NIMCET 2025 — Mathematics PYQ
NIMCET | Mathematics | 2025Let a and c be unit vectors such that the angle between them is cos−1(41). If b=2c+λa, where \lambda > 0 and ∣b∣=4, then λ is equal to:
Choose the correct answer:
- A.
4
- B.
3
(Correct Answer) - C.
1/3
- D.
1/4
3
Explanation
Solution
Given:
-
∣a∣=1,∣c∣=1
-
cosθ=41 (where θ is the angle between a and c)
-
a⋅c=∣a∣∣c∣cosθ=1⋅1⋅41=41
-
b=2c+λa
-
∣b∣=4⟹∣b∣2=16
Step 1: Square the vector equation
Step 2: Expand the dot product
Step 3: Substitute the known values
Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation
Step 5: Apply the condition
Since it is given that \lambda > 0, we discard λ=−4.
Final Answer:
The value of λ is 3. The correct option is (B).
Explanation
Solution
Given:
-
∣a∣=1,∣c∣=1
-
cosθ=41 (where θ is the angle between a and c)
-
a⋅c=∣a∣∣c∣cosθ=1⋅1⋅41=41
-
b=2c+λa
-
∣b∣=4⟹∣b∣2=16
Step 1: Square the vector equation
Step 2: Expand the dot product
Step 3: Substitute the known values
Step 4: Solve the quadratic equation
Step 5: Apply the condition
Since it is given that \lambda > 0, we discard λ=−4.
Final Answer:
The value of λ is 3. The correct option is (B).

