Conditions for vector product to be zero

5 You are given the variable point \(A ( 3 , - 8 , t )\), where \(t\) is a real parameter, and the fixed point \(B ( 1,2 , - 2 )\).

1. Using only the geometrical properties of the vector product, explain why the statement " \(\overrightarrow { \mathrm { OA } } \times \overrightarrow { \mathrm { OB } } = \mathbf { 0 }\) " is false for all values of \(t\).
2. 1. Use the vector product to find an expression, in terms of \(t\), for the area of triangle \(O A B\).
   2. Hence determine the value of \(t\) for which the area of triangle \(O A B\) is a minimum.

4 The vectors \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\) are given by \(\mathbf { a } = \left( \begin{array} { c } p - 1 \\ q + 2 \\ 2 r - 3 \end{array} \right)\) and \(\mathbf { b } = \left( \begin{array} { c } 2 p + 4 \\ 2 q - 5 \\ r + 3 \end{array} \right)\), where \(p , q\) and \(r\) are real numbers.

1. Given that \(\mathbf { b }\) is not a multiple of \(\mathbf { a }\) and that \(\mathbf { a } \times \mathbf { b } = \mathbf { 0 }\), determine all possible sets of values of \(p , q\) and \(r\).
2. You are given instead that \(\mathbf { b } = \lambda \mathbf { a }\), where \(\lambda\) is an integer with \(| \lambda | > 1\). By writing each of \(p , q\) and \(r\) in terms of \(\lambda\), show that there is a unique value of \(\lambda\) for which \(p , q\) and \(r\) are all integers, stating this set of values of \(p , q\) and \(r\).

2 The points \(A\) and \(B\) have position vectors \(\mathbf { a }\) and \(\mathbf { b }\) relative to the origin \(O\). It is given that \(\mathbf { a } = \left( \begin{array} { c } 2 \\ 4 \\ 3 \lambda \end{array} \right)\) and \(\mathbf { b } = \left( \begin{array} { r } \lambda \\ - 4 \\ 6 \end{array} \right)\), where \(\lambda\) is a real parameter.

1. In the case when \(\lambda = 3\), determine the area of triangle \(O A B\).
2. Determine the value of \(\lambda\) for which \(\mathbf { a } \times \mathbf { b } = \mathbf { 0 }\).