1.10d Vector operations: addition and scalar multiplication

424 questions

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AQA Further Paper 1 Specimen Q1
1 marks Easy -1.8
A vector is given by \(\mathbf{a} = \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ -1 \\ -3 \end{bmatrix}\) Which vector is not perpendicular to \(\mathbf{a}\)? Circle your answer. \(\begin{bmatrix} 1 \\ -1 \\ 1 \end{bmatrix}\) \quad \(\begin{bmatrix} 3 \\ 0 \\ 2 \end{bmatrix}\) \quad \(\begin{bmatrix} 5 \\ -1 \\ 3 \end{bmatrix}\) \quad \(\begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ 1 \end{bmatrix}\) [1 mark]
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Major 2020 November Q4
10 marks Moderate -0.3
A particle P moves so that its position vector \(\mathbf{r}\) at time \(t\) is given by $$\mathbf{r} = (5 + 20t)\mathbf{i} + (95 + 10t - 5t^2)\mathbf{j}.$$
  1. Determine the initial velocity of P. [3] At time \(t = T\), P is moving in a direction perpendicular to its initial direction of motion.
  2. Determine the value of \(T\). [3]
  3. Determine the distance of P from its initial position at time \(T\). [4]
OCR MEI Further Mechanics Major Specimen Q2
3 marks Moderate -0.8
A particle of mass 5 kg is moving with velocity \(2\mathbf{i} + 5\mathbf{j}\) m s\(^{-1}\). It receives an impulse of magnitude 15 N s in the direction \(\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} - 2\mathbf{k}\). Find the velocity of the particle immediately afterwards. [3]
WJEC Unit 1 2019 June Q06
5 marks Moderate -0.8
\(OABC\) is a parallelogram with \(O\) as origin. \includegraphics{figure_6} The position vector of \(A\) is \(\mathbf{a}\) and the position vector of \(C\) is \(\mathbf{c}\). The midpoint of \(AB\) is \(D\). The point \(E\) divides the line \(CB\) such that \(CE : EB = 2 : 1\).
  1. Find, in terms of \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{c}\),
    1. the vector \(\overrightarrow{AC}\),
    2. the position vector of \(D\),
    3. the position vector of \(E\). [3]
  2. Determine whether or not \(\overrightarrow{DE}\) is parallel to \(\overrightarrow{AC}\), clearly stating your reason. [2]
WJEC Unit 1 2022 June Q16
9 marks Moderate -0.8
The vectors \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\) are defined by \(\mathbf{a} = 2\mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j}\) and \(\mathbf{b} = \mathbf{i} - 3\mathbf{j}\).
  1. Find a unit vector in the direction of \(\mathbf{a}\). [2]
  2. Determine the angle \(\mathbf{b}\) makes with the \(x\)-axis. [2]
  3. The vector \(\mu\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}\) is parallel to \(4\mathbf{i} - 5\mathbf{j}\).
    1. Find the vector \(\mu\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b}\) in terms of \(\mu\), \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\). [1]
    2. Determine the value of \(\mu\). [4]
WJEC Unit 1 2023 June Q12
8 marks Moderate -0.8
The position vectors of the points \(A\) and \(B\), relative to a fixed origin \(O\), are given by $$\mathbf{a} = -3\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j}, \quad \mathbf{b} = 5\mathbf{i} + 8\mathbf{j},$$ respectively.
  1. Find the vector \(\overrightarrow{AB}\). [2]
    1. Find a unit vector in the direction of \(\mathbf{a}\). [2]
    2. The point \(C\) is such that the vector \(\overrightarrow{OC}\) is in the direction of \(\mathbf{a}\). Given that the length of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\) is 7 units, write down the position vector of \(C\). [1]
  2. Calculate the angle \(AOB\). [3]
WJEC Unit 1 2024 June Q13
8 marks Moderate -0.8
The position vectors of the points A and B, relative to a fixed origin O, are given by $$\mathbf{a} = 4\mathbf{i} + 7\mathbf{j}, \quad\quad \mathbf{b} = \mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j},$$ respectively.
  1. Find the vector \(\overrightarrow{AB}\). [2]
  2. Determine the distance between the points A and B. [2]
  3. The position vector of the point C is given by \(\mathbf{c} = -2\mathbf{i} + 5\mathbf{j}\). The point D is such that the distance between C and D is equal to the distance between A and B, and \(\overrightarrow{CD}\) is parallel to \(\overrightarrow{AB}\). Find the possible position vectors of the point D. [4]
WJEC Unit 1 Specimen Q18
7 marks Moderate -0.8
  1. The vectors \(\mathbf{u}\) and \(\mathbf{v}\) are defined by \(\mathbf{u} = 2\mathbf{i} - 3\mathbf{j}\), \(\mathbf{v} = -4\mathbf{i} + 5\mathbf{j}\).
