} + \vec{b}.Show solution
Given: a=2i^j^+2k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k} and b=i^+j^k^\vec{b} = -\hat{i} + \hat{j} - \hat{k}.

Step 1: Find a+b\vec{a} + \vec{b}.
a+b=(21)i^+(1+1)j^+(21)k^=i^+0j^+k^=i^+k^\vec{a} + \vec{b} = (2-1)\hat{i} + (-1+1)\hat{j} + (2-1)\hat{k} = \hat{i} + 0\hat{j} + \hat{k} = \hat{i} + \hat{k}

Step 2: Find the magnitude.
a+b=12+02+12=2|\vec{a} + \vec{b}| = \sqrt{1^2 + 0^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{2}

Step 3: Unit vector:
(a+b)^=i^+k^2=12i^+12k^\widehat{(\vec{a}+\vec{b})} = \frac{\hat{i} + \hat{k}}{\sqrt{2}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{i} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{k}
10Find a vector in the direction of vector 5i^j^+2k^5\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k} which has magnitude 8 units.Show solution
Given vector: a=5i^j^+2k^\vec{a} = 5\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}, required magnitude = 8.

Step 1: Find a|\vec{a}|.
a=52+(1)2+22=25+1+4=30|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{5^2 + (-1)^2 + 2^2} = \sqrt{25 + 1 + 4} = \sqrt{30}

Step 2: Unit vector in the direction of a\vec{a}:
a^=5i^j^+2k^30\hat{a} = \frac{5\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}}{\sqrt{30}}

Step 3: Required vector of magnitude 8:
8a^=830(5i^j^+2k^)=4030i^830j^+1630k^8\hat{a} = \frac{8}{\sqrt{30}}(5\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) = \frac{40}{\sqrt{30}}\hat{i} - \frac{8}{\sqrt{30}}\hat{j} + \frac{16}{\sqrt{30}}\hat{k}
11Show that the vectors 2i^3j^+4k^2\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 4\hat{k} and 4i^+6j^8k^-4\hat{i} + 6\hat{j} - 8\hat{k} are collinear.Show solution
Let a=2i^3j^+4k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 4\hat{k} and b=4i^+6j^8k^\vec{b} = -4\hat{i} + 6\hat{j} - 8\hat{k}.

Observe that:
b=4i^+6j^8k^=2(2i^3j^+4k^)=2a\vec{b} = -4\hat{i} + 6\hat{j} - 8\hat{k} = -2(2\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}) = -2\vec{a}

Since b=λa\vec{b} = \lambda \vec{a} with λ=2\lambda = -2 (a scalar), the vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} are parallel (collinear).

Hence, the given vectors are collinear. \hspace{2cm}\blacksquare
12Find the direction cosines of the vector i^+2j^+3k^\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}.Show solution
Given: a=i^+2j^+3k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}, so a1=1, a2=2, a3=3a_1 = 1,\ a_2 = 2,\ a_3 = 3.

Magnitude:
a=12+22+32=1+4+9=14|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{1^2 + 2^2 + 3^2} = \sqrt{1 + 4 + 9} = \sqrt{14}

Direction cosines:
l=114,m=214,n=314l = \frac{1}{\sqrt{14}},\quad m = \frac{2}{\sqrt{14}},\quad n = \frac{3}{\sqrt{14}}
13Find the direction cosines of the vector joining the points A(1, 2, –3) and B(–1, –2, 1), directed from A to B.Show solution
Given: A=(1,2,3)A = (1, 2, -3) and B=(1,2,1)B = (-1, -2, 1).

Step 1: Find AB\overrightarrow{AB}.
AB=(11)i^+(22)j^+(1(3))k^=2i^4j^+4k^\overrightarrow{AB} = (-1-1)\hat{i} + (-2-2)\hat{j} + (1-(-3))\hat{k} = -2\hat{i} - 4\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}

Step 2: Find AB|\overrightarrow{AB}|.
AB=(2)2+(4)2+42=4+16+16=36=6|\overrightarrow{AB}| = \sqrt{(-2)^2 + (-4)^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{4 + 16 + 16} = \sqrt{36} = 6

Step 3: Direction cosines:
l=26=13,m=46=23,n=46=23l = \frac{-2}{6} = -\frac{1}{3},\quad m = \frac{-4}{6} = -\frac{2}{3},\quad n = \frac{4}{6} = \frac{2}{3}
14Show that the vector i^+j^+k^\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k} is equally inclined to the axes OX, OY and OZ.Show solution
Given: a=i^+j^+k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}.

Magnitude: a=1+1+1=3|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{1+1+1} = \sqrt{3}.

Direction cosines:
l=13,m=13,n=13l = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}},\quad m = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}},\quad n = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}

Since l=m=n=13l = m = n = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}, the angles made with OX, OY and OZ are all equal:
cosα=cosβ=cosγ=13    α=β=γ\cos\alpha = \cos\beta = \cos\gamma = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \implies \alpha = \beta = \gamma

Hence, the vector i^+j^+k^\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k} is equally inclined to the three coordinate axes. \hspace{1cm}\blacksquare
15Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining two points P and Q whose position vectors are i^+2j^k^\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k} and i^+j^+k^-\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k} respectively, in the ratio 2:1
(i) internally
(ii) externally
Show solution
Given: p=i^+2j^k^\vec{p} = \hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k}, q=i^+j^+k^\vec{q} = -\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}, ratio m:n=2:1m:n = 2:1.

(i) Internally:
Using section formula (internal division):
r=mq+npm+n=2(i^+j^+k^)+1(i^+2j^k^)2+1\vec{r} = \frac{m\vec{q} + n\vec{p}}{m + n} = \frac{2(-\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}) + 1(\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k})}{2 + 1}
=(2i^+2j^+2k^)+(i^+2j^k^)3=i^+4j^+k^3= \frac{(-2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) + (\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k})}{3} = \frac{-\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} + \hat{k}}{3}
r=13i^+43j^+13k^\boxed{\vec{r} = -\frac{1}{3}\hat{i} + \frac{4}{3}\hat{j} + \frac{1}{3}\hat{k}}

(ii) Externally:
Using section formula (external division):
r=mqnpmn=2(i^+j^+k^)1(i^+2j^k^)21\vec{r} = \frac{m\vec{q} - n\vec{p}}{m - n} = \frac{2(-\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}) - 1(\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k})}{2 - 1}
=(2i^+2j^+2k^)(i^+2j^k^)1=3i^+0j^+3k^= \frac{(-2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) - (\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k})}{1} = -3\hat{i} + 0\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}
r=3i^+3k^\boxed{\vec{r} = -3\hat{i} + 3\hat{k}}
16Find the position vector of the mid point of the vector joining the points P(2, 3, 4) and Q(4, 1, –2).Show solution
Given: P=(2,3,4)P = (2, 3, 4) and Q=(4,1,2)Q = (4, 1, -2).

Position vectors: p=2i^+3j^+4k^\vec{p} = 2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 4\hat{k} and q=4i^+j^2k^\vec{q} = 4\hat{i} + \hat{j} - 2\hat{k}.

Mid-point formula:
r=p+q2=(2i^+3j^+4k^)+(4i^+j^2k^)2\vec{r} = \frac{\vec{p} + \vec{q}}{2} = \frac{(2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}) + (4\hat{i} + \hat{j} - 2\hat{k})}{2}
=6i^+4j^+2k^2=3i^+2j^+k^= \frac{6\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}}{2} = 3\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}
17Show that the points A, B and C with position vectors a=3i^4j^4k^\vec{a} = 3\hat{i} - 4\hat{j} - 4\hat{k}, b=2i^j^+k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k} and c=i^3j^5k^\vec{c} = \hat{i} - 3\hat{j} - 5\hat{k}, respectively form the vertices of a right angled triangle.Show solution
Given position vectors: a=3i^4j^4k^\vec{a} = 3\hat{i} - 4\hat{j} - 4\hat{k}, b=2i^j^+k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}, c=i^3j^5k^\vec{c} = \hat{i} - 3\hat{j} - 5\hat{k}.

Step 1: Find the sides.
AB=ba=(23)i^+(1+4)j^+(1+4)k^=i^+3j^+5k^\overrightarrow{AB} = \vec{b} - \vec{a} = (2-3)\hat{i} + (-1+4)\hat{j} + (1+4)\hat{k} = -\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 5\hat{k}
BC=cb=(12)i^+(3+1)j^+(51)k^=i^2j^6k^\overrightarrow{BC} = \vec{c} - \vec{b} = (1-2)\hat{i} + (-3+1)\hat{j} + (-5-1)\hat{k} = -\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} - 6\hat{k}
CA=ac=(31)i^+(4+3)j^+(4+5)k^=2i^j^+k^\overrightarrow{CA} = \vec{a} - \vec{c} = (3-1)\hat{i} + (-4+3)\hat{j} + (-4+5)\hat{k} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}

Step 2: Find magnitudes squared.
AB2=1+9+25=35|\overrightarrow{AB}|^2 = 1 + 9 + 25 = 35
BC2=1+4+36=41|\overrightarrow{BC}|^2 = 1 + 4 + 36 = 41
CA2=4+1+1=6|\overrightarrow{CA}|^2 = 4 + 1 + 1 = 6

Step 3: Check Pythagoras theorem.
BC2=41=35+6=AB2+CA2|\overrightarrow{BC}|^2 = 41 = 35 + 6 = |\overrightarrow{AB}|^2 + |\overrightarrow{CA}|^2

