1.10d Vector operations: addition and scalar multiplication

424 questions

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AQA M1 2010 January Q5
14 marks Moderate -0.8
5 The constant forces \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 } = ( 8 \mathbf { i } + 12 \mathbf { j } )\) newtons and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 } = ( 4 \mathbf { i } - 4 \mathbf { j } )\) newtons act on a particle. No other forces act on the particle.
  1. Find the resultant force acting on the particle.
  2. Given that the mass of the particle is 4 kg , show that the acceleration of the particle is \(( 3 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 2 }\).
  3. At time \(t\) seconds, the velocity of the particle is \(\mathbf { v } \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\).
    1. When \(t = 20 , \mathbf { v } = 40 \mathbf { i } + 32 \mathbf { j }\). Show that \(\mathbf { v } = - 20 \mathbf { i } - 8 \mathbf { j }\) when \(t = 0\).
    2. Write down an expression for \(\mathbf { v }\) at time \(t\).
    3. Find the times when the speed of the particle is \(8 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\).
AQA M1 2007 June Q5
5 marks Moderate -0.3
5 An aeroplane flies in air that is moving due east at a speed of \(V \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\). The velocity of the aeroplane relative to the air is \(150 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\) due north. The aeroplane actually travels on a bearing of \(030 ^ { \circ }\).
  1. Show that \(V = 86.6 \mathrm {~m} \mathrm {~s} ^ { - 1 }\), correct to three significant figures.
  2. Find the magnitude of the resultant velocity of the aeroplane.
OCR MEI FP3 2015 June Q1
24 marks Standard +0.8
1 The point A has coordinates \(( 2,5,4 )\) and the line BC has equation $$\mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { c } 8 \\ 25 \\ 43 \end{array} \right) + \lambda \left( \begin{array} { c } 4 \\ 15 \\ 25 \end{array} \right)$$ You are given that \(\mathrm { AB } = \mathrm { AC } = 15\).
  1. Show that the coordinates of one of the points B and C are (4, 10, 18). Find the coordinates of the other point. These points are B and C respectively.
  2. Find the equation of the plane ABC in cartesian form.
  3. Show that the plane containing the line BC and perpendicular to the plane ABC has equation \(5 y - 3 z + 4 = 0\). The point D has coordinates \(( 1,1,3 )\).
  4. Show that \(| \overrightarrow { B C } \times \overrightarrow { A D } | = \sqrt { 7667 }\) and hence find the shortest distance between the lines \(B C\) and \(A D\).
  5. Find the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD .
Edexcel AEA 2024 June Q5
15 marks Challenging +1.8
5. \begin{figure}[h]
\includegraphics[alt={},max width=\textwidth]{a8e9db6b-dfad-4278-82d8-a8fa5ba61008-14_300_1043_251_513} \captionsetup{labelformat=empty} \caption{Figure 2}
\end{figure} Figure 2 shows a sketch of a hexagon \(O A B C D E\) where
-the interior angle at \(O\) and at \(C\) are each \(60 ^ { \circ }\) -the interior angle at each of the other vertices is \(150 ^ { \circ }\) -\(O A = O E = B C = C D\) -\(A B = E D = 3 \times O A\) Given that \(\overrightarrow { O A } = \mathbf { a }\) and \(\overrightarrow { O E } = \mathbf { e }\) determine as simplified expressions in terms of \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { e }\)
  1. \(\overrightarrow { A B }\)
  2. \(\overrightarrow { O D }\) The point \(R\) divides \(A B\) internally in the ratio \(1 : 2\)
  3. Determine \(\overrightarrow { R C }\) as a simplified expression in terms of \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { e }\) The line through the points \(R\) and \(C\) meets the line through the points \(O\) and \(D\) at the point \(X\) .
  4. Determine \(\overrightarrow { O X }\) in the form \(\lambda \mathbf { a } + \mu \mathbf { e }\) ,where \(\lambda\) and \(\mu\) are real values in simplest form.
AQA Paper 1 2018 June Q7
8 marks Moderate -0.3
7 Three points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have coordinates \(A ( 8,17 ) , B ( 15,10 )\) and \(C ( - 2 , - 7 )\) 7
  1. Show that angle \(A B C\) is a right angle.
    7
  2. \(\quad A , B\) and \(C\) lie on a circle.
