Vector Algebra · Class 12 · CBSE · Science Mathematics

For which value of lambda are the vectors vec a=hat i+2hat j+3hat k, vec b=2hat i-hat j+hat k, and vec c=3hat i+lambdahat j+4hat k coplanar?

Practice question from Vector Algebra (Class 12 · CBSE · Science Mathematics), with the correct answer and a step-by-step solution.

hard · MCQ · Q-7B77E7

For which value of λ\lambda are the vectors a⃗=i^+2j^+3k^\vec a=\hat i+2\hat j+3\hat k, b⃗=2i^−j^+k^\vec b=2\hat i-\hat j+\hat k, and c⃗=3i^+λj^+4k^\vec c=3\hat i+\lambda\hat j+4\hat k coplanar?

  1. A.−1-1
  2. B.00
  3. C.11Correct answer
  4. D.55

Solution

The vectors are coplanar if their scalar triple product is zero: a⃗⋅(b⃗×c⃗)=0\vec a\cdot(\vec b\times\vec c)=0. Evaluating the determinant gives 5λ−5=05\lambda-5=0, hence λ=1\lambda=1.

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