    1. Find the vector \(4\mathbf{u} - 3\mathbf{v}\).
    2. The vectors \(\mathbf{u}\) and \(\mathbf{v}\) are the position vectors of the points \(U\) and \(V\), respectively. Find the length of the line \(UV\). [4]
  2. Two villages \(A\) and \(B\) are 40 km apart on a long straight road passing through a desert. The position vectors of \(A\) and \(B\) are denoted by \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\), respectively.
    1. Village \(C\) lies on the road between \(A\) and \(B\) at a distance 4 km from \(B\). Find the position vector of \(C\) in terms of \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\).
    2. Village \(D\) has position vector \(\frac{2}{9}\mathbf{a} + \frac{5}{9}\mathbf{b}\). Explain why village \(D\) cannot possibly be on the straight road passing through \(A\) and \(B\). [3]
WJEC Unit 2 2018 June Q09
6 marks Moderate -0.8
Three forces \(\mathbf{L}\), \(\mathbf{M}\) and \(\mathbf{N}\) are given by $$\mathbf{L} = 2\mathbf{i} + 5\mathbf{j},$$ $$\mathbf{M} = 3\mathbf{i} - 22\mathbf{j},$$ $$\mathbf{N} = 4\mathbf{i} - 23\mathbf{j}.$$ Find the magnitude and direction of the resultant of the three forces. [6]
WJEC Unit 2 2024 June Q6
4 marks Easy -1.2
A ship \(S\) is moving with constant velocity \((4\mathbf{i} - 7\mathbf{j})\text{ms}^{-1}\), where \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\) are unit vectors due east and due north respectively. Find the speed and direction of \(S\), giving the direction as a three-figure bearing, correct to the nearest degree. [4]
SPS SPS SM Pure 2021 June Q2
4 marks Easy -1.2
Given that the point \(A\) has position vector \(3\mathbf{i} - 7\mathbf{j}\) and the point \(B\) has position vector \(8\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j}\),
  1. find the vector \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) [2]
  2. Find \(|\overrightarrow{AB}|\). Give your answer as a simplified surd. [2]
SPS SPS FM 2020 September Q1
3 marks Moderate -0.3
Vectors \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) and \(\overrightarrow{BC}\) are given by $$\overrightarrow{AB} = \begin{pmatrix} 2p \\ q \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} \quad \overrightarrow{BC} = \begin{pmatrix} q \\ -3p \\ 2 \end{pmatrix},$$ where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants. Given that \(\overrightarrow{AC}\) is parallel to \(\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -4 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}\), find the value of \(p\) and the value of \(q\). [3]
SPS SPS SM Pure 2021 May Q3
6 marks Moderate -0.8
Vector \(\mathbf{v} = a\mathbf{i} + 0.6\mathbf{j}\), where \(a\) is a constant.
  1. Given that the direction of \(\mathbf{v}\) is \(45°\), state the value of \(a\). [1]
  2. Given instead that \(\mathbf{v}\) is parallel to \(8\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j}\), find the value of \(a\). [2]
  3. Given instead that \(\mathbf{v}\) is a unit vector, find the possible values of \(a\). [3]
SPS SPS FM Pure 2023 June Q5
5 marks Standard +0.3
\includegraphics{figure_5} Figure 1 shows a sketch of a triangle \(ABC\). Given \(\overrightarrow{AB} = 2\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{BC} = \mathbf{i} - 9\mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k}\), show that \(\angle BAC = 105.9°\) to one decimal place. [5]
OCR H240/01 2017 Specimen Q2
5 marks Moderate -0.8
The points A, B and C have position vectors \(\mathbf{3i - 4j + 2k}\), \(\mathbf{-i + 6k}\) and \(\mathbf{7i - 4j - 2k}\) respectively. M is the midpoint of BC.
  1. Show that the magnitude of \(\overrightarrow{OM}\) is equal to \(\sqrt{17}\). [2]
Point D is such that \(\overrightarrow{BC} = \overrightarrow{AD}\).
  1. Show that position vector of the point D is \(\mathbf{1i - 8j - 6k}\). [3]
OCR AS Pure 2017 Specimen Q4
6 marks Moderate -0.8
The points \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \(\begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}\), \(\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}\) respectively. \(M\) is the midpoint of \(BC\).
  1. Find the position vector of the point \(D\) such that \(\overrightarrow{BC} = \overrightarrow{AD}\). [3]
  2. Find the magnitude of \(\overrightarrow{AM}\). [3]
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/2 2010 June Q11
10 marks Standard +0.3
Two forces \(\mathbf{F}_1\) and \(\mathbf{F}_2\) are given by $$\mathbf{F}_1 = 13\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j} - 3\mathbf{k}, \quad \mathbf{F}_2 = -2\mathbf{i} + 6\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k},$$ in which the units of the components are newtons. A third force, \(\mathbf{F}_3\), of magnitude 6 N acts parallel to the vector \(2\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k}\).
  1. Find the two possible resultants of \(\mathbf{F}_1\), \(\mathbf{F}_2\) and \(\mathbf{F}_3\), and show that they have the same magnitude. [5]
A particle, \(P\), of mass 2 kg is initially at rest at the origin. The only forces acting on \(P\) are \(\mathbf{F}_1\) and \(\mathbf{F}_2\).
