THREE DIMENSIONAL COORDINATE GEOMETRY

Total No.of questions in Three Dimensional Coordinate Geometry are -

In Chapter Examples.............................................................. 36
Solved Examples ................................................................... 14

Total No. of questions .......................................................... 50

 BC2 = (1 – 2)2 + (– 3 + 1)2 + (1 – 3)2
1. COORDINATES OF A POINT IN SPACE = 1 + 4 + 4 = 9
Let O be a fixed point known as origin and let CA = (0 – 1)2 + (1 + 3)2 + (2 – 1) 2
2

OX, OY and OZ be three mutually perpendicular = 1 + 16 + 1 = 18

lines, taken as x-axis, y-axis and z-axis From above results it is clear that
respectively in such a way that they form a right AB2 + BC2 = CA2 and AB = BC
- handed system. Hence the given points form an isosceles
Z right angled triangle. Ans.

C E 3. COORDINATES OF DIVISION POINT

k
(x,y,z)
F p Coordinates of the point dividing the line joining
O j two points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) in the
Y
i B ratio m1 : m2 are
A D
X

The planes XOY, YOZ and ZOX are known as

xy-plane, yz-plane and zx-plane respectively.
Let P be a point in space and distances of P
from yz, zx and xy-planes be x,y,z respectively
(with proper signs), then we say that coordinates
of P are (x, y, z). Also OA = x, OB = y,
OC = z. (i) In case of internal div ision
 m1x 2  m2 x1 m1y 2  m2 y1 m1z 2  m2 z1 
2. DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO POINTS 
 m m , , 
 1 2 m1  m 2 m1  m2 

If P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are two points, (ii) In case of external div ision
then distance between them
 m1x 2  m2 x1 m1y 2  m2 y1 m1z 2  m2 z1 
 , , 
PQ 2 2
= (x1  x 2 )  (y1  y 2 )  (z1  z 2 ) 2 In  m m m1  m2 m1  m2 
 1 2
particular distance of a point (x, y, z) from origin
Note :
2 2 2
= x y z . (a) Coordinates of the Midpoint :
When division point is the midpoint of PQ, then
ratio will be 1 : 1; hence coordinates of the
 x  x 2 y1  y 2 z1  z 2 
midpoint of PQ are  1 , , 
 2 2 2 
(b) Centroid of a Triangle :
If (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2) and (x3, y3, z3) be the
vertices of a triangle, then the centroid of the
Examples triangle is
based on Distance between two points
 x1  x 2  x 3 y1  y 2  y 3 z1  z 2  z 3 
 , , 
Ex.1 Show that the points (0,1,2), (2, –1, 3) and  3 3 3 
(1, –3,1) are vertices of an isosceles right (c) Division by Coordinate Planes :
angled triangle.
The ratios in which the line segment PQ joining
Sol. Let the given points (0,1,2), (2, –1, 3), P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) is divided by
(1, –3, 1) be A, B, C respectively, then coordinate planes are as follows.
AB2 = (2 – 0)2 + (–1 –1) 2 + (3 – 2) 2
= 4 + 4 + 1 = 9 x1
(i) by yz - plane: – ratio
x2
 y 6 3
(ii) by zx - plane: – 1 ratio  20k = 6; k = =
y2 20 10
z1 Hence the required ratio = k : 1
(iii) by xy - plane: – ratio
z2 3
= : 1 = 3 : 10 Ans.
(d) Centroid of a Tetrahedron : 10
If (xr, yr, zr), r = 1, 2, 3, 4 are vertices of a
4. DIRECTION COSINES & DIRECTION RATIO'S
tetrahedron, then coordinates of its centroid are
OF A LINE
 x1  x 2  x 3  x 4 y1  y 2  y 3  y 4 z1  z 2  z 3  z 4 
 , ,  4.1 Direction cosines of a line [Dc's] :
 4 4 4 
The cosines of the angles made by a line with
Examples coordinate axes are called the direction cosines
based on Coordinates of division point of that line.
Ex.2 Find the ratio in which the line joining the Let , ,  be the angles made by a line AB with
points (3, 5, –7) and (–2,1,8) is divided by coordinate axes then cos , cos , cos  are the
yz-plane. direction cosines of AB which are generally
Sol. Let the line joining the points (3, 5, –7) and denoted by l, m, n. Hence l = cos ,
(–2, 1, 8) divides yz-plane in the ratio  : 1, m = cos , n = cos 
then coordinates of the dividing point will be Z
B
  2  3   5 8  7  P
 , ,  A
  1  1  1  
O 
X
Now above points lies on the yz-plane, so its 
x-coordinate should be zero i.e.
Y
 2  3 3 Note :
= 0   =
 1 2 –1 < cos x < 1  x  R, hence values of l, m,n
Hence yz-plane divides line joining the given are such real numbers which are not less than
– 1 and not greater than 1. Hence DC's [–1, 1]
3
points in the ratio :1 or 3 : 2. Ans. Direction cosines of coordinate axes :
2
x-axis makes 0°, 90° and 90° angles with three
Ex.3 Find the ratio in which the plane
coordinate axes, so its direction cosines are
x – 2y + 3z = 17 divides the line joining the
cos 0°, cos 90°, cos 90°, i.e. 1, 0, 0.
points (–2, 4, 7) and (3, –5, 8).
Similarly direction cosines of y-axis and z-axis
Sol. Let the required ratio be k : 1
are 0, 1, 0 and 0, 0, 1 respectively. Hence
The co-ordinates of the point which divides
the join of (–2, 4, 7) and (3, – 5, 8) in the ratio dc's of x - axis = 1, 0, 0
k : 1 are dc's of y - axis = 0, 1, 0
dc's of z - axis = 0, 0, 1
 3k  2  5k  4 8k  7  Note : (i) The direction cosines of a line parallel to
 , , 
 k 1 k 1 k 1  any coordinates axis are equal to the direction
Since this point lies on the plane cosines of the corresponding axis.
x – 2y + 3z – 17 = 0 (ii) Relation between dc's : l 2 + m 2 + n2 = 1
4.2 Direction ratios of a line [DR's]
 3k  2    5k  4   8k  7 
  –2   +3  –17 = 0 Three numbers which are proportional to the
 k  1   k  1   k 1 
direction cosines of a line are called the direction
 (3k – 2) – 2 (–5k + 4) + 3 (8k + 7) = ratios of that line. If a, b, c are such numbers
17k + 17 which are proportional to the direction cosines l,
 3k + 10k + 24k – 17k = 17 + 2 + 8 – 21 m, n of a line then a, b, c are direction ratios of
 37k – 17k = 6 the line. Hence
 Ex.5 Find the direction cosines of the lines joining
a b c
a, b, c dr's    points P (3, –4, 7) and Q (0, 2, 5).
 m n
Sol. Here the direction ratios of the line PQ are
Further we may observe that in above case 0 – 3, 2 + 4, 5 – 7 i.e. – 3, 6, –2 and its
direction cosines are
 m n  2  m2  n 2 1
  =+ = + 3 6 2
a b c 2 2 2
a b c a  b2  c2
2 , , i.e.
9  36  4 9  36  4 9  36  4
a b 3 6 2
 l = + ,m = + ,
– , , – . Ans.
2
a b c 2 2 a  b2  c2
2
7 7 7
Ex.6 What are the d.c's of the lines equally inclined
c
n = + to the axes ?
a2  b 2  c 2 Sol. If a line makes angles , ,  with the axes,
Note : we have
(i) Numbers of dr's are not unique whereas  =  = 
numbers of dc's are unique.  cos  = cos  = cos 
(ii) a2 + b2 + c2  1.   = m = n
4.3 Direction cosines of a line joining two points:  2 + m 2 + n2 = 1
Let P  (x1, y1, z1) and Q  (x2, y2, z2); then  2 + 2 + 2 = 1  32 = 1
(i) dr's of PQ : (x2 – x 1), (y2 – y1), (z2 – z1) 1 1
 2 = ,  = ±
3 3
x 2  x 1 y 2  y 1 z 2  z1
(ii) dc's of PQ : , , i.e.  The d.c's of the lines are
PQ PQ PQ

x 2  x1 y 2  y1 z 2  z1  1 1 1 
 , , . Ans.
, ,  
Σ(x 2  x1 )2 Σ(x 2  x1 )2 Σ(x 2  x1 )2  3 3 3

