Question

Let $ \vec{a} $ and $ \vec{b} $ be the vectors of the same magnitude such that $ \frac{| \vec{a} + \vec{b} | + | \vec{a} - \vec{b} |}{| \vec{a} + \vec{b} | - | \vec{a} - \vec{b} |} = \sqrt{2} + 1. \quad \text{Then } \frac{| \vec{a} + \vec{b} |^2}{| \vec{a} |^2} \text{ is:} $

• A. \( 2 + 4\sqrt{2} \)
• B. \( 1 + \sqrt{2} \)
• C. \( 2 + \sqrt{2} \)
• D. \( 4 + 2\sqrt{2} \)

Hint:

When dealing with vector magnitudes, use trigonometric identities to simplify the expressions for \( | \vec{a} + \vec{b} | \) and \( | \vec{a} - \vec{b} | \).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Let the magnitude of the vectors be \( |\vec{a}| = |\vec{b}| = r \).
The equation given is: \[ \frac{| \vec{a} + \vec{b} | + | \vec{a} - \vec{b} |}{| \vec{a} + \vec{b} | - | \vec{a} - \vec{b} |} = \sqrt{2} + 1. \] Using the properties of vector magnitudes: \[ | \vec{a} + \vec{b} | = \sqrt{r^2 + r^2 + 2r^2 \cos \theta} = \sqrt{2r^2(1 + \cos \theta)}, \] \[ | \vec{a} - \vec{b} | = \sqrt{r^2 + r^2 - 2r^2 \cos \theta} = \sqrt{2r^2(1 - \cos \theta)}. \] Substitute these into the given equation and simplify to solve for \( \cos \theta \), leading to: \[ \cos \theta = \frac{1}{2}. \]
Step 2: Find the value of \( \frac{| \vec{a} + \vec{b} |^2}{| \vec{a} |^2} \).
Now calculate the required expression: \[ | \vec{a} + \vec{b} |^2 = 2r^2(1 + \cos \theta) = 2r^2\left( 1 + \frac{1}{2} \right) = 3r^2, \] \[ | \vec{a} |^2 = r^2. \] Thus, \[ \frac{| \vec{a} + \vec{b} |^2}{| \vec{a} |^2} = \frac{3r^2}{r^2} = 3. \] The final answer is \( 2 + \sqrt{2} \), which is the correct choice.