Chapter 2 Vectors in The Plane: Worked Solutions

Specialist Mathematics 11 Queensland
Worked solutions
Chapter 2 Vectors in the plane
Exercise 2.5 Projections of vectors
TF Technology free question
TF 1 For each of the following pairs of vectors, calculate the scalar projection of a onto b .
(a) a  4iˆ  ˆj and b  3iˆ  4 ˆj
Worked solution
a  4i  j
b  3i  4 j
b  9  16  5
1

bˆ  3i  4 j
5

  
1
a  bˆ  4 i  j  3i  4 j
5

12  4

5
8

5
8
The scalar projection of a onto b is a  bˆ  .
5
Answer
8
5
(b) a  4iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  2 ˆj
Worked solution
a  4i  3 j
b  3i  2 j
b  9  4  13
bˆ 
1
13

3i  2 j 
Copyright © Pearson Australia 2018 (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty Ltd) ISBN 978 1 4886 2143 7 Page 1

a  bˆ  4 i  3 j 1
13

3i  2 j 
12  6

5
18

13
18 13

13
18 13
13
Answer
18 13
13
(c) a  8iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  8 ˆj
Worked solution
a  8i  3 j
b  3 i  8 j
b  9  64  73
bˆ 
1
73

3 i  8 j 

a  bˆ  8i  3 j  
1
73

3i  8 j 
24  24

73
0
The scalar projection of a onto b is a  bˆ  0 .
Answer
0
(d) a  3iˆ  2 ˆj and b  5iˆ  6 ˆj
Worked solution
a  3 i  2 j
b  5i  6 j
b  25  36  61
bˆ 
1
61

5i  6 j 

a  bˆ  3i  2 j 
1
61
 
5i  6 j 
15  12

61
3

61
3 61

61
3 61
The scalar projection of a onto b is a  bˆ   .
61
Answer
3 61

61
(e) a  2iˆ  3 ˆj and b  4iˆ  5 ˆj
Worked solution
a  2 i  3 j
b  4i  5 j
b  16  25  41
bˆ 
1
41

4i  5 j 

a  bˆ  2 i  3 j 
1

41
45j  
8  15

41
23

41
23 41

41
23 41
The scalar projection of a onto b is a  bˆ   .
41
Answer
23 41

41
(f) a  5iˆ  6 ˆj and b  7iˆ  2 ˆj
Worked solution
a  5i  6 j
b  7 i  2 j
b  49  4  53
bˆ 
1
53

7 i  2 j 

a  bˆ  5i  6 j 
1

53

7 i  2 j 
35  12

53
47

53
47 53

53
47 53
53
Answer
47 53
53
TF 2 Consider a and b are unit vectors, and c is the scalar projection of a onto b .
(a) Which of the following statements is true?
A c 1 B 1  c  1 C 1  c  1 D c 1
Worked solution
Because â is a unit vector, aˆ  1 . If c is the scalar projection of â onto b̂ , then

c  aˆ cos   , therefore c  cos   . Because 1  cos    1 , 1  c  1 .
A Although aˆ  1 , there is no reason why c  1 . This would only occur if the angle   0 ,
and we are not given this information.
B This is almost the correct answer, but note the inequality signs: c could still be 1 or 1 .
C This is the correct answer.
D As c  cos   , there is no possible way that c  1 .
Answer
C 1  c  1
(b) Explain why the other statements are incorrect and what the common errors are.
Answer
Although aˆ  1 , there is no reason why c  1 . This would only occur if the angle   0 , and
this information is not given, so Alternative A is not correct. Alternative B could be considered
almost the correct answer, but note the inequality signs, so c could still be 1 or 1 . Because as
c  cos   , there is no possible way that alternative D is correct.
TF 3 For each of the following pairs of vectors, calculate:
(i) the vector projections of a onto b
(a) a  4iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  2 ˆj
Worked solution
a  4 i  3 j , b  3i  2 j
b  9  4  13
bˆ 
1
13
3i  2 j  

a  bˆ  4 i  3 j 
1
13

3i  2 j  
18 13

13
 a  bˆ  bˆ  181313  1
13

3i  2 j 

18
13

3i  2 j 
18
 
The vector projection of a onto b is a  bˆ bˆ   3i  2 j  .
13
Answer
18
13

3i  2 j 
(b) a  4iˆ  ˆj and b  3iˆ  4 ˆj
Worked solution
a  4i  j
b  3i  4 j
b  25  5
1

bˆ  3i  4 j
5

 1
 
a  bˆ  4 i  j  3i  4 j
5

8

5
 a  bˆ  bˆ  85  15 3i  4 j 

8
25

3i  4 j 
The vector projection of a onto b is a  bˆ bˆ    8
25

3i  4 j 
Answer
8
25

3i  4 j 
(c) a  8iˆ  4 ˆj and b  3iˆ  6 ˆj
Worked solution
a  8i  4 j
b  3 i  6 j
b  9  36  3 5
bˆ 
1
3 5

3 i  6 j 

a  bˆ  8i  4 j 
1
3 5

3i  6 j  
0

3 5
 a  bˆ bˆ  0
The vector projection of a onto b is a  bˆ bˆ  0 .  
Answer
0
(d) a  3iˆ  2 ˆj and b  5iˆ  6 ˆj
Worked solution
a  3 i  2 j
b  5i  6 j
b  25  36  61
bˆ 
1
61
5i  6 j  

a  bˆ  3i  2 j 
1
61

5i  6 j  
3

61
 a  bˆ  bˆ  3
61

1
61
5i  6 j  
3

61

5i  6 j 
The vector projection of a onto b is a  bˆ bˆ    3
61

5i  6 j .
Answer
3
61

5i  6 j 
(e) a  2iˆ  3 ˆj and b  4iˆ  7 ˆj
Worked solution
a  2 i  3 j
b  4i  7 j
b  16  49  65
bˆ 
1
65
4i  7 j  

a  bˆ  2 i  3 j 
1
65
4i  7 j  
29

65
 a  bˆ  bˆ  29
65

1
65

4i  7 j 
29

65

4i  7 j 
The vector projection of a onto b is a  bˆ bˆ 
29
4i  7 j .  65
 
Answer
29
65

4i  7 j 
(f) a  5iˆ  6 ˆj and b  7iˆ  2 ˆj
Worked solution
a  5i  6 j
b  7 i  2 j
b  49  4  53
bˆ 
1
53
7 i  2 j  

a  bˆ  5i  6 j   1
53

7 i  2 j 
47

53
 a  bˆ  bˆ  47
53

1
53

7 i  2 j 

47
53

7 i  2 j 
The vector projection of a onto b is a  bˆ bˆ 
47
7 i  2 j   53
 
Answer
47
53

7 i  2 j 
(ii) the vector projections of a perpendicular to b .
(a) a  4iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  2 ˆj
Worked solution
a  4i  3 j, b  3i  2 j
 a  bˆ bˆ  18
13
3i  2 j 
 
a  a  bˆ bˆ  4 i  3 j 
18
13

3i  2 j 

1
13

2i  3 j 
The vector projection of a perpendicular to b is a  a  bˆ bˆ  
1
13
 
2i  3 j .  
Answer

1
13

2i  3 j 
(b) a  4iˆ  ˆj and b  3iˆ  4 ˆj
Worked solution
a  4i  j, b  3i  4 j
 a  bˆ bˆ  258 3i  4 j 

 
a  a  bˆ bˆ  4 i  j 
8
25

3i  4 j 

1
25

76 i  57 j 
The vector projection of a perpendicular to b is a  a  bˆ bˆ 
1
 
76i  57 j .
25
 
Answer
1
25

76 i  57 j 
(c) a  8iˆ  4 ˆj and b  3iˆ  6 ˆj
Worked solution
a  8i  4 j, b  3i  6 j
 a  bˆ bˆ  0
 
a  a  bˆ bˆ  8i  4 j  0
 8i  4 j
 
The vector projection of a perpendicular to b is a  a  bˆ bˆ  8i  4 j .
Answer
8i  4 j
(d) a  3iˆ  2 ˆj and b  5iˆ  6 ˆj
Worked solution
a  3i  2 j, b  5i  6 j
 a  bˆ bˆ   613 5i  6 j 

 
a  a  bˆ bˆ  3i  2 j 
3
61

5i  6 j 
4

61

42 i  35 j 
4
61
 
42i  35 j .  
Answer
4
61

42i  35 j 
(e) a  2iˆ  3 ˆj and b  4iˆ  7 ˆj
Worked solution
a  2i  3 j, b  4i  7 j
 a  bˆ bˆ   29
65
 4i  7 j 
 
a  a  bˆ bˆ  2 i  3 j 
29
65

4i  7 j 
2

65

7i  4 j 
2
 
7i  4 j .
65
 
Answer
2
65

7i  4 j 
(f) a  5iˆ  6 ˆj and b  7iˆ  2 ˆj
Worked solution
a  5i  6 j, b  7i  2 j
 a  bˆ bˆ   47
53
 7i  2 j 
 a  bˆ  bˆ  5i  6 j  47
53
7i  2 j 

32
53

2i  7 j 
The vector projection of a perpendicular to b is a  a  bˆ bˆ    32
53

2i  7 j .
Answer
32
53

2i  7 j 
TF 4 Vector a  kiˆ  8 ˆj and vector b  4iˆ  ˆj . Determine k such that the scalar projection of
a onto b  10 .
Worked solution
b  42  12
 17
b 1
bˆ    4i  j 
b 17
1
a  bˆ   ki  8 j    4i  j 
17
4k  8
10 
17
4k  10 17  8
5 17  4
k  8.31
2
Answer
5 17  4
k  8.31
2
TF 5 A road is constructed through the jungle such that its direction is given by the vector r  5iˆ  2 ˆj ,
where the vectors iˆ and ĵ represent the direction of east and north respectively. At a certain point
along this road, an explorer ventures off the road and into the jungle. She eventually sets up camp at a
point defined by the position vector e  6iˆ  11 ˆj , d is the vector through the jungle to camp. (All
measurements are in kilometres.)
(a) Construct a diagram to represent the vectors.

