BS517MATDSE(A)-E

B. Sc.
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER - V

MATHEMATICS

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE COURSE - A

THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

“We may forgo material benefits of civilization, but we cannot forgo our right and
opportunity to reap the benefits of the highest education to the fullest extent as the
education is the greatest material benefit.”

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr.B.R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY

HYDERABAD

2020
 COURSE TEAM

Course Development Team (Old) Course Development Team (CBCS)

Editor Editor
Prof. K. Kuppuswamy Rao Prof. K. Kuppuswamy Rao

Associate Editor Associate Editor

Dr. V. Srinivas Dr. K. Sridevi

Course Writers Course Writers

Prof. K. Ramamohana Rao Prof. K. Ramamohana Rao (Units : 7 - 12)
Dr. V. Srinivas Dr. K. Sridevi (Units : 1 - 6)

Cover Design
G.Venkata Swamy
Cover Page Photographs :
1. Rene Descartes (1596 - 1650) 2. Johann Carl Friedrich Gauss (1777-1855)
3. Leonhard Euler (1707 - 1783) 4. Pierre de Fermat (1607 - 1665)
5. Julius Plucker (1801 - 1868) 6. Sir Isaak Newton (1643 - 1727)
Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad

Copyright ©2020, Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad, TS

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in
writing.
This text format part of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Open University Course. This complete syllabus
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II
 PREFACE

This course material of Three Dimensional Geometry is prepared in accordance with

the guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission and the Telangana State Commission
of Higher Education to suit the Choice Based Credit Format in the Semester System. Keeping
in view the diversity of learners in the Open University with regard to their age, learning abilities
and the minimum academic pre-requirements, the course material is prepared in Self Instruction
Mode with all the inputs to help the learner to learn by himself / herself. The text material is
supplemented with limited face to face instruction and audio / video support. From the academic
year 2017 - 2018, an additional learning input in the form of PRACTICALS was introduced.
The separate practical manual cum record book is prepared and supplied to the learner along
with the course material. Learners are expected to attend the practical classes and practice the
problem solving skills by solving the problems given in the material under the guidance of a
counsellor. The record of the work carried out by the learner is to be submitted at the time of
the practical examination for assessment. The text material or theory part carries weightage of
4 credits and the Practicals carry 1 credit.

In the Open Distance Learning System, the onus of learning rests with the learner. The
University provides an opportunity to realize the academic aspirations of the learner and facilitate
the learner to ‘LEARN TO LEARN’.

Three Dimensional Geometry is a mathematical model of the physical world in which

all matter exists. In this course we study the equations and properties of planes, skew lines,
spheres, cones and cylinders. Intially for a learner it is difficult to visualise a three dimensional
object represented on a two dimensional space. Concepts like skew lines require the using of
two white papers one above the other. But with practice it is possible to over come such
difficulties. We have used algebraic / co-ordinate geometry methods which make the study of
three dimensional geometry an extension of the two dimensional geometry you studied in the
earlier courses. Sufficient number of problems have been worked out to help you solve the
exercises at the end of each unit.

Every effort is made to make learning a pleasure. Any suggestions to improve the
content of the course material are welcome and the University would consider them seriously.

III
A
 CONTENTS

BLOCK / UNIT TITLE PAGE No.

BLOCK - I : Cartesion Co-ordinates and Plane 1

Unit - 1 : Cartesian Co-ordinates, Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios 3 - 40

Unit - 2 : The Plane and Various Forms of the Equation of a Plane 41 - 66
Unit - 3 : Bisectors of the Angles Between Two Planes and
Two Sides of a Plane 67 - 96

BLOCK – II : The Straight Line 97

Unit - 4 : Straight Line and Various Forms of the Equation of a

Straight Line 99 - 127

Unit - 5 : Skew Lines and Shortest Line Segment Between

Two Skew Lines 128 - 153
Unit - 6 : Change of Axes 154 - 176

BLOCK – III : The Sphere 177

Unit - 7 : Sphere, Circle, Intersection of Sphere and a Line 179 - 194

Unit - 8 : Tangent Plane, Normal Plane and Polar Planes of a Sphere 195 - 215
Unit - 9 : Radical Plane and Coaxial System of Spheres 216 - 227

BLOCK – IV : Cone and Cyclinder 229

Unit - 10 : Cone, Intersection of a Cone with a Plane and a Line 231 - 249
Unit - 11 : Enveloping Cone, Reciprocal Cone and Right Circular Cone 250 - 267
Unit - 12 : The Cyclinder and the Right Circular Cylinder 268 - 280
Model Question Paper 281 - 284

V
A
BLOCK - I : CARTESIAN CO-ORDINATES AND PLANE

In this block, in the first unit, you start with cartesian co-ordinate system and later you
will study the direction cosines and direction ratios of a line, angle between two non-intersecting
lines in terms of direction cosines and projection on a straight line. In the second unit, you will
learn the general equation of a plane and its particular forms, angle between two planes and
system of planes. In the third unit, you will find the bisectors of the angles between two planes
and you can verify the given points lie on the same side or opposite sides of the given plane.
You also obtain the formula for volume of a tetrahedron.

The units included in this block are:

Unit - 1 : Cartesian Co-ordinates, Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios

Unit - 2 : The Plane and Various Forms of the Equation of a Plane

Unit - 3 : Bisectors of the Angles Between Two Planes and Two Sides of a Plane

1
2
UNIT - 1 : CARTESIAN CO-ORDINATES, DIRECTION
COSINES AND DIRECTION RATIOS
Contents
1.0 Objectives
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Rectangular Cartesian Co-ordinate System
1.3 Distance Between Two Points
1.4 Section Formula
1.5 Angle Between Two Non-Intersecting (Skew) Lines
1.6 Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios
1.7 Projection on a Straight Line
1.8 Angle Between Two Lines having Direction Cosines
1.9 Worked Out Exercises
1.10 Summary
1.11 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
1.12 Model Examination Questions

1.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :

 Find the co-ordinates of the point dividing the join of two points in the given ratio.
 Define angle between two non-intersecting lines.
 Identify the direction cosines and direction ratios of a line.
 Find the angle between two lines interms of their direction cosines.
 Obtain the projection of a point and also a line on a given line.

1.1 INTRODUCTION
In Analytical Geometry of two dimensions (i.e., in a plane) the position of a point is
determined by two numbers x, y which are signed distances from two mutually perpendicular
straight lines called X, Y axes. But in the space it is not sufficient to determine the point with
respect to two axes. Thus to locate the position of a point in space, another axis Z (third axis) is
required in addition to the two axes X, Y i.e., the position of a point in space is determined by
three numbers. That is why, the co-ordinate system in space is called a three dimensional
system. In this unit, you will learn how to determine the position of a point in space, the distance
between two points, division of the joint of two points, direction cosines and direction ratios of a
line, angle between two lines in terms of their direction cosines, and the projection on a line.

3
 1.2 RECTANGULAR CARTESIAN CO-ORDINATE SYSTEM
1.2.1 Co-ordinate Axes and Co-ordinate Planes :

Fig. 1

Let X ' OX , Y ' OY be two mutually perpendicular straight lines, intersecting at O. These
two lines determine the XOY plane. Draw the line Z ' OZ perpendicular to the XOY plane and
passing through O. The point O is called origin and these three mutually perpendicular straight
lines X ' OX , Y ' OY , Z ' OZ or briefly X ' X , Y 'Y , Z ' Z respectively are called rectangular
co-ordinate axes (Fig. 1).

The XOY - plane containing the lines X ' OX and Y ' OY may be imagined as the plane
of the paper; the line OZ pointing above and perpendicular to it and OZ ' below it. Note that
viewed from Z the rotation from OX to OY appears anti clock-wise. Such a system of lines OX,
OY, OZ is called right-handed. A left-handed system is obtained by inter-changing Z and Z ' .
The positive directions of the axes are indicated by arrow heads.

These three co-ordinate axes, taken in pairs, determine three planes XOY, YOZ, ZOX or
briefly XY, YZ, ZX - planes. These planes are mutually perpendicular and they are called
rectangular co-ordinate planes.

4
1.2.2 Co-ordinates of a Point :

Fig. 2

Let P be any point in the space. Through P, draw three planes parallel to the co-ordinate
planes YZ, ZX, XY to meet the axes X, Y, Z at the points A, B, C respectively (Fig. 2).

Let x, y, z be the real numbers such that OA = x, OB = y, OC = z. Then x is called

X-co-ordinate of P, y is called Y-co-ordinate of P and z is called Z - co-ordinate of P. Therefore
x, y, z are called the rectangular cartesian coordinates of P and to denote this fact, we write
P(x, y, z). The co-ordinates of the origin are O(0, 0, 0).

Note:

Every point in space determines an ordered traid (x, y, z) of three real numbers x, y, z
(co-ordinates of the point) and every ordered triad (x, y, z) of real numbers x, y, z determines
a point in space.

1.2.3 Octants :

The three co-ordinate planes XY, YZ, ZX divide the space into eight equal parts. Each
part is called the octant.

The signs of the co-ordinates of a point determine the octant in which it lies.

The following table shows the signs of the co-ordinates of points in the eight octants.

Octant OXYZ OX 'YZ OXY ' Z OX 'Y ' Z OXYZ ' OX 'YZ ' OXY ' Z ' OX 'Y ' Z '

x-co-ordinate + - + - + - + -

y-co-ordinate + + - - + + - -

z-co-ordinate + + + + - - - -

5
 Note:

In a Vector Algebra, the position vector of the point P(x, y, z) is OP  xi  yj  zk ,
where i, j, k denote the unit vectors along the directions OX, OY, OZ of a right handed system
respectively. This notation is used throughout.

For example,

(i) (-a, -b, -c) is a point in the octant OX ' Y ' Z ' , since all the three co-ordinates are negative.

(ii) (a, b, c) is a point in the octant OXYZ, since all the three co-ordinates are positive.

Observations :

1. The x-co-ordinate of every point on YZ-plane is zero.

The y-co-ordinate of every point on ZX-plane is zero.
The z-co-ordinate of every point on XY-plane is zero.
2. In figure 2, the co-ordinates of L, M, N, A, B, C, O are (0, y, z), (x, 0, z), (x, y, 0), (x, 0, 0),
(0, y, 0), (0, 0, z), (0, 0, 0) respectively.
3. The equations of YZ, ZX, XY planes are x = 0, y = 0, z = 0 respectively and the equations of
X, Y, Z - axes are y = 0, z = 0; z = 0, x = 0; x = 0, y = 0 respectively.
1.2.4 Theorem :
The distance of the point P(x, y, z) from the origin O(0, 0, 0) in space is given by
OP  x 2  y 2  z 2 .

Proof :

From Fig. 2, in ONP, OP 2  ON 2  NP 2 . But ON 2  OA2  AN 2 .

Since AN = OB, NP = OC, we have

OP 2  ON 2  NP 2  OA2  AN 2  NP 2

 OA2  OB 2  OC 2 .

The co-ordinates of P are x, y, z and we have OA = x, OB = y, OC = z.

 OP 2  x 2  y 2  z 2

Hence OP  x 2  y 2  z 2 .

6
Note :

It can also be obtained by using vectors.

Recall from Vector Analysis that if P(x, y, z) is a point and its position vector is
xi + yj + zk, then the distance of P(x, y, z) from the origin O(0, 0, 0) is
  
OP  OP  magnitude of OP .

 xi  yj  zk  x 2  y 2  z 2 .

For example,

the distance of the point P(2, 1, -2) from the origin O(0, 0, 0) is

OP  (2) 2  (1)2  (2) 2  4  1  4  9  3 .

1.3 CHANGE OF ORIGIN

Let X ' OX , Y ' OY , Z ' OZ ',  '   ,  '   ,  '   be two sets of parallel axes (Fig. 3).

Let P(x, y, z) be referred to the first set of axes and P( x ', y ', z ') be referred to the
second set of axes.

Let  (a, b, c ) be referred to the first set of axes.

NM is the line of intersection of the planes    , XOY and the plane through P parallel
to    cuts    in GH and XOY in KL as in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3

Then OL  OM  ML  OM   H . Therefore x  a  x ' .

7
 Similarly, y  b  y ', z  c  z ' .

Hence x '  x  a, y '  y  b, z '  z  c . .................. (1)

The reader may verify the truth of the result by taking P in any one of the octants.
Note:
  
This can also be seen using vectors. We know by vector addition  P  OP  O.
  
In this we substitute OP  xi  yj  zk ;  P  x ' i  y ' j  z ' k and OA  ai  bj  ck .

Now equating the coefficients of i, j, k on both the sides we get the result (1).
1.3.1 Theorem :

Distance between two points P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) is

PQ  ( x2  x1 )2  ( y2  y1 ) 2  ( z 2  z1 ) 2 .

Proof :

Fig. 4

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) be two given points.

Through P and Q draw the lines PL and QM perpendicular on the XY - plane meeting it
in the points L and M respectively.

Then in the XY - plane, L is the point ( x1 , y1 ) and M is the point ( x2 , y2 ) and the distance
between two points L( x1 , y1 ) , M ( x2 , y2 ) is LM 2  ( x2  x1 )2  ( y2  y1 ) 2 .

Now, through P, draw the line PR perpendicular to the line QM.

Then, clearly PR = LM

8
 QR  QM  RM  QM  PL  z 2  z1

Since PRQ  90o , PQ2  PR 2  QR2 (By pythagoras theorem)

 PQ 2  LM 2  QR 2

 PQ 2  ( x2  x1 )2  ( y2  y1 ) 2  ( z2  z1 )2

 PQ  ( x2  x1 ) 2  ( y2  y1 ) 2  ( z2  z1 ) 2

Aliter :

If we change the origin to P, then the co-ordinates of Q becomes ( x2  x1 , y2  y1 , z2  z1 ).

Now, from theorem (1.2.4), we get the distance PQ  ( x2  x1 )2  ( y2  y1 ) 2  ( z2  z1 ) 2 .

Note :

This can also be seen by using vectors. Let P( x1 , y1 , z1 ), Q( x2 , y2 , z2 ) be two points.

 
Then OP  x1i  y1 j  z1k , OQ  x2 i  y2 j  z2 k .

The distance between the points P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) is

  
PQ  PQ = Magnitute of PQ

 
 OQ  OP  ( x2  x1 )i  ( y2  y1 ) j  ( z2  z1 )k

 ( x2  x1 ) 2  ( y2  y1 )2  ( z2  z1 )2

For example,
the distance between two points P (-2, 1, -3) and Q (4, 3, -6) is

PQ  ( 2  4) 2  (1  3) 2  ( 3  6)2  36  4  9  49  7 .

Note :
The perpendicular distances of a point P(x, y, z) form the co-ordinate axes X, Y, Z are
y 2  z 2 , x 2  z 2 , x 2  y 2 respectively..

9
 Check Your Progress:
Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

 1 1
1. (i) Find the distance of the point P   ,1,  from the origin O(0, 0, 0).
 2 3

(ii) Find the distance between two points P( 4, 3, 6) and Q (2, 5, 1) .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
1.3.2 Definition :
If three or more points lie on the same line, they are said to be Collinear points.
1.3.3 Example :
Show that the points (-2, 3, 5), (1, 2, 3), (7, 0, -1) are collinear.
Solution :
Let P(-2, 3, 5), Q(1, 2, 3) and R(7, 0, -1) be the given points.
By using distance formula (Theorem (1.3.1))

PQ  (1  2)2  (2  3) 2  (3  5) 2  9  1  4  14

QR  (7  1) 2  (0  2) 2  ( 1  3) 2  36  4  16  56  2 14

PR  (7  2) 2  (0  3) 2  ( 1  5) 2  81  9  36  126  3 14

PQ  QR  14  2 14  3 14  PR .

 P, Q, R are collinear points.

Check Your Progress :
2. Show that the points (2, 5, 1), (1, 4, -3), (-2, 7, -3) form an isosceles right angled triangle.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Show that the points (1, 4, 2), (2, 5, 6), (5, 2, 6), (4, 1, 2) form a square.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
10 …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
1.4 SECTION (DIVISION) FORMULA
In order to find the co-ordinates of a point R = (x, y, z) dividing the join of the two points
P  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q  ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) in the given ratio m : n,

draw planes through P, R, Q parallel to the YZ - plane to meet OX in P ', R ', Q ' (Fig. 5).

Then P ', R ', Q ' are the feet of the perpendiculars of P, R, Q on the X - axis.

 P '  ( x1 ,0,0), R '  ( x, 0, 0), Q '  ( x2 ,0, 0) .

Fig. 5
Since, from elementary solid geometry, three parallel planes divide any two straight lines
proportionally, we have,

P ' R ' PR m
  , where P ' R '  x  x , R ' Q '  x  x .
R ' Q ' RQ n 1 2

x  x1 m
Therefore x  x  n .
2

 n( x  x1 )  m( x2  x)  nx  nx1  mx2  mx

mx2  nx1
 ( m  n) x  mx2  nx1  x  .
m n

Similarly, by drawing planes parallel to the ZX and XY - planes, we obtain

y  y1 m my  ny1 z  z1 m mz  nz1
  y 2 and  z 2
y2  y n m n z2  z n m n .

11
 Hence the co-ordinates of the point R which divides the line joining the points P ( x1 , y1 , z1 )

 mx2  nx1 my2  ny1 mz2  nz1 

and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) in the ratio m : n are  , , .
 mn mn m  n 

Vectors Method :

Suppose R (x, y, z) divides PQ in the ratio m : n where P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q( x2 , y2 , z2 )

PR m
are points. Then PR : RQ  m : n   .
RQ n

   


 nPR  mRQ  n OR  OP  m OQ  OR   
 n  xi  yj  zk    x1i  y1 j  z1k    m  x2 i  y2 j  z2 k   ( xi  yj  zk ) 

 n  x  x1  i  ( y  y1 ) j  ( z  z1 ) k   m  ( x2  x) i  ( y2  y ) j  ( z2  z )k 

Now, equating the components of like vectors on both sides,

i.e., n( x  x1 )  m( x2  x), n ( y  y1 )  m ( y2  y ), n ( z  z1 )  m( z 2  z )

mx2  nx1 my  ny1 mz  nz1

x , y 2 , z 2
mn mn mn

 mx2  nx1 my2  ny1 mz2  nz1 

 The co-ordinates of R are  m  n , m  n , m  n  .
 

Corollary 1 :

The co-ordinates of the midpoint R of the join of P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) are

 x1  x2 y1  y2 z1  z2 
 2 , 2 , 2 .
 

This follows by taking m = n = 1 (i.e., 1 : 1 ratio) in the above said.

For example,
 2  4 3  5 1  3 
the mid point of the line joining (2, 3, -1), (4, 5, 3) is  , ,   (3, 4,1) .
 2 2 2 

Corollary 2 :

The co-ordinates of the point R which divides the line joining the points P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and

  x2  x1  y2  y1  z2  z1 
Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) in the ratio  :1 are  , , .
  1  1   1 

12
Note:
1. If R divides PQ in the ratio m : -n, then we say R divides PQ externally with ratio m : n.

2. The co-ordinates of the point which divides the line joining the points ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and
( x2 , y2 , z2 ) in the ratio m : n

 mx2  nx1 my2  ny1 mz2  nz1 

(i) internally are  , ,
 mn mn m  n 

 mx2  nx1 my2  ny1 mz2  nz1 

(ii) externally are  , ,
 mn mn m  n 

1.4.1 Example :
(i) Find the co-ordinates of the point which divides the line joining the points P(-2, 3, 5) and
Q(1, 2, 3) in the ratio 2 : 3.
Solution :
The co-ordinates of the point which divides the line PQ in the ratio 2 : 3 are
 2(1)  3(2) 2(2)  3(3) 2(3)  3(5)   4 13 21 
 , ,  , , .
 23 23 23   5 5 5 

(ii) Find the ratio in which YZ - plane divides the line joining P (2, 4, 5) and Q (3, 5, -4).
Solution :

The co-ordinates of the point R (x, y, z) which divides the line PQ in the ratio  :1 are
  (3)  1(2)  (5)  1(4)  ( 4)  1(5)   3  2 5  4 4  5 
R , ,     1 ,  1 ,  1  .
  1  1  1   

Since R lies on the YZ - plane, its X - co-ordinate is zero (i.e., x = 0).

3  2 2
  0  3  2  0    .
 1 3

2
Thus, YZ - plane divides the line PQ in the ratio :1 i.e., in the ratio -2 : 3.
3

2
Putting   , the co-ordinates of the point R are (0, 2, 23).
3

i.e., the point of intersection R = (0, 2, 23).

13
 1.4.2 Example :
If A (4, 3, 2), B (5, 4, 6), C (-1, -1, 5) are the vertices of a traingle, find the co-ordinates
of the point in which the bisector of the angle ‘A’ meets the side BC.
Solution :
Let AD be the bisector of angle A.

BD AB
So that 
DC AC

But AB  (5  4) 2  (4  3) 2  (6  2) 2

 12  12  4 2  1  1  16  18  3 2

and AC  (1  4) 2  ( 1  3) 2  (5  2) 2

 (5) 2  (4) 2  (3) 2  25  16  9  50  5 2 .

Therefore the bisector of angle A will divide the side BC in the ratio

BD : DC :: 3 2 : 5 2 i.e., BD : DC :: 3 : 5 .
Hence the co-ordinates of D are

 3( 1)  5(5) 3( 1)  5(4) 3(5)  5(6)   22 17 45 

 , ,  , , 
 35 3 5 35   8 8 8 

Check Your Progress:

4) (i) Find the co-ordinates of the point which divides the line joining the points P(2, -4, 3),
Q (-4, 5, -6) in the ratio 2 : 1.
(ii) Find the ratio in which XY- Plane divides the line joining the points P(-3, 4, -8),
Q(5, -6, 4). Also find the point of intersection of the line with the plane.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

1.5 ANGLE BETWEEN TWO NON-INTERSECTING (SKEW)

LINES
1.5.1 Definition :
In the space the two straight lines are called skew if they are neither parallel nor
intersecting.

14
 This is defined as the angle (0     ) between two intersecting lines drawn from
any point parallel to each of the given lines (Fig. 6).

Fig. 6
Thus the angle between two non-intersecting lines AB and CD is equal to the angle
POQ between their parallels through O.

1.6 DIRECTION COSINES AND DIRECTION RATIOS

I. Direction Cosines of a Line :
1.6.1 Definition :

If  ,  ,  be the angles which any directed line (say AB of Fig.7) makes with the
positive directions of the X, Y, Z axes respectively, then cos  , cos  , cos  are called the
direction cosines (d. c’s) of the given line. They are usually denoted by l, m, n.

Fig. 7

15
 Corollary 1 :
If the direction cosines of a directed line AB are l, m, n then the direction cosines of the
directed line BA are -l, -m, -n.
Proof :

Let AB makes angles  ,  ,  with the axes, so that l = cos  , m = cos  , n = cos  .

Through O, draw OP parallel in the same sense (direction) to AB, so that OP also makes
angles  ,  ,  with the axes.

Now, the angles which BA makes with the axes are the angles which PO produced, i.e.,
OQ makes with the axes.

But QOX  180o  

QOY  180o  

QOZ  180o  

 direction cosines of BA are

cos (180o   ) , cos (180o   ) , cos(180o   )

(or) - cos  , - cos  , - cos 

(or) -l, -m, -n.

Corollary 2 :
Direction cosines of X, Y, Z - axes are (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (0, 0, 1) respectively.
Proof :

Since the line X - axis ( X ' OX ) makes the angles 0o ,90 o ,90o with the positive directions
of X, Y, Z - axes respectively,

the direction cosines of X - axis are (cos 0o ,cos 90o ,cos 90o ) i.e., (1, 0, 0).

Similarly, the direction cosines of Y and Z axes are (0, 1, 0), (0, 0, 1) respectively.
1.6.2 Result :
If O be the origin and (x, y, z) the co-ordinates of a point P and l, m, n are the direction
cosines of OP and OP has length r, then
(a) x = lr, y = mr, z = nr

(b) l 2  m 2  n2  1 .

16
Proof :
(a) Let (x, y, z) be the co-ordinates of P.
Through P draw PM perpendicular to Y - axis (Fig - 8).
Then by definition y = OM.

Fig. 8
From the right - angled triangle OMP, we have

OM
 cos   OM  OP cos  i.e., y = rm = mr.
OP

Similarly, x = lr, z = nr.

Thus, the co-ordinates of P are (lr, mr, nr).
(b) Relation Between Direction Cosines :
Let (x, y, z) be the co-ordinates of P, then x = lr, y = mr, z = nr.

 x 2  y 2  z 2  r 2 (l 2  m2  n 2 ) .

But x2  y 2  z 2  (OP) 2  r 2

 r 2  r 2 (l 2  m 2  n2 )  l 2  m 2  n 2  1 .

We can also establish (a) and (b) using “scalar product” of vectors.

(a) Since OP  r  xi  yj  zk , we get r . i = x, r . j = y, r . k = z.

But r.i  r cos  = lr; r.j = r cos   mr , r.k  r cos   nr .

Hence x = lr, y = mr, z = nr.

17
  r lri  mrj  nrk
(b) Using these relations, we get r    l i  m j  n k which is a unit vector..
r r

Hence li  mj  nk  1  l 2  m 2  n 2  1 .

1.6.3 Example :
A line makes angles 45o and 60o with the positive axes of X and Y respectively. Find the
angle that it makes with the positive axis of Z.
Solution :

Let the angle  made by the line with the positive axis of Z and l, m, n be the direction
cosines of the line.

Then l  cos 45o , m  cos 60o , n  cos  .

1 1
i.e., l , m  , n  cos  .
2 2

2 2 2 1 1
We know that l  m  n  1    cos2   1 .
2 4

1 1 1
 cos2   1   
2 4 4

1
 cos       60o or 120o .
2

Check Your Progress :

5. Find the direction cosines of the line equally inclined to the axes.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. A line makes angles 60o, 60o with the axes OX, OY respectively. Find the angle made by the
line with the axis OZ.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

18
II. Direction Ratios of a Line :
1.6.4 Definition :
Three numbers which are proportional to the direction cosines of a line are called the
direction ratios of the line.
To find direction cosines of a line whose direction ratios are given:
Let a, b, c be the direction ratios of a line whose direction cosines are l, m, n.
Then a, b, c are proportional to l, m, n.

l m n
i.e.,    k (say)  l  ak , m  bk , n  ck .
a b c

Now l 2  m 2  n 2  1  k 2 ( a 2  b2  c 2 )  1

1
(or) k   .
a  b2  c 2
2

a b c
Therefore l   2 2 2 , m 2 2 2 , n .
a b c a b c a  b2  c 2
2

 a b c 
i.e.,   2 , ,  are the direction cosines of a line,
 a  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c 2 a2  b2  c2 

where the same sign, either positive or negative, is to be taken through out.
1.6.5 Example :
If 1, -2, -2 are direction ratios of a line then find the direction cosines of the line.
Solution :
The direction ratios of the line are a = 1, b = -2, c = -2 .

a 2  b 2  c 2  (1)2  (2) 2  (2) 2  1  4  4  9  3

 1 2 2 
 The direction cosines of the line are  3 , 3 , 3  .
 

Check Your Progress :

7. If (3, -4, 12) are direction ratios of a line then find the direction cosines of the line.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
19
 1.7 PROJECTION ON A STRAIGHT LINE
(i) Projection of a Point on a Line :
Let P be the foot of the perpendicular (fig. 9) from a given point A on a given line BC.
Then P is called the orthogonal projection (or simply projection) of the point A on the line BC.
This is also given by the point of intersection of the plane through the given point,
perpendicular to the given line.

Fig. 9
(ii) Projection of a Segment of a Line :
The projection of a directed segment AB of a line on any line CD is the directed segment
A ' B ' , where A ', B ' are the projections of the points A, B respectively on the line CD.

Clearly A ' and B ' are the points of intersection of line CD and the planes 1 ,  2
respectively through A, B perpendicular to CD.

Fig. 10
1.7.1 Theorem :

The projection of a given segment AB of a line on any line CD is AB cos  where 

is the angle between the lines AB and CD.
Proof :
Through A draw a line AP parallel to CD to meet the plane through B perpendicular to
CD at P (fig. 10).

20
 Since AP is parallel to CD, angle PAB   .

Since CD is perpendicular to the plane  2 , AP which is parallel to CD is also perpendicular

to  2 .

Therefore angle APB is 90o. Clearly AA ' B ' P is a rectangle so that we have AP  A ' B ' .

Since AP  AB cos  , we have A ' B '  AB cos  .

1.7.2 Corollary :

The direction cosines of a line joining the two points P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) are
proportional to x2  x1 , y2  y1 , z2  z1 .

Proof :
Let L, M be the feet of the perpendiculars (fig. 11) drawn from P, Q to the Y - axis
respectively, so that OL  y1 , OM  y2 .

Projection of PQ on Y - axis LM  OM  OL  y2  y1 .

