Three Dimensional Geometry

11
“ Architects use 3D geometry to design
buildings and structures, ensuring
safety, functionality, and aesthetic
appeal. For example, when designing a
skyscraper, they calculate the weight
it can support, assess the impact of
wind and weather, and plan the flow
of people through its spaces. This
application of 3D geometry is crucial for
creating stable and efficient buildings. ”

SYLLABUS &
WEIGHTAGE

Years
List of Concept Names
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios of a Line

Exam Not Conducted.

(Direction cosines and direction ratios of a line joining 1Q (1 M) – 1Q (1M) 1Q (1M)

two points.)
Equation of a Line in Space 1Q (2 M) 1Q (1 M) 1Q (1 M)
(Cartesian equation and vector equation of a line, 1Q(1 M)
1Q (3 M) 1Q (2 M) 1Q (2 M)
skew lines, shortest distance between two lines. Angle 1Q (2 M)
between two lines.) 1Q (4 M) 1Q (5 M) 1Q (5 M)
 To Access One
CONCEPT MAP Shot Revision Video
Scan This QR Code

Distance between two skew Cartesian form: Distance between parallel lines:
lines: The shortest distance between the lines If two lines l1 and l2 are parallel, then they are
Let l1 and l2 be two skew lines x − x1 y − y1 z − z1 coplanar. Let the lines be given by
l1 : = =   
with equations a1 b1 c1 r= a1 + λb
  
r= a1 + λb1   
 x − x2 y − y2 z − z2 and r= a2 + µb
  and l2 : = =
and r= a2 + µb2 a2 b2 c2 The distance between the given parallel lines is
∴ Required shortest distance is   
x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1 b × (a2 − a1 )
    d= 
(b × b ).(a − a ) a1 b1 c1 b
d = 1 2 2 1
b1 × b2 a2 b2 c2
d=
(b1c2 − b2c1 )2 + (c1a2 − c2 a1 )2 + (a1b2 − a2b1 )2

Shortest Distance Direction ratios: Let a, b, c be

Between Two Lines proportional to the direction cosines
l, m, n then a, b, c are called the
direction ratios.
Let q be the acute angle between two
Angle Between Two Lines

If the coordinates P and Q are (x1, y1, z1)

Direction Cosines and
vectors then
and (x2, y2, z2) then the direction ratios
Direction Ratios

a1a2  b1b2  c1c2 of line PQ are, a = x2 – x1, b = y2 – y1

cos   . THREE
a12  b12  c12 a22  b22  c22 & c = z2 – z1
DIMENSIONAL
  GEOMETRY
b1 ⋅ b2
or cosq =  
b1 b2

 wo lines will be perpendicular if

T
 
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0, or b1 ⋅ b2 =0
  Equation of a Line
a1 b1 c1
parallel if = = or b1 = λb2 Direction cosines: Let a, b, g be
a2 b2 c2
angles which a directed line makes
with the positive directions of the
axes of x, y and z respectively, then
cos a, cos b, cos g are called the
direction cosines of the line. The
direction cosines are usually denoted
Cartesian Equation of a line:
by (l, m, n).
Let the coordinates of the given point A be
Thus l = cos a, m = cos b, n = cos g.
(x1, y1, z1) and the direction ratios of the line
If l, m, n be the direction cosines and
be a, b, c. Consider the coordinates of any
a, b, c be the direction ratios of a
point P be (x, y, z). Then
  vector, then
r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ; A = x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ
1 1 1 a b
Vector Equation of a line:  ,m   ,
 a 2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2
Let l be the line which passes through the point and B = aiˆ + bjˆ + ckˆ
  c
A and is parallel to a given vector b . Let r be n
x − x1 y − y1 z − z1 a 2  b2  c2
the position vector of an arbitrary point P on Then = =
 a b c If l, m, n be the direction cosines of a
 
the line, then Vector equation is r = a + λb This is the Cartesian equation of the line. line, then l2 + m2 + n2 = 1.

P
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 1 DIRECTION COSINES AND DIRECTION RATIOS OF A LINE

Important Terms
‰ Direction Cosines of a Line (D.c’s): The cosines of the angles made by a line with coordinate axes are called the direction cosines
of that line.
Let a, b, g be the angles made by a directed line OP with coordinate axes X, Y, Z-axis respectively then cos α, cos β, cos g are the
direction cosines of OP which are generally denoted by l, m, n. Hence l = cos α, m = cos β, n = cos g
Z

g
O a
X
b
Y
‰ Direction Ratios of a Line (D.r's): Any three numbers which are proportional to the direction cosines of a line are called the
direction ratios of the line. If l, m, n are direction cosines and a, b, c are direction ratios of a line, then a = ll, b = lm and c = ln,
for any non-zero l ∈ R.

Important Formulas
(i) The direction cosines of a line parallel to any coordinates axis are equal to the direction cosines of the corresponding axis.
(ii) Relation between D.c’s: l2 + m2 + n2 = 1
(iii) If A(x1, y1, z1) and B(x2, y2, z2) are two points on a line, then a = x2 – x1, b = y2 – y1, c = z2 – z1 are direction ratios of the line
AB.
(iv) –1 ≤ cos x ≤ 1 ∀ x ∈ R, hence values of l, m, n are such real numbers which are not less than –1 and not greater than 1. Hence
D.c’s ∈ [–1, 1]

Important Concepts
‰ Relationship between Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios of a Line: Let a, b, c be direction ratios of a line and let l, m and
n be the direction cosines (D.c’s) of the line. Then
l m n
= = = k (say), k being a constant.
a b c
Therefore l = ak, m = bk, n = ck...(i)
But l2 + m2 + n2 = 1
Therefore k2(a2 + b2 + c2) = 1
1
or k = ±
a + b2 + c2
2

Hence, from (i), the D.c.’s of the line are

a b c
l=± ,m =
± ,n =
±
2 2 22 2 2
a +b +c a +b +c a + b2 + c2
2

where, depending on the desired sign of k, either a positive or a negative sign is to be taken for l, m and n.
Note:
(i) D.r’s of a line are not unique whereas D.c’s of a line are unique.
(ii) a2 + b2 + c2 ≠ 1
(iii) D.r’s of two parallel lines are proportional.

423 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 ‰ Direction Cosines of a Line Passing through Two Points: Since one and only one line passes through two given points, we can
determine the direction cosines of a line passing through the given points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2)
Z Z

Q
g Q
P N g
P N

Y Y
S
R
X X
(a) (b)
Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the line PQ and let it makes angles a, b and g with the x, y and z-axis, respectively. Draw
perpendiculars from P and Q to XY-plane to meet at R and S.
Draw a perpendicular from P to QS to meet at N. Now, in right angle triangle PNQ, ∠PQN = g
NQ z2 − z1
Therefore, cos g = =
PQ PQ
x2 − x1 y − y1
Similarly cos a = and cos β = 2
PQ PQ
x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1
Hence, the direction cosines of the line segment joining the points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are , ,
PQ PQ PQ
Where, PQ = ( x2 − x1 ) 2 + ( y2 − y1 ) 2 + ( z2 − z1 ) 2

Real Life Applications

‰ Aircraft Navigation: Pilots use direction cosines to determine the orientation of an aircraft relative to the earth’s surface. This
helps in plotting the most efficient flight path.
‰ Marine Navigation: Ships use similar principles to navigate through the vast oceans, ensuring they stay on course towards their
destination.
‰ Satellite Orientation: Satellites use direction cosines to maintain proper orientation relative to the earth and other celestial
bodies, ensuring their instruments are correctly aligned for data collection.
‰ Spacecraft Navigation: Space missions rely on direction ratios to navigate through space, determining the precise orientation
needed for trajectory corrections and docking maneuvers.
‰ Vector Analysis: In physics, direction cosines are used in vector analysis to resolve forces and velocities into their components
along different axes, facilitating the study of motion and equilibrium.
‰ Mechanics: Engineers use direction ratios to analyze the motion of objects, particularly in systems involving rotational dynamics
and angular momentum

Different Problem Types

Type I: Determining the direction cosines When the angle with the positive direction of x, y and z-axis
is given
Example: If a line makes angle 90°, 60° and 30° with the positive direction of x, y and z-axis respectively, find its direction cosines.
Solution:
Step I: Calculate the direction cosine l corresponding to the x-axis:
l = cos (90°) = 0.
Step II: Calculate the direction cosine m corresponding to the y-axis:
1
m = cos (60°) = .
2

P
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Step III: Calculate the direction cosine n corresponding to the z-axis:
3
n = cos (30°) = .
2
1 3
Step IV: Conclude that the direction cosines of the line are l = 0, m = , and n = .
2 2
Example: If a line makes angles 45°, 120°, and 75° with the positive directions of the x, y, and z- axes respectively, find its
direction cosines.
Solution:
The direction cosines of a line are given by the cosines of the angles the line makes with the x, y, and z-axes.
1 1 6− 2
Let's calculate: cos (45°) = , cos (120°) = − , cos (75°) =
2 2 4
 1 1 6− 2
Therefore, the direction cosines are:  ,− , 
 2 2 4 
Type II: Determining the Direction Cosines when the Direction Ratios are given
Example: Suppose a line has direction ratios 2, – 1, – 2, determine its direction cosines.

Solution:
Step I: Use the relation between direction ratios (a, b, c) and direction cosines (l, m, n) for a line:
a b c
l = , m= , , n=
2 2 2 2 2 2
a +b +c a +b +c a + b2 + c2 2

Step II: Substitute the given direction ratios a = 2, b = –1, c = – 2 into the formulas:
2 2 −1 −1 −2 −2
l = = , m= = , n= =
2
2 + (−1) + (−2) 2 2 3 2 2
2 + (−1) + (−2) 2 3 2 2
2 + (−1) + (−2) 2 3

Example: Suppose a line has direction ratios 3,4, 5. Determine its direction cosines.
Solution:
Given direction ratios: 3, 4, –5
32 + 42 + ( −5 ) =
2
First, we find the magnitude of the direction ratios: 9 + 16 + 25= 50= 5 2
 3 4 −5   3 4 −1 
The direction cosines are:  , , = , , 
5 2 5 2 5 2  5 2 5 2 2 

 3 4 −1 
Thus, the direction cosines are  , , .
5 2 5 2 2 
Type III: Determining the Direction Cosines of the line passing through the two points.
Example: Suppose a line passing through the two points (– 2, 4, – 5) and (1, 2, 3), Find the direction cosines of the line.

Solution:
Step I: Find the direction ratios of the line.
The direction ratios (a, b, c) of the line are given by the differences in the corresponding coordinates of the two points. Thus:
a = x2 – x1 = 1 – (–2) = 3
b = y2 – y1= 2 – 4 = –2
c = z2 – z1 = 3 – (–5) = 8
So, the direction ratios are (3, –2, 8).
Step II: Calculate the magnitude of the vector.
The magnitude (or length) of the vector determined by these direction ratios is given by:
magnitude = a 2 + b 2 + c 2= 32 + (−2) 2 + 82= 9 + 4 + 64= 77

425 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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Step III: Find the direction cosines.
The direction cosines (l, m, n) are the ratios of the direction ratios to the magnitude. Thus:
a 3 b −2 c 8
l = = , m= = , n= =
magnitude 77 magnitude 77 magnitude 77
Example: Suppose a line passes through the two points (2, –3, 1) and (4, 1, –2). Find the direction cosines of the line.
Solution:
Given points: A(2, –3, 1) and B(4, 1, –2)
The direction ratios are: (4 – 2, 1 – (–3), – 2 – 1) = (2, 4, –3)
22 + 42 + ( −3) =
2
The magnitude of the direction ratios is: 4 + 16 + 9= 29
 2 4 −3 
The direction cosines are  , , .
 29 29 29 

competency BASED SOlved Examples

3. A line makes equal angles with co-ordinates axis. Direction
Multiple Choice Questions  (1 M)
cosines of this line are (Ap) (NCERT Exemplar)
1. If a line makes angles of 90°, 135° and 45° with the x, y  1 1 1 
(a) ± (1, 1, 1) (b) ±  , , 
and z-axes respectively, then its direction cosines are  3 3 3
 (Ap) (CBSE, 2023)
1 1 1 1 −1 −1 
1 1 (c) ±  , ,  (d) ±  , , 
1 1 , 0, 3 3 3  3 3 3
(a) 0, − , (b) −
2 2 2 2
Sol. Let the line makes angle a with each of the axis.
1 1 1 1
(c) , 0, − (d) 0, , Then, its direction cosines are cos a, cos a, cos a.
2 2 2 2 1
Sol. Direction cosines are cos 90°, cos 135° and cos 45° Since cos2a + cos2 a + cos2 a = 1. Therefore, cos a = ±
3
 1 1   1 1 1 
\  0, − ,  Dc’s are ±  , ,  .
 2 2  3 3 3

2. A line OP in space, represented by the figure below, 4. If a line makes angles a, b and g with the axes
has a magnitude of 2 2 units. (Un) (CBSE APQ, 2023 ) respectively, then cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g =
 (Ap) (CBSE, 2020)
z
(a) –2 (b) –1
(c) 1 (d) 2
Sol. Given a, b, g are the angles made by line with the co-ordinate
axes.
\ l = cos a, m = cos b, n = cos g.
60° P x Q l2 + m2 + n2 = 1 ⇒ cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1
60° Now cos2a + cos2b + cos2g
O 45° = 2cos2a – 1 + 2cos2b – 1 + 2 cos2g – 1
= 2(cos2a + cos2b + cos2g) – 3 = 2 × 1 – 3 = 2 – 3 = –1
y
x − 1 1− y 2 z − 1
5. Direction cosines of the line = = are
 2 3 12
Which of these are the direction ratios of OP ?
 (Cr) (CBSE, 2023)
(a) ( 2, 2, 2 ) (b) ( 2, 2, 2 )
2 3 6 2 3 12
1 1 1 (a) , , (b) ,− ,
(c)  , ,  (d) (2 2, 2 2, 2 2 ) 7 7 7 157 157 157
2 2 2
2 3 6 2 3 6
Sol. 2 2 ( cos 60°, cos 45°, cos 60° ) = 2, 2, 2( ) (c) , − , −
7 7 7
(d) ,− ,
7 7 7

