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Vector Algebra question
2012 · Shift 2 · Q24
JEE AdvancedMathematicsVector AlgebraMCQ+4 / −1
If a and b are vectors such that a+b=29 and a×(2i+3j+4k)=(2i+3j+4k)×b, then a possible value of (a+b).(−7i+2j+3k) is
A
0
B
3
C
4
D
8
View written solutionFree
Correct answer: C
Step-by-step Solution:
Analyze the given vector equation.
We are given the equation:
a×(2i+3j+4k)=(2i+3j+4k)×b
Let's define a vector c=2i+3j+4k. The equation can be written as:
a×c=c×b
Simplify the vector equation.
Using the anti-commutative property of the cross product, which states that x×y=−(y×x), we can rewrite the right side of the equation:
c×b=−(b×c)
Substituting this back into our equation, we get:
a×c=−(b×c)
Rearranging the terms to one side:
a×c+b×c=0
Using the distributive property of the cross product, we can factor out c:
(a+b)×c=0
Interpret the result of the simplified equation.
The cross product of two non-zero vectors is the zero vector (0) if and only if the two vectors are parallel. Let r=a+b. Then our equation is r×c=0. This implies that the vector (a+b) is parallel to the vector c=2i+3j+4k.
Therefore, we can write (a+b) as a scalar multiple of c:
a+b=λc=λ(2i+3j+4k)
for some scalar λ.
Use the given magnitude to find the scalar λ.
We are given that ∣a+b∣=29.
From our previous step, we have ∣a+b∣=∣λc∣=∣λ∣∣c∣.
Let's calculate the magnitude of c:
∣c∣=∣2i+3j+4k∣=22+32+42=4+9+16=29
Now, substitute the magnitudes back into the equation:
29=∣λ∣29
This implies that ∣λ∣=1, so λ=1 or λ=−1.
Determine the possible expressions for (a+b).
Based on the two possible values of λ, we have two possible expressions for the vector sum (a+b):
Case 1: If λ=1, then a+b=1⋅(2i+3j+4k)=2i+3j+4k.
Case 2: If λ=−1, then a+b=−1⋅(2i+3j+4k)=−2i−3j−4k.
Calculate the required dot product.
We need to find a possible value of (a+b)⋅(−7i+2j+3k). Let's calculate this for both cases.
For Case 1:(a+b)⋅(−7i+2j+3k)=(2i+3j+4k)⋅(−7i+2j+3k)=(2)(−7)+(3)(2)+(4)(3)=−14+6+12=4
For Case 2:(a+b)⋅(−7i+2j+3k)=(−2i−3j−4k)⋅(−7i+2j+3k)=(−2)(−7)+(−3)(2)+(−4)(3)=14−6−12=−4
Conclusion.
The possible values for the dot product are 4 and −4. The question asks for a possible value. Looking at the options:
A: 0
B: 3
C: 4
D: 8
The value 4 is listed as option C. Thus, a possible value is 4.