Exam-Style Problems

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9709 P31 - Jun 2023 - Q6
2178

Relative to the origin \(O\), the points \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\) have position vectors given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -2 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}.\)

The quadrilateral \(ABCD\) is a parallelogram.

(a) Find the position vector of \(D\).

(b) The angle between \(BA\) and \(BC\) is \(\theta\). Find the exact value of \(\cos \theta\).

(c) Hence find the area of \(ABCD\), giving your answer in the form \(p\sqrt{q}\), where \(p\) and \(q\) are integers.

9709 P11 - Nov 2017 - Q8
2179

(a) Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of two points P and Q are p and q respectively. The point R is such that PQR is a straight line with Q the mid-point of PR. Find the position vector of R in terms of p and q, simplifying your answer.

(b) The vector 6i + aj + bk has magnitude 21 and is perpendicular to 3i + 2j + 2k. Find the possible values of a and b, showing all necessary working.

9709 P13 - Jun 2017 - Q4
2180

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 4 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}\).

The point P lies on AB and is such that \(\overrightarrow{AP} = \frac{1}{3} \overrightarrow{AB}\).

(i) Find the position vector of P.

(ii) Find the distance OP.

(iii) Determine whether OP is perpendicular to AB. Justify your answer.

9709 P12 - Jun 2017 - Q8
2181

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of three points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = 3\mathbf{i} + p\mathbf{j} - 2p\mathbf{k}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = 6\mathbf{i} + (p + 4)\mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = (p - 1)\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + q\mathbf{k},\)

where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants.

(i) In the case where \(p = 2\), use a scalar product to find angle \(AOB\). [4]

(ii) In the case where \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) is parallel to \(\overrightarrow{OC}\), find the values of \(p\) and \(q\). [4]

9709 P11 - Jun 2017 - Q2
2182

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -6 \\ p \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -6 \\ -7 \end{pmatrix}\),

and angle \(AOB = 90^\circ\).

(i) Find the value of \(p\).

The point C is such that \(\overrightarrow{OC} = \frac{2}{3} \overrightarrow{OA}\).

(ii) Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{BC}\).

9709 P12 - Mar 2017 - Q6
2183

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = 2\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} + 5\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 7\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k}\).

  1. Use a scalar product to find angle \(OAB\).
  2. Find the area of triangle \(OAB\).
9709 P12 - Nov 2016 - Q9
2184

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 3 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 6 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}.\)

  1. Use a scalar product to find angle \(AOB\).
  2. Find the vector which is in the same direction as \(\overrightarrow{AC}\) and of magnitude 15 units.
  3. Find the value of the constant \(p\) for which \(p\overrightarrow{OA} + \overrightarrow{OC}\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow{OB}\).
9709 P13 - Jun 2016 - Q9
2185

The position vectors of A, B and C relative to an origin O are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 5 \\ p \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 0 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix},\)

where \(p\) is a constant.

(i) Find the value of \(p\) for which the lengths of \(AB\) and \(CB\) are equal.

(ii) For the case where \(p = 1\), use a scalar product to find angle \(ABC\).

9709 P12 - Jun 2016 - Q3
2186

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by \(\overrightarrow{OA} = 2\mathbf{i} - 5\mathbf{j} - 2\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 4\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k}\).

The point C is such that \(\overrightarrow{AB} = \overrightarrow{BC}\). Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\).

9709 P11 - Jun 2016 - Q10
2187

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1 \\ k \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 6 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}\)

respectively, where \(k\) is a constant.

  1. Find the value of \(k\) in the case where angle \(AOB = 90^\circ\).
  2. Find the possible values of \(k\) for which the lengths of \(AB\) and \(OC\) are equal.
  3. The point D is such that \(\overrightarrow{OD}\) is in the same direction as \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and has magnitude 9 units. The point E is such that \(\overrightarrow{OE}\) is in the same direction as \(\overrightarrow{OC}\) and has magnitude 14 units.
  4. Find the magnitude of \(\overrightarrow{DE}\) in the form \(\sqrt{n}\) where \(n\) is an integer.
9709 P13 - Nov 2015 - Q5
2188

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} p-6 \\ 2p-6 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4-2p \\ p \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}\),

where \(p\) is a constant.

(i) For the case where OA is perpendicular to OB, find the value of \(p\).

(ii) For the case where OAB is a straight line, find the vectors \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB}\). Find also the length of the line OA.

9709 P32 - Nov 2022 - Q6
2189

Relative to the origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ 3 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}.\)

(a) Using a scalar product, find the cosine of angle BAC.

(b) Hence find the area of triangle ABC. Give your answer in a simplified exact form.