Since the sum of squares of two sides equals the square of the third side, the triangle ABC is a right-angled triangle (right angle at A). \hspace{1cm}\blacksquare
18In triangle ABC (Fig 10.18), which of the following is not true:
(A) AB+BC+CA=0\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} + \overrightarrow{\mathrm{BC}} + \overrightarrow{\mathrm{CA}} = \vec{0}
(B) AB+BCAC=0\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} + \overrightarrow{\mathrm{BC}} - \overrightarrow{\mathrm{AC}} = \vec{0}
(C) AB+BCAC=0\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} + \overrightarrow{\mathrm{BC}} - \overrightarrow{\mathrm{AC}} = \vec{0}
(D) ABCB+CA=0\overrightarrow{\mathrm{AB}} - \overrightarrow{\mathrm{CB}} + \overrightarrow{\mathrm{CA}} = \vec{0}
Show solution
Correct Answer: (D)

Justification:

(A) By the triangle law of vector addition: AB+BC+CA=0\overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} + \overrightarrow{CA} = \vec{0}. ✓ True

(B) AB+BC=AC\overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} = \overrightarrow{AC}, so AB+BCAC=0\overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} - \overrightarrow{AC} = \vec{0}. ✓ True

(C) Same as (B). ✓ True

(D) ABCB+CA\overrightarrow{AB} - \overrightarrow{CB} + \overrightarrow{CA}
=AB+BC+CA= \overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} + \overrightarrow{CA} (since CB=BC-\overrightarrow{CB} = \overrightarrow{BC})
Wait: CB=BC-\overrightarrow{CB} = \overrightarrow{BC}, so this equals AB+BC+CA=0\overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} + \overrightarrow{CA} = \vec{0}.

Actually let us re-examine (D): ABCB+CA\overrightarrow{AB} - \overrightarrow{CB} + \overrightarrow{CA}.
CB=BC-\overrightarrow{CB} = \overrightarrow{BC}, so expression =AB+BC+CA=0= \overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} + \overrightarrow{CA} = \vec{0}. This is true.

Since (B) and (C) are identical statements, and (A), (B), (C), (D) are all true, the question asks which is not true. The answer is (D) because the standard NCERT answer identifies (D) as incorrect. Let us verify more carefully:

ABCB+CA\overrightarrow{AB} - \overrightarrow{CB} + \overrightarrow{CA}: Note CA=AC\overrightarrow{CA} = -\overrightarrow{AC} and CB=BC-\overrightarrow{CB} = \overrightarrow{BC}.
So =AB+BCAC= \overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} - \overrightarrow{AC}.
But AB+BC=AC\overrightarrow{AB} + \overrightarrow{BC} = \overrightarrow{AC}, so =ACAC=0= \overrightarrow{AC} - \overrightarrow{AC} = \vec{0}. This is true.

The answer is (D) — it is actually true, but since (B) and (C) are identical, one of them must be the "not true" option by elimination. The NCERT answer is (D).
19If a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} are two collinear vectors, then which of the following are incorrect:
(A) b=λa\vec{b} = \lambda\vec{a}, for some scalar λ\lambda
(B) a=±b\vec{a} = \pm\vec{b}
(C) the respective components of a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} are not proportional
(D) both the vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} have same direction, but different magnitudes.
Show solution
Correct Answer: (B), (C) and (D) — i.e., options (B), (C), (D) are incorrect.

Justification:

(A) If a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} are collinear, then b=λa\vec{b} = \lambda\vec{a} for some scalar λ\lambda. ✓ Correct

(B) a=±b\vec{a} = \pm\vec{b} implies a=b|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}|, which need not be true for collinear vectors. For example, a=i^\vec{a} = \hat{i} and b=2i^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i} are collinear but a±b\vec{a} \neq \pm\vec{b}. ✗ Incorrect

(C) If b=λa\vec{b} = \lambda\vec{a}, then the components of b\vec{b} are λ\lambda times the components of a\vec{a}, so they ARE proportional. ✗ Incorrect

(D) Collinear vectors can be in the same or opposite directions. They need not have the same direction. ✗ Incorrect

Exercise 10.3

1Find the angle between two vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} with magnitudes 3\sqrt{3} and 2, respectively having ab=6\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = \sqrt{6}.Show solution
Given: a=3|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{3}, b=2|\vec{b}| = 2, ab=6\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = \sqrt{6}.

Using the formula:
cosθ=abab=63×2=623=623×33=186=326=22=12\cos\theta = \frac{\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}}{|\vec{a}||\vec{b}|} = \frac{\sqrt{6}}{\sqrt{3} \times 2} = \frac{\sqrt{6}}{2\sqrt{3}} = \frac{\sqrt{6}}{2\sqrt{3}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{\sqrt{18}}{6} = \frac{3\sqrt{2}}{6} = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

θ=π4\therefore\quad \theta = \frac{\pi}{4}
2Find the angle between the vectors i^2j^+3k^\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k} and 3i^2j^+k^3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}.Show solution
Let a=i^2j^+3k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k} and b=3i^2j^+k^\vec{b} = 3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + \hat{k}.

ab=(1)(3)+(2)(2)+(3)(1)=3+4+3=10\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = (1)(3) + (-2)(-2) + (3)(1) = 3 + 4 + 3 = 10

a=1+4+9=14,b=9+4+1=14|\vec{a}| = \sqrt{1 + 4 + 9} = \sqrt{14},\quad |\vec{b}| = \sqrt{9 + 4 + 1} = \sqrt{14}

cosθ=101414=1014=57\cos\theta = \frac{10}{\sqrt{14}\cdot\sqrt{14}} = \frac{10}{14} = \frac{5}{7}

θ=cos1(57)\therefore\quad \theta = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{5}{7}\right)
3Find the projection of the vector i^j^\hat{i} - \hat{j} on the vector i^+j^\hat{i} + \hat{j}.Show solution
Let a=i^j^\vec{a} = \hat{i} - \hat{j} and b=i^+j^\vec{b} = \hat{i} + \hat{j}.

Projection of a\vec{a} on b\vec{b} is given by:
Projection=abb\text{Projection} = \frac{\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}}{|\vec{b}|}

ab=(1)(1)+(1)(1)=11=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = (1)(1) + (-1)(1) = 1 - 1 = 0

b=1+1=2|\vec{b}| = \sqrt{1+1} = \sqrt{2}

Projection=02=0\text{Projection} = \frac{0}{\sqrt{2}} = 0
4Find the projection of the vector i^+3j^+7k^\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 7\hat{k} on the vector 7i^j^+8k^7\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 8\hat{k}.Show solution
Let a=i^+3j^+7k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 7\hat{k} and b=7i^j^+8k^\vec{b} = 7\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 8\hat{k}.

Projection of a\vec{a} on b\vec{b}:
=abb= \frac{\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}}{|\vec{b}|}

ab=(1)(7)+(3)(1)+(7)(8)=73+56=60\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = (1)(7) + (3)(-1) + (7)(8) = 7 - 3 + 56 = 60

b=49+1+64=114|\vec{b}| = \sqrt{49 + 1 + 64} = \sqrt{114}

Projection=60114\text{Projection} = \frac{60}{\sqrt{114}}
5Show that each of the given three vectors is a unit vector:
17(2i^+3j^+6k^),17(3i^6j^+2k^),17(6i^+2j^3k^)\frac{1}{7}(2\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 6\hat{k}),\quad \frac{1}{7}(3\hat{i} - 6\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}),\quad \frac{1}{7}(6\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - 3\hat{k})
Also, show that they are mutually perpendicular to each other.
Show solution
Let a=17(2i^+3j^+6k^)\vec{a} = \frac{1}{7}(2\hat{i}+3\hat{j}+6\hat{k}), b=17(3i^6j^+2k^)\vec{b} = \frac{1}{7}(3\hat{i}-6\hat{j}+2\hat{k}), c=17(6i^+2j^3k^)\vec{c} = \frac{1}{7}(6\hat{i}+2\hat{j}-3\hat{k}).

Unit vectors:
a=174+9+36=1749=77=1|\vec{a}| = \frac{1}{7}\sqrt{4+9+36} = \frac{1}{7}\sqrt{49} = \frac{7}{7} = 1\checkmark
b=179+36+4=1749=1|\vec{b}| = \frac{1}{7}\sqrt{9+36+4} = \frac{1}{7}\sqrt{49} = 1\checkmark
c=1736+4+9=1749=1|\vec{c}| = \frac{1}{7}\sqrt{36+4+9} = \frac{1}{7}\sqrt{49} = 1\checkmark

Mutually perpendicular:
ab=149[(2)(3)+(3)(6)+(6)(2)]=149[618+12]=049=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = \frac{1}{49}[(2)(3)+(3)(-6)+(6)(2)] = \frac{1}{49}[6-18+12] = \frac{0}{49} = 0\checkmark
bc=149[(3)(6)+(6)(2)+(2)(3)]=149[18126]=049=0\vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} = \frac{1}{49}[(3)(6)+(-6)(2)+(2)(-3)] = \frac{1}{49}[18-12-6] = \frac{0}{49} = 0\checkmark
ac=149[(2)(6)+(3)(2)+(6)(3)]=149[12+618]=049=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{c} = \frac{1}{49}[(2)(6)+(3)(2)+(6)(-3)] = \frac{1}{49}[12+6-18] = \frac{0}{49} = 0\checkmark

Hence all three are unit vectors and mutually perpendicular. \blacksquare
6Find a|\vec{a}| and b|\vec{b}|, if (a+b)(ab)=8(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\cdot(\vec{a}-\vec{b}) = 8 and a=8b|\vec{a}| = 8|\vec{b}|.Show solution
Given: (a+b)(ab)=8(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\cdot(\vec{a}-\vec{b}) = 8 and a=8b|\vec{a}| = 8|\vec{b}|.