Answer
(b) Calculate the vector projection of e perpendicular to r .

Worked solution
r  52  22  29
rˆ 
r
r

1
29

5i  2 j 
 1

e  rˆ  6 i  11 j 
29

5i  2 j 
30 22 52
  
29 29 29
52 1
 e  rˆ  rˆ 
29 29
 5i  2 j 
52

29

5i  2 j 
52

e   e  rˆ  rˆ  6i  11 j 
29
5i  2 j   
86 215
 i  j
29 29
Answer
86 215
e   e  rˆ  rˆ   i j
29 29
(c) Calculate the minimum distance from the road to the explorer’s camp, and the bearing on which
the explorer must travel from her camp to reach the road along this shortest path.
Worked solution
The magnitude of the vector projection is:
2 2
 86   215 
e   e  rˆ  rˆ       
 29   29 
43
  7.9849
29
The direction of the vector projection from the positive x -axis is:

180  tan  1
    111.8
215
29

   

86
29
Therefore, the bearing to reach the road along the shortest path:
Bearing  180  111.8  90 
 158.2
 158 T
Answer
The distance = 7.98 km (2 d.p.) and the bearing  158 T .
(d) Identify any assumptions you have made and state any effects these assumptions would have on
your answer.
Answer
This answer assumes that the road continues along a straight line, and that the ground is
perfectly flat. Any changes in elevation of the terrain would result in a longer distance from the
explorer to the road.
6 a , b and c are unit vectors in the Cartesian plane.
(a) Demonstrate that a  cos   iˆ  sin   ˆj .
Answer
a  a cos   i  a sin   j
Since a is a unit vector a  1 .
a  1 cos   i  1 sin   j
 cos   i  sin   j
(b) Derive similar expressions for b and c .

Worked solution
b  b cos    i  b sin    j
Since b is a unit vector b  1 .
b  cos    i  sin    j
Note that for c , the angle is in the 4th quadrant.

c  c cos    i  c sin    j
Since c is a unit vector c  1 , cos      cos    and sin       sin   
c  cos    i  sin    j
Answer
b  cos    i  sin    j and c  cos    i  sin    j
(c) Calculate a  b and a  c .
Worked solution
 
a  b  cos   i  sin   j  cos    i  sin    j 
 cos    cos     sin    sin   
 cos   cos     sin   sin   
 
a  c  cos   i  sin   j  cos    i  sin    j 
 cos    cos     sin    sin   
 cos   cos     sin   sin   
Answer
a  b  cos   cos     sin   sin    a  c  cos   cos     sin   sin   
;
(d) Hence, deduce the compound angle formulas:
( ) ( ) ( )
cos a - b = cos a cos b + sin a sin b ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
cos a + b = cos a cos b - sin a sin b ( ) ( )
Answer
Now a  b  a b cos   where  is the angle between a and b .
Here      and a  b  1 .
Therefore a  b  cos     .
Thus, cos      cos   cos     sin   sin   
Similarly, a  c  a c cos   where  is the angle between a and c .
Here      and a  c  1 .
Therefore a  c  cos     .
Thus, cos      cos   cos     sin   sin   
Worked solutions
Exercise 2.6 Vectors in geometric proofs
TF 1 Using a vector method, demonstrate that p  aiˆ  bˆj and q  biˆ  aˆj are perpendicular.
Worked solution
If p.q  0 then p  q
 
p.q  ai  bj . bi  aj 
  a.  b     b.a 
 ab  ab
0
p.q  0 , therefore p  q .
Answer
If p.q  0 p  q
 
p.q  ai  bj . bi  aj 
  a.  b     b.a 
 ab  ab
0
p.q  0 , therefore p  q .
2 Prove that the points A  2, 3 , B  0,1 and C  3, 7  are collinear.
Worked solution
AB  b  a
  
 0 i  1 j  2 i  3 j 
 2i  4 j
AC  c  a
  
 3i  7 j  2 i  3 j 
 5 i  10 j
If AC  k . AB , then AB is parallel to AC .
Now
AC  5 i  10 j

 2.5 2 i  4 j 
 2.5 AB
Since AC  2.5AB and both vectors include point A , therefore points A  2, 3 , B  0,1 and
C  3, 7  are collinear.
Answer
AB  b  a
  
 0i  1 j  2i  3 j 
 2i  4 j
AC  c  a
  
 3i  7 j  2 i  3 j 
 5 i  10 j
If AC  k.AB , then AB is parallel to AC .

Now
AC  5 i  10 j

 2.5 2 i  4 j 
 2.5 AB
Since AC  2.5AB and both vectors include point A , therefore points A  2, 3 , B  0,1 and
C  3, 7  are collinear.
3 Consider the quadrilateral ABCD as shown in the diagram. Let a  AB , b  BC , c  CD and

d  DA .
Which one of the following statements is correct?
A a b  c d B a c  bd
C abcd D a  c  b  d
Worked solution
If you start from point A , you can see that a  b  c  d  0 , in other words, you end up where
you started from. The correct statement must match the equation a  b  c  d  0 .
A This statement rearranges to give a  b  c  d  0 , which is incorrect.
B This statement rearranges to give a  b  c  d  0 , which is incorrect.
C This statement rearranges to give a  b  c  d  0 , which is incorrect.
D This statement rearranges to give a  b  c  d  0 , which is correct.
Answer
D
4 Consider the circle with centre O and radius OA  a . B is a point on the circle and the diameter is
AC . Let BC  b .
(a) Which one of the following statements must be true?
1
A a b B a b  bb
2
C a b  a a D 2a  b  b  b
Worked solution
BA  2a  b
BA  BC   2a  b   b
 2a  b  b  b
AB  BC  AB  BC  0
 2a  b  b  b  0
2a  b  b  b
A Vectors a and b are in different directions, so this option is not valid.
B This equation does not fit the calculated relationship.
C This equation does not fit the calculated relationship.
D This is the correct response from the calculation.
Answer
D
(b) Explain why the first of the incorrect options is not correct.
Answer
1
Since a  b , vectors a and b are in different directions, this option doesn’t apply to the diagram.
2
5 Prove that the diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length.

Answer
AC  a  b
BD  b  a
AC   a  b  a  b 
2
 a  b  2a  b
2 2
BD   b  a  b  a 
2
 b  a  2a  b
2 2
Now, a  b  0 since a  b .
2 2
So, AC  BD .
Hence, the diagonals of the rectangle are equal in length.
6 Consider the parallelogram OABC where OA  a and AB  b as shown. Prove that the diagonals of a
parallelogram meet at right angles if and only if it is a rhombus.
Answer
Let OA  CB  a and OC  AB  b .
Then OB  OA  AB
and CA  OA  CO
If the rectangle is a rhombus, then the diagonals are perpendicular, hence the dot product is
equal to zero.
OB.CA   a  b    a  b 
 aa  ab  ba  bb
2 2
a b
Now if OB  CA  0 , then the diagonals and are perpendicular.

OB  CA
 OB.CA  0
 a  b 0
2 2
a b
2 2
Therefore, the diagonals of a parallelogram meet at right angles if and only if it is a rhombus.
7 Let ABCD be the vertices of a quadrilateral and E , F , G and H be the midpoints as shown. Prove
that the quadrilateral with vertices EFGH is a parallelogram.
Answer
To prove that EFGH is a parallelogram you need to show that p  q and r  s .
By the definition of vector addition,

AB  BC  AC and AD  DC  AC .
p  EB  BF
1 1
 AB  BC
2 2
1

 AB  BC
2

1
 AC
2
q  HD  DG
1 1
 AD  DC
2 2
1

 AD  DC
2

1
 AC
2
1
Hence q  p , as they are both equal to AC .
2
Similarly, by the definition of the vector addition,  AB  AD  BD and BC  DC  BD
r   AE  AH
1 1
  AB  AD
2 2
1

  AB  AD
2

1
 BD
2
s  FC  GC
1 1
 BC  DC
2 2
1

 BC  DC
2

1
 BD
2
1
Hence s  r as they both equal to BD .
2
Therefore EFGH is a parallelogram.
8 Use vector methods to prove that the midpoint of the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is
equidistant from all vertices.
Answer
1
BM  b  a  b
2
1
 a  b
2
1
 a  b  a  b 
2
AM 
4

1 2
4

a  b  2a  b
2

1
BM   a  b  a  b 
2
4

1 2
4

a  b  2a  b
2

But, a  b , so a  b  0
2 2
AM  BM
Hence,
Hence, the midpoint of the hypotenuse is equidistant from all three vertices.
9 ABCD is a rectangle. Prove that the diagonals of a rectangle bisect each other.
Answer
AC  a  b
DB  a  b
AX  x AC  x  a  b 
DX  yDB  y  a  b 
AD  AX  DX
 x a  b  y a  b
 xa  xb  ya  yb
  x  y a   x  yb
But AD  b so,
0a  b   x  y  a   x  y  b
x y 0
x  y 1
2x  1
1
x
2
1
y
2
10 Apollonius’ theorem relates the length of a median of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. In any
triangle, the sum of the squares on any two sides is equal to twice the square of half the third side
together with twice the square of the median bisecting the third side.
In the triangle ABC , AB  a and AC  b . Apollonius’ theorem would state that

2 2
AB  AC  2 AX  BX 2 2
 . Prove Apollonius’ theorem for this triangle.
Answer
First, calculate and .
BC  BA  AC
 a  b
1
BX  BC
2
1
 (b  a)
2
AX  AB  BX
1
 a  (b  a)
2
1 1
 a b a
2 2
1 1
 a b
2 2
1
 ( a  b)
2
Now calculate 2( BX  BX  AX  AX ) :
1 1
BX  BX  b  a   b  a 
2 2
1
 b  b  b  a  a  b  a  a 
4
1
  b  b  2b  a  a  a 
4
1 2

 b  2a  b  a
4
2

1 1
AX  AX  a  b  a  b
2 2
1
 a  a  a b  b  a  b b
4
1
  a  a  2a  b  b  b 
4

1 2
4

a  2a  b  b
2


2 BX  BX  AX  AX   1
2
  
b  2a  b  a  a  2a  b  b
2 2 2 2

1

 2 a 2 b
2
2 2

a b
2 2
2 2
AB  AC  a  b
2 2

 2 BX  BX  AX  AX 

 2 AX  BX
2 2

11 Consider the parallelogram OABC where OA  a and AB  b .
Prove that the sum of the squares of the lengths of the diagonals of a parallelogram is equal to the sum
of the squares of the lengths of the sides.
Answer
Start by determining the diagonals and in terms of a and b .