P
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 x −1 1 − y 2z −1 8. A line makes the same angle q with each of the x and
Sol. Given equation of line be = = z-axes. If the angle b which it makes with y-axis is such
2 3 12
that sin2b = 3sin2q then cos2q equals to: (Ev)
1
z− 2 1
x −1 y −1 2 (a) (b)
⇒ = = 5
2 −3 6 5
Its direction cosines are 3 2
(c) (d)
2 −3 5 5
, ,
2
(2) + (−3) + (6)2 2
(2) + (−3) 2 + (6) 2
2 Sol. If A line makes the angle a, b, g with x, y, z axes respectively,
then
6
cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1
(2) + (−3) 2 + (6) 2
2
⇒ cos2q + cos2b + cos2q = 1
2 −3 6 ⇒ 2cos2q + cos2b = 1
i.e., , ,
7 7 7 ⇒ 2cos2q = 1 – cos2b = sin2b
⇒ 2cos2q = 3sin2q  [Q sin2b = 3 sin2q (Given)]
⇒ 2cos2q = 3 – 3cos2q
Mistakes 101 : What not to do! ⇒ 5cos2q = 3
Students may confuse direction ratios with direction 3
⇒ cos2q =
cosines, make normalization errors, or misinterpret 5
options. 9. If a line makes angle a, b, g with the co-ordinate axes,
then (Ap)
6. P is a point on the line segment joining the points
(3, 2, –1) and (6, 2, –2). If x co-ordinate of P is 5, then its (a) cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g – 1 = 0
y co-ordinate is (Un) (NCERT Exemplar) (b) cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g – 2 = 0
(c) cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g + 1 = 0
(a) 2 (b) 1 (c) –1 (d) –2
(d) cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g + 2 = 0
Sol. Let P divides the line segment in the ratio of l : 1, Sol Since a line makes an angle a, b, g with co-ordinate axes,
6λ + 3 we have
x-coordinate of the point P may be expressed as x =
λ +1 cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1 [Q l2 + m2 + n2 = 1]
2 2 2
⇒ 2cos a + 2cos b + 2cos g = 2
6λ + 3
giving = 5 so that l = 2. Thus y-coordinate of P is
λ +1 ⇒ (2cos2a –1) + (2cos2b – 1) + (2cos2g – 1) = 2 – 3
2λ + 2 ⇒ cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = –1
= 2. or cos2a + cos2b + cos2g + 1 = 0
λ +1
π π 1 1 
7. If a line makes angle and with x-axis and y-axis 10. If  , , n  are the direction cosines of a line, then the
3 4 2 3 
respectively, then the angle made by the line with z-axis value of n is: (Ev)
is (Ap) (NCERT Exemplar)
23 23 2 3
π π 15π (a) (b) (c) (d)
π 6 6 3 2
(a) (b) (c) (d)
2 3 4 12
1 1
Sol. As  , , n  are the D.c’s of a line
Sol. Given a, b, g be angles made by the line with the co-ordinate 2 3 
axes. 2 2
1 1
\   +   + n2 =
1
π π  2 3
∴ =
α ,=
β
3 4 1 1
⇒ + + n2 =
1
Q cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1 4 9
π π 1 1 9+4
∴ cos 2 + cos 2 + cos 2 γ =1 ⇒ n2 = 1 −  +  =−
1  
3 4 4 9  36 
1 1 3 13 23
⇒ + + cos 2 γ =1 ⇒ + cos 2 γ =1 = 1− =
4 2 36 36
4
3 1 1 π 23
⇒ cos2g = 1 – = ⇒ cos g = ± ⇒ γ= \n= .
4 4 2 3 6

427 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 11. A line AB in three-dimensional space makes angles 45° 1. Assertion (A): The position vector of a point say
 
and 120° with the positive x-axis and the positive y-axis P(x, y, z) is OP = r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ and its magnitude is
respectively. It makes an acute angle q with the positive 
| r | = x2 + y2 + z2
z-axis, then q equal to: (Un) 
Reason (R): If r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zk, ˆ then the coefficient of
(a) 30° (b) 45° (c) 60° (d) 75° 
i,ˆ ˆj, kˆ in r i.e., x, y, z are called the direction ratios of
Sol. Let l, m and n be the direction cosines of the line, we have 
vector r .  (Ap)
1 1  
l = cos 45° = , m = cos120° = − and n = cos q Sol. OP =r =xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ
2 2
2 2 
1   1
| r |= x2 + y 2 + z 2
\  2
 +  − 2  + cos q = 1 [Q l2 + m2 + n2 = 1]
 2 Direction ratios are x, y, z
1 1 Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R)
⇒ + + cos2q = 1 is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
2 4
1 1 3 1 1 2. Assertion (A): If a line makes angles a, b, g with positive
⇒ cos2q = 1 −  +  = 1 − = ⇒ cos θ = ± direction of the coordinate axes then sin2a + sin2b + sin2 g
2 4 4 4 2
= 2.
−1
But cos θ =
is not possible. Reason (R): The sum of squares of the direction cosines
2 of a line is 1. (Un) (CBSE, 2023)
[Q q is an acute angle so cos q is positive]
Sol. As a, b, g be the angles made by the line with positive
1 direction of the co-ordinate axes.
\ cos q = ⇒ cos q = cos 60° ⇒ q = 60°
2
\ cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1
12. If a line in the space makes angles a, b, g with the co- ⇒ 1 – sin2a + 1 – sin2b + 1 – sin2g = 1
ordinate axes, then cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g + sin2a + ⇒ 2 = sin2a + sin2b + sin2g
sin2b + sin2g is equal to ⇒ sin2a + sin2b + sin2g = 2
(a) –1 (b) 0 (c) 1 (d) 2 Both assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R)
Sol. As a line in the space makes angles a, b, g with the is the correct explanation of A.
co-ordinate axes, then
3. Assertion (A): Direction cosines of z-axis are 0, 0, 1
cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1
Reason (R): If l, m, n be the direction cosines of a line
Now cos 2a + cos2b + cos 2g + sin2a + sin2b + sin2g then l2 + m2 + n2 = 1. (Re)
= (2 cos2a –1) + (2 cos2b –1) + (2 cos2g – 1) + (1 – cos2a)
Sol. Clearly, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true but
+ (1 – cos2b) + (1 – cos2g)
Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
= cos2a + cos2b + cos2 g = 1.

Answer Key
Answer Key 3. (b) 2. (a) 1. (b)
12. (c) 11. (c)
10. (a) 9. (c) 8. (c) 7. (b) 6. (a)
5. (d) 4. (b) 3. (b) 2. (b) 1. (a)
Subjective Questions

Very Short Answer Type Questions  (1 or 2 M)

Assertion and Reason  (1 M) 1. If a line makes angles 90° and 60° respectively with
the positive directions of x and y axes, find the angle
Direction: In the following questions, a statement of Assertion which it makes with the positive direction of z-axis.
(A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct  (Ap) (CBSE, 2017)
choice as. Sol. Let the angle made by line with positive direction of z-axis
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) be q then,
is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). We know that cos2 90° + cos2 60° + cos2 q = 1
2
1 1
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) ⇒ 0 +   + cos 2 θ =1 ⇒ + cos 2 θ =1
is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A). 2 4
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false. 1 3 3
⇒ cos2q = 1 – ⇒ cos2q = ⇒ cos q = ± (½ M)
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true. 4 4 2

P
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 π 3 7. Show that the points A(2, 3, –4), B(1, –2, 3) and
⇒ q = 30° or if cos q = C(3, 8, –11) are collinear. (An) (NCERT Intext)
6 2
Sol. Direction ratios of line joining A and B are
5π 3
and q = 150° or if cos q = –  (½ M) 1 – 2, –2 – 3, 3 + 4 i.e., –1, –5, 7.  (½ M)
6 2
The direction ratios of line joining B and C are
3 – 1, 8 + 2, – 11 – 3, i.e., 2, 10, –14. (½ M)
Nailing the Right Answer It is clear that direction ratios of AB and BC are proportional,
hence, AB is parallel to BC. But point B is common to both
Students, use the cosine rule: cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1. AB and BC. Therefore, A, B, C are collinear points. (1 M)

2. If a line makes an angle a, b, g with the coordinate axes,

then find the value of cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g. Nailing the Right Answer
 (Ev) (CBSE, 2022)
Students, compare direction ratios of vectors between
Sol. We have, cos 2a + cos 2b + cos 2g
points; if proportional, points are collinear.
= 2 cos2 a – 1 + 2 cos2 b – 1 + 2 cos2 g – 1 (1 M)
= 2(cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g) – 3 = 2 – 3 = –1 (1 M) 8. Find the direction cosines of x, y and z-axis.
 (Ap) (NCERT Intext)
3. If a line makes angles 90°, 135°, 45° with the x, y and z Sol. The x-axis makes angles 0°, 90° and 90° respectively with
axes respectively, find its direction cosines.  x, y and z-axis. (½ M)
 (Un) (CBSE, 2019)
Therefore, the direction cosines of x-axis are cos 0°, cos
1 1 90°, cos 90° i.e., 1, 0, 0.  (½ M)
Sol. D.c.s = 〈cos 90°, cos 135°, cos 45°〉 = 0, − , (1 M)
2 2 Similarly, direction cosines of y-axis and z-axis are 0, 1, 0
and 0, 0, 1 respectively. (1 M)
4. Find the direction ratios of the line passing through two
points (–2, 4 –5) and (1, 2, 3). (Ap) Short Answer Type Questions  (2 or 3 M)
Sol. We know that direction ratios of the line passing through
two points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are given by 1. Find the direction cosines of the following line:
3 − x 2 y −1 z 
(Ap)
< x2 – x1, y2 – y1, z2 – z1 > (1 M) = =
−1 2 4
Here P is (–2, 4, –5) and Q is (1, 2, 3). D.r's are <3, –2, 8> 3 − x 2 y −1 z
 (1 M) Sol. The given equation of line is: = =
−1 2 4
5. If a line makes angles a, b, g with the positive direction  1
of coordinate axes, then write the value of sin2a + sin2b 2 y − 
−( x − 3)
 2 z
+ sin2g.  (Ev) (CBSE, 2015) or = =
−1 2 4
Sol. The direction cosines of a line with angles a, b, g are cos a, 1
y−
cos b, cos g. x−3 2 z 
⇒ = = (1 M)
We know, cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g = 1 1 1 4
⇒ (1 – sin2 a) + (1 – sin2 b) + (1 – sin2 g) = 1 (½ M) Then, its D.r.’s are 〈1, 1, 4〉.  (½ M)
⇒ –(sin2 a + sin2 b + sin2 g) = 1 – 3 1 1 4
Then, D.c’s are: , , 
2 2 2 2 2 2
⇒ sin2 a + sin2 b + sin2 g = 2 (½ M) 1 +1 + 4 1 +1 + 4 1 + 12 + 42
2

 (1 M)
6. If a line has direction ratios 2, –1, –2, then what are its
direction cosines? (An) (NCERT Intext) 1 1 4
i.e., , ,
18 18 18
Sol. Here direction ratios of line are 2, –1, –2.
1 1 4
\ Direction cosines of line are i.e., , ,  (½ M)
3 2 3 2 3 2
2 −1
, , 2. Find the direction cosines of the line passing through the
2 2 2
2 + (−1) + (−2) 2 + (−1) 2 + (−2) 2
2
two points (–2, 4, –5) and (1, 2, 3).(Un) (NCERT Intext)
−2 Sol. We know the direction cosines of the line passing through
2 + (−1) 2 + (−2) 2
2 (1 M) two points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are given by

x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1
2 −1 −2 , ,  (½ M)
i.e., , ,  (1 M) PQ PQ PQ
3 3 3

429 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 where PQ = ( x2 − x1 ) 2 + ( y2 − y1 ) 2 + ( z2 − z1 ) 2  (½ M) Long Answer Type Questions  (4 or 5 M)
Here P is (–2, 4, –5) and Q is (1, 2, 3).
1. Find the direction cosines of the sides of the triangle
So PQ = (1 − (−2)) + (2 − 4) + (3 − (−5)) = 77  (1 M)
2 2 2
whose vertices are (3, 5, –4), (–1, 1, 2) and (–5, –5, –2)
Thus, the direction cosines of the line joining two points is  (Ap) (NCERT Intext)
3 −2 8 Sol. The vertices of DABC are A(3, 5, –4), B(–1, 1, 2) and
, , . (1 M)
77 77 77 C(–5, –5, –2).
3. If a line makes angle 90°, 60° and q with x, y and z-axis A (3, 5, –4)
respectively, where q is an acute angle find q. (Ap)
Sol. We have a = 90°, b = 60°, g = q
Since, cos2 a + cos2 b + cos2 g = 1
\ cos2 (90°) + cos2 (60°) + cos2 q = 1 (1 M)
2 B C
1
0 +   + cos 2 θ =1
2
(–1, 1, 2) (–5, –5,–2)
2
The direction ratios of side AB are (–1 – 3), (1 – 5), and
1 3
⇒ cos2 q = 1 – =  (1 M) (2 – (–4)) i.e., –4, –4, and 6.  (1 M)
4 4
3 Then, (−4) 2 + (−4) 2 + (6) 2
⇒ cos q =  (q is acute)
2
= 16 + 16 + 36= 68= 2 17  (½ M)
\ q = 30°. (1 M)
Therefore, the direction cosines of AB are
4. There are two points A(1, –1, 2) and B(3, 4, 5). Find
direction ratios and direction cosines of AB. (Ev) −4 −4
, ,
2 2 2
Sol. A(1, –1, 2) and B(3, 4, 5). (−4) + (−4) + (6) (−4) + (−4) 2 + (6) 2
2

D.r's of AB are <a, b, c> (½ M) 6

a = (x2 – x1) = (3 – 1) = 2 (−4) + (−4) 2 + (6) 2 
2
(1 M)
b = (y2 – y1) = (4 + 1) = 5
−4 −4 6 −2 −2 3
c = (z2 – z1) = (5 – 2) = 3 , , i.e., , ,  (½ M)
2 17 2 17 2 17 17 17 17
D.r's of AB are a, b, c = <2, 5, 3> (1 M)
The direction ratios of BC are (–5 – (–1)), (–5 – 1), and
Now find r = a 2 + b2 + c2 (–2 – 2) i.e., –4, – 6, and –4. Therefore, the direction cosines
⇒r= 4 + 25 + 9 =38 of BC are
D.c's of AB are <l, m, n> (½ M) −4 −6
, ,
a 2 b 5 c 3 2
(−4) + (−6) + (−4) 2 2
(−4) + (−6) 2 + (−4) 2
2

l= = , m= = , n= =  (1 M)
r 38 r 38 r 38 −4
5. The direction cosines of a line segment AB are (−4) + (−6) 2 + (−4) 2
2

−2 3 −2
, , . If AB = 17 and the coordinates of −4 −6 −4 −2 −3 −2
17 17 17 , , i.e., , ,  (1 M)
2 17 2 17 2 17 17 17 17
A are (3, –6, 10), then find coordinates of B. (Ap)
The direction ratios of CA are (–5 – 3), (–5 – 5), and (–2 –
Sol. Let the coordinates of B be (x, y, z)
(–4)) i.e., –8, – 10, and 2. Therefore, the direction cosines
So, direction ratios of AB = 〈x – 3, y + 6, z – 10〉
of AC are
−2 3 −2
Also, direction cosines of AB are , ,  (½ M) −8 −10
17 17 17 , ,
2 2 2
So, its direction ratios are 〈–2, 3, – 2〉. (½ M) ( −8) + ( −10) + (2) ( −8) + ( −10) 2 + (2) 2
2

⇒ 〈– 2, 3, – 2〉 = 〈x – 3, y + 6, z – 10〉. (1 M) 2
⇒ x – 3 = –2; y + 6 = 3; z – 10 = – 2 ( −8) + ( −10) 2 + (2) 2
2