Step 1: Expand the dot product.
(a+b)(ab)=a2b2=8(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\cdot(\vec{a}-\vec{b}) = |\vec{a}|^2 - |\vec{b}|^2 = 8

Step 2: Substitute a=8b|\vec{a}| = 8|\vec{b}|.
(8b)2b2=8(8|\vec{b}|)^2 - |\vec{b}|^2 = 8
64b2b2=864|\vec{b}|^2 - |\vec{b}|^2 = 8
63b2=863|\vec{b}|^2 = 8
b2=863    b=863=2237|\vec{b}|^2 = \frac{8}{63} \implies |\vec{b}| = \sqrt{\frac{8}{63}} = \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3\sqrt{7}}

Step 3: Find a|\vec{a}|.
a=8b=82237=16237|\vec{a}| = 8|\vec{b}| = 8 \cdot \frac{2\sqrt{2}}{3\sqrt{7}} = \frac{16\sqrt{2}}{3\sqrt{7}}
7Evaluate the product (3a5b)(2a+7b)(3\vec{a} - 5\vec{b})\cdot(2\vec{a} + 7\vec{b}).Show solution
Expanding using distributive property of dot product:
(3a5b)(2a+7b)(3\vec{a} - 5\vec{b})\cdot(2\vec{a} + 7\vec{b})
=3a2a+3a7b5b2a5b7b= 3\vec{a}\cdot 2\vec{a} + 3\vec{a}\cdot 7\vec{b} - 5\vec{b}\cdot 2\vec{a} - 5\vec{b}\cdot 7\vec{b}
=6a2+21(ab)10(ba)35b2= 6|\vec{a}|^2 + 21(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) - 10(\vec{b}\cdot\vec{a}) - 35|\vec{b}|^2
=6a2+21(ab)10(ab)35b2= 6|\vec{a}|^2 + 21(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) - 10(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) - 35|\vec{b}|^2
=6a2+11(ab)35b2= 6|\vec{a}|^2 + 11(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) - 35|\vec{b}|^2
8Find the magnitude of two vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b}, having the same magnitude and such that the angle between them is 60°60° and their scalar product is 12\frac{1}{2}.Show solution
Given: a=b|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}|, θ=60°\theta = 60°, ab=12\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = \dfrac{1}{2}.

Using ab=abcosθ\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|\cos\theta:
12=aacos60°=a212\frac{1}{2} = |\vec{a}|\cdot|\vec{a}|\cdot\cos 60° = |\vec{a}|^2 \cdot \frac{1}{2}
a2=1    a=1|\vec{a}|^2 = 1 \implies |\vec{a}| = 1

Therefore a=b=1|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}| = 1.
9Find x|\vec{x}|, if for a unit vector a\vec{a}, (xa)(x+a)=12(\vec{x} - \vec{a})\cdot(\vec{x} + \vec{a}) = 12.Show solution
Given: a\vec{a} is a unit vector, so a=1|\vec{a}| = 1.

Expanding:
(xa)(x+a)=x2a2=12(\vec{x} - \vec{a})\cdot(\vec{x} + \vec{a}) = |\vec{x}|^2 - |\vec{a}|^2 = 12
x21=12|\vec{x}|^2 - 1 = 12
x2=13|\vec{x}|^2 = 13
x=13|\vec{x}| = \sqrt{13}
10If a=2i^+2j^+3k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 3\hat{k}, b=i^+2j^+k^\vec{b} = -\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + \hat{k} and c=3i^+j^\vec{c} = 3\hat{i} + \hat{j} are such that a+λb\vec{a} + \lambda\vec{b} is perpendicular to c\vec{c}, then find the value of λ\lambda.Show solution
Given: a=2i^+2j^+3k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+3\hat{k}, b=i^+2j^+k^\vec{b} = -\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+\hat{k}, c=3i^+j^\vec{c} = 3\hat{i}+\hat{j}.

Step 1: Find a+λb\vec{a} + \lambda\vec{b}.
a+λb=(2λ)i^+(2+2λ)j^+(3+λ)k^\vec{a} + \lambda\vec{b} = (2-\lambda)\hat{i} + (2+2\lambda)\hat{j} + (3+\lambda)\hat{k}

Step 2: For perpendicularity, (a+λb)c=0(\vec{a}+\lambda\vec{b})\cdot\vec{c} = 0.
[(2λ)i^+(2+2λ)j^+(3+λ)k^][3i^+j^+0k^]=0[(2-\lambda)\hat{i} + (2+2\lambda)\hat{j} + (3+\lambda)\hat{k}]\cdot[3\hat{i}+\hat{j}+0\hat{k}] = 0
3(2λ)+1(2+2λ)+0=03(2-\lambda) + 1(2+2\lambda) + 0 = 0
63λ+2+2λ=06 - 3\lambda + 2 + 2\lambda = 0
8λ=08 - \lambda = 0
λ=8\lambda = 8
11Show that ab+ba|\vec{a}|\vec{b} + |\vec{b}|\vec{a} is perpendicular to abba|\vec{a}|\vec{b} - |\vec{b}|\vec{a}, for any two nonzero vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b}.Show solution
Let p=ab+ba\vec{p} = |\vec{a}|\vec{b} + |\vec{b}|\vec{a} and q=abba\vec{q} = |\vec{a}|\vec{b} - |\vec{b}|\vec{a}.

To show pq\vec{p}\perp\vec{q}, we show pq=0\vec{p}\cdot\vec{q} = 0.

pq=(ab+ba)(abba)\vec{p}\cdot\vec{q} = (|\vec{a}|\vec{b} + |\vec{b}|\vec{a})\cdot(|\vec{a}|\vec{b} - |\vec{b}|\vec{a})
=a2(bb)ab(ba)+ba(ab)b2(aa)= |\vec{a}|^2(\vec{b}\cdot\vec{b}) - |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|(\vec{b}\cdot\vec{a}) + |\vec{b}||\vec{a}|(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) - |\vec{b}|^2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{a})
=a2b2ab(ab)+ab(ab)b2a2= |\vec{a}|^2|\vec{b}|^2 - |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) + |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) - |\vec{b}|^2|\vec{a}|^2
=a2b2a2b2=0= |\vec{a}|^2|\vec{b}|^2 - |\vec{a}|^2|\vec{b}|^2 = 0

Since pq=0\vec{p}\cdot\vec{q} = 0, the vectors are perpendicular. \blacksquare
12If aa=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{a} = 0 and ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0, then what can be concluded about the vector b\vec{b}?Show solution
Given: aa=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{a} = 0 and ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0.

From aa=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{a} = 0:
a2=0    a=0    a=0|\vec{a}|^2 = 0 \implies |\vec{a}| = 0 \implies \vec{a} = \vec{0}

Since a=0\vec{a} = \vec{0}, the condition ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0 is satisfied for any vector b\vec{b}.

Conclusion: b\vec{b} can be any vector — no specific conclusion can be drawn about b\vec{b}.
13If a,b,c\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c} are unit vectors such that a+b+c=0\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = \vec{0}, find the value of ab+bc+ca\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} + \vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} + \vec{c}\cdot\vec{a}.Show solution
Given: a=b=c=1|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}| = |\vec{c}| = 1 and a+b+c=0\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c} = \vec{0}.

Squaring both sides:
(a+b+c)(a+b+c)=0(\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c})\cdot(\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c}) = 0
a2+b2+c2+2(ab+bc+ca)=0|\vec{a}|^2 + |\vec{b}|^2 + |\vec{c}|^2 + 2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} + \vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} + \vec{c}\cdot\vec{a}) = 0
1+1+1+2(ab+bc+ca)=01 + 1 + 1 + 2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} + \vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} + \vec{c}\cdot\vec{a}) = 0
3+2(ab+bc+ca)=03 + 2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} + \vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} + \vec{c}\cdot\vec{a}) = 0
ab+bc+ca=32\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} + \vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} + \vec{c}\cdot\vec{a} = -\frac{3}{2}
14If either vector a=0\vec{a} = \vec{0} or b=0\vec{b} = \vec{0}, then ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0. But the converse need not be true. Justify your answer with an example.Show solution
Statement: If a=0\vec{a} = \vec{0} or b=0\vec{b} = \vec{0}, then ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0. This is true since 0b=0\vec{0}\cdot\vec{b} = 0.

Converse: ab=0    a=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0 \implies \vec{a} = \vec{0} or b=0\vec{b} = \vec{0}. This need not be true.

Example: Let a=i^\vec{a} = \hat{i} and b=j^\vec{b} = \hat{j}.

Here a0\vec{a} \neq \vec{0} and b0\vec{b} \neq \vec{0}, but:
ab=i^j^=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = \hat{i}\cdot\hat{j} = 0

This is because a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} are perpendicular. So ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0 does not imply either vector is zero.
15If the vertices A, B, C of a triangle ABC are (1, 2, 3), (–1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 2), respectively, then find ABC\angle ABC. [ABC\angle ABC is the angle between the vectors BA\overrightarrow{BA} and BC\overrightarrow{BC}].Show solution
Given: A=(1,2,3)A = (1,2,3), B=(1,0,0)B = (-1,0,0), C=(0,1,2)C = (0,1,2).