    7 (b) (i) Explain why \(A C\) is a diameter of the circle.
    7 (b) (ii) Determine whether the point \(D ( - 8 , - 2 )\) lies inside the circle, on the circle or outside the circle. Fully justify your answer.
AQA Paper 2 2023 June Q16
4 marks Moderate -0.8
16 A particle moves under the action of two forces, \(\mathbf { F } _ { 1 }\) and \(\mathbf { F } _ { 2 }\) It is given that $$\begin{aligned} & \mathbf { F } _ { 1 } = ( 1.6 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N } \\ & \mathbf { F } _ { 2 } = ( k \mathbf { i } + 5 k \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { N } \end{aligned}$$ where \(k\) is a constant.
The acceleration of the particle is \(( 3.2 \mathbf { i } + 12 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 2 }\) Find \(k\) \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{de8a7d38-a665-4feb-854e-ac83f413d133-25_2488_1716_219_153}
AQA Paper 2 2023 June Q18
6 marks Moderate -0.3
18 In this question \(\mathbf { i }\) and \(\mathbf { j }\) are perpendicular unit vectors representing due east and due north respectively. A particle, \(T\), is moving on a plane at a constant speed.
The path followed by \(T\) makes the exact shape of a triangle \(A B C\). \(T\) moves around \(A B C\) in an anticlockwise direction as shown in the diagram below. \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{de8a7d38-a665-4feb-854e-ac83f413d133-28_447_366_671_925} On its journey from \(A\) to \(B\) the velocity vector of \(T\) is \(( 3 \mathbf { i } + \sqrt { 3 } \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) 18
  1. Find the speed of \(T\) as it moves from \(A\) to \(B\) 18
  2. On its journey from \(B\) to \(C\) the velocity vector of \(T\) is \(( - 3 \mathbf { i } + \sqrt { 3 } \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m } \mathrm { s } ^ { - 1 }\) Show that the acute angle \(A B C = 60 ^ { \circ }\) 18
  3. It is given that \(A B C\) is an equilateral triangle. \(T\) returns to its initial position after 9 seconds.
    Vertex \(B\) lies at position vector \(\left[ \begin{array} { l } 1 \\ 0 \end{array} \right]\) metres with respect to a fixed origin \(O\) Find the position vector of \(C\)
OCR Further Mechanics 2021 June Q1
13 marks Standard +0.3
1 A particle \(Q\) of mass \(m \mathrm {~kg}\) is acted on by a single force so that it moves with constant acceleration \(\mathbf { a } = \binom { 1 } { 2 } \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 2 }\). Initially \(Q\) is at the point \(O\) and is moving with velocity \(\mathbf { u } = \binom { 2 } { - 5 } \mathrm {~ms} ^ { - 1 }\). After \(Q\) has been moving for 5 seconds it reaches the point \(A\).
  1. Use the equation \(\mathbf { v } . \mathbf { v } = \mathbf { u } . \mathbf { u } + 2 \mathbf { a } . \mathbf { x }\) to show that at \(A\) the kinetic energy of \(Q\) is 37 m J .
    1. Show that the power initially generated by the force is - 8 mW W.
    2. The power in part (b)(i) is negative. Explain what this means about the initial motion of \(Q\).
    1. Find the time at which the power generated by the force is instantaneously zero.
    2. Find the minimum kinetic energy of \(Q\) in terms of \(m\).
Edexcel PURE 2024 October Q8
Standard +0.3
  1. Relative to a fixed origin \(O\)
  • the point \(A\) has coordinates \(( - 10,5 , - 4 )\)
  • the point \(B\) has coordinates \(( - 6,4 , - 1 )\)
The straight line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through \(A\) and \(B\).
  1. Find a vector equation for \(l _ { 1 }\) The line \(l _ { 2 }\) has equation $$\mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { l } 3 \\ p \\ q \end{array} \right) + \mu \left( \begin{array} { r } 3 \\ - 4 \\ 1 \end{array} \right)$$ where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants and \(\mu\) is a scalar parameter.
    Given that \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) intersect at \(B\),
  2. find the value of \(p\) and the value of \(q\). The acute angle between \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) is \(\theta\)
  3. Find the exact value of \(\cos \theta\) Given that the point \(C\) lies on \(l _ { 2 }\) such that \(A C\) is perpendicular to \(l _ { 2 }\)
  4. find the exact length of \(A C\), giving your answer as a surd.
