Question
Relative to the origin O, the position vectors of the points A, B and C are given by
OA = 5i - 2 j + k, OB = 8i + 2 j - 6k and OC = 3i + 4 j - 7k .
(a) Show that OABC is a rectangle. [4]
(b) Use a scalar product to find the acute angle between the diagonals of OABC. [4]
36a 2
Mark scheme
9(a) Find the scalar product of a pair of adjacent sides M1 OA = (5, − 2, 1), OB = (8, 2, − 6),
ρ ρ
OC = (3, 4, −7), CB = (5, −2, 1),
ρ
AB = (3, 4, −7).
ρ ρ
Show that the sides are perpendicular A1 e.g. OA.OC = 15 − 8 − 7 = 0 .
Need to see working of numerator, ignore
denominator.
ρ ρ ρ ρ
Compare a pair of opposite sides M1 OA and CB or OC and AB .
ρ ρ ρ ρ
Show that they are parallel and equal in length and hence OABC is a rectangle A1 e.g. AB = AO + OB = 3i + 4 j − 7k = OC .
ρ ρ
If show AB =3i + 4 j − 7 k =OC , then M1 A1
since this implies parallel and of equal length.
If only show lengths equal M1.
If repeat for other pair of opposite sides then A1.
Alternative solution for Question 9(a)
ρ ρ ρ
Show the diagonals OB and AC are equal in length ( 104 ) AC = ( −2, 6, −8).
ρ
Show the diagonals bisect each other at ( 4,1, −3) OB ρ 1 ρ ρ
= OC + ( OA − OC ) = (4, 1, −3).
2 2
ρ ρ ρ
Show the quadrilateral is a parallelogram e.g. OB =OA + OC .
Show both pairs of opposite sides are equal in length and a pair of adjacent sides are
perpendicular
4 Without calculation of scalar product max is M1
A1.
ρ
9(b) ρ AC B1 Seen or implied using diagonals.
AC =± ( −2i + 6 j − 8k ) or =± ( −1i + 3 j − 4k )
2
ρ ρ
Scalar product of a pair of relevant vectors M1 e.g. AC.OB = −16 + 12 + 48 .
Using the correct process for the moduli, divide the scalar product by the product of M1 44
the moduli and obtain the inverse cosine of the result. ± cos −1 .
104
For any two vectors.
Obtain answer 65. ( 0 ) ° A1 Accept 1.13 radians.
Alternative solution for Question 9(b)
ρ ρ
Scalar product of a pair of relevant vectors M1 e.g. OA.OB = 40 − 4 − 6 using one side and a
diagonal.
ρ ρ
or OC.OB = 24 + 8 + 42.
Must use scalar product.
Using the correct process for the moduli, divide the scalar product by the product of M1 30 74
the moduli and obtain the inverse cosine of the result. Any two vectors. ± cos −1 −1
or cos .
104 104
Required angle = 180° − 2 × 57.5° or 180° − 2 × 32.5° = 115° and 180° − 115° or B1 OE SOI
2× 32.5° Complete method to find the acute angle.
Obtain answer 65.0° A1 Accept 1.13 radians.
4