9709 P12 - Nov 2015 - Q7
2190

Relative to an origin \(O\), the position vectors of points \(A, B\) and \(C\) are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 2 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ p \\ q \end{pmatrix}.\)

(i) In the case where \(ABC\) is a straight line, find the values of \(p\) and \(q\).

(ii) In the case where angle \(BAC\) is \(90^\circ\), express \(q\) in terms of \(p\).

(iii) In the case where \(p = 3\) and the lengths of \(AB\) and \(AC\) are equal, find the possible values of \(q\).

9709 P13 - Jun 2015 - Q5
2191

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ 1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}.\)

(i) Show that angle \(ABC\) is \(90^\circ\).

(ii) Find the area of triangle \(ABC\), giving your answer correct to 1 decimal place.

9709 P12 - Jun 2015 - Q9
2192

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by \(\overrightarrow{OA} = 2\mathbf{i} + 4\mathbf{j} + 4\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 3\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + 4\mathbf{k}\).

(i) Use a vector method to find angle \(AOB\).

The point C is such that \(\overrightarrow{AB} = \overrightarrow{BC}\).

(ii) Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\).

(iii) Show that triangle OAC is isosceles.

9709 P11 - Jun 2015 - Q4
2193

Relative to the origin \(O\), the position vectors of points \(A\) and \(B\) are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 0 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ -3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}\).

(i) Find the cosine of angle \(AOB\).

The position vector of \(C\) is given by \(\overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} k \\ -2k \\ 2k - 3 \end{pmatrix}\).

(ii) Given that \(AB\) and \(OC\) have the same length, find the possible values of \(k\).

9709 P13 - Nov 2014 - Q7
2194

Three points, O, A and B, are such that \(\overrightarrow{OA} = \mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} + p\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = -7\mathbf{i} + (1-p)\mathbf{j} + p\mathbf{k}\), where \(p\) is a constant.

(i) Find the values of \(p\) for which \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow{OB}\).

(ii) The magnitudes of \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB}\) are \(a\) and \(b\) respectively. Find the value of \(p\) for which \(b^2 = 2a^2\).

(iii) Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) when \(p = -8\).

9709 P11 - Nov 2014 - Q6
2195

Relative to an origin O, the position vector of A is 3i + 2j - k and the position vector of B is 7i - 3j + k.

  1. Show that angle OAB is a right angle.
  2. Find the area of triangle OAB.
9709 P13 - Jun 2014 - Q7
2196

The position vectors of points A, B and C relative to an origin O are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ -1 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 4 \\ 7 \end{pmatrix}.\)

(i) Show that angle \(BAC = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{3}\right).\)

(ii) Use the result in part (i) to find the exact value of the area of triangle \(ABC.\)

9709 P11 - Jun 2014 - Q8
2197

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 3p \\ 4 \\ p^2 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} -p \\ -1 \\ p^2 \end{pmatrix}\).

(i) Find the values of \(p\) for which angle \(AOB\) is 90°.

(ii) For the case where \(p = 3\), find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{BA}\).

9709 P12 - Nov 2013 - Q4
2198

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by \(\overrightarrow{OA} = \mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 4\mathbf{i} + p\mathbf{k}\).

(i) In the case where \(p = 6\), find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\).

(ii) Find the values of \(p\) for which angle \(AOB = \cos^{-1}\left(\frac{1}{5}\right)\).

9709 P12 - Jun 2013 - Q6
2199

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 3\mathbf{i} + p\mathbf{j} + q\mathbf{k}\),

where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants.

  1. State the values of \(p\) and \(q\) for which \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) is parallel to \(\overrightarrow{OB}\).
  2. In the case where \(q = 2p\), find the value of \(p\) for which angle \(BOA\) is \(90^\circ\).
  3. In the case where \(p = 1\) and \(q = 8\), find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\).
9709 P32 - Jun 2021 - Q11
2200

With respect to the origin O, the points A and B have position vectors given by \(\overrightarrow{OA} = 2\mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \mathbf{j} - 2\mathbf{k}\).

(a) Show that \(OA = OB\) and use a scalar product to calculate angle \(AOB\) in degrees.

The midpoint of \(AB\) is \(M\). The point \(P\) on the line through \(O\) and \(M\) is such that \(PA : OA = \sqrt{7} : 1\).

(b) Find the possible position vectors of \(P\).

9709 P11 - Jun 2013 - Q6
2201

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of three points, A, B and C, are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \mathbf{i} + 2p\mathbf{j} + q\mathbf{k}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = q\mathbf{j} - 2p\mathbf{k} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = -(4p^2 + q^2)\mathbf{i} + 2p\mathbf{j} + q\mathbf{k},\)

where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants.