If l, m, n be the direction cosines of the directed line segment PQ, then its projection on
Y - axis = PQ.m. Therefore m.PQ  y2  y1 .

Similarly projecting PQ on X - axis and Z - axis, we get

l .PQ  x2  x1 , n. PQ  z 2  z1

Fig. 11

21
 x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1
From these, we obtain the relations    PQ ,
l m n

which is the required result.

Thus the direction cosines of the line joining the two points ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x2 , y2 , z2 )
are proportional to x2  x1 , y2  y1 , z2  z1 .

Note :
The above relation also follows, using vectors.

Thus, PQ  ( x2  x1 ) i  ( y2  y1 ) j  ( z2  z1 ) k

 (li  mj  nk ) PQ

1.7.3 Example :
Find the direction cosines of the line joining the points P (7, -5, 9) and Q (5, -3, 8).
Solution :

P(7, -5, 9) and Q(5, -3, 8) are the given points.

The direction ratios of the line joining the points P(7, -5, 9) and Q(5, -3, 8) are

5-7, -3+5, 8-9 i.e., -2, 2, -1 or 2, -2, 1.

2 2 1
If 2, -2, 1 are the direction ratios of a line PQ, then its direction cosines are , , .
3 3 3

(Here 22  (2) 2  12  4  4  1  9  3 ).

1.7.4 Example :
If the projections of a line on the axes are 2, 3, 6, then find the length of the line.
Solution :
Let PQ be the length of the projection and (l, m, n) be the direction cosines.
Then, the projection of the line on X - axis is l.PQ = 2.
the projection of the line on Y - axis is m.PQ = 3.
the projection of the line on Z - axis is n.PQ = 6.
Now, squaring and adding these, we get

PQ2 (l 2  m2  n 2 )  22  32  62  49 .

 PQ2  49( l 2  m2  n 2  1)  PQ  7 .

22
Check Your Progress :
8. Find the direction cosines of the line joining the points P (4, 3, -5) and Q (-2, 1, 8).
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
9. If the projections of a line on the co-ordinate axes are 12, 4, 3, then find the length and the
direction cosines of the line.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(iii) Projection of a Broken Line. (Consisting of continuous segments) :

If P1 , P2 , P3 are any three points in space, then the sum of the projections of directed
segments P1 P2 , P2 P3 , on any line AB is equal to the projection of directed segment P1 P3 , on the
same line.

Let Q1 , Q2 , Q3 be the projections of the points P1 , P2 , P3 on the line AB, then

Q1Q2 , Q2Q3 , Q1Q3 are the projections of P1 P2 , P2 P3 and P1 P3 respectively..

From figures (a) and (b) of 12, it is evident that Q1Q2  Q2 Q3  Q1Q3 . Hence the result.

(a) (b)
Fig. 12
Note that we are dealing with vectors when we speak of directed line segments.
Note : This result can evidently be extended to any finite number of points as follows.

23
 If P1 , P2 , ....., Pn. be n number of points in space, then the sum of the projections of the
  
line segments P1 P2 , P2 P3 ,......, Pn 1 Pn on any line AB is equal to the projection of the segment

P1 Pn on the same line.

(iv) Projection of the Join of Two Points on a Line :

The projection of the join of two points P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) on a line whose

direction consiners are l, m, n is l ( x2  x1 )  m( y2  y1 )  n( z 2  z1 ) .

Through P and Q draw planes parallel to the co-ordinate planes, forming a parallelopiped
whose diagonal is PQ (fig. 13).

Fig. 13
Since the edges PL, LT, TQ are parallel to OX, OY, OZ respectively, we have

PL  x2  x1 , LT  y2  y1 , TQ  z2  z1 .

The projections of PL, LT, TQ on the line having direction cosines l, m, n are
( x2  x1 )l , ( y2  y1 ) m,( z 2  z1 ) n .

But, the projection of PQ on the given line

= sum of the projections of PL, LT, TQ on that line.

i.e., l ( x2  x1 )  m( y2  y1 )  n( z 2  z1 ) .

Note:
In terms of vectors, the projection of PQ on a line having l, m, n as its direction cosines
  
is PQ . n where n  li  mj  nk .

24
 
But PQ  ( x2  x1 ) i  ( y2  y1 ) j  ( z2  z1 ) k .

Therefore the projection of PQ on the given line  l ( x2  x1 )  m( y2  y1 )  n( z2  z1 ) .

1.8 ANGLE BETWEEN TWO LINES HAVING DIRECTION

COSINES l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2.

Fig. 14
Let MN, RS be the given lines and l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 be their direction cosines
respectively.

Let ‘  ’ be the angle between them.

Through O, draw OP, OQ parallel to MN and RS respectively, then POQ   .

Suppose OP  r1 , OQ  r2 .

Let the co-ordinates of P, Q be ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) respectively..

So that (from result 1.6.2(a)), x1  r1l1 , y1  r1m1 , z1  r1n1 , x2  r2 l2 , y2  r2 m2 , z 2  r2 n2 .

We have PQ2  ( x2  x1 ) 2  ( y2  y1 ) 2  ( z2  z1 ) 2

 ( x22  y22  z22 )  ( x12  y12  z12 )  2( x1 x 2  y1 y 2  z1 z 2 )

 r22 (l22  m22  n22 )  r12 (l12  m12  n12 ) 2r1 r2 (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 )

 r22  r12  2r1 r2 (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 ) [from result 1.6.2(b)] .......... (1)

25
 Using cosine rule in Trigonometry, we have

OP 2  OQ 2  PQ 2 r 2  r22  PQ 2
cos    cos   1
2.OP.OQ 2 r1 r2

 PQ2  r12  r22  2r1 r2 cos  ....................(2)

From (1) and (2), we obtain

r12  r22  2r1 r2 cos   r12  r22  2r1r2 (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 ) .

 cos   l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2    cos-1 (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 )

Note:
The learner should verify that the result is true in whatever octants the points P and Q
may lie.

Corollary - 1 : Lagrange’s Identity [Expressions for sin  and tan  ].

It  is the angle between two lines whose direction cosines are l1 , m1 , n1 and l2 , m2 , n2 ,
then we have, sin 2   1  cos 2   1  (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1n2 ) 2

 (l12  m12  n12 )(l22  m22  n22 )  (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 )

( l12  m12  n12  1  l22  m22  n22 )

 ( l1m2  l2 m1 ) 2  ( m1 n2  n2 m1 ) 2  ( n1 l2  n2 l1 ) 2

(By Lagrange’s Identity)

2
 sin      l1 m2  l2 m1 

2
sin    l1 m2  l2 m1  
Also, tan    if   .
cos  l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 2

Corollary 2 :

If  is the angle between two lines whose direction ratios are a 1 , b1 , c1 and a 2 , b 2 , c 2 ,
then, let l1 , m1 , n1 be the direction cosines of the line whose direction ratios are a1 , b1 , c1 .

a1 b1 c1
 l1  , m1  , n1 
a12  b12  c12 a12  b12  c12 a12  b12  c12 .

26
and let l2 , m2 , n2 be the direction cosines of the line whose direction ratios are a2 , b2 , c2 .

a2 b2 c2
 l2  , m2  , n2 
2
a b c
2
2
2
2
2
2
a b c
2
2
2
2
2 a  b22  c22 .
2
2

cos   l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 .

Now, substituting the values of l1 , m1 , n1 and l2 , m2 , n2 , we have

a1 a2  b1b2  c1c2
cos   
a12  b12  c12 . a22  b22  c22

( a1b2  a2b1 ) 2  (b1c2  b2 c1 )2  (c1a2  c2 a1 ) 2

sin   
a12  b12  c12 . a22  b22  c22

 (a1b2  a2 b1 ) 2

a12  b12  c12 . a22  b22  c22

2
  a1b2  a2b1 
tan   
a1 a2  b1 b2  c1 c2

Corollary 3 : Conditions for Perpendicularity and Parallelism.

(i) The given lines are perpendicular (i.e., at right angles)


  cos   0  l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2  0 (or) a1 a2  b1 b2  c1 c2  0
2

(ii) The given lines are parallel

   0 (or)   sin   0
 l1 m2  l2 m1  0, m1 n2  m2 n1  0, n1 l2  n2 l1  0

(or) a1 b2  a2 b1  0, b1c2  b2 c1  0, c1a2  c2 a1  0

l1 m1 n1 a1 b1 c1
   (or)  
l2 m2 n2 a2 b2 c2 .

27
 Note:


    
   
Interms of the vectors OP  l1 i  m1 j  n1 k , OQ  l2 i  m2 j  n2 k , taking their scalar
product and noting that both of them are unit vectors we obtain cos   l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 , from
which all the corollaries 1 - 3 follows.
1.8.1 Example :
If P (3, 4, 5), Q (4, 6, 3), R (-1, 2, 4) and S (1, 0, 5) are the points, find the angle between
the lines RS and PQ.
Solution :
Let P (3, 4, 5), Q (4, 6, 3), R (-1, 2, 4) and S (1, 0, 5) be the given points.
The direction ratios of the line joining the points P (3, 4, 5) and Q (4, 6, 3) are
4 - 3, 6 - 4, 3 - 5 i.e., 1, 2, -2.
The direction ratios of the line joining the points R (-1, 2, 4) and S (1, 0, 5) are
1 + 1, 0 - 2, 5 - 4 i.e., 2, -2, 1.
The angle between two lines RS and PQ whose direction ratios are
2, -2, 1 and 1, 2, -2 is

(2)(1)  ( 2)(2)  (1)( 2)

cos  
(2)  ( 2) 2  (1) 2 . (1) 2  (2) 2  ( 2) 2
2

242 4 4 4
    .
4  4  1. 1  4  4 9. 9 3.3 9

4  4
 cos      cos 1  
9  9

1.9 WORKED OUT EXERCISES

1.9.1 Exercise :
Show that the line joining the points A (2, 3, -1) and B (3, 5, -3) is perpendicular to the line
joining C (1, 2, 3) and D (3, 5, 7).
Solution :
The direction ratios of the line AB = (3 - 2, 5 - 3, -3 + 1) = (1, 2, -2).
The direction ratios of the line CD = (3 - 1, 5 - 2, 7 - 3) = (2, 3, 4).

28
 (1, 2, -2) and (2, 3, 4) are the direction ratios of two lines AB and CD respectively, so that
2.1 + 3.2 + 4.(-2) = 2 + 6 - 8 =0.

 The lines AB and CD are perpendicular to each other (by 1.8, Corollary 3(i)).
1.9.2 Exercise :
Find the co-ordinates of the foot of the perpendicular from A (1, 1, 1) on the line joining
B (1, 4, 6) and C (5, 4, 4).
Solution :

Let A (1, 1, 1), B (1, 4, 6) and C (5, 4, 4) be the given points.

Let D be the foot of the perpendicular form A on BC.

If D divides BC in the ratio  :1 , then the co-ordinates of D are

 5  1 4  4 4  6 
  1 ,  1 ,  1  .
 

The direction ratios of BC are (5-1, 4-4, 4-6) i.e., (4, 0, -2).

 5  1 4  4 4  6 
The direction ratios of AD are   1,  1,  1
  1  1  1 

 4 3  3 3  5 
(or)  , , .
  1  1  1 

Since AD is perpendicular to BC, we have

4 3  3 3  5
(4)  (0)  (2)  0 .
 1  1  1

 16  6  10  0  10  10  0    1 .
Thus the co-ordinates of D are (3, 4, 5).
1.9.3 Exercise :
Find the direction cosines of the line which is perpendicular to the lines whose direction
cosines are proportional to (1, -2, -2) and (0, 2, 1).

29
 Solution :
If l, m, n be the direction cosines of the line perpendicular to the given lines,

we have l (1)  m( 2)  n( 2)  0  l  2m  2n  0

l (0)  m(2)  n(1)  0  0l  2m  n  0

By cross multiplication method, these give

l m n
 
(2)(1)  2(2) (2)(0)  (1)(1) (1)(2)  (0)(2)

l m n
   i.e., the direction ratios are 2, -1, 2.
2 1 2

Hence the direction cosines are

2 2 2 2 1 2
l    , m , n .
2 2
(2)  (1)  (2) 2
4 1 4 9 3 3 3

1.9.4 Exercise :

A line makes angles  ,  ,  ,  with the diagonals of a cube, prove that

4
cos 2   cos2   cos 2   cos 2   . .
3

Solution :
Take O, a corner of the cube as the origin and the three edges OA, OB, OC through it
as the co-ordinate axes.

Fig. 15

30
 Let a be the length of the each side of the cube. i.e., OA = OB = OC = a.
Then the co-ordinates of the corners of the cube are given by

O (0,0,0), A( a,0,0), B(0, a,0), C (0,0, a), P( a, a, a), A '(0, a, a ), B '(a ,0, a), C '(a, a, o)
(see Fig.15).

The four diagonals are OP, AA ', BB ', CC ' .

The direction ratios of diagonal OP are : (a-0, a-0, a-0) i.e., (a, a, a)

[by using ( x2  x1 , y2  y1 , z2  z1 ) ].

Clearly, the direction cosines of OP are :

 a a a 
 2 , , 
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
 a a a a a a a a a 

 a a a   1 1 1 
 , ,  , , 
2 2
 3a 3a 3a 2   3 3 3 

 1 1 1 
Similarly, the direction cosines of the diagonal AA ' are :   , , 
 3 3 3

 1 1 1 
of BB ' are :  , , 
 3 3 3

 1 1 1 
and of CC ' are :  , , .
 3 3 3

Let (l, m, n) be the direction cosines of the given line which makes angles  ,  ,  , 
with OP, AA ', BB ', CC ' respectively. Then

lmn l  m  n lmn lmn

cos   ,cos   ,cos   and cos   .
3 3 3 3

Hence, cos 2   cos 2   cos 2   cos 2 

1
 (l  m  n) 2  ( l  m  n)2  (l  m  n) 2  (l  m  n) 2 
3

1 4
  4(l 2  m2  n2 )   l 2  m2  n2  1 .
3 3

31
 1.9.5 Exercise :
Prove that the two lines whose direction cosines are given by the relations

al  bm  cn  0 and mn  nl  lm  0 are

(i) perpendicular if and only if a 1  b1  c 1  0, abc  0 .

(ii) parallel if and only if a  b  c  0 , where a, b, c are positive.

Solution :
The direction cosines of the two lines are given by the relations
al + bm + cn = 0 .......... (1)
mn + nl + lm = 0 ........... (2)
Now, eliminating n from (1) and (2).

 al  bm 
From (1), n    .
 c 

Putting this value of n in (2), we get

 al  bm   al  bm 
m  l   lm  0
 c   c 

 m(a l  b m)  l ( al  b m)  l mc  0

 a l 2  l m(a  b  c )  b m 2  0

l2 l
a 2
 (a  b  c)  b  0 ................(3)
m m

m n
Similar quadratic equations in , can be obtained on eliminating l and m respectively
n l
from the relations (1) and (2).

Let (l1 , m1 , n1 ),(l2 , m2 , n2 ) be the direction cosines of the two lines (1), (2),

l1 l2
then m and m are the roots of the equation (3).
1 2

b
The product of the roots of the equation (3) is .
a

32
 l1 l2 b l1 l2 b
Therefore m . m  a  m m  a .
1 2 1 2

Similarly from the other two quadratic equations, we get

m1 m2 c n1 n2 a
 and  .
n1 n2 b l1 l2 c

l1 l2 m1 m2 n1 n2
Therefore a l1 l2  b m1 m2  c n1 n2 (or)    k (say) ............(4).
1/ a 1/ b 1/ c

(i) The two lines will be perpendicular if and only if (see cor. 3(i) of 1.8) l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2  0 .

 1 1 1 1 1 1
Using (4), we get k      0     0 (or) a 1  b1  c 1  0
a b c a b c

as the desired condition.

(ii) The two lines will be parallel if and only if (see Cor. 3(ii) of 1.8)

l1 m1 n1 l1 l m m n n
  i.e.,  2 , 1 2, 1 2.
l2 m2 n2 m1 m2 n1 n2 l1 l2

l1 l2
The relation m  m , holds if and only if the roots of equation (3) are equal i.e., its
1 2

discriminant is zero.

i.e., (a  b  c) 2  4ab  0  ( a  b  c) 2  4ab (or) a  b  c  2 ab (or)

2
c  a  b  2 ab   a b  (or)  c  a  b (or) a  b  c 0.

m1 m2 n1 n2
It is easy to verify that the above relation ensures n  n and l  l .
1 2 1 2

1.9.6 Exercise :
Show that the angles between the four diagonals of a rectangular parallelopiped are
 a 2  b2  c2 
cos1  2 2 2 
, a, b, c being the edges of the parallelopiped.
a b c 

Solution :
Take O, a corner of the rectangular parallelopiped at the origin and three edges OA,
OB, OC through it as the axes.

33
 Fig. 16
Let OA = a, OB = b, OC = c.
The co-ordinates of the various corners are as shown in the figure 16.

The four diagonals are OP, AA ', BB ', CC ' .

a b c
The direction cosines of OP are : , , .
2 2
a a  a2

a b c
Similarly, the direction cosines of AA ' are : , ,
2 2
a a  a2

a b c
of BB ' are : , ,
2 2
a a  a2

a b c
and of CC ' are : , , .
2 2
a a  a2

2 2 2
1   a  b  c 
The angle between OP and AA ' is cos  2 2 2 .
 a b c 

2 2 2
1  a  b  c 
Similarly, the angle between OP and BB ' is cos  2 2 2 
a b c 

34
 2 2 2
1  a  b  c 
and the angle between OP and CC ' is cos  2 2 2 .
a b c 

2 2 2
1  a  b  c 
Hence the angles between four diagonals are given by cos  2 2 2 .
a b c 

Check Your Progress :

10) Define the angle between two skew lines.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
11) Define the projection of a line segment on another line.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

1.10 SUMMARY
The position of a point in space is represented by three numbers called co-ordinates.
Distance of any point P(x, y, z) from the origin O (0, 0, 0) is OP  x 2  y 2  z 2 . A line in
space is determined by its direction cosines l, m, n. Projection of a line joining
P( x1 , y1 , z1 ), Q ( x2 , y2 , z 2 ) on a line with direction cosines l, m, n is
( x2  x1 )l  ( y2  y1 ) m  ( z2  z1 )n . If  is the angle between the lines with direction cosines
(l1 , m1 , n1 ), (l2 , m2 , n2 ) then cos   l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 .

1.11 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: MODEL ANSWERS

2 2
 1 2 1 1 1 9  36  4 49 7
1. (i) OP      (1)     1    .
 2  3 4 9 36 36 6

(ii) PQ  (2  4) 2  (5  3) 2  (1  6) 2  36  64  49  149 .

2. Let P(2,5,1), Q(1, 4, 3), R (2,7, 3) .

PQ  (1  2) 2  (4  5) 2  ( 3  1)2  1  1  16  18  3 2 .

35
 QR  (2  1) 2  (7  4) 2  ( 3  3) 2  9  9  0  18  3 2 .

PR  ( 2  2)2  (7  5) 2  ( 3  1) 2  16  4  16  36  6 .

PQ  3 2  QR   ABC is isosceles.

PQ2  QR 2  18  18  36  PR 2   ABC is right angled.

  PQR is an isosceles right angled triangle.

3. Let P(1,4, 2), Q (2,5,6), R (5, 2,6), S (4,1, 2) .

PQ  (2  1) 2  (5  4) 2  (6  2) 2  1  1  16  18  3 2 .

QR  (5  2) 2  (2  5)2  (6  6)2  9  9  0  18  3 2 .

RS  (4  5)2  (1  2) 2  (2  6) 2  1  1  16  18  3 2 .

SP  (1  4)2  (4  1) 2  (2  2)2  9  9  0  18  3 2 .

PR  (5  1) 2  (2  4) 2  (6  2)2  16  4  16  36  6 .

QS  (4  2) 2  (1  5)2  (2  6) 2  4  16  16  36  6 .

PQ  QR  RS  SP and PR  QS .

 PQRS form a square.

4. (i) The co-ordinates of the point which divides the line PQ are (-2, 2, -3).

(ii) The co-ordinates of the point R (x, y, z) which divides the line PQ in the ratio  :1 are
 5  3 6  4 4  8 
R , , .
  1  1  1 

Since R lies on the XY - plane, z = 0.

4  8 2
i.e.,  0    , ratio is 2 : 1.
 1 1

 7 8 
Thus the point of intersection R   , ,0  .
3 3 

36
5. Let  ,  ,  be the angles made by the line with the axes.

Since the line is equally inclined to the axes, we have      .

 cos   cos   cos  (or) l = m = n.

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1
We have l  m  n  1  l  l  l  1  3l  1  l   .
3

 1 1 1 
 The direction cosines of the line are   3 ,  3 ,  3  .
 

6. Let  be the angle made by the line with the axis OZ.

o o 1 1 
Then the direction cosines are : (cos 60 ,cos 60 ,cos  )   , ,cos   .
 2 2 

2 2
1 1 2 2 1 1
We know that       cos   1  cos   1  
 2  2 4 4

1 1
 cos 2    cos       45o (or) 135o .
2 2

7. We have, (3)2  (4)2  (12) 2  9  16  144  169  13 .

 3 4 12 
Direction cosines of the line are  , , .
 13 13 13 

8. Direction ratios of PQ are (6, 2, 3).

 6 2 3
Direction cosines of PQ are  , ,  .
7 7 7

9. Let PQ be the length of the line and (l, m, n) be the direction cosines. Then
the projection of the line on X - axis is l.PQ = 12
the projection of the line on Y - axis is m.PQ = 4
the projection of the line on Z - axis is n.PQ = 3

 PQ 2 (l 2  m2  n 2 )  (12) 2  (4) 2  (3) 2  144  16  9  169 .

 PQ2  169  PQ  13 .

 12 4 3   12 4 3 
The direction cosines of the line PQ are (l , m, n)   , ,  , , .
 PQ PQ PQ   13 13 13 
37
 1.12 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1. Show that the points (0, 7, 10), (-1, 6, 6), (-4, 9, 6) form an isosceles right - angled traingle.
2. Find the co-ordinates of the point equidistant from the four points (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0), (0, 0, c)
and (0, 0, 0).

3. Obtain the co-ordinates of a point dividing the join of two points in the ratio  :1 .

4. Find the ratio in which the point R (0, 0, 0) divides the line joining the points P (2, -3, 3),
Q (-2, 3, -3).

5. If P(4,8,12), Q(2,4,6), R(3,5, 4), S (5,8,5) are four points then show that the lines PQ
and RS intersect.a
6. Find the ratio in which the plane YOZ divides the line segment joining the points (-2, 4, 7)
and (3, -5, 8).
7. If P = (3, 2, -4), Q = (9, 8, -10), R = (5, 4, -6) find the ratio in which R divides line segment
PQ.

8. Let A = (3, 4, 5), B = (-1, 3, -7). If point P = (x, y, z) is moving according to PA2  PB2  2k 2
(k constant) find this equation in x, y, z.

9. Show that the co-ordinates of the centroid of the triangle whose vertices ( xr , yr , zr ), r  1, 2,3

 x1  x2  x3 y1  y2  y3 z1  z2  z3 
are  , , .
 3 3 3 

10. Show that the co-ordinates of the centroid of the tetrahedron whose vertices are
 x1  x2  x3  x4 y1  y2  y3  y4 z1  z2  z3  z4 
( xr , yr , zr ), r  1, 2,3, 4 are  , , .
 4 4 4 

11. If the direction ratios of a line are 1, 2, 3 find its direction cosines.
12. Show that the lines drawn from the origin with the direction ratios (1, -1, 1), (2, -3, 0) and
(1, 0, 3) are coplannar.
13. Find the direction cosines of a line perpendicular to two lines whose direction ratios are
1, 2, 3 and -2, 1, 4.
14. Find the foot of the perpendicular from the origin to the line joining the points (-9, 4, 5) and
(11, 0, -1).
15. A (3, 2, 0), B (5, 3, 2), C (-9, 6, -3) are three points forming a triangle. AD, the bisector of
the angle BAC meets BC at D. Find the co-ordinates of D.
16. Find the angle between any two diagonals of a cube.

38
  
17. A line is making angles , with the X, Y - axes respectively. Find the angle it makes
4 3
with the Z - axis.
18. Show that the pair of lines whose direction cosines are given by
3 lm  4ln  mn  0, l  2m  3n  0 are perpendicular..

19. Show that the lines whose direction cosines given by the equations
l  m  n  0, al 2  bm 2  cn 2  0 are

(i) Perpendicular, if a + b + c = 0

1 1 1
(ii) Parallel if   0.
a b c

20. The direction on cosines of two lines are connected by the following equations. Find them.

(a) 3l  m  5n  0 , (b) l - 5m + 3n = 0, (c) l + m + n = 0,

6 mn  2 nl  5lm  0 . 7l 2  5m 2  3n 2  0 . 2lm  2 ln  mn  0 .

21. A line making angles  ,  ,  with the co-ordinate axes. Then show that
2 2 2
sin   sin   sin   2 .

22. Find the direction cosines of the lines which make equal angles with the co-ordinate axes.
How many such lines exist?
23. If O is the origin and P = (3, 4, 5) find the direction cosines of the line OP.
24. If the projections of the line segment AB on the co-ordinate axes are 3, 4, 12 find its length
and direction cosines.
Answers :

1 1 1
2. a, b, c
2 2 2

4. 1:1
6. 2:3
7. 1:2

8. 2( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  4 x  14 y  4 z  109  2k 2 .

1 2 3
11. , ,
14 14 14

39
 1 2 1
13. , ,
6 6 6

14. (1, 2, 2)

 38 57 17 
15.  , , 
 16 16 16 

1  1 
16. cos  
 3

 2
17. or
2 3

 2 1 1   1 2 1 
20. (a)  , ,  and  , , .
 6 6 6  6 6 6

 1 1 2   1 2 3 
(b)  , ,  and  , , .
 6 6 6  14 14 14 

 1 1 2   1 2 1 
(c)  , ,  and  , , .
 6 6 6  6 6 6

1 1 1
22.  , , ;4
3 3 3

3 4 5
23. , ,
50 50 50

3 4 12
24. 13; , ,
13 13 13

40
UNIT - 2 : THE PLANE AND VARIOUS FORMS OF THE
EQUATION OF A PLANE
Contents
2.0 Objectives
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Definition of a Plane
2.3 Equation of a Plane
2.4 Length of the Perpendicular from a Point to a Plane
2.5 Systems of Planes
2.6 Workedout Exercises
2.7 Summary
2.8 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
2.9 Model Examination Questions

2.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :

Obtain the equation of a plane in its general form and various forms of the equation of
plane.
Determine the angle between two given planes.
Determine the length of the perpendicular from a given point to a given plane.
Find the equation of the system of planes through the line of intersection of the planes.

2.1 INTRODUCTION
A plane is a surface on which if any two points are taken on it, then the line joining them
lies wholly on the surface. In this unit you will study the general equation of a plane and its
various forms. We will find an expression for the angle between two planes in terms of direction
ratios of their normals. We will use the formula for the perpendicular distance from a point to
plane and also you will study the system of planes.

2.2 DEFINITION OF A PLANE

A surface is called a plane surface or a plane if all the points of a straight line joining any
two points on the surface lie on it.

Though the concept of a plane is assumed to be known, yet it is desirable to characterise

a plane as follows.

Let OA and OB be two intersecting lines. The set of all points P such that
  
OP   OA   OB constitutes a plane.

41
 Given a point P on a plane, there is a line passing through P which is perpendicular to all
the lines lying in the plane passing through P. This line is called the normal to the plane at P. A
plane is completely specified by giving a point and a line passing through the point. Actually that
is the plane passing through P with the given line as its normal at P. If OP and OQ are two lines
 
in a plane OP  OQ is a vector along the normal to the plane at O.

An equation of the plane is a relation satisfied by the co-ordinates ( x, y, z ) of every

point on it.

2.3 EQUATION OF A PLANE

2.3.1 General Equation of a Plane :

Every equation of the first degree in x, y, z represents a plane.

Consider the general first degree equation in x, y, z as

ax  by  cz  d  0 .......... (1)

where a, b, c are real numbers and not all zero (i.e a 2  b 2  c 2  0 ).

To show that (1) represents the equation to the plane, we have to show that every point
on the line joining any two points on the locus (1) also lies on the locus (1).

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) be any two points on the locus given by (1).

Then we have ax1  by 1  cz1  d  0 ......... (2)

ax2  by 2  cz2  d  0 ......... (3)
Let R be any point on the line segment joining the points P and Q.

Suppose R divides PQ in the ratio  :1 .

  x2  x1  y2  y1  z2  z1 
Then R   , ,  ,  1  0
  1  1  1 

Multiplying (3) by  and adding to (2), we get

a   x2  x1   b   y2  y1   c   z2  z1   d    1  0

 x  x    y  y   z  z 
 a 2 1   b 2 1   c 2 1   d  0
  1    1    1 

42
   x2  x1  y2  y1  z2  z1 
This shows that the point R  , ,  lies on the locus (1) for
  1  1  1 
every value of  (  1) .

