THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

Straight Objective Type Questions

Example 1: The acute angle between the lines such Example 2: x,

that the direction cosines l, m, n y, and z
l + m + n = 0 and l2 + m2 – n2 = 0 is
(a) 12 (b) 7

Ans. (c) Ans. (b)

2 2 2
Solution: l +m =n Solution: Let r
fi (l + m)2 – 2lm = n2 fi lm = 0 as l + m = – n a, b, g respectively with x, y and z
if l = 0, m = – n, if m = 0, l = – n r cos a = 2, r cos b = 3, r cos g = 6
So direction ratios of the lines are fi r 2 (cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g ) = 22 + 32 + 62
0, 1, – 1 and 1, 0, – 1 fi r = 7 as cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g = 1
and the angle q
(0) (1) + (1)(0) + (- 1) (- 1) 1 Example 3:
cos q = = of intersection of the planes x + 2y =3, y – 2z + 1 = 0 and
2
1 + (-1) 2 2
(1) + (-1) 2 2

fiq
 (a) 2x – y –10z = x – y + 7z = 11 fi x = 3r + 1 – 4, y = 2 + r + 3, z = – 2 – 5r + 4
(c) 2x – y + 10z = 11 (d) 2x – y – z = 10 x+3 y-5 z-2
Ans. (c) fi = =
3 1 -5
Solution: Example 5:
tion of the given planes is the point of intersection of the lines
x + 2y –3 + l (y – 2z + 1) = 0 x -1 y - 2 z - 3 x - 3 y -1 z - 2
or x + (2 + l) y –2 l z + (l – 3) = 0 = = and = =
3 1 2 1 2 3
.
(1) (1) + 2(2 + l) + 0 ( –2 l) = 0 fi l = – 5/2 (a) 7x + 2y + 4z = 54 (b) 3x + 4y + 5z =
x – y + 10z = 11 (c) 4x + 3y + 5z = 50 (d) 5x + 4y + 3z = 57
x -1 y - 3 z - 4 Ans. (c)
Example 4: = = Solution:
3 1 -5
in the plane 2x – y + z + 3 = 0 is the line (3r + 1, r + 2, 2r + 3)
x+3 y-5 z-2 x+3 y-5 z-2 which lies on the second line if
(a) = = (b) = = 3r + 1 - 3 r + 2 - 1 2r + 3 - 2
3 1 -5 -3 -1 5 = = fir=1
1 2 3
x-3 y+5 z-2 x-3 y+5 z-2
(c) = = (d) = = So the point of intersection of the given lines is (4, 3, 5)
3 1 -5 -3 -1 5
Ans. (a) Which lies on the planes given in (a), (b), (c).