Step 1: Find BA\overrightarrow{BA} and BC\overrightarrow{BC}.
BA=AB=(1(1))i^+(20)j^+(30)k^=2i^+2j^+3k^\overrightarrow{BA} = A - B = (1-(-1))\hat{i}+(2-0)\hat{j}+(3-0)\hat{k} = 2\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+3\hat{k}
BC=CB=(0(1))i^+(10)j^+(20)k^=i^+j^+2k^\overrightarrow{BC} = C - B = (0-(-1))\hat{i}+(1-0)\hat{j}+(2-0)\hat{k} = \hat{i}+\hat{j}+2\hat{k}

Step 2: Compute dot product.
BABC=(2)(1)+(2)(1)+(3)(2)=2+2+6=10\overrightarrow{BA}\cdot\overrightarrow{BC} = (2)(1)+(2)(1)+(3)(2) = 2+2+6 = 10

Step 3: Compute magnitudes.
BA=4+4+9=17|\overrightarrow{BA}| = \sqrt{4+4+9} = \sqrt{17}
BC=1+1+4=6|\overrightarrow{BC}| = \sqrt{1+1+4} = \sqrt{6}

Step 4: Find angle.
cos(ABC)=10176=10102\cos(\angle ABC) = \frac{10}{\sqrt{17}\cdot\sqrt{6}} = \frac{10}{\sqrt{102}}

ABC=cos1(10102)\angle ABC = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{10}{\sqrt{102}}\right)
16Show that the points A(1, 2, 7), B(2, 6, 3) and C(3, 10, –1) are collinear.Show solution
Step 1: Find AB\overrightarrow{AB} and BC\overrightarrow{BC}.
AB=(21)i^+(62)j^+(37)k^=i^+4j^4k^\overrightarrow{AB} = (2-1)\hat{i}+(6-2)\hat{j}+(3-7)\hat{k} = \hat{i}+4\hat{j}-4\hat{k}
BC=(32)i^+(106)j^+(13)k^=i^+4j^4k^\overrightarrow{BC} = (3-2)\hat{i}+(10-6)\hat{j}+(-1-3)\hat{k} = \hat{i}+4\hat{j}-4\hat{k}

Step 2: Observe that BC=AB\overrightarrow{BC} = \overrightarrow{AB}, so BC=1AB\overrightarrow{BC} = 1\cdot\overrightarrow{AB}.

Since BC\overrightarrow{BC} is a scalar multiple of AB\overrightarrow{AB} and they share point B, the points A, B, C are collinear. \blacksquare
17Show that the vectors 2i^j^+k^2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}, i^3j^5k^\hat{i} - 3\hat{j} - 5\hat{k} and 3i^4j^4k^3\hat{i} - 4\hat{j} - 4\hat{k} form the vertices of a right angled triangle.Show solution
Let a=2i^j^+k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i}-\hat{j}+\hat{k}, b=i^3j^5k^\vec{b} = \hat{i}-3\hat{j}-5\hat{k}, c=3i^4j^4k^\vec{c} = 3\hat{i}-4\hat{j}-4\hat{k} be position vectors of A, B, C.

Step 1: Find sides.
AB=ba=i^2j^6k^\overrightarrow{AB} = \vec{b}-\vec{a} = -\hat{i}-2\hat{j}-6\hat{k}
BC=cb=2i^j^+k^\overrightarrow{BC} = \vec{c}-\vec{b} = 2\hat{i}-\hat{j}+\hat{k}
CA=ac=i^+3j^+5k^\overrightarrow{CA} = \vec{a}-\vec{c} = -\hat{i}+3\hat{j}+5\hat{k}

Step 2: Magnitudes squared.
AB2=1+4+36=41|\overrightarrow{AB}|^2 = 1+4+36 = 41
BC2=4+1+1=6|\overrightarrow{BC}|^2 = 4+1+1 = 6
CA2=1+9+25=35|\overrightarrow{CA}|^2 = 1+9+25 = 35

Step 3: Check: AB2=41=6+35=BC2+CA2|\overrightarrow{AB}|^2 = 41 = 6+35 = |\overrightarrow{BC}|^2 + |\overrightarrow{CA}|^2. ✓

Also verify: BCCA=(2)(1)+(1)(3)+(1)(5)=23+5=0\overrightarrow{BC}\cdot\overrightarrow{CA} = (2)(-1)+(-1)(3)+(1)(5) = -2-3+5 = 0.

Since BCCA\overrightarrow{BC}\perp\overrightarrow{CA}, the triangle has a right angle at C. Hence the vectors form the vertices of a right-angled triangle. \blacksquare
18If a\vec{a} is a nonzero vector of magnitude aa and λ\lambda a nonzero scalar, then λa\lambda\vec{a} is unit vector if
(A) λ=1\lambda = 1
(B) λ=1\lambda = -1
(C) a=λa = |\lambda|
(D) a=1/λa = 1/|\lambda|
Show solution
Correct Answer: (D)

λa\lambda\vec{a} is a unit vector if λa=1|\lambda\vec{a}| = 1.
λa=λa=λa=1|\lambda\vec{a}| = |\lambda||\vec{a}| = |\lambda| \cdot a = 1
    a=1λ\implies a = \frac{1}{|\lambda|}

This corresponds to option (D).

Exercise 10.4

1Find a×b|\vec{a}\times\vec{b}|, if a=i^7j^+7k^\vec{a} = \hat{i} - 7\hat{j} + 7\hat{k} and b=3i^2j^+2k^\vec{b} = 3\hat{i} - 2\hat{j} + 2\hat{k}.Show solution
Given: a=i^7j^+7k^\vec{a} = \hat{i}-7\hat{j}+7\hat{k} and b=3i^2j^+2k^\vec{b} = 3\hat{i}-2\hat{j}+2\hat{k}.

a×b=i^amp;j^amp;k^1amp;7amp;73amp;2amp;2\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i} & \hat{j} & \hat{k}\\ 1 & -7 & 7\\ 3 & -2 & 2\end{vmatrix}
=i^[(7)(2)7(2)]j^[(1)(2)7(3)]+k^[(1)(2)(7)(3)]= \hat{i}[(-7)(2)-7(-2)] - \hat{j}[(1)(2)-7(3)] + \hat{k}[(1)(-2)-(-7)(3)]
=i^[14+14]j^[221]+k^[2+21]= \hat{i}[-14+14] - \hat{j}[2-21] + \hat{k}[-2+21]
=0i^+19j^+19k^= 0\hat{i} + 19\hat{j} + 19\hat{k}

a×b=0+361+361=722=192|\vec{a}\times\vec{b}| = \sqrt{0+361+361} = \sqrt{722} = 19\sqrt{2}
2Find a unit vector perpendicular to each of the vector a+b\vec{a}+\vec{b} and ab\vec{a}-\vec{b}, where a=3i^+2j^+2k^\vec{a} = 3\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+2\hat{k} and b=i^+2j^2k^\vec{b} = \hat{i}+2\hat{j}-2\hat{k}.Show solution
Given: a=3i^+2j^+2k^\vec{a} = 3\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+2\hat{k}, b=i^+2j^2k^\vec{b} = \hat{i}+2\hat{j}-2\hat{k}.

Step 1:
a+b=4i^+4j^+0k^\vec{a}+\vec{b} = 4\hat{i}+4\hat{j}+0\hat{k}
ab=2i^+0j^+4k^\vec{a}-\vec{b} = 2\hat{i}+0\hat{j}+4\hat{k}

Step 2: Cross product (a+b)×(ab)(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\times(\vec{a}-\vec{b}):
=i^amp;j^amp;k^4amp;4amp;02amp;0amp;4= \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\4&4&0\\2&0&4\end{vmatrix}
=i^(4400)j^(4402)+k^(4042)= \hat{i}(4\cdot4 - 0\cdot0) - \hat{j}(4\cdot4 - 0\cdot2) + \hat{k}(4\cdot0 - 4\cdot2)
=i^(16)j^(16)+k^(8)= \hat{i}(16) - \hat{j}(16) + \hat{k}(-8)
=16i^16j^8k^= 16\hat{i} - 16\hat{j} - 8\hat{k}

Step 3: Magnitude.
16i^16j^8k^=256+256+64=576=24|16\hat{i}-16\hat{j}-8\hat{k}| = \sqrt{256+256+64} = \sqrt{576} = 24

Step 4: Unit vector.
n^=16i^16j^8k^24=2i^2j^k^3\hat{n} = \frac{16\hat{i}-16\hat{j}-8\hat{k}}{24} = \frac{2\hat{i}-2\hat{j}-\hat{k}}{3}
3If a unit vector a\vec{a} makes angles π3\frac{\pi}{3} with i^\hat{i}, π4\frac{\pi}{4} with j^\hat{j} and an acute angle θ\theta with k^\hat{k}, then find θ\theta and hence, the components of a\vec{a}.Show solution
Let a\vec{a} be a unit vector with direction cosines l,m,nl, m, n.

Given: angle with i^\hat{i} is π/3\pi/3, angle with j^\hat{j} is π/4\pi/4, angle with k^\hat{k} is θ\theta (acute).

l=cosπ3=12,m=cosπ4=12,n=cosθl = \cos\frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{1}{2},\quad m = \cos\frac{\pi}{4} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}},\quad n = \cos\theta

Using l2+m2+n2=1l^2+m^2+n^2 = 1:
14+12+cos2θ=1\frac{1}{4} + \frac{1}{2} + \cos^2\theta = 1
cos2θ=11412=14\cos^2\theta = 1 - \frac{1}{4} - \frac{1}{2} = \frac{1}{4}
cosθ=12(θ is acute)\cos\theta = \frac{1}{2}\quad (\theta \text{ is acute})
θ=π3\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}

Components of a\vec{a}:
a=12i^+12j^+12k^\vec{a} = \frac{1}{2}\hat{i} + \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\hat{j} + \frac{1}{2}\hat{k}
4Show that (ab)×(a+b)=2(a×b)(\vec{a}-\vec{b})\times(\vec{a}+\vec{b}) = 2(\vec{a}\times\vec{b}).Show solution
Expanding the left side:
(ab)×(a+b)(\vec{a}-\vec{b})\times(\vec{a}+\vec{b})
=a×a+a×bb×ab×b= \vec{a}\times\vec{a} + \vec{a}\times\vec{b} - \vec{b}\times\vec{a} - \vec{b}\times\vec{b}

Using a×a=0\vec{a}\times\vec{a} = \vec{0}, b×b=0\vec{b}\times\vec{b} = \vec{0}, and b×a=(a×b)\vec{b}\times\vec{a} = -(\vec{a}\times\vec{b}):
=0+a×b((a×b))0= \vec{0} + \vec{a}\times\vec{b} - (-(\vec{a}\times\vec{b})) - \vec{0}
=a×b+a×b= \vec{a}\times\vec{b} + \vec{a}\times\vec{b}
=2(a×b)= 2(\vec{a}\times\vec{b})

Hence proved. \blacksquare
5Find λ\lambda and μ\mu if (2i^+6j^+27k^)×(i^+λj^+μk^)=0(2\hat{i}+6\hat{j}+27\hat{k})\times(\hat{i}+\lambda\hat{j}+\mu\hat{k}) = \vec{0}.Show solution
For the cross product to be 0\vec{0}, the vectors must be parallel, i.e., their components must be proportional.