Since R is an arbitrary point on the line joining P and Q, every point on PQ lies on (1).

 The surface given by the equation (1) represents a plane.

Note : ax  by  cz  d  0 is called the general equation of the plane.

Note :

Let Q be a fixed point in the plane.


If P is a variable point in the plane then PQ is perpendicular to the normal r to the plane.

Therefore the vector equation of the plane passing through the point Q is given by
    
     
n. PQ  0  n. OP  OQ  0  n. r  OQ  0 where r  OP .

Corollary :

The equation of any plane passing through the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is of the form
a( x  x1 )  b( y  y1 )  c( z  z1 )  0 .
Proof :

Let the equation of the plane be ax  by  cz  d  0 .......... (1)

Let ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the point in the plane.

Since equation (1) passes through the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) , we have ,

ax1  by1  cz1  d  0  d  (ax1  by1  cz1 ) ......... (2)

From (1) and (2), we have

ax  by  cz  (ax1  by1  cz1 )  0

 a( x  x1 )  b( y  y1 )  c( z  z1 )  0

which is a required equation.

Note : In particular, the equation of the plane passing through the origin is ax  by  cz  0

We shall now show that the converse of (2.3.1) as follows (i.e, the equation of every
plane is of the first degree in x, y, z ) :

43
 2.3.2 Normal Form of the Equation of a Plane :

Fig. 1
A triangle ABC determines a plane. We call it the plane ABC.
Let O be out side it. Draw OK perpendicular to the plane.
Let p be the length of the perpendicular from the origin to the plane and
OK=p (a positive number) and let l,m,n be the direction cosines of OK (fig .1).

Let P ( x, y, z ) be any point in the plane. Join OP and OK. Then OK is projection of
OP on OK itself.

Also, from (1.7 (iv)) the projection of the line segment OP joining the points O (0, 0, 0)
and P ( x, y, z ) on the line OK with direction cosines l,m,n is

l ( x  0)  m( y  0)  n( z  0)  lx  my  nz .

Since the projection OP on OK  OK  p , we have lx  my  nz  p .

 The equation of the plane ABC is lx  my  nz  p cos  .......... (1)

Thus the equation of every plane is of first degree in x, y, z .

Note : (1) lx  my  nz  p is called the equation of the plane in the normal form.

(2) An equation lx  my  nz  p is in the normal form if l 2  m 2  n 2  1 .

(3) In fig.1, since OKP is a right angled triangle with right angle at K , OK  OP cos  ,
 
where  is the angle between OK and OP (acute).

Note :
In terms of vectors, equation (1) can be written as r.n = p where r is the position vector
of any point and n, a unit vector along OK.

44
2.3.3 Transformation to the Normal Form :

The general equation of the plane is ax  by  cz  d  0 .......... (1)

where a, b, c are not all zero.

and the equation of the plane in the normal form is lx  my  nz  p ......... (2)

Since the equations (1) and (2) represent the same plane , we have

a b c d a 2  b2  c 2
      a 2  b2  c2
l m n p 2
l m n2 2

( l,m,n are direction cosines, l 2  m 2  n 2  1 )

a b c
 l ,m   ,n   and
2 2 2 2 2 2
a b c a b c a  b2  c2
2

d
p ( As p is always positive ) .
a 2  b2  c2
Now, Substitute these in (2), then the normal form of the equation ax  by  cz  d  0
of the plane is given by
a b c d
 x y z ........ (3)
a 2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2 a2  b2  c 2 a2  b2  c2
a b c d
x y z
i.e, 2 2 2 2 , if d be negative
a a a a
a b c d
 x y z
2 2 2 2 , if d be positive
a a a a
2
where a stands for a 2  b 2  c 2 .

Note :

(1) The direction ratios of the normal to the plane ax  by  cz  d  0 are a,b,c.

(Here a,b,c are the coefficients of x,y,z respectively).

(2) From equation (3) of (2.3.3), the perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane
d
ax  by  cz  d  0 is  .
a  b2  c 2
2

Example :

Find the direction cosines of the normal to the plane x  2 y  2 z  4  0 .

45
 Solution :

The given equation of the plane is x  2 y  2 z  4  0 .

It is in the general form of the equation of the plane ax  by  cz  d  0 ,

where a  1, b  2, c  2 and d  4  0 .

So that the direction cosines are

1 1 1 1
l    ; m  2 and n  2 .
2
(1)  (2)  (2) 2 2
1 4  4 9 3 3 3

Example :

The perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane is 3 x  4 y  12 z  65  0 is

65 65 65 65
   5.
2
(3)  (4)  (  12) 2 2
9  16  144 169 13

Example :

Reduce the equation x  2 y  3 z  6  0 of the plane to the normal form.

Solution :

The given equation of the plane is x  2 y  3 z  6  0 .

It is in the form of equation ax  by  cz  d  0 ,

where a  1, b  2, c  3, d  6  0 .

It can be reduced into the normal form as lx  my  nz  p where

a b c d
l ,m  ,n  and p  
2 2 2
a a a  a2

(for d <0), a 2  a 2  b 2  c 2

1 1 1
l  
(1) 2  (2) 2  (3) 2 1 4  9 14

2 3 (6) 6
m ,n and p    .
14 14 14 14

46
  The normal form of the given equation of the plane is
1 2 3 6
x y z .
14 14 14 14

Check Your Progress:

Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

1) Find the direction cosines of the normal to the plane 2 x  3 y  6 z  7 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2) Reduce the equation 2 x  6 y  3z  21  0 of a plane into normal form.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2.3.4 Angle Between Two Planes :
Definition :
The acute angle between two planes is defined as the angle between their normals.
Note that between the planes there is another angle which is supplement of the above.

Let the two planes be given by a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 and a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d 2  0 .

Then the direction ratios of their normals are a1 , b1 , c1 and a2 , b2 , c2 respectively.

The angle  between the planes i.e., angle between their normals (see corollary 2 of 1.8)
is given by
a1a2  b1b2  c1c2
cos   
a12  b12  c12 . a22  b22  c22
Corollary :

Conditions for parallelism and perpendicularity of two planes a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 and

a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d 2  0 :

47
 a1 b1 c1
(i) The two planes will be parallel, if the normals are parallel i.e, if  
a2 b2 c2 .

(ii) The two planes will be perpendicular, if their normals are perpendicular i.e, if
a1a2  b1b2  c1c2  0 .

Example :

The angle between the planes 2 x  y  2 z  3  0 and 3x  6 y  2 z  4  0 is

(2)(3)  ( 1)(6)  (2)(2)

cos  
(2)  ( 1) 2  (2) 2 . (3) 2  (6) 2  (2) 2
2

66 4 4 4 4
 cos     
4  1  4. 9  36  4 9. 49 3.7 21

 4 
   cos 1   .
 21 

Check Your Progress:

3) Find the angle between the planes 3 x  4 y  5 z  0 and 2 x  y  2 z  5 .

.................................................................................................... .......................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................... ...........................................
Example :

Show that the plane x  2 y  3 z  4  0 is perpendicular to the plane 2 x  5 y  4 z  1  0 .

Solution :

The given planes are x  2 y  3 z  4  0 and 2 x  5 y  4 z  1  0 .

We have (1)(2)  (2)(5)  ( 3)(4)  2  10  12  0 .

So that the given planes are perpendicular (By corollary (ii) of 2.3.4).
2.3.5 Intercept Form :
Definition :

If a plane cuts X-axis at A( a, 0, 0) , Y-axis at B (0, b, 0) and Z-axis C (0, 0, c) then a is

called X-intercept and b is called Y-intercept and c is called Z-intercept of the plane.
We shall find the equation of a plane in terms of the intercepts a,b,c which it makes on the
axes.

48
 Let the required equation of the plane be

x  y z   0. ..... (1)

Fig. 2

Let the plane cut the axes in A,B,C (Fig. 2) such that OA  a, OB  b and OC  c i.e., it
passes through the points A( a, 0, 0) , B (0, b, 0) , C (0, 0, c) .


Therefore  .a    0    
a

 .b    0    
b

 .c    0    
c
Substituting these values of  ,  ,  in (1), we get

      x y z
 x  y  z    0 (or) x  y  z   (or)   1
a b c a b c a b c
which is the required equation.

x y z
Note : The equation    1 is called the equation of the plane in intercept form whose
a b c
X,Y,Z -intercepts are a,b,c respectively.
If a plane does not have at least one of the intercepts, following are the possibilities.
(1) It does not intersect X-axis and Y-axis, in which case it is parallel to the XY plane and
therefore the equation of the plane is z =c i.e., z/c = 1

49
 (2) It intersects the XY plane. In this case the line of intersection may be parallel to one of the
axes or it intersects both the axes. If the line of intersection is parallel to X-axis (say), then
its equation is of the form y/b = 1 or y/b + z/c = 1 according as the plane is parallel to the Z
- axis or not. In case the line of intersection is parallel to the Y - axis, then the equation of
the plane is of the form x/a = 1 or x/a + z/c = 1.
Finally if the plane intersects both X and Y-axes but not the Z-axis, then its equation is of the
form x/a + y/b = 1 (which is the same as in 2 dimensional geometry).
Example :
(i) The eqation of the plane whose intercepts on X,Y,Z-axes are 1,2,4 respectively is
x y z
   1  4x  2 y  z  4 .
1 2 4

(ii) Find the intercepts of the plane 4 x  3 y  2 z  2  0 on the co-ordinate axes.

Solution:

The equation of the plane is 4 x  3 y  2 z  2  0 .

It can be written as 4 x  3 y  2 z  2 .

4 3 2 2 x y z
Divide by  2 , we get x y z (or)    1.
2 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 1

x y z
Now this is in the intercept form    1 of the equation of the plane,
a b c
1 2
where a  ,b  ,c  1.
2 3
1 2
 X-intercept = , Y-intercept = , Z- intercept =1.
2 3
Check Your Progress:
4) Find the equation of the plane whose intercepts on X, Y, Z-axes are 2, 3, 4 respectively..
.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................

5) Find the intercepts of the plane x  3 y  2 z  9  0 on the co-ordinate axes.

.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................

50
2.3.6 Plane Through Three Points :
We shall derive the equation of the plane passing through the three non-collinear points
( x1 , y1 , z1 ), ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) and ( x3 , y3 , z3 ) .

Let the equation of the plane be ax  by  cz  d  0 .......... (1)

As the given points lie on the plane (1), we have

ax1  by1  cz1  d  0 ......... (2)

ax2  by2  cz2  d  0 ......... (3)

ax3  by3  cz3  d  0 ......... (4)

In order to eliminate a,b,c,d from (1) to (4), we have a non-trivial solution for a,b,c,d
(a,b,c,d are not all zero), it is necessary and sufficient that the coefficient determinant.

x y z 1
x1 y1 z1 1
  0 , for every x,y,z on plane (1).
x2 y2 z2 1
x3 y3 z3 1

which is the required equation of the plane.

Theorem :
The vector equation of a plane that passes through three points whose position vectors
are a, b and c is

r  (1  s  t )a  sb  tc
where r is the position vector of any point P on the plane, s and t being arbitrary scalars.
Proof :
Let r be the position vector of any point in the plane but not on AB or AC.

Then r  a is a linear combination of the two independent vectors b - a and c  a .

Therefore we may write

r  a  s (b  a )  t (c  a )

or r  a  sa  ta  sb  tc

or r  (1  s  t )a  sb  tc ......... (5)
s,t being arbitrary scalars (fig. 3(a)).

51
 Fig. 3
It can be easily verified that for any point P on AB or AC, the above equation still holds
good (fig. 3).
 
When P lies on AB, one can write PA  sBA (see fig. 3 (b)).

In other words r  (1  s )a  sb which is simply the vector equation of the line joining
the points A and B.
This is also obtained by putting t = 0 in equation (5).
Similarly if P lies on AC , we get r = (1 - t) a + tc as the vector equation of the line joining
the points A and C.
Corollary :
A necessary and sufficient condition for four points ( in three dimensional space to be
coplanar is

x1 y1 z1 1
x2 y2 z2 1
1  0
x3 y3 z3 1
x4 y4 z4 1

Proof :

Recall that the equation of the plane passing through the three points ( xr , yr , zr ), r  1, 2, 3
is given in (2.3.6).

If the fourth point ( x4 , y4 , z 4 ) lies on the plane then it satisfies the equation of the plane.
Therefore if the four points ( x1 , y1 , z1 ), ( x2 , y2 , z2 ), ( x3 , y3 , z3 ) and ( x4 , y4 , z 4 ) are
coplanar, then ( x4 , y4 , z 4 ) lies on the plane   0 .

Hence 1  0 .

52
 Conversely 1  0 ensures that one of the points lies on the plane passing through the
other three points.
There is no loss of generality in assuming that there are at least three of the points which
form a plane.
Given four points A,B,C,D whose position vectors are a,b,c,d respectively, then a
necessary and sufficient condition for the coplanarity of the four points is

d  (1  s  t )a  sb  tc ................ (6)

Since D is a point in the plane containing the points A, B, C; d satisfies the vector
equation (5) and hence equation (6) holds good.

Conversely equation (6) implies AD is expressible as a linear combination of the two
 
independent vectors AB and AC .

In other words the four points A, B, C, D are coplanar.

2.4 LENGTH OF THE PERPENDICULAR FROM A POINT

TO A PLANE
The perpendicular distance of the point P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) from the plane lx  my  nz  p
is  (lx1  my1  nz1  p) .

Let L be the foot of the perpendicular from P to the plane lx  my  nz  p .

Let this plane be designated by  . PL (fig. 4) is then required perpendicular distance.

Let its direction cosines be l, m, n.

Fig. 4

Let Q ( ,  ,  ) be a point on  so that l  m  n  p ...... (1)

Therefore PL = Projection of PQ on PL.

53
    l ( x1   )  m( y1   )  n( z1   )    lx1  my1  nz1  (l  m  n )

   lx1  my1  nz1  p  by virtue of equation (1).

Corollary :

The length of the perpendicular from the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) to the plane

ax1  by1  cz1  d

ax  by  cz  d  0 is  .
a 2  b2  c 2

The normal form of the given equation of the plane (see 2.3.2 & 2.3.3) is

a b c d
 x y z 0.
a 2 a 2 a 2 a 2

Hence from the above article the required length of the perpendicular follows.
The vector equation of a plane through A, given by the position vector a, containing the
   
directions given by the vectors  a and  is ( r  a ).( a   )  0 , where r is the position
vector of any point on the plane .

This is readily seen by noting that r  a,  a and  are coplanar and therefore their
scalar triple product is zero.

Let B be a point outside the plane which contains a point A, two lines AC and AD
 
represented by a  and  respectively. Let the position vectors of B and A be b and a. Let L
be the foot of the perpendicular from B to the plane. The three edges AB, AC, AD represented
 
by b - a,  and  respectively form a parallelopiped whose volume is their scalar triple product
   
(b  a ).( a   ) . Since    represents the area of the parallelogram formed by the
edges AC and AD, the perpendicular distance from B to the plane is obtained by dividing its
volume by its base area. Thus

 
BL  

( b  a ).  a  
 



54
Example :

The length of the perpendicular of the point (2, 3, 4) from the plane 3 x  6 y  2 z  11  0 is

3(2)  6(3)  2(4)  11 6  18  8  11 7 7

    1.
2
(3)  (6)  (2) 2 2
9  36  4 49 7

Check Your Progress:

6) Find the length of the perpendicular of the point (1, 1, 4) from the plane 3 x  6 y  2 z  11  0 .

.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
Note :

The equation of any plane parallel to the plane ax  by  cz  d  0 is

ax  by  cz    0 , where  is a parameter..

2.4.1 Distance Between Two Parallel Planes :

Consider the planes ax  by  cz  d1  0 .......... (1)

ax  by  cz  d 2  0 ......... (2)

Let P  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be any point in the plane ax  by  cz  d 2  0 .

Then ax1  by1  cz1  d 2  0  ax1  by1  cz1   d 2

Distance between the parallel lines = Perpendicular distance from p to the plane (1)

ax1  by1  cz1  d1 d1  d 2

   
a2  b2  c 2 a 2  b2  c2

Example :

The distance between the parallel planes 12 x  3 y  4 z  7  0 , 12 x  3 y  4 z  6  0

7  6 13 13 13
is
     1.
2
(12)  ( 3)  (4) 2 2
144  9  16 169 13

55
 Check Your Progress:

7) Find the distance between the parallel planes 2 x  y  3 z  6 and  6 x  3 y  9 z  5 .

.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................

2.5 SYSTEMS OF PLANES

The equation of a plane satisfying two conditions will involve one arbitrary constant, giving
rise to an infinite number of planes called a system of planes.
The arbitrary constant which is different for different numbers of system is called a parameter.
Similarly the equation of a plane satisfying one condition will involve two parameters.
The following are the equations of a few systems of planes involving one or two parameters.

(1) The equation ax  by  cz    0 represents the system of planes parallel to a given

plane ax  by  cz  d  0 ,  being the parameter..

(2) The equation ax  by  cz    0 represents the system of planes perpendicular to given

line with direction ratios a,b, c ;  being the parameter..

(3) The equation a( x  x1 )  b( y  y1 )  c( z  z1 )  0

b c
i.e., ( x  x1 )   ( y  y1 )   ( z  z1 )  0 where   ,   , a  0 , represents
a a
the system of planes passing through the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) ;  and  being the parameters.

(4) The equation  S1   S2  0 represents the system of planes through the line of intersection
of the planes S1  ax  by  cz  d  0
S 2  a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 ,
 and  being parameters, not both zero for

(i)  S1   S2  0 , being of the first degree in x, y, z represents a plane.

(ii) the equation  S1   S 2  0 is evidently satisfied by the co-ordinates of the points

which satisfy equations S1  0 and S 2  0 whatever values  and  may have.

56
Corollary :
Usually it is assumed that the equation of any plane passing through the line of intersection
of the planes S1  0 and S 2  0 is of the form  S1   S 2  0 , where  and  are parameters.

Proof:

Let 1 and  2 be the planes represented by S1  0 and S 2  0 respectively..

Their line of intersection is evidently perpendicular to both the normals n1 and n2 of the two
planes.

Hence n1  n2 is a vector parallel to the line of intersection of the two planes.

Let  3 be a plane given S3  a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d 2  0 passing through the intersection

of 1 and  2 and n3 be its normal.

Evidently n2 is perpendicular to  n 1 n 2  .

Therefore n3 is a linear combination of n1 and n2 .

Hence n3   n1   n2 for some scalar  and  .

Taking the both product of this with r both sides we get S3   S1   S 2 ,

the required result. Usually in solving problems it is the converse that is used.
Also we need a plane passing through intersection of two distinct planes and different from
either of them.

The given planes, being distinct, neither  nor  is zero.

Hence the equation of the desired plane can be put in the form S1   S 2  0 .

2.6 WORKED OUT EXERCISES

2.6.1 Exercise :

Find the equation of the plane passing through the points P (2, 2,  1) , Q (3, 4, 2) ,
R (7, 0, 6) .

Solution :

The general equation of a plane through the point P (2, 2,  1) is

a ( x  2)  b ( y  2)  c ( z  1)  0 (From corollary of 2.3.1) .......... (1)

57
 This equation (1) passes through Q and R, if

a (3  2)  b (4  2)  c (2  1)  0  a  2b  3c  0 ......... (2)

and a (7  2)  b (0  2)  c (6  1)  0  5a  2b  7c  0 ......... (3)

Solving the equations (2) and (3) by cross multiplication, we have

a b c a b c a b c
  (or)   (or)  
14  6 15  7 2  10 20 8 12 5 2 3
Substituting these values in (1), we have

5 ( x  2)  2 ( y  2)  3 ( z  1)  0  5 x  2 y  3z  17  0

which is the required equation.

Note : Although the problem can be solved by (2.3.6), the learner would find it more convenient
to follow the above method.
2.6.2 Exercise :

Find the equation of the plane passing through the points (2, 2,1) and (9, 3, 6) and
perpendicular to the plane 2 x  6 y  6 z  9 .

Solution :

Any plane passing through (2, 2,1) is

a ( x  2)  b ( y  2)  c ( z  1)  0 .......... (1)
equation (1) passes through (9, 3, 6) , if
a (9  2)  b (3  2)  c (6  1)  0  7a  b  5c  0 ......... (2)

The plane (1) is perpendicular to the given plane 2 x  6 y  6 z  9 , if

2a  6b  6c  0 ......... (3)
Solving the equations (2) and (3) by cross multiplication, we have

a b c a b c a b c
  (or)   (or)  
6  30 10  42 42  2  24 32 40 3 4 5
Substituting these values in equation (1), we get

3 ( x  2)  4 ( y  2)  5 ( z  1)  0  3x  4 y  5 z  9
which is the required equation.

58
2.6.3 Exercise :

Find the equation of the plane which passes through the point (3,  3,1) and is parallel to
the plane 2 x  3 y  5 z  6  0 .

Solution :

Any plane parallel to the given plane 2 x  3 y  5 z  6  0 is of the form

2 x  3 y  5 z    0 for all values of  .......... (1)

The plane (1) passes through (3,  3,1) , if

2 (3)  3 (  3)  5 (1)    0  6  9  5    0    2 .

Substitute  value in (1), we get

2 x  3 y  5 z  2  0 which is the required equation.

2.6.4 Exercise :

Find the equation of the plane which passes through the point (3,  3,1) and is
perpendicular to the planes 7 x  y  2 z  6 and 3x  5 y  6 z  8 .

Solution :

Any plane passing through (3,  3,1) is

a ( x  3)  b ( y  3)  c ( z  1)  0 .......... (1)

This equation (1) is perpendicular to the given planes, if

7a  b  2c  0 ......... (2)

3a  5b  6c  0 ......... (3)

Solving equations (2) and (3) by cross multiplication, we have

a b c a b c a b c
  (or)   (or)  
 6  10 6  42 35  3  16 48 32 1  3 2
Substituting these values in equation (1), we get

1 ( x  3)  3 ( y  3)  2 ( z  1)  0  x  3 y  2 z  10  0
which is the required equation.

59
 2.6.5 Exercise :

Find the equation of the plane which passes through the point (3,  3,1) and is normal
to the line joining the points (3, 2,  1) and (2,  1, 5) .

Solution :

Any plane passing through (3,  3,1) is

a ( x  3)  b ( y  3)  c ( z  1)  0 .......... (1)
The direction ratios of the normal to this plane (1) are a, b, c.
However these direction ratio’s are given as those of the line joining the points
(3, 2,  1) and (2,  1, 5) i.e., 2  3,  1  2, 5  1 (or)  1,  3, 6 (or) 1, 3,  6 .
a b c
Hence   .
1 3 6
Substituting these values in equation(1), we get

1( x  3)  3( y  3)  6 ( z  1)  0  x  3 y  6 z  12  0

which is the required equation of the plane.

2.6.6 Exercise :
Find the equation of the plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes
x  y  z  6 and 2 x  3 y  4 z  5  0 and the point (1, 1, 1).

Solution :
From 4 of (2.5), the plane

( x  y  z  6)   (2 x  3 y  4 z  5)  0 .......... (1)

passes through the line of intersection of the given planes for all values of  .

plane (1) passes through (1, 1, 1) if

3
3   (14)  0    .
14

3
Putting   in equation (1), we get
14
3
( x  y  z  6)  (2 x  3 y  4 z  5)  0
14

 20 x  23 y  26 z  69  0 which is the required equation of the plane.

60
2.6.7 Exercise :
Find the equation of the plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes
2 x  y  0 and 3 z  y  0 and perpendicular to the plane 4 x  5 y  3z  8 .

Solution :
From 4 of (2.5), the plane
(2 x  y )   (3z  y )  0  2 x  (1   ) y  3 z  0 .......... (1)
passes through the line of intersection of the given planes for all values of  .
The plane (1) is perpendicular to 4 x  5 y  3z  8
3
 2(4)  (1   )5  3 ( 3)  0  14  3    .
14
3
Putting   in equation (1), we get
14
3
(2 x  y )  (3 z  y )  0  28 x  17 y  9 z  0
14
which is the required equation of the plane.
2.6.8 Exercise :
A variable plane passes through the fixed point (a, b, c) and meets the co-ordinate axes
in A, B, C. Show that the locus of the point common to the planes through A, B, C parallel to the
a b c
co-ordinate planes is    1.
x y z

Solution :
Let ABC be any plane (fig.5) through the fixed point Q (a, b, c) such that
OA  x1 , OB  y1 , OC  z1 .

Fig. 5

61
 x y z
Then from (2.3.5), its equation is    1.
x1 y1 z1

a b c
Since Q lies on it, we get   1 ............... (1)
x1 y1 z1

The planes through A, B, C parallel to the co-ordinate planes are x  x1 , y  y1, z  z1 ,

which meet in P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) .

Therefore, changing x1 to x , y1 to y and z1 to z in equation (1), we get the equation of

a b c
the locus of P as    1.
x y z

Check Your Progress:

8) State whether the following statements are true or false. Support your answers with
reasoning, Give complete proof if necessary.
(i) A first degree equation in three variables always represents a plane surface.

(ii) If a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 is a plane then direction cosines of its normal are a1 , b1, c1 .

(iii) x  y  z  3  0 , 2 x  y  z  3  0 represent equations of two mutually parallel

planes.

(iv) 3 x  3 y  6 z  10  0 , 5 x  5 y  10 z  2  0 represent equation of two mutually

perpendicular planes.
(v) Four points always line in a plane.
(vi) It is not always possible to draw a plane from any three points in the space.
(vii) (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (0, 0, 1), (1, 1, 1) are coplanar points.

(viii) 3 x  5 y  7 z  a  0 represents a family of planes perpendicular to a fixed direction,

where a is an arbitrary constant. If so what is the fixed direction?

(ix) a ( x  2)  b ( y  3)  c ( z  5)  0 represents a family of planes passing through a

fixed point. If so what is the fixed point?
.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................

62
2.7 SUMMARY
In this unit, we have obtained the equation of a plane in various forms and the angle
between two planes. The equation of a plane through three points and the length of the
perpendicular from a point to the plane have been obtained. You have seen that if S1  0, S 2  0
are the equations of two planes, then S1   S2  0 represents a family of planes through the line
of intersection of the planes, where  is a parameter..

2.8 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS- MODEL ANSWERS

1. The given equation 2 x  3 y  6 z  7  0 is in the form of a x  b y  c z  d  0 ,
where a = 2, b = 3, c = 6, d = -7 < 0. So that the direction cosines are
2 2 2 2
l    , m 3 , n 6 .
(2) 2  (3) 2  (6) 2 4  9  36 49 7 7 7

2. The given equation 2 x  6 y  3 z  21  0 is in the form of ax  by  cz  d  0 ,

where a  2, b  6, c  3 and d   21 < 0.

It can be reduced into normal form as lx  my  nz  p , where

a 2 2 2 2
l    
a 2 2
(2)  ( 6)  (3) 2 2
4  36  9 49 7

b 6 c 3 d (21) 21
m  , n  and p   (if d  0 )     3.
a 2 7 a 2 7 a 2 7 7

2 6 3
 The normal form of the given equation of the plane is x  y  z  3.
7 7 7

(3)(2)  ( 4)( 1)  (5)( 2)

3.
cos  
(3)  ( 4) 2  (5) 2 . (2) 2  ( 1) 2  (2) 2
2

6  4  10 0
 cos    0
9  16  25. 4  1  4 50. 9


 cos   0    .
2
4. The equation of the plane whose intercepts on X, Y, Z-axes are 2, 3, 4 respectively is
x y z
   1 . i.e., 6 x  4 y  3 z  12 .
2 3 4

63
 5. The given equation of the plane can be written as
x y z
  1
9 3 9 2
x y z
compare this with   1
a b c
9
a  X  intercept  9, b  Y  intercept   3, c  Z  intercept  .
2
3(1)  6(1)  2(4)  11 16
6.

2 2
(3)  (6)  (2) 2 7 .

5
7. The given planes are 2 x  y  3z  6 , 2 x  y  3z  .
3

5
The distance between the parallel planes 2 x  y  3z  6 , 2 x  y  3z  is
3

 5
 6   23
 3
  .
(2)2  (1)2  (3)2 3 14

8. (i) True. ax  by  cz  d  0 always represents a plane.

(ii) False. a1 , b1 , c1 represent the direction ratios of the normal to the plane .

(iii) False. Since the inner product of the coefficients, (2  1  1 1  1 1  0) , is equal

to zero, the normals of the planes are mutual perpendiculars and hence the planes are
perpendicular to each other.

3 3 6
(iv) False. The coefficients in both the equations are in the same proportions,   ,
5 5 10
the planes are parallel.
(v) False. For example, the vertices of a tetrahedron are not in the same plane.
(vi) False. It is always possible to draw a plane through any three given points.
(vii) True. The fourth point lies on the plane through the first three points.
(viii) True. For different values of a, we get different planes having the same direction.
The fixed direction is a line having direction ratios 3, 5, 7.
(ix) True. The equation represents a family of planes passing through a fixed point
(2, 3, 5).