Solution: Any point P on the given line is

54 49 50
(3r +1, r + 3, – 5r + 4) P1 = , P2 = , P3 =
P in the given plane will be the point P ¢ at a dis 69 50 50
P P1 < 7, P2, P3 > 7 P2 < P3
the line through P perpendicular to plane. x + 3y + 5z = 50
P(3r + 1, r + 3, -5r + 4)
A Example 6: Let ABC be a triangle with vertices at points
(1, 3, 4)
A (2, 3, 5), B (–1, 3, 2) and C (l , 5, m
A
M axes then (l , m
(a) (10, 7) (b) (7, 5)
(c) (7, 10) (d) (5, 7)
P¢
Ans. (c)
Fig. 21.3 Solution: Coordinates of D BC are
PP ¢ is
Ê l -1 m + 2ˆ
x - (3r + 1) y - (r + 3) z - (-5r + 4) ÁË , 4, ˜ . So direction ratios of AD are
= = 2 2 ¯
-2 1 -1
l -1 m+2 l -5 m -8
- 2, , 4 – 3, - 5 or , 1, .
Note 2 2 2 2
Since AD
Direction of PP ¢ l -5 m -8
the plane. =1= fi l = 7, m = 10 and (l, m) = (7, 10)
2 2
Length of the perpendicular of P Example 7: The plane containing the line
2(3r + 1) - (r + 3) + ( -5r + 4) + 3 x -1 y - 2 z - 3
= 6 = = and parallel to the line
22 + ( -1) 2 + 12 1 2 3
So the coordinates of P ¢ are given by x y z
= = passes through the point
x - (3r + 1) y - (r + 3) 1 1 4
= (a) (1, –2, 5) (b) (1, 0, 5)
-2 1
(c) (0, 3, – 5) (d) (–1, –3, 0)
z - (-5r + 4) 2 6 Ans. (b)
= = =2
-1 (-2)2 + (1)2 + (-1) 2
 Solution: Let Q (a, b, g )
is a(x – 1) + b(y – 2) + c(z – 3) where given point P (0, 3, –2). Then PQ is perpendicular to the
a + 2b + 3c = 0, as it is parallel to the second line PQ lies on the line.
a + b + 4c = 0 solving, we get So 2 (a – 0) + (b –3) – (g + 2) = 0 fi 2a + b – g – 5 = 0(1)
a b c a b +3 g -2
= = -1 -2 +1
+5 -1 -1 and 2 = 2 = 2
2 1 -1
5x – y –z = 0 which passes through (1, 0, 5) a - 2 b -1 g
fi = = = r (say) (2)
2 1 -1
Example 8: The distance between the point
(–1, –5, –10) and the point of intersection of the line
x - 2 y +1 z - 2 2(2r +2) + r + 1 + r – 5 = 0 fi r = 0
= = = with the plane x – y + z = 5 is
3 4 12
(a) 13 (b) 15 Example 11:
(c) 16 (d) 12 A,
Ans. (a) B, C then the point of intersection of the planes through A,
B, C parallel to the coordinate planes lies on
Solution: Any point on the given plane is
(3r + 2, 4r – 1, 12r + 2) which lies on the given plane if 1 1
(a) x y – yz + zx = 6
3r + 2 – (4r –1) + 12r + 2 = 5 fi r = 0 2 3
So the point of intersection of the line and the plane is (b) yz – 2zx + 3xy = xyz
(c) xy – 2yz + 3zx = 3xyz
(2 + 1) 2 + ( -1 + 5) 2 + (2 + 10)2 = 13 1 1
(d) xy – yz – zx = 6
2 3
Example 9: Let a, b, g Ans. (b)
with the positive directions of the axes of reference in three
q is the acute angle given by Solution: Let the coordinates of A be (a, 0, 0), B be
(0, b, 0) and C be (0, 0, c
cos 2 a + cos 2 b + cos 2 g
cos q = , then q x y z
sin 2 a + sin 2 b + sin 2 g + + = 1. As it passes through (1, –2, 3)
a b c
p p 1 2 3
(a) (b) - + =1
6 3 a b c
p p or bc – 2ac + 3ab = abc (1)
(c) (d)
2 4 A, B, C parallel to the coor
Ans. (b) dinate planes are x = a, y = b, z = c
So their point of intersection is (a, b, c)
cos 2 a + cos 2 b + cos 2 g
Solution: cos q = yz – 2zx + 3 xy = xyz
3 - (cos 2 a + cos 2 b + cos 2 g )
Example 12: Let L1 be the line 2x –2y +3z – 2 = 0 =
1 1 x – y + z + 1 and L2 be the line x + 2y – z – 3 = 0 = 3x – y +
= =
3 -1 2 2z
p L1 and L2 is
fi q=
3 1 1
Example 10: (a) (b)
2 2 2
1- x
in the line = 2 – y = z + 1 is 1 1
2 (c) (d)
3 2 15
(a) (1, 2, –1) (b) (2, 1, 4)
Ans. (c)
(c) (2, 1, 0) (d) (0, 0, 1)
Ans. (c) Solution: The plane through L1 is
2x – 2y + 3z – 2 + l (x – y + z + 1) = 0
Solution:
and the plane through L2 is
x -1 = y - 2 = z +1 x + 2y – z – 3 + m (3x – y + 2z –1) = 0
2 1 -1
 (c) r ◊ (24i + 45j + 30k) – 17 = 0
2+l 2+l 3+ l 2-l (d) r ◊ (45i + 33j + 50k) – 41 = 0
so = = = Ans. (a)
1 + 3m m-2 2m - 1 3+ m
3 Solution:
fi m = – and l = 5 tion of the given planes is
2
7x – 7y + 8z + 3 = 0. r ◊ [(1 + 2l)i + (2 + l)j + (3 – l)k + (– 4 + 5l)] = 0
If it perpendicular to the plane r ◊ (5i + 3j – 6k) + 8 = 0
3 1 then (1 + 2l) (5) + (2 + l) (3) + (3 – l) (– 6) = 0
=
2 2 2 3 2
7 + ( -7) + (8) 7
fil=
Example 13: 19
origin to the plane passing through place in r ◊ (33i + 45j + 50k) – 40 = 0.
(1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0) and (0, 0, 1) is Example 15: The points A, B and C with position vec
1 1 1
(b) ÊÁ , , ˆ˜
tors a = 3i – 4j – 4k, b = 2i – j + k and c = i – 3j – 5k,
(a) (3, 3, 3)
Ë 2 2 2¯ respectively are
(a) Collinear
1 1 1
(c) ÊÁ , , ˆ˜ (d) (2, 2, 2)
Ë 3 3 3¯
(c) Vertices of a right angled triangle
Ans. (c) (d) none of these
Solution: x + y + z = 1 only the Ans. (c)
point given in (c) lies on it. Also the line joining the origin Solution: AB = (2 – 3)i + (– 1 + 4)j + (1 + 4)k
1 1 1
to ÊÁ , , ˆ˜ = – i + 3j + 5k
Ë 3 3 3¯
Example 14: BC = – i – 2j – 6k, CA = 2i – j + k
the line of intersection of the planes r ◊ (i + 2j + 2k). = 0, Since AB + BC + CA = 0; A, B, C are the Vertices of a
r ◊ (2i + j – k) + 5 = 0 and which is perpendicular to the
plane. r ◊ (5i + 3j – 6k) + 8 = 0 is triangle.

(a) r ◊ (33i + 45j + 50k) – 41 = 0 AB ◊ CA = 0 fi –

(b) r ◊ (13i + 15j + 25k) – 14 = 0 So the triangle ABC is right angled.