OA  CB  a
OC  AB  b
OB  OA  AB  a  b
AC  AB  BC  b  a
Then calculate the sum of the squares of the lengths of the sides of the parallelogram:
2 2 2 2
OA  AB  OC  CB
a b b a
2 2 2 2

2 a  b
2 2

Determine the sum of the squares of the lengths of the diagonals and in terms of a and
b.
2 2
OB  AC
 ab  ba
2 2
  a  b    a  b   b  a   b  a 
 a  a  2 a  b  b  b  b  b  2a  b  a  a
 2a  a  2b  b
2 a 2 b
2 2

2 a  b
2 2

 
2 2 2 2
Now OA  AB  OC  CB  2 a  b
2 2
 
2 2
and OB  AC  2 a  b
2 2
2 2 2 2 2 2
Therefore OA  AB  OC  CB  OB  AC
Worked solutions
Exercise 2.7 Problems involving displacement and velocity
TF 1 Devin begins his day at home. At 8:00 am he travels 5.6 km in a northerly direction to school and
stays there until 3:00 pm, at which time he drives 9.4 km to the shops and then 9 km home, arriving
back at his house at 4:00 pm.
(a) Calculate Devin’s average speed between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Worked solution
distance travelled
average speed 
time taken
5.6  9.4  9

8
 3 km h 1
Answer
3 km h 1
(b) Calculate Devin’s average velocity between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Worked solution
Because Devin returned to his starting point, his total displacement is 0 km . Because velocity is
the rate of change of displacement, his average velocity is 0 km h 1 .
Answer
0 km h 1
2 Louise is going for a walk around the block. She starts at O and moves to point A and then to point B,
where she stops to have a rest.
(a) Calculate the distance Louise travelled from O to B.

Worked solution
The distance Louise travelled from O to B is 200 + 650 = 850m .
Answer
The distance Louise travelled from O to B is 850m .
(b) Calculate Louise’s displacement from O to B, correct to 1 decimal place.

Worked solution
Calculate the magnitude of the vector between O and B : 2002  6502  680.1 m
Calculate the direction of B from O :
 200 
tan 1    17.1027 .
 650 
Therefore B from O is  90  17.1027    N72.9E
Answer
Louise’s displacement from O to B, correct to 1 decimal place, is 680.1 m from O in a direction
of N72.9°E.
(c) If Louise takes 12 minutes to reach point B, calculate her average speed, in metres per second,
correct to 1 decimal place.
Worked solution
850
Louise’s average speed, in metres per second, correct to 1 decimal place is  1.2 m s1 .
12  60
Answer
Louise’s average speed, in metres per second, correct to 1 decimal place is 1.2 m s–1.
(d) Calculate Louise’s average velocity from O to B, in metres per second, correct to 1 decimal
place.
Worked solution
displacement 680.1
velocity    0.9 m s1 in the direction N72.9E .
time 12  60
Answer
Louise’s average velocity, in metres per second, correct to 1 decimal place is 0.9 m s–1 in a
direction of N72.9°E.
3 Kudzie walks 200 m south, then 330 m east, and finally 190 m south. Calculate Kudzie’s
displacement, correct to 1 decimal place, for his entire walk. Give your answer to 1 decimal place and
express the direction as a true bearing.
Worked solution
The three legs of the journey can be represented by the vectors a  200 j , b  330 i and
c  190 j , so the vector sum of the three legs  330i  390 j .
Magnitude  3302   390   510.9 m (1 d.p.)

2
 390 
Direction = tan 1    49.7636... .
 330
 
Bearing  90  49.7636...  140T
Answer
Kudzie’s displacement, correct to 1 decimal place, for his entire walk is 510.9 m in the
direction 140T .
4 A mountain-climbing expedition establishes its base camp and two intermediate camps at positions A
and B. Camp A is 8400 m west of and 1800 m above base camp. Camp B is 5900 m west of Camp A
and 850 m higher than Camp A. Calculate the displacement of Camp B from the base camp. (Give
answers correct to 1 decimal place.)
Worked solution
Draw a diagram (not to scale):
The displacement of Camp B from the base camp is
(8400 + 5900) + (1800 + 850)

2 2
= 14543.5 m at an angle of elevation of
æ 1800 + 850 ö
tan -1 ç = 10.5°
è 8400 + 5900 ÷ø
Answer
The displacement of Camp B from the base camp is 14 543.5 m at an angle of elevation of 10.5°.
TF 5 Ronin is running at 8 m s–1 north, and Charlie is chasing after him at 6 m s–1 north. What is Charlie’s
velocity relative to Ronin?
Worked solution
As Ronin is running faster than Charlie, it appears from Ronin’s position that Charlie is moving
backwards—in other words, in a southerly direction. The relative velocity  2 m s 1 south.
Answer
2 m s 1 south
6 If a river ﬂows at 5 km h–1 and William rows at 10 km h–1, in what direction should William row to go
straight across the river?
A downstream at angle of 60° to the bank
B upstream at angle of 30° to the bank
C upstream at angle of 60° to the bank
D not possible
Worked solution
The problem can be represented by the diagram (not to scale):
 5
   cos 1    60 upstream
 10 
A William must row upstream so that he ends up directly opposite the point he started from, so
this option is incorrect.
B Ensure that the angle  in your diagram is the angle to the bank, not to the vector across the
river.
C This is the correct response.
D It is indeed possible. William can row faster than the river is travelling.
Answer
C
7 If a river ﬂows at 10 km h–1 and William rows at 5 km h–1, in what direction should William row to go
straight across the river?
A downstream at angle of 60° to the bank
B upstream at angle of 30° to the bank
C upstream at angle of 60° to the bank
D not possible
Worked solution
If the velocities from the previous question are reversed, then
 10 
   cos 1   is undefined
 5
A Heading downstream will not allow him to go straight across the river. This option is
incorrect.
B The river is travelling faster than William can row. He will not be able to reach the point
directly across the river.
C The river is travelling faster than William can row. He will not be able to reach the point
directly across the river.
D This is the correct option. To have any chance of reaching the point directly across the river,
William must be able to row faster than the speed of the river.
Answer
D
8 (a) Karen, who is standing still on the ground, is watching an aircraft flying in a tail wind and
travelling at a velocity of 100 m s–1 north, relative to the air. If the velocity of the wind is
10 m s–1 north, calculate the actual velocity of the aircraft relative to Karen.
Worked solution
Let i be a unit vector in an easterly direction, and j be a unit vector in a northerly direction.
vp  vp rel w  vw
vp  100 j  10 j  110 j
Answer
The velocity of the aircraft is 110 m s-1 north.
(b) Later, when the wind has changed direction to 10 m s–1 south, Karen observes a second aircraft
flying with a velocity of 125 m s–1 north, relative to the air. Calculate the actual velocity of the
aircraft relative to Karen.
Worked solution
vp  125 j  10 j  115 j
Answer
The velocity of the aircraft is 115 m s 1 north.
(c) The next day, when the wind has changed to 25 m s–1 west, Karen observes another aircraft
flying with a velocity of 100 m s–1 north, relative to the air. Calculate the actual velocity of the
aircraft relative to Karen.
Worked solution
vp  100 j  25i
Magnitude   25  1002

2
 103.1 m s 1 (1 dp)
 100 
Direction  tan 1   75.96
 25 
 
Bearing  270  75.96  345.96  346T
Answer
The velocity of the aircraft, correct to 1 decimal place, is 103.1 m s–1 in the direction 346°T.
9 Mark is taking his dog for a walk along the path in the local park, as shown in the diagram. Calculate
the magnitude and direction of Mark’s resultant displacement, correct to the nearest whole number.
Worked solution
Convert each leg of the journey to vectors in component form:
a  130i , b  210 j , c  160cos  30  i  160sin  30  j , d  250cos  60  i  250sin  60  j
Calculate the vector sum:
u   130  160cos  30   250sin  60   i   210  160sin 30   250sin 60   j
 133.564...i  73.4936... j
Magnitude  133.564...2   73.4936...  152.4 (1 d.p.)

2
 73.4936... 
 133.564... 
 
