Let overrightarrowAB=2hati+4hatj-5hatk and overrightarrowAD=hati+2hatj+lambda hatk, lambdain mathbbR. Let the projection of the vector vecv=hati+hatj+hatk on the diagonal overrightarrowAC of the parallelogram ABCD be of length one unit. If alpha,beta, where alpha>beta, be the roots of the equation lambda^2x^2-6lambda x+5=0, then 2alpha-beta is equal to

Solution & Explanation

### Related Formula textProjection of vecv text on veca = fracvecv cdot veca|veca| overrightarrowAC = overrightarrowAB + overrightarrowAD ### Core Logic Using the parallelogram law of vector addition, the diagonal overrightarrowAC is given by: overrightarrowAC = overrightarrowAB + overrightarrowAD = (2hati+4hatj-5hatk) + (hati+2hatj+lambda hatk) overrightarrowAC = 3hati + 6hatj + (lambda - 5)hatk ### Step 1: Applying the Projection Condition The projection of vecv = hati+hatj+hatk on overrightarrowAC is 1. Therefore: fracvecv cdot overrightarrowAC|overrightarrowAC| = 1 frac3(1) + 6(1) + (lambda - 5)(1)sqrt3^2 + 6^2 + (lambda - 5)^2 = 1 3 + 6 + lambda - 5 = sqrt9 + 36 + (lambda - 5)^2 lambda + 4 = sqrt45 + (lambda - 5)^2 Squaring both sides: (lambda + 4)^2 = 45 + (lambda - 5)^2 lambda^2 + 8lambda + 16 = lambda^2 - 10lambda + 25 + 45 18lambda = 54 implies lambda = 3 ### Step 2: Solving the Quadratic Equation Substitute lambda = 3 into the given quadratic equation lambda^2x^2 - 6lambda x + 5 = 0: 9x^2 - 18x + 5 = 0 (3x - 1)(3x - 5) = 0 implies x = frac13, frac53 Given alpha > beta, we have alpha = frac53 and beta = frac13. Calculate 2alpha - beta: 2left(frac53right) - frac13 = frac10 - 13 = 3
Projection of A Vector diagram for Q1 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Projection of A Vector diagram for Q1 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
### Pattern Recognition Projection questions in 3D geometry often couple a simple dot product identity with an unknown parameter. Squaring a linear equation derived from vector magnitudes often cancels the squared terms, making it easily solvable. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Maths: Vector Algebra Class 11 Maths: Quadratic Equations

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More Vector Algebra Previous-Year Questions

Q5 jee_main_2026_21_jan_morning Cross Product and Dot Product Operations
Let veca = -hati + 2hatj + 2hatk , vecb = 8hati + 7hatj - 3hatk and vecc be a vector such that veca times vecc = vecb . If vecc. (hati + hatj + hatk) = 4 , then |veca + vecc|^2 is equal to:
  • A. 33
  • B. 30
  • C. 35
  • D. 27

Solution

### Related Formula veca times vecc = beginvmatrix hati & hatj & hatk \\ a_1 & a_2 & a_3 \\ c_1 & c_2 & c_3 endvmatrix ### Core Logic Let the unknown vector be vecc = c_1hati + c_2hatj + c_3hatk. Given veca = -hati + 2hatj + 2hatk and vecb = 8hati + 7hatj - 3hatk. Compute the cross product veca times vecc: veca times vecc = (2c_3 - 2c_2)hati + (-1 cdot c_3 - 2c_1)(-1)hatj + (-1 cdot c_2 - 2c_1)hatk = (2c_3 - 2c_2)hati + (c_3 + 2c_1)hatj - (c_2 + 2c_1)hatk ### Step 1: Equate components to find c Equating this to vecb: 2c_3 - 2c_2 = 8 Rightarrow c_3 - c_2 = 4 c_3 + 2c_1 = 7 -(c_2 + 2c_1) = -3 Rightarrow c_2 + 2c_1 = 3 We are also given vecc cdot (hati + hatj + hatk) = 4: c_1 + c_2 + c_3 = 4
Cross product vectors calculation Q5 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Cross product vectors calculation Q5 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
### Step 2: Solve the linear system From the dot product equation: c_1 = 4 - c_2 - c_3. Substitute into c_2 + 2c_1 = 3: c_2 + 2(4 - c_2 - c_3) = 3 Rightarrow 8 - c_2 - 2c_3 = 3 Rightarrow c_2 + 2c_3 = 5 We have the system: c_3 - c_2 = 4 Rightarrow c_2 = c_3 - 4 Substitute into above: (c_3 - 4) + 2c_3 = 5 Rightarrow 3c_3 = 9 Rightarrow c_3 = 3 Then c_2 = 3 - 4 = -1. Then c_1 = 4 - (-1) - 3 = 2. So, vecc = 2hati - hatj + 3hatk. ### Step 3: Evaluate the final expression veca + vecc = (-hati + 2hatj + 2hatk) + (2hati - hatj + 3hatk) = hati + hatj + 5hatk |veca + vecc|^2 = 1^2 + 1^2 + 5^2 = 1 + 1 + 25 = 27 ### Pattern Recognition Whenever veca times vecc = vecb and a dot product constraint is given, simply expand vecc algebraically as (c_1, c_2, c_3). The cross product and dot product create an easily solvable 3x3 linear system. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Maths: Vector Algebra
Q7 jee_main_2026_21_jan_morning Collinearity and Cross Product of Vectors
Let vecc and vecd be vectors such that |vecc+vecd|=sqrt29 and vecctimes(2hati+3hatj+4hatk)=(2hati+3hatj+4hatk)timesvecd . If lambda_1,lambda_2(lambda_1>lambda_2) are the possible values of (vecc+vecd).(-7hati+2hatj+3hatk) , then the equation K^2x^2+(K^2-5K+lambda_1)xy+left(3K+fraclambda_22right)y^2-8x+12y+lambda_2=0 represents a circle, for k equal to:
  • A. 4
  • B. 1
  • C. -1
  • D. 2