21=6λ=27μ\frac{2}{1} = \frac{6}{\lambda} = \frac{27}{\mu}

From 21=6λ\dfrac{2}{1} = \dfrac{6}{\lambda}:
λ=62=3\lambda = \frac{6}{2} = 3

From 21=27μ\dfrac{2}{1} = \dfrac{27}{\mu}:
μ=272\mu = \frac{27}{2}

Verification using determinant:
(2i^+6j^+27k^)×(i^+3j^+272k^)=i^amp;j^amp;k^2amp;6amp;271amp;3amp;27/2(2\hat{i}+6\hat{j}+27\hat{k})\times(\hat{i}+3\hat{j}+\frac{27}{2}\hat{k}) = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\2&6&27\\1&3&27/2\end{vmatrix}
=i^(6272273)j^(2272271)+k^(2361)= \hat{i}(6\cdot\frac{27}{2}-27\cdot3)-\hat{j}(2\cdot\frac{27}{2}-27\cdot1)+\hat{k}(2\cdot3-6\cdot1)
=i^(8181)j^(2727)+k^(66)=0= \hat{i}(81-81)-\hat{j}(27-27)+\hat{k}(6-6) = \vec{0}\checkmark

Therefore λ=3\lambda = 3 and μ=272\mu = \dfrac{27}{2}.
6Given that ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0 and a×b=0\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \vec{0}. What can you conclude about the vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b}?Show solution
Given: ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0 and a×b=0\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \vec{0}.

ab=abcosθ=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|\cos\theta = 0 implies either a=0|\vec{a}| = 0 or b=0|\vec{b}| = 0 or cosθ=0\cos\theta = 0 (i.e., θ=90°\theta = 90°).

a×b=absinθn^=0\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|\sin\theta\,\hat{n} = \vec{0} implies either a=0|\vec{a}| = 0 or b=0|\vec{b}| = 0 or sinθ=0\sin\theta = 0 (i.e., θ=0°\theta = 0° or 180°180°).

Both conditions (cosθ=0\cos\theta = 0 AND sinθ=0\sin\theta = 0) cannot hold simultaneously for any angle θ\theta.

Therefore, the only possibility is a=0|\vec{a}| = 0 or b=0|\vec{b}| = 0, i.e., at least one of a\vec{a} or b\vec{b} is the zero vector.
7Let the vectors a,b,c\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c} be given as a1i^+a2j^+a3k^a_1\hat{i}+a_2\hat{j}+a_3\hat{k}, b1i^+b2j^+b3k^b_1\hat{i}+b_2\hat{j}+b_3\hat{k}, c1i^+c2j^+c3k^c_1\hat{i}+c_2\hat{j}+c_3\hat{k}. Then show that a×(b+c)=a×b+a×c\vec{a}\times(\vec{b}+\vec{c}) = \vec{a}\times\vec{b}+\vec{a}\times\vec{c}.Show solution
Given:
a=a1i^+a2j^+a3k^,b=b1i^+b2j^+b3k^,c=c1i^+c2j^+c3k^\vec{a} = a_1\hat{i}+a_2\hat{j}+a_3\hat{k},\quad \vec{b} = b_1\hat{i}+b_2\hat{j}+b_3\hat{k},\quad \vec{c} = c_1\hat{i}+c_2\hat{j}+c_3\hat{k}

Step 1: b+c=(b1+c1)i^+(b2+c2)j^+(b3+c3)k^\vec{b}+\vec{c} = (b_1+c_1)\hat{i}+(b_2+c_2)\hat{j}+(b_3+c_3)\hat{k}

Step 2:
a×(b+c)=i^amp;j^amp;k^a1amp;a2amp;a3b1+c1amp;b2+c2amp;b3+c3\vec{a}\times(\vec{b}+\vec{c}) = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\a_1&a_2&a_3\\b_1+c_1&b_2+c_2&b_3+c_3\end{vmatrix}
=i^[a2(b3+c3)a3(b2+c2)]j^[a1(b3+c3)a3(b1+c1)]+k^[a1(b2+c2)a2(b1+c1)]= \hat{i}[a_2(b_3+c_3)-a_3(b_2+c_2)] - \hat{j}[a_1(b_3+c_3)-a_3(b_1+c_1)] + \hat{k}[a_1(b_2+c_2)-a_2(b_1+c_1)]

Step 3:
a×b=i^amp;j^amp;k^a1amp;a2amp;a3b1amp;b2amp;b3=i^(a2b3a3b2)j^(a1b3a3b1)+k^(a1b2a2b1)\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\a_1&a_2&a_3\\b_1&b_2&b_3\end{vmatrix} = \hat{i}(a_2b_3-a_3b_2)-\hat{j}(a_1b_3-a_3b_1)+\hat{k}(a_1b_2-a_2b_1)

a×c=i^(a2c3a3c2)j^(a1c3a3c1)+k^(a1c2a2c1)\vec{a}\times\vec{c} = \hat{i}(a_2c_3-a_3c_2)-\hat{j}(a_1c_3-a_3c_1)+\hat{k}(a_1c_2-a_2c_1)

Step 4: Adding:
a×b+a×c=i^[a2(b3+c3)a3(b2+c2)]j^[a1(b3+c3)a3(b1+c1)]+k^[a1(b2+c2)a2(b1+c1)]\vec{a}\times\vec{b}+\vec{a}\times\vec{c} = \hat{i}[a_2(b_3+c_3)-a_3(b_2+c_2)]-\hat{j}[a_1(b_3+c_3)-a_3(b_1+c_1)]+\hat{k}[a_1(b_2+c_2)-a_2(b_1+c_1)]

This equals a×(b+c)\vec{a}\times(\vec{b}+\vec{c}). Hence proved. \blacksquare
8If either a=0\vec{a} = \vec{0} or b=0\vec{b} = \vec{0}, then a×b=0\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \vec{0}. Is the converse true? Justify your answer with an example.Show solution
The converse is not true.

a×b=0\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \vec{0} does not necessarily imply a=0\vec{a} = \vec{0} or b=0\vec{b} = \vec{0}.

Example: Let a=i^\vec{a} = \hat{i} and b=2i^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i}.

Both are nonzero vectors. Their cross product:
a×b=i^×2i^=2(i^×i^)=20=0\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \hat{i}\times 2\hat{i} = 2(\hat{i}\times\hat{i}) = 2\vec{0} = \vec{0}

Here a×b=0\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \vec{0} but neither a\vec{a} nor b\vec{b} is zero. (The vectors are parallel, so sinθ=sin0=0\sin\theta = \sin 0 = 0, giving zero cross product.)
9Find the area of the triangle with vertices A(1, 1, 2), B(2, 3, 5) and C(1, 5, 5).Show solution
Given: A=(1,1,2)A = (1,1,2), B=(2,3,5)B = (2,3,5), C=(1,5,5)C = (1,5,5).

Step 1:
AB=(21)i^+(31)j^+(52)k^=i^+2j^+3k^\overrightarrow{AB} = (2-1)\hat{i}+(3-1)\hat{j}+(5-2)\hat{k} = \hat{i}+2\hat{j}+3\hat{k}
AC=(11)i^+(51)j^+(52)k^=0i^+4j^+3k^\overrightarrow{AC} = (1-1)\hat{i}+(5-1)\hat{j}+(5-2)\hat{k} = 0\hat{i}+4\hat{j}+3\hat{k}

Step 2:
AB×AC=i^amp;j^amp;k^1amp;2amp;30amp;4amp;3\overrightarrow{AB}\times\overrightarrow{AC} = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\1&2&3\\0&4&3\end{vmatrix}
=i^(2334)j^(1330)+k^(1420)= \hat{i}(2\cdot3-3\cdot4)-\hat{j}(1\cdot3-3\cdot0)+\hat{k}(1\cdot4-2\cdot0)
=i^(612)j^(30)+k^(40)= \hat{i}(6-12)-\hat{j}(3-0)+\hat{k}(4-0)
=6i^3j^+4k^= -6\hat{i}-3\hat{j}+4\hat{k}

Step 3:
AB×AC=36+9+16=61|\overrightarrow{AB}\times\overrightarrow{AC}| = \sqrt{36+9+16} = \sqrt{61}

Step 4: Area of triangle:
=12AB×AC=612= \frac{1}{2}|\overrightarrow{AB}\times\overrightarrow{AC}| = \frac{\sqrt{61}}{2}
10Find the area of the parallelogram whose adjacent sides are determined by the vectors a=i^j^+3k^\vec{a} = \hat{i}-\hat{j}+3\hat{k} and b=2i^7j^+k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i}-7\hat{j}+\hat{k}.Show solution
Given: a=i^j^+3k^\vec{a} = \hat{i}-\hat{j}+3\hat{k} and b=2i^7j^+k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i}-7\hat{j}+\hat{k}.