⇒ x = 1; y = –3; z = 8 −8 −10 2 −4 −5 1
, , i.e., , ,  (1 M)
So, coordinates of B are (1, –3, 8). (1 M) 2 42 2 42 2 42 42 42 42

P
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 2. If l1, m1, n1, l2, m2, n2 and l3, m3, n3 are the direction = 1 + 0 = 1[Q l12 + m12 + n12 = 1 and l1 ⊥ l2, l1 ⊥ l3, m1 ⊥ m2,
cosines of three mutually perpendicular lines, then prove  m1 ⊥ m3, n1 ⊥ n2, n1 ⊥ n3]
 (1 M)
that the line whose direction cosines are proportional to
Similarly, cos b
l1 + l2 + l3, m1 + m2 + m3 and n1 + n2 + n3 makes equal
= l2(l1 + l2 + l3) + m2(m1 + m2 + m3) + n2(n1 + n2 + n3)
angles with them(Un) (NCERT Exemplar)
 = 1 + 0 and cos g = 1 + 0

Sol. Let a =l1iˆ + m1 ˆj + n1kˆ; b =l2 iˆ + m2 ˆj + n2 kˆ; ⇒ cos a = cos b = cos g
 ⇒ a = b = g (1 M)
c =l3iˆ + m3 ˆj + n3 kˆ

So, the line whose direction cosines are proportional to

d = (l1 + l2 + l3) iˆ + (m1 + m2 + m3) ĵ + (n1 + n2 + n3) k̂ l1 + l2 + l3, m1 + m2 + m3, n1 + n2 + n3 makes equal angles
   with the three mutually perpendicular lines whose direction
Also, let a, b and g are the angles between a and d , b and cosines are l1, m1, n1, l2, m2, n2 and l3, m3, n3 respectively.
  
d , c and d respectively. (1 M)  (1 M)

\ cos a
= l1(l1 + l2 + l3) + m1(m1 + m2 + m3) + n1(n1 + n2 + n3)
Mistakes 101 : What not to do!
 (1 M)
Students may confuse direction cosines, misapply
2
= l + l1l2 + l1l3 + m1 + m1m2 + m1m3 + n12 + n1n2 + n1n3
1
2
perpendicularity properties, or neglect proper
2 2 2
proportionality proof.
= (l1 + m1 + n1 ) + (l1l2 + l1l3 + m1m2 + m1m3 + n1n2 + n1n3)

431 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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2 EQUATION OF A LINE IN SPACE

Important Terms
‰ Line: A line is uniquely determined if
(i) It passes through a given point and has given direction, or
(ii) It passes through two given points.

Important Concepts
  
‰ Equation of a Line through a given point and parallel to a given vector b : Let a be the position vector of the given point
A with respect to the origin O of the rectangular coordinate system. Let l be the line which passes through the point A and is

  Z b
parallel to a given vector b . Let r be the position vector of an arbitrary point P on the line.
   
Then AP is parallel to the vector b i.e., AP = λb , where l is some real number. P
   A
But AP = OP – OA 
   a 
r
i.e., λb = r − a
Conversely, for each value of the parameter l, this equation gives the position vector of O Y
a point P on the line. Hence, the vector equation of the line is given by
   X
r = a + λb
‰ Derivation of cartesian form from vector form: Let the coordinates of the given point A be (x1, y1, z1) and the direction ratios
of the line be p, q, r. Consider the coordinates of any point P be (x, y, z). Then
  
r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ; a = x1iˆ + y1 ˆj + z1kˆ and b = piˆ + qjˆ + rkˆ
  
Substituting these values in r = a + λb and equating the coefficients of iˆ, ˆj and k̂ we get
x = x1 + lp; y = y1 + lq; z = z1 + lr ... (i)
These are parametric equations of the line. Eliminating the parameter l from equ. (i), we get
x − x1 y − y1 z − z1
= =
p q r
This is the cartesian equation of the line.

Note: If l, m, n are the direction cosines of the line, the equation of the line is x=
− x1 y − y1 z − z1
=
l m n
‰ Angle between Two Lines: Let L1 and L2 be two lines passing through the origin and Z
with direction ratios a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 respectively. Let P be a point on L1 and Q
be a point on L2. Consider the directed lines OP and OQ as given in figure. Let q be the
acute angle between OP and OQ. Now recall that the directed line segments OP and Q L2
OQ are vectors with components a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 respectively. Therefore, the
O q L1
angle q between them is given by P
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 Y
cos q = ...(i)
a12 + b12 + c12 a22 + b22 + c22
X
The angle between the lines in terms of sin q is given by
sin q = 1 − cos 2 θ

(a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 ) 2 (a12 + b12 + c12 )(a22 + b22 + c22 ) − (a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 ) 2
= 1− =
(a12 + b12 + c12 )(a22 + b22 + c22 ) (a12 + b12 + c12 ) (a22 + b22 + c22 )

P
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 (a1b2 − a2 b1 ) 2 + (b1c2 − b2 c1 ) 2 + (c1a2 − c2 a1 ) 2 ...(ii)
a12 + b12 + c12 a22 + b22 + c22
Two lines with direction ratio a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are
(i) perpendicular i.e., if q = 90° by equ. (i)
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0

(ii) parallel i.e. if q = 0 by equ. (ii)
a b1 c1
=
1
=
a2 b2 c2
Now, we find the angle between two lines when their equations are given. If q is acute the angle between the lines
     
r= a1 + λb1 and r= a2 + µb2
 
b1 · b2
then cos q =  
| b1 | | b2 |
In Cartesian form, if q is the angle between the lines
x − x1 y − y1 z − z1
= = ...(i)
a1 b1 c1

x − x2 y − y2 z − z2
and = = ...(ii)
a2 b2 c2
where, a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are the direction ratios of the lines (i) and (ii), respectively, then

a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2

cos q =
a + b12 + c12
2
1 a22 + b22 + c22

‰ Shortest Distance between Two Lines: If two lines in space intersect at a point, then the shortest distance between them is zero.
Also, if two lines in space are parallel, then the shortest distance between them will be the perpendicular distance, i.e. the length
of the perpendicular drawn from a point on one line onto the other line.
Skew Lines: In a space, there are lines which are neither intersecting nor parallel. In fact, such pair of lines are non coplanar and
are called skew lines.
     
‰ Distance between Two Skew Lines: Let l1 and l2 be two skew lines given by r= a1 + λb1 and r= a2 + λb2 respectively, where
 
a1 and a2 are position vectors of points on l1 and l2 then shortest distance between two given points is given by
   
(a2 − a1 ) · (b1 × b2 )
 
| b1 × b2 |
   
Note: If two lines are intersecting, then shortest distance between them is zero, i.e., (a2 − a1 ) · (b1 × b2 ) = 0
Cartesian form:
x − x1 y − y1 z − z1 x − x2 y − y2 z − z2
The shortest distance the lines l1 : = = and l2 : = =
a1 b1 c1 a2 b2 c2

x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1
a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2
is .
(b1c2 − b2 c1 ) 2 + (c1a2 − c2 a1 ) 2 + (a1b2 − a2 b1 ) 2
     
‰ Distance between Parallel Lines: Let l1 and l2 be two parallel lines given by r= a1 + λb and r= a2 + λb respectively. Then
  
b × (a2 − a1 )
shortest distance between them is 
|b |

433 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 Different Problem Types

Type I: Determining the vector and Cartesian equation if a line through the point and parallel to the
vector
Suppose a line through the point (5, 2, – 4) and which is parallel to the vector 3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 8kˆ , find the vector equation.
Solution:
  
Step I: Use this formula r = a + λb to find the equation of the line r which passes through the point a = (5, 2, –4) and parallel
b = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 8kˆ.
   
Step II: Substitute the value of a and b into this equation r = a + λb , \ r = 5iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ + λ (3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 8kˆ)

Step III: For the Cartesian equation substitute the value of r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ in the obtained vector equation.

Therefore, xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ = 5iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ + λ(3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 8kˆ) = (5 + 3λ)iˆ + (2 + 2λ) ˆj + (−4 − 8λ)kˆ
x−5 y −2 z + 4
Eliminating l, we get = = which is the equation of the line in Cartesian form.
3 2 −8
Example: Suppose a line through the point (2, –3, 5) and which is parallel to the vector 4iˆ + ˆj - 2kˆ , find the vector equation and
the Cartesian equation.
Solution:
Vector Equation:
  
The vector equation of the line is given by: r= a + tb
 
Here, a = 2iˆ − 3 ˆj + 5kˆ and b = 4iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ.

( ) (
Thus, the vector equation of the line is: r = 2iˆ − 3 ˆj + 5kˆ + t 4iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ )
From the vector equation, we have the parametric equations: x = 2 + 4t, y = –3 + t, z =5 – 2t
To eliminate the parameter t, we solve each equation for t:
x−2
t=
4
y+3
t = y+3= ,
1
5− z z −5
=t = ,
2 −2
x−2 y +3 z −5
The Cartesian equation: = =
4 1 −2
Type II: Determining the angle between the pair of lines given by in the vector form
 
Find the angle between the pair of lines given by r= 3iˆ + 2 ˆj – 4kˆ + λ (3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 4kˆ ) and r = 5iˆ − 2 ˆj + µ (5iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ )
Solution:
Step I: Determine the direction vectors: For given the equations of the lines, identify the coefficients of i, j and k to obtain the direction
vectors.
→
For the first line, the direction vector is a = (3, 2, 4).
→
For the second line, the direction vector is b = (5, 2, 6).
Step II: Compute the dot product: Take the dot product of the direction vectors of the two lines.
→ →
a . b = (3 × 5) + (2 × 2) + (4 × 6) = 15 + 4 + 24 = 43.

Step III: Calculate the magnitudes: Find the magnitudes of the direction vectors using the formula || a || = ax2 + a y2 + az2 for a vector
a = (ax, ay, az).

|| a || = 32 + 22 + 42 = 9 + 4 + 16 = 29.

|| b || = 52 + 22 + 62= 25 + 4 + 36= 65.

P
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 
a.b
Step IV: Apply the formula for the angle between vectors: Use the formula cosq = to find the cosine of the angle between
|| a || || b ||
the two lines.
43
cos (q) =
29 × 65
 
Example: Find the angle between the pair of lines given by r = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ + λ ( iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ) and r= 5iˆ − 2 ˆj + µ(3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ )
 
Solution: Here b1 =iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ and b2 =3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ .
The angle q between the two lines is given by
 
b1· b2 (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ)·(3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ) 3 + 4 + 12 19
cos q =   = = =
| b1 | | b2 | 1 + 4 + 4 9 + 4 + 36 3× 7 21
 19 
Hence q = cos–1  
 21 

Type III: Determining the Shortest Distance Between the Skew Lines
 
Find the shortest distance between the skew lines r = (6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ) + λ ( iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ) and r =( −4iˆ − kˆ ) + µ (3iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2kˆ )

Solution:

Step I: Identify the Vector Equations of the Lines

First, note the vector equations of the two lines:

‰ Line 1: = r1 (6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ) + λ(iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ)

‰ Line 2: r2 == (−4iˆ − kˆ) + µ(3iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2kˆ)

Step II: Determine the Position and Direction Vectors

   
From the equations, extract the position vectors ( a1 and a2 ) and direction vectors ( b1 and b2 ):
‰ Line 1:

z Position vector: a1 = 6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ

z Direction vector: b1 =iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
‰ Line 2:

z Position vector: a2 = −4iˆ − kˆ

z Direction vector: b2 = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2kˆ

Step III: Calculate the Cross Product of the Direction Vectors

Compute the cross product of the direction vectors, which will give a vector perpendicular to both lines:
 
( ) (
b × b = iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ × 3iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2kˆ
1 2 )
This results in:

n = 8iˆ + 8 ˆj + 4kˆ

Step IV: Compute the Vector Connecting Points on the Two Lines
Subtract the position vector of Line 1 from that of Line 2 to find the connecting vector:
 
( ) (
a2 − a1 =−4iˆ − kˆ − 6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ = )
−10iˆ − 2 ˆj − 3kˆ

Step V: Calculate the Dot Product of the Connecting Vector and Cross Product
  
Find the dot product of the vector a2 − a1 and the vector n :

( −10iˆ − 2 ˆj − 3kˆ ) ⋅ (8iˆ + 8 ˆj + 4kˆ ) =−80 − 16 − 12 =−108

435 Three Dimensional Geometry P
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Step VI: Determine the Magnitude of the Cross Product Vector
 
Calculate the magnitude of n : n = 82 + 82 + 42 = 12
Step VII: Compute the Shortest Distance
   
Finally, the shortest distance is given by the absolute value of the projection of a2 − a1 on n , divided by the magnitude of n :
| −108 |
Shortest Distance = =9
12
Example: Find the shortest distance between the lines l1 and l2 whose vector equations are

r = iˆ + ˆj + λ(2iˆ – ˆj + kˆ )  ...(i)

and r= 2iˆ + ˆj – kˆ + µ(3iˆ – 5 ˆj + 2kˆ ) ...(ii)
     
Solution: Comparing (i) and (ii) with r= a1 + λb1 and r= a2 + µb2 respectively.
 ˆ ˆ 
we get a1 = i + j , b1 = 2iˆ – ˆj + kˆ
 
a2 = 2iˆ + ˆj – kˆ and b2 = 3iˆ – 5 ˆj + 2kˆ
 
Therefore a2 – a1 = iˆ – kˆ
 
and b1 × b2 = (2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ) × (3iˆ – 5 ˆj + 2kˆ)

iˆ ˆj kˆ
= 2 −1 1 = 3iˆ − ˆj − 7 kˆ
3 −5 2
 
So | b1 × b2 |= 9 + 1 + 49= 59
Hence, the shortest distance between the given lines is given by
   
(b1 × b2 ) · ( a2 − a1 ) | 3 − 0 + 7 | 10
d=  =  =
| b1 × b2 | 59 59

Type IV: Determining Shortest Distance Between the Parallel Lines

 
Find the distance between the lines l1 and l2 given by r = iˆ + 2 ˆj – 4kˆ + λ(2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ ) and r= 3iˆ + 3 ˆj – 5kˆ + µ(2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ )
Solution:
Step I: Define the Lines
The two lines are given by

(
‰ Line 1: r1 =iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ + λ 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ )

(
‰ Line 2: r2 = 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ + µ 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ )
Step II: Confirm the Lines are Parallel

Both lines have the same direction vector b = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ, confirming they are parallel.
Step III: Identify Position Vectors

‰ Position Vector of Line 1: ( a1 ) : iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ

‰ Position Vector of Line 2: ( a2 ) : 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ
Step IV: Compute the Vector Connecting the Points on the Two Lines
  
( ) ( )
a = a2 − a1 = 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ − iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ = 2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ

Step V: Calculate the Cross Product of the Direction Vector and the Connecting Vector
  
( ) (
Compute the cross product: n = b × a = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ × 2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ )

This results in: n =−9iˆ + 14 ˆj − 4kˆ

P
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Step VI: Calculate the Magnitude of the Cross Product Vector

n = (−9) 2 + 142 + (−4) 2 = 293
Step VII: Calculate the Magnitude of the Direction Vector

b = 22 + 32 + 62 = 49 = 7

Step VIII: Compute the Distance


n 293
The distance d between the two parallel lines is given by the formula: d =  =
b 7

( 
) (
Example: Find the distance between the lines l1 and l2 given by r = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ + λ 3iˆ + 4 ˆj + 5kˆ and r = 4iˆ − 2 ˆj + 3kˆ + µ 3iˆ + 4 ˆj + 5kˆ . )
Solution:
  
b = b1 = b2 = 3iˆ + 4 ˆj + 5kˆ
 
( ) ( )
Next, the vector between points on the lines: a1 − a2 =2iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ − 4iˆ − 2 ˆj + 3kˆ =−2iˆ + 5 ˆj − 4kˆ
 
b1 × b2 =0 (They are parallel.)
Finally, using the formula for the distance between parallel lines:
  
( a1 − a2 ) ⋅ b
Distance = 
b

The distance is calculated based on a perpendicular segment between the lines.

