Question:

A vector \( \overrightarrow a = \alpha \widehat i + 2\widehat j + \beta \widehat k\left( {\alpha ,\beta \in R} \right) \) lies in the plane of the vectors, \( \overrightarrow b = \widehat i + \widehat j \) and \( \overrightarrow c = \widehat i - \widehat j + 4\widehat k \). If \( \overrightarrow a \) bisects the angle between \( \overrightarrow b \) and \( \overrightarrow c \), then:

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A vector bisecting the angle between b and c is parallel to \(\hat b+\hat c\) (unit vectors); match its j-component to 2 to get alpha and beta.
Updated On: Oct 31, 2026
  • \( \overrightarrow a .\widehat i + 3 = 0 \)
  • \( \overrightarrow a .\widehat k - 4 = 0 \)
  • \( \overrightarrow a .\widehat i + 1 = 0 \)
  • \( \overrightarrow a .\widehat k + 2 = 0 \)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

\(|\vec b|=\sqrt2\), \(|\vec c|=\sqrt{1+1+16}=3\sqrt2\).
The internal bisector direction is \(\hat b+\hat c=\dfrac1{\sqrt2}(1,1,0)+\dfrac1{3\sqrt2}(1,-1,4)=\dfrac1{\sqrt2}\left(\tfrac43,\tfrac23,\tfrac43\right)\), i.e. parallel to (2, 1, 2).
This lies in the plane of b and c. Since the j-component of \(\vec a\) is 2, \(\vec a=(4,2,4)\), so \(\alpha=4,\ \beta=4\).
Hence \(\vec a\cdot\hat k=4\), i.e. \(\vec a\cdot\hat k-4=0\). (Also \(\vec a\cdot\hat i=4\), so options (A) and (C) fail.)
Answer: (B)
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