IB Maths AA HL Ahl 3 13 Hl Scalar Product Questions

Practise using scalar products to calculate angles, test perpendicularity or parallelism, and determine unknown parameters, lengths or geometric conditions.

Syllabus
First assessment 2021
Course
Mathematics: analysis and approaches HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Use the scalar product to calculate angles and test whether vectors are perpendicular or parallel, with correct magnitude and sign conditions.
  • Evaluate v·w=|v||w|cosθ from components or geometry, then interpret the resulting angle in the stated range.
  • Use dot-product equations to determine unknown parameters, lengths or geometric conditions in a multi-step problem.

IB Maths AA HL Ahl 3 13 Hl Scalar Product Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 13]

The following question compares the distance and direction between cities on a flat surface to the distance and direction between cities on a sphere.
Consider a model where the cities of Bogotá, Moscow, and Nairobi lie on a flat surface. In this model, Nairobi is 6000 km due south of Moscow and Bogotá is 12500 km due west of Nairobi, as shown in the following diagram.

Figure for Question IB Maths AA HL Ahl 3 13 Hl Scalar Product Questions question 1 — IB Maths AA HL

Question (a)

(a)

Use the scalar product to find the angle between p and n.

[ 2 ]

Question (b)

(b)

Find the shortest distance from Bogotá to Moscow on the sphere.

The bearing from B to M is defined as the angle at vertex B in the spherical triangle containing B, M and P . It is given that b×p=(36cos12036sin1200)\boldsymbol{b} \times \boldsymbol{p}=\left(\begin{array}{c}36 \cos 120^{\circ} \\ -36 \sin 120^{\circ} \\ 0\end{array}\right).

[ 5 ]

Question (c)

(c)

Using the method from part (c), find the bearing from Bogotá to Moscow.
Disclaimer:
Content used in IB assessments is taken from authentic, third-party sources. The views expressed within them belong to their individual authors and/or publishers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IB.

[ 6 ]
All question bank results loaded