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1.10.7 Problem solving using vectors

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Question 43

A maritime surveillance drone tracks two suspicious vessels. Relative to a coastal monitoring station at the origin OOO, the first vessel's position is recorded at point A(3,−2,1)A(3, -2, 1)A(3,−2,1) and subsequently at point B(5,2,3)B(5, 2, 3)B(5,2,3), where coordinates are measured in kilometres. It is assumed the vessel travels along a straight line l1l_1l1​ passing through AAA and BBB.

a.

Write down an equation for l1l_1l1​ in the form r=p+λq\mathbf{r} = \mathbf{p} + \lambda \mathbf{q}r=p+λq.

[2]
b.

The second vessel follows a path l2l_2l2​ defined by the equation

r=(014)+μ(21−1) \mathbf{r} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 1 \\ 4 \end{pmatrix} + \mu \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix} r=​014​​+μ​21−1​​

Show that the paths of the two vessels, l1l_1l1​ and l2l_2l2​, do not meet.

[3]
c.

The monitoring station identifies a specific point CCC on the path l2l_2l2​ where the parameter μ=−1\mu = -1μ=−1.

Find the acute angle between the line segment ACACAC and the path l2l_2l2​. Give your answer in degrees to one decimal place.

[4]

1.10.7 Problem solving using vectors Questions

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