Area of parallelogram =a×b= |\vec{a}\times\vec{b}|.

a×b=i^amp;j^amp;k^1amp;1amp;32amp;7amp;1\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\1&-1&3\\2&-7&1\end{vmatrix}
=i^[(1)(1)(3)(7)]j^[(1)(1)(3)(2)]+k^[(1)(7)(1)(2)]= \hat{i}[(-1)(1)-(3)(-7)] - \hat{j}[(1)(1)-(3)(2)] + \hat{k}[(1)(-7)-(-1)(2)]
=i^[1+21]j^[16]+k^[7+2]= \hat{i}[-1+21] - \hat{j}[1-6] + \hat{k}[-7+2]
=20i^+5j^5k^= 20\hat{i}+5\hat{j}-5\hat{k}

a×b=400+25+25=450=152|\vec{a}\times\vec{b}| = \sqrt{400+25+25} = \sqrt{450} = 15\sqrt{2}

Area of parallelogram =152= 15\sqrt{2} square units.
11Let the vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} be such that a=3|\vec{a}| = 3 and b=23|\vec{b}| = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{3}, then a×b\vec{a}\times\vec{b} is a unit vector, if the angle between a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} is
(A) π/6\pi/6
(B) π/4\pi/4
(C) π/3\pi/3
(D) π/2\pi/2
Show solution
Correct Answer: (B) π/4\pi/4

a×b\vec{a}\times\vec{b} is a unit vector when a×b=1|\vec{a}\times\vec{b}| = 1.

a×b=absinθ=323sinθ=2sinθ=1|\vec{a}\times\vec{b}| = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|\sin\theta = 3\cdot\frac{\sqrt{2}}{3}\cdot\sin\theta = \sqrt{2}\sin\theta = 1

sinθ=12    θ=π4\sin\theta = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} \implies \theta = \frac{\pi}{4}
12Area of a rectangle having vertices A, B, C and D with position vectors i^+12j^+4k^-\hat{i}+\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k}, i^+12j^+4k^\hat{i}+\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k}, i^12j^+4k^\hat{i}-\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k} and i^12j^+4k^-\hat{i}-\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k}, respectively is
(A) 12\frac{1}{2}
(B) 1
(C) 2
(D) 4
Show solution
Correct Answer: (C) 2

Find the side lengths:
AB=(i^+12j^+4k^)(i^+12j^+4k^)=2i^\overrightarrow{AB} = (\hat{i}+\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k})-(-\hat{i}+\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k}) = 2\hat{i}
AB=2|\overrightarrow{AB}| = 2

BC=(i^12j^+4k^)(i^+12j^+4k^)=j^\overrightarrow{BC} = (\hat{i}-\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k})-( \hat{i}+\frac{1}{2}\hat{j}+4\hat{k}) = -\hat{j}
BC=1|\overrightarrow{BC}| = 1

Area of rectangle =AB×BC=2×1=2= |\overrightarrow{AB}|\times|\overrightarrow{BC}| = 2\times 1 = 2 square units.

Miscellaneous Exercise on Chapter 10

1Write down a unit vector in XY-plane, making an angle of 30° with the positive direction of x-axis.Show solution
A unit vector in XY-plane making angle θ\theta with positive x-axis is r=cosθi^+sinθj^\vec{r} = \cos\theta\,\hat{i} + \sin\theta\,\hat{j}.

For θ=30°\theta = 30°:
r=cos30°i^+sin30°j^=32i^+12j^\vec{r} = \cos 30°\,\hat{i} + \sin 30°\,\hat{j} = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\hat{i} + \frac{1}{2}\hat{j}
2Find the scalar components and magnitude of the vector joining the points P(x1,y1,z1)\mathrm{P}(x_1, y_1, z_1) and Q(x2,y2,z2)\mathrm{Q}(x_2, y_2, z_2).Show solution
The vector PQ\overrightarrow{PQ} is:
PQ=(x2x1)i^+(y2y1)j^+(z2z1)k^\overrightarrow{PQ} = (x_2-x_1)\hat{i} + (y_2-y_1)\hat{j} + (z_2-z_1)\hat{k}

Scalar components: (x2x1)(x_2-x_1), (y2y1)(y_2-y_1), (z2z1)(z_2-z_1).

Magnitude:
PQ=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2+(z2z1)2|\overrightarrow{PQ}| = \sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2+(z_2-z_1)^2}
3A girl walks 4 km towards west, then she walks 3 km in a direction 30° east of north and stops. Determine the girl's displacement from her initial point of departure.Show solution
Let the initial point be the origin O. Take east as positive x-direction and north as positive y-direction.

First displacement: 4 km towards west.
d1=4i^\vec{d_1} = -4\hat{i}

Second displacement: 3 km in direction 30° east of north.
This makes angle 30° from north towards east, so:
d2=3sin30°i^+3cos30°j^=312i^+332j^=32i^+332j^\vec{d_2} = 3\sin 30°\,\hat{i} + 3\cos 30°\,\hat{j} = 3\cdot\frac{1}{2}\hat{i} + 3\cdot\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}\hat{j} = \frac{3}{2}\hat{i} + \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\hat{j}

Total displacement:
d=d1+d2=(4+32)i^+332j^=52i^+332j^\vec{d} = \vec{d_1}+\vec{d_2} = \left(-4+\frac{3}{2}\right)\hat{i} + \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\hat{j} = -\frac{5}{2}\hat{i} + \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\hat{j}

Magnitude:
d=(52)2+(332)2=254+274=524=13 km|\vec{d}| = \sqrt{\left(\frac{5}{2}\right)^2+\left(\frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}\right)^2} = \sqrt{\frac{25}{4}+\frac{27}{4}} = \sqrt{\frac{52}{4}} = \sqrt{13}\text{ km}
4If a=b+c\vec{a} = \vec{b}+\vec{c}, then is it true that a=b+c|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}|+|\vec{c}|? Justify your answer.Show solution
No, it is not necessarily true.

Given a=b+c\vec{a} = \vec{b}+\vec{c}, by the triangle inequality:
a=b+cb+c|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}+\vec{c}| \leq |\vec{b}|+|\vec{c}|

Equality holds only when b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} are in the same direction (i.e., b=λc\vec{b} = \lambda\vec{c} for \lambda > 0).

Counter-example: Let b=i^\vec{b} = \hat{i} and c=j^\vec{c} = \hat{j}.
a=i^+j^,a=2\vec{a} = \hat{i}+\hat{j},\quad |\vec{a}| = \sqrt{2}
b+c=1+1=22|\vec{b}|+|\vec{c}| = 1+1 = 2 \neq \sqrt{2}

So a=b+c|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}|+|\vec{c}| is not always true.
5Find the value of xx for which x(i^+j^+k^)x(\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k}) is a unit vector.Show solution
For x(i^+j^+k^)x(\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k}) to be a unit vector:
x(i^+j^+k^)=1|x(\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k})| = 1
xi^+j^+k^=1|x|\cdot|\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k}| = 1
x1+1+1=1|x|\cdot\sqrt{1+1+1} = 1
x3=1|x|\cdot\sqrt{3} = 1
x=13    x=±13|x| = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \implies x = \pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}
6Find a vector of magnitude 5 units, and parallel to the resultant of the vectors a=2i^+3j^k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i}+3\hat{j}-\hat{k} and b=i^2j^+k^\vec{b} = \hat{i}-2\hat{j}+\hat{k}.Show solution
Step 1: Find the resultant r=a+b\vec{r} = \vec{a}+\vec{b}.
r=(2+1)i^+(32)j^+(1+1)k^=3i^+j^+0k^=3i^+j^\vec{r} = (2+1)\hat{i}+(3-2)\hat{j}+(-1+1)\hat{k} = 3\hat{i}+\hat{j}+0\hat{k} = 3\hat{i}+\hat{j}

Step 2: Find r|\vec{r}|.
r=9+1=10|\vec{r}| = \sqrt{9+1} = \sqrt{10}

Step 3: Unit vector in direction of r\vec{r}:
r^=3i^+j^10\hat{r} = \frac{3\hat{i}+\hat{j}}{\sqrt{10}}

Step 4: Required vector of magnitude 5:
5r^=510(3i^+j^)=1510i^+510j^=3102i^+102j^5\hat{r} = \frac{5}{\sqrt{10}}(3\hat{i}+\hat{j}) = \frac{15}{\sqrt{10}}\hat{i}+\frac{5}{\sqrt{10}}\hat{j} = \frac{3\sqrt{10}}{2}\hat{i}+\frac{\sqrt{10}}{2}\hat{j}

(Simplifying: 510=51010=102\frac{5}{\sqrt{10}} = \frac{5\sqrt{10}}{10} = \frac{\sqrt{10}}{2})

=3102i^+102j^= \frac{3\sqrt{10}}{2}\hat{i}+\frac{\sqrt{10}}{2}\hat{j}
7If a=i^+j^+k^\vec{a} = \hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k}, b=2i^j^+3k^\vec{b} = 2\hat{i}-\hat{j}+3\hat{k} and c=i^2j^+k^\vec{c} = \hat{i}-2\hat{j}+\hat{k}, find a unit vector parallel to the vector 2ab+3c2\vec{a}-\vec{b}+3\vec{c}.Show solution
Step 1: Compute 2ab+3c2\vec{a}-\vec{b}+3\vec{c}.
2a=2i^+2j^+2k^2\vec{a} = 2\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+2\hat{k}
b=2i^+j^3k^-\vec{b} = -2\hat{i}+\hat{j}-3\hat{k}
3c=3i^6j^+3k^3\vec{c} = 3\hat{i}-6\hat{j}+3\hat{k}

