4.04g Vector product: a x b perpendicular vector

144 questions

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OCR C4 2015 June Q2
6 marks Standard +0.3
2 A triangle has vertices at \(A ( 1,1,3 ) , B ( 5,9 , - 5 )\) and \(C ( 6,5 , - 4 ) . P\) is the point on \(A B\) such that \(A P : P B = 3 : 1\).
  1. Show that \(\overrightarrow { C P }\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow { A B }\).
  2. Find the area of the triangle \(A B C\).
OCR MEI C4 2011 January Q4
7 marks Moderate -0.3
4 The points A , B and C have coordinates \(( 2,0 , - 1 ) , ( 4,3 , - 6 )\) and \(( 9,3 , - 4 )\) respectively.
  1. Show that AB is perpendicular to BC .
  2. Find the area of triangle ABC .
CAIE FP1 2010 June Q12 EITHER
Challenging +1.8
The line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through the point \(A\) whose position vector is \(3 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\) and is parallel to the vector \(\mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) passes through the point \(B\) whose position vector is \(- \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { k }\) and is parallel to the vector \(\mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\). The point \(P\) is on \(l _ { 1 }\) and the point \(Q\) is on \(l _ { 2 }\) and \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\).
  1. Find the length of \(P Q\).
  2. Find the position vector of \(Q\).
  3. Show that the perpendicular distance from \(Q\) to the plane containing \(A B\) and the line \(l _ { 1 }\) is \(\sqrt { } 3\).
CAIE FP1 2011 June Q6
9 marks Challenging +1.8
6 The line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through the point with position vector \(8 \mathbf { i } + 8 \mathbf { j } - 7 \mathbf { k }\) and is parallel to the vector \(4 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) passes through the point with position vector \(7 \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } + 4 \mathbf { k }\) and is parallel to the vector \(4 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { k }\). The point \(P\) on \(l _ { 1 }\) and the point \(Q\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) are such that \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\). In either order,
  1. show that \(P Q = 13\),
  2. find the position vectors of \(P\) and \(Q\).
CAIE FP1 2013 June Q11 OR
Standard +0.8
The points \(A , B , C\) and \(D\) have coordinates as follows: $$A ( 2,1 , - 2 ) , \quad B ( 4,1 , - 1 ) , \quad C ( 3 , - 2 , - 1 ) \quad \text { and } \quad D ( 3,6,2 ) .$$ The plane \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) passes through the points \(A , B\) and \(C\). Find a cartesian equation of \(\Pi _ { 1 }\). Find the area of triangle \(A B C\) and hence, or otherwise, find the volume of the tetrahedron \(A B C D\).
[0pt] [The volume of a tetrahedron is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \times\) area of base × perpendicular height.]
The plane \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) passes through the points \(A , B\) and \(D\). Find the acute angle between \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) and \(\Pi _ { 2 }\).
CAIE FP1 2013 June Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.2
The line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through the point \(A\) whose position vector is \(4 \mathbf { i } + 7 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k }\) and is parallel to the vector \(3 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) passes through the point \(B\) whose position vector is \(\mathbf { i } + 7 \mathbf { j } + 11 \mathbf { k }\) and is parallel to the vector \(\mathbf { i } - 6 \mathbf { j } - 2 \mathbf { k }\). The points \(P\) on \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(Q\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) are such that \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\). Find the position vectors of \(P\) and \(Q\). Find the shortest distance between the line through \(A\) and \(B\) and the line through \(P\) and \(Q\), giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures.
CAIE FP1 2014 June Q11 OR
Standard +0.8
With respect to an origin \(O\), the point \(A\) has position vector \(4 \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\) and the plane \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) has equation $$\mathbf { r } = ( 4 + \lambda + 3 \mu ) \mathbf { i } + ( - 2 + 7 \lambda + \mu ) \mathbf { j } + ( 2 + \lambda - \mu ) \mathbf { k } ,$$ where \(\lambda\) and \(\mu\) are real. The point \(L\) is such that \(\overrightarrow { O L } = 3 \overrightarrow { O A }\) and \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) is the plane through \(L\) which is parallel to \(\Pi _ { 1 }\). The point \(M\) is such that \(\overrightarrow { A M } = 3 \overrightarrow { M L }\).
  1. Show that \(A\) is in \(\Pi _ { 1 }\).
  2. Find a vector perpendicular to \(\Pi _ { 2 }\).
  3. Find the position vector of the point \(N\) in \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) such that \(O N\) is perpendicular to \(\Pi _ { 2 }\).