Example 16: The coordinates of a point which divide Example 17: If a line OP
the line joining the points P(2, 3, 1) and Q (5, 0, 4) in the angles a x, y and z axis respectively then
ratio 1 : 2 are the direction cosines of OP are.
(a) (7/3, 1, 5/3) (b) (4, 1, 3) (a) 1/ 2 , 1/2, 1/2 (b) 1/2, 1/2, 1/ 2
(c) (3, 2, 2) (d) (1, –1, 1)
Ans. (c) (c) 1/2, 1/ 2 , 1/2 (d) none of these
Ans. (c)
Solution:
Solution: Direction cosines of OP are cos a
Ê 2 ¥ 2 + 5 ¥ 1 2 ¥ 3 + 0 ¥ 1 2 ¥ 1 + 4 ¥ 1ˆ 2
ÁË , , or (3, 2, 2) a + cos2 2
2 +1 2 +1 2 + 1 ˜¯
fi cos2 a + (1/2) + (1/4) = 1
fi cos2 a = 1/4 is and p/2 with Y x = r cos a, y = r cos p/2,
fi cos a = 1/2 z = r cos (p/2 – a
Example 18: The direction cosines of the line joining are (r cos a, 0, r sin a).
the points (1, 2, – 3) and (– 2, 3, 1) are. Example 23:
(a) – 3, 1, 4 (b) – 1, 5, – 2 dinate axes, then the angle of inclination is
-3 1 4 -1 5 -2
(c) , , (d) , , (a) cos–1 (1/2) (b) cos–1 (1/ 2 )
26 26 26 30 30 30
Ans. (c) (c) cos–1 (1/ 3 ) (d) cos–1 ( 3 /2)
Solution: The direction cosines of the given line are Ans. (c)
proportional to – 2 – 1, 3 – 2, 1 – (– 3) i.e. – 3, 1, 4. Solution: Let the line be inclined at an angle a with
-3 each of the three coordinates axes, then the direction co
Therefore, the actual direction cosines are ,
9 + 1 + 16 sines of the line are cos a, cos a, cos a and 3 cos2a = 1
1 4 -3 1 4 fi cos a = 1/ 3 fi a = cos–1(1/ 3 )
, i.e , , .
9 + 1 + 16 9 + 1 + 16 26 26 26 Example 24:
x and y z axis is
Example 19: z
(a) z = 0, x = 0 (b) z = 0, y = 0
(c) x = 0, y = 0 (d) x = k, y = – k., (k π 0)
Ans. (b)
Ans. (c)
Solution: See theory Solution: Let a
with z
Example 20: The ratio in which the yz plane divides the a.
2 2 2
fi cos a=1
(a) 2 : 3 (b) 3 : 2 2
(c) 4 : 5 (d) – 7 : 8 fi cos a = 1 - 1/4 – 1/4 = 1/2
Ans. (a) fi cos a = ± 1/ 2 so a
Solution: Let yz
(– 2, 4, 7) and (3, – 5, 8) in the ratio l : 1. Then Example 25: x, y
and z axes are respectively 3, 4 and 12. The length of the
3l - 2 2
fi =0 fi l=
l +1 3 (a) 5 (b) 4 10
Example 21: (c) 3 17 (d) 13
a, 0), (0, 0, a) and (0, 0, 0) are. Ans. (d)
(a) (a/3, a/3, a/3) (b) (a/2, a/2, a/2) Solution:
(c) (a, a, a) (d) (2a, 2a, 2a)
Ans. (b) 32 + 42 + 122 = 9 + 16 + 144 = 169 = 13.
Solution:
(x, y, z) then x2 + y2 + z2 = (x – a)2 + y2 + z2 Example 26: If P (x, y, z) is a point in the space at a
= x2 + (y – a)2 + z2 = x2 + y2 + (z – a)2 distance r
the line OP are
fi x = a/2 = y = z
(a/2, a/2, a/2). r r r
(a) , , (b) rx, ry, rz
x y z
Example 22: If O is the origin and the line OP of length
r a with x xz plane, then x y z
the coordinate of P are (c) , , (d) none of these
r r r
(a) (r cos a, 0, r sin a) (b) (0, 0, r sin a)
Ans. (c)
(c) (0, 0, r cos a) (d) (r cos a, 0, 0)
Ans. (a) Solution: Let a, b, g be the angle which OP
with the coordinates axes, then
Solution: Let the coordinate of P be (x, y, z).
x = r cos a, y = r cos b and z = r cos g.
Since OP lies in xz a
with the x p/2 – a with z
fi cos a = x/r, cos b = y/r and cos r = z/r. Example 30:
x/r, y/r, z/r. the plane x + 3y – 4z + 6 = 0 on the axes is
Example 27: Let N be the foot of the perpendicular of
length p l, m, n be the direc (c) – 22/3 (d) 26/3
tion cosines of ON Ans. (a)
(a) px + my + nz = l (b) l x + py + nz = m Solution:
(c) lx + my + pz = n (d) lx + my + nz = p. x y z
Ans. (d) + + =1
- 6 - 2 3/ 2
Solution: The coordinates of N are (pl, pm, pn) and let So the intercepts on the coordinate axes are –6, –2, 3/2 and
P(x, y, z) be any point on the plane. The direction cosines
of PN are proportional to x – pl, y – pm, z – pn. Since ON is
perpendicular to the plane, it is perpendicular to PN hence Example 31:
l (x – pl) + m(y – pm) + n(z – pn) = 0 the origin and containing the lines whose direction cosines
fi lx + my + nz = p(l2 + m2 + n2) = p are proportional to 1, –2, 2 and 2, 3, –1 is
which is the locus of P (a) x – 2y + 2z = 0 (b) 2x + 3y – z = 0
of the plane. (c) x + 5y – 3z = 0 (d) 4x – 5y – 7z = 0
Ans. (d)
Example 28: Solution:
plane be l, m, n
which are l, m, n is the lines lying in the plane, whose direction cosines are
(a) lx + my + nz = l + 2m + 3n proportional to 1, – 2, 2 and 2, 3, –1; we have
x -1 y - 2 z - 3 l – 2m + 2n = 0 and 2l + 3m – n = 0
(b) + + =0
l m n l m m
(c) lx + my + nz = 1 fi = =
-4 5 7
l x m y nz
(d) + + =0
1 2 3
Ans. (a) lx + my + nz = 0 or 4x - 5y - 7z = 0
Solution: Example 32:
l(x - 1) + m(y – 2) + n(z – 3) = 0 through the point (1, – 1, 2) and parallel to the plane
fi lx + my + nz = l + 2m + 3n. 3x + 4y – 5z = 0 is
(a) 3x + 4y – 5z + 11 = 0 (b) 3x + 4y – 5z = 11
Example 29: A,
(c) 6x + 8y – 10z = 1 (d) 3x + 4y – 5z = 2
B, C such that the centroid of the triangle ABC is the point
Ans. (a)
(1, r, r2
(a) x + ry + r2 z = 3r 2 (b) r2x + ry + z = 3r2 Solution:
2
(c) x + ry + r z = 3 (d) r2x + ry + z = 3 3x + 4y – 5z = 0 is 3x + 4y – 5z = K
If it passes through (1, - 1, 2), then
Ans. (b)
3 – 4 – 5(2) = K fi K = – 11
Solution: x + 4y – 5z + 11 = 0.
x y z
+ + =1 Example 33:
a b c 6x – 2 = 3y + 1 = 2z – 2 is
(a) r = i – j + 3k + l (i + 2j + 3k)
A (a, 0, 0), B (0, b, 0) and C (0, 0, c).
So that the coordinates of the centroid of the triangle ABC are Ê1 1 ˆ
(b) r = i + 2j + 3k + l Á i - j + k ˜
(a/3, b/3, c/3) = (1, r, r2) (given) Ë3 3 ¯
fi a = 3, b = 3r, c = 3r2
1 1
(c) r = i – j + k + l (i + 2j + 3k)
3 3
x y z
+ + 2 =1 or r2x + ry + z = 3r2. (d) r = – 2i + j – 2k + l (6i + 3j + 2k); l, being a
3 3r 3r
Ans. (c)
 Solution: Example 36:
which is parallel to the plane r ◊ (2i – 3j + 5 k) + 7 = 0 is
x - 1/ 3 y + 1/ 3 z -1 (a) r ◊ (2i – 3j + 5k) + 11 = 0
= =
1 2 3 (b) r ◊ (3i + 4j – k) + 11 = 0
So the line passes through the point (1/3, –1/3, 1) and the (c) r ◊ (3i+ 4j – k) + 7 = 0
direction cosines of the line are proportionate to 1, 2, 3 and (d) r ◊ (2i – 3j + 5z) –7 = 0
Ans. (a)
1 1
r= i - j + k + l (i + 2 j + 3 k ) Solution:
3 3 plane is
Example 34: r ◊ (2 i - 3 j + 5 k ) + l = 0.