The distance between the lines is:
− 2⋅3 + 5⋅ 4 − 4⋅5 − 6 + 20 − 20
Distance = =
( 3)
2
+ ( 4 ) + ( 5)
2 2
9 + 16 + 25
− 6 − 20 + 20 3 2
⇒ Distance = =
50 5

competency BASED SOlved Examples

1 2
Multiple Choice Questions  (1 M) (a) (1, 2) (b)  , 
2 3
1. Equation of a line passing through point (1, 1, 1) and 1 1
(c)  ,  (d) (0, 0)
parallel to z-axis is (Ap) (CBSE, 2023) 2 4
x y z x −1 y −1 z −1 Sol. Since the point P(a, b, 0) lies on the line
(a) = = (b) = =
1 1 1 1 1 1 x +1 y + 2 z + 3
= =
x −1 y −1 z −1
(c) x= y= z − 1 (d) = = 2 3 4
0 0 1 0 0 1 a +1 b + 2 0 + 3
\ = =
Sol. Direction cosines of z-axis is 0, 0, 1. 2 3 4
\ Equation of a line passing through point (1, 1, 1) a +1 b + 2 3
⇒ = =
x −1 y −1 z −1 2 3 4
and parallel to z-axis, is given by = =
0 0 1 a +1 3 b+2 3
⇒ = and =
x +1 y + 2 z + 3 2 4 3 4
2. If the point P(a, b, 0) lies on the line = = ,
2 3 4 3 9
⇒ a= −1 and b+2 =
then (a, b) is  (Ev) (CBSE, 2023) 2 4

437 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 1 9 1 x − b′ y z − d ′
⇒ a= and b= −2 = and = = ...(ii)
2 4 4 a′ 1 c′
1 1
⇒ ( a, b ) =  , 
As lines are perpendicular
2 4 \ aa′ + 1 + cc′ = 0
3. The angle between the lines 2x = 3y = –z and 6x = –y = ⇒ aa′ + cc′ = –1
–4z is (An) (CBSE, 2023) x−2 y−3 4−z x −1 y−4 z −5
6. The lines = = and = =
(a) 0° (b) 30° (c) 45° (d) 90° 1 1 k k 2 −2
Sol. We are given equation of lines are are mutually perpendicular if the value of k is
x y z  (An) (CBSE, 2020)
2x = 3y = – z ⇒ = = ...(i) 2 2
1 1 −1 (a) − (b) (c) –2 (d) 2
2 3 3 3
x y z x−2 y −3 z −4 x −1 y − 4 z − 5
and 6x = –y = – 4z ⇒ = =  ...(ii) Sol. = = and = =
1 −1 −1 1 1 −k k 2 −2
6 4 are perpendicular then
Let a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 of lines (i) and (ii) respectively. 1 × k + 1 × 2 + (–k) × (–2) = 0
1 1 2
a1 = , b1 = , c1 = − 1 ⇒ k + 2 + 2k = 0 ⇒ 2 + 3k = 0 ⇒ k = −
2 3 3
1 −1 x y z x y z
a2 = , b2 = −1, c2 = 7. The angle between the lines = = and = =
6 4 1 0 −1 3 4 5
1 1 1 is (Ap)
\ a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = − +
12 3 4
1 1
1− 4 + 3 4 − 4 0 (a) cos −1 (b) cos −1
= = = = 0 5 3
12 12 12
⇒ Line (i) is perpendicular to line (ii). 1 1
(c) cos −1 (d) cos −1
 2 4
4. The lines r = iˆ + ˆj − kˆ + λ(2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ ) and
 3+ 0−5 
 Sol. q = cos–1  
r= 2iˆ − ˆj − kˆ + µ(6iˆ + 9 ˆj − 18kˆ ); (where l and m are  1 + 1 9 + 16 + 25 
scalars) are (Un) (CBSE SQP, 2023)  −2  1
(a) coincident (b) skew = cos −1   = cos −1  
 10  5
(c) intersecting (d) parallel
8. The equation of the line through (1, –1, 2) and parallel
Sol. Vectors 2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ and 6iˆ + 9 ˆj − 18kˆ are parallel and the to the line joining (–1, 0, 1) and (2, 3, –1) is: (Ev)
fixed point iˆ + ˆj − kˆ on the line x +1 y − 3 z + 2 x −1 y +1 z − 2
(a) = = (b) = =
 −1 0 −1 3 3 −2
r = iˆ + ˆj − kˆ + λ(2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ) does not satisfy the other line
x +1 y −1 z + 2 x −1 y +1 z − 2
 (c) = = (d) = =
r= 2iˆ − ˆj − kˆ + µ(6iˆ + 9 ˆj − 18kˆ); where l and m are scalars. 2 3 −1 3 3 0
5. The two lines x = ay + b, z = cy + d; and x = a′y + b′, Sol. Since the required line is parallel to the line joining (–1, 0, 1)
and (2, 3, –1) which is
z = c′y + d′ are perpendicular to each other, if
 (Ap) (CBSE, 2020) x +1 y − 0 z −1 x +1 y z −1
= = or = =
2 + 1 3 − 0 −1 − 1 3 3 −2
a c a c
(a) + = 1 (b) + = −1 Its d-ratios will be same as d-ratios of the given line 3, 3, –2.
a′ c′ a′ c′
x −1 y +1
(c) aa′ + cc′ = 1 (d) aa′ + cc′ = –1 Hence, the required equation of the line is = =
3 3
x − x1 y − y1 z − z1 z−2
Sol. Two lines = .
= −2
a1 b1 c1
9. The Cartesian equations of a line are
x − x2 y − y2 z − z2
and = = are ⊥ if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0 6x – 2 = 3y + 1 = 2z + 2
a2 b2 c2
The d-ratios of the line are:  (An)
x−b y z −d (a) 1, 2, 3 (b) 2, 3, 1
Given lines can be written as = = ...(i)
a 1 c (c) 3, 2, 1 (d) None of these
P
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Sol. The Cartesian equations of the line are
Assertion and Reason  (1 M)
6x – 2 = 3y + 1 = 2z – 2
1 1 Direction: In the following questions, A statement of Assertion (A)
x− y+
3 = 3 z −1 is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark the correct
or =
1 1 1 choice as.
6 3 2 (a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R)
1 1 1 is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
d-ratios of the line are , , or 1, 2, 3
6 3 2 (b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R)
is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
10. The straight line passing through the point (4, –5, –2) (c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
and (–1, 5, 3) is: (Un)
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
x−4 y+5 z +2 x +1 y − 5 z − 3
(a) = = (b) = = 1. Assertion (A): A line through the points (4, 7, 8) and
1 −2 −1 1 2 −1
(2, 3, 4) is parallel to a line through the points (–1, –2, 1)
x y z x y z and (1, 2, 5).
(c) = = (d) = =
−1 5 3 4 −5 −2      
Reason (R): Lines r= a1 + λb1 and r= a2 + µb2 are
Sol. Equation of straight line passing through (4, –5, –2) and  
parallel if b1 · b2 = 0. (Un) (CBSE, 2023)
x−4 y+5 z +2
(–1, 5, 3) is = = Sol. We have equation of a line passing through the points (4, 7, 8)
−1 − 4 5+5 3+ 2
and (2, 3, 4) is
x−4 y+5 z +2
⇒ = = x − 4 y −7 z −8 x − 4 y −7 z −8
−5 10 5 = = ⇒ = =
2− 4 3−7 4−8 −2 −4 −4
x−4 y+5 z +2 
⇒ = = in vector form = r (4i + 7 j + 8k ) + λ(−2i − 4 ˆj − 4kˆ)
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
1 −2 −1
11. The angle between the pair of lines with direction ratios Also equation of a line passing through the points (–1, –2, 1)
x +1 y + 2 z −1
(1, 1, 2) and ( 3 − 1, − 3 − 1, 4) is (Ap) and (1, 2, 5) is = = or, in vector form
2 4 4
(a) 30° (b) 45° (c) 60° (d) 90° 
r = −iˆ − 2 ˆj + kˆ + µ(2iˆ + 4 ˆj + 4kˆ)
Sol. We have direction ratios of two lines as (1, 1, 2) and
−2 −4 −4
( 3 − 1, − 3 − 1, 4) Clearly, = =
2 4 4
1( 3 − 1) − 1( 3 + 1) + 2(4) \ Both lines are parallel.
cos q =
1 + 1 + 22 ⋅ ( 3 − 1) 2 + (− 3 − 1) 2 + 42
2 2
Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.

3 −1− 3 −1+ 8 2. Assertion (A): Equation of a line passing through the

⇒ cos q = x − 3 y +1 z − 3
6 24 points (1, 2, 3) and (3, –1, 3) is = = .
2 3 0
6 1
= = = cos 60° Reason (R): Equation of a line passing through points
12 2 (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2), is given by
Hence, q = 60°
x − x1 y − y1 z − z1
= = . (Ap) (CBSE, 2023)
x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1
Sol. As we know that equation of the line passing through points
Mistakes 101 : What not to do!
(x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) is given by
Students may forget to normalize direction ratios,
miscalculate dot products, or misapply the angle formula. x − x1 y − y1 z − z1 x − x2 y − y2 z − z2
= = or = =
x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1 x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1
Hence, Equation of line passing through the points (1, 2, 3)
Answer Key and (3, –1, 3) is given by
11. (c)
x −1 y − 2 z − 3 x−3 y +1 z − 3
= = or = =
3 − 1 −1 − 2 3 − 3
10. (a) 9. (a) 8. (b) 7. (a) 6. (a)
3 − 1 −1 − 2 3 − 3
5. (d) 4. (d) 3. (d) 2. (c) 1. (d) As we know that equation of line passing through points
(x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) is given by

439 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 x − x1 y − y1 z − z1 x − x2 y − y2 z − z2 x−5 y −2 z
= = or = = ⇒ = = ...(i)
x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1 x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1 1 −1 1
\ Equation of line passing through the points (1, 2, 3) and 5 7 35
(3, –1, 3) is given by D.r′s of any line parallel to line (i) are
x −1 y − 2 z − 3 x − 3 y +1 z − 3 1 1 1
= = or = = k, − k, k  (1 M)
2 −3 0 2 −3 0 5 7 35
Hence, Assertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true. \ Equation of the required line passes through A(1, 2, –1)
and parallel to line (i) is
3. Assertion (A): The angle between the lines whose
x −1 y − 2 z +1
− 3 1 − 3 − 3 1 3 = = x −1 y − 2 z +1
direction cosines are , , ; , , is 120°. 1 1 1 ⇒ = =
4 4 2 4 4 2 k − k k 1 1 1
5 7 35 −
Reason (R): The angle between two lines whose direction 5 7 35
ratios are l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 is given by cos q = l1l2 ⇒ 5(x – 1) = –7(y – 2) = 35(z + 1)
+ m1m2 + n1n2. (An) ⇒ 5x – 5 = 14 – 7y = 35z + 35
− 3 − 3 1 1 − 3 3 Hence, it is cartesian equation.
Sol. We have, cos q = × + × + × Now, Vector equation is
4  4  4 4  2  2
 1 1 1 
3 1 3 3 + 1 − 12 −8 1 r= (iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ) + λ  iˆ − ˆj + kˆ   (1 M)
= + − = = = − ⇒ q = 120°. 5 7 35 
16 16 4 16 16 2
Clearly, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) true Reason (R)
is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
Nailing the Right Answer
4. Assertion (A): Vector equation of the line passes through
 Students, find direction ratios from the given line, then
the points (1, 2, 3) and (5, –4, –7) is r =( iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ ) + l use point and direction ratios for vector and Cartesian
(5iˆ − 4 ˆj − 7 kˆ ) where l is a parameter. equations.
Reason (R): Vector equation of straight line passing
 2. Check whether the lines given by equations x = 2l + 2,
through two given points with position vectors a and
     y = 7l + 1, z = –3l – 3 and x = –m – 2, y = 2m + 8, z = 4m
b is r = a + λ(b − a ) where l is parameter. (Ev) + 5 are perpendicular to each other or not. (Re)
Sol. For Assertion (A): Sol. Given equation of lines
We are given points P(1, 2, 3), Q(5, –4, – 7) x−2
x = 2l + 2 ⇒ = λ
Dr′s line joining P and Q are 5 – 1, – 4 – 2, – 7 – 3, i.e., are 2
4, –6, –10. y −1
y = 7l + 1 ⇒ = λ
\ Vector equation of line joining P and Q is 7

r= (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ) + λ(4iˆ − 6 ˆj − 10kˆ) z = –3l – 3 ⇒
z +3
= λ
So statement A is not true. −3
    x − 2 y −1 z + 3
For Reason (R), r = a + λ(b − a ) is true. \ Equation of one line be = = ...(i)
2 7 −3
Hence R is true but A is false.  (½ M)
x+2
Answer Key Also, x = –m – 2 ⇒ = µ
−1
4. (d) 3. (a) 2. (d) 1. (c)
y −8
y = 2m + 8 ⇒ = µ
2
z −5
Subjective Questions z = 4m + 5 ⇒ = µ
4
\ Equation of other line be
Very Short Answer Type Questions  (1 or 2 M)
x + 2 y −8 z −5
= = ...(ii) (½ M)
1. Find the vector and the Cartesian equations of a line that −1 2 4
passes through the point A(1, 2, –1) and parallel to the From (i) and (ii), we have
line 5x – 25 = 14 – 7y = 35z.  (Ap) (CBSE, 2023) a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 2 × (–1) + 7 × 2 + (–3) × 4
Sol. We are given line 5x – 25 = 14 – 7y = 35z = –2 + 14 – 12 = 14 – 14 = 0
⇒ 5(x – 5) = – 7(y – 2) = 35z \ Both lines are perpendicular to each other. (1 M)
P
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 3. Show that the line through the points (1, –1, 2), (3, 4, –2) 6. Find the equation of the line in vector and Cartesian
is perpendicular to the line through the points (0, 3, 2) form that passes through the point with position vector
and (3, 5, 6). (An) 2iˆ − ˆj + 4kˆ and is in the direction iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ . 
Sol. Let A(1, –1, 2) and B(3, 4, –2) be given points.  (Ap) (NCERT Intext)
Direction ratios of AB are  
Sol. Here a = 2iˆ − ˆj + 4kˆ and b =iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ.
(3 – 1), (4 – (–1)), (–2 – 2) i.e., 2, 5, –4. (½ M)
Let C(0, 3, 2) and D(3, 5, 6) be given points. Now the equation of the line passing through the point
 
