Name: ________________________

P3 Vectors
Class: ________________________
Revision Questions
Date: ________________________

Time: 132 minutes

Marks: 96 marks

Comments:

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 1. With respect to the origin O, the points A and B have position vectors given by

OA = 2i + 2j + k and OB = i + 4j + 3k.

The line l has vector equation r = 4i – 2j + 2k + s(i + 2j + k).

(i) Prove that the line l does not intersect the line through A and B.
[5]

(ii) Find the equation of the plane containing l and the point A, giving your answer in the
form ax + by + cz = d.
[6]

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2. The straight line l passes through the points A and B with position vectors

2i + 2j + k and i + 4j + 2k

respectively. This line intersects the plane p with equation x – 2y + 2z = 6 at the point C.

(i) Find the position vector of C.

[4]

(ii) Find the acute angle between l and p.

[4]

(iii) Show that the perpendicular distance from A to p is equal to 2.

[3]

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3. The points A and B have position vectors, relative to the origin O, given by

  1  3 
   
OA =  3  and OB =   1 .
 5   4
   

The line l passes through A and is parallel to OB. The point N is the foot of the perpendicular
from B to l.

(i) State a vector equation for the line l.

[1]

(ii) Find the position vector of N and show that BN = 3.

[6]

(iii) Find the equation of the plane containing A, B and N, giving your answer in the form
ax + by + cz = d.
[5]

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4. The line l has equation r = 4i + 2j – k + t (2i – j – 2k). It is given that l lies in the plane with
equation 2x + by + cz = 1, where b and c are constants.

(i) Find the values of b and c.

[6]

(ii) The point P has position vector 2j + 4k. Show that the perpendicular distance from P to l
is √5.
[5]

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5. Two planes have equations 2x – y – 3z = 7 and x + 2y + 2z = 0.

(i) Find the acute angle between the planes.

[4]

(ii) Find a vector equation for their line of intersection.

[6]

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6. The line l has equation r = j + k + s(i – 2j + k). The plane p has equation x + 2y + 3z = 5.

(i) Show that the line l lies in the plane p.

[3]

(ii) A second plane is perpendicular to the plane p, parallel to the line l and contains the point
with position vector 2i + j + 4k. Find the equation of this plane, giving your answer in the
form ax + by + cz = d.
[6]

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7.
z

A
x

The diagram shows a set of rectangular axes Ox, Oy and Oz, and three points A, B and C with
2 1  1 
     
position vectors OA =  0  , OB =  2  and OC =  1  .
0 0 2
     

(i) Find the equation of the plane ABC, giving your answer in the form ax + by + cz = d.
[6]

(ii) Calculate the acute angle between the planes ABC and OAB.
[4]

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8. The points A and B have position vectors, relative to the origin O, given by

OA = i + 2j + 3k and OB = 2i + j + 3k.

The line l has vector equation

r = (1 – 2t)i + (5 + t)j + (2 – t)k.

(i) Show that l does not intersect the line passing through A and B.
[4]

(ii) The point P lies on l and is such that angle PAB is equal to 60°. Given that the position
vector of P is (1 – 2t)i + (5 + t)j + (2 – t)k, show that 3t2 + 7t + 2 = 0. Hence find the only
possible position vector of P.
[6]

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9. The straight line l has equation r = i + 6j – 3k + s(i – 2j + 2k). The plane p has equation
(r – 3i).(2i – 3j + 6k) = 0. The line l intersects the plane p at the point A.

(i) Find the position vector of A.

[3]

(ii) Find the acute angle between l and p.

[4]

(iii) Find a vector equation for the line which lies in p, passes through A and is perpendicular
to l.
[5]

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1. (i) State or imply a direction vector for AB is –i + 2j + 2k, or equivalent B1

EITHER:

State equation of AB is r = 2i + 2j + k +t(–i + 2j + 2k), or equivalent B1√

Equate at least two pairs of components of AB and l and solve for

s or for t M1

5
Obtain correct answer for s or for t, e.g. s = 0 or t = −2; s =  or
3
1
t=  or s = 5 or t = 3 A1
3

Verify that all three pairs of equations are not satisfied and that the
lines fail to intersect A1

OR:

x  2 y  2 z 1
State a Cartesian equation for AB, e.g.   , and for l,
1 2 2
x4 y2 z 2
e.g.   B1√
1 2 1

Solve a pair of equations, e.g. in x and y, for one unknown M1

Obtain one unknown, e.g. x = 4 or y = –2 A1

Obtain corresponding remaining values, e.g. of z, and show lines

do not intersect A1

OR:

Form a relevant triple scalar product,

e.g. (2i – 4j + k).((–i + 2j + 2k)×(i + 2j + k)) B1√

Attempt to use correct method of evaluation M1

Obtain at least two correct simplified terms of the three terms of the
complete expansion of the triple product or of the corresponding
determinant A1

Obtain correct non-zero value, e.g. – 20, and state that the lines
do not intersect A15

(ii) EITHER:

Obtain a vector parallel to the plane and not

parallel to l, e.g. 2i – 4j + k B1

Use scalar product to obtain an equation in

a, b and c, e.g. a + 2b + c = 0 B1

Form a second relevant equation, e.g. 2a – 4b + c = 0 and solve for

one ratio, e.g. a : b M1

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 Obtain final answer a : b : c = 6 : 1 : –8 A1

Use coordinates of a relevant point and values of a, b and c in

general equation and find d M1

Obtain answer 6x + y – 8z = 6, or equivalent A1

OR:

Obtain a vector parallel to the plane and not

parallel to l, e.g. 2i – 4j + k B1

Obtain a second relevant vector parallel to the plane and attempt to

calculate their vector product, e.g. (i + 2j + k) × (2i – 4j + k) M1

Obtain two correct components of the product A1

Obtain correct answer, e.g. 6i + j – 8k A1

Substitute coordinates of a relevant point in 6x + y – 8z = d, or

equivalent, to find d M1

Obtain answer 6x + y – 8z = 6, or equivalent A1

OR:

Obtain a vector parallel to the plane and not parallel to l, e.g. 2i – 4j + k B1

Obtain a second relevant vector parallel to the plane and correctly form
a 2-parameter equation for the plane,
e.g. r = 2i +2j + k + λ(2i – 4j +k) +μ(i + 2j + k) M1

State 3 correct equations in x, y, z, λ and μ A1

Eliminate λ and μ M1

Obtain equation in any correct form A1

Obtain answer 6x + y – 8z = 6, or equivalent A1

OR:

Using the coordinates of A and two points on l, state three simultaneous

equations in a, b, c and d, e.g. 2a + 2b + c = d, 4a – 2b + 2c = d
and 5a + 3c = d B1

Solve and find one ratio, e.g. a : b M1

State one correct ratio A1

Obtain a ratio of three unknowns, e.g. a : b : c = 6 : 1 : –8, or equivalent A1

Either use coordinates of a relevant point and found ratio to find fourth
unknown, d, or find the ratio of all four unknowns M1

Obtain answer 6x + y – 8z = 6, or equivalent A16

[11]

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2. (i) State or imply a direction vector of AB is –i +2j +k, or equivalent B1

State equation of AB is r = 2i + 2j + k + λ(–i + 2j + k), or equivalent B1√

Substitute in equation of p and solve for λ M1

Obtain 4i –2j –k as position vector of C A14

(ii) State or imply a normal vector of p is i –2j + 2k, or equivalent B1

Carry out correct process for evaluating the scalar product of two
relevant vectors, e.g. (–i + 2j + k).(i –2j + 2k) M1

Using the correct process for calculating the moduli, divide the
scalar product by the product of the moduli and evaluate the
inverse cosine or inverse sine of the result M1

