\( a , b \) and \( c..." - Step-by-step solution, answer key, and detailed explanation on MCA Prep."> \( a , b... - Solved | MCA Prep" /> \( a , b \) and \( c..." - Step-by-step solution, answer key, and detailed explanation on MCA Prep." /> \( a , b... - Solved | MCA Prep" /> \( a , b \) and \( c..." - Step-by-step solution, answer key, and detailed explanation on MCA Prep." />

Question 42

Mathematics Scalar and Vector Products Hard

If&nbsp;<span class="math-tex">\(\vec{a}, \vec{b}\)</span>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<span class="math-tex">\(\vec{c}\)</span>&nbsp;are unit vectors, then&nbsp;<span class="math-tex">\(|{a - b}|^2 + |{b - c}|^2 + |{c - a}|^2\)</span>&nbsp;does not exceed

(A) 4
(B) 9
(C) 8
(D) 6
✓ Correct Answer: Option B Verified Solution

📘 Step-by-Step Solution & Detailed Explanation:

For unit vectors, \(|\vec{a} - \vec{b}|^2 = 2 - 2\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b}\), and similarly for the others. So

Sum = \(6 - 2(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} + \vec{b} \cdot \vec{c} + \vec{c} \cdot \vec{a})\).

Since \(|\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c}|^2 = 3 + 2(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} + \vec{b} \cdot \vec{c} + \vec{c} \cdot \vec{a}) \ge 0\), we get \(\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} + \vec{b} \cdot \vec{c} + \vec{c} \cdot \vec{a} \ge -\frac{3}{2}\).

Sum ≤ \(6 + 3 = 9\). The maximum 9 is reached when \(\vec{a} + \vec{b} + \vec{c} = \vec{0}\).

Answer: (B) 9

Practice Similar Scalar and Vector Products Questions

Reinforce your conceptual grasp with related questions from MAH MCA CET 2018:

Q43 The vector \( a =α i +2 j +β k...
Solve →
Q44 Forces \(4 i -3 j +7 k \) and ...
Solve →
Q45 A bird is flying in a straight line with velocity vector 10î + 6ĵ + k̂,...
Solve →
Q1 What is the value of: \( 6 + log 1/4 ( 1 √(2) 1 - 1 √(2) 1 - 1 √(2) 1 - 1...
Solve →
Q2 The function \( f(x)=log (x+√(x 2 +...
Solve →
Full-Length Test Series

Prepare for MAH MCA CET Under Real Exam Conditions

Take timed full-length mock tests with authentic question distributions, negative marking (+12/-3 in Math), and instant All India Rank calculation.

Start Free Mock Test Series →