  1. Show that \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow{OC}\) for all non-zero values of \(p\) and \(q\).
  2. Find the magnitude of \(\overrightarrow{CA}\) in terms of \(p\) and \(q\).
  3. For the case where \(p = 3\) and \(q = 2\), find the unit vector parallel to \(\overrightarrow{BA}\).
9709 P13 - Nov 2012 - Q9
2202

The position vectors of points A and B relative to an origin O are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} p \\ 1 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 2 \\ p \end{pmatrix}\),

where \(p\) is a constant.

  1. In the case where OAB is a straight line, state the value of \(p\) and find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OA}\). [3]
  2. In the case where OA is perpendicular to AB, find the possible values of \(p\). [5]
  3. In the case where \(p = 3\), the point C is such that OABC is a parallelogram. Find the position vector of C. [2]
9709 P12 - Nov 2012 - Q7
2203

The position vectors of the points A and B, relative to an origin O, are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} k \\ -k \\ 2k \end{pmatrix}\),

where \(k\) is a constant.

  1. In the case where \(k = 2\), calculate angle \(AOB\).
  2. Find the values of \(k\) for which \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) is a unit vector.
9709 P11 - Nov 2012 - Q9
2204

The position vectors of points A and B relative to an origin O are a and b respectively. The position vectors of points C and D relative to O are 3a and 2b respectively. It is given that

\(\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 0 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}\).

(i) Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{CD}\).

(ii) The point E is the mid-point of CD. Find angle EOD.

9709 P13 - Jun 2012 - Q2
2205

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 2 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ p \end{pmatrix}.\)

Find

(i) the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\),

(ii) the value of the constant \(p\) for which angle \(BOC = 90^\circ\).

9709 P12 - Jun 2012 - Q8
2206

(i) Find the angle between the vectors \(3\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{k}\) and \(2\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} - 6\mathbf{k}\).

The vector \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) has a magnitude of 15 units and is in the same direction as the vector \(3\mathbf{i} - 4\mathbf{k}\). The vector \(\overrightarrow{OB}\) has a magnitude of 14 units and is in the same direction as the vector \(2\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} - 6\mathbf{k}\).

(ii) Express \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB}\) in terms of \(\mathbf{i}, \mathbf{j}\) and \(\mathbf{k}\).

(iii) Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\).

9709 P11 - Jun 2012 - Q6
2207

Two vectors u and v are such that u = \(\begin{pmatrix} p^2 \\ -2 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}\) and v = \(\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ p-1 \\ 2p+1 \end{pmatrix}\), where \(p\) is a constant.

(i) Find the values of \(p\) for which u is perpendicular to v.

(ii) For the case where \(p = 1\), find the angle between the directions of u and v.

9709 P13 - Nov 2011 - Q6
2208

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are 3i + 4j - k and 5i - 2j - 3k respectively.

(i) Use a scalar product to find angle BOA.

The point C is the mid-point of AB. The point D is such that \(\overrightarrow{OD} = 2\overrightarrow{OB}\).

(ii) Find \(\overrightarrow{DC}\).

9709 P12 - Nov 2011 - Q3
2209

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are given by \(\overrightarrow{OA} = 5\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 2\mathbf{i} + 7\mathbf{j} + p\mathbf{k}\), where \(p\) is a constant.

(i) Find the value of \(p\) for which angle \(AOB\) is \(90^\circ\).

(ii) In the case where \(p = 4\), find the vector which has magnitude 28 and is in the same direction as \(\overrightarrow{AB}\).

9709 P11 - Nov 2011 - Q8
2210

Relative to an origin O, the point A has position vector \(4\mathbf{i} + 7\mathbf{j} - p\mathbf{k}\) and the point B has position vector \(8\mathbf{i} - \mathbf{j} - p\mathbf{k}\), where \(p\) is a constant.

  1. Find \(\overrightarrow{OA} \cdot \overrightarrow{OB}\).
  2. Hence show that there are no real values of \(p\) for which OA and OB are perpendicular to each other.
  3. Find the values of \(p\) for which angle AOB = 60°.
9709 P33 - Jun 2020 - Q8
2211

Relative to the origin \(O\), the points \(A, B\) and \(D\) have position vectors given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = 2\mathbf{i} + 5\mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OD} = 3\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{k}.\)

A fourth point \(C\) is such that \(ABCD\) is a parallelogram.

