BITSAT2013MathematicsVector AlgebraActual
If vectors 2 i - j + k , i +2 j -3 k and 3 i + aj +5 k are coplanar, then the value of a is
Options
- A2
- B-2
- C-1
- D-4
Correct answer
D. -4
Step-by-step solution
If given vectors are coplanar, then there exists two scalar quantities x and y such that 2 i - j + k =x( i +2 j -3 k )+y(3 i +a j +5 k ) Comparing coefficient of i , j and k on both sides of (1) we get x+3 y=2,2 x+a y=-1,-3 x+5 y=1 (2) Solving first and third equations, we get x =1 / 2, y =1 / 2 Since the vectors are coplanar, therefore these values of x and y will satisfy the equation 2 x+a y=-1 2(1 / 2)+a(1 / 2)=-1 a=-4