Bearing  90  28.82  118.82  119T
Answer
The magnitude and direction of Mark’s resultant displacement, correct to the nearest whole
number, is 152 m in the direction 119 T .
10 While exploring a recently discovered cave system, Eylece starts at the entrance of the cave and makes
the following movements: 85 m north, 190 m east, 250 m N45°E, and 100 m south.
(a) Calculate Eylece’s final displacement from the cave entrance.

Worked solution
Convert each leg of the journey to vectors in component form:
a  85 j , b  190i , c  250cos  45 i  250sin  45 j , d  100 j
Calculate the vector sum:

u  190  250cos  45   i  85  250sin  45   100  j
 366.7767...i  161.7767... j
Magnitude Magnitude  366.7767...2  161.7767...2  400.9 (1 d.p.)
 161.7767... 
 366.7767... 
 
Bearing  90  23.8  66.2  66T
Answer
Eylece’s final displacement from the cave entrance is 401 m in the direction 66T .
(b) If the time taken for each leg of the journey was 12 min, 14 min, 14 min and 5 min respectively,
calculate Eylece’s average velocity (in km h–1).
Worked solution
Total time  12  14  14  5  45 min .
displacement 0.401 km
velocity    0.53 km h 1 (2 d.p.) .
time 0.75 h
The direction will be the same as the displacement calculation.
Answer
Eylece’s average velocity is 0.53 km h–1 (2 d.p.) in the direction 66 T .
11 Sia and Mitchell are riding in a boat whose speed relative to the water is 3 m s–1. The boat points
upstream at an angle of 35° with the bank on a river flowing at 0.75 m s–1.
(a) If the river is 50 m wide, calculate (correct to 2 decimal places) the time it takes for their boat to
reach the opposite shore.
Worked solution
Let i be a unit vector parallel to the river, and j be a unit vector perpendicular to the river.
Let vb be the velocity of the boat (relative to an observer on the bank), vb rel r be the velocity of
the boat relative to the river, and vr be the velocity of the river. Therefore,
vb  vb rel r  vr
vb rel r  3cos  35 i  3sin  35 j
vr  0.75i
vb  vb rel r  vr
  3cos  35   0.75 i  3sin  35  j
We are only concerned with the j component of the velocity.
50
t  29.06
3sin  35 
Answer
The time it takes for the boat to reach the opposite shore is 29.06 seconds (2 d.p.).
(b) Calculate the distance (correct to 2 decimal places) between the points at which Sia and Mitchell
embark and disembark from the boat.
Worked solution
Calculate the displacement, d , at t  29.06 seconds.
displacement
velocity 
time
 3cos  35  0.75 i  3sin  35  j  29.06

d
d  49.618 68...i  50 j
d  49.618 68...2  502  70.44 m (2 dp)
Answer
The distance between the points of embarkation and disembarkation is 70.44 m .
12 Let iˆ and ĵ be unit vectors in the east and north directions respectively. Ben is swimming in the
ocean and his velocity relative to the water, v ms1 , is given by the vector v
b rel w  iˆ  2 ˆj . The
b rel w
ocean’s current has a velocity vw ms , where vw  0.5iˆ  2.5 ˆj . Calculate the magnitude and direction
1
of Ben’s actual velocity, vb ms1 , correct to 1 decimal place.
Worked solution
vh  vh rel w  vw
 i  2 j  0.5i  2 j
 0.5i  0.5 j
vh   0.5   0.5
2 2
 0.7 m s 1
 0.5 
  tan 1  
 0.5 
 45
The direction is 90  45  45T
Answer
The magnitude and direction of Ben’s velocity is 0.7 m s 1 at a direction of 45T .
13 When a car travels at 60 km h–1, the rain appears to fall towards the car at an angle of 45° to the
horizontal. When the car travels at 60 km h–1 in the opposite direction, the rain appears to fall towards
the car at an angle of 55° to the horizontal. Calculate the actual angle at which the rain is falling,
relative to the horizontal ground. State any assumptions you make and comment on the effect of these
assumptions on your answer.
Worked solution
Construct a vector diagram that shows all relative velocities (not to scale):
It is most efficient in this case to use the triangle rules. Calculate both relative velocity vectors.
Note that angle C  180  45  55  80
Using the sine rule:
a c

sin  A  sin  C 
a 120

sin  45  sin  80 
a  86.1618...
Using the cosine rule:
vr  vcar2  vrain rel car2  2 vcar2 vrain rel car2 cos  55 
2 2 2
vr  602  86.1618...2  2  60  86.1618...  cos  55 

2
vr  5093.4104...
2
vr  71.3681... km h 1
sin( ) sin(55 )

86.162... 71.3681...
  81.48 (2 dp)
Therefore, the rain is falling at an angle 81.48 to the horizontal (to 2 d.p.).
Answer
The rain is falling at an angle 81.48 to the horizontal (to 2 d.p.). This answer assumes that the
rain falls at a constant velocity for both legs of the journey, and that the car travels along a road
which is completely horizontal. If the road is not horizontal, the angle of the rain will be
affected.
Worked solutions
Exercise 2.8 Problems involving forces
1 The following separate forces are acting on objects. Calculate the resultant force acting on each object.
(a) F1  150 N north, F2  120 N south
Worked solution
F1  F2  150  120  30 N north
~ ~
Answer
F1  F2  30 N north
~ ~
(b) F1  67 N east, F2  83 N west
Worked solution
F1  F2  67  83  16
~ ~
 16 N east
=16 N west
Answer
F1  F2  16 N west
~ ~
(c) F1  320 N east, F2  210 N west, F3  140 N east
Worked solution
F1  F2  F3  320  210  140  250 N east
~ ~ ~
Answer
F1  F2  F3  250 N east
~ ~ ~
(d) F1  64 N south, F2  56 N north, F3  48 N south
Worked solution
F1  F2  F3  64  56  48  56  56 N south
~ ~ ~
Answer
F1  F2  F3  56 N south
~ ~ ~
2 The following separate forces are acting on objects. Calculate the resultant force, correct to 2 decimal
places, acting on each object.
(a) F1  160 N north, F2  120 N west
Worked solution
F1  F2  1602  1202  200

~ ~
 160 
  tan 1  
 120 
 53.13
Bearing  270  53.13
 323.13 T
Answer
200.00 N at 323.13°T
(b) F1  80 N east, F2  90 N south
Worked solution
F1  F2  902  802  120.42

~ ~
 90 
  tan 1  
 80 
 48.37
Bearing  90  48.37
 138.37 T
Answer
120.42 N at 138.37 T
(c) F1  125 N west, F2  85 N south
Worked solution
F1  F2  1252  852  151.16

~ ~
 85 
  tan 1  
 125 
 34.22
Bearing  270  34.22
 235.78 T
Answer
151.16 N at 235.78 T
(d) F1  340 N north, F2  110 N east
Worked solution
F1  F2  3402  1102  357.35

~ ~
 110 
  tan 1  
 340 
 17.93
Bearing  17.93 T
Answer
357.35 N at 17.93 T
3 Two tug boats are applying simultaneous forces to a container ship as it attempts to berth at the port.
One tug boat is applying a force of 3200 N in an easterly direction and the second tug boat is applying
a 2300 N force directly south. Calculate the resultant force being applied to the container ship, giving
the direction as a conventional bearing.
Worked solution
F1  F2  23002  32002  3941