  4. Show that the position vector of \(M\) is \(10 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } + 5 \mathbf { k }\) and find the perpendicular distance of \(M\) from the line through \(O\) and \(N\), giving your answer correct to 3 significant figures.
CAIE FP1 2015 June Q11 OR
Challenging +1.8
The lines \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) have equations \(\mathbf { r } = 8 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 3 \mathbf { k } + \lambda ( \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } )\) and \(\mathbf { r } = 5 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } - 14 \mathbf { k } + \mu ( 2 \mathbf { j } - 3 \mathbf { k } )\) respectively. The point \(P\) on \(l _ { 1 }\) and the point \(Q\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) are such that \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\). Find the position vector of the point \(P\) and the position vector of the point \(Q\). The points with position vectors \(8 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 3 \mathbf { k }\) and \(5 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } - 14 \mathbf { k }\) are denoted by \(A\) and \(B\) respectively. Find
  1. \(\overrightarrow { A P } \times \overrightarrow { A Q }\) and hence the area of the triangle \(A P Q\),
  2. the volume of the tetrahedron \(A P Q B\). (You are given that the volume of a tetrahedron is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \times\) area of base × perpendicular height.) {www.cie.org.uk} after the live examination series.
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CAIE FP1 2018 June Q7
11 marks Standard +0.8
7 The lines \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) have vector equations $$\mathbf { r } = a \mathbf { i } + 9 \mathbf { j } + 13 \mathbf { k } + \lambda ( \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 3 \mathbf { k } ) \quad \text { and } \quad \mathbf { r } = - 3 \mathbf { i } + 7 \mathbf { j } - 2 \mathbf { k } + \mu ( - \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } - 3 \mathbf { k } )$$ respectively. It is given that \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) intersect.
  1. Find the value of the constant \(a\).
    The point \(P\) has position vector \(3 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } + 6 \mathbf { k }\).
  2. Find the perpendicular distance from \(P\) to the plane containing \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\).
  3. Find the perpendicular distance from \(P\) to \(l _ { 2 }\).
CAIE FP1 2019 June Q3
8 marks Challenging +1.2
3 The lines \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) have equations \(\mathbf { r } = 6 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 7 \mathbf { k } + \lambda ( \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } )\) and \(\mathbf { r } = 4 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } + \mu ( - 6 \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k } )\) respectively. The point \(P\) on \(l _ { 1 }\) and the point \(Q\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) are such that \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\). Find the position vectors of \(P\) and \(Q\).
CAIE FP1 2004 November Q11
12 marks Challenging +1.8
11 The line \(l _ { 1 }\) passes through the point \(A\), whose position vector is \(3 \mathbf { i } - 5 \mathbf { j } - 4 \mathbf { k }\), and is parallel to the vector \(3 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) passes through the point \(B\), whose position vector is \(2 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } + 5 \mathbf { k }\), and is parallel to the vector \(\mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } - 4 \mathbf { k }\). The point \(P\) on \(l _ { 1 }\) and the point \(Q\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) are such that \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\). The plane \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) contains \(P Q\) and \(l _ { 1 }\), and the plane \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) contains \(P Q\) and \(l _ { 2 }\).
  1. Find the length of \(P Q\).
  2. Find a vector perpendicular to \(\Pi _ { 1 }\).
  3. Find the perpendicular distance from \(B\) to \(\Pi _ { 1 }\).
  4. Find the angle between \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) and \(\Pi _ { 2 }\).
CAIE FP1 2006 November Q9
11 marks Challenging +1.8
9 With \(O\) as origin, the points \(A , B , C\) have position vectors $$\mathbf { i } , \quad \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } , \quad \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }$$ respectively. Find a vector equation of the common perpendicular of the lines \(A B\) and \(O C\). Show that the shortest distance between the lines \(A B\) and \(O C\) is \(\frac { 2 } { 5 } \sqrt { } 5\). Find, in the form \(a x + b y + c z = d\), an equation for the plane containing \(A B\) and the common perpendicular of the lines \(A B\) and \(O C\).
CAIE FP1 2014 November Q10
12 marks Challenging +1.3
10 The line \(l _ { 1 }\) is parallel to the vector \(\mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } - 3 \mathbf { k }\) and passes through the point \(A\), whose position vector is \(3 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } - 4 \mathbf { k }\). The line \(l _ { 2 }\) is parallel to the vector \(- 2 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } + 3 \mathbf { k }\) and passes through the point \(B\), whose position vector is \(- 3 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\). The point \(P\) on \(l _ { 1 }\) and the point \(Q\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) are such that \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\). Find
  1. the length \(P Q\),
  2. the cartesian equation of the plane \(\Pi\) containing \(P Q\) and \(l _ { 2 }\),
  3. the perpendicular distance of \(A\) from \(\Pi\).
