Solution
Related Formula
θ = a · b| a|| b|For an acute angle, θ > 0, which strictly means a · b > 0.
Core Logic
Given vectors A = α i - 2 j + 2 k and B = α i + 2α j - 2 k. For the angle to be acute, their dot product must be strictly positive:
A · B > 0 (α)(α) + (-2)(2α) + (2)(-2) > 0 α² - 4α - 4 > 0Step 1: Solving the Inequality
Complete the square to find critical points:
α² - 4α + 4 > 8 (α - 2)² > 8Extracting roots gives:
α - 2 > 2√(2) or α - 2 < -2√(2) α > 2 + 2√(2) or α < 2 - 2√(2)Step 2: Finding Least Positive Integer
Approximate the boundary values. Since √(2) ≈ 1.414: 2 + 2(1.414) = 4.828
The ranges are α in (-∞, -0.828) (4.828, ∞). We need the least positive integral value of α. Looking at the interval (4.828, ∞), the smallest integer present is 5.
Pattern Recognition
Acute angle translates directly to a positive dot product. Set up the quadratic inequality, compute numerical bounds of irrational roots, and select the immediate next integer.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Maths: Vector Algebra Class 11 Maths: Linear Inequalities