Obtain answer 24.1° A14

(iii) EITHER:
Obtain AC (= 24 ) in any correct form B1√
Use trig to obtain length of perpendicular from A to p M1
Obtain given answer correctly A1
OR:

State or imply AC is 2i –4j –2k, or equivalent B1√

Use scalar product of AC and a unit normal of p to calculate

the perpendicular M1
Obtain given answer correctly A1
OR:
Use plane perpendicular formula to find perpendicular from
A to p M1
Obtain a correct unsimplified numerical expression, e.g.
2  2( 2)  2(1)  6
A1
(12  ( 2) 2  2 2 )

Obtain given answer correctly A1 3

[11]

  1  3
   
3. (i) State r =  3  + λ   1  , or equivalent B1 1
 5   4
   

  1  3   3
   
(ii) Express BN in terms of λ, e.g.  3    –   1  , or equivalent B1
 5  4    4
   

 3
 
Equate its scalar product with   1  to zero and solve for λ M1
  4
 

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 Obtain λ = 2 A1

 5
 
Obtain ON =  1  , or equivalent A1√
 3
 

Carry out method for calculating BN, i.e. 2 i + 2j + k M1

Obtain the given answer BN = 3 correctly A16

(iii) EITHER:
Use scalar product to obtain a relevant equation in a, b and c,
e.g. 3a – b – 4c = 0 or 2a + 2b + c = 0 M1
Sate two correct equations in a, b, c A1√
Solve simultaneous equations to obtain one ratio, e.g. a : b M1
Obtain a : b : c = 7 : –11 : 8, or equivalent A1
Obtain equation 7x – 11y + 8z = 0, or equivalent A1
OR:
Substitute for A, B and N in equation of plane and state 3
equations in a, b, c, d B1
Eliminate one unknown, e.g. d, entirely and obtain 2 equation
in 3 unknowns M1
Solve to obtain one ratio e.g. a : b M1
Obtain a : b : c = 7: –11 : 8, or equivalent A1
Obtain equation 7x – 11y + 8z = 0, or equivalent A1
OR:
Calculate vector product of two vector parallel to the plane,
e.g. (3i – j – 4k) × (2i + 2j + k) M1
Obtain 2 correct components of the product A1√
Obtain correct product e.g. 7i – 11j + 8k, or equivalent A1
Substitute in 7x – 11y + 8z = d and find d, or equivalent M1
Obtain equivalent 7x – 11y + 8z = 0, or equivalent A1
OR:
Form correctly a 2-parameter equation for the plane M1
Obtain equation in any correct form e.g. r = –i + 3j + 5k +
λ(3i – j – 4k) + μ(2i + 2j + k) A1√
State 3 equation in x, y, z, λ, and μ A1
Eliminate λ and μ M1
Obtain equation 7x – 11y + 8z = 0, or equivalent A1 5
[12]

4. (i) EITHER

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 Substitute coordinates of general point of l in equation of plane and
equate constant terms, obtaining an equation in b and c M1*

Obtain a correct equation, e.g. 8 + 2b – c = 1 A1

Equate the coefficient of t to zero, obtaining an equation in b and c M1*

Obtain a correct equation, e.g. 4 – b – 2c = 0 A1

OR

Substitute (4, 2, –1) in the plane equation M1*

Obtain a correct equation in b and c, e.g. 2b – c = –7 A1

EITHER
Find a second point on l and obtain an equation in b and c M1*
Obtain a correct equation in b and c, e.g. b + 2c = 4 A1
OR
Calculate scalar product of a direction vector for l and
a vector normal for the plane and equate to zero M1*
Obtain a correct equation for b and c A1

Solve for b or for c M1 (dep*)

