Vectors and the Dot Product

How the real exam tests it

Questions from real CSCA papers that test this concept. Work each one out before you open the answer.

1. CSCA Math December 2025 Past Paper
   Let $O$ be the origin, and let $A$ and $B$ be two points in the plane. If $P$ is the midpoint of $AB$, which expression can represent $\overrightarrow{OP}$?
   • A．$\overrightarrow{OB}-\overrightarrow{OA}$
   • B．$\overrightarrow{OA}+\overrightarrow{OB}$
   • C．$\frac{1}{2}(\overrightarrow{OA}+\overrightarrow{OB})$
   • D．$\overrightarrow{OA}-\overrightarrow{OB}$
   Show answer & solution

   Answer: C

   Answer: C Since $P$ is the midpoint of $AB$, $\overrightarrow{OP}=\frac{1}{2}(\overrightarrow{OA}+\overrightarrow{OB})$. Choose C.
   See it in the full CSCA Math December 2025 Past Paper
2. CSCA Math June 2026 Past Paper
   Given that plane vectors $\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c}$ satisfy $|\vec{a}| = 1$, $|\vec{b}| = 1$, $\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = -\frac{1}{2}$, and $\vec{c} = \lambda \vec{a} + (1 - \lambda)\vec{b}$ ($\lambda \in \mathbb{R}$), then the minimum value of $|\vec{c}|$ is
   • A．$\frac{1}{2}$
   • B．$\frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}$
   • C．$1$
   • D．$\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}$
   Show answer & solution

   Answer: A

   $|\vec{c}|^2 = \lambda^2 |\vec{a}|^2 + (1 - \lambda)^2 |\vec{b}|^2 + 2\lambda(1 - \lambda)\vec{a} \cdot \vec{b} = \lambda^2 + (1 - \lambda)^2 - \lambda(1 - \lambda) = 3\lambda^2 - 3\lambda + 1$. This quadratic in $\lambda$ attains its minimum $\frac{1}{4}$ at $\lambda = \frac{1}{2}$, so the minimum of $|\vec{c}|$ is $\frac{1}{2}$. Choose (A).
   Take the full CSCA Math June 2026 Past Paper — timed & graded