Solution

### Related Formula vecu times vecv = -(vecv times vecu) General equation of a circle requires coefficient of x^2 = coefficient of y^2 and coefficient of xy = 0. ### Core Logic Given vecc times (2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk) = (2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk) times vecd Rearranging: vecc times (2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk) + vecd times (2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk) = vec0 (vecc + vecd) times (2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk) = vec0 This implies vecc + vecd is parallel to 2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk. Let vecc + vecd = lambda (2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk). ### Step 1: Find the scaling factor Given |vecc + vecd| = sqrt29 |lambda| sqrt2^2 + 3^2 + 4^2 = sqrt29 |lambda| sqrt4 + 9 + 16 = sqrt29 |lambda| sqrt29 = sqrt29 Rightarrow lambda = pm 1 Therefore, vecc + vecd = pm(2hati + 3hatj + 4hatk). ### Step 2: Evaluate the dot product limits We need values of (vecc + vecd) cdot (-7hati + 2hatj + 3hatk). Dot product = lambda(2(-7) + 3(2) + 4(3)) = lambda(-14 + 6 + 12) = 4lambda. Since lambda = pm 1, the possible values are 4 and -4. Given lambda_1 > lambda_2, we have lambda_1 = 4 and lambda_2 = -4. ### Step 3: Apply circle constraints Substitute lambda_1 and lambda_2 into the conic equation: K^2 x^2 + (K^2 - 5K + 4)xy + left(3K - 2right)y^2 - 8x + 12y - 4 = 0 For this to represent a circle: 1) Coefficient of xy must be 0: K^2 - 5K + 4 = 0 Rightarrow K = 1, 4 2) Coefficient of x^2 must equal coefficient of y^2: K^2 = 3K - 2 Rightarrow K^2 - 3K + 2 = 0 Rightarrow K = 1, 2 The common value satisfying both conditions is K = 1. ### Pattern Recognition Cross-product equations mapping to X times A = -Y times A perfectly factor out to (X+Y) times A = 0, guaranteeing (X+Y) is a scalar multiple of A. This immediately unlocks vector magnitudes. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Maths: Vector Algebra Class 11 Maths: Conic Sections
Q15 jee_main_2026_21_jan_evening Cross Product
For a triangle ABC, let vecp=overrightarrowBC,vecq=overrightarrowCA and vecr=overrightarrowBA. If |vecp|=2sqrt3,|vecq|=2 and costheta=frac1sqrt3, where theta is the angle between vecp and vecq, then left|vecptimes(vecq-3vecr)right|^2+3left|vecrright|^2 is equal to:
  • A. 340
  • B. 220
  • C. 410
  • D. 200