5. ANGLE BETWEEN TWO LINES

Example
based on Case-I : When dc's of the lines are given
If l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are dc's of given two
Ex.4 A line OP makes with the x-axis an angle of lines, then the angle  between them is
measure 120º and with y-axis an angle of given by
measure 60º. Find the angle made by the * cos  = l1 l 2 + m1m 2 + n1n2
line with the z-axis.
Sol.  = 120º and  = 60º * sin  = (  1m 2   2 m1 ) 2  (m 1n 2  m 2 n1 ) 2  (n1 2  n 2  1 ) 2

1 The value of sin  can easily be obtained by the

 cos = cos 120º = – following form :
2
1 2 2 2
and cos = cos 60º = 1 m1 m1 n1 n1 1
2 sin  =  
2 m2 m2 n 2 n2 2
but cos2 + cos2 + cos2 = 1
2 2 Case-II : When dr's of the lines are given
  1  1 
   +   + cos2  = 1 If a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are dr's of given two
 2  2 lines, then the angle  between them is given by
1 1 1
cos2  = 1 – – = a1a 2  b1b 2  c1c 2
4 4 2 * cos  =
a12  b12  c12 a 22  b 22  c 22
1
 cos  = ±
2 (a1b 2  a 2b1 )2
* sin  =
  = 45º or 135º. Ans. a12  b12  c12 a 22  b 22  c 22
Conditions of Parallelism and Perpendicularity
1 2 7 3 2 1
of Two Lines : , , and , ,
If two lines are parallel then angle between them 54 54 54 14 14 14
is 0° and if they are perpendicular then angle If  is the angle between the lines, then
between them is 90°. In these cases using above
formulae for sin  and cos  respectively, we  1  3   2   2 
shall get the following conditions. cos  =  
  +  
  
 54   14   54   14 
Case-I : When dc's of two lines AB and CD, say l1,
 7   1 
m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are known +    
 
AB || CD  l1 = l2, m1 = m 2, n1 = n2  54   14 
AB  CD  l1 l2 + m1m 2 + n1n2 = 0 347
= = 0  = 90º. Ans.
Case-II : When dr's of two lines AB and CD, say a1, 54 . 14
b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are known Ex.8 The angle between two lines whose direction
cosines are given by  + m + n = 0,
a1 b 1 c1
AB || CD    2 + m 2 – n2 = 0 is-
a2 b2 c 2
(A) 2/3 (B) /6
AB  CD  a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0 (C) 5/6 (D) none of these
Sol. Eliminating n between the given relations. We
Example get
based on Angle between two lines
2 + m 2 – (– –m)2 = 0
Ex.7 (a) Find the acute angle between two lines or m = 0   = 0
whose direction ratios are 2, 3, 6 and 1, or m = 0
2, 2 respectively. Now  = 0  1 + 0m + 0 n = 0
(b) Find the measure of the angle between and  + m + n = 0
the lines whose direction ratios are
Solving these equations, we get
1, –2, 7 and 3, –2, –1.
Sol. (a) a1 = 2, b1 = 3, c1 = 6 ; a2 = 1, b2 = 2,  m n
= = ...(1)
c2 = 2. 0 1 1
If  be the angle between two lines whose Similary m = 0  0..+ 1.m + 0.n = 0
d.r's are given, then
and  + m + 0.n = 0
a1a 2  b1b 2  c1c 2 Solving these equations, we get
cos =
a12  b12  c12 a 2 2  b 2 2  c 2 2  m n
= = ...(2)
1 0 1
2 1 3  2  6  2 Thus direction ratios of given lines are 0, –1,
= 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 and 1, 0 –1 respectively. Let  is angle
2 3 6 1 2 2
between them, then
2  6  12 20
= = 0  1  ( 1)  0  1 ( 1)
73 21 cos  =
0  ( 1)2  12 12  0 2  ( 1)2
2

 20 
  = cos–1  .
1
 21 
or cos  = –   = 2/3 Ans.
2
(b) 12  ( 2) 2  7 2 = 54
Ex.9 Find the angle between the lines whose
direction cosines are
3 2  ( 2) 2  ( 1)2 = 14
3 1 3 3 1 3
 The actual direction cosines of the lines , , ; , , –
are 4 4 2 4 4 2
Sol. Let  be the angle between the lines P
 cos  = 1 2 + m 1m2 + n1n2

 3 3  3 
    1  1
  +    3 
=  4  4  +    
   4 4  2  2 
A Q B
3 1 3 3  1  12 8 1
= + – = =– =– 7. PROJECTION OF A LINE SEGMENT JOINING
16 16 4 16 16 2
TWO POINTS ON A LINE
  = 120º. Ans.
Ex.10 If the lines whose direction cosines are given Let PQ be a line segment where P  (x1, y1, z1)
by a + bm + cn = 0 and fmn + gn + hm=0 and Q  (x 2, y2, z2); and AB be a given line with
dc's as l, m, n. If the line segment PQ makes 
f g h
are perpendicular, then + + equals- angle with the line AB, then projection of PQ is
a b c P'Q' = PQ cos . On replacing the value of cos
(A) 0 (B) –1  in this, we shall get the following value of P' Q'
(C) 1 (D) none of these P' Q' = l(x 2 – x1) + m (y2 – y1) + n (z2 – z1)
Sol. Eliminating n between the given relations, we
Q
find that
  a  bm  
(fm + g)   + hm = 0 P
 c 
2
 
or ag   + (af + bg – ch)   + bf = 0
m m
...(1) A P' Q' B
1 2
Let m and m , are roots of (1), then Note :
1 2 (i) For x-axis, l = l, m = 0, n = 0 hence
1 2 bf Projection of PQ on x-axis = 1.(x 2 – x1) + 0+0
. = = (x2 – x1)
m1 m2 ag
Projection of PQ on y-axis = y2 – y1
 1 2 m1m2 Projection of PQ on z-axis = z2 – z1
 = g/b ...(2)
f /a
(ii)  PQ 2= (x2 – x 1)2 + (y2 – y1)2 + (z2 – z1)2
m1m2 n1n2
Similarly g / b = ...(3) = the sum of the squares of the projections
h/c
of PQ on coordinate axes
From (2) and (3), we get
 if a, b, c are the projections of a line
 1 2 m1m2 n1n2  1 2  m1m 2  n1n2 segment on coordinate axes, then
= g/b = = ( f / a )  ( g / b )  (h / c )
f /a h/c length of the segment = a2  b 2  c 2
If two lines are perpendicular, then (iii) If a, b, c are projections of a line segment on
12 + m1m 2 + n1n2 = 0 coordinate axes then its dc's are