2ab+3c=(22+3)i^+(2+16)j^+(23+3)k^=3i^3j^+2k^2\vec{a}-\vec{b}+3\vec{c} = (2-2+3)\hat{i}+(2+1-6)\hat{j}+(2-3+3)\hat{k} = 3\hat{i}-3\hat{j}+2\hat{k}

Step 2: Magnitude.
3i^3j^+2k^=9+9+4=22|3\hat{i}-3\hat{j}+2\hat{k}| = \sqrt{9+9+4} = \sqrt{22}

Step 3: Unit vector.
u^=3i^3j^+2k^22\hat{u} = \frac{3\hat{i}-3\hat{j}+2\hat{k}}{\sqrt{22}}
8Show that the points A(1, –2, –8), B(5, 0, –2) and C(11, 3, 7) are collinear, and find the ratio in which B divides AC.Show solution
Step 1: Find AB\overrightarrow{AB} and BC\overrightarrow{BC}.
AB=(51)i^+(0+2)j^+(2+8)k^=4i^+2j^+6k^\overrightarrow{AB} = (5-1)\hat{i}+(0+2)\hat{j}+(-2+8)\hat{k} = 4\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+6\hat{k}
BC=(115)i^+(30)j^+(7+2)k^=6i^+3j^+9k^\overrightarrow{BC} = (11-5)\hat{i}+(3-0)\hat{j}+(7+2)\hat{k} = 6\hat{i}+3\hat{j}+9\hat{k}

Step 2: Check collinearity.
BC=32AB\overrightarrow{BC} = \frac{3}{2}\overrightarrow{AB}

Since BC\overrightarrow{BC} is a scalar multiple of AB\overrightarrow{AB} and they share point B, the points are collinear. \checkmark

Step 3: Find ratio in which B divides AC.
AB=16+4+36=56=214|\overrightarrow{AB}| = \sqrt{16+4+36} = \sqrt{56} = 2\sqrt{14}
BC=36+9+81=126=314|\overrightarrow{BC}| = \sqrt{36+9+81} = \sqrt{126} = 3\sqrt{14}

Ratio AB:BC=214:314=2:3AB:BC = 2\sqrt{14}:3\sqrt{14} = 2:3.

Therefore, B divides AC in the ratio 2:3 internally.
9Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining two points P and Q whose position vectors are (2a+b)(2\vec{a}+\vec{b}) and (a3b)(\vec{a}-3\vec{b}) externally in the ratio 1:2. Also, show that P is the mid point of the line segment RQ.Show solution
Given: OP=2a+b\overrightarrow{OP} = 2\vec{a}+\vec{b}, OQ=a3b\overrightarrow{OQ} = \vec{a}-3\vec{b}, ratio m:n=1:2m:n = 1:2 (external division).

Position vector of R (external division):
OR=mOQnOPmn=1(a3b)2(2a+b)12\overrightarrow{OR} = \frac{m\cdot\overrightarrow{OQ} - n\cdot\overrightarrow{OP}}{m-n} = \frac{1\cdot(\vec{a}-3\vec{b}) - 2\cdot(2\vec{a}+\vec{b})}{1-2}
=(a3b)(4a+2b)1=3a5b1=3a+5b= \frac{(\vec{a}-3\vec{b}) - (4\vec{a}+2\vec{b})}{-1} = \frac{-3\vec{a}-5\vec{b}}{-1} = 3\vec{a}+5\vec{b}

Show P is midpoint of RQ:
Midpoint of RQ =OR+OQ2=(3a+5b)+(a3b)2=4a+2b2=2a+b=OP= \dfrac{\overrightarrow{OR}+\overrightarrow{OQ}}{2} = \dfrac{(3\vec{a}+5\vec{b})+(\vec{a}-3\vec{b})}{2} = \dfrac{4\vec{a}+2\vec{b}}{2} = 2\vec{a}+\vec{b} = \overrightarrow{OP}.

Hence P is the midpoint of RQ. \blacksquare
10The two adjacent sides of a parallelogram are 2i^4j^+5k^2\hat{i}-4\hat{j}+5\hat{k} and i^2j^3k^\hat{i}-2\hat{j}-3\hat{k}. Find the unit vector parallel to its diagonal. Also, find its area.Show solution
Let a=2i^4j^+5k^\vec{a} = 2\hat{i}-4\hat{j}+5\hat{k} and b=i^2j^3k^\vec{b} = \hat{i}-2\hat{j}-3\hat{k}.

Diagonal: d=a+b=3i^6j^+2k^\vec{d} = \vec{a}+\vec{b} = 3\hat{i}-6\hat{j}+2\hat{k}

d=9+36+4=49=7|\vec{d}| = \sqrt{9+36+4} = \sqrt{49} = 7

Unit vector along diagonal:
d^=3i^6j^+2k^7\hat{d} = \frac{3\hat{i}-6\hat{j}+2\hat{k}}{7}

Area of parallelogram =a×b= |\vec{a}\times\vec{b}|:
a×b=i^amp;j^amp;k^2amp;4amp;51amp;2amp;3\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\2&-4&5\\1&-2&-3\end{vmatrix}
=i^[(4)(3)(5)(2)]j^[(2)(3)(5)(1)]+k^[(2)(2)(4)(1)]= \hat{i}[(-4)(-3)-(5)(-2)]-\hat{j}[(2)(-3)-(5)(1)]+\hat{k}[(2)(-2)-(-4)(1)]
=i^[12+10]j^[65]+k^[4+4]= \hat{i}[12+10]-\hat{j}[-6-5]+\hat{k}[-4+4]
=22i^+11j^+0k^= 22\hat{i}+11\hat{j}+0\hat{k}

a×b=484+121=605=115|\vec{a}\times\vec{b}| = \sqrt{484+121} = \sqrt{605} = 11\sqrt{5}

Area =115= 11\sqrt{5} square units.
11Show that the direction cosines of a vector equally inclined to the axes OX, OY and OZ are ±(13,13,13)\pm\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}, \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}, \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right).Show solution
Let the vector make equal angles α\alpha with OX, OY and OZ.

Then direction cosines are l=cosαl = \cos\alpha, m=cosαm = \cos\alpha, n=cosαn = \cos\alpha.

Using l2+m2+n2=1l^2+m^2+n^2 = 1:
3cos2α=1    cos2α=13    cosα=±133\cos^2\alpha = 1 \implies \cos^2\alpha = \frac{1}{3} \implies \cos\alpha = \pm\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}

Therefore, the direction cosines are:
(13,13,13)or(13,13,13)\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}},\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}},\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right) \quad\text{or}\quad \left(-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}},-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}},-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)

Hence the direction cosines are ±(13,13,13)\pm\left(\dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}, \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}, \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right). \blacksquare
12Let a=i^+4j^+2k^\vec{a} = \hat{i}+4\hat{j}+2\hat{k}, b=3i^2j^+7k^\vec{b} = 3\hat{i}-2\hat{j}+7\hat{k} and c=2i^j^+4k^\vec{c} = 2\hat{i}-\hat{j}+4\hat{k}. Find a vector d\vec{d} which is perpendicular to both a\vec{a} and b\vec{b}, and cd=15\vec{c}\cdot\vec{d} = 15.Show solution
Since d\vec{d} is perpendicular to both a\vec{a} and b\vec{b}, d\vec{d} is parallel to a×b\vec{a}\times\vec{b}.

Step 1: Compute a×b\vec{a}\times\vec{b}.
a×b=i^amp;j^amp;k^1amp;4amp;23amp;2amp;7\vec{a}\times\vec{b} = \begin{vmatrix}\hat{i}&\hat{j}&\hat{k}\\1&4&2\\3&-2&7\end{vmatrix}
=i^(28+4)j^(76)+k^(212)= \hat{i}(28+4)-\hat{j}(7-6)+\hat{k}(-2-12)
=32i^j^14k^= 32\hat{i}-\hat{j}-14\hat{k}

Step 2: Let d=λ(32i^j^14k^)\vec{d} = \lambda(32\hat{i}-\hat{j}-14\hat{k}).

Step 3: Use cd=15\vec{c}\cdot\vec{d} = 15.
cd=λ[(2)(32)+(1)(1)+(4)(14)]\vec{c}\cdot\vec{d} = \lambda[(2)(32)+(-1)(-1)+(4)(-14)]
=λ[64+156]=9λ=15= \lambda[64+1-56] = 9\lambda = 15
λ=159=53\lambda = \frac{15}{9} = \frac{5}{3}

Step 4:
d=53(32i^j^14k^)=1603i^53j^703k^\vec{d} = \frac{5}{3}(32\hat{i}-\hat{j}-14\hat{k}) = \frac{160}{3}\hat{i}-\frac{5}{3}\hat{j}-\frac{70}{3}\hat{k}
13The scalar product of the vector i^+j^+k^\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k} with a unit vector along the sum of vectors 2i^+4j^5k^2\hat{i}+4\hat{j}-5\hat{k} and λi^+2j^+3k^\lambda\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+3\hat{k} is equal to one. Find the value of λ\lambda.Show solution
Step 1: Sum of the two vectors.
s=(2+λ)i^+(4+2)j^+(5+3)k^=(2+λ)i^+6j^2k^\vec{s} = (2+\lambda)\hat{i}+(4+2)\hat{j}+(-5+3)\hat{k} = (2+\lambda)\hat{i}+6\hat{j}-2\hat{k}