(a) Find the position vector of \(C\) and verify that the parallelogram is not a rhombus. [5]

(b) Find angle \(BAD\), giving your answer in degrees. [3]

(c) Find the area of the parallelogram correct to 3 significant figures. [2]

9709 P12 - Jun 2011 - Q8
2212

Relative to the origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 2 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 10 \\ 0 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}.\)

(i) Find angle \(ABC\).

The point D is such that ABCD is a parallelogram.

(ii) Find the position vector of D.

9709 P13 - Jun 2010 - Q6
2213

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = i - 2j + 4k, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = 3i + 2j + 8k, \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = -i - 2j + 10k.\)

  1. Use a scalar product to find angle \(ABC\).
  2. Find the perimeter of triangle \(ABC\), giving your answer correct to 2 decimal places.
9709 P12 - Jun 2010 - Q5
2214

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 3 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \\ p \end{pmatrix}\).

(i) Find the value of p for which \(\overrightarrow{OA}\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow{OB}\).

(ii) Find the values of p for which the magnitude of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) is 7.

9709 P11 - Nov 2009 - Q9
2215

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 3 \\ -6 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ -6 \\ 8 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 5 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}.\)

  1. Find angle \(AOB\).
  2. Find the vector which is in the same direction as \(\overrightarrow{AC}\) and has magnitude 30.
  3. Find the value of the constant \(p\) for which \(\overrightarrow{OA} + p \overrightarrow{OB}\) is perpendicular to \(\overrightarrow{OC}\).
9709 P1 - Jun 2009 - Q6
2216

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by \(\overrightarrow{OA} = 2\mathbf{i} - 8\mathbf{j} + 4\mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 7\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j} - \mathbf{k}\).

(i) Find the value of \(\overrightarrow{OA} \cdot \overrightarrow{OB}\) and hence state whether angle AOB is acute, obtuse or a right angle.

(ii) The point X is such that \(\overrightarrow{AX} = \frac{2}{5} \overrightarrow{AB}\). Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OX}\).

9709 P1 - Jun 2008 - Q10
2217

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points A and B are \(2\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k}\) and \(3\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} + p\mathbf{k}\) respectively.

  1. Find the value of \(p\) for which \(\mathbf{OA}\) and \(\mathbf{OB}\) are perpendicular.
  2. In the case where \(p = 6\), use a scalar product to find angle \(AOB\), correct to the nearest degree.
  3. Express the vector \(\mathbf{AB}\) in terms of \(p\) and hence find the values of \(p\) for which the length of \(AB\) is 3.5 units.
9709 P1 - Jun 2007 - Q9
2218

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \\ -4 \end{pmatrix}\).

(i) Given that C is the point such that \(\overrightarrow{AC} = 2\overrightarrow{AB}\), find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\).

The position vector of the point D is given by \(\overrightarrow{OD} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 4 \\ k \end{pmatrix}\), where k is a constant, and it is given that \(\overrightarrow{OD} = m\overrightarrow{OA} + n\overrightarrow{OB}\), where m and n are constants.

(ii) Find the values of m, n and k.

9709 P1 - Nov 2006 - Q4
2219

The position vectors of points A and B are \(\begin{pmatrix} -3 \\ 6 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 2 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix}\) respectively, relative to an origin O.

(i) Calculate angle \(AOB\).

(ii) The point C is such that \(\overrightarrow{AC} = 3\overrightarrow{AB}\). Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\).

9709 P1 - Nov 2005 - Q4
2220

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of points P and Q are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OP} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ 3 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OQ} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ q \end{pmatrix}\),

where \(q\) is a constant.

  1. In the case where \(q = 3\), use a scalar product to show that \(\cos POQ = \frac{1}{7}\).
  2. Find the values of \(q\) for which the length of \(\overrightarrow{PQ}\) is 6 units.
9709 P1 - Jun 2005 - Q11
2221

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A and B are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = 2\mathbf{i} + 3\mathbf{j} - \mathbf{k}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = 4\mathbf{i} - 3\mathbf{j} + 2\mathbf{k}\).

  1. Use a scalar product to find angle \(AOB\), correct to the nearest degree.
  2. Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\).
  3. The point C is such that \(\overrightarrow{OC} = 6\mathbf{j} + p\mathbf{k}\), where \(p\) is a constant. Given that the lengths of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\) and \(\overrightarrow{AC}\) are equal, find the possible values of \(p\).
9709 P13 - Nov 2019 - Q10
2222

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and X are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} -8 \\ -4 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 10 \\ 2 \\ 11 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OX} = \begin{pmatrix} -2 \\ -2 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}.\)

(i) Find \(\overrightarrow{AX}\) and show that AXB is a straight line.