Direction ratios of CD are (3 – 0), (5 – 3), (6 – 2) i.e., 3, 2, 4. having position vector a and parallel to vector b is
 (½ M)   
r = a + λb
We know that two lines with direction ratios a1, b1, c1 and 
=r (2iˆ − ˆj + 4kˆ) + λ(iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ)  (½ M)
a2, b2, c2 are perpendicular if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0

\ 2 × 3 + 5 × 2 + (–4) × 4 = 6 + 10 – 16 = 0 which is true. Let r = xiˆ + yjˆ + zkˆ be the position vector.
Which shows that lines AB and CD are perpendicular. (1 M) ˆ (2iˆ − ˆj + 4kˆ) + λ(iˆ + 2 ˆj – kˆ)
Then xiˆ + yjˆ + zk
=
4. Find the equation of the line which passes through the = (2 + λ)iˆ + (2λ − 1) ˆj + (4 − λ)kˆ  (½ M)
point (1, 2, 3) and is parallel to the vector 3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 2kˆ . 
 (Ap) Comparing coefficients of iˆ, ˆj , kˆ on both sides, we have

Sol. Let a be the position vector of the point (1, 2, 3). x = 2 + l, y = 2l – 1 and z = 4 – l

Then a =iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ  (½ M) x − 2 y +1 4 − z
\ = =
Now the equation of the line passing through the point having 1 2 1
 
position vector a and parallel to vector b = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 2kˆ is Which is required Cartesian form of the line. (1 M)
  
r = a + λb  (½ M) x −5 y+4 z −6
 ˆ 7. The Cartesian equation of a line is = = .
ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ ˆ
r =(i + 2 j + 3k ) + λ(3i + 2 j − 2k )  (1 M) 3 7 2
Write its vector form. (Un)
5. Find the value of k so that the lines x = –y = kz and x – 2
= 2y + 1 = – z + 1 are perpendicular to each other. (Re) Sol. The Cartesian equation of line is
x y z x − x1 y − y1 z − z1
Sol. Given, line 1: = = ...(i) = =  (½ M)
k −k 1 a b c
1 \ Vector equation of line is
y+
x−2 2 z − 1 ...(ii) 
line 2: = = r ( x1iˆ + y1 ˆj + z1kˆ) + λ(aiˆ + bjˆ + ckˆ) 
=
1 1 −1 (½ M)
2 From given equation x1 = 5, y1 = –4, z1 = 6
D.r’s of line 1 = < k, –k, 1> (½ M) and a = 3, b = 7, c = 2

1
D.r’s of line 2 = < 1, , –1> (½ M) \ Vector equation =r (5iˆ − 4 ˆj + 6kˆ) + λ(3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ) (1 M)
2
Line 1 and line 2 are perpendicular. 8. A line passes through the point with position vector
1 2iˆ − ˆj + 4kˆ and is in the direction of the vector iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ .
⇒ k × 1 – k × + 1 × (–1) = 0
2 Find the equation of the line in Cartesian form.
k  (Cr) (CBSE, 2019)
⇒ = 1 ⇒ k = 2 (1 M)
2 Sol. It is given that the line passes through the point with position
Topper’s Explanation (CBSE 2019) vector,

a = 2iˆ − ˆj + 4kˆ  ...(i)
and is in the direction of vector

b = iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ 
...(ii)
It is known that a line through a point with position vector
    
a and parallel to b is given by the equation, r= a + λ b

⇒ r= 2iˆ − ˆj + 4kˆ + λ(iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ)  (½ M)
This is the required equation of the line in vector form.
⇒ xiˆ − yjˆ + zkˆ = ( λ + 2 ) iˆ + ( λ − 1) ˆj + ( −2λ + 4 ) kˆ
Eliminating l, we obtain the Cartesian form equation as
x − 2 y −1 z − 4
= =  (½ M)
1 −1 −2

441 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 9. Find the vector equation of the line which passes through x + 3 y −1 z + 4
Now = = = l (say)
the point (3, 4, 5) and parallel to the vector 2iˆ + 2 ˆj − 3kˆ . 5 2 3
 (Ap) (CBSE, 2019) ⇒ x = – 3 + 5l , y = 1 + 2l, z = – 4 + 3l
Sol. Vector equation of a line is given by \ Q ≡ (–3 + 5l, 1 + 2l, – 4 + 3l) (1 M)
    D.r’s of PQ are 5l – 3 – 0, 2l + 1 – 2, 3l – 4 – 3
r = a + λb ; where a = position vector of a point on the
line. i.e. are 5l – 3, 2l – 1, 3l – 7
 D.r’s of line (i) are 5, 2, 3 (½ M)
b = vector parallel to the line
Here, P(0, 2, 3)

a =3iˆ + 4 ˆj + 5kˆ

b = 2iˆ + 2 ˆj − 3kˆ

\ r = (3iˆ + 4 ˆj + 5kˆ) + λ(2iˆ + 2 ˆj − 3kˆ)  (1 M)

Short Answer Type Questions  (2 or 3 M)

1. Find the distance between the lines:
 Q
r =( iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ ) + λ(2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ ) x + 3 y −1 z + 4
= =
 5 2 3
r= 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ + µ(4iˆ + 6 ˆj + 12kˆ )  (Cr) (CBSE, 2023)
Q PQ ⊥ line (i)
Sol. Given, \ 5(5l – 3) + 2(2l – 1) + 3 (3l – 7) = 0 (½ M)

r= (iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ) + λ (2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ) ⇒ 25l – 15 + 4l – 2 + 9l – 21 = 0

r (3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ) + µ(4iˆ + 6 ˆj + 12kˆ)
= 38
⇒ 38l – 38 = 0 ⇒ l= =1
These lines are parallel 38
\ Distance between two parallel lines \ Q = (– 3 + 5, 1 + 2, – 4 + 3) = (2, 3, – 1)
   Which is the foot of perpendicular. (1 M)
b × (a2 − a1 )
=   (1 M)
b x +1 y+3 z+5
3. Show that the lines = = and
  3 5 7
Here a1 = iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ, a2 = 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ
  x−2 y−4 z −6
∴ a2 − a1 = 2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ = = intersect. Also find their point of
1 3 5
and intersection. (Ap) (CBSE, 2014)
iˆ ˆj kˆ Sol. Given lines are
   
| b |= 4 + 9 + 36 = 7, b × (a2 − a1 ) = 2 3 6 x +1 y + 3 z + 5
= =  ...(i)
2 1 −1 3 5 7
x−2 y−4 z −6
= iˆ ⋅ (−3 − 6) − ˆj ⋅ (−2 − 12) + kˆ ⋅ ( 2 − 6 ) = =  ...(ii)
1 3 5
=−9iˆ + 14 ˆj − 4kˆ  (1 M) Let two lines (i) and (ii) intersect at a point P(a, b, g).
   ⇒ (a, b, g) satisfy line (i)
b × (a2 − a1 ) = 92 + 142 + 42 = 81 + 196 + 16 = 293 units
α +1 β + 3 γ + 5
⇒ = = = λ
293 3 5 7
\ Shortest distance = units. (1 M)
7 ⇒ a = 3l – 1, b = 5l – 3, g = 7l – 5 ...(iii) (1 M)
2. Find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular drawn Again (a, b, g) also lie on (ii), we get
x + 3 y −1 z + 4 α−2 β−4 γ−6
from the point P(0, 2, 3) to the line = = . = =
5 2 3 1 3 5
 (Un) (CBSE, 2023) 3λ − 1 − 2 5λ − 3 − 4 7λ − 5 − 6
⇒ = =
Sol. We are given point P(0, 2, 3) and the line 1 3 5
x + 3 y −1 z + 4 3λ − 3 5λ − 7 7λ − 11
= = ⇒ = =
5 2 3 1 3 5
Let Q be the foot of perpendicular.
I II III
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 From I and II From II and III iˆ ˆj kˆ
3λ − 3 5λ − 7 5λ − 7 7λ − 11
= =    = 2 −1 1 = 3iˆ − ˆj − 7 kˆ  (1 M)
1 3 3 5 3 −5 2
⇒ 9l – 9 = 5l – 7 ⇒ 25l – 35 = 21l – 33  
⇒ 4l = 2 ⇒ 4l = 2 ∴ b1 × b2 = 9 + 1 + 49= 59  (½ M)

1 1 Hence, the shortest distance between the given lines is

⇒ l= ⇒ l= given by
2 2
   
Since, the value of l in both the cases is same
= d
(  =
)(
b1 × b2 ⋅ a2 − a1
 =
)
3−0+ 7 10
units. (1 M)

⇒ Both lines intersect each other at a point. b1 × b2 59 59
\ Intersecting point = (a, b, g)
3 5 7 
=  − 1, − 3, − 5   [From (iii)]
2 2 2 
Mistakes 101 : What not to do!
 1 1 −3 
=  ,− ,  (1 M) Students may confuse vector operations, miscalculate
2 2 2 
cross products, or incorrectly apply the shortest distance
4. A line passes through (2, –1, 3) and is perpendicular formula.

t o t h e l i n e s r = iˆ + ˆj − kˆ + λ(2iˆ − 2 ˆj + kˆ ) a n d
 Long Answer Type Questions  (4 or 5 M)
=r (2iˆ − ˆj − 3kˆ ) + µ( iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ ) . Obtain its equation
in vector and Cartesian form. (Un) 1 − x 7 y − 14 z − 3
1. Find the value of l, so that the lines= =
 3 λ 2
Sol. Let b be parallel vector of required line.
 7 − 7x y − 5 6 − z
and = = are at right angles. Also, find
⇒ b is perpendicular to both given line. 3λ 1 5
 whether the lines are intersecting or not.
⇒ b = (2iˆ − 2 ˆj + kˆ) × (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ)
 (Un) (CBSE, 2019)
iˆ ˆj kˆ x − x1 y − y1 z − z1
Sol. If two lines = = and
= 2 −2 1 a1 b1 c1
1 2 2 x − x2 y − y2 z − z2
= = are at right angles,
=(−4 − 2)iˆ − (4 − 1) ˆj + (4 + 2)kˆ =− 6iˆ − 3 ˆj + 6kˆ (1 M) a2 b2 c2
Then, a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0 (1 M)
Hence, the equation of line in vector form is
 1 − x 7 y − 14 z − 3
r (2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ) + λ(−6iˆ − 3 ˆj + 6kˆ),
= Here, given lines are:= = and
 3 λ 2
r= (2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ) − 3λ(2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ)
 7 − 7x y − 5 6 − z
r = (2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ) + µ(2iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ) [ µ = −3λ ]  (1 M) = =
3λ 1 5  (1 M)
x − 2 y +1 z − 3 It can be re-written as
Equation in Cartesian form is = =  (1 M)
2 1 −2 x −1 y − 2 z − 3
= =
5. Find the shortest distance between the lines whose −3 λ 2
vector equations are: 7

r= ( iˆ + ˆj ) + λ(2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ ) and x −1 y − 5 z − 6
 ⇒ = = and
=r (2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ ) + µ(3iˆ − 5 ˆj + 2kˆ )  (Cr) 3λ 1 −5
−
   7
Sol. Comparing the given equations with equations r= a1 + λb1
   \ For these lines to be perpendicular,
and r= a2 + µb2
  3λ  λ
 −3 ×  −  + × 1 + 2(−5) =0
We get a1 = iˆ + ˆj , b1 = 2iˆ − ˆj + kˆ and  7  7
 
a2 = 2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ, b2 = 3iˆ − 5 ˆj + 2kˆ 9λ λ 10λ
  ⇒ 0 ⇒
+ − 10 = = 10
Therefore, a2 − a1 =iˆ − kˆ and (½ M) 7 7 7
 
ˆ ˆ
b1 × b2 = (2iˆ − ˆj + k ) × (3iˆ − 5 ˆj + 2k ) ⇒ l = 7 (1 M)

443 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 For two lines to be intersecting Now, shortest distance between two lines is given by
   
x1 − x2 y1 − y2 z1 − z2 (b1 × b2 ) ⋅ (a2 − a1 ) 
  (1 M)
a1 b1 c1 = 0 b1 × b2
a2 b2 c2
iˆ ĵ kˆ
 
\ b1 × b2 = 3 −16 7
1−1 2 − 5 3 − 6
0 −3 −3 3 8 −5
7
Here −3 2 = −3 1 2 ≠ 0
7 = iˆ(80 − 56) − ˆj (−15 − 21) + kˆ(24 + 48)
−3 1 −5
−21
1 −5 = 24iˆ + 36 ˆj + 72kˆ  (1 M)
7
Now
Hence these lines are not intersecting. (1 M)  
Topper’s Explanation (CBSE 2019) b1 × b2 = (24) 2 + (36) 2 + (72) 2

= 12 22 + 32 + 6=
2
84  (½ M)
and
 
(a2 − a1 ) = (15 − 8)iˆ + (29 + 9) ˆj + (5 − 10)kˆ
= 7iˆ + 38 ˆj − 5kˆ  (1 M)
\ Shortest distance
(24iˆ + 36 ˆj + 72kˆ) ⋅ (7iˆ + 38 ĵ − 5kˆ)
=
84
168 + 1368 − 360 1176
= = = 14 units (1 M)
84 84

3. An aeroplane is flying along the line r = λ( iˆ − ˆj + kˆ ) ;
where ‘l’ is a scalar and another aeroplane is flying along

the line r = iˆ − ˆj + µ( −2 ˆj + kˆ ) ; where ‘m’ is a scalar. At
what points on the lines should they reach, so that the
distance between them is the shortest? Find the shortest
possible distance between them. (Ev) (CBSE SQP, 2023)
Sol. Let

x y z
=
=
1 −1 1
P(l, –l, l)

2. Find the shortest distance between the lines gives by Q(1, –1 – 2m, m
 )
r = (8 + 3λ )iˆ − (9 + 16λ ) ˆj + (10 + 7λ )kˆ x −1 y +1
= = z
 0
r 15iˆ + 29 ˆj + 5kˆ + µ(3 iˆ + 8 ˆj − 5 kˆ )
= −2 1
(Cr) (NCERT Exemplar) The equation of two given straight lines in the Cartesian
Sol. We have, x y z
form are = = ...(i)
 1 −1 1
r = (8 + 3λ)iˆ − (9 + 16λ) ˆj + (10 + 7λ)kˆ
x −1 y +1 z
= 8iˆ − 9 ˆj + 10kˆ + 3λiˆ − 16λˆj + 7λkˆ and = = ...(ii)
0 −2 1
= 8iˆ − 9 ˆj + 10kˆ + λ(3iˆ − 16 ˆj + 7 kˆ)  (½ M)
 The lines are not parallel as direction ratios are not