f g h a b c
 + + = 0 Ans. + ,+ ,+
a b c a2  b 2  c 2 a2  b 2  c 2 a2  b 2  c 2

6. PROJECTION OF A POINT ON A LINE Example

based on Projection problems
Let P be a point and AB be a given line. Draw
perpendicular PQ from P on Ex.11 Find the foot of the perpendicular drawn from
AB which meets it at Q. This point Q is called the points A (1, 0, 3) to the join of the points
projection of P on the line AB. B(4, 7, 1) and C (3, 5, 3).
Sol. Let A (1, 0 , 3) B Sol. Let A (1, 1, 1), B
(4, 7, 1) and (5, 4, 4) and
C (3, 5, 3) be the C(1, 4, 6) be the
given points. given points. Let M
Let P be the foot be the foot of the
of the perpendicular from M
perpendicular from A on BC.
A on BC. If P divides BC in the ratio k : 1, If M divides BC in
then Co-ordinates of P are the ratio  : 1, then
Co-ordinates of M are
 3k  4 5k  7 3k  1 
 , , 
 k 1 k 1 k 1     5 4  4 6  4 
 , , 
  1  1  1 
D.R's of BC are 3 – 4, 5 – 7, 3 – 1
D. Ratios of BC are 1 – 5, 4 – 4, 6 – 4
i.e. –1, –2, 2 or 1, 2, –2
i.e., –4, 0, 2 or 2, 0, –1
D.R's of AP are
D.R.'s of AM are
3k  4 5k  7 3k  1
– 1, – 0 , – 3 5 4  4 6  4
k 1 k 1 k 1 –1, –1, –1
 1  1  1
2k  3 5k  7 2
 , , 4 3  3 5  3
k 1 k 1 k 1  , ,
 1  1  1
Since AP is  BC
 4, 3 + 3, 5 + 3
 2k  3  5k  7 2 Since AM  BC
  ×1 + ×2+ × (–2) = 0
 k 1  k 1 k 1  2(4) + 0(3 + 3) – 1(5 + 3) = 0
 8 – 5 – 3 = 0   = 1
2k  3  10k  14  4 Hence the co-ordinates of M are (3, 4, 5).
 = 0
k 1 Ans.
 12k + 21 = 0 Ex.13 Find the projection of the line joining
P (7, –5, 11) and Q(–2, 8, 13) on another line
21 7
 12k = – 21  k = – = – 1 2 2
12 4
AB whose direction cosines are , , .
So the foot of the  i.e., the co-ordinates of 3 3 3
P are Sol. Projection of line segment PQ and
1 2 2
 7 7 7  AB = (–2 – 7) + (8 + 5) + (13 – 11)
 3   4 5  7 3    1 3 3 3
 4 , 4 , 4 
 7 7 7  9 26 4 9  26  4 21
  1  1  1  = – + + = = =7
 4 4 4  3 3 3 3 3
Ans.
  21  16  35  28  21  4 
  , ,  8. CARTESIAN EQUATION OF A LINE PASSING
 3 3 3 
T HROUGH A GIVEN POINT & GIVEN
  5  7  17   5 7 17  DIRECTION RATIOS
  , ,  i.e.,  , , 
 3 3 3  3 3 3  Cartesian equation of a straight line passing
Ans. through a fixed point (x 1, y1, z1) and having
Ex.12 Find the co-ordinates of the foot of the x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
perpendicular from (1, 1, 1) on the line joining direction ratios a, b, c is = =
a b c
(5, 4, 4) and (1, 4, 6).
Note Sol. We know,
x  x1 x  x1 y  y1 z  z 1
(1) The parametric equations of the line = = =
a a b c
y  y1 z  z1 is cartesian equation of straight line
= are x = x1 + a, y = y1 + b,
b c \ 6x – 2 = 3y + 1 = 2z – 2
z = z1 + c, where  is the parameter.
 1  1
Þ 6 x    3 y   = 2 (z – 1)
(2) The coordinates of any point on the line  3  3
x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 1
= = are y
a b c Þ x  1/ 3 3  z 1

(x1 + a, y1 + b, z1 + c), where   R. 1/ 6 1/ 3 1/ 2

(3) Since the direction cosines of a line are also 1 1

x y
direction ratios, therefore equation of a line or 3  3  z 1
passing through (x 1, y1, z1) and having 1 2 3
direction cosines , m, n is
Which shows given line passes through
x  x1 y  y1 z  z 1
= = 1 1 
 m n  ,  , 1 and has direction ratios (1, 2, 3)
 3 3 
(4) Since x, y and z- axis passes through the In vector form :
origin and have direction cosines 1, 0, 0;
0, 1, 0 and 0, 0, 1 respectively. Therefore  1 1 
a î  ĵ  k̂ and b  î  2 ĵ  3k̂
their equations are x-axis 3 3
x0 y0 z0 \ Its vector equation is :
: = = or y = 0 and z = 0
1 0 0 
1 1 
r   î  ĵ  k̂   ( î  2 ĵ  3k̂ )
3 3 
x0 y0 z0
y- axis : = = or x = 0 and
0 1 0
Ex.15 Find the direction cosines of the line;
z = 0
x2 2y  5
x0 y0 z0  ; z   1 . Also find the vector
z- axis : = = or x = 0 and 2 3
0 0 1
equation of the line.
y = 0
Sol. The given line is ;
CARTESIAN EQUATION OF A LINE PASSING
x2 y  5/2
THROUGH TWO GIVEN POINTS  ; z1
2 3/2
The cartesian equation of a line passing through
two given points (x1, y1, z1) and (x 2, y2, z2) is x2 y  5/2 z1
Þ  
given by 2 3/2 0

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 This, shows that the given line passes through

x 2  x1
= y y = z z  5 
2 1 2 1 the point  2, ,  1  and has direction ratios
 2 
Cartesian equation of a line  3 
Example  2,  , 0 
based on
passing through a given point &  2 
given direction ratios \ Direction cosines :
 
 2 3/2 0 
Ex.14 Find the cartesian equation of line are  , , 
6x – 2 = 3y + 1 = 2z – 2. Find its direction 
2  3
2
2  3
2
 3
2 
 2     0 22     02 22      0 2 
ratios and also find vector equation of the   2  2  2 
line.  
 
 4 3  Perpendicular distance of
or  ,  , 0 Example
 5 5  based on a point from a line
Thus, equation of straight line passing through
Ex.16 Find the length of perpendicular from
 5 3
a  2 î  ĵ  k̂ and is parallel to 2 î  ĵ  0k̂ P(2, –3, 1) to the line
2 2
x 1 y3 z2
So, its vector equation is :  
2 3 1
 5 3
    Sol. Given lines is
r   2 î  ĵ  k̂    2 î  ĵ  0k̂ 
 2   2 
x 1 y3 z2
  .......(i)
2 3 1
9. PERPENDICULAR DISTANCE OF A POINT
and P (2, –3, 1)
FROM A LINE
Co-ordinates of any point on (i) may be taken
Cartesian Form : To find the perpendicular as; (2r – 1, 3r + 3, –r –2)
distance of a given point () from a given line P(2, –3, 1)
x  x1 y  y1 z  z 1
= =
a b c

Let L be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from

90°
x  x1 y  y1 z  z 1 A B
P (  ) on the line = = Q
a b c
Let Q = (2r – 1, 3r + 3, –r –2)
Let the coordinates of L be Direction ratio's of PQ are :
(x1 + a, y1 + b,z1 + c). Then direction ratios (2r – 3, 3r + 6, –r –3)
of PL are Direction ratio's of AB are : (2, 3, –1)
x1 + a – , y1 + b – , z1 + c – . Since, PQ  AB
Direction ratio of AB are a, b, c. Since PL is 2(2r – 3) + .3(3r + 6) –1(–r –3) = 0
perpendicular to AB, therefore 15
Þ r = 
(x1 + a – ) a + (y1 + b – ) 14
b + (z1 + c – ) c = 0
 22 3 13 
\ Q =  ,  , 
a (   x 1 )  b (   y 1 )  c (   z1 )  7 14 14 
  =
a2  b2  c 2
2 2 2
P()  22   3   13  531
PQ2 = 2     3    1   
 7   14   14  14

