CAIE A-Level Mathematics A2 3.7 Vectors Questions
Practise 3D vector questions involving lines, positions, intersections, lengths, scalar products and geometric conditions.
- Syllabus
- 2028–2030
- Course
- Mathematics 9709
- Level
- A2
Practise 3D vector questions involving lines, positions, intersections, lengths, scalar products and geometric conditions.
The lines l and m have equations
Relative to the origin O, the position vector of the point P is 4 i+7 j-2 k.
Given that l is perpendicular to m and that P lies on l, find the values of the constants a, b and c.
Perform scalar product of direction vectors and set result equal to zero
2 c+6+4=0.
Use P to find the value of λ3−2λ=7⇒λ=−2[a+λc=4,b+4λ=−2].
Equation for line l may contain −λ instead of +λ leading to λ=2 all marks available.
Obtain c=-5 or b=6
a=-6, b=6 and c=-5 all correct
4
SC1: Use P to find the value of λ M1
Substitute λ=−2 into point P, so a-2 c=4, and put μ= -1 and λ=−1 into l so a-c=-1, then solve to obtain a=-6, b=6 and c=-5.
All 3 values correct A1.
Marking guidance:
Max 2/4.
The perpendicular from P meets line m at Q. The point R lies on P Q extended, with P Q: Q R=2: 3.
Find the position vector of R.
Find PQ (or QP ) for a general point Q on m
=±((1+2μ,2−3μ,3+μ)−(a+λc,3−2λ,b+4λ))[PQ or QP=±(−3+2μ−5−3μ5+μ)]
Could be their a, b, c and λ values provided M1 M1 gained in (a). Allow expression in answer column.
Equate the scalar product of PQ (or QP ) and a direction vector for m to
zero and obtain an equation in μ
M1*
(2(−3+2μ)−3(−5−3μ)+(5+μ))=0 Allow PQ=OQ+OP sign problem.
Solve and obtain μ=−1PQ2=(−3+2μ)2+(−5−3μ)2+(5+μ)2[=14(μ+1)2+45]. Min when μ=−1 or by differentiation.
Obtain OQ=−i+5j+2k or PQ=−5i−2j+4k
Must be labelled correctly
The working may be in (a) provided at least this result is used in (b).
Carry out a method to find the position vector of R
Alternative method for DM1
OR=(4,7,−2)+t(−5,−2,4)QR=OR−OQ Solve ∣QR∣2=49∣PQ∣2 or ∣QR∣=23∣PQ∣t=2.5
e.g. Use OR=OP+25PQ or OR=OQ+23PQ or OR=25OQ−23OP or 2QR=2(OR−OQ)=3PQ where OR=(x,y,z).
PQ used in all these approaches, may be incorrect, must be in the correct direction, i.e. not using QP for PQ.
Obtain −217i+2j+8k from correct working
Accept coordinates.
Don’t accept −217i+24j+216k.
SC2 Equate lines, attempt to find μ=−1 or λ=−1 M1*
OQ=−i+5j+2k A1.
Attempt to find OQ using other parameter value DM1.
OQ=−i+5j+2k therefore intersect A1.
Then use main scheme for the final DM1 A1.
First DM1 A1 are available if they show the 3
coordinates are consistent for the 2 parameter values
instead of attempting to find OQ using the other
parameter value and then showing intersection
The points A, B and C have position vectors OA=−2i+j+4k,OB=5i+2j and OC=8i+5j−3k, where O is the origin. The line l1 passes through B and C.
Find a vector equation for l1.
The line l2 has equation r=−2i+j+4k+μ(3i+j−2k).
Correct direction vector seen or implied ( BC=3i+3j−3k )
Condone BC=−3i−3j+3k.
Use a correct method to form a vector equation
Allow for the RHS with no LHS.
Obtain r=5i+2j+λ(i+j−k)
ISW
Must have r=… or (xyz)=…, not l1=…
Or, equivalent vector form, e.g. r=8i+5j−3k+α(i+j−k) or r=5i+2j+λ(3i+3j−3k).
Condone a column vector with i, j, k.
Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of l1 and l2.
Use components to form two relevant equations in 2 unknowns
For their l1 B0 if they use the same unknown for both lines.
B1FT
Two components of (5+λ2+λ−λ)=(−2+3μ1+μ4−2μ) seen or implied.
Solve 2 relevant equations in 2 unknowns for λ or μ
For their l1.
Obtain λ=2 or μ=3
Or equivalent e.g. using BC as direction vector gives λ=32.
Obtain (7,4,-2)
No need to check the third equation - the question implies that the lines intersect.
Accept position vector. Condone a column vector with i, j, k.
SC: B1 M1 A1 A1 if one component of their line is incorrect but they do not use that component.
The point D on l2 is such that A B=B D.
Find the position vector of D.
State AB=72+12+42(=66)
Or (AB)2=66 Condone a sign error in AB.
State BD in component form
(−7+3r−1+r4−2r) or equivalent.
AB=BD⇒(3r−7)2+(r−1)2+(−2r+4)2=66(14r2−60r=0)
Or equivalent equation in one unknown for their A B and their BD=OD.
If you never see a correct form and they go direct to 9r2+49+r2+1….. then M0.
⇒r=730
Correct only. Ignore r=0 if seen.
OD=776i+737j−732k
Must be a vector.
Condone if also have OD=OA.