x - 3 y +1 z - 2 If r = x i + y j + z k , we get
= = are
2 7 -3 2x – 3y + 5z + l = 0
x - 2 y +1 z -1 x - 2 y +1 z -1 This plane passes through the point (3, 4, –1)
(a) = = (b) = = if 2 ¥ 3 - 3 ¥ 4 + 5(- 1) + l = 0 or if l = 11
3 -1 2 2 7 -3
x-2 y-7 z+3 x - 3 y +1 z - 2
(c) = = (d) = = r ◊ (2 i - 3 j + 5 k ) + 11 = 0
2 -1 1 2 -1 1
Example 37: The ratio in which the plane 2x – 1 = 0
Ans. (b)
divides the line joining (– 2, 4, 7) and (3, – 5, 8) is
Solution: (a) 2 : 3 (b) 4 : 5
and its direction cosines are proportional to 2, 7, –3 so its (c) 7 : 8 (d) 1 : 1
Ans. (d)
x-2 y +1 z -1
= = Solution: k : 1, then the co
2 7 -3
ordinates of the point which divides the join of the points
Example 35: If M (– 2, 4, 7) and (3, – 5, 8) in this ratio are given by
joining A (4 i + 5j – 10k) and B (– i + 2j + k
of the plane through M and perpendicular to AB is Ê 3 k - 2 - 5 k + 4 8 k + 7ˆ
ÁË k + 1 , k + 1 , k + 1 ˜¯
(a) r ◊ (– 5 i – 3 j + 11k) + 135/2 = 0
Ê3 7 9 ˆ 135 As this point lies on the plane 2x – 1 = 0.
(b) r ◊ Á i + j - k ˜ + =0
Ë2 2 2 ¯ 2 3k - 2 1
(c) r ◊ (4i + 5j – 10k) + 4 = 0 fi =
k +1 2
(d) r ◊ (– i + 2j + k) + 4 = 0
Ans. (a) fi k=
Solution: Middle point M of AB is Example 38: A line passes through the points (6, – 7, – 1)
and (2, – 3, 1). If the angle a
Ê1 ˆ
M Á ( 4 i + 5 j - 10 k - i + 2 j + k )˜ positive direction of x
Ë2 ¯
the line are
Ê3 7 9 ˆ
(a) 2/3, – 2/3, – 1/3 (b) 2/3, 2/3, – 1/3
= M Á i + j - k˜
Ë2 2 2 ¯ (c) 2/3, – 2/3, 1/3 (d) 2/3, 2/3, 1/3
Also AB = - i + 2 j + k - ( 4 i + 5 j - 10 k ) Ans. (a)
= - 5 i - 3 j + 11k Solution: The direction cosines of the given line are
proportional to
So the plane passing through M and perpendicular to the
2 - 6, - 3 + 7, 1 + 1, i.e. - 2, 2, 1
direction AB is
∓ 2 ± 2 ±1
È Ê3 7 9 ˆ˘ the direction cosines are therefore = , , .
ÍÎr - ÁË 2 i + 2 j - 2 k ˜¯ ˙˚ ◊ ( - 5 i - 3 j + 11k ) = 0
3 3 3
Since the angle a
r ◊ ( -5 i - 3 j + 11 k ) + 135 / 2 = 0 tion of x a > 0 fi cos a = 2/3
Thus,
 Example 39: Example 42:
p/4 with the plane a, b, c and a¢,
x + y = 3 are b¢, c¢
1 1 1 1 1 1
(a) 1, 2 , 1 (b) 1, 1, 2 (a) 2
+ 2
– 2
+ 2
+ 2
– =0
a b c a¢ b¢ c ¢2
(c) 1, 1, 2 (d) 2 , 1, 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Ans. (b) (b) – – + – – =0
a2 b2 c2 a ¢2 b¢2 c ¢2
Solution: 1 1 1 1 1 1
A(x – 1) + By + Cz = 0. (c) + + – – – =0
a2 b2 c2 a ¢2 b¢2 c ¢2
Since it passes through the point (0, 1, 0), – A + B = 0
fi A=B p/4 with x + y = 3 1 1 1 1 1 1
(d) + + + + + =0
A+B 1 a2 b2 c2 a ¢2 b¢2 c¢2
= ±
1 + 1 A2 + B 2 + C 2 2 Ans. (c)

