The PowerPoint below provides an overview of material in this topic, including explanations and examples - for the full experience, open in a new tab then download it. All exercise references are to the new specification Pearson textbook - you can access the digital version for free or buy your own for extra practice.
Written summary notes are also given below for quick revision of key points, plus a selection of exam-style questions (with solutions) to test your understanding.
Explore further: Learn how maths is used at Pixar
There's a whole online course on the topic here!
Section 1 Notes - Scalar (dot) product
Section 2 Notes - Lines: equations, angles and intersections
Section 3 Notes - Planes: equations, angles and intersections
Section 4 Notes - Distances
Use the videos below to support your understanding of the topic. The ones on the left are specific to the course, building up to demos of exam-style questions; the ones on the right are for your own amusement, although the alternative outlook may provide you with a deeper overall understanding and appreciation of the topic.
Topic videos:
The perpendicular distance from a point to a line [Dot product and calculus methods]
The perpendicular distance from a point to a plane [Formulae booklet]
The perpendicular distance between two parallel lines [Dot product method shown; calculus method is also valid]
The perpendicular distance between skew lines [This video demonstrates the dot product method only]
In the new specification, you are not required to be able to calculate or apply the vector (cross) product. However, you are given the information for it in the formulae booklet (or you can find it on the calculator), plus it is often a more efficient method!
Cross product videos:
Finding equations of planes using the vector (cross) product
Shortest distance between skew lines (cross product method) - Intro
Shortest distance between skew lines (cross product method) - Example
Extra fun! An additional playlist outlining some of the deeper underlying principles of vectors and matrices.