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JEE Main 2023
Vector Algebra
Vector Algebra
Hard

Question

Let a,b\vec{a}, \vec{b} and c\vec{c} be three non-zero vectors such that b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} are non-collinear. If a+5b\vec{a}+5 \vec{b} is collinear with c,b+6c\vec{c}, \vec{b}+6 \vec{c} is collinear with a\vec{a} and a+αb+βc=0\vec{a}+\alpha \vec{b}+\beta \vec{c}=\overrightarrow{0}, then α+β\alpha+\beta is equal to

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Solution

Key Concepts and Formulas

  1. Collinearity of Vectors: Two non-zero vectors x\vec{x} and y\vec{y} are collinear if and only if x=ky\vec{x} = k\vec{y} for some non-zero scalar kk.
  2. Linear Independence of Non-Collinear Vectors: If two vectors x\vec{x} and y\vec{y} are non-collinear, they are linearly independent. This implies that if px+qy=0p\vec{x} + q\vec{y} = \overrightarrow{0}, then p=0p=0 and q=0q=0.
  3. Vector Equation Manipulation: Algebraic operations such as addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication can be applied to vector equations.

Step-by-Step Solution

We are given three non-zero vectors a,b,c\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c} such that b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} are non-collinear.

Step 1: Express the first collinearity condition mathematically. We are given that a+5b\vec{a}+5 \vec{b} is collinear with c\vec{c}. By the definition of collinearity, this means there exists a non-zero scalar, say k1k_1, such that: a+5b=k1c\vec{a} + 5\vec{b} = k_1 \vec{c} Rearranging this equation to express a\vec{a} in terms of b\vec{b} and c\vec{c}: a=k1c5b() \vec{a} = k_1 \vec{c} - 5\vec{b} \quad (*)

Step 2: Express the second collinearity condition mathematically. We are given that b+6c\vec{b}+6 \vec{c} is collinear with a\vec{a}. This means there exists a non-zero scalar, say k2k_2, such that: b+6c=k2a()\vec{b} + 6\vec{c} = k_2 \vec{a} \quad (**)

Step 3: Substitute the expression for a\vec{a} from Step 1 into the equation from Step 2. Substitute the expression for a\vec{a} from equation ()(*) into equation ()(**): b+6c=k2(k1c5b)\vec{b} + 6\vec{c} = k_2 (k_1 \vec{c} - 5\vec{b}) Distribute k2k_2 on the right side: b+6c=k1k2c5k2b\vec{b} + 6\vec{c} = k_1 k_2 \vec{c} - 5k_2 \vec{b} Now, rearrange the terms to group b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} on one side, setting the expression equal to the zero vector: b+5k2b+6ck1k2c=0\vec{b} + 5k_2 \vec{b} + 6\vec{c} - k_1 k_2 \vec{c} = \overrightarrow{0} Combine the coefficients of b\vec{b} and c\vec{c}: (1+5k2)b+(6k1k2)c=0(1 + 5k_2)\vec{b} + (6 - k_1 k_2)\vec{c} = \overrightarrow{0}

Step 4: Apply the concept of linear independence to solve for k1k_1 and k2k_2. Since b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} are non-collinear, they are linearly independent. For the equation (1+5k2)b+(6k1k2)c=0(1 + 5k_2)\vec{b} + (6 - k_1 k_2)\vec{c} = \overrightarrow{0} to hold, the coefficients of b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} must both be zero. This gives us a system of two linear equations:

  1. 1+5k2=01 + 5k_2 = 0
  2. 6k1k2=06 - k_1 k_2 = 0

From equation (1), we solve for k2k_2: 5k2=1    k2=155k_2 = -1 \implies k_2 = -\frac{1}{5} Now, substitute the value of k2k_2 into equation (2): 6k1(15)=06 - k_1 \left(-\frac{1}{5}\right) = 0 6+k15=06 + \frac{k_1}{5} = 0 k15=6    k1=30\frac{k_1}{5} = -6 \implies k_1 = -30

Step 5: Use the final given equation to find α\alpha and β\beta. We are given the equation a+αb+βc=0\vec{a}+\alpha \vec{b}+\beta \vec{c}=\overrightarrow{0}. From Step 1, we have a=k1c5b\vec{a} = k_1 \vec{c} - 5\vec{b}. Substituting the value k1=30k_1 = -30, we get: a=30c5b\vec{a} = -30\vec{c} - 5\vec{b} Now substitute this expression for a\vec{a} into the given equation: (5b30c)+αb+βc=0(-5\vec{b} - 30\vec{c}) + \alpha \vec{b} + \beta \vec{c} = \overrightarrow{0} Group the terms involving b\vec{b} and c\vec{c}: (α5)b+(β30)c=0(\alpha - 5)\vec{b} + (\beta - 30)\vec{c} = \overrightarrow{0}

Step 6: Apply linear independence again to find α\alpha and β\beta. Since b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} are non-collinear, their coefficients must be zero: α5=0    α=5\alpha - 5 = 0 \implies \alpha = 5 β30=0    β=30\beta - 30 = 0 \implies \beta = 30

Step 7: Calculate α+β\alpha+\beta. Finally, we compute the sum α+β\alpha+\beta: α+β=5+30=35\alpha + \beta = 5 + 30 = 35


Common Mistakes & Tips

  • Misinterpreting Collinearity: Ensure that collinearity is correctly translated into a scalar multiple relationship. If x\vec{x} and y\vec{y} are collinear, x=ky\vec{x}=k\vec{y} where k0k \neq 0.
  • Incorrect Application of Linear Independence: Linear independence of b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} is the key. Remember that if pb+qc=0p\vec{b} + q\vec{c} = \overrightarrow{0} and b,c\vec{b}, \vec{c} are non-collinear, then p=0p=0 and q=0q=0.
  • Algebraic Errors: Double-check all algebraic manipulations, especially when substituting and rearranging terms.

Summary

The problem involves using the definition of collinearity to set up scalar multiple equations between the given vectors. By strategically substituting these equations, we can form a linear combination of the non-collinear vectors b\vec{b} and c\vec{c}. The principle of linear independence is then applied to equate the coefficients of b\vec{b} and c\vec{c} to zero, allowing us to solve for unknown scalars. This process is repeated to find the values of α\alpha and β\beta, which are then summed to find the final answer.

The final answer is 35\boxed{35}.

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