fi (A + B) 2 = A 2 + B 2 + C 2 Solution:
fi 2A2 = C2 x y z
A B C + + =1
So = = a b c
1 1 ± 2
X Y Z
and + + = 1
2. a ¢ b¢ c¢
Example 40: A plane which passes through the point
x–4 y–7 z–4
(3, 2, 0) and the line = = is –1 –1
1 5 4
(a) x – y + z = 1 (b) x + y + z = 5 So 1 1 1 = 1 1 1
2
+ 2 + 2 2
+ 2 + 2
(c) x + 2y – z = 1 (d) 2x – y + z = 5 a b c a¢ b¢ c¢
Ans. (a)
1 1 1 1 1 1
Solution: fi 2
+ 2
+ 2
= 2
+ 2
+ .
a b c a¢ b¢ c ¢2
a(x – 3) + b(y – 2) + cz = 0
Example 43: Two lines x = ay + b, z = cy + d and
Since it contains the given line.
x = a¢y + b¢, z = c¢y + d¢ will be perpendicular, if and only if
a(4 – 3) + b(7 – 2) + 4c = 0
(a) aa¢ + bb¢ + cc¢ = 0
fi a + 5b + 4c = 0 (b) (a + a¢) (b + b¢) (c + c¢) = 0
(c) aa¢ + cc¢ + 1 = 0
x–2 y–3 z–4 (d) aa¢ + bb¢ + cc¢ + 1 = 0
Example 41: The lines = = and
1 1 –k Ans. (c)
x –1 y–4 z–5 Solution: Lines can be written as
= = are coplanar if
k 2 1 x–b y z–d x – b¢ y z – d¢
(a) k = 1 or – 1 (b) k = 0 or – 3 = = and = =
a 1 c a¢ 1 c¢
(c) k = 3 or – 3 (d) k = 0 or – 1
which will be perpendicular if and only if
Ans. (b)
aa¢ + 1 + cc¢ = 0
Solution: The lines are coplanar if
2 –1 3– 4 4 – 5 Example 44: Distance between two parallel planes
1 1 –k = 0 2x + y + 2z = 8 and 4x + 2y + 4z + 5 = 0 is
k 2 1 (a) 7/2 (b) 5/2