64
2.9 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1. Obtain the equation of a plane in the normal form.
2. Find the equation of the plane through the points (1, 1, 1), (1, -1, 1), (-7, -3, -5) and show that
it is perpendicular to the XZ-plane.
3. Obtain the necessary and sufficient conditions for four points in space to be coplanar.
4. Find the equation of the plane through the points A (-1, 1, 1), B (1, -1, 1) and perpendicular
to the plane x  2 y  2 z  5 .

5. Obtain the equation of the plane through the point (-1, 3, 2) and perpendicular to the two
planes x  2 y  2 z  5 , 3x  3 y  2 z  8 .

6. Find the equation of the plane through the point (2, 3, 4) and parallel to the plane
5x  6 y  7 z  3 .

7. Find the equation of the plane that passes through the point (3, -3, 1) and is normal to the
line joining the points (3, 4, -1) and (2, -1, 5).

8. Find the angle between the planes 2 x  y  z  6 and x  y  2 z  7 .

9. Obtain the equation of the plane in the intercept form.

10. Find the plane passing through the points (1, 1, 0), (-2. 2, -1) and (1, 2, 1).
11. Show that the plane passing through the points (0, 1, 1), (1, 1, 2) and (-1, 2, -2) is
x  2y  z  3  0 .

12. Show that the points (0, -1, -1), (4, 5, 1), (3, 9, 4) and (-4, 4, 4) are coplanar.
13. Find the plane passing through the point (-2, -2, 2) and containing the line joining the points
(1, 1, 1) and (1, -1, 2).
14. Show that the line joining the points (6, -4, 4), (0, 0, -4) intersects the line joining the points
(-1, -2, -3), (1, 2, -5). (Two intersecting lines are coplanar always).

15. Show that the plane by  cz  d  0 is parallel to the X-axis.

16. Find the plane parallel to the plane 3 x  4 y  5 z  0 and passing through the point(1, 2, 3).

17. Find the plane perpendicular to the line joining the points (3, 4, -1), (2, -1, 5) and passing
through the point (2, -3, 1).

18. Find the points where the plane ax  by  cz  d  0 ( abc  0) meets the co-ordinate
axes.
19. A plane meets the co-ordinate axes at A, B, C such that the centriod of the triangle ABC
x y z
is the point (a, b, c). Show that the equation of the plane is    3.
a b c
65
 20. Show that the distance between the parallel planes 2 x  2 y  z  3  0 and
1
4 x  4 y  2 z  5  0 is .
6
21. Obtain the equation of the plane through the line of intersection of the planes
x  2 y  3 z  4  0 and 4 x  3 y  2 z  1  0 and the origin.

22. Find the equation of the plane which is perpendicular to the plane 5 x  3 y  6 z  8  0
and which contains the line of intersection of the planes x  2 y  3 z  4  0 and
2x  y  z  5  0 .

23. Find the equation of the plane through the line of intersection of the planes
ax  by  cz  d  0 , a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 and perpendicular to the XY-plane.

Answers :

2. 3x  4 z  1  0

4. 2 x  2 y  3z  3  0

5. 2 x  4 y  3z  8  0

6. 5 x  6 y  7 z  20

7. x  5 y  6 z  18  0


8.
3

10. 2 x  3 y  3z  5

13. x  3 y  6 z  8  0

16. 3x  4 y  5 z  4  0

17. x  5 y  6 z  19  0

 d   d   d 
18.  , 0, 0  ,  0, , 0  ,  0, 0, 
 a   b   c 

21. 3 x  2 y  z  0

22. 51x  15 y  50 z  173  0

23. x(ac1  a1c)  y (bc1  b1c)  z (dc1  d1c)  0

66
UNIT - 3 : BISECTORS OF THE ANGLES BETWEEN TWO
PLANES AND TWO SIDES OF A PLANE
Contents
3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Bisectors of the Angles Between Two Planes
3.3 Two Sides of a Plane
3.4 Joint Equation of Two Planes
3.5 Orthogonal Projection on a Plane
3.6 Volume of a Tetrahedron
3.7 Summary
3.8 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
3.9 Model Examination Questions

3.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :

Obtain the equations of the planes bisecting the angles between two given planes.
Verify the given points lie on the same side or opposite sides of the given plane.
Obtain the formula for volume of a tetrahedron interms of its vertices.

3.1 INTRODUCTION
In unit 2, we have studied the general equation of a plane and also various forms of the
equation of a plane. We also have obtained the angle between two planes. In this unit, we will
find the equations to the planes bisecting the angles between two given planes. We will see the
two sides of a plane. The necessary conditions for a homogeneous second degree equation in x,
y, z to represent a pair of planes have been obtained. Conversely, under these conditions it has
been shown that a homogeneous second degree equation in x, y, z represents a pair of planes.
The volume of a tetrahedron in terms of the co-ordinates of its four vertices has been obtained.

3.2 BISECTORS OF THE ANGLES BETWEEN TWO PLANES

We derive the equations of the bisectors of the angles between the planes
ax  by  cz  d  0 ; a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 .

Let P be any point on any one of the planes bisecting the angles between the planes.

Since the perpendicular from P to the two planes are equal in magnitude, we get from
corollary of 2.4 of unit 2.
ax  by  cz  d a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1
  ...... (1)
a 2  b2  c2 a12  b12  c12

67
 as the equations of the two bisecting planes. The joint equation of the planes can be written
as

2 2
 ax  by  cz  d   a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1 

a2  b2  c2 a12  b12  c12

which is a second degree equation in x, y, z.

Of the two bisecting planes given by (1), one bisects the acute and the other, the obtuse
angle between the given planes. The bisectors of the acute angle makes with either of the given
planes an angle less than 45o, while the bisector of the obtuse angle makes with either of them an
angle greater than 45o. This provides a test for distinguishing between the bisector plane of
acute angle and that of the obtuse angle. Also of the bisecting planes given by (1), the one in
which the constant appearing on either side of the equation has the same sign is also the plane
bisecting that angle between the given planes which contains the origin. To prove this let us
consider

ax  by  cz  d a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1
 ....... (2)
a 2  b2  c2 a12  b12  c12

in which d and d1 are both positive.

Since, by virtue of the equality (2) the expression ax  by  cz  d and

a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1 must have the same sign (denominators being both positive) the point
(x, y, z) on the locus lies on the origin (fig. 1(a)) or the non-origin (fig. 1(b)) side of both the
planes, i.e., the point on the locus lies in the angle between the planes containing the origin.

Fig. 1

Thus the equation (2) represents the plane bisecting that angle between the planes
which contains the origin.

68
 The other one, namely,

ax  by  cz  d a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1
 
a2  b2  c 2 a12  b12  c12

represents the plane bisecting the other angle between the given planes.

3.2.1 Example :

Find the equations of the planes bisecting the angles between the planes 3 x  4 y  5 z  3
and 5 x  3 y  4 z  9 .

Also point out which of the planes bisects the acute angle.

Solution :

The equations of the given planes are

3x  4 y  5z  3  0 .........(1)

5x  3 y  4 z  9  0 .........(2)

The equations of the planes bisecting the angles between the given planes (1) and (2)
(from 3.2) are
3x  4 y  5 z  3 5x  3 y  4 z  9

2 2 2
(3)  (4)  (5) (5) 2  (3) 2  ( 4) 2

3x  4 y  5z  3 5x  3 y  4 z  9
(or) 
9  16  25 25  9  16

3x  4 y  5z  3 5x  3 y  4 z  9
(or) 
50 50

(or)  3 x  4 y  5 z  3    5 x  3 y  4 z  9 
(or) 3x  4 y  5 z  3  5x  3 y  4 z  9  2 x  7 y  9 z  6  0 .........(3)

and 3 x  4 y  5 z  3    5 x  3 y  4 z  9   8 x  y  z  12  0 .........(4)

Let  be the angle between the planes (3) and (2) .

Then (from 2.3.4 of 2.3), we have

69
 (2)(5)  (7)(3)  ( 9)( 4)
cos  
(2) 2  (7) 2  ( 9) 2 . (5) 2  (3) 2  ( 4) 2

10  21  36 67 67
   .
4  49  81. 25  9  16 134. 50 5 268

Note that angle between a bisecting plane and one of the given planes is not greater than
90 . Hence we have taken cos  to be positive.


2211
Now tan   which is less than 1, i.e.,   45 .
67

Now  is half the angle between the given planes, so that the plane 2 x  7 y  9 z  6  0
bisects that angle between the planes i.e, 2  90 (acute).

Hence the plane 2 x  7 y  9 z  6  0 bisects the acute angle.

Similarly, if  be the angle between the planes (4) and (2), then (from 2.3.4 of 2.3), we
have

(5)(8)  (3)(1)  (4)(1)

cos  
(5)  (3) 2  ( 4) 2 . (8) 2  ( 1) 2  (1) 2
2

40  3  4 33 33
   .
25  9  16. 64  1  1 50. 66 10

33 100  33 67 67
sin   1  cos 2   1     .
100 100 100 10

67
tan θ   1. i.e.,   45 .
33

Hence the plane (4) bisects the obtuse angle.

3.2.2 Example :

Show that the origin lies in the acute angle between the planes x  2 y  2 z  9 and
4 x  3 y  12 z  13  0 . Find the planes bisecting the angles between them and point out which
bisects the acute angle.

70
Solution :
The equations of the given planes can be written as

x  2 y  2z  9  0 ..........(1)
and 4 x  3 y  12 z  13  0 ..........(2)

The equations of the planes bisecting the angles between the given planes (1) and (2) are
 x  2 y  2z  9 4 x  3 y  12 z  13
 
2 2 2
(1)  (2)  (2) (4) 2  ( 3) 2  (12) 2

 x  2 y  2z  9 4 x  3 y  12 z  13
(or)  
1 4  4 16  9  144
 x  2 y  2z  9 4 x  3 y  12 z  13
(or)  
9 169

(or) 13x  26 y  26 z  117   (12 x  9 y  36 z  39)

(or) 25 x  17 y  62 z  18  0 ..........(3)
is the plane bisecting the angle containing the origin and


x  35 y  10 z  156  0 ..........(4)

is the other bisecting plane.

Now, if  be the angle between (1) and (3), we have

(1)(25)  (2)(17)  (2)(62) 183 61
cos    
1  4  4. (25) 2  (17) 2  (62) 2 3.68 68 .

2
 61 
2 903
sin   1  cos   1     .
 68  68

903
 tan θ   1 i.e.,   45 .
61

Hence the plane (3) bisects the acute angle and therefore the origin lies in the acute
angle.

71
 Check Your Progress:
Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

1) Find the bisector of the acute angle between the planes x  2 y  2 z  3  0 and
3 x  4 y  12 z  1  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3.3 TWO SIDES OF A PLANE

Two points A ( x1 , y1 , z1 ), B ( x2 , y2 , z 2 ) lie on the same side or opposite sides of the

plane ax  by  cz  d  0 according as the non-zero expressions
ax1  by1  cz1  d , ax2  by2  cz2  d are of the same or of different signs.

Proof :

Let the AB meets the given plane in a point P and let P divides AB in the same ratio  :1 .

So that  is positive or negative according as P divides AB internally or externally..

i.e., when A and B lie on the same side or the opposite side of the plane.

We know from section formula (1.4) that the co-ordinates of P are

  x2  x1  y2  y1  z2  z1 
 , , 
  1  1  1 

Since P lies on the given plane, we have

 x  x    y  y   z  z 
a 2 1   b 2 1   c 2 1   d  0
  1    1    1 

(or)   ax2  by2  cz2  d   (ax1  by1  cz1  d )  0

ax1  by1  cz1  d

(or) 
ax2  by2  cz2  d

This shows that  is negative or positive according as ax1  by1  cz1  d ,

ax2  by2  cz2  d are of same or of different signs.

Thus the theorem is proved.

72
3.3.1 Example :

Show that the origin O (0, 0, 0) and the point A (2,  4,3) lie on the opposite sides of
the plane x  3 y  5 z  7  0 .

Solution :

The given plane is x  3 y  5 z  7  0 ...... (1)

The point O (0, 0, 0) lies on the given plane (1),

i.e., (0)  3(0)  5(0)  7  7  0

and the point A (2,  4,3) lies on the given plane (1),

i.e., (2)  3( 4)  5(3)  7  2  12  15  7   18  0 .

 The given points O and A lie on the opposite sides of the given plane.
3.3.2 Example :

Show that the points A (2,3, 4) and B (1, 2,3) lie on the same side of the plane
3x  2 y  z  5  0 .

Solution :

Given plane is 3 x  2 y  z  5  0 ...... (1)

The point A (2,3, 4) lies on the given plane,

i.e. , 3(2)  2(3)  (4)  5  6  6  4  5   1  0 .

and the point B (1, 2,3) lies on the given plane,

i.e., 3(1)  2(2)  (3)  5  3  4  3  5   3  0 .

 The given points lie on the same side of the given plane.
Check Your Progress:

2) Show that the points (2,3,5) and (0, 4,  7) lie on the opposite sides of the plane
x  2 y  2z  9  0 .
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

73
 3) Show that the points (1, 2,  5) and (0, 4,  7) lie on the same side of the plane
x  2 y  2z  9  0 .
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3.4 JOINT EQUATION OF TWO PLANES

Let ax  by  cz  d  0 ..........(1)
and a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 ..........(2)

be the equations of two planes.

Consider the equation  ax  by  cz  d   a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1   0 ..........(3)

Let P  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be a point.

P lies on (1)  ax1  by1  cz1  d  0

  ax1  by1  cz1  d  a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  d1   0

P lies on (2)  a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  d1  0

  ax1  by1  cz1  d  a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  d1   0

P lies on (3)   ax1  by1  cz1  d  a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  d1   0

 ax1  by1  cz1  d  0 (or) a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  d1  0

 P lies on the plane (1) or on the plane (2).

Thus we have the point lies either on the plane (1) or on the plane (2) 
 ax  by  cz  d   a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1   0
Hence, we say that equation (3) is the joint (combined) equation of the two planes (1) and (2).

3.4.1 Theorem :

If ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gxz  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0 represents a

pair of planes then ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents a pair of planes
parallel to them and passing through the origin.

74
Proof :
Let ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0

represents two planes

l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  d1  0 ..........(1)
l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  d 2  0 ..........(2)

 ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2wz  d

  l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  d1  l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  d 2  .

Comparing the coefficients, we obtain

a  l1l2 , b  m1m2 , c  n1n2 , 2 f  m1n2  m2 n1 , 2 g  l1n2  l2 n1 , 2h  l1m2  l2 m1 .

Equation of the plane parallel to (1) and passing through the origin is
l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  0 ..........(3)

Equation of the plane parallel to (2) and passing through the origin is
l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  0 ..........(4)

The joint equation of (3) and (4) is

 l1 x  m1 y  n1 z   l2 x  m2 y  n2 z   0
 l1l2 x 2  m1m2 y 2  n1n2 z 2  (m1n2  m2 n1 ) yz  (l1n2  l2 n1 ) zx  (l1m2  l 2 m1 ) xy  0

 ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0

This is a second degree homogeneous equation.

3.4.2 Theorem :

The equation ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents a pair of planes

passing through the origin if and only if abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0, f 2  bc,
g 2  ac, h 2  ab .

Proof :
Let the given equation ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0
represents two planes

l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  0 ............... (1)
l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  0 ............... (2)

75
 2 2 2
We have ax  by  cz  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy   l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  .

Comparing the coefficients, we obtain

a  l1l2 , b  m1m2 , c  n1n2 , 2 f  m1n2  m2 n1 , 2 g  l1n2  l2 n1 , 2h  l1m2  l2 m1 .

To obtain the necessary condition, we have to eliminate l1 , m1 , n1 and l2 , m2 , n2 from the

above six relations.

The eliminate can be obtained as follows. We have always

l1 l2 0 l2 m2 n2
m1 m2 0  l1 m1 n1  0
n1 n2 0 0 0 0

l1l2  l2l1  0 l1m2  l2m1  0 l1n2  l2 n1  0

 m1l2  m2l1  0 m1m2  m2 m1  0 m1n2  m2n1  0  1
n1l2  n2l1  0 n1m2  n2 m1  0 n1n2  n2 n1  0

2a 2h 2g a h g
 2h 2b 2f  08 h b f 0
2g 2f 2c g f c

a h g
 h b f 0
g f c

 abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0

which is a necessary condition.

We have also the condition

2
2  m n  m2 n1 
f  bc   1 2   m1m2 n1n2
 2 

76
 1
 ( m1n2  m2 n1 ) 2  0  f 2  bc .
4

Similarly the other conditions are g 2  ac, h 2  ab .

Thus, if the equation ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents two planes,

we have the (necessary) conditions

abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0,

f 2  bc, g 2  ac and h 2  ab .

Conversely, given the above conditions, we prove that the equation

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents a pair of planes passing through the

origin.

We consider the possibility abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0, f 2  bc, g 2  ac

and h 2  ab .

Then we can write ax 2  2hxy  by 2  (l1 x  m1 y ) (l2 x  m2 y )

Comparing the coefficients, we have

a  l1l2 , b  m1m2 and 2h  l1m2  l m1 . 2

1 l m
Since h 2  ab  0 , we have  1.
l2 m2

If we write 2g  n1l2  n2l1

2 f  m1n2  m2 n1

n1 and n2 can be determined in view of l1m2  l2 m1  0 .

If we write n1n2  c2 then we can verify

 l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  l2 x  m2 y  n2 z   ax 2  by 2  c2 z 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy .

Then ax 2  by 2  c2 z 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents a pair of planes, the
condition for which as already obtained is

77
 a h g
h b f 0
g f c2

a h g
h b f 0
But we are given
g f c

a h g a h g
h b f  h b f
Therefore
g f c g f c2

(or) c( h 2  ab)  c2 ( h 2  ab) .

Since by hypothesis h2  ab , we have c  c2 .

Thus ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents a pair of planes

l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  0
l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  0
passing through the origin.
Note : abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0 is not a sufficient condition for the equation

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 to represent a pair of planes.

For example, x 2  2 y 2  z 2  2 yz  2 zx  2 xy  0 satisfies the condition

abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0, but does not represent a pair of planes since h2  ab .

In other words the quadratic expression in this equation can not be split into real factors.

3.4.3 Theorem :

If  is the angle between the pair of planes

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 then

abc
cos    .
(a  b  c)  4( f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca )
2

78
Proof :
Let the pair of planes ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represent the planes
l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  0 and l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  0 .

 ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy   l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  l2 x  m2 y  n2 z 

Comparing the co-efficients, we obtain
a  l1l2 , b  m1m2 , c  n1n2 , 2 f  m1n2  m2 n1 , 2 g  l1n2  l2 n1 , 2h  l1m2  l 2 m1 .

l1l2  m1m2  n1n2

cos   
l12  m12  n12 . l2 2  m2 2  n2 2

l1l2  m1m2  n1n2


l l  m1 m2  n n  l1 m2 2  l2 2 m12  l12 n2 2  l2 2 n12  m12 n2 2  m2 2 n12
2 2
1 2
2 2 2
1 2
2 2

ll1 2 mm
1 2  nn
1 2

2 2 2 2 2 2
 ll1 2   mm
1 2   nn
1 2   l1m2 l2m1  1 2  l1n2 l2n1  2ll
2ll1 2mm 1 2  mn
1 2nn 2 1   2mmnn
1 2  mn 1 2 1 2

abc

a  b  c  4h  2ab  4 g 2  2ac  4 f 2  2bc
2 2 2 2

abc

2
a  b  c  4( f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca )

 
tan 2       sec 2   1
 2
2
a  b  c  4( f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca)
 2
1
a  b  c
4( f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca )
 2
a  b  c

2 f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca
 tan  
abc

79
 Corollary 1:

(i) The planes are perpendicular     cos   0  a  b  c  0 .
2
(ii) The planes are coincident (identical)    0  cos   1 .

a bc
 1
2
 a  b  c   4( f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca )

 (a  b  c)2  (a  b  c)2  4( f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca )

 f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca  0

 ( f 2  bc)  ( g 2  ca )  (h2  ab)  0

 f 2  bc  0, g 2  ca  0, h 2  ab  0

 f 2  bc, g 2  ca, h 2  ab .

Corallary 2 :
The direction ratios of the line of intersection of the planes represented by

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 are f 2  bc , g 2  ca , h 2  ab .

Proof :

Let ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 ...... (1)

represents the planes l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  0 and l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  0 .

 ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy   l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  .

 a  l1l2 , b  m1m2 , c  n1n2 , 2 f  m1n2  m2 n1 , 2 g  l1n2  l2 n1 , 2h  l1m2  l2 m1 .

Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the line of intersection of (1).

Then ll1  mm1  nn1  0 and ll2  mm2  nn2  0 .

l m n
  
m1n2  m2 n1 n1l2  n2l1 l1m2  l2 m1

l m n
  
2 2 2
 m1n2  m2n1   4m1m2 n1n2  n1l2  n2l1   4n1n2l1l2 l1m2  l2m1   4l1l2 m1m2

80
 l m n
  
4 f 2  4bc 4 g 2  4ca 4h 2  4ab

l m n
  
f 2  bc g 2  ca h 2  ab

 The direction ratios of the line of intersection of (1) are f 2  bc , g 2  ca , h 2  ab .

3.4.4 Example :

Show that the equation 12 x 2  2 y 2  6 z 2  2 xy  7 yz  6 zx  0 represents a pair of

planes and also find the angle between them.
Solution :

Given equation is 12 x 2  2 y 2  6 z 2  2 xy  7 yz  6 zx  0 ...... (1)

Compare equation (1) with the equation

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 , we get

7
a  12, b  2, c  6 , 2 f  7  f  , 2 g  6  g  3 , 2h  2  h  1 .
2
In order that the given equation (1) may represent a pair of planes, we require,
abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2  0

2
i.e., abc  2 fgh  af  bg 2  ch 2 
2
7 7
(12)( 2)( 6)  2   (3)( 1)  (12)    2(3) 2  6( 1) 2
2 2
 144  21  147  18  6  0 .
Also, we can easily verify that
2
27 49
f    , bc  (2)(6)  12  f 2  bc ,
2
  4

g 2  (3)2  9, ca  (6)(12)  72  g 2  ca ,

h2  (1)2  1, ab  (12)(2)  24  h 2  ab .

 The given equation represents a pair of planes.

81
 If  is the angle between the pair of planes, then
abc
cos   
2
a  b  c  4( f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca)

12  2  6

 49 
(12  2  6)2  4   9  1  24  12  72 
 4 

4 4 4 4
   
 49  16  425 441 21
16  4   94 
 4 

 4
   cos 1  
 21 
Check Your Progress:

4) Show that the equation 2 x 2  2 y 2  4 z 2  6 zx  2 yz  3 xy  0 represents a pair of

planes and also find the angle between them.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3.5 ORTHOGONAL PROJECTION ON A PLANE

3.5.1 Definition :

The foot of the perpendicular drawn from any point P to a given plane  is called the
orthogonal projection of the point P on the plane  .

It is easily seen from the above that the projection of the area enclosed by a plane curve
is the area enclosed by the projection of the curve on the plane of projection. Let A be the area
enclosed by a plane curve and  be the angle between the plane of area and the plane of
projection. Then the area projected is A cos  . This is well known result of pure solid
geometry and therefore, assumed.

82
3.5.2 Theorem :

If Ax , Ay , Az be the areas of the projections of an area A, on the three co-ordinate

2 2 2 2
planes, then A  Ax  Ay  Az .

Proof :

Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the normal to the plane of the area A.

Since l is the cosine of the angle between the YZ plane and the plane of the area A,

we have Ax = l. A

Similarly Ay = m. A

and Az = n. A

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Hence Ax  Ay  Az  (l  m  n ) A  A  A  Ax  Ay  Az

(or) A  Ax 2  Ay 2  Az 2 .

3.5.3 Example :

Find the area of the triangle whose vertices are the points (1, 2, 3), (-2, 1, -4), (3, 4, -2).

Solution :

Let A be the required area of the triangle and Ax , Ay , Az be the areas of projections of
the area A on XY, YZ, ZX planes.

The vertices of the projection of the triangle on the XY-plane (i.e., z = 0) are (1, 2, 0),
(-2, 1, 0), (3, 4, 0).

1 2 1
1
So that Az  2 1 1  2
2
3 4 1

Similarly, the vertices of the projection of the triangle on the YZ-plane (i.e., x = 0) are
(0, 2, 3), (0, 1, -4), (0, 4, -2).

2 3 1
1 19
So that Ax  1 4 1 
2 2
4 2 1

83
 Again, the vertices of the projection of the triangle on the ZX-plane (i.e., y = 0) are
(1, 0, 3), (-2, 0, -4), (3, 0, -2).

1 3 1
1 29
So that Ay  2 4 1 
2 2
3 2 1

 The area of the given triangle

2 2
 19   29 
A Ax  Ay  Az        (2) 2
2 2 2

 2  2 

361  841  16 1218

  .
4 2

Check Your Progress:

5. A plane intercepts OA = a, OB = b and OC = c respectively on the co-ordinate axes. Find
the area of the triangle.
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.............................................................................................................................................
.................................................................................................... ...........................................

3.6 VOLUME OF A TETRAHEDRON

We find the volume of a tetrahedron whose vertices are ( xr , yr , zr ); r  1, 2,3, 4 .

Let A, B, C, D form the vertices of a tetrahedron whose co-ordinates are ( x1 , y1 , z1 ),

( x2 , y2 , z2 ), ( x3 , y3 , z3 ) and ( x4 , y4 , z 4 ) respectively..

Let L be the foot of the perpendicular from A to the plane BCD and Let AL be p (fig.2).

Fig . 2

84
 If V is the volume of the tetrahedron ABCD, then
1
V p ....... (1)
3

where  is the area of the triangle BCD and p stands for absolute value of p .

The equation of the plane BCD is

x y z 1
x2 y2 z2 1
0
x3 y3 z3 1
x4 y4 z4 1

y2 z2 1 x2 z2 1 x2 y2 1 x2 y2 z2
x y3 z3 1  y x3 z3 1  z x3 y3 1  x3 y3 z3  0
(or) .
y4 z4 1 x4 z4 1 x4 y4 1 x4 y4 z4

The length of the perpendicular from A ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) to this plane BCD is given by

y2 z2 1 x2 z2 1 x2 y2 1 x2 y2 z2
x1 y3 z3 1  y1 x3 z3 1  z1 x3 y3 1  x3 y3 z3
y4 z4 1 x4 z4 1 x4 y4 1 x4 y4 z4
p  1 ..... (2)
2 2 2 2
 y2 z2 1 x2 z2 1 x2 y2 1 
 
 y3 z3 1  x3 z3 1  x3 y3 1 
y z4 1 x4 z4 1 x4 y4 1 
 4 

the denominator of which is not zero.

x1 y1 z1 1
x2 y2 z2 1
The numerator of p  x y3 z3 1
3

x4 y4 z4 1

85
 Let  x ,  y ,  z be the areas of the projections of an area of the triangle on YZ, ZX, XY
planes. Then from two dimensional co-ordinate geometry, we know

y2 z2 1 x2 z2 1 x2 y2 1
1 1 1
x   y3 z3 1 ;  y  x3 z3 1 ; z   x3 y3 1
2 2 2
y4 z4 1 x4 z4 1 x4 y4 1

2 2 2 2
Since  x   y   z   , we see that the denominator of p in (2) is equal to
1
 4( x 2   y 2   z 2 )  2
2 .

Therefore from (2),

x1 y1 z1 1
x y2 z2 1
2 p  2
x3 y3 z3 1 ....... (3)
x4 y4 z4 1

Therefore from (1) and (3), we get

x1 y1 z1 1 x1 y1 z1 1
1 1 x2 y2 z2 1 1 x2 y2 z2 1
V  p. 
3 2 p x3 y3 z3 1 6 x3 y3 z3 1
x4 y4 z4 1 x4 y4 z4 1

whose absolute value is to be taken into account.

Note :
The volume of the tetrahedron formed by four non-coplanar points A, B, C, D (fig.3) is the
1
absolute value of (b  a )  (c  a ) .(d  a )  .
6

86
 Fig . 3
Note:
A necessary and sufficient condition for the coplanarity of the four points is also given by
(b  a )  (c  a ) .(d  a)  0
(or) (b  c ).d  (a  c ).d  (a  b).d  ( a  b).c  0 ....... (4)

If A, B, C, D are given by ( xr , yr , zr ); r  1, 2,3, 4 respectively, equation (4) can be written

x2 y2 z2 x1 y1 z1 x1 y1 z1 x1 y1 z1
x3 y3 z3  x3 y3 z3  x2 y2 z2  x2 y2 z2  0
as
x4 y4 z4 x4 y4 z4 x4 y4 z4 x3 y3 z3

x1 y1 z1 1
x y2 z2 1
(or) 1  2 0.
x3 y3 z3 1
x4 y4 z4 1

Four points A, B, C, D are coplanar if the volume formed by them is zero.

