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1.13.5 Vectors to solve problems

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Question 42

A research satellite's trajectory l1 l_1\,l1​ is modeled relative to a fixed origin O O\,O by the equation

r=(1−22)+λ(22−1) \mathbf{r} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ -2 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix} + \lambda \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix} r=​1−22​​+λ​22−1​​

where λ \lambda\,λ is a scalar parameter. A tracking station at the origin O O\,O detects the satellite at point A A\,A on l1 l_1\,l1​ when its distance from O O\,O is 29 \sqrt{29}\,29​ units.

a.

Show that at AAA, the parameter λ \lambda\,λ satisfies

9λ2−8λ−20=0 9\lambda^2 - 8\lambda - 20 = 0 9λ2−8λ−20=0
[4]
b.

(i) Show that one possible position vector for A A\,A is 5i+2j5\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j}5i+2j.

(ii) Find the other possible position vector for AAA.

[3]
c.

The signal beam l2 l_2\,l2​ from the station is parallel to l1 l_1\,l1​ and passes through OOO. A maintenance probe B B\,B lies on l2l_2l2​.

Given that:

  • OA→=5i+2j\overrightarrow{OA} = 5\mathbf{i} + 2\mathbf{j}OA=5i+2j
  • point B B\,B lies on l2 l_2\,l2​ where ∣OB→∣=10|\overrightarrow{OB}| = 10∣OB∣=10

Find the area of triangle OABOABOAB, giving your answer to one decimal place.

[4]

1.13.5 Vectors to solve problems Questions

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