1 –1 –1 1 0 0 Ans. (a)
fi 1 1 –k = 0 fi 1 2 1– k = 0
Solution:
k 2 1 k k + 2 k +1 5/2 + 8 7
fi 2(k + 1) – (1 – k) (k + 2) = 0 fi k = 0 or – 3 =
4 +1+ 4 2
 Example 45: A tetrahedron has vertices at O(0, 0, 0), (a) – 1/2 (b) – 1
A(1, 2, 1), B(2, 1, 3) and C(– 1, 1, 2). Then the angle be (c) – 2 (d) 0
tween the faces OAB and ABC will be Ans. (c)
(a) cos–1 x –1
–1
Solution:
1
Ans. (d)
y +3 z –1 x y –1 z – 2
Solution: OAB be = = and = = . Since these are co
–l l 1 2 –2
ax + by + cz = 0
planar
where a + 2b + c = 0 and 2a + b + 3c = 0
1 –4 –1
a b c
fi = = 1 2 –2 =0
5 –1 – 3
1 –l l
ABC be
a¢(x + 1) + b¢(y – 1) + c¢(z – 2) = 0 1 –4 –
where 2a¢ + b¢ – c¢ = 0 and 3a¢ + c¢ = 0 fi 0 6 –1 = 0
a¢ b¢ c¢ 0 – l + 4 l +1
fi = =
1 –5 –3
fi 6(l + 1) + (4 – l) = 0 fi l=–2
If q
Example 49: The angles between the lines 2x = 3y = – z
5 ¥ 1 + ( –1) ( –5) + ( –3)( –3) 19
cos q = = . and 6x = – y = – 4z is
25 + 1 + 9 1 + 25 + 9 35
Example 46: q with each
of the x and z axis. If the angle b y Ans. (d)
is such that sin2b = 3 sin2q, then cos2q Solution: Lines can be written as
(a) 3/5 (b) 1/5 x y z x y z
(c) 2/3 (d) 2/5 = = and = =
3 2 –6 2 – 12 –3
Ans. (a)
Since 3 ¥ 2 + 2 ¥ (– 12) + (– 6) (– 3) = 0
Solution: We have cos2q + cos2q + cos2b = 1 The lines are perpendicular.
fi 2cos2q = sin2b = 3sin2q = 3(1 – cos2q)
Example 50: If the angle q between the lines
fi 5cos2q = 3 fi cos2q = 3/5.
x +1 y –1 z–2
= = and the plane 2x – y + lz+4
Example 47: A line with directional cosines propor 1 2 2
x = y + a = z and = 0 is such that sin q = 1/3, then the value of l is
x + a = 2y = 2z. The coordinates of each of the points of (a) 3/4 (b) –4/3
intersection are given by (c) 5/3 (d) –3/5.
(a) (3a, 2a, 3a), (a, a, 2a) Ans. (c)
(b) (3a, 2a, 3a), (a, a, a) Solution: q with the
(c) (3a, 3a, 3a), (a, a, a) p/2 – q
(d) (2a, 3a, 3a), (2a, a, a)
p 2(1) + (- 1) (2) + ( l ) (2)
Ans. (b) \ cos Ê - q ˆ =
Ë2 ¯ 1+ 4 + 4 ¥ 4 +1+ l
Solution: Let the points be P(r, r – a, r
and Q(2r¢ – a, r¢, r¢) on the second line then 1 2 l
fi = fi l + 5 = 4l
r – 2r ¢ + a r – a – r¢ r – r¢ 3 3 l+5
= =
2 1 2 fi l = 5/3.
fi r = 3a, r ¢ = a Example 51: The distance between the line
P(3a, 2a, 3a) and Q(a, a, a) r = 2i – 2j + 3k + l (i – j + 4k ) and the plane
r. (i + 5 j + k ) = 5 is
Example 48: If the straight lines.
(a) 3/10 (b) 10/3
x = 1 + s, y = – 3 – ls, z = 1 + ls and x = t/2, y = 1 + t,
3
z=2–t s and t are coplanar, then l
Ans. (d)
 Solution: Direction ratios of the line are 1, – 1, 4 and (a) x – y = 0 = z (b) x – z = 0 = y
(c) y – z = 0 = x (d) x = y = z
Since 1 ¥ 1 + (– 1) (5) + 4 ¥ 1 = 0 Ans. (a)
Solution: If q
2
positive direction of z p /4 + cos2p/4 + cos2 q = 1
fi cos2q = 0 fi cosq = 0 fi q = p /2 and the
2(1) + (- 2) (5) + 3 ¥ 1 - 5 10 10
= = x y z
1 + 25 + 1 27 3 3 = =
1 2 1 2 0
Example 52:
plane x – 2y = 0 is Which can be written as x – y = 0 = z
Example 55: Let a = i + j + k , b = i – j + 2k and
(c) (15, 11, 4) (d) none of these c = xi + (x – 2) j – k . If the vector c lies in the plane of a
Ans. (d) and b, then x
Solution: (a) 0 (b) 1
A (– 1, 3, 4) and perpendicular to x – 2y = 0 that is on the line (c) – 4 (d) – 2
y–3 z–4 Ans. (d)
x +1 =
= = t (say) Solution: Since the three vectors are coplanar
1 –2 0
B(t – 1, – 2t + 3, 4) 1 1 1
t – 2 – 2t + 6 ˆ 1 –1 2 =0
Mid point M of AB is Ê , 4 ¯ which lies on the
Ë 2 , 2 x x – 2 –1
plane x – 2y = 0 1 0 0
1 14 fi 1 –2 1 =0
fi t – 1 + 2t – 6 = 0 fi t=
2 5 x – 2 –1– x
Ê 9 13 ˆ fi
Ë 5 , - 5 , 4¯
– 2(– 1 – x) + 2 = 0
fi x=–2
Example 53: Let L be the line of intersection of the y -1
Example 56: If the angle between the line x =
planes 2x + 3y + z = 1 and x + 3y + 2z = 2. If L 2
angle a with positive x a
z-3 Ê 5ˆ
(a) 1/ 3 (b) 1/2 = and the plane x + 2y +3z = 4 is cos-1 Á , then
l Ë 14 ˜¯
(c) 1 (d) 1/ 2
l
Ans. (a)
(a) 5/3 (b) 2/3
Solution: If l, m, n are the direction ratios of the line (c) 3/2 (d) 2/5
L then
Ans. (b)
2l + 3m + n = 0 and l + 3m + 2n = 0
Solution: If q is the angle between the line and the
l m m
fi = = plane then
3–6 4 –1 3– 6
(1)(1) + (2)(2) + (3)(l ) 5 + 3l
sin q = =
l m n 2
fi = = 1+ 4 + l 1+ 4 + 9 14 l 2 + 5
–1 1 –1
5 3
l –1 1 since cos q = fi sin q =
= =± 14 14
and cos a =
l 2 + m 2 + n2 ± 1+1+1 3 5 + 3l 3
so =
Example 54: p /4 with the positive 14 l 2 + 5 14
dtrection of each of x y
fi (l2 + 5) l2 + 30 l + 25
fi l = 2/3
 Example 57: x -1 y +1 z -1
Example 60: If the lines = = and
the plane x –y + z x=y 2 3 4
= z is x-3 y-k z
= = intersect, then k
(a) 10 3 (b) 5 3 1 2 1
(c) 3 10 (d) 3 5
Ans. (a)
Ans. (a)
Solution:
the line x = y = z is Solution:
(2r1 +1, 3r1 –1, 4r1 +1)
x -1 y + 5 z - 9
= = = r (say) and on the second line is
1 1 1 (r2 + 3, 2r2 + k, r2)
Any point Pon this line is (r +1, r –5, r The lines will intersect when
which lies on the given plane if 2r1 +1 = r2 +3, 3r1 –1 = 2 r2 + k, 4r1 +1 = r2
r +1 – (r – 5) + r fi r = –10 fi 2r1 – r2 = 2, 4r1 –r2 =–1
fi r1 = – 3/2, r2 = –5.
Distances of P
and k = 3r1 – 2 r2 .
= (-9 - 1)2 + (+ 5 - 15)2 - (-9 - 1)2 = 10 3 x–2 y –1 z+2
Example 61: If the line = = lies in
3 –5 2
Example 58: The length of the perpendicular drawn
the plane x + 3y – az + b = 0. Then (a, b
(a) (5, – 15) (b) (– 5, 5)
x y-2 z-3 (c) (6, – 17) (d) (–6, 7)
= = is
2 3 4 Ans. (d)
(a) 29 (b) 33 Solution: As the line lies in the plane. The point (2, 1, – 2)