3.6.1 Example :
The vertices of a tetrahedron are (0, 1, 2), (3, 0, 1), (4, 3, 6), (2, 3, 2). Show that its
volume is 6.
Solution :
The volume of the tetrahedron is

0 1 2 1 0 1 2 1
1 3 0 1 1 1 3 1 1 0

6 4 3 6 1 6 4 2 4 0  R2  R1 , R3  R1 , R4  R1 
2 3 2 1 2 2 0 0

87
 3 1 1 3 1 1
1 1
  4 2 4   16 2 0
6 6  R2  4R1 
2 2 0 2 2 0

1 16 2

6 2 2

1
  36  6 . Hence the result.
6
3.6.2 Example :
Find the volume of the tetrahedron in terms of three edges which meet in a point and of
the angles which they make with each other.
Solution :
Let OABC be a tetrahedron.

Let OA = a, OB = b, OC = c, angle BOC   , angle COA   and angle AOB   (fig. 4).




Fig . 4
We take O as origin and any system of three mutually perpendicular lines through O as
co-ordinate axes.

Let the direction cosines of the lines OA, OB, OC be l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 respectively..

From (1.6.2), the co-ordinates of A, B, C are then given by (l1a, m1a, n1a), (l2b, m2b, n2 b),
(l3 c, m3c, n3c ) .

88
The volume of the tetrahedron OABC is the absolute value of

0 0 0 1
l1a m1a n1a l1 m1 n1
1 l1a m1a n1a 1 1 abc
  l2b m2b n2b   l2 m2 n2
6 l2b m2b n2b 1 6 6
l3c m3c n3c l3 m3 n3
l3c m3c n3c 1

2
l1 m1 n1 l1 m1 n1 l1 m1 n1
Now
l2 m2 n2  l2 m2 n2  l2 m2 n2
l3 m3 n3 l3 m3 n3 l3 m3 n3

l12 l1l2 l1l3 1 cos cos 

2
 l1l2 l2 l2l3  cos 1 cos 
2
l3l1 l3l2 l3 cos  cos  1

12
l1 m1 n1 1 cos cos 
Therefore
l2 m2 n2   cos 1 cos 
l3 m3 n3 cos  cos  1

We now get the volume of the tetrahedron OABC as the absolute value of
12
1 cos cos 
abc
cos 1 cos 
6
cos  cos  1

3.6.3 Example :
Show that the volume of the tetrahedron, the equations of whose faces are
3
ar x  br y  cr z  d r  0, r  (1, 2,3, 4) is the absolute value of where  is the
6D1 D2 D3 D4
determinant,

a1 b1 c1 d1
a2 b2 c2 d2
a3 b3 c3 d3
a4 b4 c4 d4

89
 and D1 , D2 , D3 , D4 are the co-factors of d1 , d 2 , d 3 , d 4 respectively in the determinant  and
none of them is zero.
Solution :

Let ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the point of intersection of the three planes

ar x  br y  cr z  d r  0, r  (1, 2,3, 4) .

So that ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is one of the vertices of the tetrahedron.

Similarly, let ( x2 , y2 , z 2 ), ( x3 , y3 , z3 ), ( x4 , y4 , z4 ) be the other vertices obtained when

r = (3, 4, 1), (4, 1, 2), (1, 2, 3).
We write

a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  d1  k1
i.e., a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  (d1  k1 )  0 ...... (1)
Also we have
a2 x1  b2 y1  c2 z1  d 2  0 ...... (2)
a3 x1  b3 y1  c3 z1  d 3  0 ...... (3)
a4 x1  b4 y1  c4 z1  d 4  0 ...... (4)

Eliminating x1 , y1 , z1 from (1), (2), (3), (4), we get

a1 b1 c1 d1  k1
a2 b2 c2 d2
0
a3 b3 c3 d3
a4 b4 c4 d4

a2 b2 c2
(or)   k1 a3 b3 c3  0
a4 b4 c4


(or)   k1 D1  0  k1  D
1


Hence a1 x1  b1 y1  c1 z1  d1  k1 
D1

90
 
Similarly, a2 x2  b2 y2  c2 z 2  d 2  k 2 
D2

a3 x3  b3 y3  c3 z3  d3  k3 
D3

a4 x4  b4 y4  c4 z 4  d 4  k 4 
D4
We now have

a1 b1 c1 d1 x1 y1 z1 1 k1 0 0 0
a2 b2 c2 d 2 x2 y2 z2 1 0 k2 0 0
 
a3 b3 c3 d3 x3 y3 z3 1 0 0 k3 0
a4 b4 c4 d 4 x4 y4 z4 1 0 0 0 k4

4
(or)   6 (Volume of the tetrahedron)  k1k2 k3 k4 
D1 D2 D3 D4

3
(or) the value of the tetrahedron is the absolute value of .
6D1 D2 D3 D4

Check Your Progress:

6. A, B, C are (3, 2, 1), (-2, 0, -3), (0, 0, -2). Find the locus of P if the volume PABC = 5.
.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................

3.7 SUMMARY
In this unit, we have obtained the equations of the planes bisecting the angles between
two given planes. Also verified the given points lie on the same side or opposite sides of the
given plane. We have seen that an equation

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents a pair of planes through origin

if and only if abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch2  0 . If Ax , Ay , Az denote projections of the area
2 2 2 2
A on the co-ordinate planes, then A  Ax  Ay  Az . We have obtained the volume of a
tetrahedron.

91
 3.8 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: MODEL ANSWERS
1. The given equations of the planes are x  2 y  2 z  3  0 ...... (1)
3 x  4 y  12 z  1  0 ...... (2)
The equations of the two bisecting planes are
x  2 y  2z  3 3 x  4 y  12 z  1

3 13
 2 x  7 y  5 z  21  0 ...... (3)
and 11x  19 y  31z  18  0 ...... (4)

If  is the angle between the planes (1) and (3), then, we have

2 74
cos    tan    1    45 .
78 2

 The plane (3) bisects the obtuse angle.

And the plane (4) bisects the acute angle.

2. Since (2)  2(3)  2(5)  9  2  6  10  9  9  0

and (0)  2(4)  2( 7)  9  0  8  14  9  15  0

 The given points lie on opposite sides of the given plane.

3. Since (1)  2(2)  2( 5)  9  1  4  10  9  14  0
and (0)  2(4)  2( 7)  9  0  8  14  9  15  0
 The given points lie on same side of the given plane.

4. Compare the equation 2 x 2  2 y 2  4 z 2  6 zx  2 yz  3 xy  0

with the equation ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0

we get a  2, b  2, c  4, f  1, g  3, h  3 2 .

2
3 3
abc  2 fgh  af  bg  ch  (2)(2)4  2(1)(3)    (2)(1) 2  (2)(3) 2  (4)    0 .
2 2 2

2 2
f 2  1, bc  8  f 2  bc
g 2  9, ca  8  g 2  ca
9
h 2  , ab  4  h 2  ab
4

92
  The given equation represents a pair of planes.
If  is the angle between the pair of planes, then

224
cos   
2 9
 2  2  4  4(1  9   4  8  8)
4

4 4 4 4
cos     
9  16  65 81 9
16  4   14 
4 

 4
   cos 1 
9

5.

Co-ordinates of the points A, B, C are (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0) and (0, 0, c).

If Ax , Ay , Az be the projections of the area of the triangle ABC on the YZ, ZX and XY
planes respectively, then
1 1
Ax = Area of OBC  OB.OC  bc .
2 2

1 1
Similarly, Ay  ac and Az  ab .
2 2

 Area of ABC = Ax 2  Ay 2  Az 2

1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2
 bc  ca  ab  a b b c c a
4 4 4 2

93
 6. Let (x, y, z) be the co-ordinates of P. Then

x y z 1
1 3 2 1 1
PABC  5  5
6 2 0 3 1
0 0 2 1

x y z2 1
3 2 3 1
  30 [c3  2c4 ]
2 0 1 1
0 0 0 1

x y z2
 3 2 3  30  2 x  3 y  4 z  38 .
2 0 1

3.9 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Find the bisector of the obtuse angle between the planes 3 x  4 y  5 z  1  0,
5 x  12 y  13z  0 .

2. Find the bisector of the acute angle between the planes 2 x  y  2 z  3  0,

3x  2 y  6 z  8  0 .

3. Find the bisector of the angle between the planes 3 x  6 y  2 z  5  0,

4 x  12 y  3z  3  0 which contains the origin.
4. Obtain the necessary and sufficient condition that a homogeneous second degree equation
ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 represents two planes.

5. Show that the equation 2 x 2  6 y 2  12 z 2  18 yz  2 zx  xy  0 represents a pair of

planes. Also find the angle between them.
6. Find the area of the triangle whose vertices are (4, 3, -2), (3, 0, 1) and (2, -1, 3).

7. Obtain the volume of a tetrahedron whose vertices are ( xr , yr , zr ); r  1, 2,3, 4 .

8. Find the volume of the tetrahedron formed by the planes, whose equations are
z  y  0, z  x  0, x  y  0 and x  y  z  1 .

9. Find the volume of the tetrahedron formed by the points (1, 1, 3), (4, 3, 2), (5, 2, 7) and
(6, 4, 8).

94
10. Let A, B, C denote on the points (3, 2, 1), (-2, 0, -3) and (0, 0, -2) respectively. If P is a
point such that the volume of the tetrahedron PABC is 5, find the locus of P.

11. Show that the volume of the tetrahedron formed by the planes my  nz  0, nz  lx  0,

2 p3
lx  my  0 and lx  my  nz  p is .
3lmn
12. A variable plane is at a distance of p from the origin and meeting the area at A, B, C.
Consider the planes drawn parallel to the co-ordinate axes through A, B, C. Show that the
locus of their intersection is x 2  y 2  z 2  p 2 .

13. A triangle has sides a, b, c. It is placed such that the midpoint of its sides lie on the axes.
Show that the plane it lies in is
x y z
   1, (8 2  b 2  c 2  a 2 , 8 2  c 2  a 2  b 2 ,8 2  a 2  b 2  c 2 ) .
  
Find its vertices also.
14. Show that the equation
a b c
   0 represents a pair of planes.
yz zx x y

15. Find the volume of the tetrahedron formed by the planes 2 x  3 y  z  6, 2 x  3 y  0,

3 y  z  0, 2 x  z  0 .

16. From a point P ( x ', y ', z ') , a plane is drawn at right angles to OP to meet the co-ordinate
axes at A, B, C. Prove that the area of the triangle ABC is r 5 / 2 x ' y ' z ' ,where r is the
length of OP.
17. A variable plane makes with the co-ordinate planes a tetrahedron of constant volume
64k 3 . Find (a) the locus of the centroid of the tetrahedron, (b) the locus of the foot of the
perpendicular from the origin to the plane.
Answers :

1. 14 x  8 y  13  0

2. 23x  13 y  32 z  45  0

3. 67 x  162 y  47 z  44  0

 185 
5. tan 1  
 16 

95
 14
6.
2

2
8.
3

14
9.
3

10. 2 x  3 y  4 z  38

13. (  ,  ,  ), ( ,   ,  ), ( ,  ,   )

15. 24

17. (a)  xyz  k 3 (b) ( x 2  y 2  z 2 )3  384k 3 xyz .

96
BLOCK - II : THE STRAIGHT LINE

In this block, in unit 4, you will study the equations of a straight line and its paritcular
forms and a condition for the coplanarity of two lines. In unit 5, you will find the equations of
the shortest line segment between two skew lines and investigate the nature of intersection of
three planes. In unit 6, you will learn the change of the direction of axes and establish the
invarience of certain expressions involving the co-efficients of the co-ordinates of a homogeneous
second degree expression in each system.

The units included in this block are:

Unit - 4 : Straight Line and Various Forms of the Equation of a Straight Line

Unit - 5 : Skew Lines and Shortest Line Segment Between Two Skew Lines

Unit - 6 : Change of Axes

97
98
UNIT - 4 : STRAIGHT LINE AND VARIOUS FORMS OF
THE EQUATIONS OF A STRAIGHT LINE
Contents
4.0 Objectives
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Equations of a Straight Line in Various Forms
4.3 Angle Between a Line and a Plane
4.4 Point of intersection of the line with the Plane
4.5 Conditions for a Line to lie in a Plane
4.6 Coplanar Lines
4.7 Line Intersecting Two Given Lines
4.8 Worked out Exercises
4.9 Summary
4.10 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
4.11 Model Examination Questions

4.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
Obtain the equation of a straight line in the required form.
Obtain the equation of a plane containing two given lines.
Test the conditions for the coplanarity of two given lines.
Obtain the general equation of a straight line intersecting two given straight lines.

4.1 INTRODUCTION
In this unit, we regard a straight line as the intersection of two planes and obtain its
equation in unsymmetrical form. Also given the direction cosines of a line and a point on it, its
equation can be expressed in symmetrical form. We explain how to convert the equation of a
line from unsymmetrical to symmetrical form. Equation of a line in terms of given points on it
has been derived. The angle between a line and a plane has been defined and an expression is
obtained. Conditions for (i) a line to lie in a plane and (ii) the coplanarity of two lines have been
formulated. Equation of a plane containing two given lines has been obtained. Finally, it has
been pointed out that given two lines, the equation of a line passing through their intersection can
be derived using two parameters.

4.2 EQUATIONS OF A STRAIGHT LINE IN VARIOUS FORMS

4.2.1 General Form :

We prove that two general equations of the first degree in x,y,z taken together represent
a straight line.

99
 Let ax  by  cz  d  0 ...................... (1)

and a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 ....................... (2)

be the two equations of first degree in x, y, z.

The two planes (1) and (2) taken together represent a straight line which is the line of
intersection of two non-parallel planes (1) and (2).

Any straight line can be put in this form by taking any two planes through it.

Thus the general equations of a straight line are

ax  by  cz  d  0 and a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 .

These equations are known as the equations of the line in the unsymmetrical form.

Note: Two planes always intersect in a line or they are parallel to each other.

4.2.2 Symmetrical Form:

The equations of the line AB passing through the point A ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and having direction
cosines l, m, n are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
l m n

Let AB be the line and p(x, y, z) be any point on the given line AB (fig.1) such that the

distance AP  r .

Draw AL, PM perpendiculars to the Y-axis, so that OL  y1 , OM  y .

Fig. 1

100
 Then LM  OM  OL  y  y1 (with proper signs for projected segments as already
explained in unit 1).

Also LM = projection of AP on the Y - axis = AP cos   r cos   rm , where  is the

angle which AP makes with OY.

Therefore y  y1  mr .

Similarly z  z1  nr , x  x1  lr .

Hence the required equations of the line are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  r ......................(1)
l m n

This is known as the equations of the line in the symmetrical form.

Corollary 1: Any point on the line (1).

From the relation (1), we have

x  x1  lr , y  y1  mr , z  z1  nr

(or) x  x1  lr ; y  y1  mr ; z  z1  nr .

 Any point on the line (1) has the co-ordinates ( x1  l r , y1  mr , z1  nr ) .

Corollary 2 :

The equations of the line through ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and having direction ratios a, b, c are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  ...................... (2)
a b c

It is important to note that each member of equation (2) is not equal to r, the distance of
the point (x, y, z) from ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) since a, b, c are not direction cosines.

Example :

2 x  3 3  y 3z  1
The equations of the line   can be written in symmetrical form as
1 4 2

3 1
x z
2  y  3 3

1 4 2

2 3

101
  3 1
 , 3,  is a point on the line and the direction ratios of the line are
 2 3

1 2
, 4, (or) 3, 24, -4.
2 3

Example :

Find the image of the point (1, 3, 4) in the plane 2 x  y  z  3  0 .

Solution :

The equation of the given plane is 2 x  y  z  3  0 ............. (1)

The direction ratios of the normal to the plane are 2, -1, 1.

Let Q be the image of the point P (1, 3, 4) in the given plane (1).

The equations of the line PQ through P and perpendicular to the given plane (1) are
x 1 y  3 z  4
   r (say)
2 1 1

 The co-ordinates of any point on this line are Q (2r  1,  r  3, r  4) .

 2r  1  1  r  3  3 r  4  4   r  6 r  8 
The mid point of PQ   , ,  (or)  r  1, , .
 2 2 2   2 2 

If this point lies in the given plane(1), then

 r  6   r  8 
2(r  1)      3  0  r  2 .
 2   2 

 The image of P is Q (4  1, 2  3,  2  4) or Q(-3, 5, 2)

4.2.3 Line Through Two Points:

The equations of the line joining points ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1

for the direction ratios of the line joining the given points are x2  x1 , y2  y1 , z2  z1 .

102
Note:

The vector equation of a line corresponding to equation (1) of (4.2.2) is r = a +  s ,

where r is the position vector of the point P, a is the position vector of a given point A on the line,
s a unit vector along AB and  an arbitrary scalar..

Example:
The equation of the line joining (-2, 1, 2) and (1, 2, 4) are

x  2 y 1 z  2 x  2 y 1 z  2
  (or)   .
1 2 2 1 4  2 3 1 2

4.2.4 Transformation From Unsymmetrical to the Symmetrical Form:

We transform the equations

ax  by  cz  d  0, a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 of a line to the symmetrical form.

Let a ', b ', c ' be direction ratios of the line.

Since the line lies in both the planes (non-parallel) ax  by  cz  d  0 and

a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 , it is perpendicular to the normals to both of them.

As the direction ratios of the normals to the two planes are a, b, c and a 1 , b 1 , c 1

we have

aa ' bb ' cc '  0 .

a1a ' b1b ' c1c '  0

a' b' c'

Therefore  
bc1  b1c ca1  c1a ab1  a1b

In order to find the co-ordinates of any one point on the line, we take for the sake of
convenience the point of intersection of the line with the plane z = 0.
This point which is given by the equations

 bd1  b1d a1d  ad1 

ax  by  d  0 and a1 x  b1 y  d1  0 is  ab  a b , ab  a b ,0  .
 1 1 1 1 

Thus, in the symmetrical form, the equations of the given line are

(bd1  b1d ) ( a d  ad1 )

x y 1
(ab1  a1b) ( ab1  a1b) z0
 
bc1  b1c ca1  c1a ab1  a1b

103
 Example :
Find the symmetrical form of the equations of the line

x  y  z  1  0, 4 x  y  2 z  2  0 .

Solution :

The given line is x  y  z  1  0, 4 x  y  2 z  2  0 .............. (1)

Let a, b, c be the direction ratios (d.r’s) of the line.

Since it lies on both the given planes, it is perpendicular to their normals whose direction
ratios are 1, 1, 1 and 4, 1, -2.

Hence a + b + c = 0

4a + b - 2c = 0

a b c a b c a b c
On solving,   (or)   (or)   .
2  1 4  2 1  4 3 6 3 1 2 1

 The direction ratios of the given line (1) are 1, -2, 1. ................. (2)

To find a point on the given line (1), put z = 0 in the given equations (1).

Then we have x+y+1=0

4x + y + 2 = 0

1 2
Solving these equations, we get x   and y   .
3 3

 1 2 
Thus  , , 0 is a point on the line ...................(3)
3 3 

 From (2) and (3), the equations of the line in the symmetrical form are

 1  2
x   y  
 3   3  z0
1 2 1

1 2
x y
(or) 3 3z.
1 2 1
104
Example :
Find the equations of the line through the point (1, 2, 3) parallel to the line

x  y  2 z  5, 3x  y  z  6 .

Solution :

The given line is x  y  2 z  5, 3x  y  z  6 ...............(1)

Let a, b, c be the direction ratios of the required line.

Since it is parallel to the given line (1), the d.r’s of the given line are also a, b, c .
But the given line (1) is the intersection of the two planes (1) and hence it lies in both the
planes and is perpendicular to their normals whose direction ratios are 1, -1, 2 and 3, 1, 1.

Hence a  b  2c  0 .

3a  b  c  0

a b c a b c
On solving,   (or)  
1  2 6  1 1  3 3 5 4

Thus the equations of the line through the point (1, 2, 3) with direction ratios -3, 5, 4 in
symmetrical form are

x 1 y  2 z  3
  .
3 5 4

Check Your Progress:

Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

1) Find the symmetrical form of the equations of the line 3 x  y  z  1  0, 5 x  y  3z  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2) Find the equations of the line through the point (1, 2, 4) parallel to the line
3 x  2 y  z  4, x  2 y  2 z  5 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

105
 4.3 ANGLE BETWEEN A LINE AND A PLANE
4.3.1 Definition :
Angle between a line and a plane is the complement of the angle between the line and
the normal to the plane.

 
Note that usually angle between two lines is taken to lie in  0,  .
 2

We find the angle between the line

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  ............(1)
l m n

and the plane

ax  by  cz  d  0 .............(2)

Let  be the required angle. Then the angle between the line and the normal to the

plane is  .
2

Since the direction cosines of the given line and of the normal to the given plane are
respectively proportional to l, m, n and a, b, c, we have

  al  bm  cn
cos      sin  
2  a  b  c 2 . l 2  m 2  n2
2 2

Corollary :

The straight line (1) is parallel to the plane (2) if   0 i.e., sin   0  al  bm  cn  0 .

a condition which is also evident from the fact that if a line is parallel to a plane  it is
perpendicular to the normal to the plane.
4.3.2 Example :

x 1 y z  3
Find the angle between the line   and the plane 3x + y + z = 7.
2 3 6

Solution:

Let  be the angle between the line and the plane.

 
Then the angle between the line and the normal to the plane is     .
2 

106
 The direction ratios of the line are 2, 3, 6.

The direction ratios of the normal to the plane are 3, 1, 1.

  (3)(2)  (1) (3)  (1)(6)

 cos      sin  
2  32  12  12 . 22  32  62

63 6 15 15
  
9  1  1. 4  9  36 11 49 7 11

 15 
   sin 1  .
 7 11 

Check Your Progress:

x 1 y 1 z  3
3) Find the angle between the line   and the plane x + 2y + z = 12.
2 1 4

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4) Find the angle between the plane 2 x  3 y  4 z  1  0 and the line with direction ratios
4, 5, 6.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

4.4 POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE LINE WITH THE

PLANE

x  x1 y  y1 z  z 1
Let the given line be   ...................(1)
l m n

and the plane be ax  by  cz  d  0 ....................(2)

Any point on the line (1) is ( x1  lr , y1  mr , z1  nr ) .....................(3)

If the point (3) lies on the plane (2), then

a( x1  lr )  b ( y1  mr )  c( z1  nr )  d  0

107
  ( ax1  by1  cz1  d )  r ( al  bm  cn)  0

ax1  by1  cz1  d

r
al  bm  cn

Substituting the value of r in (3), we get the required point of intersection.

4.4.1 Example :

x 1 y  3 z  2
Find the co-ordinates of the point of intersection of the line   with
1 3 2
the plane 3 x  4 y  5 z  5 .

Solution :

x 1 y  3 z  2
Let   r.
1 3 2

Then x  r  1, y  3r  3, z  2r  2 .

So that the co-ordinates of the point on the line are (r  1, 3r  3,  2r  2) .

If this point lies on the given plane 3 x  4 y  5 z  5 , then we have

3(r  1)  4(3r  3)  5(2r  2)  5  0 .

 3r  3  12 r  12  10r  10  5  0

 5r  10  0  r  2 .

Hence, the required point of intersection is (2-1, 6-3, -4+2) or (1, 3, -2).

Check Your Progress:

x 1 y  3 z  4
5) Find the co-ordinates of the point of intersection of the line   with the
2 1 1
plane 2 x  y  z  3  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

108
4.5 CONDITIONS FOR A LINE TO LIE IN A PLANE
4.5.1 Theorem :

The necessary and sufficient conditions for a line L

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  .........................(1)
l m n

to lie in a plane 

ax  by  cz  d  0 .........................(2)

are al  bm  cn  0 .........................(3)

and ax1  by1  cz1  d  0 .........................(4)

Proof :

If the line L has to lie in the plane  , then any point on the line (1) i.e.,

(lr  x1 , mr  y1 , nr  z1 ) should be a point on the plane (2).

This requires a(lr  x1 )  b (mr  y1 )  c( nr  z1 )  d  0

or (al  bm  cn) r  ( ax1  by1  cz1  d )  0 ...................(5)

Since equation (5) must hold good for all values of r, the coefficient of r and the constant
in (5) should separately vanish. Hence we obtain (3) and (4).

Conversely (3) and (4) imply that we require a line:

(i) it is perpendicular to the normal to the plane

(ii) it passes through the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) in the plane.

Evidently (1) is the required line.

Corollary 1 :

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
The conditions for a line   to be parallel to the plane
l m n
ax  by  cz  d  0 are

al + bm + cn = 0 and ax1  by1  cz1  d  0

109
 Corollary 2 :

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
The condition for the line   to be perpendicular to the plane
l m n
l m n
ax  by  cz  d  0 is   .
a b c

Corollary 3 :

(i) we know that the equation of any plane containing the line ax  by  cz  d  0 ,
a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 (when the equations of the line are in general form) is

(ax  by  cz  d )   (a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1 )  0,  is a parameter..

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
(ii) The equation of any plane containing the line   (when the equations
l m n
of the line are in the symmetrical form) is

a( x  x1 )  b ( y  y1 )  c( z  z1 )  0 , where al  bm  cn  0 .

4.6 COPLANAR LINES, CONDITION FOR THE

COPLANARITY OF LINES
We find the condition that two given lines are coplanar. (i.e., the condition that two given
lines should lie in a plane).

Let the equations of two lines be

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  ........................(1)
l1 m1 n1

x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
  .......................(2)
l2 m2 n2

The equation of any plane containing the line (1) is

a( x  x1 )  b ( y  y1 )  c( z  z1 )  0 .....................(3)

where al1  bm1  cn1  0 ......................(4)

If the plane (3) contains the line (2), then in addition to (4), we have

(i) the point ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) on the line (2) also lies on the plane (3)

110
  a( x2  x1 )  b ( y2  y1 )  c ( z 2  z1 )  0 ..................(5)

and (ii) the line (2) is perpendicular to the normal to the plane (3)

 al2  bm2  cn2  0 ....................(6)

x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1
l1 m1 n1 0
Now, eliminating a, b, c from (4), (5) and (6), we get
l2 m2 n2

which is the required condition for the lines to intersect.

x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1 x1  x2 y1  y2 z1  z2
l1 m1 n1 0 l1 m1 n1 0
Note that,
l2 m2 n2 l2 m2 n2

 The condition is clearly satisfied if the lines are parallel.

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
l1 m1 n1 0
Eliminating a, b, c from (3), (4) and (6), we get
l2 m2 n2

which is the required equation of the plane containing the two lines.

Note:

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
l1 m1 n1 0
In general, the equation
l2 m2 n2

represents the plane which passes through the line (1) and is parallel to the line (2)

x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
l1 m1 n1 0
and the equation
l2 m2 n2

represents the plane which passes through the line (2) and is parallel to the line (1).

111
 4.6.1 Example :

x3 y5 z7

Show that the lines   .....................(1)
2 3 3

x 1 y 1 z 1
  ......................(2)
4 5 1

are coplanar and find the equation of the plane containing them.

Solution :

The condition for the coplanarity of the two given lines (1) and (2) is

3  1  5  1 7  1 2  4 8
2 3 3  2 3  3  0 , satisfied.
4 5 1 4 5 1

The equation of the plane containing the two given lines (1) and (2) is

x3 y5 z7

2 3 3 0
4 5 1

 ( x  3) ( 3  15)  ( y  5) ( 2  12)  ( z  7) (10  12)  0

 12 x  36  10 y  50  2 z  14  0

 12 x  10 y  2 z  0  6 x  5 y  z  0

which is the equation of the plane which containg the line (1) and is parallel to line (2).

Check Your Progress:

x 1 y  3 z  2 x y7 z7
6. Show that the lines   and   intersect. Find the co-
3 2 1 1 3 2
ordinates of the point of intersection and the equation of the plane containing them.
.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................

112
4.7 LINE INTERSECTING TWO GIVEN LINES
If u1  0  v1 and u2  0  v2 be two straight lines, then the general equations of a straight
line intersecting both of them are

u1  1v1  0  u2  2 v2 , where 1 , 2 are any two constant numbers.

The line u1  1 v1  0  u2  2 v2 lies in the plane u1  1 v1  0 which again contains

the line u1  0  v1 .

The two lines u1  1 v1  0  u2  2 v2 ; u1  0  v1 are, therefore coplanar and hence

they intersect.

Similarly, the same line intersects the line u2  0  v2 .

