JEE Mathematics · Hard

Vectors: JEE Main MCQ

Solve this quality-checked JEE multiple-choice question, then review the correct answer and explanation.

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JEE MainHardQuestion 260012

Question

If a⃗ + b⃗ + c⃗ = 0 and |a⃗| = 3, |b⃗| = 5, |c⃗| = 7, then the angle between a⃗ and b⃗ is:
  1. A
    60°
    Correct
  2. B
    90°
  3. C
    120°
  4. D
    30°

Correct answer

60°

Explanation

a⃗ + b⃗ = −c⃗ → |a⃗+b⃗|² = |c⃗|² = 49. |a⃗|² + 2a⃗·b⃗ + |b⃗|² = 49 → 9 + 2a⃗·b⃗ + 25 = 49 → a⃗·b⃗ = 15/2. cos θ = (a⃗·b⃗)/(|a⃗||b⃗|) = (15/2)/(15) = 1/2 → θ = 60°.