Edexcel M2 2024 October Q1
Standard +0.3
  1. In this question you must show all stages of your working. Solutions relying entirely on calculator technology are not acceptable.
At time \(t\) seconds, \(t \geqslant 0\), a particle \(P\) is moving with velocity \(\mathbf { v } \mathrm { ms } ^ { - 1 }\), where $$\mathbf { v } = 3 ( t + 2 ) ^ { 2 } \mathbf { i } + 5 t ( t + 2 ) \mathbf { j }$$ Position vectors are given relative to the fixed point \(O\) At time \(t = 0 , P\) is at the point with position vector \(( - 30 \mathbf { i } - 45 \mathbf { j } ) \mathrm { m }\).
  1. Find the position vector of \(P\) when \(t = 3\)
  2. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of \(P\) when \(t = 3\) At time \(T\) seconds, \(P\) is moving in the direction of the vector \(2 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j }\)
  3. Find the value of \(T\)
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/2 2013 June Q1
4 marks Easy -1.3
1 Vectors \(\mathbf { u }\) and \(\mathbf { v }\) are given by \(\mathbf { u } = \binom { 4 } { 6 }\) and \(\mathbf { v } = \binom { - 3 } { 2 }\).
  1. Find \(\mathbf { u } + \mathbf { v }\) and \(\mathbf { u } - \mathbf { v }\).
  2. Show that \(| \mathbf { u } + \mathbf { v } | = | \mathbf { u } - \mathbf { v } |\).
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2016 Specimen Q6
6 marks Easy -1.3
6 \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{01bd6354-3514-4dad-901b-7ecbe155b2c7-4_572_672_456_701} The diagram shows two horizontal forces \(\mathbf { P }\) and \(\mathbf { Q }\) acting at the origin \(O\) of rectangular coordinates \(O x y\). The components of \(\mathbf { P }\) in the \(x\) - and \(y\)-directions are 12 N and 17 N respectively. The components of \(\mathbf { Q }\) in the \(x\) - and \(y\)-directions are - 5 N and 7 N respectively.
  1. Write down the components, in the \(x\) - and \(y\)-directions, of the resultant of \(\mathbf { P }\) and \(\mathbf { Q }\).
  2. Hence, or otherwise, calculate the magnitude of this resultant and the angle the resultant makes with the positive \(x\)-axis.
WJEC Unit 1 2018 June Q13
Moderate -0.8
A curve \(C\) has equation \(y = x ^ { 3 } - 3 x ^ { 2 }\). a) Find the stationary points of \(C\) and determine their nature.
b) Draw a sketch of \(C\), clearly indicating the stationary points and the points where the curve crosses the coordinate axes.
c) Without performing the integration, state whether \(\int _ { 0 } ^ { 3 } \left( x ^ { 3 } - 3 x ^ { 2 } \right) \mathrm { d } x\) is positive or
negative, giving a reason for your answer.
14
In each of the two statements below, \(c\) and \(d\) are real numbers. One of the statements is true, while the other is false. $$\begin{aligned} & \text { A : } \quad ( 2 c - d ) ^ { 2 } = 4 c ^ { 2 } - d ^ { 2 } , \text { for all values of } c \text { and } d . \\ & \text { B : } \quad 8 c ^ { 3 } - d ^ { 3 } = ( 2 c - d ) \left( 4 c ^ { 2 } + 2 c d + d ^ { 2 } \right) , \text { for all values of } c \text { and } d . \end{aligned}$$ a) Identify the statement which is false. Show, by counter example, that this statement is in fact false.
b) Identify the statement which is true. Give a proof to show that this statement is in fact true.
15
The value of a car, \(\pounds V\), may be modelled as a continuous variable. At time \(t\) years, the value of the car is given by \(V = A \mathrm { e } ^ { k t }\), where \(A\) and \(k\) are constants. When the car is new, it is worth \(\pounds 30000\). When the car is two years old, it is worth \(\pounds 20000\). Determine the value of the car when it is six years old, giving your answer correct to the nearest \(\pounds 100\).