The position vector of a point C is given by \(\overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -8 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}.\)

(ii) Show that CX is perpendicular to AX.

(iii) Find the area of triangle ABC.

9709 P1 - Nov 2004 - Q8
2223

The points A and B have position vectors i + 7j + 2k and -5i + 5j + 6k respectively, relative to an origin O.

(i) Use a scalar product to calculate angle AOB, giving your answer in radians correct to 3 significant figures. [4]

(ii) The point C is such that \(\overrightarrow{AB} = 2\overrightarrow{BC}\). Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\). [4]

9709 P1 - Jun 2004 - Q9
2224

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B, C and D are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 3 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}, \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ -1 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}, \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 2 \\ p \end{pmatrix} \text{ and } \overrightarrow{OD} = \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 0 \\ q \end{pmatrix}\),

where \(p\) and \(q\) are constants. Find

(i) the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{AB}\),

(ii) the value of \(p\) for which angle \(AOC = 90^\circ\),

(iii) the values of \(q\) for which the length of \(\overrightarrow{AD}\) is 7 units.

9709 P1 - Jun 2003 - Q8
2225

The points A, B, C and D have position vectors \(3oldsymbol{i} + 2oldsymbol{k}\), \(2oldsymbol{i} - 2oldsymbol{j} + 5oldsymbol{k}\), \(2oldsymbol{j} + 7oldsymbol{k}\) and \(-2oldsymbol{i} + 10oldsymbol{j} + 7oldsymbol{k}\) respectively.

(i) Use a scalar product to show that \(\overrightarrow{BA}\) and \(\overrightarrow{BC}\) are perpendicular. [4]

(ii) Show that \(\overrightarrow{BC}\) and \(\overrightarrow{AD}\) are parallel and find the ratio of the length of \(BC\) to the length of \(AD\). [4]

9709 P1 - Nov 2002 - Q7
2226

Given that \(\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}, \mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 6 \\ 3 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{c} = \begin{pmatrix} p \\ p \\ p+1 \end{pmatrix}\), find

(i) the angle between the directions of \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\),

(ii) the value of \(p\) for which \(\mathbf{b}\) and \(\mathbf{c}\) are perpendicular.

9709 P12 - Jun 2019 - Q8
2227

The position vectors of points A and B, relative to an origin O, are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 6 \\ -2 \\ -6 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ k \\ -3 \end{pmatrix}\),

where \(k\) is a constant.

  1. Find the value of \(k\) for which angle \(AOB\) is \(90^\circ\).
  2. Find the values of \(k\) for which the lengths of \(OA\) and \(OB\) are equal.

The point C is such that \(\overrightarrow{AC} = 2\overrightarrow{CB}\).

  1. In the case where \(k = 4\), find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OC}\).
9709 P12 - Mar 2019 - Q5
2228

Two vectors, u and v, are such that

\(\mathbf{u} = \begin{pmatrix} q \\ 2 \\ 6 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{v} = \begin{pmatrix} 8 \\ q-1 \\ q^2-7 \end{pmatrix}\),

where \(q\) is a constant.

(i) Find the values of \(q\) for which \(\mathbf{u}\) is perpendicular to \(\mathbf{v}\).

(ii) Find the angle between \(\mathbf{u}\) and \(\mathbf{v}\) when \(q = 0\).

9709 P11 - Jun 2018 - Q7
2229

Relative to an origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 3 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ 1 \\ -2 \end{pmatrix}.\)

  1. Find \(\overrightarrow{AC}\).
  2. The point M is the mid-point of AC. Find the unit vector in the direction of \(\overrightarrow{OM}\).
  3. Evaluate \(\overrightarrow{AB} \cdot \overrightarrow{AC}\) and hence find angle BAC.
9709 P13 - Nov 2017 - Q9
2230

Relative to an origin \(O\), the position vectors of the points \(A, B\) and \(C\) are given by

\(\overrightarrow{OA} = \begin{pmatrix} 8 \\ -6 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \overrightarrow{OB} = \begin{pmatrix} -10 \\ 3 \\ -13 \end{pmatrix} \quad \text{and} \quad \overrightarrow{OC} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -3 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}.\)

A fourth point, \(D\), is such that the magnitudes \(|\overrightarrow{AB}|, |\overrightarrow{BC}|\) and \(|\overrightarrow{CD}|\) are the first, second and third terms respectively of a geometric progression.

(i) Find the magnitudes \(|\overrightarrow{AB}|, |\overrightarrow{BC}|\) and \(|\overrightarrow{CD}|\).

(ii) Given that \(D\) is a point lying on the line through \(B\) and \(C\), find the two possible position vectors of the point \(D\).

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