Given, a=αi^+j^−k^ and b=2i^+j^−αk^,α>0. If the projection of a×b on the vector −i^+2j^−2k^ is 30, then α is equal to
Now a×b=∣i^α2j^11k^−1−α∣=(1−α)i^+(α2−2)j^+(α−2)k^
Projection of a×b on −i^+2j^−2k^
=∣12+22+22(a×b)⋅(−i^+2j^−2k^)∣
=3((1−α)i^+(α2−2)j^+(α−2)k^).(−i^+2j^−2k^)
=3−1+α+2α2−4−2α+4
=32α2−α−1
Now given length of projection is 30
So 32α2−α−1=30
⇒2α2−α−91=0
⇒α=7,−213