(c) 53 (d) 66 the line, so 2 + 3(1) – a(– 2) + b = 0

Ans. (c) and (3) (1) + (3) (– 5) – a (2) = 0 fi a = – 6, b = 7.
Solution: Any point on the given line is Example 62: The projection of a vector on the three
P (2r, 3r + 2, 4r + 3) and the given point be A coordinate axis are 6, – 3, 2 respectively. The direction co
Direction ratios of AP are sines of the vector are
2r – 3, 3r + 2 + 1, 4r + 3 –11 (a) 6/7, – 3/7, 2/7 (b) – 6/7, – 3/7, 2/7
(c) 6, – 3, 2 (d) 6/5, – 3/5, 2/5
or 2r – 3, 3r + 3, 4r –8
Ans. (a)
AP is perpendicular to the given line
2 2
if 2(2r – 3) + 3 (3r + 3) + 4 (4r – 8) = 0 Solution: 6 2 + ( - 3) + ( 2 ) = ± 7
or if r = 1, so coordinates of point (2, 5, 7)
and AP =
2
(2 - 3)2 + (5 + 1)2 + (7 - 11) = 53 ±6 ∓3 ±2
, ,
7 7 7
Example 59:
plane x–2y +2z Example 63: A line AB
is x
(a) x – 2y – 2z –1 = 0 (b) x – 2y + 2z + 5 = 0 positive y AB q
(c) x – 2y + 2z –3 = 0 (d) x – 2y + 2z + 1 = 0 with the positive z q
Ans. (c)
Solution:
Ans. (a)
x –2y +2z + k= 0
Solution: cos2 2 2
q=1
fi cos q = 1 – (1/2) – (–1/2)2 = 1/4
2