16
The curve \(C\) has equation \(y = 7 + 13 x - 2 x ^ { 2 }\). The point \(P\) lies on \(C\) and is such that the tangent to \(C\) at \(P\) has equation \(y = x + c\), where \(c\) is a constant. Find the coordinates of \(P\) and the value of \(c\).
17
a) Solve \(2 \log _ { 10 } x = 1 + \log _ { 10 } 5 - \log _ { 10 } 2\).
b) Solve \(3 = 2 \mathrm { e } ^ { 0 \cdot 5 x }\).
c) Express \(4 ^ { x } - 10 \times 2 ^ { x }\) in terms of \(y\), where \(y = 2 ^ { x }\). Hence solve the equation \(4 ^ { x } - 10 \times 2 ^ { x } = - 16\).
Edexcel C4 2014 June Q8
15 marks Standard +0.3
Relative to a fixed origin \(O\), the point \(A\) has position vector \(\begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 4 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}\) and the point \(B\) has position vector \(\begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 3 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix}\) The line \(l_1\) passes through the points \(A\) and \(B\).
  1. [(a)] Find the vector \(\overrightarrow{AB}\). \hfill [2]
  2. [(b)] Hence find a vector equation for the line \(l_1\) \hfill [1]
The point \(P\) has position vector \(\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}\) Given that angle \(PBA\) is \(\theta\),
  1. [(c)] show that \(\cos\theta = \frac{1}{3}\) \hfill [3]
The line \(l_2\) passes through the point \(P\) and is parallel to the line \(l_1\)
  1. [(d)] Find a vector equation for the line \(l_2\) \hfill [2]
The points \(C\) and \(D\) both lie on the line \(l_2\) Given that \(AB = PC = DP\) and the \(x\) coordinate of \(C\) is positive,
  1. [(e)] find the coordinates of \(C\) and the coordinates of \(D\). \hfill [3]
  2. [(f)] find the exact area of the trapezium \(ABCD\), giving your answer as a simplified surd. \hfill [4] \end{enumerate} \end{enumerate} \end{enumerate} \end{enumerate}
CAIE P1 2010 June Q5
6 marks Moderate -0.8
Relative to an origin \(O\), the position vectors of the points \(A\) and \(B\) are given by $$\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 3 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} \text{ and } \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \\ p \end{pmatrix}$$
  1. Find the value of \(p\) for which \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow{OB}\). [2]
  2. Find the values of \(p\) for which the magnitude of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) is 7. [4]
CAIE P1 2011 June Q8
8 marks Moderate -0.3
Relative to the origin \(O\), the position vectors of the points \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are given by $$\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 10 \\ 0 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}.$$
  1. Find angle \(ABC\). [6]
The point \(D\) is such that \(ABCD\) is a parallelogram.
  1. Find the position vector of \(D\). [2]
CAIE P1 2012 June Q8
10 marks Moderate -0.3
  1. Find the angle between the vectors \(\mathbf{3i} - \mathbf{4k}\) and \(\mathbf{2i} + \mathbf{3j} - \mathbf{6k}\). [4]
The vector \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) has a magnitude of \(15\) units and is in the same direction as the vector \(\mathbf{3i} - \mathbf{4k}\). The vector \(\overrightarrow{OB}\) has a magnitude of \(14\) units and is in the same direction as the vector \(\mathbf{2i} + \mathbf{3j} - \mathbf{6k}\).
  1. Express \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB}\) in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\), \(\mathbf{j}\) and \(\mathbf{k}\). [3]
  2. Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\). [3]
CAIE P1 2012 June Q2
5 marks Moderate -0.8
Relative to an origin \(O\), the position vectors of the points \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are given by $$\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 2 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ p \end{pmatrix}.$$ Find
  1. the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\), [3]
  2. the value of the constant \(p\) for which angle \(BOC = 90°\). [2]
CAIE P1 2015 June Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.3
Relative to the origin \(O\), the position vectors of points \(A\) and \(B\) are given by $$\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 0 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix} \text{ and } \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ -3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.$$
  1. Find the cosine of angle \(AOB\). [3]
The position vector of \(C\) is given by \(\overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} k \\ -2k \\ 2k - 3 \end{pmatrix}\).
