3GIB HL Exercise Vectors [45

marks]

2 + +2 =3
1. The plane П has the Cartesian equation 2x + y + 2z = 3 [7 marks]

⎛ 3 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞
The line L has the vector equation r = ⎜ −5 ⎟ + μ ⎜ −2 ⎟ , μ, p ∈ R. The acute
⎝ 1 ⎠ ⎝ p ⎠
angle between the line L and the plane П is 30°.
Find the possible values of p.
 Markscheme
recognition that the angle between the normal and the line is 60° (seen
anywhere) R1
attempt to use the formula for the scalar product M1
∣⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎛ 1 ⎞∣
∣⎜ ⎟∙⎜ −2 ⎟∣
∣ 1 ∣
∣⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ p ⎠∣
cos 60° = A1
√9×√1+4+p2

1 |2p|
2 = A1
3√5+p2

3√5 + p2 = 4 |p|
attempt to square both sides M1
9 (5 + p2 ) = 16p2 ⇒ 7p2 = 45

p = ±3√ 57 (or equivalent) A1A1

[7 marks]

The lines l1 and l2 have the following vector equations where λ, μ ∈ R and
m ∈ R.
⎛ 3 ⎞ ⎛2⎞ ⎛ −1 ⎞ ⎛ 2 ⎞
l1 : r1 =⎜ −2 ⎟+λ⎜ 1 ⎟l2 : r2 =⎜ −4 ⎟+μ⎜ −5 ⎟
⎝ 0 ⎠ ⎝m ⎠ ⎝ −2m ⎠ ⎝ −m ⎠

2a. Show that l1 and l2 are never perpendicular to each other. [3 marks]
 Markscheme
* This sample question was produced by experienced DP mathematics senior
examiners to aid teachers in preparing for external assessment in the new
MAA course. There may be minor differences in formatting compared to
formal exam papers.

⎛2⎞⎛ 2 ⎞
attempts to calculate ⎜ 1 ⎟⋅⎜ −5 ⎟ (M1)
⎝ m ⎠ ⎝ −m ⎠

= −1 − m2 A1
since m 2 ≥ 0, − 1 − m 2 < 0 for m ∈ R R1
so l1 and l2 are never perpendicular to each other AG
[3 marks]

The plane Π has Cartesian equation x + 4y − z = p where p ∈ R.

Given that l1 and Π have no points in common, find

2b. the value of m . [2 marks]

 Markscheme
(since l1 is parallel to Π , l1 is perpendicular to the normal of Π and so)

⎛2⎞⎛ 1 ⎞
⎜ 1 ⎟⋅⎜ 4 ⎟= 0 R1
⎝ m ⎠ ⎝ −1 ⎠
2+4−m = 0
m = 6 A1
[2 marks]

2c. the condition on the value of p. [2 marks]

Markscheme
since there are no points in common, (3, −2, 0) does not lie in Π
EITHER
substitutes (3, −2, 0) into x + 4y − z(≠ p) (M1)
OR

⎛ 3 ⎞⎛ 1 ⎞
⎜ −2 ⎟⋅⎜ 4 ⎟(≠ p) (M1)
⎝ 0 ⎠ ⎝ −1 ⎠
THEN
p ≠ −5 A1
[2 marks]
 +1
Consider the line L1 defined by the Cartesian equation x 2 = y = 3 − z.

3a. Show that the point (−1, 0, 3) lies on L1 . [1 mark]

Markscheme
−1+1
2 = 0 = 3 − 3 A1
the point (−1, 0, 3) lies on L1 . AG
[1 mark]

3b. Find a vector equation of L1 . [3 marks]

Markscheme
attempt to set equal to a parameter or rearrange cartesian form (M1)
x+1 x+1 y−0 z −3
2 = y = 3 − z = λ ⇒ x = 2λ − 1, y = λ, z = 3 − λ OR 2 = 1 = −1

⎛ 2 ⎞
correct direction vector ⎜ 1 ⎟ or equivalent seen in vector form (A1)
⎝ −1 ⎠

⎛ −1 ⎞ ⎛ 2 ⎞
r =⎜ 0 ⎟+λ⎜ 1 ⎟ (or equivalent) A1
⎝ 3 ⎠ ⎝ −1 ⎠
Note: Award A0 if = r is omitted.
[3 marks]

⎛0⎞ ⎛ ⎞
 ⎛0⎞ ⎛ a ⎞
Consider a second line L2 defined by the vector equation r = ⎜ 1 ⎟+t⎜ 1 ⎟,
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ −1 ⎠
where t ∈ R and a ∈ R.

3c. Find the possible values of a when the acute angle between L 1 and L2 is [8 marks]
45°.
Markscheme
attempt to use the scalar product formula (M1)

⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎛ a ⎞
⎜ 1 ⎟∙⎜ 1 ⎟=(±)√6√a2 + 2 cos 45° (A1)(A1)
⎝ −1 ⎠ ⎝ −1 ⎠
Note: Award A1 for LHS and A1 for RHS

(⇒ 2a + 2 =(±)√3√a2 + 2) A1A1
( ± ) √6√a2+2√2
2a + 2 = 2

Note: Award A1 for LHS and A1 for RHS

4a2 + 8a + 4 = 3a2 + 6 A1
a2 + 8a − 2 = 0 M1
attempt to solve their quadratic

(=
−8±√64+8 −8±√72
a= 2 = 2 −4 ± 3√2) A1
[8 marks]