4.7.1 Example :
Find the equations to the line that intersects the lines

2 x  y  1  0  x  2 y  3z

3x  y  z  2  0  4 x  5 y  2 z  3

x y z
and is parallel to the line   .
1 2 3

Solution :
The general equations of the line intersecting the two given lines are

(2 x  y  1)  1 ( x  2 y  3 z )  0

(3x  y  z  2)  2 (4 x  5 y  2 z  3)  0

i.e., x(2  1 )  y (1  21 )  z (31 )  1  0

x(3  42 )  y ( 1  52 )  z (1  22 )  (2  32 )  0

which will be parallel to the given line if 1 , 2 be so chosen that the two planes representing
it are separately parallel to the given line.
This requires

1(2  1 )  2(1  21 )  3(31 )  0  2  1  2  41  91  0

2
 61  4  0  1 
3

113
 and 1(3  42 )  2(1  52 )  3(1  22 )  0  3  42  2  102  3  62  0

1
 82  4  0  2  .
2

 The required equation of the line are

2 1
(2 x  y  1)  ( x  2 y  3z)  0, (3x  y  z  2)  (4 x  5 y  2 z  3)  0
3 2

(or) 4 x  7 y  6 z  3  0, 2 x  7 y  4 z  7  0 .

Check Your Progress:

7. Find the equations of the line which passes through the point (2, -1, 1) and intersects the
lines
2x + y - 4 = 0, y + 2z = 0
x + 3z = 4, 2x + 5z = 8.
.................................................................................................... ......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................
.................................................................................................... .......................................

4.8 WORKED OUT EXERCISES

4.8.1 Exercise :
Find the distance of the point (-1, -5, -10) from the point of intersection of the line
x  2 y 1 z  2
  and the plane x - y + z = 5.
2 4 12

Solution :

x  2 y 1 z  2
Let   r.
2 4 12

Then x = 2r + 2, y = 4r - 1, z = 12r + 2.

So that any point on the given line is (2r  2, 4r  1, 12r  2) .

If it lies in the given plane x  y  z  5  0 , then we have

(2r  2)  (4r  1)  (12r  2)  5  0 10r  0  r  0 .

Hence the required point of intersection is (2, -1,2) i.e., the given line meets the given
plane at the point (2, -1, 2).

114
 Now, the distance of the given point (-1, -5, -10) from the point (2, -1, 2) is

(2  1) 2  (1  5) 2  (2  10) 2  32  4 2  12 2  9  16  144  169  13 .

4.8.2 Exercise :
Find the equations of the line through the point (3, -1, 11) and perpendicular to the line
x y2 z3
  . Obtain the foot of the perpendicular also.
2 3 4

Solution :

x y2 z3
Let    r . Then x  2r , y  3r  2, z  4r  3 .
2 3 4

So that the co-ordinates of any point p on the line are (2r , 3r  2, 4r  3) , where r is so
choosen that p is the foot of the perpendicular from the point (3, -1, 11) to the plane.
The direction ratio of the given line are 2, 3, 4.
Then the line joining p to the point (3, -1, 11) is perpendicular to the given line.

Hence 2(2r  3)  3(3r  2  1)  4(4r  3  11)  0

 4 r  6  9 r  9  16 r  32  0  29 r  29  0  r  1 .

Therefore p has the co-ordinates (2, 3+2, 4+3) (or) (2, 5, 7) and the equations of the
required perpendicular are

x  3 y  1 z  11 x3 y 1 z  11
  (or)   .
3  2 1  5 11  7 1 6 4

4.8.3 Exercise :
Find the equation of the plane through the point (1, 1, 1) and perpendicular to the line
x  2 y  z  2, 4 x  3 y  z  1  0 .

Solution :

The given line is x  2 y  z  2, 4 x  3 y  z  1  0 ..............(1)

Let a, b, c be the direction ratios of the line.

Since it lies on both the given planes, it is perpendicular to their normals whose direction
ratios are 1, -2, 1 and 4, 3, -1.

Hence a  2b  c  0

4a  3b  c  0

115
 a b c a b c
On solving,   (or)   .
2  3 4 1 3 8 1 5 11

 The direction ratios of the given line are -1, 5, 11.

The equation of any plane perpendicular to the given line is  x  5 y  11z  d  0 .

But this plane also passes through (1, 1, 1), then, we have  1  5  11  d  0  d   15 .

 The required plane is  x  5 y  11z  15  0 (or) x  5 y  11z  15  0 .

4.8.4 Exercise :
Find the length of the projection of the line joining the points (-1, 2, 0) and (1, -1, 2) on the
plane 2 x  y  2 z  4 .

Solution :
The line joining the points A (-1, 2, 0) and B (1, -1, 2) is
AB  (1  1)2  (1  2)2  (2  0)2

 (2) 2  (3) 2  (2) 2  4  9  4  17 .

The direction ratios of the line AB are 1+1, -1-2, 2-0 or 2, -3, 2.
The direction ratios of the normal to the plane are 2, -1, -2.

 
Let  be the angle between the line AB and the given plane, then     is the angle
2 
between the line AB and the normal to the plane.

  (2)(2)  ( 3)( 1)  (2)( 2)

 cos      sin  
2  (2)  ( 3) 2  (2)2 . (2) 2  (1)2  (2) 2
2

4  3 4 3 1
  
4  9  4 4  1 4 17 9 17

1 16 4
 cos  1  sin 2   1    .
17 17 17

 The length of the projection of the line AB on the given plane is AB cos  .

4
i.e., AB cos  17. 4.
17

116
4.8.5 Exercise:

x 1 y 1 z  3
Find the equation of the plane passing through the line   and
2 1 4
perpendicular to the plane x  2 y  z  12 .

Solution :

x 1 y 1 z  3
The given line is   ................. (1)
2 1 4

Any plane containing the given line (1) is

a( x  1)  b( y  1)  c ( z  3)  0 ................ (2)

where 2a  b  4c  0 ................ (3)

If the plane (2) is perpendicular to the given plane

x  2 y  z  12  0 , then a  2b  c  0 ............... (4)

a b c a b c
From (3) and (4), we have   (or)   .
1  8 4  2 4  1 9 2 5

Putting the values of a, b, c in (2), we have

9( x  1)  2( y  1)  5( z  3)  0

 9 x  9  2 y  2  5 z  15  0

 9 x  2 y  5 z  4  0 (or) 9 x  2 y  5 z  4  0 .

which is the required equation of the plane.

4.8.6 Exercise :
Prove that the points (1, 2, 3), (4, 0, 4), (-2, 4, 2) and (7, -2, 5) are collinear.
Solution :
The four given points are A (1, 2, 3), B (4, 0, 4), C (-2, 4, 2) and D (7, -2, 5).
The equations of the line joining the points A (1, 2, 3) and B (4, 0, 4) are

x 1 y  2 z  3 x 1 y  2 z  3
  (or)   ................(1)
4 1 0  2 4  3 3 2 1

If C (-2, 4, 2) lies on the line (1), then

2  1 4  2 2  3 3 2 1
  (or)   (or) -1 = -1 = -1 which is true.
3 2 1 3 2 1

117
 and if D (7, -2, 5) lies on the line (1), then

7  1 2  2 5  3 6 4 2
  (or)   (or) 2 = 2 = 2 which is true.
3 2 1 3 2 1

Thus the given four points lie on the same straight line. i.e., They are collinear.
4.8.7 Exercise :

x 1 y z  2
Find the image of the line   in the plane 2 x  y  3z  4  0 .
2 1 2

Solution :
Clearly P (1, 0, -2) is a point on the given line.
Let Q be the image of P in the given plane.
The equations of the line PQ through P and perpendicular to the given plane are

x 1 y z  2
   r (say).
2 1 3

The co-ordinates of any point on this line are Q (2r  1, r ,  3r  2) .

 2r  1  1 r  0 3r  2  2   2r  2 r 3r  4 
The mid point of PQ  R  , ,  (or) R  , , 
 2 2 2   2 2 2 

If this point lies in the given plane, then

 2r  2  r  3r  4  4
2    3  4 0 r  .
 2  2  2  7

 1 4 2 
 The image of P is Q  7 , 7 , 7  .
 

Any point on the given line is S (2r  1,  r , 2r  2) .

If this point lies in the given plane, then

4
2(2r  1)  r  3(2r  2)  4  0  r  .
3

 11 4 2 
 S , , 
 3 3 3

118
 11 1 4 4 2 2
The direction ratios of the line QS are  ,  , 
3 7 3 7 3 7
(or) 80, - 16, 20 (or) 20, -4, 5

1 4 2
x y z
The equations of the image line QS are 7 7 7.
20 4 5

4.8.8 Exercise :
Prove that the lines

x 1 y 1 z 1
  ............(1)
1 2 3

and x  2 y  3 z  8  0, 2 x  3 y  4 z  11  0 ...........(2)

are coplanar. Find the co-ordinates of the point of intersection and the equation of the
plane containing them.
Solution :
The general equation of any plane through the line (2) is

( x  2 y  3 z  8)   (2 x  3 y  4 z  11)  0 ............(3)

 x (1  2 )  y (2  3 )  z (3  4 )  ( 8  11 )  0 ,  being a parameter..

This plane (3) will be parallel to the line (1), if

1(1  2 )  2(2  3 )  3(3  4 )  0

 1  2  4  6  9  12  0

14 7
 20  14  0     .
20 10

7
putting    in (3), we get
10

7
( x  2 y  3 z  8)  (2 x  3 y  4 z  11)  0
10

 10 x  20 y  30 z  80  14 x  21y  28 z  77  0

 4 x  y  2 z  3  0 (or) 4 x  y  2 z  3  0 .

119
 which is the required equation of the plane containing the line (2) and is parallel to the
line (1).
This plane clearly passes through the point (-1, -1, -1) on the line (1), so that it also
contains the line (1).
Thus the given two lines are coplanar and the equation of the plane containing the given
two lines (1) and (2) is 4 x  y  2 z  3  0 .

Now, any point on the line (1) is (r  1, 2r  1, 3r  1) ................(4)

If it lies on first plane of line (2), then

(r  1)  2(2r  1)  3(3r  1)  8  0

 r  1  4r  2  9r  3  8  0  14r  14  0  r  1 .

Putting r = 1 in (4), we get (1  1, 2  1, 3  1) or (0, 1, 2)

which is a required point of intersection of the two lines (1) and (2).
4.8.9 Exercise :

Show that the lines x  y  z  3  0  2 x  3 y  4 z  5 ..............(1)

and 4 x  y  5 z  7  0  2 x  5 y  z  3 ............. (2)

are coplanar. Find the equation of the plane in which they lie.
Solution :
First we have to reduce any one line from the given two lines (1) and (2) to the symmetric
form.
As follows (4.2.4) of 4.2, we get the equations of the line (1) in symmetrical form are

x  4 y 1 z  0
 
1 2 1

Now, as follows exercise (4.8.8), we can prove that the lines (3) and (2) (i.e.,(1) and
(2)) are coplanar and we get the equation of the plane in which the lines (3) and (2) (i.e., (1) and
(2)) is x  2 y  3z  2  0 .

4.8.10 Exercise :

x y z
Assuming the line   as given, find the equations of the line of greatest slope
4 3 7
in the plane 2 x  y  5 z  12 and passing through its point (2, 3, -1).

120
Solution :
[A plane perpendicular to the given line and the given plane have a common line of
intersection unless both of them are parallel.
Assuming them to be non-parallel, a line in the given plane but perpendicular to the
common line of intersection, mentioned above, is called the line of greatest slope (fig. 2).

Fig. 2

Let 1 be a plane perpendicular to the given line AB.

Let  2 be the given plane and let both the planes 1 and  2 intersect along LM.

A line CD, lying in plane  2 but perpendicular to LM is, by definition the line of
greatest slope].

x y z
In this problem the line AB is given by   .
4 3 7

The equation of the plane 1 normal to AB is 4 x  3 y  7 z  k  0 where k is arbitrary..

The equation of the plane  2 is 2 x  y  5 z  12 .

Let the direction ratios of LM, the line of intersection of planes 1 and  2 be a, b, c.
Since LM is perpendicular to the normals of both the planes, we have

4a  3b  7 c  0

2a  b  5c  0

121
 a b c
Solving these equations, we get   .
4 17 5

Since CD, the line of greatest slope in the plane  2 is perpendicular to both LM and
normal to the  2 , its direction ratios a ', b ', c ' are given by

4a ' 17 b ' 5 c '  0

2a ' b ' 5 c '  0

a' b' c'
Solving these equations, we get   .
3 1 1

Among the many lines perpendicular to LM, we so choose CD as to pass through the
given point (2, 3, -1) of the  2 .

Hence the equations of the line of greatest slope through (2, 3, -1) and having direction
ratios 3, -1, 1 are

x  2 y  3 z 1
  .
3 1 1

4.9 SUMMARY
We have seen that the general form of the equations of a line are

ax  by  cz  d  0 , a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 .

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
and the symmetrical form of the equations of a line is   where l, m, n
l m n
denote the direction cosines of the line and ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is a fixed point on the line.

We also obtained the necessary and sufficient conditions for a given line
x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  , to lie on a given plane ax  by  cz  d  0 are
l m n

al  bm  cn  0 , ax1  by1  cz1  0 .

Further, if two lines are given by u1  0  v1 , u 2  0  v2 , then the equations of a line

through the intersection of the two lines are given by

u1  1 v1  0  u2  2 v2 , where 1 , 2 are parameters.

122
4.10 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS - MODEL ANSWERS
1. Let a, b, c be the direction ratios of the given line. Then, we have

3a  b  c  0

5a  b  3c  0

a b c
   .
1 1 2

To find a point on the given line, put z = 0 in the given equations of the line.

We have 3 x  y  1  0

5x  y  0

1 5
x , y
8 8

1 5
x y
Hence the symmetrical form of the line is 8 8  z0 .
1 1 2

2. Let a, b, c be the direction ratios of the given line. Then we have

3a  2b  c  0

a  2b  2c  0

a b c a b c
On solving,   (or)   .
6 5 8 6 5 8

Since the required line is parallel to the given line, the direction ratios are same.
Thus the equations of the line through the point (1, 2, 4) with direction ratios 6, -5, 8 in
x 1 y  2 z  4
symmetrical as form are   .
6 5 8

  1(2)  2(1)  1(4)

3. cos     
 2  (1)  (2)2  (1) 2 . (2) 2  ( 1) 2  (4)2
2

22 4 4 4
sin     .
1  4  1 4  1  16 6 21 3 4

123
   8  15  24 47  47 
4. cos      sin       sin 1  .
 2  29. 77 29 77  29 77 

x 1 y  3 z  4
5. Let    r . Then the co-ordinates of any point on the line are
2 1 1
(2r  1,  r  3, r  4) .

If this point lies on the given plane 2 x  y  z  3  0 , then we have

2(2r  1)  ( r  3)  (r  4)  3  0 (or) r = -1.

Thus, the point of intersection is (-1, 4, 3).

x 1 y  3 z  2
6. Any point on the line   is (3r  1, 2r  3, r  2) .
3 2 1

x y7 z7
If it lies on the line   , then
1 3 2

3r  1 2r  3  7 r  2  7 3r  1 2r  4 r  5
  (or)   .
1 3 2 1 3 2

3r  1 2r  4
From   9 r  3  2 r  4  r  1 .
1 3

3  1 2  4 1  5 2 6 4
For r = -1, we have   (or)   (or) 2 = 2 = 2.
1 3 2 1 3 2

Hence the given two lines intersect and the point of intersection is
(3-1, -2+3, -1-2) or (2, 1, -3).
The equation of the plane containing the given lines is

x 1 y  3 z  2
3 2 1  0 x y  z  0 .
1 3 2

7. The line (2 x  y  4)  1 ( y  2 z )  0, ( x  3 z  4)  2 (2 x  5 z  8)  0 intersects the

given two lines for all values of 1 , 2 .

The line passing through the point (2, -1, 1), if 1  1  0 and
1  2  0  1  1, 2  1 .

 The required equations are x + y + z = 2, x + 2z =4.

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4.11 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS
1. Obtain the equations of a straight line in symmetrical form.

2. Find the image of the point (1, -1, 5) in the plane 3 x  2 y  4 z  14  0 .

3. Obtain the symmetrical form of the equations of the line x  2 y  3z  4, 2 x  3 y  4 z  5 .

4. Obtain the necessary and sufficient condition for a line to line in a plane.
5. Obtain the condition for the coplanarity of the given lines.

x 1 y  3 z  5 x  2 y  4 z  6
6. Prove that the lines   ,   intersect. Find their point
3 5 7 1 3 5
of intersection and equation of the plane in which they lie.

x  1 y  1 z  10 x  4 y  3 z  1
7. Prove that the lines   ,   are coplanar. Find their
2 3 8 1 4 7
point of intersection and the equation of a plane containing them.

x5 y4 z7

8. Show that the lines   , 3 x  2 y  z  2  0, x  3 y  2 z  13  0 are
3 1 2
coplanar. Find the equation of the plane in which they lie.

x  3 2  y z 1
9. Show that the line   intersects the line
3 4 1
x  2 y  3 z  0, 2 x  4 y  3 z  3  0 . Find their point of intersection.

x4 y6 z 1
10. Show that the lines   , 3x  2 y  z  5  0, 2 x  3 y  4 z  4  0 are
3 5 2
coplanar. Find their point of intersection and the equation of the plane in which they lie.
11. Find the angle between the lines

x  2 y  z  0  x  y  z, x  2 y  z  0  8 x  12 y  5 z .

12. Find the equations of the line that intersects the lines
2 x  y  4  0  y  z , x  3z  4, 2 x  5 z  8 and passes through the point (2, -1, 1).

13. Find the equations of the line drawn through the point (-4, 3, 1), parallel to the plane
( x  1) ( y  3) ( z  1)
x  2 y  z  5 so as to intersect the line    . Find also the point of
3 1 1
intersection.
14. Find the equations of the line through the point (1, 2, 3) and parallel to the planes
x  y  z  6, 2 x  y  3z  0 .

125
 15. Find the equations of the line through the point (-2, 3, 4) and parallel to the planes
2 x  3 y  4 z  5, 4 x  3 y  5 z  6 .

16. Find the line which intersects the lines x  y  z  1, 2 x  y  z  2; x  y  z  3,

2 x  4 y  z  4 and passes through the point (1, 1, 1).

17. Find the lines drawn from the origin to intersect the lines
3 x  2 y  4 z  5  0, 2 x  3 y  4 z  1  0; 2 x  4 y  z  6  0, 3x  4 y  z  3  0 .

18. Find the equation of the plane through the points (1, 0, -1) and (3, 2, 2) and parallel to the
x 1 1 y z  2
line   .
1 2 3

19. Find the equations of the line through the point (1, 2, 4) parallel to the line
3 x  2 y  z  4, x  2 y  2 z  5 .

x  1 1  y z  3
20. Find the equation of the plane which contains the line   and is
2 1 4
perpendicular to the plane x  2 y  z  12 .

Answers :
2. (7, -5, -3)

x2 y3 z
3.  
1 2 1

 1 1 3 
6.  2 , 2 , 2 , x  2y  z  0
 

7. (5, 7,6), 11x  6 y  5z  67  0

8. 21x  19 y  22 z  125  0

9. (9, -6, 1)

10. (2,4, 3), 45x  17 y  25z  53  0

1  14 
11. cos  
 290 

12. x  y  z  2, x  2 z  4

x4 y  3 z 1  5 5 3 
13.   ,  , , 
3 1 1  2 2 2

126
 x 1 y2 z3
14.  
4 1 3

x2 y3 z4

15.  
1 2 2

y 1 z 1
16. x  1, 
1 3

17. 13x  13 y  4 z  0, 8 x  12 y  3z  0

18. 4 x  y  2 z  6

x 1 2  y z  4
19.  
6 5 8

20. 9 x  2 y  5 z  4  0

127
 UNIT - 5 : SKEW LINES AND SHORTEST LINE SEGMENT
BETWEEN TWO SKEW LINES
Contents
5.0 Objectives
5.1 Introduction
5.2 The Shortest Line Segment Between Two Skew Lines
5.3 The Length of the Perpendicular from a Point to a Line
5.4 Intersection of Three Planes
5.5 Worked out Exercises
5.6 Summary
5.7 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
5.8 Model Examination Questions

5.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you will be able to:
Obtain the length and the equations of the shortest line segment between two skew
lines.
Obtain the length of the perpendicular from a point to a line.
Investigate the nature of intersection of three planes.

5.1 INTRODUCTION
In this unit we explain the concept of the shortest line segment between two skew lines.
We derive its equations and obtain an expression for its length. An example has been worked
out (i) by the general as outlined in the theory (ii) by a method which determines the position of
the shortest line segment between the two skew lines and is often useful in establishing a criterion
for the two lines to interest and (iii) lastly by a method based on the concept that the shortest line
segment is the length of the perpendicular from a point on one of the skew lines to the planes
passing through the second skew line and parallel to the first. We also explain the concept of the
length of the perpendicular from a point to a line.
Finally, conditions have been obtained for three given planes as to when they form a
single common line, a prism and a single common point.

5.2 THE SHORTEST LINE SEGMENT BETWEEN TWO

SKEW LINES
Definition : Two non-coplanar lines which do not intersect are called skew lines.

We shall prove two results: (i) There is a line which meets both the skew lines at right
angles and (ii) There is only one such line.

128
 Let AB, CD be two given skew lines (fig. 1).

Let a line perpendicular to both of them meet AB, CD in the points, G, H respectively.

Since the equations of the line AB are given, the co-ordinates of any point on it and in
particular G can be written (see 4.2) in terms of a parameter r.

Similarly the co-ordinates of H can also be written in terms of r ' .

Using the fact that GH is perpendicular to both AB and CD the two parameters r and r '
can be determined.

With the knowledge of r and r ' , the equation to the line GH can be written down.

Thus there is a line GH which meets both the skew lines at right angles.

Fig. 1

In order to prove that there is only one such line, take any two points A, C one on each
of the two given lines.

Then GH is the projection of AC on GH itself and, therefore, GH  AC cos where 

is the angle between GH and AC.

Hence GH  AC . Thus GH is the only shortest line segment between two lines AB
and CD.

5.2.1 Length and equations of the shortest line segment :

Let the given lines AB and CD (see fig. 1) have the equations.

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
  and  
l1 m1 n1 l2 m2 n2

where A  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and C  ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) .

Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the shortest line segment GH.

Since GH is perpendicular to both AB and CD, we get

129
 ll1  mm1  nn1  0

and ll2  mm2  nn 2  0

Solving these equations, we get

l m n l2 1
    .........(1)
m1n2  m2 n1 n1l2  n2 l1 l1m2  l2 m1  (m1n2  m2 n1 ) 2 sin 

where  is the angle between the lines AB and CD and  ( m1n2  m2 n1 ) 2  0 since
the lines are skew.

Therefore the length of the shortest line segment GH = projection of AC on GH

= l ( x2  x1 )  m( y2  y1 )  n( z 2  z1 )

where l, m, n have the values as given by (1).

To find the equations of shortest line segment, we observe that it is coplanar with both
the given lines AB and CD.

From 4.6, the equations of the plane containing the lines AB and GH is given by

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
l1 m1 n1 0
........(2)
l m n

Similarly the equation of the plane containing the lines CD and GH is of the form

x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
l2 m2 n2 0
.........(3)
l m n

Hence (2) and (3) are the equations of the shortest line segment.

The reader should observe that the conditions for the given lines to intersect is also
obtained by equating the length of shortest line segment GH to zero.

5.2.2 Example

Find the length and the equation of the shortest line segment between the lines

x  8 y  9 z  10
  .......................(1)
3 16 7

130
 x  15 y  29 z  5
  .......................(2)
3 8 5

Solution :

we shall work out this problem in three different methods.

First Method

Let l, m, n be the direction consines of the line of shortest segment between (1) and (2).
Since the shortest line segment is perpendicular to the two lines (1) and (2), we have

3l  16m  7 n  0

and 3l  8m  5n  0

l m n l m n
On solving,   (or)   .
24 36 12 2 3 6

The direction ratios of the shortest line segment are 2, 3, 6.

Therefore the direction cosines of the shortest line segment are

2 3 6
l  , m  , n  ( 22  32  62  7) .
7 7 7

A point on line (1) is (8, -9, 10) and a point on line (2) is (15, 29, 5).

The length of the shortest line segment is the projection of the join of the points
(8, -9, 10), (15, 29, 5) on the shortest line segment and hence

2 3 6 2 3 6
(15  8)  (29  9)  (5  10)  (7)  (38)  (5)
7 7 7 7 7 7

14  114  30 98
   14 .
7 7

Again from (4.6) the equation of the plane containing the line (1) and the shortest line
segment is

x  8 y  9 z  10
3  16 7 0 (or) 117 x  4 y  41z  490  0 .................(3)
2 3 6

131
 Also the equation of the plane containing the line (2) and the shortest line segment is

x  15 y  29 z5
3 8  5  0 (or) 9 x  4 y  z  14  0 .....................(4)
2 3 6

Hence from (3) and (4), the equations of the shortest line segment are

117 x  4 y  41z  490  0  9 x  4 y  z  14 .

Second Method

Let the shortest line segment meets the lines (1) and (2) in p and p respectively..

P(3r  8,  16r  9, 7r  10), P '(3r ' 15. 8r ' 29,  5r ' 5) are the general co-ordinates
of the points on the two lines (1) and (2) respectively.

The direction ratios of PP ' are (3r  8  3r ' 15,  16r  9  8r ' 29,7 r  10  5r ' 5)
(or) (3r  3r ' 7,  16 r  8r ' 38, 7 r  5r ' 5) .

Now PP ' will be the required shortest line segment, if it is perpendicular to both the
given lines, i.e.,

3(3r  3r ' 7)  16( 16r  8r ' 38)  7(7 r  5r ' 5)  0 .

and 3(3r  3r ' 7)  8( 16r  8r ' 38)  5(7r  5r ' 5)  0 .

(or) 157 r  77 r ' 311  0

and 11r  7 r ' 25  0 .

On solving r  1, r '  2 .

Therefore, the co-ordinates of P and P ' are (5, 7, 3) and (9, 13, 15) and the direction
ratios of PP ' are -4, -6, -12. (or) 2, 3, 6.

 The length of the shortest line segment

PP '  (9  5)2  (13  7)2  (15  3) 2  (4) 2  (6) 2  (12) 2  16  36  144  196  14 .

x5 y7 z3

The equations of the shortest line segment are   .
2 3 6

132
Note:

This method is somtimes very convenient and is specially useful when we also require
the points of intersection of the shortest line segment and the two skew lines.

Third Method

Let AB, CD be the two given skew lines.

Let 1 be the plane passing through AB and parallel to CD (fig. 2).

Then the perpendicular distance from any point on CD to the plane 1 gives the length
of the shortest line segment.

Let  2 be the plane containing AB, drawn perpendicular to the plane 1 .

Let  3 be the plane containing CD drawn perpendicular to the plane 1 .

The two planes  2 and  3 have in common PP ' the shortest line segment.

Fig. 2

We now slove the problem by the above method.

Since the plane 1 contains AB i.e., line (1) and is further parallel to CD i.e., line (2), its
equation is given by

x  8 y  9 z  10
3  16 7  0 (or) 2 x  3 y  6 z  49  0 .
3 8 5

133
 Perpendicular distance of the point (15, 29, 5) lying on CD i.e., line (2) from this plane is
2(15)  3(29)  6(5)  49 30  87  30  49
  14 ,
2 2
2 3 6 2 7

which is the required length of the shortest line segment.

Since the plane  2 contains line (1) and is further perpendicular to 1 , its equation is
given by

x  8 y  9 z  10
3  16 7  0 (or) 117 x  4 y  41z  490  0 .
2 3 6

Since the plane  3 contains line (2) and is further perpendicular to 1 , its equation is
given by

x  15 y  9 z  5
3 8  5  0 (or) 9 x  4 y  z  14  0 .
2 3 6

Hence 117 x  4 y  41z  490  0, 9 x  4 y  z  14  0 are the required equations of

the shortest line segment.

Check Your Progress:

Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.
1) State whether the following statements are true or false. Support your answers with
reasoning.
(i) Two lines either intersect at a unique point or they will be parallel to each other.
(ii) Line of shortest distance is perpendicular to both the skew lines between which the
shortest distance is to be determined.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
5.2.3 Example :
Find the length and the equation of the shortest line segment between the lines
x  y  z  0, 2 x  3 y  4 z  0
x  y  2 z  3  0, 2 x  3 y  3 z  4  0 .

134
Solution :
Transform the given equations of the lines to the symmetrical form.
Equations of the two given lines in symmetrical form are

x y z
  ................... (1)
1 2 1

x5 y2 z
and   ................(2)
3 1 1

Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the line of shortest segment between (1) and (2).
Since the shortest line segment is perpendicular to the lines (1) and (2), we have

l  2m  n  0

3l  m  n  0

l m n l m n
On solving,   (or)  
2  1 3  1 1  6 1 4 7

 The direction ratios of the shortest line segment are 1, -4, 7.

Now, the direction cosines of the shortest line segment are

1 4 7  (1) 2  (4) 2  (7) 2  1  16  49  66 

l , m , n
66 66 66  

Now, a point on a line (1) is (0, 0, 0) and a point on line (2) is (5, -2, 0).

