If a and b are two vectors such that | a|=2 and | b|=3, then the maximum value of 3 | (3 a+2 b ) |+4 | (3 a-2 b ) | is :
- 30
- 36
- 60
- 72
Answer
(3) 60
Solution
Let a b = p, where -6 p 6. Then
|3 a + 2 b|2 = 9(4) + 4(9) + 12p = 72 + 12p and |3 a - 2 b|2 = 72 - 12p
|3 a + 2 b|2 + |3 a - 2 b|2 = 144
So we can put |3 a + 2 b| = 12 and |3 a - 2 b| = 12 , [0, 2 ], and
Expression = 36 + 48 362 + 482 = 60
Equality holds when = 43, i.e. |3 a + 2 b| = 365:
72 + 12p = 129625 p = -1.68 [-6, 6], so it is attained.
∴ Maximum value = 60
Answer: (3)