531
PQ = units
14
B
A
L (x1+a, y1+b, z1+c)
x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
a
=
b
= Ex.17 Find the foot of perpendicular drawn from the
c
point 2 î  ĵ  5k̂ to the line :
Putting this value of  in (x1 + a, y1 + b,

z1 + c), we obtain coordinates of L. Now, using r  (11î  2 ĵ  8k̂ )  (10 î  4 ĵ  11k̂ ) . Also
distance formula we can obtain the length PL.
find the length of the perpendicular.
Sol. Let L be the foot of the perpendicular drawn Let L be the foot of perpendicular from P to AB
from P(2 î  ĵ  5k̂ ) on the line ; and let Q be the image of the point in the given
 line, where, PL = LQ
r  (11î  2 ĵ  8k̂ )  (10 î  4 ĵ  11k̂ )
P ()
Let the position vector of L is :
P
( 2 î  2 ĵ  5k̂ )
A B
L
(11î  2 ĵ  8k̂ )
 (10 î  4 ĵ  11k̂ )
Q (image) (’’’)
L
Let the co-ordinate of L be ;
(11î  2 ĵ  8k̂ )  (10 î  4 ĵ  11k̂ ) = (x1 + al, y1 + bl, z1 + cl)
(11  10 ) î  ( 2  4 ) ĵ  ( 8  11)k̂ Then direction ratios of PL are ;
 (x1 + al - a, y1 + bl - b, z1 + cl - g)
\ PL = Position vector of L
since PL is perpendicular to the given line, whose
– position vector of P direction ratios are a, b, c
= (9  10 ) î  ( 1  4) ĵ  ( 13  11 )k̂ \ (x1 + al - a) . a + (y1 + bl - b) . b
+ (z1 + cl - g) . c = 0
Since, PL is perpendicular to the given line
 {a(  x1 )  b(  y1 )  c(   z1 )}
and parallel to b  10 î  4 ĵ  11k̂ . Þ l=
 
a2  b 2  c 2
Þ PL . b  0 substituting l we get L. (foot of perpendicular).
Þ {(9  10) î  ( 1  4) ĵ  ( 13  11 )k̂ } let co-ordicates of Q(a', b', g') be image
\ mid point of PQ is L.
. (10 î  4 ĵ  11k̂ )  0
  '   '   '
Þ 10(9  10 )  4( 1  4)  11( 13  11 ) = 0 \ =x1+al, =y1+bl, =z1+cl,
2 2 2
Þ l = –1 \ a' = 2(x 1 + al) – a, b' = 2(y1 + bl) – b,
Putting l = –1, we get L as ( î  2 ĵ  3k̂ ) g' = 2(z1 + cl) – g


Now, PL  ( î  2 ĵ  3k̂ )  (2 î  ĵ  5k̂ ) Ex.18 Find the image of the point (1, 6, 3) in the
x y 1 z  2
= ( î  3 ĵ  2k̂ ) line  
1 2 3
Hence, the length of perpendicular from P on Sol. Let p be the given point and let L be the foot
the given line of perpendicular from P to the given line.

= The co-ordinates of a general point on the
| PL |  1  9  4 14
given line are given by
10. REFLECTION OR IMAGE OF A POINT IN A P (1, 6, 3)

STRAIGHT LINE
Cartesian form : To find the reflection or image
of a point in a straight line in certesian form. A B
L
x  x1 y  y1
Let P(a, b, g) be the point and =
a b
z  z1 Q
= be the given line
c
 x  0 y 1 z  2
      
1 2 3 (b1 b 2 ).(a 2  a1 )
Distance PQ 
i.e. x = l, y = 2l + 1, z = 3l + 2  
| b1 b 2 |
Let the co-ordinates of L be
(l, 2l + 1, 3l + 2) ....(i) Condition for lines to intersect
So, direction ratios of PL are : The two lines are intersecting if ;
(l – 1, 2l – 5, 3l – 1)    
direction ratios of the given line are (1, 2, 3) (b1 b 2 ).(a 2  a1 )
  = 0
Which is perpendicular to PL | b1 b 2 |
(l – 1).1 + (2l – 5) .2 + (3l – 1) .3 = 0    
Þ l=1 Þ (b1 b 2 ).(a 2  a1 ) = 0
so, co-ordinates of L are (1, 3, 5)    
Þ [b1 b 2 (a 2  a1] = 0
Let Q (x1, y1, z1) be he image of P(1, 6, 3) on
given line. Cartesian form :
where L is mid-point of PQ Let the two skew lines be :
x1  1 y 6 z 3 x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
\ 1 , 3 1 , 5 1  
2 2 2 a1 b1 c1
Þ x1 = 1, y1 = 0, z1 = 7 x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
and  
\ image of P(1, 6, 3) in the given line is (1, 0, 7) a2 b2 c2

11. SKEW LINES    

shortest distance = (a 2  a1 ).(b1 b 2 )

Two straight lines in a space which are neither  
| b1 b 2 |
parallel nor intersecting are called skew-lines.
Thus, the skew lines are those lines which do x 2  x 1 y 2  y 1 z 2  z1
a1 b1 c1
not lie in the same plane.
a2 b2 c2
(i) Shortest distance between two skew d =
(m1n 2  m 2n1 )2  (n1 2  n 2  1 ) 2  ( 1m 2   2m1 ) 2
straight lines : If 1 and 2 are two skew lines,
then there is one and only one line perpendicular Conditions for lines to intersect
to each of lines 1 and 2 which is known as The lines are intersecting, if shortest distance = 0
three line of shortest distance. x 2  x 1 y 2  y 1 z 2  z1
Here, distance PQ is called to be shortest a1 b1 c1
= 0
distance. a2 b2 c2
P
1 (ii) Distance between parallel lines : Let
Line of 1 and 2 are two parallel lines whose equations
shortest distance
are
2      
Q r  a1   b and r  a 2   b respetively
Vector form :

Let 1 and 2 be two lines whose equations are : 2 B (a2 )
     
r  a1  b1 and r  a 2  b 2 respectiv ely 
a2 
clearly 1 and 2 pass through the points A and a1
  1 
B with position vectors a1 and a 2 respectively 
M A(a1 )
 
and are parallel to the vectors b1 and b 2 a1   
O
respectively
 Clearly, 1 and 2 Pass through the points A and Comparing the given equation with the equations
      
B with position vectors a1 and a 2 respectively r  a1   b1 and r  a 2   b 2 respectively,

and both are parallel to the vector b , where BM we have

is the shortest distance between 1 and 2   

a1  4 î  ĵ, a 2  î  ĵ  2k̂ , b1  î  2 ĵ  3k̂ and
shortest distance between parallel lines : 
      b2  2î  4 ĵ  5k̂
r  a1  b and r  a2   b is :  
  