 The length of the shortest line segment = The projection of the join of the points
(0, 0, 0) and (5, -2, 0) on the shortest line segment.

1 4 7
 (5  0)  ( 2  0)  (0  0)
66 66 66

5 8 13
   .
66 66 66

The equation of the plane containing the line (1) and the shortest line segment is

x y z
1 2 1  0  3x  y  z  0 .
1 4 7

135
 The equation of the plane containing the line (2) and the shortest line segment is

x5 y2 z
3 1 1  0  x  2y  z 1 0 .
1 4 7

Thus, from (3) and (4), the equations of the shortest line segment are

3 x  y  z  0, x  2 y  z  1  0 .

5.3 THE LENGTH OF THE PERPENDICULAR FROM A POINT

TO A LINE
We find the length of the perpendicular from a given point P( ,  ,  ) to a given line
x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  .
l m n

Let P( ,  ,  ) be the given point and A( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the point on the given line. Through
P, draw PQ perpendicular to the line. And join AP.

Fig. 3

Then PQ 2  AP 2  AQ2 .

Also AP 2  ( x1   )2  ( y1   ) 2  ( z1   ) 2 (By distance formula)

and AQ = Projection of AP on the given line.

 l ( x1   )  m( y1   )  n( z1   )

provided l, m, n are the actual direction cosines of the line.

 PQ2  [( x1   ) 2  ( y1   ) 2  ( z1   ) 2 ]  [l ( x1   )  m( y1   )  n( z1   )]2

136
5.3.1 Example :
Find the length of the perpendicular from the point (1, 2, 3) to the line
x6 y7 z7
  .
3 2 2

Solution :
We shall work out this problem in two different methods.
First Method
Let P(1, 2, 3) be the given point and A(6, 7, 7) be the point on the given line.
Let the perpendicular from P meets the given line in Q.

Fig. 4

Then PQ2  AP 2  AQ 2

AP 2  (1  6) 2  (2  7) 2  (3  7) 2 (By distance formula)

 (5)2  (5) 2  (4) 2  25  25  16  66 .

The direction ratios of the given line are 3, 2, -2 and hence the direction cosines of the
3 2 2
line are , ,
17 17 17
 
(3)2  (2) 2  (2) 2  9  4  4  17 .

 AQ = Projection of AP on the given line

3 2  2 
 (6  1)  (7  2)    (7  3)
17 17  17 

15  10  8 17
   17 .
17 17

 PQ2  AP 2  AQ2  66  17  49

 PQ  7 which is the required perpendicular distance.

137
 Second Method:

x6 y7 z7

The equations of the line are    r ( say ) .
3 2 2

Any point Q on this line is (3r  6,2r  7, 2r  7) .

The direction ratios of PQ are

(3r  6  1, 2r  7  2,  2r  7  3) (or) (3r  5,2r  5, 2r  4) .

Also, the direction ratios of the given line are 3, 2, -2.

If PQ is perpendicular to the given line, then

3(3r  5)  2(2r  5)  (2) (2r  4)  0

 9r  15  4 r  10  4r  8  0  17 r  17  0  r  1 .
Thus the point Q is (3, 5, 9) which is the foot of the perpendicular and hence

PQ  (3  1)2  (5  2)2  (9  3) 2  22  32  62  4  9  36  49  7 .

Check Your Progress :

x5 y2 z6

2) Find the length of the perpendicular from the point (4, -5, 3) to the line   .
3 4 5

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

5.4 INTERSECTION OF THREE PLANES

Any three planes (no two of which are parallel) intersect in one of the following ways:
(i) The planes may have a common line of intersection.
(ii) The planes may form a triangular prism, if the line of intersection of two of them is
parallel to the third but does not lie on it.
(iii) The plane may meet in a unique point, if the line of intersection of two of them is not
parallel to the third.
The above are the only possibilities since of the three planes any two intersect in a line
and in turn this line intersects the third or not. If the line intersects the plane it may lie wholly in
the plane i.e., intersect the third plane in a single point i.e., the planes may meet in a unique point.
If the line of intersection of the two planes does not meet the third, then it shall be parallel to the
third. In this case the planes will form a prism.

138
 Let us assume the three planes are given by

a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 .............(1)

a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d 2  0 ..............(2)

and a3 x  b3 y  c3 z  d 3  0 ............(3)

of which (1) and (2) are not parallel.

We shall investigate the conditions as to when the above planes satisfy (i), (ii) and (iii).
Since by our assumption (1) and (2) intersect, the equation to their common line of
intersection from (4.2.4) is given by

(b1d 2  b2 d1 ) (a d  a d )
x y 2 1 1 2
( a1b2  a2b1 ) (a1b2  a2 b1 ) z ........... (4)
 
(b1c2  b2 c1 ) (a2 c1  a1c2 ) ( a1b2  a2b1 )

The line will be parallel to the palne (3), if

a3 (b1c2  b2 c1 )  b3 (a2 c1  a1c2 )  c3 (a1b2  a2 b1 )  0

a1 b1 c1
  a2 b2 c2 0
i.e., .
a3 b3 c3

Now two cases arise :

(a) The line (4) lies wholly in the plane (3). In this case the planes (1 to 3) have a common
line of intersection (fig. 5(a)).
(b) The line (4) does not intersect the plane (3). In this case the three planes form a prism
(fig. 5(b)).

Fig .5 (a) Fig.5 (b)

139
 The line (4) lies wholly in the plane (3) if and only if a point of (4), say,

 b1d 2  b2 d1 a2 d1  a1d 2 
 , ,0  lies in the plane i.e.,
 a1b2  a2b1 a1b2  a2 b1 

a3 (b1d 2  b2 d1 )  b3 ( a2 d1  a1d 2 )  d 3 (a1b2  a2 b1 )  0

a1 b1 d1
 3  a2 b2 d2  0
a3 b3 d3

If the common line of (1) and (2) intersects either YZ or ZX plane, we get similarly the
condition for a common line of intersection of the three planes to be 1  0 or  2  0 or  3  0
together with   0 .

If the common line of (1) and (2) does not intersect (3), none of 1 ,  2 ,  3 vanishes.

Finally if   0 , then the common line of intersection of (1) and (2) intersects (3) in a
single point. In this case the three planes have only a single common point.
Concluding we say that three distinct non-parallel planes behave in relation to each
other in any of the following three ways.

(i) They may intersect in a line which requires that of the four determinants,  and any one of
1 ,  2 ,  3 should vanish.

(ii) They may form a prism which requires  should vanish and none of 1 ,  2 ,  3 should
vanish.

(iii) They may intersect in a unique point which requires   0 .

5.4.1 Example :
Examine the nature of the intersection of the following sets of planes.

(i) 4 x  5 y  2 z  2  0, 5 x  4 y  2 z  2  0, 2 x  2 y  8 z  1  0

(ii) 2 x  3 y  z  2  0, 3x  3 y  z  4  0, x  y  2 z  5  0

(iii) 5 x  3 y  7 z  4  0, 3x  26 y  2 z  9  0,7 x  2 y  10 z  5  0

Solution :

4 5 2 5  2  2
(i)   5  4 2  0 , 1  4 2 2  162  0
2 2 8 2 8 1

140
 4 2 2 4 5 2
2  5 2 2  162  0 , 3  5  4 2  81  0
2 8 1 2 2 1

Since   0 and none of 1 ,  2 ,  3 is zero, the set of given planes form a prism.

2 3 1
(ii)  3 3 1 50
1 1 2

Therefore the set of planes intersect in a point.

5 3 7
(iii)  3 26 2  0
7 2 10

3 7 4 5 7 4 5 3 4
1  26 2  9  0,  2  3 2  9  0, 3  3 26  9  0
2 10  5 7 10  5 7 2 5

Since   0 and one of 1 ,  2 ,  3 vanishes, the set of given planes intersect in a line.

Check Your Progress:

3) Examine the nature of intersection of the following set of planes
2 x  6 y  11  0, 6 x  20 y  6 z  3  0, 6 y  18 z  1  0

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

5.5 WORKED OUT EXERCISES

5.5.1 Exercise :

Find the length of the shortest line segment between the axis of Z and the line
ax  by  cz  d  0, a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0 .

Solution :

The third method of example (5.2.2) will prove convenient in this case.

Now the equation of any plane through the second given line is

141
 ax  by  cz  d   ( a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1 )  0 ,

(or) (a   a1 ) x  (b   b1 ) y  (c   c1 ) z  (d   d1 )  0 ................(1)

This will be parallel to Z-axis whose direction cosines are 0, 0, 1 if the normal to the
plane (1) is perpendicular to Z-axis i.e., if

c
0.( a   a1 )  0.(b   b1 )  1.(c   c1 )  0    
c1 .

Substituting this value of  in (1), we obtain

(ac1  a1c ) x  (bc1  b1c) y  ( dc1  d1c )  0 ................(2)

as the required equation of the plane which passes through the second line and as one
parallel to the first line.

The required length of the shortest line segment is the distance of any point on Z-axis (in
particular the origin) from plain (2).

dc1  d1c
The distance from (0, 0, 0) to the plain (2) is 
(ac1  a1c )2  (bc1  b1c )2

5.5.2 Exercise :

y z
Show that the equation of the plane containing the line   1, x  0 and parallel to
b c
x z x y z
the line   1, y  0 is    1  0 and if 2d is the length of the shortest line segment,
a c a b c
show that d 2  a 2  b 2  c 2 .

Solution :

y z
The given lines are   1  0, x  0 .................(1)
b c

x z
  1  0, y  0 ................(2)
a c

The equation of any plane containing the line (1) is

y z  y z
   1   x  0 i.e.,  x    1  0 .................(3)
b c  b c

142
If this plane (3) will be parallel to the line (2) :

x z xa y z
  1, y  0 i.e.,  
a c a 0 c

then the normal to the plane (3) must be perpendicular to the line (2) and so that we have

1 1 1
 .a  . 0  . c  0 or  a  1  0    .
b c a

1
Put   in (3), we get
a

y z  1 y z x x y z
   1  x  0     1  0 (or)    1  0 .............(4)
b c  a b c a a b c

This is the required equation of the plane which contains the line (1) and is parallel to line (2).

xa y z
Now, a point on the line (2) :   is (a, 0, 0).
a 0 c

 2d = The length of the shortest line segment

= Perpendicular distance of the point (a, 0, 0) from the plane (4)

1  1  1 
a    0    0    1
a  b  c 
  
2 2 2
 1   1   1 

      
a  b   c 

1 1 2
2d  
1 1 1 a 2  b 2  c 2
2  2  2
a b c

1
 d2   d 2  a 2  b2  c 2 .
a  b 2  c 2
2

143
 5.5.3 Exercise :

Show that the length of the shortest segment between any two opposite edges of the
2a
tetrahedron formed by the planes y + z =0, z + x = 0, x + y = 0, x + y + z = a is and that
6
three lines of shortest segment intersect at the point x = y = z = -a.

Solution:

Let the planes OAC, OBC, OAB and ABC be respectively given in Fig.6 by

y + z = 0, z + x =0, x + y = 0, x + y + z = a.

We are required to find the lengths of shortest line segments between OC and AB i.e.,
NE, OB and AC i.e., MD, OA and BC i.e., LF and show that the coordinates of the point R where
these lines of shortest segment meet is (-a, -a, -a).

Fig. 6

Solving the equations y + z = 0, z + x = 0, we get the equation of OC as

x y z
   r ( say ) ...................... (1)
1 1 1 1

Let a1 , b1 , c1 be the direction ratios of AB.

Since AB is perpendicular to both the normals of the planes OAB and ABC, we have

a1  b1  0,
a1  b1  c1  0.
a1 b1 c1
Solving, we get  
1 1 0
A point on AB can easily seen to be as (0, 0, a).

144
 Thus the equation of AB becomes,

x y za
   r2 ( say ) ........................ (2)
1 1 0

For some value of r1 , the co-ordinates of N are (r1 , r1 ,  r1 ) .

Similarly the co-ordinates of E are (r2 ,  r2 , a) .

Since EN is perpendicular to both (1) and (2), we get

a
1.( r1  r2 )  1.( r1  r2 )  (1).( r1  a)  0  3r1  a  0  r1 
3

1.( r1  r2 )  (1).(r1  r2 )  0.( r1  a)  0  2 r2  0  r2  0 .

 a a a 
Therefore the co-ordinates of N and E are respectively  , ,  , (0,0, a ) .
 3 3 3

2 2 2
 a   a   2a  2a
 NE           .
3 3
      3 6

2a
Similarly, MD  LF  .
6

This proves the first part of the question.

x y za
The equation of NE is  
a / 3 a / 3 2a / 3

x y za
(or)    r3 ( say ) ...........................(3)
1 1 2

By symmetry the equations of MD and LF are

xa y z
   r4 ( say ) ..........................(4)
2 1 1

x ya z
   r5 ( say ) ..........................(5)
1 2 1

The general co-ordinates of any point on (4) are (2r4  a, r4 , r4 ), while those of any
point on (3) are ( r3 , r3 , 2r3  a ) .

145
 In order that (3) and (4) should intersect, we require

r3  2 r4  a, r3  r4 , 2r3  a  r4 ....................(6)

The first two of (6) give r3  r4   a, while the last of it ensures that the lines (3) and (4)
should intersect.

Thus the co-ordinates of the point R of intersection of (3) and (4) are a, -a, -a.

It can be easily verified that this point lies on (5).

Hence the three lines of shortest segment intersect at the point x = y = z = -a.

5.5.4 Exercise :

Prove that the three planes 2 x  y  z  3, x  y  2 z  4, x  z  2 form a triangular

prism and find the area of the normal section of the prism.

Solution :

1 ,  2 ,  3 be the planes (Fig. 7) respectively given by the equations

2x  y  z  3 ................ (1)

x  y  2z  4 ................ (2)

x z  2 ................ (3)

Fig. 7

146
 Let a, b, c be the direction ratios of the common line of intersection of the planes  2
and  3 . Since this common line lies in both the planes, we have

a  b  2c  0 ,

ac0.

a b c a b c
Solving these equations, we get   (or)   .
1 1 1 1 1 1

To find a point P on this common line, we may assume without loss of generality that the
line intersects the YOZ plane i.e., the x co-ordinate of the point P is zero.

To find its y, z co-ordinates we substitute x = 0 in (2) and (3) and obtain

-y + 2z = 4

and z = 2.

Solving, we get y = 0, z = 2.

Thus P has the co-ordinates (0, 0, 2).

The common line of (2) and (3) is parallel to the plane 1 for 2.1 + 1. (-1) + (-1) = 0 and
P is not a point on 1 .

Hence the given planes form a triangular prism.

Let the triangle PQR be its normal section. The equation of the plane through P
perpendicular to the common line of (2) and (3) i.e., the equation of the normal section PQR is

1.( x  0)  1.( y  0)  1.( z  2)  0 (or) x y z20 ...............(4)

1 1 
The common point of the planes (1), (2) and (4) i.e., Q has the co-ordinates  , , 2  .
3 3 

This is obtained by solving equations (1), (2) and (4).

Similarly the common point of the planes (1), (3) and (4)

 1 2 5
i.e., R has the co-ordinates  , ,  .
 3 2 3

2 2 2
1 1 1 2  5 2
The length QR          2   .
 3 3  3 3  3 9

147
 3 2 1
Also perpendicular from P on 1 i.e., PL is  .
4 11 6

Hence the area of the triangle PQR or the normal section of the prism

1 1 2 1 1
  QR  PL  . .  .
2 2 9 6 6 3

5.5.5 Exercise :

Prove that the planes x = cy + bz, y = az + cx, z = bx + ay pass through one line if
a 2  b 2  c 2  2abc  1 . Show that the equations of this line are

x y z
 
2 2
1 a 1 b 1  c2

Solution :

The given three planes can be written as

x - cy - bz = 0 ................(1)

cx - y + az = 0 ................(2)

bx + ay - z = 0 ................(3)

Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the line of intersection of (1) and (2), then

l  cm  bn  0

cl  m  an  0

l m n
On solving,   .
ac  b bc  a 1  c 2

Planes (1) and (2) both pass through origin, hence, their line of intersection will also pass
through (0, 0, 0).

Thus the equations of the line of intersection of (1) and (2) are

x y z
  .................(4)
ac  b bc  a 1  c 2

Now the three planes will intersect in a line if (4) lies in (3).

The point (0, 0, 0) of (4) already satisfied (3).

148
 Hence, the required condition is

b(ac  b)  a(bc  a)  (1  c 2 )  0  a 2  b 2  c 2  2abc  1 ...............(5)

we have ac  b  ( ac  b) 2  a 2 c 2  b 2  2abc

 a 2 c 2  (1  a 2  c 2 )  (1  a 2 )(1  c 2 ) (from 5)

Similarly bc  a  (1  b 2 )(1  c 2 ) .

Putting these in (4), we get the equations of the common line as

x y z x y z
  (or)   .
2
(1  a )(1  c ) 2 2
(1  b )(1  c )2 (1  c 2 ) 1  a2 1  b2 1  c2

5.6 SUMMARY
In this unit, we have obtained the length of the shortest line segment
i.e., l ( x2  x1 )  m( y2  y1 )  n( z2  z1 ) and the equations of the shortest line segment between
x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
two skew lines   and  
l1 m1 n1 l2 m2 n2

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 x  x2 y  y 2 z  z2
l1 m1 n1 0  l2 m2 n2
i.e.,
l m n l m n

where l, m, n are the direction cosines of the shortest line segment.

We also have obtained the length of the perpendicular from a point to a line. We have
examined the nature of the intersection of the given three planes whether they mey intersect in
a common line or may form a triangular prism or may meet in a unique point.

5.7 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS - MODEL ANSWERS

1. (i) False, Only when the lines are coplanar, they either intersect at a point or they are
parallel to each other. In case, they are skew lines, they do not intersect and are not
parallel.
(ii) True.
2. Let P(4, -5, 3) be a given point and A(5, -2, 6) be a point on the given line.
Let Q be the foot of the perpendicular from the point P on the line.

149
 Then PQ2  AP 2  AQ 2

AP 2  (4  5) 2  ( 5  2) 2  (3  6) 2  1  9  9  19

AQ = Projection of AP on the given line

3 4 5
 (5  4)  ( 2  5)  (6  3)
50 50 50

3  12  15 6 3 2
=  
50 5 2 5

18 457 457
 PQ 2  19    PQ 
25 25 5

2 6 0 6 0 11
3.  6 20  6  0, 1  20  6 3  3276  0
0 6  18 6  18 1

2 0 11 2 6 11
2  6  6 3  1092  0 , 3  6 20 3  364  0 .
0  18 1 0 6 1

Since   0 and none of 1 ,  2 , 3 is zero, the set of given planes form a prism.

5.8 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Obtain the length and equations of the shortest line segment between two skew lines.
2. Find the length and the equations of the line of shortest segment between the two lines
x  3 y  15 z  9 x  1 y  1 z  9
  ,   .
2 7 5 2 1 3

3. Find the length of the shortest line segment between the lines.

x 1 y  2 z  3 x  2 y  3 z  4
  ;  
2 3 4 3 4 5

Hence show that the lines are coplanar.

4. Find the length and the equations of the shortest line segment between the lines.

x3 y5 z7 x 1 y 1 z 1

  and   .
1 2 1 7 6 1

Find the points where it meets these lines.

150
5. Find the length of the shortest line segment between the lines

x 1 y  2 z  3 x2 y4 z5

  and   .
2 3 4 3 4 5

Find its equations also.

6. Find the length of the shortest line segment between the lines

x3 y8 z 3 x3 y7 z6

  and   .
3 1 1 3 2 4

Find its equations and the points where it meets the given lines.
7. Find the length of the shortest line segment between the lines

x y z x  2 y 1 z  2
  and   .
2 3 1 3 5 2

Find its equations also.

8. Find the length and the equations of the shortest line segment between the two lines

x3 y4 z2 x 1 y  7 z  2

  and   .
1 2 1 1 3 2

9. Obtain the co-ordinates of the points where the shortest line segment between the lines

x  23 y  19 z  25 x  12 y  1 z  5
  and   is formed.
6 4 3 9 4 2

10. Find the length and the equations of the shortest line segment between the lines

5 x  y  z  0, x  2 y  z  3  0.

7 x  4 y  2 z  0, x y z3 0.

11. Find the length and the equations of the shortest line segment between the lines.

x  y  z  0  2 x  3 y  4 z,

x  y  2 z  3  0  2 x  3 y  3z  4 .

12. Find the length of the shortest line segment between the lines

3 x  9 y  5 z  0  x  y  z,

6 x  8 y  3 z  13  0  x  2 y  z  3 .

151
 13. Find the length and the position of the shortest line segment between the lines

x y 1 z  2
  , 5 x  2 y  3z  6  0  x  3 y  2 z  3 .
4 3 2

14. Show that the length of the shortest line segment between the lines

x  a  2 y  12 z and x  y  2a  6 z  6a is 2a.

15. Show that the lengths of the shortest line segments between a diagonal of a rectangular
parallelopiped whose edges are a, b, c and the edges not meeting are
bc / b 2  c 2 , ca / c 2  a 2 , ab / a 2  b 2 .

16. Find the point lying on line joining the points (-3, 7, -13) and (-6, 1, -10) and is nearest to the
intersection of the planes 3 x  y  3z  32  0 , 3 x  2 y  15 z  8  0 .

17. Show that the shortest distance between the lines

y  az  b, z   x   ; y  a ' z  b ', z   ' x   ' is

(   ')(b  b ')  ( '    ')(a  a ')

1/ 2
 2  '2 (a  a ')2  (   ')2  (a  a ' ')2 

18. Discuss various cases of the intersection of three planes (no two of which are parallel).

19. Show that the planes x  y  z  3  0, 3 x  y  2 z  2  0, 2 x  4 y  7 z  7  0 form a

triangular prism.
20. Examine the nature of the intersection of the planes

2 x  y  z  4, 5 x  7 y  2 z  0, 3 x  4 y  2 z  3  0 .

21. Examine the nature of the intersection of the planes

3 x  y  z  5, 2 x  4 y  z  10  0, 6 x  2 y  2 z  9  0 .

Answers :

2. 4 3, x  y  z

3. 0

4. 2 29, 11x  2 y  7 z  6  0, 27 x  26 y  33z  20  0, (3,5,7), ( 1, 1, 1) .

1
5. , 11x  2 y  7 z  6  0  7 x  y  5 x  7 .
6

152
 x3 y8 z 3
6. 3 30,   ,(3,8,3),(3, 7,6) .
2 5 1

1
7. , 4 x  y  5 z  0  7 x  y  8 z  31 .
3

7 x4 y2 z3

8. ,   .
5 1 3 5

9. (11, 11, 31) and (3, 5, 7).

13
10. , 17 x  20 y  19 z  39  0  8 x  5 y  31z  67 .
75

13
11. , 3x  y  z  0  x  2 y  z  1 .
66

11
12. , 10 x  29 y  16 z  0  13 x  82 y  55 z  109 .
3 38

17 6
13. , 7 x  2 y  11z  20  0  13x  13z  24 .
39

16. (-7, -1, -9).

20. Planes intersect at a point (1, -1, 1).
21. Two planes are parallel and the third plane intersects them.

153
 UNIT - 6 : CHANGE OF AXES
Contents:
6.0 Objectives
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Change of the Direction of Axes
6.3 Relations Between the Direction Cosines of the Three Mutually Perpendicular
Axes of the Two Systems
6.4 Invariants
6.5 Examples
6.6 Summary
6.7 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
6.8 Model Examination Questions

6.0 OBJECTIVES
After going through this unit, you will be able to :

Transform the co-ordinates of a rectangular co-ordinate system into another system of

rectangular co-ordinates, both passing through the same origin.
Convert a homogeneous second degree expression from one system to the other and
establish the invariance of certain expressions involving the coefficients of the
co-ordinates of a second degree expression in each system.
6.1 INTRODUCTION
The co-ordinates of a point in space are always determined relatively to any assigned
system of axes generally called the frame of reference and they change with the change in the
frame of reference. In this unit, we assume both the frames of reference have the same origin
and obtain the formulae connecting the co-ordinates of a point relative to the two different
frames of reference. We also study the relations between the direction cosines of three mutually
perpendicular lines of one system relative to the axes of the second rectangular system. We
have shown by change of axes without change of origin a second degree homogeneous expression
remains a second degree homogeneous expression. In doing so the invariance of certain
expressions involving coefficients of the expression has been established. An elementary
knowledge of matrices is assumed.

6.2 CHANGE OF THE DIRECTIONS OF AXES

In this section you will study the change of the directions of axes without changing the
origin (fig. 1).

Let l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 be the respective direction cosines of the new axes

OX , OY , OZ  referred to the original axes OX , OY , OZ .

154
 Let ( x, y, z ) and ( x, y , z ) be the co-ordinates of any point P referred to the two systems
of axes.

Draw PN  perpendicular to X OY  plane meeting it in N  and also N L perpendicular

to OX  meeting it in L  so that OL  x, LN   y, N P  z  .

Now, the projection of OP on OX being equal to the sum of the projections of OL , LN  ,
N P on OX , we have

x  l1 x  l2 y  l3 z 
y  m1 x  m2 y  m3 z 

Similarly,
 ........... (1)
and z  n1 x  n2 y  n3 z  

Fig . 1

In terms of matrices, we can express (1) as

 x   l1 l2 l3   x 
    
X   y    m1 m2 m3   y   AX 
........... (2)
z  n n2 n3   z  
   1

Similarly, we can show that

155
 x  l1 x  m1 y  n1 z 

y   l2 x  m2 y  n2 z 
........... (3)
z  l3 x  m3 y  n3 z 

and in matrix notation

 x   l1 m1 n1   x 
    
X    y     l2 m2 n2   y   AX
.......... (4)
 z   l m3 n3   z 
   3

Thus we have X  AA X ; So that AA  I , the identity matrix.

Since A is the inverse of A, we also have A A  I .

6.3 RELATIONS BETWEEN THE DIRECTION COSINES OF

THE THREE MUTUALLY PERPENDICULAR AXES OF
THE TWO SYSTEMS

l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 being the direction cosines of the three mutually

perpendicular axes OX , OY , OZ  we have relations:

l12  m12  n12  1 


l2 2  m2 2  n2 2  1 
........... (1)

l3 2  m3 2  n32  1 

and

l1l2  m1m2  n1n2  0 


l2l3  m2 m3  n2 n3  0 
........... (2)
l3l1  m3m1  n3n1  0 

The relations (1), (2) also follow from AA  I .

Since l1 , l2 , l3 ; m1 , m2 , m3 ; n1 , n2 , n3 are clearly the direction cosines of the original axes

OX , OY , OZ referred to the new, we have the relations,

156
 l12  l2 2  l3 2  1 

m12  m2 2  m3 2  1 
........... (3)

n12  n2 2  n32  1 
and

l1m1  l2 m2  l3m3  0

m1n1  m2n2  m3n3  0 
........... (4)
n1l1  n2l2  n3l3  0 

which also follow from AA  I .
We have written down the following table
0 x y z
x l1 m1 n1
y l2 m2 n2

z l3 m3 n3

Table 6.1

which is to be interpreted as x  l1 x  l2 y  l3 z  etc. of (1) of 6.2 and x  l1 x  m1 y  n1 z

etc. of (3) of 6.2.

Also the table helps us to read the direction cosines of OX , OY , OZ  referred to OX,
OY, OZ and vice-versa, e.g., direction cosines of OX  (relative to OX , OY , OZ ) are l1 , m1 , n1
and direction cosines of OX (relative to OX , OY , OZ  ) are l1 , l2 , l3 etc.

Corollary :

If l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 be the direction cosines of three mutually perpendicular

lines, then

l1 m1 n1
l2 m2 n2   1
l3 m3 n3

From (6.2), we have

2
AA  I  AA  1  A A  1  A  1  A  1 .

157
 6.4 INVARIANTS
6.4.1 Definition :

Let OX , OY , OZ and OX , OY , OZ  be two orthogonal co-ordinate systems. Let the

transform relations from one to the other be

x  f1 ( x, y, z );

y  f 2 ( x, y , z );
z  f3 ( x, y, z  ) .

Then the function ( x, y, z ) or the equation ( x, y , z )  0 is said to be transformed

into  ( x, y , z  ) or   0 where

( x, y, z)    f1 ( x, y , z ), f 2 ( x, y , z), f3 ( x, y , z ) .

6.4.2 Theorem :

By any change of rectangular axes without change of origin, the expression

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy
becomes ax 2  by 2  cz  2  2 f yz   2 g z x  2hxy
then

(i) abc  a   b  c 
(ii) ab  bc  ca  f 2  g 2  h 2  ab  bc  ca  f  2  g  2  h 2

a h g a h g
(iii)
h b f  h b f
g f c g f c

Proof :

Consider two sets of rectangular axes OX , OY , OZ and OX , OY , OZ  .