A
3d. It is given that the lines L1 and L2 have a unique point of intersection, A [7 marks]
, when a ≠ k.
Find the value of k, and find the coordinates of the point A in terms of a.
Markscheme
METHOD 1
attempt to equate the parametric forms of L 1 and L2 (M1)
⎧
⎪ 2λ − 1 = ta
⎨ λ = 1 + t A1
⎩
⎪
3−λ = 2−t
λ or t (M1)
attempt to solve equations by eliminating
2 + 2t − 1 = ta ⇒ 1 = t(a − 2) or 2λ − 1 =(λ − 1)a ⇒ a − 1 = λ(a − 2)
Solutions exist unless a − 2 = 0
k = 2 A1
Note: This A1 is independent of the following marks.
1 a−1
t= a−2
or λ= a−2
A1

A has coordinates ( a−2

a ,1+ 1
a−2
1
, 2 − a−2 )(=( a−2
a , a−1 , 2a−5 )) A2
a−2 a−2

Note: Award A1 for any two correct coordinates seen or final answer in vector
form.
METHOD 2
no unique point of intersection implies direction vectors of L 1 and L2 parallel
k = 2 A1
Note: This A1 is independent of the following marks.
attempt to equate the parametric forms of L 1 and L2 (M1)
⎧
⎪ 2λ − 1 = ta
⎨ λ = 1 + t A1
⎩
⎪
3−λ = 2−t
λ or t (M1)
attempt to solve equations by eliminating
2 + 2t − 1 = ta ⇒ 1 = t(a − 2) or 2λ − 1 =(λ − 1)a ⇒ a − 1 = λ(a − 2)
1 a−1
t= a−2
or λ= a−2
A1

A has coordinates ( a−2

a ,1+ 1
a−2
, 2 − 1
a−2
)(=( a , a−1 , 2a−5 )) A2
a−2 a−2 a−2

Note: Award A1 for any two correct coordinates seen or final answer in vector
form.
[7 marks]

A(0, 3, − 6) B(6, − 5, 11)

 The points A and B are given by A(0, 3, − 6) and B(6, − 5, 11).
The plane Π is defined by the equation 4x − 3y + 2z = 20.

4a. Find a vector equation of the line L passing through the points A and B. [3 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.

−−→ ⎛
6 ⎞
AB = ⎜ −8 ⎟
⎝ 17 ⎠
(A1)

⎛ 0 ⎞ ⎛ 6 ⎞ ⎛ 6 ⎞ ⎛ 6 ⎞
r = ⎜ 3 ⎟ + λ ⎜ −8 ⎟ or r = ⎜ −5 ⎟ + λ ⎜ −8 ⎟
⎝ −6 ⎠ ⎝ 17 ⎠ ⎝ 11 ⎠ ⎝ 17 ⎠
M1A1

Note: Award M1A0 if r = is not seen (or equivalent).

[3 marks]
4b. Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of the line L with the [3 marks]
plane Π.

Markscheme
substitute line L in Π : 4(6λ) − 3(3 − 8λ) + 2(−6 + 17λ) = 20 M1
82λ = 41
1
λ= 2 (A1)

⎛ 0 ⎞ 1⎛ 6 ⎞ ⎛
3 ⎞
r = ⎜ 3 ⎟ + 2 ⎜ −8 ⎟ = ⎜ −1 ⎟
⎝ −6 ⎠ ⎝ 17 ⎠ ⎝ 5 ⎠
2
5
so coordinate is (3, − 1, 2) A1

⎛ 3 ⎞
Note: Accept coordinate expressed as position vector ⎜ −1 ⎟.
⎝ 5 ⎠
2

[3 marks]
 Consider the lines l1 and l2 defined by

⎛ −3 ⎞ ⎛1⎞
l1 : r = ⎜ −2 ⎟ + β ⎜ 4 ⎟ and l2 : 6−3 x = y−2 = 1 − z where a is a constant.
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝2⎠
4

Given that the lines l1 and l2 intersect at a point P,

5a. find the value of a ; [4 marks]

Markscheme
* This question is from an exam for a previous syllabus, and may contain
minor differences in marking or structure.
METHOD 1

⎛ −3 ⎞ ⎛1⎞ ⎧ ⎪ x = −3 + β
l1 :r = ⎜ −2 ⎟ = β ⎜ 4 ⎟ ⇒ ⎨ y = −2 + 4β
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝2⎠ ⎩ ⎪
M1
z = a + 2β
6−(−3+β) (−2+4β)−2 4β
3
= 4
⇒4= 3
⇒β=3 M1A1
6−(−3+β)
3
= 1 − (a + 2β) ⇒ 2 = −5 − a ⇒ a = −7 A1
METHOD 2

⎧
⎪ −3 + β = 6 − 3λ
⎨ −2 + 4β = 4λ + 2
⎩
⎪
M1
a + 2β = 1 − λ
attempt to solve M1
λ = 2, β = 3 A1
a = 1 − λ − 2β = −7 A1
[4 marks]
 5b. determine the coordinates of the point of intersection P. [2 marks]

Markscheme
−−→ ⎛
−3 ⎞ ⎛1⎞
OP = ⎜ −2 ⎟ + 3 ∙ ⎜ 4 ⎟ (M1)
⎝ −7 ⎠ ⎝2⎠

⎛ 0 ⎞
= ⎜ 10 ⎟ A1
⎝ −1 ⎠
∴ P(0, 10, − 1)
[2 marks]

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