⇒ a = 8iˆ − 9 ˆj + 10kˆ and b = 3iˆ − 16 ˆj + 7 kˆ ...(i) proportional. Let P be a point on straight line (i) and Q be a
1 1
Also point on straight line (ii) such that line PQ is perpendicular
 to both of the lines.(½ M)
=r 15iˆ + 29 ˆj + 5kˆ + µ(3iˆ + 8 ˆj − 5kˆ)
 Let the coordinates of P be (l, –l, l) and that of Q be

⇒ a2 =15iˆ + 29 ˆj + 5kˆ and b2 = 3iˆ + 8 ˆj − 5kˆ ...(ii) (1, – 2m – 1, m); where ‘l’ and ‘m’ are scalars.(½ M)

P
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 Then the direction ratios of the line PQ are Also, direction ratio of CD are 1, 2, 2. (1 M)
(l – 1, – l + 2m + 1, l – m)(½ M) Since, AM ⊥ CD.
Since PQ is perpendicular to straight line (i), we have,
\ (a – 4) × 1 + (b – 7) × 2 + (g – 8) × 2 = 0
(l – 1) · 1 + (–l + 2m + 1) · (–1) + (l – m) · 1 – 0
⇒ a + 2b + 2g = 34 ...(ii)
⇒ 3l – 3m = 2 ...(iii)
⇒ (k – 1) + 2(2k – 2) + 2(2k + 1) = 34
Since, PQ is perpendicular to straight line (ii), we have
(½ M) 37
⇒ 9k = 37 ⇒ k =  (1 M)
0 · (l – 1) + (–l + 2m + 1) · (–2) + (l – m) · 1 = 0 9
⇒ 3l – 5m = 2 ...(iv) (1 M) 37 28 37 74 − 18 56
\ a=k–1= –1= , b = 2× = −2 =
2 9 9 9 9 9
Solving (iii) and (iv), we get m = 0, l =  (1 M)
3 37 74 + 9 83
and g = 2 × +1
= =
2 2 2
Therefore,the Coordinates of P are  , − ,  and that of 9 9 9
3 3 3  28 56 83 
Q are (1, –1, 0). Required foot of perpendicular is  , ,  . (1 M)
 9 9 9 
So, the required shortest distance is
2 2 2
5. Find the vector and the Cartesian equations of a line
 2  2  2 2
units. (1 M) passing through the point (1, 2, –4) and parallel to the
1 −  +  −1 +  +  0 −  =
 3  3  3 3 line joining the points A(3, 3, –5) and B(1, 0, – 11). Hence,
4. Find the equations of all the sides of the parallelogram find the distance between the two lines.
ABCD whose vertices are A(4, 7, 8), B(2, 3, 4) C(–1, –2, 1)  (Cr) (CBSE, 2023)
and D(1, 2, 5). Also, find the coordinates of the foot of the Sol. Given point (1, 2, –4) through which a line is passing,
perpendicular from A to CD. (Un) (CBSE, 2023) therefore its vector equation be
Sol. Given vertices of the parallelogram ABCD are A(4, 7, 8), 
B(2, 3, 4), C(–1, –2, 1) and D(1, 2, 5) r= (iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ) + λ(iˆ + 0 ˆj − 11kˆ − 3iˆ − 3 ˆj + 5kˆ)
\ Equation of side AB is given by
x − 4 y −7 z −8 x − 4 y −7 z −8


r= (iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ ) + λ ( −2iˆ − 3 ˆj − 6kˆ )  (1 M)
= = ⇒ = =
2 − 4 3 − 7 4 − 8 −2 −4 −4 and its cartesian form be

x − 4 y −7 z −8 x −1 y − 2 z + 4
⇒ = = = =
1 2 2 −2 −3 −6
\ Equation of side BC is given by Also, equation of the line passing through points A(3, 3, –5)
x−2 y −3 z −4 x−2 y −3 z −4 and B(1, 0, –11) is given by,
= = ⇒ = = (1 M)
−1 − 2 −2 − 3 1 − 3 −3 −5 −2 
r= 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ + µ(1. iˆ + 0 ˆj − 11kˆ − 3iˆ − 3 ˆj + 5kˆ)

\ Equation of side CD is given by

x +1 y + 2 z −1
= = ⇒
x +1 y + 2 z −1
= =


(
r= 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ + µ −2iˆ − 3 ˆj − 6kˆ  ) ... (ii) (1 M)
2 4 4 1 2 2
\ Shortest distance between two given lines (i) and (ii) is
\ Equation of side DA is given by given by
x −1 y − 2 z − 5
= =   
3 5 3 (a2 − a1 ) × b (2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ) × (−2iˆ − 3 ˆj − 6kˆ)

= D =  
Let M(a, b, g) be the foot of perpendicular. b 4 + 9 + 36
α +1 β + 2 γ −1  (1 M)
\ = = = k (1 M)
1 2 2 We have,
⇒ a = k – 1, b = 2k – 2, g = 2k + 1 ...(i) iˆ ˆj kˆ
  
Direction ratios of AM are a – 4, b – 7, g – 8. ( a2 − a1 ) × b = 2 1 −1 =−9iˆ − 14 ˆj − 4kˆ (1 M)
M(a, b, g) −2 −3 −6
(1, 2, 5) D C(–1, –2, 1)
−9iˆ − 14 ˆj − 4kˆ
\ D=
7

1 293
= × 81 + 196 + 16 = units  (1 M)
A(4, 7, 8) B(2, 3, 4) 7 7

445 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 6. Find the equations of the line passing through the points a −b c a b c
⇒ = = ⇒ = = = k (let)
A(1, 2, 3) and B(3, 5, 9). Hence, find the coordinates of 4 14 8 4 −14 8
the points on this line which are at a distance of 14 units
\ a = 4k, b = – 14k and c = 8k (1 M)
from point B. (Ap) (CBSE, 2023)
Putting the value of a, b and c in equation (iii), we get
Sol. Equation of the line passing through two points A(1, 2, 3)
and B(3, 5, 9) is given by x +1 y − 3 z + 2
= =
x−3 y −5 z −9 4k −14k 8k
= =  ...(i)
2 3 6 x +1 y − 3 z + 2
⇒ = =
Direction ratios of the line are 2, 3, 6. (1 M) 2 −7 4

\ Its direction cosines are
O(0, 0, 0)
2 3 6 2 3 6
, , i.e. , , .
4 + 9 + 36 4 + 9 + 36 4 + 9 + 36 7 7 7
 (1 M)
Equation of line (i) may be written as
x−3 y −5 z −9
= = = r (Let)...(ii) (½ M)
2 3 6
7 7 7 M(a, b, g) l
Co-ordinates of any point on line (ii) may be taken as x +1 y − 3 z + 2
= =
2 3 6  2 −7 4
Q  r + 3, r + 5, r + 9   (1 M)
7 7 7  x − ( −1) y − 3 z − ( −2 )
⇒ = =
 Distance of Q from B is 14 units. 2 −7 4
14
∴ r = Its vector form is
 (½ M)
Putting the value of | r | = 14

( ) (
r = −iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ + λ 2iˆ − 7 ˆj + 4kˆ )

⇒ r = ± 14 in Q, we get Now, let OM ^ l and co-ordinates of point M be (a, b, g).
Q(± 4 + 3, ± 6 + 5, ± 12 + 9) Also, direction ratio of lines be 2, –7, 4.

⇒ Q(7, 11, 21) or, Q(–1, –1, –3) (1 M)
\ 2a – 7b + 4g = 0 (since OM ⊥ l)
7. A line l passes through point (–1, 3, –2) and is perpendicular As M(a, b, g) lies on the line l
x y z x + 2 y −1 z +1 α +1 β − 3 γ + 2
to both the lines = = and = = . \ = = = r (let)
1 2 3 −3 2 5 2 −7 4
Find the vector equation of the line l. Hence, obtain its ⇒ a = 2r – 1, b = – 7r + 3, g = 4r – 2
distance from origin. (Cr) (CBSE, 2023)
\ 2(2r – 1) – 7 (–7r + 3) + 4(4r – 2) = 0
Sol. Given lines are
x y z ⇒ 4r – 2 + 49r – 21 + 16r – 8 = 0
= =  ...(i)
1 2 3 31
⇒ 69r = 31 ⇒r=  (1 M)
x + 2 y −1 z +1 69
and, = = ...(ii)
−3 2 5 31 62 − 69 −7
\ α = 2r − 1 = 2 × −1 = =
Let equation of line l passing through (–1, 3, –2) is 69 69 69
x +1 y − 3 z + 2 31 −217 + 207 −10
= =  ...(iii) β =−7 r + 3 =−7 × +3= =
a b c 69 69 69
Since line (iii) is perpendicular to both (i) and (ii) 31 124 − 138 −14
γ = 4r − 2 = 4 × −2 = =  (1 M)
\ a×1+2×b+3×c=0 69 69 69
⇒ a + 2b + 3c = 0 ...(iv) \ Distance from origin to the line is α 2 + β2 + γ 2
and, a × (–3) + b × 2 + c × 5 = 0
2 2 2
⇒ –3a + 2b + 5c = 0 ...(v) (1 M) =  −7   −10   −14  = 1 49 + 100 + 196
   +  + 
On solving equation (iv) and (v), we have  69   69   69  69

a −b c 1 5
= = = 345 = units  (1 M)
2 × 5 − 3 × 2 1× 5 − 3 × (−3) 1× 2 − 2 × −3 69 69

P
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 8. Find the vector and Cartesian equations of the line a b c
⇒ = =  (½ M)
which is perpendicular to the lines with equations −4 4 −1
x + 2 y − 3 z +1 x −1 y − 2 z − 3
= = and = = and passes \ Direction ratios of the required line be –4, 4, –1. (½ M)
1 2 4 2 3 4
\ Vector and cartesian equation of required line be
through the point (1, 1, 1). 
Also find the angle between the given lines. r = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ + λ (−4iˆ + 4 ˆj − kˆ)  (1 M)
 (Ap) (CBSE, 2020) x −1 y −1 z −1
Sol. Let the cartesian equation of the required line be and, = = respectively.
−4 4 −1
x −1 y −1 z −1
= =  ...(i) Let q be the angle between given lines.
a b c
where, a, b, c are direction ratios and given lines are 1× 2 + 2 × 3 + 4 × 4 24
= ∴ cos θ =  (½ M)
x + 2 y − 3 z +1  ...(ii) 1 + 4 + 16 × 4 + 9 + 16 609
= =
1 2 4
 24 
x −1 y − 2 z − 3 ⇒ θ =cos −1   (½ M)
and = = ...(iii) (1 M)  609 
2 3 4
Since the line (i) is perpendicular to both the lines (ii) and (iii)
\ a × 1 + b × 2 + c × 4 = 0 ⇒ a + 2b + 4c = 0
Also, a × 2 + b × 3 + c × 4 = 0 ⇒ 2a + 3b + 4c = 0 Nailing the Right Answer
On solving these two equations, we get Students, find direction ratios, use cross product for
a −b c perpendicular line, then apply point-direction form for
= = equations.
8 − 12 4 − 8 3 − 4

447 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 miscellaneous Exercise

Multiple Choice Questions 7. The equation of the straight line passing through the point
 (1 M) (a, b, c) and parallel to the z-axis, is
1. The angle between a line with direction ratios (2, 2, 1) and xa y b z c xa y b z c
(a)   (b)  
a line joining (3, 1, 4) to (7, 2, 12) is 1 1 0 0 1 1
2 xa y b z c xa y b z c
(a) cos–1   (b) cos–1  
2 (c)   (d)  
3  3  1 0 0 0 0 1

2 8. L1 and L2 are two skew lines.

(c) tan–1   (d) None of these How many lines joining L1 and L2 can be drawn such that
3
the line is perpendicular to both L1 and L2?
2. The direction cosines of the resultant of the vectors  (CBSE APQ, 2023)
(i  j  k ), (i  j  k ), (i  j  k ) and (i  j  k ) are (a) exactly one
(b) exactly two
 1 1 1   1 1 1  (c) infinitely many
(a)  , ,  (b)  , , 
 2 3 6  6 6 6 (d) there cannot be a line joining two skew lines such that
it is perpendicular to both
 1 1 1   1 1 1 
(c)   , ,  (d)  , ,  9. A line m passes through the point (– 4, 2, –3) and is parallel
 6 6 6  3 3 3
to line n, given by:
3. The angle between the lines whose direction cosines are −x − 2 y + 3 2 z − 6
= =
proportional to (1, 2, 1) and (2, –3, 6) is 4 −2 3
 2  1  1  The vector equation of line m is given by:
(a) cos 1   (b) cos   
7 6 7 6 r  ( 4i  2 j  3k )   ( pi  q j  rk ) , where l ∈ 
 3   5  Which of the following could be the possible values for p,
(c) cos 1   (d) cos 1  
7 6 7 6 q and r? (CBSE APQ, 2023)
(a) p = 4, q = (–2), r = 3
4. The direction ratios of the perpendicular to the lines
(b) p = (–4), q = (–2), r = 3
x − 7 y + 17 z − 6 a n d x + 5 y + 3 z − 4 a r e
= = = = (c) p = (–2), q = 3, r = (–6)
2 −3 1 1 2 −2
(d) p = 8, q = 4, r = (–3)
proportional to
10. A line makes angle a, b, g with the coordinate axes, if
(a) 4, 5, 7 (b) 4, −5, 7
a + b = 90°, then g =
(c) 4, −5, −7 (d) −4, 5, 7 (a) 0° (b) 90°
1 1 1 (c) 180° (d) None of these
5. If the direction cosines of a line are , , then
c c c 11. The vector equation of the symmetrical form of equation of
(a) 0 < c < 1 (b) c > 2 x−5 y + 4 z −6
straight line = = is
3 7 2
(c) c > 0 (d) c = ± 3 
(a) r = (3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ) + µ(5iˆ + 4 ˆj − 6kˆ)
x − 2 y +1 z − 3 
6. The Cartesian equation of a line is = = . (b) r = (5iˆ + 4 ˆj − 6kˆ) + µ(3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ)
2 3 −2 
Then its vector equation is (c) r = (5iˆ − 4 ˆj − 6kˆ) + µ(3iˆ − 7 ˆj − 2kˆ)

→
r (5iˆ − 4 ˆj + 6kˆ) + µ(3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ)
(d) =
r (2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ) + λ(2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ)
(a) =
→ x +1 y−2 z+3
(b) r = (2i + 3 j − 2k ) 12. The angle between the straight lines = =
2 5 4
→ x −1 y+2 z −3
r (2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ) + λ(2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ)
(c) = and = = is
1 2 −3
(d) None of these (a) 45° (b) 60° (c) 30° (d) 90°
P
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 6. The vector equation of a line which passes through the points
Assertion and Reason  (1 M) (3, 4, –7) and (1, –1, 6) is _______ (CBSE, 2020)
Direction: In the following questions, a statement of
Assertion (A) is followed by a statement of Reason (R). Mark Short Answer Type Questions  (2 or 3 M)
the correct choice as. 1. The x-coordinate of a point on the line joining the points
(a) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) P(2, 2, 1) and Q(5, 1, –2) is 4 . Find its z-coordinate.
is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).  (CBSE, 2017)
(b) Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) 2. Two helicopters flying to Kedar Hills are moving in straight
is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
lines represented by 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ + (3iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ) and
(c) Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
(d) Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true. iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ + (3iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ) respectively.

