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Question #72351

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Let r⃗(t)\vec{r}(t) be a twice differentiable vector-valued function such that r⃗×r⃗′≠0⃗\vec{r} \times \vec{r}' \neq \vec{0}. Evaluate the indefinite integral: ∫(∣r⃗∣4∣r⃗′∣2−∣r⃗∣2(r⃗⋅r⃗′)2)(r⃗×r⃗′′)−2(r⃗⋅r⃗′)∣r⃗×r⃗′∣2(r⃗×r⃗′)∣r⃗∣6∣r⃗′∣2−∣r⃗∣4(r⃗⋅r⃗′)2 dt\int \frac{ \left( |\vec{r}|^4 |\vec{r}'|^2 - |\vec{r}|^2 (\vec{r} \cdot \vec{r}')^2 \right) (\vec{r} \times \vec{r}'') - 2(\vec{r} \cdot \vec{r}') |\vec{r} \times \vec{r}'|^2 (\vec{r} \times \vec{r}') }{ |\vec{r}|^6 |\vec{r}'|^2 - |\vec{r}|^4 (\vec{r} \cdot \vec{r}')^2 } \, dt (where CC is an arbitrary scalar constant and C⃗\vec{C} is an arbitrary constant vector)

Options

  • A.

    r⃗×r⃗′∣r⃗∣2+C⃗\frac{\vec{r} \times \vec{r}'}{|\vec{r}|^2} + \vec{C}

  • B.

    r⃗×r⃗′∣r⃗∣2+C\frac{\vec{r} \times \vec{r}'}{|\vec{r}|^2} + C

  • C.

    r⃗×r⃗′∣r⃗∣4+C⃗\frac{\vec{r} \times \vec{r}'}{|\vec{r}|^4} + \vec{C}

  • D.

    r⃗×r⃗′∣r⃗∣4+C\frac{\vec{r} \times \vec{r}'}{|\vec{r}|^4} + C

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Specialist

Targeted practice for niche, high-difficulty concepts that frequently appear in JEE Advanced exams.

Concepts Behind This Question

Lagrange Identity|Exact Differential Recognition|Integration Constant Trap

Why This Question Is Tricky

Examiner Levers

Variable Manipulation

Algebraic solutions only (No numbers); tests pure symbolic logic.

Difficulty Boost : +4

Common Mistakes

This question tests the application of the Lagrange identity to simplify a complex vector integrand into an exact differential.

The primary discriminator is the 'Integration Constant Trap'.

Because the integrand is a vector-valued function, its antiderivative must also be a vector, requiring a constant vector C⃗\vec{C}.

Students often mechanically append a scalar constant CC to all indefinite integrals, failing to account for the dimensional and structural nature of vector calculus, leading them to select the incorrect option B or D.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectMathematics
ChapterVector Algebra - Class 12
ConceptLagrange Identity
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree