OCR MEI C4 — Question 1 18 marks

Exam BoardOCR MEI
ModuleC4 (Core Mathematics 4)
Marks18
PaperDownload PDF ↗
Mark schemeDownload PDF ↗
TopicVectors 3D & Lines
TypeLine-plane intersection and related angle/perpendicularity
DifficultyStandard +0.3 This is a straightforward multi-part vectors and 3D geometry question testing standard C4 techniques: verifying a plane equation using three points, finding a normal vector via cross product, calculating angles between planes, and finding line-plane intersections. All parts follow routine procedures with no novel problem-solving required, making it slightly easier than average.
Spec4.04b Plane equations: cartesian and vector forms4.04c Scalar product: calculate and use for angles4.04d Angles: between planes and between line and plane

The upper and lower surfaces of a coal seam are modelled as planes ABC and DEF, as shown in Fig. 8. All dimensions are metres. \includegraphics{figure_1} Relative to axes \(Ox\) (due east), \(Oy\) (due north) and \(Oz\) (vertically upwards), the coordinates of the points are as follows. A: \((0, 0, -15)\) \quad B: \((100, 0, -30)\) \quad C: \((0, 100, -25)\) D: \((0, 0, -40)\) \quad E: \((100, 0, -50)\) \quad F: \((0, 100, -35)\)
  1. Verify that the cartesian equation of the plane ABC is \(3x + 2y + 20z + 300 = 0\). [3]
  2. Find the vectors \(\overrightarrow{DE}\) and \(\overrightarrow{DF}\). Show that the vector \(2\mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j} + 20\mathbf{k}\) is perpendicular to each of these vectors. Hence find the cartesian equation of the plane DEF. [6]
  3. By calculating the angle between their normal vectors, find the angle between the planes ABC and DEF. [4]
It is decided to drill down to the seam from a point R \((15, 34, 0)\) in a line perpendicular to the upper surface of the seam. This line meets the plane ABC at the point S.
  1. Write down a vector equation of the line RS. Find the coordinates of S. [5]

The upper and lower surfaces of a coal seam are modelled as planes ABC and DEF, as shown in Fig. 8. All dimensions are metres.

\includegraphics{figure_1}

Relative to axes $Ox$ (due east), $Oy$ (due north) and $Oz$ (vertically upwards), the coordinates of the points are as follows.

A: $(0, 0, -15)$ \quad B: $(100, 0, -30)$ \quad C: $(0, 100, -25)$
D: $(0, 0, -40)$ \quad E: $(100, 0, -50)$ \quad F: $(0, 100, -35)$

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\item Verify that the cartesian equation of the plane ABC is $3x + 2y + 20z + 300 = 0$. [3]

\item Find the vectors $\overrightarrow{DE}$ and $\overrightarrow{DF}$. Show that the vector $2\mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j} + 20\mathbf{k}$ is perpendicular to each of these vectors. Hence find the cartesian equation of the plane DEF. [6]

\item By calculating the angle between their normal vectors, find the angle between the planes ABC and DEF. [4]
\end{enumerate}

It is decided to drill down to the seam from a point R $(15, 34, 0)$ in a line perpendicular to the upper surface of the seam. This line meets the plane ABC at the point S.

\begin{enumerate}[label=(\roman*)]
\setcounter{enumi}{3}
\item Write down a vector equation of the line RS.

Find the coordinates of S. [5]
\end{enumerate}

\hfill \mbox{\textit{OCR MEI C4  Q1 [18]}}