Now, a 2  a1  3 î  0 ĵ  2k̂
| ( a 2  a1 )  b |
d =  î ĵ k̂
 
|b|
b1 b 2  1 2  3  2 î  ĵ  0k̂
Example Distances between two lines & 2 4 5
based on Intersection point    
\ (a 2  a1 ).(b1 b 2 )
x 1 y  2 z  3
Ex.19 Show that the two lines  
2 3 4 = (3 î  0 ĵ  2k̂ ) . (2 î  ĵ  0k̂ ) = – 6
x  4 y 1  
and   z , intersect. Also find the and | b1 b 2 |  4  1  0  5
5 2
point of intersection of these lines. \ shortest distance ;

x 1 y  2 z  3    
Sol. Here   .....(i) (a 2  a1 ).(b1 b 2 ) 6 6
2 3 4 d =   = =
| b1 b 2 | 5 5
x  4 y 1 z  0
and   ....(ii)
5 2 1
Ex.21 Find the shortest distance between the lines;
any point on line (i) is
x 1 y  2 z  3
P(2r + 1, 3r + 2, 4r + 3) and any point on the  
2 3 4
line (ii) is Q(5l + 4, 2l + 1, l).
x2 y4 z5
They intersect if and only if ; and  
3 4 5
2r + 1 = 5l + 4 ; 3r + 2 = 2l + 1, 4r + 3 = l
solving, r = – 1, l = – 1 Sol. Given lines are
Clearly for these values of l and r x 1 y  2 z  3
  ...(i)
P(–1, –1, –1) 2 3 4
Hence (i) and (ii) intersect at (–1, –1, –1) x2 y4 z5
and   ...(ii)
3 4 5
Ex.20 Find the shortest distance between the Here, x1 = 1, y1 = 2, z3 = 3 ;
lines ; x2 = 2, y2 = 4, z2 = 5
 1 = 2, m1 = 3, n1 = 4 ;
r  ( 4 î  ĵ )  ( î  2 ĵ  3k̂ )
2 = 3, m2 = 4, n2 = 5

and r  ( î  ĵ  2k̂ )  (2 î  4 ĵ  5k̂ ) shortest distance between the lines (i) and
(ii) are :
Sol. We know, the shortest distance between the
modulus of
lines
x 2  x 1 y 2  y 1 z 2  z1
    
r  a1   b1 and r  a2   b 2 1 m1 n1
= 2 m2 n2
   
(a 2  a1 ).(b1 b 2 ) ( 1m 2   2m1 )2  (m1n2  m 2n1 )2  ( 1n 2   2n1 )2
Þ d =  
| b1 b 2 | ...(iii)
 Sol. We shall find the equation of a passing though
x 2  x1 y 2  y 1 z 2  z1 1  2  2
any three the given four points and show that
Now, 1 m1 n1  2 3 4 the fourth points satisfies the equation.
2 m2 n2 3 4 5 Now, any plane passing through (0, –1, –1) is :
a (x – 0) + b (y + 1) + c (z + 1) = 0 ..(i)
= –1(15 – 16) + 2(10 – 12) –2(8 – 9) = –1 If it passes through (–4,4,4); we have
Also, (  1m2   2m1)2  (m1n2  m2n1 )2  (n1 2  n2 1)2 a (–4) + b (5) + c (5) = 0 ..(ii)
Also, if plane passes through (4, 5,1), we
= (8  9)2  (15  16)2  (10  12)2 have
= 6 a(4) + b(6) + c(2) = 0
from (iii) shortest distance between lines (i)  2a + 3b + c = 0 ...(iii)
and (ii) Solving (ii) and (iii) by cross multiplication
1 1 method, we obtain
=  
a b c
6 6 = = = k
–5 7 – 11
12. PLANE Putting in (i), we get
A plane is a surface such that if any two points –5kx + 7k(y + 1) – 11k(z + 1) = 0
are taken on it, the line segment joining them  –5x + 7y – 11z –4 = 0
lies completely on the surface. In other words, (required eq. of plane)
every point on the line segment joining any two Clearly, the fourth point namely (3, 9,4)
points lies on the plane. satisfies this equation. Hence the given
points are coplanar and the equation of plane
Theorem : Every first degree equation in x, y containing those points is
and z represents a plane i.e. ax + by + cz + d = 0 5x –7y + 11z + 4 = 0
is the general equation of a plane.
Equation of a plane passing through a Ex.23 A plane meets the co-ordinate axis in A,B,C
given point such that the centroid of the ABC is the
point (p,q,r) show that the equation of the
The general equation of a plane passing through
plane is
a point (x1, y1, z1 ) is
x y z
a(x – x1) + b(y – y1) + c(z – z1) = 0, where a, + + = 3
p q r
b and c are constants. Sol. Let the required equation of plane be :
Intercept form of a plane : x y z
+ + = 1
The equation of a plane intercepting lengths a, b a b c
and c with x- axis , y-axis and z-axis respectively Then the co-ordinates of A,B and C are
is A(a,0,0) B(0,b,0) C(0,0,c) respectively, so the
centroid of the triangle ABC;
x y z
+ + = 1 a b c
a b c  , , 
3 3 3
Cartesian Form : If , m, n are direction cosines But the co-ordinate of the centroid are (p,q,r).
of the normal to a given plane which is at a
a b c
distance p from the origin, then the equation of  = p, =q, = r
3 3 3
the plane is x + my + nz = p.
Putting the values of a, b and c in (i) we get
Example
Plane The required plane as
based on
x y z
Ex.22 Show that the four points (0,–1, –1) (–4,4,4) + + = 1
3p 3q 3r
(4,5,1) and (3,9,4) are coplanar, Find the
x y z
equation of the plane containing them. + + = 3
p q r
13. NORMAL TO A PLANE 1 1
2 + m2 + n2 = 1  + + n2 = 1
2 4
A line perpendicular to a plane is called a normal
1
to the plane. Clearly, every line lying in a plane  n2 =
4
is perpendicular to the normal to the plane.
1
For example : The direction ratios of a vector n =
2
normal to the plane 3x + 2y + 5z – 6 = 0 are 1
3, 2, 5 and hence a vector normal to the plane (neglecting n = – as is acuts,n > 0)
2
is 3 î + 2 ĵ + 5k. 
we have | n | = 8
(i) Vector equation of plane passing through
a point and normal to a given vector  
The vector equation of a plane passing through a n = | n | ( î  m ĵ  nk̂ )
   
point having position vector n is ( r – a ) n = 0   1 1 1 
n = 8  î  ĵ  k̂ 
Reduction to cartesian form :  2 2 2 
 
If r  x î  yĵ  zk̂ , a  x1î  y1 ĵ  z1k̂ and = 4 2 î  4 ĵ  4k̂
 The required plane passes through the point
n  a î  b ĵ  ck̂
  ( 2 , –1, 1) having position vector
Then ; ( r  a )  ( x  x1 ) î  ( y  y1 ) ĵ  (z  z1 )k̂ 
Then (i) can be written as a = 2 î – ĵ  k̂
{(x  x1)î  (y  y1) ĵ  (z  z1)k̂} . {(a î  bĵ  ck̂)} =0 So its vector equation is :
Þ a(x  x1 )  b( y  y1)  c(z  z1)  0   

Thus, the coefficient of x, y, z in the cartesian ( r – a) . n = 0

equation of a plane are the direction ratios  
 
of normal to the plane. r .n = a.n
(ii) Equation of plane in normal form
vector form 
 r . (4 2 î  4 ĵ  4k̂ ) = ( 2 î – ĵ  k̂ ) .
The vector equation of a plane normal to unit
vector n̂ and at a distance d from the origin (4 2 î  4 ĵ  4k̂ )


is r . n̂ = d  r (4 2 î  4 ĵ  4k̂ ) 
Cartesian form

If , m, n, be the direction cosines of the normal  r ( 2 î  ĵ  k̂ ) 
to a given plane and p be the length of
perpendicular from origin to the plane, then the
equation of the plane is x + my + nz = p. Ex.25 Find the vector equation of plane which is at
a distance of 8 units from the origin and which
Example
based on Normal to a plane is normal to the vector 2 î  ĵ  2k̂

Ex.24 A vector n of magnitude 8 units is inclined Sol.