1. Assertion (A): The points (1, 2, 3), (–2, 3, 4) and (7, 0, 1) Find the shortest possible distance between the helicopters
are collinear. during the flight. Show your steps and give a valid reason.
π 3π π with X,  (CBSE CFPQ, 2024)

Reason (R): If a line makes angles , and
2 4 4 3. Find the angle between the lines

Y, and Z-axes respectively, then its direction cosines are r= 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 6kˆ + λ(2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ)
−1 1 
0, and . and= r (2 ˆj − 5kˆ) + µ(6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ) . (NCERT Exemplar)
2 2
4. Find the shortest distance between the following lines:
2. Assertion (A): If the cartesian equation of a line
x−3 y −5 z −7 x +1 y +1 z +1
x−5 y + 4 z −6 = = and = =
is = = , then its vector form is 1 −2 1 7 −6 1
3 7 2

r =5iˆ − 4 ˆj + 6kˆ + λ (3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ) . Long Answer Type Questions  (4 or 5 M)

Reason (R): The cartesian equation of the line which passes
through the point (–2, 4, –5) and parallel to the line given 1. Find the perpendicular distance of the point (1, 0, 0) from
x +3 y −4 z +8 x +3 y −4 z +8 the line x  1  y  1  z  10 . Also, find the coordinates
by = = is = = . 2 3 8
3 5 6 −2 4 −5
of the foot of the perpendicular and the equation of the
perpendicular.
Subjective Questions 2. Show that the lines =
x −1 y +1 z −1
and
L1 = =
3 2 5
Very Short Answer Type Questions  (1 or 2 M) x−2 y −1 z +1
L2
= = = do not intersect.
1− x y − 2 z − 3 2 3 −2
1. Find the value of λ so that the lines = =
3 2λ 2 3. Find the equation of a line passing through the point (1, 2,

x −1 y −1 6 − z –4) and perpendicular of two lines r = (8iˆ − 19 ˆj + 10kˆ) +
and = = are perpendicular to each other. 
3λ 1 7 λ(3iˆ − 16 ˆj + 7 kˆ) and=
r (15iˆ + 29 ˆj + 5kˆ) + µ(3iˆ + 8 ˆj − 5kˆ)

2. Find the angle between the pair of lines: 4. Find the shortest distance between lines



r (4iˆ − ˆj ) + λ(iˆ + 2 ˆj − 2kˆ) and
= r= 6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ + λ(iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ) and

 r = −4iˆ − kˆ + µ(3iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2kˆ)
r = iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ + µ(2iˆ + 4 ˆj − 4kˆ) .
3. Find the angle between the pair of lines given by: 5. Find the vector equation of the line passing through
  the point (1, 2, –4) and perpendicular to the two lines:
r= 3iˆ − 4kˆ + λ(iˆ + 2kˆ) and r= 5iˆ − 2 ˆj + µ(3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ) . x − 15 y − 29 z − 5
x − 8 y + 19 z − 10
x −1 y − 4 z − 3 = = and = =
4. Find the value of p, so that lines = = and 3 −16 7 3 8 −5
−2 3p 4
6. Find the shortest distance between the lines:
x − 2 y − 5 1− z x−6 y−7 z−4 x y9 z 2
= = are perpendicular to each other. = = and  
4p 2 7 3 −1 1 3 2 4
 (CBSE, 2023)
5. The pair of lines given below are perpendicular to each other. 7. A line with direction ratios (2, 2, 1) intersects the lines
 x−7 y−5 z −3 x −1 y +1 z +1
r= 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 7 kˆ + λ(−iˆ + ˆj + kˆ) = = and = = at the
 3 2 1 2 4 3
s= 5iˆ − 3kˆ + β(2iˆ − kˆ + G ˆj ) points P and Q respectively. Find the length and the

Find the value of G. Show your steps.(CBSE CFPQ, 2024) equation of the intercept PQ.

449 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 (ii) If l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are the direction cosine of L1 and
Case Based Questions L2 respectively. Then write the condition for L1 || L2 in terms
of direction cosine.
Case Based-I (iii) Find the coordinate of the foot of the perpendicular drawn
Two motorcycles A and B are running at the speed more from the point A(1, 2, 1) to the line joining B(1, 4, 6) and
than the allowed speed on the roads represented by the lines C(5, 4, 4).
 
r= λ(iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ) and =
r (3iˆ + 3 ˆj ) + µ(2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ) respectively OR
Find the direction ratio of the line, which is perpendicular
to the lines with direction ratio proportional to (1, –2, –2)
and (0, 2, 1).
Case Based-III
Read the following passage and answer the following questions.
The equation of motion of a missile are x = 3t, y = –4t, z = t,where
the time ‘t’ is given in seconds, and the distance is measured in
kilometres. (CBSE, QB)
 (CBSE, 2022 Term-II)
Based on the above information, answer the following questions:
(i) Find the shortest distance between the given lines.
(ii) Find the point at which the motorcycles may collide.

Case Based-II
If a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are direction ratios of two lines say L1
a1 b1 c1
and L2 respectively. Then L1 || L2 iff = = and L1 ⊥ L2 iff (i) Write the path of the missile.
a2 b2 c2
a1 a2 + b1 b2 + c1 c2 = 0.
(ii) Find the distance of the rocket from the starting point (0, 0, 0)
L1 L2 in 5 seconds.
(iii) If the position of the rocket at a certain instant of the time
is (5, –8, 10). Find the height of the rocket from the ground.
L1 (Ground considered as xy-plane)
L2
OR
Find the value of k for which the lines
Based on the above information, answer the following questions. x −1 y −1 z −1
= = and
2 3 k
(i) If l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are the direction cosine of L1 and
L2 respectively. Then write the condition for L1 ⊥ L2 in terms x−2 y −3 z −5
= = are perpendicular?
of direction cosine. −2 −1 7

Answer keys
Multiple Choice Questions
1. (a) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (a) 5. (d) 6. (c) 7. (d) 8. (a) 9. (d) 10. (b)
11. (d) 12. (d)

Assertion and Reason

1. (b) 2. (c)
P
W CBSE Class – XII MATHEMATICS 450
 Hints & Explanations
Multiple Choice Questions 7. (d) The equation of the line passes through (a, b, c) is
 x − a y − b z − c ...(i)
= =
1. (a) Let angle between the two be q. l m n
(2iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ)·(4iˆ + ˆj + 8kˆ) Since the line is parallel to the z-axis, therefore any
point on this line will be of the form (0, 0, 1)
= | 2iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ | | 4iˆ + ˆj + 8kˆ | cos θ Direction ratios of a line parallel to the z-axis are
⇒ 8 + 2 + 8 = 3 × 9 cos q (0, 0, 1)
18 2 x−a y −b z −c
⇒ cos q = = Hence, the line will be = = .
27 3 0 0 1
2 8. (a) exactly one
⇒ q = cos–1
3 9. (d) p = 8, q = 4, r = (–3)
2. (d) The resultant of given vectors is 10. (b) We know cos2a + cos2b + cos2g = 1
 Here, cos2a + cos2(90° – a) + cos2g = 1 (Q b = 90° – a)
r = iˆ + ˆj + kˆ − iˆ + ˆj + kˆ + iˆ − ˆj + kˆ + iˆ + ˆj − kˆ
⇒ cos2a + sin2a + cos2g = 1
= 2iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
⇒ cos2g = 1 – 1 ⇒ cos2g = 0
 ⇒ cosg = 0 ⇒ g = 90°
| r =| (2) 2 + (2) 2 + (2) 2 = 4+ 4+ 4= 2 3
Hence direction ratios are: x − x1 y − y1 z − z1
11. (d) = = have vector form
 1 1 1  a b c
, , .

 3 3 3 = ( x1iˆ + y1 ˆj + z1kˆ) + λ(aiˆ + bˆj + ckˆ)
Required equation in vector form is
 (1)(2) + (2)(−3) + (1)(6) 
3. (a) θ =cos  −1
 
r (5iˆ − 4 ˆj + 6kˆ) + µ(3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ)
=
 12 + 22 + 12 22 + (−3) 2 + 62 
12. (d) The direction ratios of the given lines are proportional
2 − 6 + 6 −1  2 
−1 to 2, 5, 4 and 1, 2, –3 .
= cos
=   cos  
 6 49  7 6   The given lines are parallel to the vectors
 
4. (a) Vector perpendicular to the given lines is, b1 = 2iˆ + 5 ˆj + 4kˆ and b =iˆ + 2 ˆj − 3kˆ
2
  
b= b1 × b2 Let θ be the angle between the given lines.
 
iˆ ˆj kˆ b1. b2 2 + 10 − 12
Now, cos θ =   = =0
= 2 −3 1 = 4iˆ + 5 ˆj + 7 kˆ | b1 || b2 | 45 14
1 2 −2 ⇒ q = 90°

Hence direction ratios of the line perpendicular to the

given two lines are proportional to 4, 5, 7. Assertion and Reason
1 1 1
5. (d) Since direction cosines of a line are is , , 1. (b) We have, x1 = 1, y1 = 2, z1 = 3;
c c c
We know that, + l2 m2
+ = 1, n2 x2 = –2, y2 = 3, z2 = 4 and x3 = 7, y3 = 0, z3 = 1
Where, l, m, n are the direction cosines of a line. x2 − x1 y2 − y1 z2 − z1
Now, = =
1 1 1 x3 − x2 y3 − y2 z3 − z2
1 ⇒ c2 = 3 ⇒ c = ± 3
∴ 2+ 2+ 2 =
c c c
−2 − 1 3− 2 4−3
⇒ = =
x − 2 y +1 z − 3 7 − ( −2 ) 0 − 3 1 − 4
6. (c) Given line, = =
2 3 −2 −3 1 1 −1 −1 −1
We see that this line is passing through the point ⇒ = = ⇒ = =
9 −3 −3 3 3 3
(2, –1, 3) and parallel to the vector (2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ) \ Given points are collinear.
therefore the vector equation of this line
π
 Here,
= l cos
= 0
=r (2iˆ − ˆj + 3kˆ) + λ(2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ) 2

451 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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  
m = cos
3π  π π −1
= cos  π −  = −cos = 3. Here b1 = iˆ + 2k̂ and b2 = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ  (½ M)

4  4 4 2 The angle θ between the two lines is given by

and
= n cos=
π
4
1
2 =
cos q
 
b1 ⋅ b2
=
 
( )(
iˆ + 2lˆ ⋅ 3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ

) (1 M)
b1 b2 1 + 4 9 + 4 + 36
−1 1
\ Direction cosines are 0, . ,
2 2 3 + 12 3 5
Hence, both Assertion and Reason are correct but = =
5×7 7
Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
 3 5
2. (c) In assertion the given cartesian equation is Hence θ = cos–1   (½ M)
x−5 y + 4 z −6  7 
= = .
3 7 2 4. D.r.’s of lines are 〈–2, 3p, 4〉 and 〈4p, 2, –7〉 (1 M)
  As lines are perpendicular
⇒ a = 5iˆ − 4 ˆj + 6kˆ and b =3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ .
–8p + 6p – 28 = 0
The vector equation of the line is given by
   ⇒ p = – 14 (1 M)
r = a + λb , λ ∈ R .
5. Assumes the angle between the two lines as q and writes:
  
⇒ r =5iˆ − 4 ˆj + 6kˆ + λ (3iˆ + 7 ˆj + 2kˆ) b1 ⋅ b2
Thus Assertion is correct. cos q =  
b1 b2
In reason it is given that the line passes through the  
x+3 y −4 z +8 where, b1 = (−iˆ + ˆj + kˆ) and b1 = (2iˆ + G ˆj − kˆ)  (1 M)
point (–2, 4, –5) and is parallel to = = .
3 5 6 Substitutes q as 90° and finds G as:
Clearly, the direction ratios of line are (3, 5, 6 ). (−1) (2) + (1)(G ) + (1)(−1)
cos 90° = 0 =
Now the equation of the line (in cartesian form) is 3 5 + G2
x − (−2) y − 4 z − (−5) x+2 y−4 z +5
⇒ G = 3 (1 M)
= = ⇒ = =
3 5 6 3 5 6 6. Given the points (3, 4, –7) and (1, –1, 6)
 
Hence, Reason is wrong. Here a =3iˆ + 4 ˆj − 7 kˆ and b = iˆ − ˆj + 6kˆ
   
Equation of the line is r = a + λ(b − a )
Subjective Questions 
⇒ r = (3iˆ + 4 ˆj − 7 kˆ) + λ[(iˆ − ˆj + 6kˆ) − (3iˆ + 4 ˆj − 7 kˆ)]

Very Short Answer Type Questions r (3iˆ + 4 ˆj − 7 kˆ) + λ(−2iˆ − 5 ˆj + 13kˆ) 
⇒= (½ M)

1. The given lines can be expressed as ˆ) (3iˆ + 4 ˆj − 7 kˆ) + λ(−2iˆ − 5 ˆj + 13kˆ)

⇒ ( xiˆ + yˆj + zk=
x −1 y − 2 z − 3 x −1 y −1 z − 6 ⇒ ( x − 3)iˆ + ( y − 4) ˆj + ( z + 7)kˆ =λ(−2iˆ − 5 ˆj + 13kˆ)
= = and = =  (1 M)
−3 2λ 2 3λ 1 −7
Hence, the vector equation of the line is
The direction ratios of these lines are –3, 2λ, 2 and 3λ, 1,
–7 respectively. Since the lines are perpendicular, therefore ( x − 3)iˆ + ( y − 4) ˆj + ( z + 7)kˆ =λ(−2iˆ − 5 ˆj + 13kˆ)  (½ M)
–3(3λ) + 2λ(l) + 2(–7) = 0
Short Answer Type Questions
⇒ –9λ + 2λ – 14 = 0
⇒ –7λ = 14 ⇒ λ = –2 (1 M) 1. The equation of the line joining the points (2, 2, 1) and
 ˆ x−2 y−2 z −1
2. Given, = r (4iˆ − ˆj ) + λ(iˆ + 2 ˆj − 2k ) (5, 1, –2) is = =
5 − 2 1 − 2 −2 − 1
 ˆ ˆ
and r = i − j + 2kˆ + µ(2iˆ + 4 ˆj − 4kˆ). x − 2 y − 2 z −1
  
⇒ = =  ...(i) (1 M)
where, a1 = 4iˆ − ˆj , b1 =iˆ + 2 ˆj − 2kˆ, a2 =iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ, 3 −1 −3

b2 = 2i + 4 j − 4k Since, x co-ordinate is 4
 
\ It satisfies (i)
b1= 12 + 22 + (−2)= 2
3, b2= 22 + 42 + (−4)= 2
6  (1 M)
4 − 2 y − 2 z −1

∴ = =  (½ M)
Let q be the angle between the given lines. So, using dot 3 −1 −3
product we can find the angle as,
  z −1 2

⇒ =
b1 ⋅ b2 (iˆ + 2 ˆj − 2kˆ) ⋅ (2iˆ + 4 ˆj − 4kˆ) −3 3
cos θ 
= =  = 1
| b1 | ⋅ | b2 | 3× 6
⇒ 3z – 3 = – 6
⇒ q = cos–1(1) = cos–1(cos0) = 0 (1 M)
⇒ z = –1 (½ M)
P
W CBSE Class – XII MATHEMATICS 452
 2. Writes that the helicopters are flying parallel to one another and (7k – l – 4) × 7 + (–6k + 2l –6) × (–6) + (k – l – 8) × 1
and the shortest distance, d, between them is: = 0 ...(ii) (1 M)
   Solving equation (i) and (ii), we get
b × ( a2 − a1 )
d= 
l = 0 and k = 0
b
\ A ≡ (3, 5, 7) and B ≡ (–1, –1, –1)
  
Where a1 = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ, a2 = iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3kˆ, b = 3iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ Hence, AB = (3 + 1) 2 + (5 + 1) 2 + (7 + 1) 2
Simplifies the above expression as: = 16 + 36 + 64 =
116 units
iˆ ˆj kˆ

= 2 29 units (1 M)
3 1 2
 (1 M) Long Answer Type Questions
−1 −1 1
9 +1+ 4 x − 1 y + 1 z + 10
1. Point P(1, 0, 0) and equation of line = =
19 2 −3 8
Evaluates the above expression as units. (1 M) Let, PQ be the perpendicular drawn from P to given line
7
whose endpoint/foot is Q point.