k fi cos q = ± 1/2 fi q
=±1fik=±3
1+ 4 + 4
 Example 64: A plane L passes through the point we get a = 2b = 3g and as H lies
a a a 36
on the plane ABC, + + =1 fi a = .
x +1 y + 2 z +1 x-2 y+2 z-3 1 4 9 49
= = and = =
3 1 2 1 2 3 Ê 36 18 12 ˆ
fi H= Á , , ˜
L is Ë 49 49 49 ¯
(a) 2 75 (b) 7 75
linear,
(c) 13 / 75 (d) 23 / 75
Ê1 2 ˆ
Ans. (c) If G be the centroid, its coordinates are Á , ,1˜ and the direc
Ë ¯
3 3
Solution: tion ratios of the line HG are
l, m, n; then 3l + m + 2n = 0, l + 2m + 3n = 0 36 1 18 2 12
- , - , -1
l m n 49 3 49 3 49
fi = =
-1 -7 5 so a b = – 44 fi a + b = 15
L is Example 67:
– 1(x + 1) – 7(y + 2) + 5(z + 1) = 0 x +1 y - 2 z x-3 y+4
two parallel lines = = and = =
fi x + 7y – 5z 3 2 1 3 2
1 + 7 - 5 + 10 13 z -1
= is
2 2 75 1
1 + 7 + ( -5)
(a) 3x + 2y + z = 14 (b) 8x + y – 26z + 6 = 0
Example 65: A line with positive direction cosines (c) 4x – 6y + z = 53 (d) none of these
passes through the point P Ans. (b)
x+y+ Solution:
z Q PQ
(a) 1 (b) 2 a(x + 1) + b(y – 2) + cz = 0
(c) 3 (d) 2 where 3a + 2b + c = 0 other line will also lie on the plane if
the point (3, – 4, 1) lies on the plane
Ans. (c)
a(3 + 1) + b(– 4 – 2) + c = 0
Solution:
fi 4a – 6b + c = 0
x-2 y +1 z - 2
= = =r a b c
1 1 1 Solving, we get = =
fi x = r + 2, y = r – 1, z = r + 2 8 1 - 26
The point (r + 2, r – 1, r + 2) lies on the plane 2x + y + z 8x + y – 26z + 6 = 0.
2(r + 2) + r – 1 + r fir=1 Example 68: The length of projection of the line seg
So, the coordinates of Q are (3, 0, 3) and thus PQ
2x + y + 6z
= (3 - 2 )2 + (0 + 1)2 + (3 - 2)2 = 3 .
(a) 255 / 41 (b) 237 / 41
Example 66: The vertices of a triangle are A(1, 0, 0),
B(0, 2, 0), C(0, 0, 3). If the direction ratios of the line join (c) 137 / 41 (d) 155 / 41
Ans. (b)
a, b, – 111, the a + b Solution: Direction ratios of the line joining A(1, – 1, 0)
and B (– 1, 0, 1) are 2, – 1, – 1. If q is the acute angle which
(a) 5 (b) 10
the line AB
(c) 15 (d) 25
Ans. (c) 2 ¥ 2 + (1) (- 1) + 6(- 1) 3
Solution: cos q = = .
(4 + 1 + 1) 4 + 1 + 36 246
x y z
ABC is + + = 1
1 2 3 AB = 6.
Let H(a, b, g ) be the orthocenter, then 6 ¥ 237 237
AH ^ BC fi (a – 1) ¥ 0 + 2b – 3g = 0 Length of the projection = 6 sin q = = .
246 41
and BH ^ CA fi a . 1 + (b – 2) ¥ 0 – 3g = 0
 Example 69: The point P is the intersection of the 9 1
straight line joining the points Q (2, 3, 5) and R (1, –1, 4) = =
18 2
with the plane 5x – 4y – z = 1. If S is the foot of the perpen
T (2, 1, 4) to QR, then length Example 70:
PS is the line of intersection of the planes x + 2y + 3z = 2 and
(a) 1/ 2 (b) 2 x – y + z = 3 and at a distance 2/ 3
(c) 2 (d) 2 2 (a) 5x – 11y + z = 17 (b) 2x+y=3 2 –1
Ans. (a)
(c) x + y + z = 3 (d) x + 2 y = 1- 2
Solution: QR is
Ans.
x-2 y-3 z-5
= = Solution:
1 4 1
(x + 2y + 3z – 2) + l (x – y + z – 3) = 0
Let the coordinates of P be (r + 2, 4r + 3, r +5) As P lies on
fi (1 + l) x+ (2 – l) y + (3 + l) z – (2 + 3l) = 0
the plane 5x – 4y – z = 1
5(r +2) – 4 (4r + 3) – (r + 5) = 1 2
Ê 4 1 13 ˆ 3
fi r = –2/3 fi P Á , , ˜
Ë3 3 3¯
3 (1 + l ) + (2 - l ) - (3 + l ) - (2 + 3l ) 2
Let the coordinates of S be (t + 2, 4t + 3, t + 5) =
2 2 2 3
As TS is perpendicular to QR (l + 1) + (2 - l ) + (3 + l )
1 (t + 2 – 2) + 4 (4t + 3 –1) + 1 (t + 5 – 4) = 0
4l 2 4 -7
1 Ê3 9ˆ fi = fil=
fi t = - fi S Á , 1, ˜ 2
3l + 4l + 14 3 2
2 Ë 2 2¯
2 2 2
Ê 3 4ˆ Ê 1ˆ Ê 9 13 ˆ 5x – 11y + z = 17
Hence PS = Á - ˜ + Á 1 - ˜ + Á - ˜
Ë 2 3¯ Ë 3¯ Ë2 3 ¯