Obtain b = –2 and c = 3 A16

(ii) EITHER

Find PQ for a point Q on l with

parameter t, e.g. 4i – 5k + t(2i – j – 2k) B1

Calculate scalar product of PQ and a direction vector for l and

equate to zero M1

Solve and obtain t = –2 A1

Carry out a complete method for finding the length of PQ M1

Obtain the given answer 5 correctly A1

OR 1

Calling (4, 2, –1) A, state AP (or PA ) in

component form, e.g. 4i – 5k B1

Calculate vector product of AP and a direction vector for l,

e.g. (4i – 5k) × (2i – j – 2k) M1

Obtain correct answer, e.g. –5i – 2j – 4k A1

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 Divide modulus of the product by that of the direction vector M1

Obtain the given answer correctly A1

OR 2

State AP (or PA ) in component form B1

Use a scalar product to find the projection of AP (or PA ) on l M1

18
Obtain correct answer in any form, e.g. A1
9

Use Pythagoras to find the perpendicular M1

Obtain the given answer correctly A1

OR 3

State AP (or PA ) in component form B1

Use a scalar product to find the cosine of PAQ M1

18
Obtain correct answer in any form, e.g. A1
41 9

Use trig to find the perpendicular M1

Obtain the given answer correctly A1

OR 4

State AP (or PA ) in component form B1

Find a second point B on l and use the cosine rule in triangle APB
to find the cosine of A, B or P, or use a vector product to find the area
of APB M1

Obtain correct answer in any form A1

Use trig or area formula to find the perpendicular M1

Obtain the given answer correctly A1

OR 5

Find PQ for a point Q on l with

parameter t, e.g. 4i – 5k + t(2i – j – 2k) B1

Use correct method to express PQ2 (or PQ) in terms of t M1

Obtain a correct expression in any form,

e.g. (4 + 2t)2 + (–t)2 + (–5 – 2t)2 A1

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 Carry out a complete method for finding its minimum M1

Obtain the given answer correctly A15

[11]

5. (i) State or imply a correct normal vector to either plane, e.g.

2i – j – 3k, or i + 2j + 2k B1

Carry out correct process for evaluating the scalar product of the two
normals M1

Using the correct process for the moduli, divide the scalar product by
the product of the moduli and evaluate the inverse cosine of the result M1

Obtain answer 57.7° (or 1.01 radians) A14

(ii) EITHER:

Carry out a complete method for finding a point on the line M1

Obtain such a point, e.g. (2, 0, –1) A1

EITHER:
State two correct equations for a direction vector of the line, e.g.
2a – b – 3c = 0 and a + 2b + 2c = 0 B1
Solve for one ratio, e.g. a : b M1
Obtain a : b : c = 4 : −7 : 5, or equivalent A1
State a correct answer, e.g. r = 2i – k + λ(4i – 7j + 5k) A1√
OR:
7 7
Obtain a second point on the line, e.g. (0, ,  ) A1
2 2
Subtract position vectors to obtain a direction vector M1
Obtain 4i – 7j + 5k, or equivalent A1
State a correct answer, e.g. r = 2i – k + λ(4i – 7j + 5k) A1√
OR:
Attempt to calculate the vector product of two normals M1
Obtain two correct components A1
Obtain 4i – 7j + 5k, or equivalent A1
State a correct answer, e.g. r = 2i – k + λ(4i – 7j + 5k) A1√

OR1

Express one variable in terms of a second M1

14  4 y
Obtain a correct simplified expression, e.g. x  A1
7

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 Express the first variable in terms of a third M1

14  4 z
Obtain a correct simplified expression, e.g. x  A1
5

Form a vector equation for the line M1

7 7 7 5
State a correct answer, e.g. r = j– k + λ(i – j + k),
2 2 4 4
or equivalent A1√

OR2:

Express one variable in terms of a second M1

14  7 x
Obtain a correct simplified expression, e.g. y  A1
4

Express the third variable in terms of the second M1

5x 14
Obtain a correct simplified expression, e.g. z  A1
4

Form a vector equation for the line M1

7 7 7 5
State a correct answer, e.g. r = j– k + λ(i – j + k),
2 2 4 4
or equivalent A1√6

[The f.t. is dependent on all M marks having been obtained.]