3. We have, r= 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 6kˆ + λ(2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ) x − 1 y + 1 z + 10
= = = l (let) (½ M)
 2 −3 8
r (2 ˆj − 5kˆ) + µ(6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ)
and =
  ⇒ x = 2l + 1, y = –3l – 1, z = 8l – 10
where, a1 = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj + 6kˆ, b1 = 2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ  (½ M) Therefore, coordinates of Q(2l + 1, – 3l – 1, 8l – 10)
 
and a2 = 2 ˆj − 5kˆ, b2 = 6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ  (1 M)
If q is angle between the lines, then (½ M) Now as we know (TIP) ‘if two points A(x1, y1, z1) and B(x2,
  y2, z2) on a line, then its direction ratios are proportional to
b1·b2 (x2 – x1, y2 – y1, z2 – z1)’.
cos q =    (1M)
b1 · b2 Hence
Direction ratio of PQ is
(2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ)·(6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ)
= = (2l + 1 – 1), (–3l – 1 – 0), (8l – 10 – 0)
2iˆ + ˆj + 2kˆ 6iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2kˆ
= (2l), (–3l – 1), (8l – 10) (1 M)
12 + 3 + 4 19 and by comparing with given line equation, direction
= =
9 49 21 ratios of the given line are (hint: denominator terms of line
equation)
19
\ q = cos–1  (1M) = (2, –3, 8) (½ M)
21
Since PQ is perpendicular to given line, therefore by
x−3 y −5 z −7 x +1 y +1 z +1 ‘‘condition of perpendicularity.’’
4. Let = = = λ and = = = k
1 −2 1 7 −6 1 a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0; where a terms and b terms are

Now, let’s take a point on first line as direction ratio of lines which are perpendicular to each
other.

A (l + 3, –2l + 5, l + 7) and let B(7k – 1, –6k – 1, k – 1) be
point on the second line  (1M) ⇒ 2(2l) + (–3) (–3l – 1) + 8(8l – 10) = 0
⇒ 4l + 9l + 3 + 64l – 80 = 0
The direction ratio of the line AB
⇒ 77l – 77 = 0

7k – l – 4, –6k + 2l – 6, k – l – 8
⇒ l = 1 (1 M)
A Therefore coordinates of Q
line 1
i.e. foot of perpendicular
By putting the value of l in Q coordinate equation, we get
= Q(2(1) + 1, – 3(1) – 1, 8(1) – 10) = Q(3, –4, – 2)
Now, Distance between PQ
Tip: Distance between two points A(x1, y1, z1) and B(x2, y2, z2)
B is given by
line 2
= ( x2 − x1 ) 2 + ( y2 − y1 ) 2 + ( z2 − z1 ) 2
Now, as AB is the shortest distance between line 1 and line
2 so, = (1 − 3) 2 + (0 + 4) 2 + (−2 − 0) 2
7k – l – 4) × 1 + (–6k + 2l – 6) × (–2) + (k – l – 8) × 1 = 0
...(i) = (−2) 2 + (4) 2 + (−2) 2

453 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 = 4 + 16 + 4 =24 3. Since the line is perpendicular to the given lines, it would
be parallel to the vector, which will be obtained by the cross
= 2 6 units (1 M)
product of the given vectors.
2. Given Cartesian equation of line
x −1 y +1 z −1 (3iˆ − 16 ˆj + 7 kˆ) × (3iˆ + 8 ˆj − 5kˆ)  (1 M)
= L1 = =
3 2 5 = 0 + 24kˆ + 15 ˆj + 48kˆ − 0 + 80iˆ + 21 ˆj − 56iˆ + 0
Line L1 is passing through point (1, –1, 1) and has direction
ratios (3, 2, 5) = 24iˆ + 36iˆ + 72kˆ  (1 M)
Thus, vector equation of line L1 is ˆ
Can also be written as 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6k since we only need the

( ) (
r= iˆ − ˆj + kˆ + λ 3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 5kˆ ) direction.  (1 M)
Since, the line passes through the point (1, 2, –4), the vector
And
equation of the line becomes
x − 2 y −1 z +1 
L2 : = = r= (iˆ − 2 ˆj + 4kˆ) + α(2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ)  (1 M)
2 3 −2
Line L2 is passing through point (2, –1,1) and has direction In Cartesian form, x = 1 + 2a, y = –2 + 3a, z = 4 + 6a (1 M)
ratios (2, 3, –2)
4. The given lines are
Thus, vector equation of line L2 is 
r= 6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ + λ(iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ) ...(i)
=

r ( ) (
2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ + µ 2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ  ) (½ M)

Now, to calculate distance between the lines, r = −4iˆ − kˆ + µ(3iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2kˆ) ...(ii)

( ) (
r= iˆ − ˆj + kˆ + λ 3 j + 2 ˆj + 5kˆ ) It is known that the shortest distance between two lines,
     
r= a1 + λb1 and r= a2 + λb2 is given by:

r
= ( 2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ ) + µ ( 2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ )    
Here, we have (b1 × b2 )·(a2 − a1 )
d=   ...(iii) (1 M)
 | b1 × b2 |
a1 = iˆ − ˆj + kˆ
      
b1 = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 5kˆ Comparing r= a1 + λb1 and r= a2 + λb2
 
a2 = 2iˆ + ˆj − kˆ a1 = 6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ
 
b = 2iˆ + 3 ˆj − 2kˆ 
2
(1 M) b1 =iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2kˆ  (½ M)
iˆ ˆj kˆ 
a2 = −4iˆ − kˆ
 
Thus, b1 × b2 =3 2 5 
b2 = 3iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2kˆ
2 3 −2
 
a2 − a1 =(−4iˆ − kˆ) − (6iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ) =10iˆ − 2 ˆj − 3kˆ (1 M)
= iˆ ( −4 − 15 ) − ˆj ( −6 − 10 ) + kˆ ( 9 − 4 )
  iˆ ˆj kˆ
⇒ b1 × b2 = −19iˆ + 16 ˆj + 5kˆ  
| b1 × b2 | = 1 −2 2 = (4 + 4)iˆ − (−2 − 6) ˆj + (−2 + 6)kˆ
 
⇒ b1 × b2 = (−19) 2 + 162 + 52 3 −2 −2

= 361 + 256 + 25 = 642  (1 M) = 8iˆ + 8 ˆj + 4kˆ  (1 M)

   
a2 − a1 = ( 2 − 1) iˆ + (1 + 1) ˆj + ( −1 − 1) kˆ \ | b1 × b2 =| (8) 2 + (8) 2 + (4) 2= 12  (½ M)
     
∴ a2 − a1 =iˆ + 2 j − 2k  (½ M) (b1 × b2 )·(a2 − a1 ) = (8iˆ + 8 ˆj + 4kˆ)·(–10iˆ − 2 ˆj − 3kˆ)
Now, = –80 – 16 – 12 = – 108 (½ M)
   
)( ) ( )(
(b1 × b2 ⋅ a2 − a1 = −19iˆ + 16 ˆj + 5kˆ ⋅ iˆ + 2 ˆj − 2kˆ ) Substituting all the values in equation (i), we obtain
−108
–((–19) × 1) + (16 × 2) + (5 × (–2)) d= = 9 units. (½ M)
= –19 + 32 – 10 = 3 (½ M) 12
Thus, the shortest distance between the given lines is 5. Vector equation of line through (1, 2, –4) is
   
(b1 × b2 ) ⋅ (a2 − a1 )  (½ M) x −1 y − 2 z + 4  (1 M)
d=   = =
b1 × b2 a b c
3 This line is ⊥ to the two lines whose direction are (3, –16,
= units 7) and (3, 8, –5)
642
As d ≠ 0, Hence, given lines do not intersect each other. 3a – 16b + 7 c = 0 and
 (1 M) 3a + 8b – 5c = 0 (1 M)

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 a
= =
b c  (½ M) 3λ − 2µ + 6 = 2λ − 4µ + 6 = λ − 3µ + 4
−16 − 7 7 − 3 3 − 16 2 2 1
a b c  (½ M) ⇒ l + 2µ = 0 and 2µ = 2 ⇒ µ = 1 (½ M)
= =
80 − 56 21 + 15 24 + 48 ⇒ l = –2µ
a b c \ µ = 1, l = -2 (½ M)
⇒ = = \ P(1, 1, 1) and Q(3, 3, 2) (1 M)
24 36 72
a b c PQ = (3 − 1) 2 + (3 − 1) 2 + (2 − 1) 2
⇒ = =  (1 M)
2 3 6 = 4 + 4 + 1 = 3 (1 M)
x −1 y − 2 z + 4
\ Required equation is = = and Therefore length is 3 unit
corresponding 2 3 6
  x −1 y −1 z −1
     \ Equation of PQ is = =  (1 M)
r= (i + 2 j − 4k ) + λ(2i + 3 j + 6k ) 2 2 1
6. Here, it is given equations of lines:

L1 :
x−6
=
y−7
=
z−4 Case Based Questions
3 −1 1
y -9 z−2 Case Based-I
L2 : x = = 
−3 2 4 (i) a1 = 0
Vector equation of line L1 and L2 is 
a= 3iˆ + 3 ˆj
 2
r  6i  7 j  4k  (3i  j  k ) 
b1 =iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ
1

r2  9 j  2k  (3i  2 j  4k )  (1 M) 
b2 = 2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ

Here a1  6i  7 j  4k  
a2 − a1 = 3iˆ + 3 ˆj

b1  3i  j  k
iˆ ˆj kˆ
  
a2  9 j  2k b2 1 2 −1 = 3iˆ − 3 ˆj − 3kˆ
b1 ×=
 2 1 1
b 2  3i  2 j  4k
     
Now a 2  a1  6i  2 j  2k  (1 M) (a1 − a1 )·(b1 × b2 ) = (3iˆ + 3 ˆj ) · (3iˆ − 3 ˆj − 3kˆ) = 9 – 9 = 0
i j \ Shortest distance between line is
k    
 
and b1  b 2  3 1 1
= d
(
a2 − a1 ⋅ b1 × b2 )(
  = = 0 units
0 )
3 2 4 b1 × b2 3 3

= 6i  15 j  3k  (1 M) (ii) From equations of both lines, we get

  ˆ) (3iˆ + 3 ˆj ) + µ(2iˆ + ˆj + kˆ)
λ(iˆ + 2 ˆj − k=
b1  b2  36  225  9  270 
(Q If they collide then they meet each other at that point)
 
d 
 
 

 a2  a1   b1  b2

 (1 M)
⇒ λiˆ + 2λˆj − λkˆ= (3 + 2µ)iˆ + (3 + µ) ˆj + µkˆ
b1  b2
l = 3 + 2m...(i) (By comparing component of iˆ )
2m = 3 + m  ...(ii) (By comparing component of ĵ )
36  30  6
 0 (1 M)
270 –l = m...(iii) (By comparing component of k̂ )

7. Let P(3l + 7, 2l + 5, l + 3) and From (3) & (1), we obtain

Q(2m + 1, 4m – 1, 3m – 1) 2l = 3 – 2l
l1 ⇒ 3l = 3
P
From (3) & (2), also we obtain
2l = 3 – l
⇒ 3l = 3
Q l2
⇒l=1
Now, d.r′.s. of PQ = 3l – 2m + 6, 2l – 4m + 6,
l – 3m + 4. (1 M) Hence, l = 1 and m = – 1 gives the colloidal point.
According to the question, Put l = 1 in equation of line (1), we obtain

455 Three Dimensional Geometry P

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 
r =iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ
Case Based-III
Hence at point x = 1, y = 2 and z = –1 or (1, 2, –1) both (i) Given equation of motion of a missile be
motorcycles collide.
x = 3t, y = –4t, z = t
Case Based-II x y z
⇒= = which is a straight line.
(i) Since, D.R’s are proportional to D.C’s therefore L1 will be 3 −4 1
perpendicular to L2 iff. Hence, the path of the missile is a straight line.

l1l2 + m1m2 + n1n2 = 0. (ii) After 5 seconds position of the rocket be
(ii) Since D.R’s are proportional to D.C’s therefore L1 will be
x = 3t = 3 × 5 = 15
parallel to L2 iff y = –4t = –4 × 5 = – 20
l1 m1 n1 z=t=5

= =
l2 m2 n2

\ Point is (15, –20, 5)
x −1 y − 2 z −1
(iii) Equation of line joining B and C is = = Its distance from origin (0, 0, 0) is
4 0 −2
Let coordinates of foot of perpendicular be 0(x, y, z) (15 − 0) 2 + (−20 − 0) 2 + (5 − 0) 2
\ D.R’s of AD are x – 1, y – 2, z – 1

= 225 + 400 + 25= 650 km
Now, 4(x – 1) + 0(y – 2) – 2(z – 1) = 0
⇒ 4x – 2z = 2 (iii) Given position of the rocket at a time is (5, –8, 10).
Here (3, 4, 5) satisfy both the conditions.
\ Height of the rocket from the ground
\ Required coordinates are (3, 4, 5)
= Distance between the points (5, –8, 10) and (5, –8, 0)
OR
(Since ground is considered as the XY-Plane)

(l, m, n) is perpendicular to (–1, 2, 2) and (0, 2, 1)
–l + 2m + 2n = 0 ...(i) = (5 − 5) 2 + (−8 + 8) 2 + (10 − 0) 2 = 10 km

2m + n = 0 ...(ii)
OR
After solving, we get
l = n, m = –n/2
Given lines are perpendicular if
 −n  2 × (–2) + 3 × (–1) + 7 × k = 0
 n : : n or ( 2, −1, 2) .
2  = –7 + 7k = 0 ⇒ 7k = 7 ⇒ k = 1

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