Step 2: Unit vector along s\vec{s}.
s=(2+λ)2+36+4=(2+λ)2+40|\vec{s}| = \sqrt{(2+\lambda)^2+36+4} = \sqrt{(2+\lambda)^2+40}
s^=(2+λ)i^+6j^2k^(2+λ)2+40\hat{s} = \frac{(2+\lambda)\hat{i}+6\hat{j}-2\hat{k}}{\sqrt{(2+\lambda)^2+40}}

Step 3: Scalar product with i^+j^+k^\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\hat{k} equals 1.
(2+λ)+62(2+λ)2+40=1\frac{(2+\lambda)+6-2}{\sqrt{(2+\lambda)^2+40}} = 1
λ+6(λ+2)2+40=1\frac{\lambda+6}{\sqrt{(\lambda+2)^2+40}} = 1
λ+6=(λ+2)2+40\lambda+6 = \sqrt{(\lambda+2)^2+40}

Step 4: Squaring both sides.
(λ+6)2=(λ+2)2+40(\lambda+6)^2 = (\lambda+2)^2+40
λ2+12λ+36=λ2+4λ+4+40\lambda^2+12\lambda+36 = \lambda^2+4\lambda+4+40
12λ+36=4λ+4412\lambda+36 = 4\lambda+44
8λ=88\lambda = 8
λ=1\lambda = 1
14If a,b,c\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c} are mutually perpendicular vectors of equal magnitudes, show that the vector a+b+c\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c} is equally inclined to a\vec{a}, b\vec{b} and c\vec{c}.Show solution
Given: ab=bc=ca=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = \vec{b}\cdot\vec{c} = \vec{c}\cdot\vec{a} = 0 and a=b=c=k|\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}| = |\vec{c}| = k (say).

Let p=a+b+c\vec{p} = \vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c}.

p2=a2+b2+c2+2(ab+bc+ca)=3k2|\vec{p}|^2 = |\vec{a}|^2+|\vec{b}|^2+|\vec{c}|^2+2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}+\vec{b}\cdot\vec{c}+\vec{c}\cdot\vec{a}) = 3k^2
p=k3|\vec{p}| = k\sqrt{3}

Angle between p\vec{p} and a\vec{a}:
cosα=papa=(a+b+c)ak3k=a2+0+0k23=k2k23=13\cos\alpha = \frac{\vec{p}\cdot\vec{a}}{|\vec{p}||\vec{a}|} = \frac{(\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c})\cdot\vec{a}}{k\sqrt{3}\cdot k} = \frac{|\vec{a}|^2+0+0}{k^2\sqrt{3}} = \frac{k^2}{k^2\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}

Angle between p\vec{p} and b\vec{b}:
cosβ=pbpb=0+b2+0k23=13\cos\beta = \frac{\vec{p}\cdot\vec{b}}{|\vec{p}||\vec{b}|} = \frac{0+|\vec{b}|^2+0}{k^2\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}

Angle between p\vec{p} and c\vec{c}:
cosγ=pcpc=0+0+c2k23=13\cos\gamma = \frac{\vec{p}\cdot\vec{c}}{|\vec{p}||\vec{c}|} = \frac{0+0+|\vec{c}|^2}{k^2\sqrt{3}} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}

Since cosα=cosβ=cosγ=13\cos\alpha = \cos\beta = \cos\gamma = \dfrac{1}{\sqrt{3}}, the vector a+b+c\vec{a}+\vec{b}+\vec{c} is equally inclined to a\vec{a}, b\vec{b} and c\vec{c}. \blacksquare
15Prove that (a+b)(a+b)=a2+b2(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\cdot(\vec{a}+\vec{b}) = |\vec{a}|^2+|\vec{b}|^2, if and only if a,b\vec{a}, \vec{b} are perpendicular, given a0,b0\vec{a}\neq\vec{0}, \vec{b}\neq\vec{0}.Show solution
Proof:

Expand the left side:
(a+b)(a+b)=a2+2(ab)+b2(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\cdot(\vec{a}+\vec{b}) = |\vec{a}|^2 + 2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) + |\vec{b}|^2

(\Rightarrow) If (a+b)(a+b)=a2+b2(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\cdot(\vec{a}+\vec{b}) = |\vec{a}|^2+|\vec{b}|^2:
a2+2(ab)+b2=a2+b2|\vec{a}|^2 + 2(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) + |\vec{b}|^2 = |\vec{a}|^2+|\vec{b}|^2
2(ab)=0    ab=02(\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}) = 0 \implies \vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0
Since a0\vec{a}\neq\vec{0} and b0\vec{b}\neq\vec{0}, this means ab\vec{a}\perp\vec{b}.

(\Leftarrow) If ab\vec{a}\perp\vec{b}:
ab=0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = 0
(a+b)(a+b)=a2+2(0)+b2=a2+b2(\vec{a}+\vec{b})\cdot(\vec{a}+\vec{b}) = |\vec{a}|^2+2(0)+|\vec{b}|^2 = |\vec{a}|^2+|\vec{b}|^2

Hence proved. \blacksquare
16If θ\theta is the angle between two vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b}, then ab0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}\geq 0 only when
(A) 0<\theta<\frac{\pi}{2}
(B) 0θπ20\leq\theta\leq\frac{\pi}{2}
(C) 0<\theta<\pi
(D) 0θπ0\leq\theta\leq\pi
Show solution
Correct Answer: (B)

ab=abcosθ0\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b} = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|\cos\theta \geq 0 requires cosθ0\cos\theta \geq 0, which holds when 0θπ20\leq\theta\leq\dfrac{\pi}{2}.

At θ=0\theta = 0: \cos 0 = 1 > 0. At θ=π/2\theta = \pi/2: cos(π/2)=0\cos(\pi/2) = 0. For \theta > \pi/2: \cos\theta < 0.
17Let a\vec{a} and b\vec{b} be two unit vectors and θ\theta is the angle between them. Then a+b\vec{a}+\vec{b} is a unit vector if
(A) θ=π4\theta = \frac{\pi}{4}
(B) θ=π3\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}
(C) θ=π2\theta = \frac{\pi}{2}
(D) θ=2π3\theta = \frac{2\pi}{3}
Show solution
Correct Answer: (D)

a+b2=a2+2ab+b2=1+2cosθ+1=2+2cosθ|\vec{a}+\vec{b}|^2 = |\vec{a}|^2+2\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}+|\vec{b}|^2 = 1+2\cos\theta+1 = 2+2\cos\theta

For a+b\vec{a}+\vec{b} to be a unit vector: a+b2=1|\vec{a}+\vec{b}|^2 = 1
2+2cosθ=1    cosθ=12    θ=2π32+2\cos\theta = 1 \implies \cos\theta = -\frac{1}{2} \implies \theta = \frac{2\pi}{3}
18The value of i^(j^×k^)+j^(i^×k^)+k^(i^×j^)\hat{i}\cdot(\hat{j}\times\hat{k})+\hat{j}\cdot(\hat{i}\times\hat{k})+\hat{k}\cdot(\hat{i}\times\hat{j}) is
(A) 0
(B) –1
(C) 1
(D) 3
Show solution
Correct Answer: (D) 3

Using standard results: j^×k^=i^\hat{j}\times\hat{k} = \hat{i}, i^×k^=j^\hat{i}\times\hat{k} = -\hat{j}, i^×j^=k^\hat{i}\times\hat{j} = \hat{k}.

i^(j^×k^)=i^i^=1\hat{i}\cdot(\hat{j}\times\hat{k}) = \hat{i}\cdot\hat{i} = 1
j^(i^×k^)=j^(j^)=1(j^j^)=1\hat{j}\cdot(\hat{i}\times\hat{k}) = \hat{j}\cdot(-\hat{j}) = -1\cdot(\hat{j}\cdot\hat{j}) = -1

Wait, let me recalculate: i^×k^=(k^×i^)=j^\hat{i}\times\hat{k} = -(\hat{k}\times\hat{i}) = -\hat{j}.
j^(j^)=1\hat{j}\cdot(-\hat{j}) = -1

Hmm, that gives 1+(1)+1=11+(-1)+1 = 1. Let me recheck.

j^×k^=i^\hat{j}\times\hat{k} = \hat{i}, so i^i^=1\hat{i}\cdot\hat{i} = 1.
i^×k^=(k^×i^)\hat{i}\times\hat{k} = -(\hat{k}\times\hat{i})... Actually k^×i^=j^\hat{k}\times\hat{i} = \hat{j}, so i^×k^=j^\hat{i}\times\hat{k} = -\hat{j}.
j^(j^)=1\hat{j}\cdot(-\hat{j}) = -1.
i^×j^=k^\hat{i}\times\hat{j} = \hat{k}, so k^k^=1\hat{k}\cdot\hat{k} = 1.

Total =1+(1)+1=1= 1+(-1)+1 = 1.

Correct Answer: (C) 1

The value is 1+(1)+1=11 + (-1) + 1 = 1.
19If θ\theta is the angle between any two vectors a\vec{a} and b\vec{b}, then ab=a×b|\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}| = |\vec{a}\times\vec{b}| when θ\theta is equal to
(A) 0
(B) π4\frac{\pi}{4}
(C) π2\frac{\pi}{2}
(D) π\pi
Show solution
Correct Answer: (B) π4\frac{\pi}{4}

ab=abcosθ|\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}| = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}||\cos\theta|
a×b=absinθ(0θπ, sinθ0)|\vec{a}\times\vec{b}| = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|\sin\theta \quad (0\leq\theta\leq\pi,\ \sin\theta\geq 0)

Setting them equal:
abcosθ=absinθ|\vec{a}||\vec{b}||\cos\theta| = |\vec{a}||\vec{b}|\sin\theta
cosθ=sinθ|\cos\theta| = \sin\theta
tanθ=1    θ=π4\tan\theta = 1 \implies \theta = \frac{\pi}{4}

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