  1. Find the magnitude of the acceleration of \(P\). [3]
  2. Find the time taken for \(P\) to travel 60 m. [2]
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2014 June Q8
6 marks Moderate -0.8
A particle is being held in equilibrium by the following set of forces (in newtons). $$\mathbf{F}_1 = 5\mathbf{i} - 8\mathbf{j}, \quad \mathbf{F}_2 = -3\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{j}, \quad \mathbf{F}_3 = 6\mathbf{i} + 6\mathbf{j} \quad \text{and} \quad \mathbf{F}_4.$$
  1. Find \(\mathbf{F}_4\) in terms of \(\mathbf{i}\) and \(\mathbf{j}\). [2]
  2. Hence find the magnitude and direction of \(\mathbf{F}_4\). [4]
Pre-U Pre-U 9795/2 2014 June Q8
9 marks Challenging +1.8
\includegraphics{figure_8} A smooth sphere with centre \(A\) and of mass 2 kg, moving at 13 m s\(^{-1}\) on a smooth horizontal plane, strikes a smooth sphere with centre \(B\) and of mass 3 kg moving at 5 m s\(^{-1}\) on the same smooth horizontal plane. The spheres have equal radii. The directions of motion immediately before impact are at angles \(\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{2}{13}\right)\) to \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) and \(\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)\) to \(\overrightarrow{BA}\) respectively (see diagram). Given that the coefficient of restitution is \(\frac{2}{3}\), find the speeds of the spheres after impact. [9]
Pre-U Pre-U 9795/2 2014 June Q12
10 marks Challenging +1.2
A cyclist, when travelling due west at 15 km h\(^{-1}\), finds that the wind appears to be blowing from a bearing of 150°. When the cyclist is travelling due west at 10 km h\(^{-1}\), the wind appears to be blowing from a bearing of 135°. Find the velocity of the wind. [10]
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2019 Specimen Q6
6 marks Easy -1.2
\includegraphics{figure_6} The diagram shows two horizontal forces \(\mathbf{P}\) and \(\mathbf{Q}\) acting at the origin \(O\) of rectangular coordinates \(Oxy\). 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]
  2. Hence, or otherwise, calculate the magnitude of this resultant and the angle the resultant makes with the positive \(x\)-axis. [4]
Pre-U Pre-U 9794/3 2020 Specimen Q6
6 marks Easy -1.3
\includegraphics{figure_6} The diagram shows two horizontal forces \(\mathbf{P}\) and \(\mathbf{Q}\) acting at the origin \(O\) of rectangular coordinates \(Oxy\). 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]
  2. Hence, or otherwise, calculate the magnitude of this resultant and the angle the resultant makes with the positive \(x\)-axis. [4]
Edexcel AEA 2014 June Q5
15 marks Challenging +1.8
The square-based pyramid \(P\) has vertices \(A, B, C, D\) and \(E\). The position vectors of \(A, B, C\) and \(D\) are \(\mathbf{a}\), \(\mathbf{b}\), \(\mathbf{c}\) and \(\mathbf{d}\) respectively where $$\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 3 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 8 \\ -6 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \mathbf{c} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \mathbf{d} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 1 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}$$
  1. Find the vectors \(\overrightarrow{AB}\), \(\overrightarrow{AC}\), \(\overrightarrow{AD}\), \(\overrightarrow{BC}\), \(\overrightarrow{BD}\) and \(\overrightarrow{CD}\). [3]
  2. Find
    1. the length of a side of the square base of \(P\),
    2. the cosine of the angle between one of the slanting edges of \(P\) and its base,
    3. the height of \(P\),
    4. the position vector of \(E\).
    [9] A second pyramid, identical to \(P\), is attached by its square base to the base of \(P\) to form an octahedron.
  3. Find the position vector of the other vertex of this octahedron. [3]
Edexcel AEA 2015 June Q6
19 marks Challenging +1.8
The lines \(L_1\) and \(L_2\) have vector equations $$L_1 : \mathbf{r} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 10 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix} + \lambda \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -5 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}$$ $$L_2 : \mathbf{r} = \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} + \mu \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}$$
  1. Show that \(L_1\) and \(L_2\) are perpendicular. [2]
  2. Show that \(L_1\) and \(L_2\) are skew lines. [3] The point \(A\) with position vector \(-\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k}\) lies on \(L_2\) and the point \(X\) lies on \(L_1\) such that \(\overrightarrow{AX}\) is perpendicular to \(L_1\)
  3. Find the position vector of \(X\). [5]
  4. Find \(|\overrightarrow{AX}|\) [2] The point \(B\) (distinct from \(A\)) also lies on \(L_2\) and \(|\overrightarrow{BX}| = |\overrightarrow{AX}|\)
  5. Find the position vector of \(B\). [5]
  6. Find the cosine of angle \(AXB\). [2]