Solution
Related Formula
Cross product for vector perpendicular direction alignment:
u = b × cAngle projection formula:
θ = a · v| a|| v|Core Logic
Compute cross product of b and c:
b × c = vmatrix i & j & k 1 & -2 & 3 2 & 3 & -1 vmatrix = -7 i + 7 j + 7 k = -7( i - j - k)Hence, unit vector a matches form:
a = ± i - j - k√(3)Step 1: Isolate Core Angle Direction
Check conditions against vector v = i + j + k: Using a = i - j - k√(3):
θ = 1 - 1 - 1√(3)√(3) = -(1)/(3)This confirms the direction for a.
Step 2: Solve for Unknown Scalar Variable
Now compute angle with vector i + α j + k for θ = (π)/(3):
(π)/(3) = 1√(3) · 1 - α - 1√(2 + α²) (1)/(2) = -α√(3)√(α² + 2)Since left hand side is positive, α must be strictly negative. Squaring both sides:
(1)/(4) = (α²)/(3(α² + 2)) 3α² + 6 = 4α² α² = 6Since α < 0, α = -√(6).
Pattern Recognition
Keep strict track of signs when dealing with algebra containing square roots. Checking value constraints early on allows you to drop phantom positive/negative branches seamlessly.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Mathematics: Vector Algebra