Question:medium

In a \(\triangle ABC\), \[ |\overrightarrow{CB}|=a,\quad |\overrightarrow{CA}|=b,\quad |\overrightarrow{AB}|=c \] and \(CD\) is the median through the vertex \(C\). Then \[ \overrightarrow{CA}\cdot \overrightarrow{CD}= \]

Show Hint

For a median from a vertex, use the midpoint vector formula: \[ \overrightarrow{CD}=\frac{1}{2}(\overrightarrow{CA}+\overrightarrow{CB}) \] Then apply dot product identities.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • \(\dfrac{1}{4}(3a^2+b^2-c^2)\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{4}(a^2+3b^2-c^2)\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{4}(a^2+b^2-3c^2)\)
  • \(\dfrac{1}{4}(-3a^2-b^2+c^2)\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the median vector CD.
$CD$ is the median from vertex $C$ to side $AB$, so $D$ is the midpoint of $AB$. By the midpoint formula in vectors, $\overrightarrow{CD} = \frac{1}{2}(\overrightarrow{CA}+\overrightarrow{CB})$. This is because $D$ divides $AB$ in the ratio $1:1$.
Step 2: Set up the dot product.
\[ \overrightarrow{CA}\cdot\overrightarrow{CD} = \overrightarrow{CA}\cdot\frac{1}{2}(\overrightarrow{CA}+\overrightarrow{CB}) = \frac{1}{2}\left(|\overrightarrow{CA}|^2 + \overrightarrow{CA}\cdot\overrightarrow{CB}\right). \]
Step 3: Identify the magnitudes.
We have $|\overrightarrow{CB}|=a$, $|\overrightarrow{CA}|=b$, $|\overrightarrow{AB}|=c$. So $|\overrightarrow{CA}|^2 = b^2$.
Step 4: Find CA dot CB using the law of cosines.
The angle at $C$ between $\overrightarrow{CA}$ and $\overrightarrow{CB}$ is angle $C$. By the cosine rule, $c^2 = a^2+b^2-2ab\cos C$, giving $\cos C = \frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab}$. So: \[ \overrightarrow{CA}\cdot\overrightarrow{CB} = |\overrightarrow{CA}||\overrightarrow{CB}|\cos C = b \cdot a \cdot \frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2ab} = \frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2}. \]
Step 5: Substitute everything in.
\[ \overrightarrow{CA}\cdot\overrightarrow{CD} = \frac{1}{2}\left(b^2 + \frac{a^2+b^2-c^2}{2}\right) = \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{2b^2+a^2+b^2-c^2}{2} = \frac{a^2+3b^2-c^2}{4}. \]
Step 6: State the final answer.
\[ \boxed{\dfrac{a^2+3b^2-c^2}{4}} \]
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