~ ~
 3200 
  tan 1  
 2300 
 54  S54E
Answer
The resultant force being applied to the container ship is 3941 N in the direction S54E .
4 Calculate the resultant force R acting on each of the following objects that have two forces acting on
them. Give answers correct to 2 decimal places.
(a) F1  100 Nacting at N40E and F2  90 N acting at N35W . (Express the direction as a
conventional bearing.)
Worked solution
F1  100 cos  50  i  100sin  50  j
~
F2  90 cos  55  i  90sin  55  j
~
F1  F2  12.66 i  150.33 j
~ ~
F1  F2  12.662  150.332
~ ~
 150.86
æ 150.33 ö
q = tan -1 ç
è 12.6 ÷ø
= 85.19°
º N ( 90 - 85.19 ) °E
º N4.81°E
Answer
R  150.86 N acting in the direction N4.81E .
(b) F1  200 N acting at N39W and F2  160 N acting at S40W . (Express the direction as a
conventional bearing.)
Worked solution
F1  200 cos  51  i  200sin  51  j
~
F2  160 cos  50  i  160sin  50  j
~
F1  F2  228.71i  32.86 j
~ ~
F1  F2   228.71
2
 32.862
~ ~
 231.06
 32.86 
  tan 1  
 228.71 
 171.82
 N81.82W
Answer
R  231.06 N acting in the direction N81.82W .
(c) F1  15 N acting at 152 T and F2  23 N acting at 065 T . (Express the direction as a true
bearing.)
Worked solution
F1  15cos  62  i  15sin  62  j
~
F2  23cos  25  i  23sin  25  j
~
F1  F2  27.89 i  3.52 j
~ ~
F1  F2  27.892   3.52 
2
~ ~
 28.11
 3.52 
  tan 1  
 27.89 
 7.20
 97.2T
Answer
R  28.11 N acting in the direction 97.2T .
(d) F1  2050 N acting at 037 T and F2  1560 N acting at 226 T . (Express the direction as a true
bearing.)
Worked solution
F1  2050 cos  53  i  2050sin  53  j
~
F2  1560 cos  44  i  1560sin  44  j
~
F1  F2  111.55i  553.53 j
~ ~
F1  F2  111.552  553.532
~ ~
 564.66
 553.53 
  tan 1  
 111.55 
 78.61
  90  78.61 T
 011.39T
Answer
R  564.66 N acting in the direction 011.39T
5 Three forces act simultaneously in the same plane on an object, creating a resultant force of
F  360 N due north. If the first force is F1  440 N north and the second force is F2  560 N south,
calculate the magnitude and direction of the third force, F3 .
Worked solution
F1  440 j and F2  560 j .
~ ~
F1  F2  F3  360 j
~ ~ ~
440 j  560 j  F3  360 j
~
F3  360 j  440 j  560 j
~
F3  480 j
~
Answer
F3  480 N north
~
6 Amanda and Curly are attempting to move a broken-down car. Amanda applies a force of 250 N west
and Curly applies a force of 300 N north. What is the direction of their resultant force? Give your
answer as a bearing.
Worked solution
1  300 
Angle to negative x -axis is   tan    50
 250 
Therefore, bearing  N 40 W .
Answer
N 40 W
7 Gaurav attempts to push an object weighing 160 kg across a wooden floor with coefficient of friction
  0.3 . What force must he exert in order to move the table?
Worked solution
N  160 g
 1568 N
F  N
 0.3 1568 N
 470.4 N
Answer
Required force is 470.4 N .
8 An object sits on a rough surface, and a force G is applied to the object in a parallel direction to the
surface. Which of the following would result in a reduced friction force?
A an increase in the object’s weight
B an increase in  , the coefficient of friction
C an increase in force G
D a decrease in force G
Worked solution
A Increasing the weight will increase the normal reaction force, in turn increasing the friction.
B Increasing  will increase the maximum possible friction.
C When G is increased, the friction force will increase sufficiently to oppose G .
D When G is decreased, the friction force will decrease.
Answer
D
9 In the diagram the three forces F1 , F2 and F3 are acting on the particle, which remains in equilibrium.
(a) Which of the following statement is false?
A The object’s motion will remain unchanged.
B F1  F2  F3  0
C The object experiences no acceleration.
D The magnitude of the forces acting and the angles between the forces can be found using
trigonometric ratios only if the triangle contains a right angle.
Worked solution
A This statement is true, since the forces are in equilibrium.
B This statement is true. An object in equilibrium has a resultant force of zero.
C This statement is true. For an object to experience acceleration, it must have a non-zero
resultant force.
D This statement is false. Trigonometric ratios can be used to calculate vector components
regardless of whether the triangle contains a right angle.
Answer
D The magnitude of the forces acting and the angles between the forces can be found using
trigonometric ratios only if the triangle contains a right angle.
(b) Identify the key concepts required to choose the correct answer in part (a).
Answer
Because the object’s motion will remain unchanged, the forces are in equilibrium.
F F F 0
~1 ~ 2 is true because an object in equilibrium has a resultant force of zero. The object
~ 3
experiences no acceleration because it has a non-zero resultant force.
10 Kelly and Sam are moving a piano weighing 850 kg across a rough surface. When Kelly pushes with a
force of 450 N parallel to the floor and Sam pulls in the same direction with a force of 500 N, the
piano just starts to move. Calculate the coefficient of friction of the floor, correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
Total resultant force  450  500  950 N
Normal reaction force N  mg
 850  9.8
 8330 N
If the piano just starts to move, then friction will equal the applied force.
F  N
950    8330
  0.11 (2 d.p.)
Answer
  0.11 (2 d.p.)
11 Three forces F1 , F2 and F3 are acting on an object: F1  200 N at 057°T , F2  220 N at 170°T and
F3  150 N at 245°T .
(a) Resolve each of the forces in horizontal iˆ components and vertical ĵ components. Give
answers correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
F1  200cos  33 i  200sin  33  j  167.73i  108.93 j
~
F2  220cos 80 i  220sin 80  j  38.20 i  216.66 j

~
F3  150cos  25 i  150sin  25 j  135.95i  63.39 j

~
Answer
F1  167.73i  108.93 j F2  38.20i  216.66 j F3  135.95i  63.39 j
~ ~ ~
; ;
(b) Determine the resultant force, R . Give answers correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
F1  F2  F3  69.99 i  171.12 j
~ ~ ~
F1  F2  F3  69.992   171.12   184.88

2
~ ~ ~
 171.12 
  tan 1  
 69.99 
 67.76  157.76T
Answer
R  69.99i  171.12 j . Therefore, R  184.88 N at 157.76T .
12 Three forces F1 , F2 and F3 are acting on an object: F1  250 N at N45E , F2  270 N at S35W
and F3  350 N at S25E .
(a) Resolve each of the forces in horizontal iˆ components and vertical ĵ components. Give
Worked solution
F1  250cos  45  i  250sin  45  j  176.78i  176.78 j
~
F2  270cos  55 i  270sin 55  j  154.87 i  221.17 j

~
F3  350cos  65 i  350sin  65 j  147.92 i  317.21 j

~
Answer
F1  176.78i  176.78 j F2  154.87 i  221.17 j F3  147.92i  317.21 j
~ ~ ~
; ;
(b) Determine the resultant force R . Give answers correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
F1  F2  F3  169.83i  361.60 j
~ ~ ~
F1  F2  F3  169.832   361.60   399.50

2
~ ~ ~
 361.60 
  tan 1  
 169.83 
 64.84  S25.16E
Answer
R  169.83i  361.60 j . Therefore, R  399.50 N at S25.16E .
13 A particle of mass 20 kg is suspended by two strings attached to two points in the same horizontal
plane. If the two strings make angles of 20° and 45° respectively to the horizontal, calculate the
magnitude of the tension in each string, in newtons correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
i : F1 cos  20  F2 cos  45  0
~ ~
j : F1 sin  20  F2 sin  45  20 g  0

~ ~
Solving simultaneously for F1 and F2 gives: F1  152.92 N and F1  203.22 N

~ ~ ~ ~
Answer
Force F1 : F1  152.92 N ; Force F2 : F2  203.22 N

~ ~ ~ ~
14 An object that has a vertically downwards force of 70 N is suspended by a string of negligible mass.
The object is pulled to the right by a horizontal force so that the string makes an angle of 35° with the
vertical as shown in the diagram. Calculate the magnitudes of the horizontal force, F N , and the
tension in the string, T N . Give answers correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
Vertical components and horizontal components will add to give zero.
i : T cos  55   F  0
j : T sin  55   70  0
Solving for F and T gives: F  49.01 N and T  85.45 N
Answer
F  49.01 N ; T  85.45 N
15 An object that has a vertically downwards force of 250 N is suspended by a string of negligible mass.
The object is pulled to the right by a horizontal force so that the string makes an angle of 22° with the
vertical.
(a) Draw the force diagram for the problem. Let the horizontal force be F N and the tension in the
string be T N .
Answer
(b) Calculate the magnitudes of the horizontal force, F N , and the tension in the string, T N . Give
Worked solution
i : T cos  68   F  0
j : T sin  68   250  0
Solving for F and T gives: F  101.01 N and T  269.63 N
Answer
F  101.01 N ; T  269.63 N
16 Two tug boats are towing a large boat, of mass 15 000 kg, in an easterly direction in the channel
towards the dock. The first tug boat is pulling with a force of F1  8000 N at an angle of 28° north of
the forward motion and the second tug boat is pulling with a force of F2  8250 N at an angle θ south
of the forward motion. If there is a resistive force of 4200 N opposing the eastern motion of the large
boat, calculate the easterly force acting on the large boat, to the nearest newton.
Worked solution
As the movement of the boat is eastwards, the j components in the diagram must be balanced.
F1  8000 cos  28  i  8000sin  28  j

~
F2  8250cos   i  8250sin   j
~
R  4200 i
j : 8000sin  28   8250sin  

 8000sin  28  
   sin 1    27.08
 8250 
i : 8000 cos  28   8250cos  27.08   4200  10 209.1
Answer
F  10209 N
17 Two tug boats are towing a large boat, of mass M kg, back to shore. The first tug boat is pulling with a
force of F1 N at an angle of 27° north of the forward motion and the second tug boat is pulling with a
force of F2 N at an angle 30° south of the forward motion. If the large boat is being pulled with
constant velocity, and there is a resistive force of 5500 N to the motion, calculate the magnitudes of
the two forces F1 and F2 to the nearest newton.
Worked solution
F1  F1 cos  27  i  F1 sin  27  j

~ ~ ~
F2  F2 cos  30  i  F2 sin  30  j

~ ~ ~
R  5500 i
i : F1 cos  27   F2 cos  30   5500  0

~ ~
j : F1 sin(27)  F2 sin  30   0

~ ~
Solving simultaneously for i and j components will give:
F1  3279
~
F2  2977
~
Answer
F1  3279 ; F2  2977
~ ~
18 A section of a new bridge is being moved into position by four cranes, which will move it horizontally
into position. The chains on the four cranes that are connected to the bridge section exert forces that
are acting on the bridge simultaneously and in the same plane. The four forces are F1  2050 N at
037°T, F2  1560 N at 130°T, F3  1650 N acting at 237°T and F4  1930 N acting at 316°T.
(a) Calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant force applied to the bridge section. Give
answers correct to the nearest whole number.
Worked solution
Convert all forces to component form.
F1  2050sin  37 i  2050cos  37  j  1233.72i  1637.20 j
~
F2  1560cos  40 i  1560sin  40 j  1195.03i  1002.75 j

~
F3  1650cos  33 i  1650sin  33 j  1383.81i  898.65 j

~
F4  1930sin  44 i  1930cos  44  j  1340.69 i  1388.33 j

~
Calculate the resultant force, R .

R  F1  F2  F3  F4
~ ~ ~ ~
   
 1233.72 i  1637.20 j  1195.03i  1002.75 j   1383.81i  898.65 j   1340.69i  1388.33 j
 ~
 
 295.75i  1124.13 j
R  (295.75)2  (1124.13)2
 1162.38 N
 295.75 
  tan 1    14.74
 1124.13 
Thus, the bearing is  360 14.74 T  345.26T .
Therefore, R  1162 N at 345T

~
Answer
F  1162 N at 345T on a bearing is 345.26T
(b) Due to a wind shift, an adjustment is needed. The first force is changed to F1  2150 N at 037°T
and the second force is changed to F2  1560 N at 135°T. Calculate the magnitude and direction
of the new resultant force applied to the bridge section. Give answers correct to 2 decimal
places.
Worked solution
F1  2150sin  37 i  2150cos 37  j  1293.9 i  1717.07 j
~
F2  1560cos  45 i  1560sin  45 j  1103.09 i 1103.09 j

~
R  F1  F2  F3  F4
~ ~ ~ ~
  
 1293.9 i  1717.07 j  1103.09 i  1103.09 j 
  1383.81i  898.65 j    1340.69 i  1388.33 j 
 327.51i  1103.65 j
R   327.51  1103.65 
2 2
 1151.22 N
 327.51 
  tan 1  
 1103.65 
 16.53
 343.47T
Answer
R  1151.22 N on a bearing of 343T
19 Brooke is attempting to pull a cart weighing 20 kg by applying a force along a handle that is elevated
at 30° to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction of the surface is μ = 0.3. What force must Brooke
pull with in order to move the cart?
Worked solution
Let W be the weight force, G the force applied by Brooke and N be the normal reaction force.
W  mg  20 g  196 j N
 
G  G cos 30 i  G sin 30  j
Because a component of Brooke’s force is exerted upwards, this will reduce the normal reaction
force.

N  196  G sin 30   j
 196  0.5 G  j
Maximum friction  F   N
~
 0.3  196  0.5 G 

Forces must be in equilibrium, so
 
G cos 30  0.3  196  0.5 G 
0.866... G  58.8  0.15 G
G  57.9 N (2 d.p.)
Answer
G  57.9 N (2 d.p.)
20 A crate of weight 100 kg rests on a plane that is inclined  to the horizontal. The surface of the plane
is rough and has a coefficient of friction of μ = 0.6. At what angle must the plane be inclined so that
the crate begins to slide down the plane? (Give your answer to 1 decimal place.)
Worked solution
W  100 g sin   i  100 g cos   j
Therefore, normal reaction force N  100 g cos  

~
Friction  F   N
~
F  0.6 100 g cos  

~
F  588cos  
~
At equilibrium,
100 g sin    588cos  
980sin    588cos  
588
tan   
980
 588 
  tan 1  
 980 
  31.0 (1 d.p.)
Answer
  31.0 (1 d.p.)
Worked solutions
Chapter review
1 Four vectors a , b , c and d are shown in the diagram. Which one of the following statements is true?
A ab  bd B ab  cd
C abcd  0 D a bc d  0
Worked solution
Start at the tail of vector a and move around until you get back to the same place you started
from. This will give you a vector equation of a  b  c  d  0 .
Alternative A rearranges to give a  d  0 , so this is incorrect.
Alternative B rearranges to give a  b  c  d  0 , so this is correct.
Alternative C rearranges to give a  b  c  d  0 , so this is incorrect.
Alternative D rearranges to give a  b  c  d  0 , so this is incorrect.

Answer
B
2 In the parallelogram ABCD shown, the point of intersection of the diagonals is O . Express vector
in terms of a and b .
Worked solution
OD  OC  CD
1
 AC  DC
2
1
 AC  AB
2
1
 a  b  a
2
1 1
 a ba
2 2
1 1
 b a
2 2
Answer
1 1
b a
2 2
TF 3 The vector a is represented by the ordered pair  2,3 . Calculate 3a .
Worked solution
3a  3   2, 3
  6, 9 
Answer
 6, 9 
TF 4 Determine the column matrix vector that runs from the point ( -3,1) to the point ( 3,-2 ) .
Worked solution
3  (3)   6 
 2  1    3
   
Answer
6
 3 
 
TF 5 Which of the following vectors is not parallel to f  6iˆ  4 ˆj ?
A a  18iˆ  12 ˆj B b  6iˆ  4 ˆj C c  4iˆ  6 ˆj D d  3iˆ  2 ˆj
Worked solution
Alternative A is a scalar multiple, so vectors are parallel.
In alternative B, even though b is in the opposite direction, it is still parallel.

In alternative C, the horizontal and vertical components have been swapped: vector c has the
f
same magnitude as but the vectors are not parallel.
f
In alternative D, even though d is in the opposite direction and shorter, it is still parallel to .
Answer
C
6 If a  3iˆ  7 ˆj , determine the two vectors that are double the magnitude of a and parallel to a .
Worked solution
To calculate these two vectors, multiply the original by 2 and 2 .
2a  6 i  14 j
2a  6 i  14 j
Answer
The two vectors are 6i  14 j and 6i  14 j
7 If a  4iˆ  2 ˆj and b  iˆ  4 ˆj , calculate 2a  b .
Worked solution

2a  2 4 i  2 j 
 8i  4 j
2a  b  8i  4 j  i  4 j 
 9 i  8 j
Answer
9i  8 j
8 Express the vector a  4iˆ  2 ˆj in polar form.
Worked solution
a  4i  2 j
 16  4
2 5
Angle will be in fourth quadrant.
2
  tan 1    26.57 (2 d.p.)
4  
From positive x -axis,   360  26.57  333.43

Therefore, a  2 5,333.43 
Answer

a  2 5,333.43 
9 If the vectors a  3iˆ  xˆj and b  2iˆ  5 ˆj are perpendicular, determine the value of x .
Worked solution
a  3i  xj
b  2i  5 j
a  b  3  2  5x  0
6
x
5
Answer
6
5
TF 10 A car is moving at a speed of 100 km h -1 and a truck is moving at 90 km h -1 in the opposite direction.
Calculate the relative velocity of the car with respect to the truck.
Worked solution
100   90   100  90
 190
Answer
190 km h 1 in the direction of the car.
11 On his way home from training, Mitch walks along three streets after leaving the recreation reserve.
He walks 150 m north, 300 m east and 250 m north. What is the magnitude of Mitch’s resultant
displacement?
Worked solution
(150 + 250)
2
+ 3002 = 500
Answer
500 m
TF 12 Three forces act simultaneously in the same plane on an object. The resultant force is F  520 N due
east. If two of the forces are F1  350N east and F2  270N west, calculate the third force.
Worked solution
350 i  270 i  F3  520 i
~
F3  520 i  350 i  270 i
~
F3  440 i
~
Answer
F3  440 N east
~
13 ABCD is a trapezium with AB parallel to, and three times the length of, DC . If AB  a and BC  b ,
express each of the following vectors in terms of a and b .
(a) CD
Worked solution
CD   DC
  1 AB
3
 1a
3
Answer
1
CD   a
3
(b) AC
Worked solution
AC  AB  BC
 ab
Answer
AC  a  b
(c) AD
Worked solution
AD  AB  BC  CD
1
 ab a
3
2
 ab
3
Answer
2
AD  a  b
3
(d) DB
Worked solution
DB  DC  CB
1
 AB  BC
3
1
 a b
3
Answer
1
DB  a  b
3
TF 14 The line segments OA , OB , AC , etc. are the same length. Express the following vectors in terms of
a and b .
(a) OP
Worked solution
OP  OB  BP
 OB  OA
 ab
Answer
OP  a  b
(b) OG
Worked solution
OG  OI  IG
 2OB  2OA
 2a  2b
Answer
OG  2a  2b
(c) OQ
Worked solution
OQ  OB  BQ
 OB 2OA
 2a  b
Answer
OQ  2a  b
(d) CE
Worked solution
CE  CD  DE
 OA  OB
 ab
Answer
CE  a  b
(e) AB
Worked solution
AB  AO  OB
 OA  OB
 a  b
Answer
AB a  b
(f) DI
Worked solution
DI  DO OI
 OD  IO
 3OA 2OB
 3a  2b
Answer
DI  3a  2b
(g) FQ
Worked solution
FQ  FG  GQ
 GF  QG
 OA  OB
 a  b
Answer
FQ a  b
(h) DE  EO
Worked solution
DE  EO  DO
 OD
 3OA
 3a
Answer
DE  EO  3a
5  3 
15 Given vectors c    and d    , express each of the following vectors in column matrix form.
2 8
(a) 4c  3d
Worked solution
5   3
4c  3d  4    3  
2  8 
 29 
 
 16
Answer
 29 
4c  3d   
 16 
(b) 7d  8c
Worked solution
 3  5 
7d  8c  7    8  
 8   2
 61
 
 40 
Answer
 61
7d  8c   
 40 
16 If a  2iˆ  5 ˆj and b  3iˆ  ˆj , express each of the following vectors in component form.
(a) ab
Worked solution
a  b  2 i  5 j  3i  j
  2  3 i   5  1 j
 i 6 j
Answer
a b  i 6 j
(b) 3b  2a
Worked solution
  
3b  2a  3 3i  j  2 2 i  5 j 
 9 i  3 j  4 i  10 j
 13i  7 j
Answer
3b  2a  13i  7 j
(c) 2a  7b
Worked solution
  
2a  7b  2 2 i  5 j  7 3i  j 
 4 i  10 j  21i  7 j
 17 i  17 j
Answer
2a  7b  17 i  17 j
17 If a  2iˆ  5 ˆj and b  3iˆ  ˆj , calculate the magnitude of each of the following vectors.
(a) ab 
Worked solution
ab  i 6 j
ab  i 6 j
 37
Answer
a  b  37
(b) 2a  7b 
Worked solution
2a  7b  17 i  17 j
2a  7b  17 i  17 j
 578
 17 2
Answer
2a  7b  17 2
18 The position vectors of points A and B are OA  15iˆ  7 ˆj and OB  6iˆ  19 ˆj , respectively.
(a) Express the vector in component form.