Here, d = 8 and n = 2 î  ĵ  2k̂
to x-axis at 45°, y-axis at 60° and angle with
z-axis. If a plane passes through a point 
n 2 î  ĵ  2k̂ 2 î  ĵ  2k̂

( 2 , –1,1) and is normal to n , find its  n̂ =  = 2 2 2 =
|n| 2 1  2 3
equation in vector form.
Hence, the required equation of plane is,

Sol. Let  be the angle made by n with z-axis 
 r . n̂ = d
then direction cosines of n are
 2 î  ĵ  2k̂ 
1 1   
 = cos 45° = ,m = cos 60° = and  r  3  =8
2 2  
n = cos  
or r .(2 î  ĵ  2k̂ ) = 24
14. ANGLE BETWEEN TWO PLANES 15. INTERSECTION OF TWO PLANES
(i) Vector form - The angle between the two The equation of a plane passing through the
planes is defined as the angle between normals. intersection of a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 and a2x
Let be the angle between planes; + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 is (a1x + b1y + c1z + d1)
+  (a2x + b2y + c2z + d2) = 0, where  is a
   
r . n 1 = d1 and r .n2 = d2 is given by constant.

  Example
n1 . n 2 based on Intersection of two planes
cos  =  
| n1 || n 2 |
Ex.27 Find the plane through the intersection of
(ii) Cartesian form - The angle  between the 
planes a1 x + b1 y + c1 z + d1 = 0 and a2 x + planes r .(2 î – 3 ĵ  4k̂ ) = 1 and
b2 y + c2 z + d2 = 0 is given by

a1a 2  b1b 2  c 1c 2 r .( î – ĵ ) + 4 = 0 and perpendicular to
cos  =
a12  b12  c 12 a 22  b 22  c 22

r .(2 î – ĵ  k̂ ) = –8
Example
based on Angle between two planes Sol. The equation of any plane through the line of
intersection of the given plane is :
Ex.26 Show that the normals to the planes
 
x – y + z = 1, 3x + 2y – z + 2 = 0 are { r .(2 î – 3 ĵ  4 k̂ ) – 1} +  { r .( î – ĵ )  4 ) = 0
inclined at an angle of 90°
Sol. The direction cosines of the normal to the 
or r .(2   ) î – (3   ) ĵ  4k̂ }  1– 4 ....(i)
plane
x – y + z = 1 ....(i) If it is perpendicular to;
are proportional to (1, –1,1) 
r .(2 î – j  k̂ ) + 8 = 0 then,
 1 –1 1 
dc's of normal to the plane  , , 
 {(2   ) î – (3   ) ĵ  4k̂ }. (2 î – ĵ  k̂ ) = 0
 3 3 3
Similarly dc's of normal to 3x +2y – z + 2  2(2 + ) + (3 + ) + 4 = 0

 3 2 1  – 11
  =
are  , ,–  3
 14 14 14 

If be an angle between the normals of the – 11

Putting  = in (i), we obtian the equation
plane 3
of the required plane as ;
 1   3   – 1  2 
 cos =  
  +  
   +

 3   14   3   14  r . (–5 î  2 ĵ  12 k̂ ) = 47

 1  1 
  – 
  Ex.28 Find the equation of plane containing the line
 3   14 
of intersection of the plane
3–2 –1 x + y + z – 6 = 0 and 2x + 3y + 4z + 5 = 0
cos = = 0
42 and passing through (1,1,1)
  = 90° Sol. The equation of the plane throught the line of
Thus the normals are inclined to each other intersection of the given planes is ,
at 90°
 (x + y + z – 6) +  (2x + 3y + 4z + 5) = 0 Distance of point from a plane &
Example
...(i) based on
If it is passes through (1, 1, 1)
Distance between parallel planes
 (1 + 1 + 1 –6) +  (2 + 3 + 4 + 5) = 0 Ex.29 Find the length and foot of perpendicular from
the point (7, 14, 5) to the plane
3
 = 2x + 4y – z = 2
14
Sol. The required length
Putting  = 3/14 in (i) we get
2(7)  4(14) – (5) – 2 14  56 – 5 – 2
3 = 2 2 2 =
(x + y + z – 6) + (2x + 3y + 4z + 5) = 0 2  4 1 4  16  1
14
  20x + 23y + 26z –69 = 0 63
=
21
16. DISTANCE OF A POINT FROM A PLANE Let the co-ordinates of the f oot of
perpendicular from the point P(7,14,5) be
(i) Vector form : - The length of the perpendiclar M(,,,).
 Then the direction ratios of PN are
from a point having position vector a to, the (–7, – 14, – 5)
  i.e., d. r' s of normal to the plane :
  | a.n– d| (– 7,  – 14,  – 5)
plane r . n = d is given by P = 
|n| But the d. r' s normal to the given plane
2x + 4y – z = 2 are 2, 4, –1
(ii) Cartesian Form : The length of the
–7  – 14 –5
perpendicular from a point P(x 1, y1, z1) to the Hence, = = = k
2 4 –1
plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 is given by
  = 2k + 7,  = 4k + 14,  = –k + 5
| ax1  by1  cz1  d | ...(i)
Since ,, lies on the plane 2x + 4y –z =
a 2  b2  c 2 2
 2 + 4 –  = 2
17. DISTANCE BETWEEN THE PARALLEL PLANES  2(7 + 2k) + 4 (14 + 4k) –(5 – k) = 2
(i) Vector form : The distance between two  14 + 4k + 56 + 16k –5 + k = 2
 21k + 65 = 2

parallel plane 
r . n = d1  k = –3
Now, putting k = –3 in (i), we get
 
and r . n = d2 is given by  = 1,  = 2,  = 8
Hence the co-ordinates of the foot of the
| d1 – d2 | perpendicular are (1, 2, 8)
d =
 Ex.30 Find the distance between the parallel planes
|n|
x + 2y – 2z + 1 = 0 and 2x + 4y – 4z + 5 = 0
(ii) Cartesian form Sol. We know, distance between parallel planes.
ax + by + cz + d1 = 0 and
The distance between two parallel planes ax + by + cz + d2 = 0 is,
ax + by + cz + d1 = 0 and | d1 – d2 |
a2  b2  c 2
ax + by + cz + d2 = 0 is given by
distance between x + 2y – 2z + 1 = 0 and
5
(d2 – d1 ) x + 2y – 2z + = 0
d = 2
a2  b 2  c 2
| 5 / 2 – 1| 1
is, 1 4  4 = 2
18. EQUATION OF PLANES BISECTING THE 19. LINES AND PLANE
ANGLES BETWEEN TWO GIVEN PLANES
19.1 Angle between a line and a plane
Cartesian Form : The angle between a line and a plane is the
The equation of the planes bisecting the angles complement of the angle between the line and
between the planes a1 x + b1 y + c1 z + d1 = 0 the normal to the plane
and a2 x + b2 y + c2 z + d2 = 0 are If , ,  be the direction ratios of the line and
ax + by + cz + d = 0 be the equation of plane
(a1x  b1y  c 1z  d1 ) (a 2 x  b 2 y  c 2 z  d 2 )
= ± and  be the angle between the line and the
a12  b12  c 12 a 22  b 22  c 22 plane.

a  b  c
Equation of planes bisecting the  cos (90° – ) =
Example
angles between two given a b c2
2 2
2  2   2
based on
planes a  b  c
or sin  =
a b c2
2 2
2  2   2
Ex.31 Find the equation of the bisector planes of
the angles between the planes Vector form : If is the angle between the line;
2x – y + 2z + 3 = 0 and     
r  a   b and plane r . n = d
3x – 2y + 6z + 8 = 0 and specify the plane
which bisects the acute angle and the plane  
which bisects the obtuse angle. b.n
sin =  
Sol. The two given planes are : | b || n |
2x – y + 2z + 3 = 0 and
19.2 Condition for a line to be parallel to a plane
3x – 2y + 6z + 8 = 0
x – x1 y – y1 z – z1
where d1,d2 > 0 Let line = = be parallel
 m n
and a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 6 + 2 + 12 > 0 to plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 iff;
= 0 or  or sin  = 0
a1x  b1y  c 1z  d1 a 2 x  b 2 y  c 2 z  d2
 =– or a + bm + cn = 0
a12  b12  c 12 a 22  b 22  c 22 O
(obtuse angle bisector) (90º – )

a1x  b1y  c 1z  d a 2 x  b 2 y  c 2 z  d2 () (a, b, c)

and =
a 22  b 22  c 22 a 22  b 22  c 22

(acute angle bisector)

