Two fixed points, \(A\) and \(B\), have position vectors \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\) relative to the origin \(O\), and a variable point \(P\) has position vector \(\mathbf{r}\).
- Give a geometrical description of the locus of \(P\) when \(\mathbf{r}\) satisfies the equation \(\mathbf{r} = \lambda\mathbf{a}\), where \(0 \leq \lambda \leq 1\). [2]
- Given that \(P\) is a point on the line \(AB\), use a property of the vector product to explain why \((\mathbf{r} - \mathbf{a}) \times (\mathbf{r} - \mathbf{b}) = \mathbf{0}\). [2]
- Give a geometrical description of the locus of \(P\) when \(\mathbf{r}\) satisfies the equation \(\mathbf{r} \times (\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}) = \mathbf{0}\). [3]