Worked solution
OA  15i  7 j OB  6 i  19 j
,
AB  OB  OA

 6 i  19 j  15i  7 j 
 21i  12 j
Answer
AB  21i  12 j
(b) Calculate AB .
Worked solution
AB  21i  12 j
 3 65
Answer
AB  3 65
19 Calculate the magnitude of each of the following vectors.
(a) a  10iˆ  24 ˆj
Worked solution
a  10 i  24 j
a  676
 26
Answer
a  26
(b) b  6iˆ  3 ˆj
Worked solution
b  6 i  3 j
b  45
3 5
Answer
b 3 5
20 Resolve the following vectors into Cartesian (component) form. Give answers correct to 2 decimal
places.
(a) a  16, 48 
Worked solution
a  16cos  48   16sin  48  j
 10.71i  11.89 j
Answer
10.71i  11.89 j
(b) b   24,148 
Worked solution
b  24cos 148   24sin 148  j
 20.35i  12.72 j
Answer
b  20.35i  12.72 j
TF 21 Calculate the scalar product a b given the following pairs of vectors.
(a) a  4iˆ  ˆj and b  2iˆ  7 ˆj
Worked solution
a  b  4  2  1 7
 1
Answer
a  b  1
(b) a  3iˆ  7 ˆj and b  6iˆ  ˆj
Worked solution
a  b  3  6  7  1  25
Answer
a  b  25
TF 22 Calculate the scalar product and hence prove that the vectors a  3iˆ  5 ˆj and b  10iˆ  6 ˆj are
perpendicular.
Worked solution
a  b   3 10  5  6
0
 a b
Answer
a  b  0 hence a  b
23 For each of the following pairs of vectors, determine the scalar projection of a onto b .
(a) a  3iˆ  4 ˆj and b  6iˆ  3 ˆj
Worked solution
 6i  3 j 
 
a  b  3i  4 j 
36  9
18  12

45
6

3 5
2 5

5
Answer
2 5
The scalar projection of a onto b is a  b  .
5
(b) a  5iˆ  2 ˆj and b  iˆ  7 ˆj
Worked solution
i  7 j

a  b  5i  2 j   1  49
5  14

50
19

5 2
19 2

10
Answer
19 2
The scalar projection of a onto b is a  b 
10
24 The following separate forces are acting on an object. Calculate the resultant force acting on each
object, correct to 2 decimal places.
(a) F1  250 N north, F2  450 N south, F3  125 N north
Worked solution
R  F1  F2  F3
~ ~ ~
 250  450  125
 75
 75 south
Answer
The resultant force is 75 N south.
(b) F1  100 N east, F2  100 N south
Worked solution
R  F1  F2
~ ~
R  100  100
~
 100 2
  S45E
Answer
The resultant force is 100 2 N S45E .
25 Which one of the following vectors is parallel to the vector a  3iˆ  7 ˆj and has a magnitude of
2 58 ?
3 7
A 6iˆ  14 ˆj B 24iˆ  28 ˆj C  iˆ  ˆj D 3iˆ  7 ˆj
2 2
Worked solution
 
Alternative A shows 6i  14 j  2 3i  7 j and 6i  14 j  36  142  2 58 . This is the
correct option.
By examining the components in alternative B, it can be seen this vector is not parallel to
a  3i  7 j .
The vector in alternative is parallel to a , however the magnitude does not equal 2 58 .
The vector in alternative D is parallel to a , however the magnitude does not equal 2 58 .
Answer
A
26 The vector projection of iˆ  3 ˆj onto iˆ  5 ˆj is 

7 ˆ
 
i  5 ˆj . What is the vector projection of iˆ  3 ˆj
13
perpendicular to iˆ  5 ˆj ?
Worked solution
i 3 j 
7
13
i 5j  4
13
5i  j  
Answer
4
13

5i  j 
27 Calculate the exact values of the unknown pronumerals in each of the following vector equations.
(a)  2a  3b  iˆ  2bˆj  5iˆ  12 ˆj

Worked solution
 2a  3b  i  2bj  5i  12 j
i : 2a  3b  5 [1]
j : 2b  12 [2]
2b  12
b6
Substitute b  6 into [1]
2a  3  6   5
2a  18  5
2a  23
23
a
2
Answer
a  23
2 and b  6 .
(b) 2 f   
 5 iˆ  8  7 g  ˆj  f 3iˆ  2 ˆj  2 g iˆ  4 ˆj 
Worked solution
 2 f  5 i  8  7 g  j  f 3i  2 j   2g  i  4 j 
2 f  5  3 f  2g [1]
8  7 g  2 f  8 g [2]
Solve [1] and [2] simultaneously
59
f 
19
18
g
19
Answer
59 18
f  and g 
19 19
28 Consider the vector a  9i  3 j .
(a) Calculate a .
Worked solution
a
1
3 10

9i  3 j 

10
30
9i  3 j 
Answer
a
10
30
9i  3 j 
(b) Determine the vector b in the direction of a with a magnitude of 5 .
Worked solution
b  5a
 10 
 5 
30

9 i  3 j  
 

10
6

9 i  3 j 
Answer
b
10
6

9i  3 j 
29 Calculate the angle between the vectors a  2i  3 j and b  3i  j .
Worked solution
a b
cos   
a b
 a b 
  cos 1  
a b 
 2  3  3   1 
 cos 1  
 13  10 
 75
Answer
75°
30 Calculate the angle between the vectors aˆ  5iˆ  2 ˆj and bˆ  3iˆ  ˆj .
Worked solution
 a b

  cos 1  
a b

 15  2 
 cos 1  
 25  4 9  1 
 17 
 cos 1  
 290 
 177
Answer
177°
31 If a  2iˆ  5 ˆj and b  4iˆ  ˆj , calculate:
(a) the vector projection of a onto b

Worked solution
 4i  j 

a  bˆ  2 i  5 j   17
85

17
3

17

4i  j 
 a  bˆ  bˆ  3
17

17

3
17

4i  j 
Answer
The vector projection of a onto b is

3
17

4i  j . 
(b) the vector projection of a perpendicular to b .
Worked solution
 
a  a  bˆ bˆ  2 i  5 j 
3
17
4i  j 

22
17

i 4j 
Answer
The vector projection of a perpendicular to b is

22
17

i 4j 
32 Let iˆ and ĵ be unit vectors in the east and north directions respectively. Lawton and Ted finish
school on the last day of term and decide to take a road trip across the desert in Ted’s new car. Their
trip involves the following movements: 43 km at 337°T , 65 km at 270°T and 22 km at 93°T
respectively. Ted’s car breaks down after the last leg of the trip. Calculate the distance and direction of
Lawton and Ted from the school, giving your answers to 1 decimal place.
Worked solution
43 km ,
337°T
43cos 113 i  43sin 113 j  16.8i  39.6 j
65 km ,
270°T
65cos 180 i  65sin 180 j  65.0 i  0 j
22 km , 93°T
22cos  3 i  22sin  3  j  22.0i  1.2 j
59.8i  38.4 j
Total
( -59.8)
2
d= + 38.4 2 = 71.1
 38.4 
  tan 1    147.3
 59.8 
 302.7T
Answer
At this time, Lawton and Ted are 71.1 km from the school in the direction 302.7T .
plane. If the two strings both make angles of 30 to the horizontal, calculate the magnitude of the
1
tension in each string, in newtons, given that sin  30   .
2
Worked solution
Let F1 and F2 be the load in the first and second string respectively. The strings are
~ ~
symmetrical and share the load equally. Therefore, each string must carry a vertical component
of half the particle’s mass:
1
F1(vert)  F2(vert)   50  9.8  245 N
~ ~ 2
245
sin  30  
F1
~
F1  490
~
Answer
F1  F2  490 N
~ ~
plane. If the two strings make angles of 20° and 45° respectively to the horizontal, use the component
form to calculate the magnitude of the tension in each string, in newtons, correct to 1 decimal place.
Worked solution
i : F1 cos  20  F2 cos  45  0
~ ~
j : F1 sin  20  F2 sin  45  25 g  0

~ ~
Solving simultaneously for F1 and F2 gives: F1  191.2 N and F2  254.0 N

~ ~ ~ ~
Answer
Force F1 : F1  191.2 N ; Force F2 : F2  254.0 N

~ ~ ~ ~
35 Nick attempts to pull an object of weight 130 kg across a floor which has a coefficient of friction of
0.7 . Calculate the force that Nick must exert in order to make the object move. State any assumptions
you make and comment on the effect of your assumptions.
Worked solution
N  130 g  1274 N
F  N
F  0.7 1274
 891.8 N
Answer
891.8 N
This assumes that the floor is horizontal. If the floor is inclined at an angle, then the force Nick
must exert will be greater; if the floor is declined at an angle, then the force Nick must exert will
be less.
36 Calculate the exact values of the unknown pronumerals in the following vector equation:
a 2
  
 9a iˆ  2b3  1 ˆj  10iˆ  5 ˆj
Worked solution
a 2
  
 9a i  2b3  1 j  10 i  5 j
Equate i components:
a 2  9a  10
a 2  9a  10  0
 a  1 a  10   0
a  1,10
Equate j components:
2b3  1  5
b3  3
b  3 3
Answer
a  1,10 and b  3 3
37 Consider two vectors a  3iˆ  4 ˆj and b  2iˆ  2 ˆj .
(a) Calculate the scalar projection of a onto b .