[10]

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6. (i) EITHER:
State or imply general point of l has coordinates
(x, 1 –2x, 1 + x), or equivalent B1
Substitute in LHS of plane equation M1
Verify that the equation is satisfied A1
OR:
State or imply the plane has equation r, (i + 2j + 3k) = 5, or
equivalent B1
Substitute for r in LHS and expand the scalar product M1
Verify that the equation is satisfied A1
OR:
Verify that a point of l lies on the plane B1
Find a second point on l and substitute its coordinates in the
equation of p M1
Verify second point, e.g. (1,–1, 2) lies on the plane A1
OR:
Verify that a point of l lies on the plane B1
Form scalar product of a direction vector of l with a vector
normal to p M1
Verify scalar product is zero and l is parallel to p A1 3

(ii) EITHER:
Use scalar product of relevant vectors to form an equation in
a, b, c, e.g. a – 2b + c = 0 or a + 2b + 3c = 0 M1*
State two correct equations in a, b, c A1
Solve simultaneous equations and find one
ration, e.g., a : b M1(dep*)
Obtain a : b : c = 4 : 1 : –2, or equivalent A1
Substitute correctly in 4x + y – 2 – d to find d M1
Obtain equation 4x + y – 2z – 1, or equivalent A1
OR:
Attempt to calculate vector product of relevant vectors, e.g.
(i – 2j + k) × (i + 2j + 3k) M2
Obtain 2 correct components of the product A1
Obtain correct products, e.g. –8i – 2j + 4k A1
Substitute correctly in 4x + y – 2z = d to find d M1
Obtain equation 4x + y – 2z = 1, or equivalent A1
[SR: If the outcome of the vector product is the negative of
the correct answer allow the final mark to be available, i.e.
M2A0A0M1A1 is possible]
OR:
Attempt to form 2-parameter equation for the plane with
relevant vectors M2

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 State a correct equation, e.g. r = 2i + j + 4k + λ( i –2j + k)
+ μ( I + 2j + 3k) A1
State 3 equations in x, y, λ, μ A1
Eliminate λ and μ M1
Obtain equation 4x + y –2z – 1, or equivalent A1 6
[9]

7. (i) EITHER:

Obtain a vector parallel to the plane, e.g. AB = –i + 2j B1

Use scalar product of perpendicular vector to obtain an equation
in a, b, c, e.g. –a + 2b = 0 or –a + b + 2c = 0, or –b + 2c = 0 M1
Obtain two correct equations in a, b, c A1
Solve to obtain ratio a: b: c, or equivalent M1
Obtain a : b: c = 4 : 2 : 1, or equivalent A1
Obtain equivalent 4x + 2y + z = 8, or equivalent A1
OR1:
Substitute for A and B and obtain 2a = d and a + 2b = d B1
Substitute for C to obtain a third equation and eliminate one
unknown (a, b, or d) entirely M1
Obtain two correct equation in three unknowns e.g. a, b, c A1
Solve to obtain their ratio, e.g. a : b : c, or equivalent M1
Obtain a: b : c = 4 : 2: 1, or a : c: d = 4 : 1: 8 or b : c: d = 2 : 1: 8,
or equivalent A1
Obtain equation 4x + 2y + z = 8, or equivalent A1
OR2:
Substitute for A and B and obtain 2a – d and a + 2b = d B1
Solve to obtain ratio a: b: d, or equivalent M2
Obtain a: b: d = 2: 1: 4, or equivalent A1
Substitute for C to find c M1
Obtain equation 4x + 2y + z = 8, or equivalent A1
OR3:

Obtain a vector parallel to the plane e.g. BC = –j + 2k B1

Obtain a second such vector and calculate their vector product,
e.g. (–i + 2j) × (–j + 2k) M1
Obtain two correct components of the product A1
Obtain correct answer, e.g. 4i + 2j + k A1
Substitute in 4x + 2y + z = d to find d M1
Obtain equation 4x + 2y + z = 8, or equivalent A1
OR4:

Obtain a vector parallel to the plane, e.g. AC = –i + j + 2k B1

© Doublestruck & CIE - Licensed to Brillantmont International School 20

 Obtain a second such vector and form correctly a 2-parameter
equation for the plane M1
Obtain a correct equation, e.g. r = 2i + λ(–i + 2j) + μ(–i + j + 2k) A1
State three equations in x, y, z, λ, μ A1
Eliminate λ and μ M1
Obtain equation 4x + 2y +z = 8, or equivalent A1 6

(ii) State or imply a normal vector for plane OAB is k, or equivalent B1

Carry out correct process for evaluating a scalar product of two

relevant vectors, (4i + 2j +k). (k) M1

Using the correct process for calculating the moduli, divide the scalar
product by the product of the moduli and evaluate the inverse cosine of
the result M1

Obtain answer 77.4° or 1.35 radians A14

[10]
8. (i) State a vector equation for the line through A and B, e.g.
r = i + 2j + 3k + s(i − j) B1

Equate at least two pairs of components of general points on AB and l,

and solve for s or for t M1

Obtain correct answer for s or t, e.g. s = −6, 2, −2 when t = 3, –1, –1

respectively A1

Verify that all three component equations are not satisfied A14

(ii) State or imply a direction vector for AP has components

(–2t, 3 + t, –1 –t), or equivalent B1

AP. AB
State or imply cos 60° equals M1*
AP . AB

Carry out correct processes for expanding the scalar product and
expressing the product of the moduli in terms of t, in
order to obtain an equation in t in any form M1(dep*)

Obtain the given equation 3t2 + 7t + 2 = 0 correctly A1

Solve the quadratic and use a root to find a position vector for P M1

Obtain position vector 5i + 3j + 4k from t = −2, having rejected the

1
root t = – for a valid reason A16
3
[10]

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9. (i) Substitute for r and expand the given scalar product, or
correct equivalent, to obtain an equation in s M1

Solve a linear equation formed from a scalar product for s M1

Obtain s = 2 and position vector 3i + 2j + k for A A13

(ii) State or imply a normal vector of p is 2i – 3j + 6k, or equivalent B1

Use the correct process for evaluating a relevant scalar product, e.g.
(i – 2j + 2k).(2i – 3j + 6k) M1

Using the correct process for calculating the moduli, divide the scalar
product by the product of the moduli and evaluate the inverse sine or
cosine of the result M1

Obtain final answer 72.2° or 1.26 radians A14

(iii) EITHER:
Taking the direction vector of the line to be ai + bj + ck, state
equation 2a – 3b + 6c = 0 B1
State equation a – 2b + 2c = 0 B1
Solve to find one ratio, e.g. a : b M1
Obtain ratio a : b : c = 6 : 2 : –1, or equivalent A1
State answer r = 3i + 2j + k + λ(6i + 2j – k), or equivalent A1√
OR1:
Attempt to calculate the vector product of a direction vector for
the line l and a normal vector of the plane p,
e.g.(i – 2j + 2k) × (2i –3j + 6k) M2
Obtain two correct components of the product A1
Obtain answer –6i – 2j + k, or equivalent A1
State answer r = 3i + 2j + k + λ(–6i – 2j + k), or equivalent A1√
OR2:
Obtain the equation of the plane containing A and perpendicular
to the line l M1
State answer x –2y + 2z = 1, or equivalent A1√
Find position vector of a second point B on the line of
intersection of this plane with the plane p, e.g. 9i + 4j M1
Obtain a direction vector for this line of intersection, e.g.
6i + 2j – k A1
State answer r = 3i + 2j + k + λ(6i + 2j – k), or equivalent A1 5
[The f.t. is on A.]
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