CAIE FP1 2016 November Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.8
The lines \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\) have equations $$\mathbf { r } = 6 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } + s ( 3 \mathbf { i } - 4 \mathbf { j } - 2 \mathbf { k } ) \quad \text { and } \quad \mathbf { r } = 2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } - 4 \mathbf { k } + t ( \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k } )$$ respectively. The point \(P\) on \(l _ { 1 }\) and the point \(Q\) on \(l _ { 2 }\) are such that \(P Q\) is perpendicular to both \(l _ { 1 }\) and \(l _ { 2 }\). Show that the position vector of \(P\) is \(3 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k }\) and find the position vector of \(Q\). Find, in the form \(\mathbf { r } = \mathbf { a } + \lambda \mathbf { b } + \mu \mathbf { c }\), an equation of the plane \(\Pi\) which passes through \(P\) and is perpendicular to \(l _ { 1 }\). The plane \(\Pi\) meets the plane \(\mathbf { r } = p \mathbf { i } + q \mathbf { j }\) in the line \(l _ { 3 }\). Find a vector equation of \(l _ { 3 }\).
CAIE FP1 2017 November Q6
9 marks Standard +0.8
6 The points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \(2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k } , 3 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k }\) and \(- \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 4 \mathbf { k }\) respectively.
  1. Find the area of the triangle \(A B C\).
  2. Find the perpendicular distance of the point \(A\) from the line \(B C\).
  3. Find the cartesian equation of the plane through \(A , B\) and \(C\).
CAIE FP1 2017 November Q6
9 marks Standard +0.3
6 The points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \(2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k } , 3 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k }\) and \(- \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 4 \mathbf { k }\) respectively.
  1. Find the area of the triangle \(A B C\).
    .................................................................................................................................... \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{a0987277-06e9-451b-ae18-bb7de9e7661c-08_72_1566_484_328} .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a0987277-06e9-451b-ae18-bb7de9e7661c-08_71_1563_772_331} \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{a0987277-06e9-451b-ae18-bb7de9e7661c-08_71_1563_868_331}
  2. Find the perpendicular distance of the point \(A\) from the line \(B C\).
  3. Find the cartesian equation of the plane through \(A , B\) and \(C\).
CAIE FP1 2017 November Q6
9 marks Standard +0.3
6 The points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \(2 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k } , 3 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k }\) and \(- \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 4 \mathbf { k }\) respectively.
  1. Find the area of the triangle \(A B C\).
    .................................................................................................................................... \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}]{68e31138-756a-433a-bf42-0fdfadad091e-08_72_1566_484_328} .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{68e31138-756a-433a-bf42-0fdfadad091e-08_71_1563_772_331} \includegraphics[max width=\textwidth, alt={}, center]{68e31138-756a-433a-bf42-0fdfadad091e-08_71_1563_868_331}
  2. Find the perpendicular distance of the point \(A\) from the line \(B C\).
  3. Find the cartesian equation of the plane through \(A , B\) and \(C\).
CAIE FP1 2017 Specimen Q11 EITHER
Challenging +1.8
The points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \(\mathbf { i } , 2 \mathbf { j }\) and \(4 \mathbf { k }\) respectively, relative to an origin \(O\). The point \(N\) is the foot of the perpendicular from \(O\) to the plane \(A B C\). The point \(P\) on the line-segment \(O N\) is such that \(O P = \frac { 3 } { 4 } O N\). The line \(A P\) meets the plane \(O B C\) at \(Q\).
  1. Find a vector perpendicular to the plane \(A B C\) and show that the length of \(O N\) is \(\frac { 4 } { \sqrt { } ( 21 ) }\).
  2. Find the position vector of the point \(Q\).
  3. Show that the acute angle between the planes \(A B C\) and \(A B Q\) is \(\cos ^ { - 1 } \left( \frac { 2 } { 3 } \right)\).