Solution

### Related Formula textCosine Rule in triangle: cos(pi-theta) = frac|vecp|^2+|vecq|^2-|vecr|^22|vecp||vecq| textCross product identity: vecA times vecA = 0 quad ; quad |vecA times vecB| = |A||B|sintheta ### Core Logic
Vector triangle diagram for Q15 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Vector triangle diagram for Q15 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
From triangle law of addition, overrightarrowBC + overrightarrowCA = overrightarrowBA implies vecp + vecq = vecr. The angle between vectors vecp and vecq extended head-to-tail is theta. The internal angle of the triangle is pi - theta. ### Step 1: Calculate magnitude of r Using cosine rule for the side |vecr|: cos(pi - theta) = frac|vecp|^2 + |vecq|^2 - |vecr|^22|vecp||vecq| Since costheta = 1/sqrt3, cos(pi - theta) = -1/sqrt3. -frac1sqrt3 = frac(2sqrt3)^2 + (2)^2 - |vecr|^22(2sqrt3)(2) -frac1sqrt3 = frac12 + 4 - |vecr|^28sqrt3 -8 = 16 - |vecr|^2 implies |vecr|^2 = 24 ### Step 2: Simplify the Cross Product term We need to evaluate |vecp times (vecq - 3vecr)|^2. Substitute vecr = vecp + vecq: = |vecp times (vecq - 3(vecp + vecq))|^2 = |vecp times (-3vecp - 2vecq)|^2 Since vecp times vecp = 0: = |-2 (vecp times vecq)|^2 = 4 |vecp times vecq|^2 = 4 ( |vecp|^2 |vecq|^2 sin^2theta ) ### Step 3: Final Calculation Given costheta = 1/sqrt3 implies cos^2theta = 1/3 implies sin^2theta = 2/3. 4 |vecp times vecq|^2 = 4 (12)(4)left(frac23right) = 4(4)(4)(2) = 128 The required expression is: |vecp times (vecq - 3vecr)|^2 + 3|vecr|^2 = 128 + 3(24) = 128 + 72 = 200 ### Pattern Recognition Always convert secondary vectors back to base components using the triangle condition vecp + vecq = vecr. It zeroes out self-cross products instantly. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Maths: Vector Algebra
Q68 jee_main_2025_02_april_evening Properties of Vectors
Let veca = 2hati - 3hatj + hatk, vecb = 3hati + 2hatj + 5hatk and a vector vecc be such that (veca - vecc) times vecb = -18hati - 3hatj + 12hatk and veca cdot vecc = 3. If vecb times vecc = vecd, then |veca cdot vecd| is equal to:
  • A. 18
  • B. 12
  • C. 9
  • D. 15

Solution

### Related Formula textVector Cross product distributes over subtraction: (veca - vecc) times vecb = veca times vecb - vecc times vecb textScalar Triple Product cyclic identity: veca cdot (vecb times vecc) = (veca times vecb) cdot vecc textAntisymmetry: vecc times vecb = - vecb times vecc ### Core Logic Instead of solving for the individual coordinates of vector vecc, we apply vector algebraic identities to compute the target scalar triple product directly. ### Step 1: Expand and rewrite the cross product Given (veca - vecc) times vecb = -18hatmathrmi - 3hatmathrmj + 12hatmathrmk: veca times vecb - vecc times vecb = -18hatmathrmi - 3hatmathrmj + 12hatmathrmk veca times vecb + vecb times vecc = -18hatmathrmi - 3hatmathrmj + 12hatmathrmk vecb times vecc = (-18hatmathrmi - 3hatmathrmj + 12hatmathrmk) - (veca times vecb) quad text--- (1) ### Step 2: Calculate a x b Evaluate the cross product: veca times vecb = beginvmatrix hatmathrmi & hatmathrmj & hatmathrmk \\ 2 & -3 & 1 \\ 3 & 2 & 5 endvmatrix veca times vecb = hatmathrmi(-15 - 2) - hatmathrmj(10 - 3) + hatmathrmk(4 - (-9)) = -17hatmathrmi - 7hatmathrmj + 13hatmathrmk ### Step 3: Solve for the vector d Substitute veca times vecb back into equation (1): vecd = vecb times vecc = (-18hatmathrmi - 3hatmathrmj + 12hatmathrmk) - (-17hatmathrmi - 7hatmathrmj + 13hatmathrmk) vecd = -hatmathrmi + 4hatmathrmj - hatmathrmk ### Step 4: Compute the final dot product Now compute the requested dot product: veca cdot vecd = (2hatmathrmi - 3hatmathrmj + hatmathrmk) cdot (-hatmathrmi + 4hatmathrmj - hatmathrmk) veca cdot vecd = 2(-1) + (-3)(4) + 1(-1) = -2 - 12 - 1 = -15 left| veca cdot vecd right| = 15 ### Pattern Recognition Scalar triple product shortcut: Recognizing that veca cdot vecd = veca cdot (vecb times vecc) = [ veca \, vecb \, vecc ] allows you to find the scalar value through simple determinants and linear equations instead of solving for the vector components. ### Evaluation Rubric / Model Answer null ### Chapter Mix Class 12 Mathematics: Vector Algebra

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