2x – y  2z  3 3x – 2 y  6z  8
i.e, = 
4  1 4 9  4  36 19.3 Condition for a line to lie in the plane
(14x – 7y + 14z + 21) =(9x –6y + 18z x – x1 y – y1 z – z1
Condition for = = to lie
+ 24)  m n
in the plane
Taking positive sign on the right hand side,
ax + by + cz + d = 0 are
we get 5x – y – 4z – 3 = 0 a + bm + cn = 0 and
(obtuse angle bisector) ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d = 0
and taking negative sign on the right hand side, Note : A line will be in a plane iff.
we get 23x –13y + 32z + 45 = 0 (i) the normal to the plane is perpendicular to
the line
(acute angle bisector) (ii) a point on the line lies in the plane.
 Example
Line and plane Ex.34 The equation of the plane passing through
based on
x –1 y2 z–3
the line , = = and the
Ex.32 Find the angle between the line 5 6 4
point (4,3,7) is

r = ( î  2 ĵ – k̂ ) +  ( î – ĵ  k̂ ) and the plane Sol. Any plane through given line is
A (x – 1) + B (y + 2) + C(z – 3) = 0 ..(i)

r . (2 î – ĵ  k̂ ) = 4 and
Sol. We know that the angle  between the line 5A + 6B + 4C = 0 ..(ii)
Since. Plane (i) passes through (4,3,7), we
 
   get
r  a   b and the plane r . n = d is given by
3A + 5B + 4C = 0 ..(iii)
 
b. n A B C
sin = Solving (ii) and (iii), we get = =
  4 – 8 7
| b || n |
Equation of required plane is
  4x – 8y + 7z = 41
Here b = î – ĵ  k̂ and n = 2 î – ĵ  k̂
Ex.35 The equation of the plane through the point
( î – ĵ  k̂ ).( 2 î – ĵ  k̂ )
 sin= (2, –1, –3) and parallel to the lines
11 1 4  1 1
x –1 y2 z
= = and
4 2 2 3 2 –4
= =
3 2 3 x y –1 z–2
= = is
2 2  2 –3 2
 
= sin–1  3  Sol. Equation of plane passing throught the point
  (2, –1, –3) is,
Also, A(x – 2) + B (y + 1) + C (z + 3) = 0
Ex.33 Find the angle between the line
Also, 3A + 2B – 4C = 0 and
x 1 y –1 z –2 2A – 3B + 2C = 0
= = and the plane
3 2 4 A B C
2x + y – 3z + 4 =  = = = k, (Let)
–8 – 14 – 13
Sol. The given line is parallel to the vector
So, A = –8k, B = –14k, C = –13k
 Equation of required plane is,
b3î 2ĵ4k̂ and the given plane is normal to
–k[8(x –2) + 14(y + 1) + 13(z + 3)] = 0
the vector
i.e., 8x + 14y + 13z + 37 = 0

n  2 î  ĵ – 3k̂ 20.CONDITION OF COPLANARITY OF TWO LINES
  & EQUATION OF THE PLANE CONTAINING
b.n THEM
sin =  
| b || n | Cartesian form :
(3 î  2 ĵ  4k̂ ).(2 î  ĵ – 3k̂ ) x  x1 y  y1 z  z 1
= 2 2 2 2 2 If the line = = n and
3 2  4 2 1  3 1 m1 1

6  2 – 12 –4 x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
= = 2
= m = n are coplanar, then
29 14 2 2
406
x 2  x 1 y 2  y 1 z 2  z1
 –4  1 m1 n1
 = sin–1   = 0
 
 406  2 m2 n2
 and the equation of the plane containing them is 21. MISCELLANEOUS POINT
x  x 1 y  y1 z  z1
21.1 Volume of a Tetrahedron :
1 m1 n1
= 0 Volume of a tetrahedron with v ertices
2 m2 n2
A (x 1 ,y 1 ,z 1 ), B (x 2 ,y 2 ,z 2 ) C (x 3 ,y 3 ,z 3 ) and
x  x2 y  y2 z  z2 D (x4,y4,z4) is given by
1 m1 n1
or = 0 x1 y1 z1 1
2 m2 n2
x2 y2 z2 1
1
V = x3 y3 z3 1
6
Condition of coplanarity of two x4 y4 z4 1
Example
based on
lines & equation of the plane
containing them

Ex.36 The equation of the plane passing through

the lines
x–4 y–3 z–2
= = and
1 1 2
x–3 y–2 z
= = is
1 –4 5
Sol. a (x – 4) + b (y – 3) + c (z – 2) = 0
 a + b + 2c = 0 and a – 4b + 5c = 0
a b c
5 8
= 2–5
= = k
– 4–1

a b c
= = = k
13 –3 –5
Therefore , the required equation of plane is
–13x + 3y + 5z + 33 = 0
 SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.1 Find the co-ordinates of the point where the
line joining A (3, 4, 1) and B (5, 1, 6) crosses 2k 3k  11 k  3
– 1, –8, – 4.
the xy-plane. k 1 k 1 k 1
Sol. Let the line joining A and B crosses the k  1 11k  19 5k  1
xy-plane at the point M and let M divides AB  , ,
k 1 k 1 k 1
in the ratio  : 1 internally.
D.R.'s of BC are 2 – 0, –3 + 11, –1 – 3, i.e.,
2, 8, –4
Since AD  BC
k 1 11k  19 5k  1
Co-ordinates of M are  × 2 + × 8 + ×
k 1 k 1 k 1
 5  3   4 6  1 (– 4) = 0
  1 ,  1,  1 
  2k  2  88k  152  20k  4
 = 0
Since the point M lies on the xy-plane k 1
Its z-co-ordinate is zero.  –66k – 150 = 0  66k = –150

6  1 25
 = 0  6 + 1 = 0  k = 
 1 11
Hence the co-ordinates of D are
1
or  = –
6  25 23 4
 , , 
 7 7 7 
1
The ratio is  : 1 = : 1 i.e. 1 : 6 externally. Ans.
6
Hence the co-ordinates of M are Ex.3 The distance of centroid from x-axis of the
triangle formed by the points (2, –4, 3),
 5( 1/ 6)  3 ( 1/ 6)  4   13 23  (3, –1, –2) and (–2, 5, 8) is-
 , ,0 i.e.,  , ,0  .
 (  1/ 6 )  1 (  1/ 6 )  1   5 5  (A) 1 (B) 0
Ans. (C) 3 (D) 10
Sol. The centroid of the triangle is -
Ex.2 A (1, 8, 4), B (0, –11, 3), C (2, –3, –1) are
three points and D is the foot of the  2  3  2  4  1 5 3  2  8 
 , ,   (1, 0 , 3)
perpendicular from A on BC. Find the  3 3 3 
co-ordinate of D.
Sol. Let D be the foot of the  from A on BC, If Its distance from x-axis = 02  32 = 3
P divides BC in the ratio k : 1, then Ans.
co-ordinates of D are
Ex.4 A line OP makes with the x-axis an angle of
 2k  0  3k  11  k  3  measure 120º and with y-axis an angle of
 , ,  measure 60º. Find the angle made by the
 k 1 k 1 k 1 
line with the z-axis.
A(1,8,4) Sol.  = 120º and  = 60º
1
 cos  = cos 120º = –
2