CAIE FP1 2015 June Q8
10 marks Standard +0.3
8 A line, passing through the point \(A ( 3,0,2 )\), has vector equation \(\mathbf { r } = 3 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { k } + \lambda ( 2 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } - 2 \mathbf { k } )\). It meets the plane \(\Pi\), which has equation \(\mathbf { r } \cdot ( \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k } ) = 3\), at the point \(P\). Find the coordinates of \(P\). Write down a vector \(\mathbf { n }\) which is perpendicular to \(\Pi\), and calculate the vector \(\mathbf { w }\), where $$\mathbf { w } = \mathbf { n } \times ( 2 \mathbf { i } + \mathbf { j } - 2 \mathbf { k } )$$ The point \(Q\) lies in \(\Pi\) and is the foot of the perpendicular from \(A\) to \(\Pi\). Use the vector \(\mathbf { w }\) to determine an equation of the line \(P Q\) in the form \(\mathbf { r } = \mathbf { u } + \mu \mathbf { v }\).
CAIE FP1 2007 November Q6
8 marks Standard +0.3
6 The points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \(2 \mathbf { i } , 3 \mathbf { j }\) and \(4 \mathbf { k }\) respectively. Find a vector which is perpendicular to the plane \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) containing \(A , B\) and \(C\). The plane \(\Pi _ { 2 }\) has equation $$\mathbf { r } = \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k } + \lambda ( \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } ) + \mu ( \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k } ) .$$ Find the acute angle between the planes \(\Pi _ { 1 }\) and \(\Pi _ { 2 }\).
CAIE FP1 2011 November Q2
5 marks Standard +0.3
2 The position vectors of points \(A , B , C\), relative to the origin \(O\), are \(\mathbf { a } , \mathbf { b } , \mathbf { c }\), where $$\mathbf { a } = 3 \mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k } , \quad \mathbf { b } = 4 \mathbf { i } - 3 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k } , \quad \mathbf { c } = 3 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } - \mathbf { k }$$ Find \(\mathbf { a } \times \mathbf { b }\) and deduce the area of the triangle \(O A B\). Hence find the volume of the tetrahedron \(O A B C\), given that the volume of a tetrahedron is \(\frac { 1 } { 3 } \times\) area of base × perpendicular height.
CAIE FP1 2012 November Q4
6 marks Standard +0.3
4 The points \(A , B\) and \(C\) have position vectors \(\mathbf { i } + 2 \mathbf { j } + 2 \mathbf { k } , 2 \mathbf { i } + 4 \mathbf { j } + 5 \mathbf { k }\) and \(2 \mathbf { i } + 3 \mathbf { j } + 4 \mathbf { k }\) respectively. Find \(\overrightarrow { A B } \times \overrightarrow { A C }\). Deduce, in either order, the exact value of
  1. the area of the triangle \(A B C\),
  2. the perpendicular distance from \(C\) to \(A B\).
OCR Further Pure Core AS 2018 June Q1
5 marks Moderate -0.3
1
  1. Find a vector which is perpendicular to both \(\left( \begin{array} { r } 1 \\ 3 \\ - 2 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\left( \begin{array} { r } - 3 \\ - 6 \\ 4 \end{array} \right)\).
  2. The cartesian equation of a line is \(\frac { x } { 2 } = y - 3 = 2 z + 4\). Express the equation of this line in vector form.
OCR Further Pure Core AS 2022 June Q1
8 marks Moderate -0.8
1
  1. Determine whether the point \(( 19 , - 12,17 )\) lies on the line \(\mathbf { r } = \left( \begin{array} { r } 4 \\ - 2 \\ 7 \end{array} \right) + \lambda \left( \begin{array} { r } 3 \\ - 2 \\ 4 \end{array} \right)\). Vectors \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\) are given by \(\mathbf { a } = \left( \begin{array} { r } 1 \\ - 2 \\ 2 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\mathbf { b } = \left( \begin{array} { r } - 3 \\ 6 \\ 2 \end{array} \right)\).
    1. Find, in degrees, the angle between \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\).
    2. Find a vector which is perpendicular to both \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\).
OCR Further Pure Core AS 2024 June Q3
7 marks Standard +0.3
3
    1. Find \(\left( \begin{array} { c } 1 \\ 2 \\ - 1 \end{array} \right) \times \left( \begin{array} { c } 3 \\ 5 \\ - 2 \end{array} \right)\).
    2. State a geometrical relationship between the answer to part (a)(i) and the vectors \(\left( \begin{array} { c } 1 \\ 2 \\ - 1 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\left( \begin{array} { c } 3 \\ 5 \\ - 2 \end{array} \right)\).
    3. Verify the relationship stated in part (a)(ii).
  1. Find the angle between the vectors \(2 \mathbf { i } - 2 \mathbf { j } + \mathbf { k }\) and \(4 \mathbf { i } - \mathbf { j } + 8 \mathbf { k }\).