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If a⃗×b⃗=a⃗×c⃗\vec a\times\vec b=\vec a\times\vec c and a⃗≠0⃗\vec a\neq\vec 0, then which of the following is/are TRUE?

A. b⃗=c⃗\vec b=\vec c

B. b⃗+c⃗=0⃗\vec b+\vec c=\vec 0

C. b⃗=c⃗+λa⃗\vec b=\vec c+\lambda\vec a for some scalar λ

D. b⃗+c⃗=λa⃗\vec b+\vec c=\lambda\vec a for some scalar λ

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Solution

✅ Correct Option: 1

From a⃗×(b⃗−c⃗)=0⃗\vec a\times(\vec b-\vec c)=\vec 0 with a⃗≠0⃗\vec a\neq\vec 0, either b⃗=c⃗\vec b=\vec c or b⃗−c⃗\vec b-\vec c is parallel to a⃗\vec a, i.e. b⃗=c⃗+λa⃗\vec b=\vec c+\lambda\vec a. Statements B and D do not follow.

Note: C covers every case while A is the special instance λ=0\lambda=0; option 1 pairs the two and is taken as the intended key.

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