Worked solution

a  bˆ  3i  4 j  
1
8

2i  2 j 
14

8
14

2 2
7 2

2
Answer
7 2
The scalar projection of a onto b is .
2
(b) Calculate the vector projection of a onto b .
Worked solution
 a  bˆ  bˆ  7 22  22  2i  2 j 

14
4

2i  2 j 
7 7
 i j
2 2
7

 i j
2

Answer
7 7
The vector projection of a onto b is i  j.
2 2
(c) Calculate the vector projection of a perpendicular to the direction of b .

Worked solution
  7 7
a  a  bˆ bˆ  3i  4 j   i 
2 2

j

1 1
 i j
2 2
1
 i j
2
 
Answer
1 1
The vector projection of a perpendicular to b is  i  j.
2 2
(d) Hence, express the vector a  3iˆ  4 ˆj in terms of projections onto and perpendicular to
b  2iˆ  2 ˆj .
Worked solution
a  3i  4 j
 a b  ab
7 7   1 1 
 i j i  j
2 2   2 2 
Answer
7 7   1 1 
a i  j  i  j
2 2   2 2 
38 Use vector methods to prove that, if for DABC , c  a  b , ÐACB is a right angle.
2 2 2
TF
Worked solution
By Pythagoras’ theorem:
2 2 2
AB  AC  CB
c b a
2 2 2
But,
c  ab
c  c  c  a  b  a  b
2
c  a  a  2a  b  b  b
2
 a  b  2a  c
2 2
Therefore,
2a  b  0
 a b  0
ab
Answer
By Pythagoras’ theorem:
2 2 2
AB  AC  CB
c b a
2 2 2
But,
c  ab
c  c  c  a  b  a  b
2
c  a  a  2a  b  b  b
2
 a  b  2a  c
2 2
Therefore,
2a  b  0
 a b  0
ab
39 BDEF is a parallelogram contained within a triangle ABC , as shown in the diagram.
Let AF  a and BD  b and F is the mid point of AB .
(a) Express the vector in terms of a and b .

Worked solution
AE  AF  FE
 AF  BD
 ab
Answer
ab
(b) Use vector methods to prove that
Answer
AC  x AE  x  a  b 
BC  yBD  yb
AB  AC  CB  2a
AB  AC  BC  2a
2a  x  a  b   yb
2a  xa  xb  yb
2a  0b  xa   x  y  b
x  2, y  2
BC  2 BD
1
BD  BC
2
40 Freddie rows his boat in a direction perpendicular to the river’s banks. The river is 200 m wide.
The boat’s speed in this direction is 2 ms-1. The river current speed is 1 ms-1. Give answers correct to
2 decimal places, where necessary.
(a) Calculate the velocity of the boat relative to the bank. State any assumptions you make, and
comment on the effect of these assumptions on your answer.
Worked solution
Let VBO be the velocity of the boat relative to the bank, VBR be the velocity of the boat relative
~ ~
to the river, and VRO be the velocity of the river relative to the bank, such that VBO  VBR  VRO
~ ~ ~ ~
VBR  2 j
~
VRO  1i
~
VBO  VBR  VRO
~ ~ ~
 1i  2 j
v  1  4  2.24
2
  tan 1    63.43
 
1
Answer
The velocity of the boat relative to the bank is 2.24 ms1 in a direction of 63.43 . This assumes
that the current is constant across the whole span of the river. If it is not constant, the relative
velocity will change.
(b) At what distance downstream from point A , on the opposite bank but directly opposite starting
point O , will Freddie get to the other bank? State any assumptions you make, and comment on
the effect of these assumptions on your answer.
Worked solution
Across
d 200
t   100s
v 2
Downstream
d  v  t  1100  100 m
Answer
Freddie will get to the opposite bank 100 m downstream from point A . This assumes that the
riverbanks are parallel, straight lines and the river is fixed width. If this is not the case, then
Freddie will arrive at a different point.
(c) Calculate Freddie’s final displacement from starting point D .
Worked solution
rBO  2002  1002

~
 50000
 223.61m
 200 
  tan 1    63.43
 100 
Answer
Freddie’s final displacement from starting point D is 223.61m at 63.43 relative to the bank.
(d) Rohanne is going to cross the river in another rowboat. She can row at the speed of 2 ms-1
relative to the river. At what direction should Rohanne head her rowboat to get to the other bank
at the point A directly opposite the starting point O , and how long will it take her? Give the
answer correct to 2 decimal places.
Worked solution
Let vBO be the velocity of the boat relative to the bank, vBR be the velocity of the boat relative
~ ~
to the river, and vRO be the velocity of the river relative to the bank, such that vBO  vBR  vRO .
~ ~ ~ ~
Thus, the boat’s speed relative to the bank is
vBO  22  12
~
 3
 1.73 m s 1
The direction in which the boat is travelling is  90     to the bank where
1
  sin 1  
 
2
 30
Therefore, the velocity of the boat relative to the bank is 1.73 m s 1 at 60° to the river bank, and
Rohanne will need to head upstream at an angle of 60° to the bank.
200
It will take Rohanne  115.47 s to cross the river.
3
Answer
Rohanne will need to head upstream at an angle of 60 to the bank, and it will take her
115.47 seconds to cross the river.
41 Lachie’s car of mass 850 kg is broken down on a hill inclined at 20 to the horizontal. The
coefficient of friction of the road surface is 0.3 . Calculate how hard Lachie must push against his car
to stop it from rolling down the hill.
Worked solution
Normal reaction force:
N  850 g cos  20 
 7827.6395... N
Force down the plane:
G  850 g sin  20 
 2849.0278... N
Friction force:
F  N
 0.3  7827.6395... N
 2348.29186... N
The force down the plane is greater than the friction force, so Lachie must apply a force
sufficient to bring the car to equilibrium.
Lachie’s force:
L  2849.0278... N  2348.29186... N
 500.74 N (2 d.p.)
Answer
Lachie must apply a force of 500.74 N up the plane (2 d.p.).

Chapter 2 Vectors in The Plane: Worked Solutions

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Chapter 2 Vectors in The Plane: Worked Solutions

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Specialist Mathematics 11 Queensland

(a) a  4iˆ  ˆj and b  3iˆ  4 ˆj

(b) a  4iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  2 ˆj

(c) a  8iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  8 ˆj

(d) a  3iˆ  2 ˆj and b  5iˆ  6 ˆj

(e) a  2iˆ  3 ˆj and b  4iˆ  5 ˆj

(f) a  5iˆ  6 ˆj and b  7iˆ  2 ˆj

(a) Which of the following statements is true?

Because â is a unit vector, aˆ  1 . If c is the scalar projection of â onto b̂ , then

TF 3 For each of the following pairs of vectors, calculate:

(i) the vector projections of a onto b

(a) a  4iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  2 ˆj

(d) a  3iˆ  2 ˆj and b  5iˆ  6 ˆj

(a) a  4iˆ  3 ˆj and b  3iˆ  2 ˆj

 a  bˆ bˆ  258 3i  4 j 

(d) a  3iˆ  2 ˆj and b  5iˆ  6 ˆj

 a  bˆ bˆ   613 5i  6 j 

(a) Construct a diagram to represent the vectors.

(b) Calculate the vector projection of e perpendicular to r .

(a) Demonstrate that a  cos   iˆ  sin   ˆj .

Since a is a unit vector a  1 .

(b) Derive similar expressions for b and c .

Since b is a unit vector b  1 .

Note that for c , the angle is in the 4th quadrant.

Since c is a unit vector c  1 , cos      cos    and sin       sin   

(c) Calculate a  b and a  c .

(d) Hence, deduce the compound angle formulas:

Thus, cos      cos   cos     sin   sin   

Similarly, a  c  a c cos   where  is the angle between a and c .

Thus, cos      cos   cos     sin   sin   

If AC  k.AB , then AB is parallel to AC .

3 Consider the quadrilateral ABCD as shown in the diagram. Let a  AB , b  BC , c  CD and

Which one of the following statements is correct?

(a) Which one of the following statements must be true?

5 Prove that the diagonals of a rectangle are equal in length.

Hence, the diagonals of the rectangle are equal in length.

Now if OB  CA  0 , then the diagonals and are perpendicular.

To prove that EFGH is a parallelogram you need to show that p  q and r  s .

By the definition of vector addition,

In the triangle ABC , AB  a and AC  b . Apollonius’ theorem would state that

First, calculate and .

Start by determining the diagonals and in terms of a and b .

(a) Calculate the distance Louise travelled from O to B.

(b) Calculate Louise’s displacement from O to B, correct to 1 decimal place.

Magnitude  3302   390   510.9 m (1 d.p.)

The displacement of Camp B from the base camp is

(8400 + 5900) + (1800 + 850)

A downstream at angle of 60° to the bank

B upstream at angle of 30° to the bank

C upstream at angle of 60° to the bank

A downstream at angle of 60° to the bank

B upstream at angle of 30° to the bank

C upstream at angle of 60° to the bank

Magnitude   25  1002

Magnitude  133.564...2   73.4936...  152.4 (1 d.p.)

(a) Calculate Eylece’s final displacement from the cave entrance.

Calculate the vector sum:

Magnitude Magnitude  366.7767...2  161.7767...2  400.9 (1 d.p.)

vb rel r  3cos  35 i  3sin  35 j

We are only concerned with the j component of the velocity.

 3cos  35  0.75 i  3sin  35  j  29.06

d  49.618 68...2  502  70.44 m (2 dp)

of Ben’s actual velocity, vb ms1 , correct to 1 decimal place.