Exam-Style Questions on Vectors

Problems on Vectors adapted from questions set in previous IB and A Level exams.

1.

IB Standard

The line L is parallel to the vector $$\begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 5 \\ \end{pmatrix}$$,

(a) Find the gradient of the line L .

The line L passes through the point (11, 3).

(b) Write down the equation of the line L in the form $$y=ax+b$$

(c) Find a vector equation for the line L.

2.

IB Standard

Consider two perpendicular vectors $$p$$ and $$q$$.

(a) Let $$r=p-q$$. Draw a diagram to show what this relationship might look like.

(b) If $$p=\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 1 \\ -3 \\ \end{pmatrix}$$ and $$q=\begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ n \\ -5 \\ \end{pmatrix}$$, where $$n\in \mathbb Z$$, find $$n$$.

3.

IB Standard

George and Hugo like to fly model airplanes. On one day George's plane takes off from level ground and shortly after that Hugo's plane takes off.

The position of George’s plane $$s$$ seconds after it takes off is given by $$\begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ 0 \\ \end{pmatrix} + s\begin{pmatrix} 5 \\ -2 \\ 6 \\ \end{pmatrix}$$ where the distances are in metres.

(a) Find the speed of George’s plane to the nearest integer.

(b) Find the height of George’s plane after four seconds.

The position of Hugo’s airplane $$t$$ seconds after it takes off is given by $$\begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ -4 \\ 0 \\ \end{pmatrix}+t\begin{pmatrix} 7 \\ -2 \\ 9 \\ \end{pmatrix}$$ where the distances are in metres.

(c) Show that the paths of the planes are not perpendicular.

The two airplanes collide at the point $$(46, -16, 54)$$.

(d) How long after George’s plane takes off does Hugo’s plane take off ?

4.

IB Standard

The line $$L_1$$ passes through the points A(3, 5, 1) and B(3, 6, 0).

(a) Show that $$AB=\begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 1 \\ -1 \\ \end{pmatrix}$$

(b) Find a direction vector for $$L_1$$

(c) a vector equation for $$L_1$$

Another line $$L_2$$ has equation $$\begin{pmatrix} 8 \\ 3 \\ -2 \\ \end{pmatrix} + t \begin{pmatrix} -1 \\ 1 \\ 0 \\ \end{pmatrix}$$. The lines $$L_1$$ and $$L_2$$ intersect at the point P.

(d) Find the coordinates of P.

(e) Find a direction vector for $$L_2$$.

(f) Hence, find the angle between $$L_1$$ and $$L_2$$.

5.

IB Standard

Two points $$A$$ and $$B$$ have coordinates (1 , 3 , 6) and (8 , 7 , 10) respectively.

(a) Find $$\overrightarrow{AB}$$ in terms of the unit vectors $$i, j$$ and $$k$$.

(b) Find $$\mid\overrightarrow{AB} \mid$$

Let $$\overrightarrow{AC} = 5i + 2j - k$$

(c) Find the angle between $$AB$$ and $$AC$$.

(d) Find the area of triangle $$ABC$$.

(e) Hence or otherwise find the shortest distance from $$C$$ to the line through $$A$$ and $$B$$.

The exam-style questions appearing on this site are based on those set in previous examinations (or sample assessment papers for future examinations) by the major examination boards. The wording, diagrams and figures used in these questions have been changed from the originals so that students can have fresh, relevant problem solving practice even if they have previously worked through the related exam paper.

The solutions to the questions on this website are only available to those who have a Transum Subscription.

Exam-Style Questions Main Page

Search for exam-style questions containing a particular word or phrase:

To search the entire Transum website use the search box in the grey area below.

Comments:

Do you have any comments about these exam-style questions? It is always useful to receive feedback and helps make this free resource even more useful for those learning Mathematics anywhere in the world. Click here to enter your comments.

For Students:

For All:

©1997-2020 WWW.TRANSUM.ORG