  1. Given that \(AB\) and \(OC\) have the same length, find the possible values of \(k\). [4]
CAIE P1 2015 June Q9
9 marks Moderate -0.3
Relative to an origin \(O\), the position vectors of points \(A\) and \(B\) are given by $$\overrightarrow{OA} = 2\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j} + 4\mathbf{k} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = 3\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + 4\mathbf{k}.$$
  1. Use a vector method to find angle \(AOB\). [4]
The point \(C\) is such that \(\overrightarrow{AB} = \overrightarrow{BC}\).
  1. Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\). [4]
  2. Show that triangle \(OAC\) is isosceles. [1]
CAIE P1 2019 June Q6
7 marks Moderate -0.8
\includegraphics{figure_6} The diagram shows a solid figure \(ABCDEF\) in which the horizontal base \(ABC\) is a triangle right-angled at \(A\). The lengths of \(AB\) and \(AC\) are 8 units and 4 units respectively and \(M\) is the mid-point of \(AB\). The point \(D\) is 7 units vertically above \(A\). Triangle \(DEF\) lies in a horizontal plane with \(DE\), \(DF\) and \(FE\) parallel to \(AB\), \(AC\) and \(CB\) respectively and \(N\) is the mid-point of \(FE\). The lengths of \(DE\) and \(DF\) are 4 units and 2 units respectively. Unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\), \(\mathbf{j}\) and \(\mathbf{k}\) are parallel to \(\overrightarrow{AB}\), \(\overrightarrow{AC}\) and \(\overrightarrow{AD}\) respectively.
  1. Find \(\overrightarrow{MF}\) in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\), \(\mathbf{j}\) and \(\mathbf{k}\). [1]
  2. Find \(\overrightarrow{FN}\) in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\). [1]
  3. Find \(\overrightarrow{MN}\) in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\), \(\mathbf{j}\) and \(\mathbf{k}\). [1]
  4. Use a scalar product to find angle \(FMN\). [4]
CAIE P1 2019 March Q5
7 marks Moderate -0.8
Two vectors, \(\mathbf{u}\) and \(\mathbf{v}\), are such that $$\mathbf{u} = \begin{pmatrix} q \\ 1 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 8 \\ q - 1 \\ q^2 - 7 \end{pmatrix},$$ where \(q\) is a constant.
  1. Find the values of \(q\) for which \(\mathbf{u}\) is perpendicular to \(\mathbf{v}\). [3]
  2. Find the angle between \(\mathbf{u}\) and \(\mathbf{v}\) when \(q = 0\). [4]
CAIE P1 2011 November Q6
8 marks Moderate -0.8
Relative to an origin \(O\), the position vectors of points \(A\) and \(B\) are \(\mathbf{3i} + 4\mathbf{j} - \mathbf{k}\) and \(5\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} - 3\mathbf{k}\) respectively.
  1. Use a scalar product to find angle \(BOA\). [4]
The point \(C\) is the mid-point of \(AB\). The point \(D\) is such that \(\overrightarrow{OD} = 2\overrightarrow{OB}\).
  1. Find \(\overrightarrow{DC}\). [4]
CAIE P1 2014 November Q7
7 marks Moderate -0.8
\includegraphics{figure_7} The diagram shows a pyramid \(OABCX\). The horizontal square base \(OABC\) has side 8 units and the centre of the base is \(D\). The top of the pyramid, \(X\), is vertically above \(D\) and \(XD = 10\) units. The mid-point of \(OX\) is \(M\). The unit vectors \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are parallel to \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OC}\) respectively and the unit vector \(\mathbf{k}\) is vertically upwards.
  1. Express the vectors \(\overrightarrow{AM}\) and \(\overrightarrow{AC}\) in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\), \(\mathbf{j}\) and \(\mathbf{k}\). [3]
  2. Use a scalar product to find angle \(MAC\). [4]
CAIE P1 2014 November Q7
8 marks Moderate -0.3
Three points, \(O\), \(A\) and \(B\), are such that \(\overrightarrow{OA} = \mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} + p\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = -7\mathbf{i} + (1 - p)\mathbf{j} + p\mathbf{k}\), where \(p\) is a constant.
  1. Find the values of \(p\) for which \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow{OB}\). [3]
  2. The magnitudes of \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB}\) are \(a\) and \(b\) respectively. Find the value of \(p\) for which \(b^2 = 2a^2\). [2]
  3. Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) when \(p = -8\). [3]