B D C 1
(0,–11,3) (2,–3,–1) and cos  = cos 60º =
2
D.R.'s of AD are But cos2  + cos2  + cos2  = 1
 2 2
Ex.7 Find the projection of the line segment joining
  1  1 the points (–1, 0, 3) and (2, 5, 1) on the line
   +   + cos2  = 1
 2  2 whose direction ratios are 6, 2, 3.
Sol. The direction cosines , m, n of the line are
1 1 1 given by
cos2  = 1 – – =
4 4 2
 m n 2  m2  n2 1 1
1 = = = = =
 cos  = ± 6 2 3 2 2 2 49 7
2 6 2 3

  = 45º or 135º. Ans. 6 2 3

  = , m = , n =
7 7 7
Ex.5 The locus of a point, which moves in such a The required projection is given by
way that its distance from the origin is thrice
=  (x2 – x1) + m (y2 – y1) + n (z2 – z1)
the distance from xy-plane is -
(A) x2 – 8y2 – 8z2 = 0 6 2 3
= [2 – (–1)] + (5 – 0) + (1 – 3)
(B) x2 – 8y2 + z2 = 0 7 7 7
(C) –8x2 + y2 + z2 = 0
6 2 3
(D) x2 + y2 – 8z2 = 0 = × 3 + × 5+ × –2
7 7 7
Sol. Let the point be P (x, y, z), then its distance
from origin is 18 10 6 18  10  6 22
= + – = = .
7 7 7 7 7
OP = x 2  y 2  z2
Ans.
The distance of P from xy-plane is z.
According to question Ex.8 The foot of the perpendicular drawn from the
point P (1, 0, 3) to the join of points
x 2  y 2  z 2 = 3z A (4, 7, 1) and B (3, 5, 3) is -

Thus the required locus is  5 7 17 

(1) (5, 7, 1) (2)  , , 
x2 + y2 – 8z2 = 0. 3 3 3 
Ans.
Ex.6 Find the measure of the angle between the 2 5 7 5 2 7
(3)  , ,  (4)  , , 
lines whose direction ratios are 1, –2, 7 and 3 3 3 3 3 3
3, –2, –1. Sol. Drawn PL  AB. Suppose L divides AB in
the ratio k : 1, then coordinates of L are
Sol. 12  ( 2) 2  7 2 = 54
 3k  4 5k  7 3k  1 
 , , 
2 2 2
3  ( 2)  ( 1) = 14  k 1 k 1 k 1 
 The actual direction cosines of the lines Direction ratios of AB are 1, 2, –2. and
are Direction ratios of, PL are

1 2 7 3 2 1 2k  3 5k  7 2
, , and , , , ,
54 54 54 14 14 14 k 1 k 1 k 1
Since PL  AB, We have
If  is the angle between the lines, then
cos  =  2k  3   5k  7   2 
  × (1) +   × (2) +   
 1   3   2   2   7   1   k 1   k 1   k  1
    +     +     × (–2) = 0
      
 54   14   54   14   54   14 
 k = – 7/4
3 47
= = 0   = 90º. Ans.  5 7 17 
54 . 14  L is  , ,  Ans.
3 3 3 
Ex.9 If two points are P (7, –5, 11) and Direction ratio of diagonal AL, BM, CN and
Q (–2, 8, 13), then projection of PQ on a OP are
straight line with direction cosines
1 2 2
, , is -
3 3 3
(A) 7 (B) 8
(C) 9 (D) none of these
Sol. The projection of line joining the points
P (7, –5, 11) and Q (–2, 8, 13) on a line with
1 2 2
direction cosines , , is
3 3 3  1 1 1   1 1 1 
 , ,  , , , ,
   
1 2 2  3 3 3   3 3 3 
= (–2 – 7) + (8 + 5) + (13  11)
3 3 3
 1 1 1   1 1 1 
26 4  , , ,  , , 
   
= – 3 + + = 7 Ans.  3 3 3   3 3 3 
3 3
Let , m, n be the direction cosines of the
Ex.10 Find the ratio in which the plane given line, then
2x + 3y + 5z = 1 divides the line joining the
points (1, 0, –3) and (1, –5, 7).  1   1   1 
cos  =    + m 
 
+ n 
 


Sol. Let the required ratio be k : 1  3  3  3
The co-ordinates of the point which divide the
join of (1, 0, –3) and (1, –5, 7) in the   m  n
=
ratio k : 1 are 3
 k  1  5k 7k  3 
 , ,   mn  mn
 k 1 k 1 k 1  Similarly cos  = , cos  =
3 3
Since this point lies on 2x + 3y + 5z = 1,
 mn
 k  1  5k   7k  3  and cos  =
2   + 3   +5   =1 3
 k  1  k  1  k 1 
 2k + 2 – 15k + 35k – 15 = k + 1 4
 cos2  + cos2 + cos2 + cos2 =
 22k – 13 = k + 1 3
Ans.
14 2
 21k = 14 ; k = = Ex.12 The cosine of angle between any two diagonal
21 3
of a cube is -
Hence the required ratio = (A) 1/3 (B) 1/2
2 (C) 2/3 (D) 1/ 3
k : 1 = : 1 = 2 : 3. Ans.
3 Sol. From above example, we have direction ratios
Ex.11 If a line makes angles     with four of diagonals AL, BM, CN and OP as
diagonals of a cube, then cos2  + cos2  +
cos2  + cos2  equals -  1 1 1   1 1 1 
 , ,  , , , ,
   
(A) 3 (B) 4  3 3 3  3 3 3
(C) 4/3 (D) 3/4
Sol Let OA, OB, OC be coterminous edges of a  1 1 1   1 1 1 
 , , ,  , , 
cube and OA = OB = OC = a, then co-    
 3 3 3  3 3 3
ordinates of its vertices are O (0, 0, 0), A (a,
0, 0), B (0, a, 0), C (0, 0, c), L (0, a, a), M If 1 be the angle between OP and AL, then
(a, 0, a), N (a, a, 0) and P (a, a, a) cos 1
   1   1   1   1   1   1   4 9 36   49 
=          = 1 =     =  = 1 Ans.
  3   3   3   3   3   3  3  49 49 49   49 

 1
 1 = cos–1   Ex.14 The equation of the plane containing the line
3
x 1 y  3 z  2
Similarly, the angle between each of the other = = and the point (0, 7, – 7)
3 2 1
 1 is-
pairs of diagonals is cos–1   Ans.
3 (A) x + y + z = 2 (B) x + y + z = 3
(C) x + y + z = 0 (D) None of these

Ex.13 The distance of the point (1, – 2, 3) from the x 1 y 3 z2

Sol Any plane containing = = is
plane x – y + z = 5 measured parallel to the 3 2 1
x y z 1 a(x + 1) + b(y – 3) + c (z + 2) = 0, ....(1)
line = = is-
2 3 6 where – 3a + 2b + c = 0 ....(2)
(A) 1 (B) 2 If the plane through (0, 7, – 7), then
(C) 4 (D) None of these a + 4b – 5c = 0 ...(3)

a b c
Sol. Equation of the line through (1, – 2, 3) From (2) and (3), = =
 10  4 1  15  12  2
x y z 1
parallel to the line = = a b c
2 3 6 i.e. = =
1 1 1
x 1 y  2 z3 Hence the plane (1) becomes
= = = r (say) ...(1)
2 3 6 (x + 1) + (y – 3) + (z + 2) = 0,
Then any point on (1) is i.e. x + y + z = 0 Ans.
(2r + 1, 3r – 2, – 6r + 3).
If this point lies on the plane x – y + z = 5,
then (2r + 1) – (3r – 2) + (– 6r + 3) = 5

1
 – 7r + 6 = 5, i.e. , r =
7

 9 11 15 
Hence the point is  , ,  .
7 7 7 
Distance between (1, – 2, 3) and
 9 11 15 
 , , 
7 7 7 