Let OX , OY , OZ  have the direction cosines l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 referred

to OX , OY , OZ respectively..

Let P be any point having co-ordinates ( x, y , z ), ( x, y, z ) relative to two systems of
axes. We have
x 2  y 2  z 2  OP 2  x 2  y 2  z  2 .

158
Thus we see that x 2  y 2  z 2

changes to x 2  y  2  z  2 .

Since x  l1 x  l2 y  l3 z 
y  m1 x  m2 y  m3 z 
z  n1 x  n2 y  n3 z 

as given in (1) of 6.2, the expression

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy
changes to a(l1 x  l2 y   l3 z ) 2  b( m1 x  m2 y   m3 z ) 2  ..........

which is evidently of the form

ax 2  by 2  cz  2  2 f yz   2 g z x  2hxy .

Thus the degree of an expression does not change as a result of the change of axes.

If  be any constant, the expression

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  ( x 2  y 2  z 2 )

i.e., (a   ) x 2  (b   ) y 2  (c  ) z 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy .......(1)

Changes in the new co-ordinate system to

ax 2  by  2  cz  2  2 f yz   2 g z x  2hxy  ( x 2  y 2  z  2 )

i.e., (a   ) x 2  (b   ) y  2  (c   ) z  2  2 f y z   2 g z x  2hxy  .......(2)

If now, for any value of  , the expression (1) becomes a product of two linear factors,then
for the same value of  , the expression (2) must also become a product of two linear factors, for
the degree of each of the expressions (1) and (2) is two.

The value of  for which the expressions (1) and (2) are the products of linear factors
are respectively the roots of the cubic equations

a h a  
g h g
h b f  0, h b   f  0
g f c g f c  

i.e.,  3   2 (a  b  c )   (bc  ca  ab  f 2  g 2  h 2 )  D  0 , ........(3)

159
  3   2 (a  b  c)   (bc  ca  ab  f  2  g  2  h 2 )  D  0, .. .....(4)

a h g a h g
where
D h b f , D  h b f
g f c g f c

As the equations (3) and (4) have the same roots, we get

1 abc bc  ca  ab  f 2  g 2  h 2 D
  2 2 2
 .
1 a  b  c bc  ca  ab  f   g   h D

So that a  b  c  a  b  c ,

bc  ca  ab  f 2  g 2  h 2  bc  ca  ab  f  2  g  2  h 2

 D  D .

Note :
(1) The result obtained above shows that if a second degree homogeneous expression
ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy
is subjected to a change of rectangular axes without change of origin, then
a  b  c, bc  ca  ab  f 2  g 2  h 2 , D are invariants.

(2) It may be seen that

bc  ca  ab  f 2  g 2  h 2  A  B  C
where A, B, C are the co-factors of a, b, c in the determinant D.

6.5 EXAMPLES
6.5.1 Example :

OA, OB, OC are three mutually perpendicular lines through the origin and their direction
cosines are l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 .

If OA = OB = OC = a, prove that the equation to the plane ABC is

(l1  l2  l3 ) x  (m1  m2  m3 ) y  (n1  n2  n3 ) z  a .

Solution:

Let the required equation be

lx  my  nz  p  0 .......(1)

160
( p  0 , since the plane does not pass through the origin).

The co-ordinates of A are ( al1 , am1 , an1 ) .

The plane (1) passes through A. Therefore, we have
a(ll1  mm1  nn1 )  p  0 .......(2)

Similarly, we have

a(ll2  mm2  nn2 )  p  0 .......(3)

a(ll3  mm3  nn3 )  p  0 .......(4)

Multiplying (2), (3), (4) by l1 , l2 , l3 respectively and adding we get from the equations (3) and
(4) of 6.3.
al  p(l1  l2  l3 )  0 .......(5)

Similarly, am  p(m1  m2  m3 )  0 .......(6)

an  p(n1  n2  n3 )  0 .......(7)

Multiplying (5), (6), (7) by x, y, z respectively and adding we get the required result.

6.5.2 Example :

 1 2 2   14 2 1 
Verify that the lines with direction cosines  , ,  ,  , , ,
 3 3 3   15 15 3 
 2 11 2 
 , ,  form a mutually perpendicular system.
 15 15 3 

Solution :

1 2 2
Here l1  , m1  , n1  ,
3 3 3
14 2 1
l2  , m2  , n2  ,
15 15 3
2 11 2
l3  , m3  , n3  .
15 15 3

We can easily verify that from (1) and (2) of 6.3

161
 1 4  4
l12  m12  n12   1;
9

196  4  25
l22  m22  n22   1;
225

4  121  100
l32  m32  n32   1;
225

14  4  10
l1l2  m1m2  n1n2   0;
45

2  22  20
l1l3  m1m3  n1n3   0;
45

28  22  50
l2l3  m2 m3  n2 n3   0,
225
Hence the result.

6.5.3 Example :

Let OX , OY , OZ  be a set of three mutually perpendicular lines having the direction

 2 1 2   2 2 1   1 2 2 
cosines  , ,  ,  , ,  ,  , ,  referred to three co-ordinate axes
 3 3 3   3 3 3  3 3 3
OX , OY , OZ . Show that the expression 6 x 2  11 y 2  10 z 2  12 yz  8 zx  4 xy transforms
to 3 x 2  6 y 2  18 z  2 when referred to OX , OY , OZ  .

Solution :

We know from (2) of 6.2,

 2 2 1 
 3 
 x  3 3
  x 
 y    1 2

2  y 
   3 3 3  
 z    z 
   
  2 1 2 
 3 3 3 

162
 Taking the transpose of the above, we get

2 1 2
3   
3 3
 
2 2 1 
( x y z )  ( x  y  z ) 
3 3 3 
 
1 
2 2 
 
3 3 3 

We can write 6 x 2  11 y 2  10 z 2  12 yz  8 zx  4 xy in the form

 6 2 4   x 
 x y z   2 11 6   y 
 4 6 10   z 

which transforms to

2 1 2  2 2 1 
  
3 3 3   6 2 4   3 3 3   x 
  
2 2 1   1 2 2  y 
 x y z    2 11  6 
3 3 3   3 3 3  
   4 6 10     z 
 1 2 2    2 1 2 
 
 3 3 3   3 3 3 

 3x 2  6 y 2  18 z  2

which can be verified by direct matrix multiplication.

6.5.4 Example :

Let AX , AY , AZ  be a set of three mutually perpendicular axes having the direction

 1 2 2    14 2 1   2 11 2 
cosines  , ,  ,  , , ,  , ,  referred to the three co-ordinate axes
 3 3 3   15 15 3   15 15 3 
OX , OY , OZ . Given A(1, 2, 3) , show that the equation 3 x  4 y  5 z  11 transforms to
5 x  59 y   88 z   225 when referred to AX , AY , AZ  .

163
 Solution :

Shifting the origin O to A(1, 2, 3) , the transform relations given by equation (1) of 6.2
x 14 y  2 z 
become x  1  
3 15 15
2 x 2 y 11z 
y  2  
3 15 15
2 x y  2 z 
z  3  
3 3 3

Making use of the above substitutions, the equation 3 x  4 y  5 z  11 is transformed to

 x 14 y 2 z    2 x 2 y  11z    2 x y 2 z  
31      4 2      5 3      11
 3 15 15   3 15 15   3 3 3 
(or) 5 x  59 y   88 z   225 .

Note :

It is well known in matrix theory that any symmetric matrix can be reduced to the
diagonal form by means of an orthogonal matrix.

Let A be a symmetric matrix and R be an orthogonal matrix such that RART ( RT is

transpose of R) is diagonal.

This means that the quadratic form X T AX where X T  ( x, y , z ) is transformed to the

diagonal form by means of the transformation

X T  RT X 
T
where X  ( x, y, z ) .

The rows (columns) of R are the direction cosines of one axis relative to the other as
indicated in the theory (Ref. Table 6.1) The columns of R are the eigen vectors of A.
We use the above result in the following example.
6.5.5 Example :

Transform the expression x 2  3 y 2  5 z 2  8 yz  8 xy to the form

 3 x 2  3 y  2  9z  2 . Verify the result obtained by finding the direction cosines of the new
axes.

164
Solution :
It is known if an expression of the form

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy

transforms into 1 x 2   2 y 2   3 z  2

by a rotation of rectangular axes, then 1 ,  2 ,  3 are the roots of the equation

a h g
h b f 0 .......(1)
g f c
and to each  , the corresponding direction cosines of one of the new axes are given by

(a   )l  hm  gn  0 

hl  (b   )m  fn  0  .......(2)
gl  fm  (c   )n  0 


For this problem the roots of the equation (1) are given by   3,3,9 .

Hence the expression x 2  3 y 2  5 z 2  8 yz  8 xy transforms to  3 x 2  3 y  2  9 z  2 .

l1 m1 n1
Corresponding to 1  3 , we have from (2) l1  m1  2n1 (or)   .
2 2 1

l2 m n
Corresponding to  2  3 , we have from (2)  l2  2m2  n2 (or)  2  2.
2 1 2

l3 m3 n3
Corresponding to  3  9 , we have from (2) 2l3   m3  n3 (or)   .
1 2 2

x y z x y z x y z
Taking the lines   ;   ;   as the new axes
2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2
OX , OY , OZ  respectively, the transform relations of equation (1) of 6.2 are given by
2 x 2 y  z 
x  
3 3 3
2 x y  2 z 
y  
3 3 3

165
 x 2 y  2 z 
z  
3 3 3

Making use of the above substitutions, the expression x 2  3 y 2  5 z 2  8 yz  8 xy

transforms to the form  3 x 2  3 y  2  9 z  2 .

6.5.6 Example :

Transform the equation 7 x 2  8 y 2  8 z 2  2 yz  8 zx  8 xy  16 x  14 y  14 z  5  0

into x2  y 2  z 2  1 .
Verify this result by finding the direction cosines of the new axes.
Solution :

[Consider S ( x, y , z )  ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 .

.......(1)

Change the origin in (1) to ( , ,  ) and let x, y , z  now denote the new co-ordinates.

Then (1) becomes

ax 2  by 2  cz  2  2 fyz   2 gz x  2hxy   2(a  h  g   u ) x 

2( h  b  f   v) y  2( g   f   c  w) z   S (, ,  )  0 .......(2)

Now let , ,  be chosen, if possible, to satisfy the equations

a  h  g   u  0, 

h  b  f   v  0,  ........(3)
g   f   c   w  0. 


We then have S ( , ,  )   ( a  h  g   u )  ( h  b  f   v)
  ( g   f   c   w)  u  v  w  d
 u  v  w  d  d  (say) .....(4)
So (2) becomes

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  d   0 , .......(5)

in which the dashes have been dropped.

Then if ( x, y, z ) satisfies (5), so does (  x,  y,  z ) i.e., S is symmetrical about the

new origin, which is therefore a centre of S.]

166
 For the problem under consideration, the equations (3) for the centre are

7  4  4   8  0,
4  8    7  0,
4    8  7  0,

giving the unique solution   0,   1,   1 .

Hence from (4) ,

d   8  7  7   5  9 .

The discriminating cubic is

7 4 4
4 8   1  0
4 1 8  

having roots -9, -9, 9. The Quadratic referred to its axes is

9 x  2  9 y  2  9 z  2  9  0 i.e., x 2  y  2  z  2  1 .

It will be found that the three equations (2) of example (6.5.5) are each equivalent,
when   9 , to 4l  m  n  0 ,

Thus verifying the Lemma for the case of a double root of the discriminating cubic,
given at the end of this problem.

According to it, X , Y  directions are any two orthogonal directions each orthogonal to
the direction with direction ratios 4, 1, -1 which is therefore Z  direction.

For instance the direction ratios of X , Y  directions could be taken as 0, 1, 1; 1, -2, 2

respectively.
The transform relations of equation (1) of 6.2 are now given by

y 4 z 
x 
3 18

x 2 y z
y  
2 3 18

x 2 y z
z  
2 3 18

167
 Making use of the above substitutions, one can verify that the equation
7 x  8 y 2  8 z 2  2 yz  8 zx  8 xy  9  0 transforms to x 2  y  2  z  2  1 .
2

Lemma

(a) 1   2   3 ; l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 form a unique triad of orthogonal

directions.
(b) 1   2   3 ; l3 , m3 , n3 is unique; l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 can be any directions orthogonal
to the direction l3 , m3 , n3 and we shall take them so as to the orthogonal also to each
other.
(c) 1   2   3 ; l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 ; l3 , m3 , n3 can be any directions and we shall take
them so as to be orthogonal to each other.
6.5.7 Example :

Show that the equation x  y  z  0 transforms to x  0 , when referred to new axes

 1 1 1  1 1   1 2 1 
through the same origin with direction cosines  , ,  ;  ,0,  ;  , ,  .
 3 3 3  2 2  6 6 6 

Hence show that the curve x  y  z  0; xy  yz  zx  a 2  0 is a circle of radius 2a .

Solution :
The transform relations given by equation (1) of 6.2 become

x y z
x  
3 2 6
x 2 z
y 
3 6
x y z
z  
3 2 6

Obviously these substitutions transform the equation x  y  z  0 into 3. x  0 or x  0 .

Also by above transformation the curve x  y  z  0 ;

xy  yz  zx  a 2  0 transforms to x  0 and

 y z     2 z    2 z     y  z    y  z     y z   2
           a  0,
 2 6  6   6  2 6  2 6  2 6

168
which on simplification turns out to be

y  2  z  2  2a 2
which is circle of radius 2a in the Y Z  plane (i.e., x  0 ).
6.5.8 Example :

If F ( x, y , z )  ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d

transformed into

F1 ( x, y , z )  a1 x 2  b1 y  2  c1 z  2  2 f1 y z   2 g1 z x  2h1 xy  2u1 x  2v1 y  2w1 z   d 

by means of the transformations x  x  , y  y   , z  z    ,show that a, b, c, f, g, h

and hence a + b + c, A + B + C, D and hence are all invariants. Show also

a h g u
h b f v
S
g f c w is an invariant.
u v w d

Solution :

By means of the transformations x  x  , y  y   , z  z   , F ( x, y , z ) transforms into

F ( x, y , z )  2(a  h  g   u ) x  2(h  b  f   v) y 
 2( g   f   c   w) z   F (, ,  ) .......(1)
which by hypothesis should be identical to F1 ( x, y , z  ) .

Comparing coefficients of like terms of (1) and F1 ( x, y , z  ) ,we get

a  a1 , b  b1 , c  c1 , f  f1 , g  g1 , h  h1 .......(2)

a  h  g   u  u1 , 
h  b  f   v  v1 , 


and g   f   c  w  w1 ,  ........(3)
F (, ,  )  d1. 

From equation (2) we conclude a, b, c, f, g, h are invariants. Since by (2)

a  b  c  a1  b1  c1
A  B  C  A1  B1  C1

169
 D  D1
a  b  c , A B  C, D are also invariants.
Here A, B, C are the co-factors of a, b, c in the determinant

a h g
D h b f
g f c

We now prove S  S1 so that S is invariant. By definition

a1 h1 g1 u1 a h g u1
h1 b1 f1 v1 h b f v1
S1  
g1 f1 c1 w1 g f c w1
u1 v1 w1 d1 u1 v1 w1 d1

Multiplying the numbers in the first three columns of the above by , ,  respectively
and subtract the sum from the numbers in the fourth column.

a h g u
h b f v
S1 
Then g f c w
u1 v1 w1 u  v  w  d

Multiplying the numbers in the first three rows of the above by , ,  respectively
and subtract the sum from the numbers in the fourth row.

a h g u
h b f v
Then S1  S.
g f c w
u v w d

Here S is an invariant.

170
Check Your Progress:
Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.
1) The equations referred to rectangular axes of three mutually perpendicular planes are
lr x  mr y  nr z  pr , r  1, 2,3 . Prove that if (, ,  ) is at a distance d from each of
  (l1 p1  l2 p2  l3 p3 )   (m1 p1  m2 p2  m3 p3 )
them, then d  
l1  l2  l3 m1  m2  m3

  (n1 p1  n2 p2  n3 p3 )
 .
n1  n2  n3

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 1 1 1   1 1 
2) Verify that the lines with direction cosines  , , ; , 0,  ;
 3 3 3  2 2

 1 2 1 
 , ,  form a mutually perpendicular system.
 6 6 6

...………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3) Let AX , AY , AZ  be the set of three mutually perpendicular axes having the direction

 1 2 2   14 2 1   2 11 2 
cosines  , ,  ;  , , ; , ,  referred to the three co-ordinate axes
 3 3 3   15 15 3   15 15 3 
OX, OY, OZ. Given A(1, -2, 4). If 2 x  3 y  2 z  5  0 is the equation to a plane referred
to OX, OY, OZ, find the equation to the plane referred to AX , AY , AZ  .

...………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

171
 6.6 SUMMARY

If (l1 , m1 , n1 ), (l2 , m2 , n2 ), (l3 , m3 , n3 ) denote the direction cosines of new co-ordinate

axes with respect to the original axes, then (l1 , l2 , l3 ), (m1 , m2 , m3 ) and (n1 , n2 , n3 ) are
direction cosines of original axes with respect to new axes.

If the co-ordinates of a point P in space with reference to original axes are ( x, y, z )

and ( x, y , z ) are the co-ordinates with respect to the new system, then
x  l1 x  m1 y  n1 z; y  l2 x  m2 y  n2 z; z   l3 x  m3 y  n3 z
and x  l1 x  l2 y   l3 z ; y  m1 x  m2 y  m3 z ; z  n1 x  n2 y   n3 z 

3 3 3
2
l i  1   mi2   ni2
i 1 i 1 i 1

 l l  m m  n n
1 2 1 2 1 2 0 ,  l m  m n  n l
1 1 1 1 11 0

l12  m12  n12  1, l22  m22  n22  1, l32  m32  n32  1 .

6.7 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS - MODEL ANSWERS

1) The equations of the given planes are

l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  p1  0 ............ (1)
l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  p2  0 ............ (2)
l3 x  m3 y  n3 z  p3  0 ............ (3)

Here (l1 , m1 , n1 ), (l2 , m2 , n2 ), (l3 , m3 , n3 ) are the direction cosines of the normals to
the given planes (1), (2), (3) respectively.

We have d = The distance of (, ,  ) from the plane (1)

l1  m1  n1  p1

  l1  m1  n1   p1 ............ (4)
l12  m12  n12

Similarly, d  l2   m2  n2   p2 ............ (5)

and d  l3  m3  n3   p3 ............ (6)

Now multiplying (4), (5) and (6) by l1 , l2 , l3 respectively and then adding, we get

172
 d (l1  l2  l3 )   (l12  l2 2  l3 2 )  (l1m1  l2 m2  l3 m3 )
 (l1n1  l2 n2  l3 n3 )  (l1 p1  l2 p2  l3 p3 )
 .1  .0  .0  ( p1l1  p2l2  p3l3 )
  ( p1l1  p2l2  p3l3 )
d
l1  l2  l3

  ( p1m1  p2m2  p3m3 )   ( p1n1  p2 n2  p3n3 )

Similarly, d  .
m1  m2  m3 n1  n2  n3

1 1 1
2) l1  , m1  , n1 
3 3 3
1 1
l2  , m2  0, n2  
2 2
1 2 1
l3  , m3   , n3  .
6 6 6

We can verify that from (1) and (2) of 6.3.

1 1 1 3
l12  m12  n12      1;
3 3 3 3
1 1 2
l2 2  m2 2  n2 2   0    1;
2 2 2
1 4 1 1 4  1 6
l3 2  m3 2  n3 2       1;
6 6 6 6 6
1 1
l1l2  m1m2  n1n2   0  0;
6 6
1 2 1 1 2  1
l1l3  m1m3  n1n3      0;
18 18 18 18
1 1
l2l3  m2 m3  n2n3  0  0 . Hence the result.
12 12

3) The transform relations given by equation (1) of 6.2

1 14 2
x  1 x  y   z 
3 15 15
2 2 11
y  2  x  y  z 
3 15 15

173
 2 1 2
z  4 x  y  z 
3 3 3

Now, the equation 2 x  3 y  2 z  5  0 is transformed to

 1 14 2   2 2 11 
2  1  x  y  z    3  2  x  y   z  
 3 15 15   3 15 15 

 2 1 2 
 2  4  x  y   z    5  0
 3 3 3 

(or) 40 x  44 y  17 z   75 .

6.8 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1) Obtain the relations between the co-ordinates of a point when we change the direction
of the axes without changing the origin.

2) If lr , mr , nr (r  1, 2,3) are the direction cosines of three mutually perpendicular straight

a b c a b c a b c
lines and    0;   0 ;    0 , prove that.
l1 m1 n1 l2 m2 n2 l3 m3 n3
a : b : c  l1l2 l3 : m1m2 m3 : n1n2 n3 .

3) Obtain the relations between the direction cosines of the three mutually perpendicular
axes of two systems.

4) If lr , mr , nr ; (r  1, 2, 3) are the direction cosines of three mutually perpendicular straight

lines prove that
m2 n2 ( m32  n32 )  m3 n3 ( m22  n22 )  l1l2l3 ;  l m n (m n
1 1 1 2 3  m3n2 )  l1l2l3 .

 1 2 2   2 2 1 
5) Verify that the lines OX , OY , OZ  with direction cosines  , ,  ; , , ;
 3 3 3  3 3 3
 2 1 2 
 , ,  referred to OX, OY, OZ form a mutually perpendicular system. Show that
 3 3 3
expression 4 x 2  2 y 2  3z 2  4 yz  4 zx of OXYZ system transforms to 3 y 2  6 z  2 of
OX Y Z  system.

174
6) Verify that the lines OX , OY , OZ  given by
x y z x y z x y z
  ,   ,   .
1 0 1 1 4 1 2 1 2
form a mutually perpendicular system.

Show that the expression 5 x 2  16 y 2  5 z 2  8 yz  14 zx  8 xy transforms to

12 x 2  18 z  2 in the OX Y Z  system.
Verify the truth of the invariants in the two expressions.

7) Find the equation of the surface 3 x 2  5 y 2  3z 2  2 yz  2 zx  2 xy  1 with reference

to axes through the same origin and with direction cosines proportional to (-1, 0, 1);
(1, -1, 1); (1, 2, 1).

8) Transform the expression 6 x 2  11 y 2  10 z 2  12 yz  8 zx  4 xy to the form

3 x 2  6 y 2  18 z  2 . Verify the result obtained by finding the direction cosines of the new
axes.

9) Show that the equation lx  my  nz  0 becomes z = 0, when referred to new axes

through the same origin with direction cosines

 m l    ln  mn 
 2 , ,0;  , , l 2  m 2  ; (l , m, n) .
2 2 2 2 2 2 2
 l m l m   l m l m 

Hence show that the curve ax 2  by 2  2 z , lx  my  nz  0 is a rectangular hyperbola

if (a  b)n 2  am 2  bl 2  0 .

10) Find the conditions that the section of ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1 by lx  my  nz  p should

be a circle.

11) If lx  my  0 is a circular section of Ax 2  By 2  Cz 2  2 Dxy  1 , prove that

( B  C )l 2  2 Dlm  ( A  C )m 2  0 .

12) If ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy , a1 x 2  b1 y 2  c1 z 2  2 f1 yz  2 g1 zx  2h1 xy

are simultaneously transformed,

show that a1 A  b1 B  c1C  2 f1 F  2 g1G  2h1 H remains unaltered.

(A, B, C, F, G, H are the co-factors of a, b, c, f, g, h in the determinant

a h g
D h b f ).
g f c
175
 Answers:

7. 2 x 2  3 y 2  6 z 2  1

 2 1 2   2 2 1   1 2 2 
8. Direction cosines of new axes  , , ; , , ; , , 
 3 3 3   3 3 3  3 3 3

10. l  0, m 2 (c  a)  n 2 (a  b) ,
(or) m  0, n 2 (a  b)  l 2 (b  c) ,
(or) n  0, l 2 (b  c)  m 2 (c  a ) .

176
BLOCK - III : THE SPHERE

The subject of analytical solid geometry deals with the formation and properties of
certain regular solids like a sphere, a cone and a cylinder. This block attempts to provide a fairly
rigorous and complete account of a sphere.

A sphere is the locus of a point which remains at a constant distance, called the radius
from a fixed point, called its centre. In this block, the equation of the sphere is obtained with
varied hypothesis. Plane section of a sphere, intersection of two spheres, tangent line and tangent
plane, polor plane, radical line and radical plane, coaxial system of spheres and their limiting
points are mainly discussed.

The following units are included in this block :

Unit - 7 : Sphere, Circle, Intersection of Sphere and a Line

Unit - 8 : Tangent plane, Normal Plane and Polar Planes of a Sphere

Unit - 9 : Radical Plane and Coaxial System of Spheres

177
178
UNIT -7 : SPHERE, CIRCLE, INTERSECTION OF SPHERE
AND A LINE
Contents
7.0 Objectives
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Equation of a Sphere
7.3 Plane Section of a Sphere and Intersection of Two Spheres
7.4 Intersection of a Sphere and a Line
7.5 Summary
7.6 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
7.7 Model Examination Questions

7.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you will be able to :
Define a sphere and obtain its equation in different forms with varying hypotheses.
Obtain the curve of intersection of a sphere with a plane - known as the plane section.
Find the intersection of two spheres and the equation of a sphere through a circle.
Find the intersection of a sphere and a line.

7.1 INTRODUCTION
In school geometry, you have studied properties of a circle in a plane and in mensuration
you learnt about the volume and surface area of a sphere. A sphere is obtained by rotating a
circle about a diameter. All points on the sphere have the same distance, called the radius of the
sphere, from a fixed point called its centre, during the rotation. Hence a sphere is the set of all
points whose distance from a given point is a constant. As in the case of a straight line, the
equation of a sphere takes different forms depending upon the conditions it satisfies. When
given sphere and a plane intersect, the set of points common to both of them is known as the
plane section of the sphere. Similarly when two spheres intersect the obtained curve of intersection
is a plane.

7.2 EQUATION OF A SPHERE

7.2.1 Definition :

A sphere S is defined as the locus of a pont P in R 3 which moves such that its distance
from a fixed point C in R3 constant. The fixed point is called the centre and the constant
distance is called the radius of the sphere.

179
 Thus S (C , r )  {P  R 3 | C  R 3 , r  0 and CP = r} is called a sphere with centre C and
radius r.

If r = 0, the sphere is called a point sphere with centre C.

(A) Equation of the Sphere with given Centre and Radius.

Let (a, b, c) be the centre and r be the radius of the sphere given.

Let P(x, y, z) be any point on the sphere.

Then distance between the centre and the point P  ( x  a) 2  ( y  b) 2  ( z  c ) 2 .

By definition, this must be equal to r.

Hence ( x  a ) 2  ( y  b)2  ( z  c)2  r 2

(or) S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2 ax  2by  2 cz  (a 2  b   c 2  r 2 ) = 0 ............. (1)

This is the required equation of the sphere.

Note:

In equation (1), the coefficients of x 2 , y 2 , z 2 are equal. This second degree equation
does not contain terms involving xy, yz and zx.

Thus the general equation of a sphere with centre ( u,  v,  w) and radius

2 2 2
u 2  v 2  w2  d can be taken as S  x  y  z  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 ............. (2)

Conversely, if u 2  v 2  w2  d  0 ,then the equation S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0

represents a sphere with centre ( u,  v,  w) and radius u 2  v 2  w2  d .

Consider the equation (2). This can be written as

 x  u  2  ( y  v ) 2  ( z  w) 2  u 2  v 2  w 2  d .

Since u 2  v 2  w2  d  0 , there exists a real number r  0 such that

r 2  u 2  v 2  w2  d .

Hence the equation S = 0 represents a sphere with centre ( u,  v,  w) and radius

u 2  v 2  w2  d .

180
observation :

(i) If u 2  v 2  w2  d , i.e., if the radius of the sphere S is zero, then S = 0 represents a point
sphere.
(ii) If the centre of the sphere is the origin, i.e., (a, b, c) = (0, 0, 0), then from equation (1) we
have S  x2  y 2  z 2  r 2 and this is the sphere of radius r with centre origin.

7.2.2 Theorem :

The equation ax2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0

represents a sphere if a  b  c  0, f  g  h  0 and u 2  v 2  w2  ad  0 .

Proof :

If a  b  c  0 and f, g, h = 0 then the given equation reduces to

ax 2  ay 2  az 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0 .

u v  w d
Since a  0 , we have x2  y 2  z 2  2   x  2   y  2   z   0 .
a a a a

2 2 2 2 2 2
 u   v   w  d u  v  w  ad

Also          0 , by hypothesis.
a a  a  a a2

 u  v  w 
Hence the given equation represents a sphere with centre  , ,  and radius
 a a a 

u 2  v 2  w2  ad
units.
a2

(B) Equation of a Sphere with the Line Joining A( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and B ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) as the

ends of a Diameter.
Let P(x, y, z) be any point on the sphere.

Then APB is a right angled triangle with right angle at P.

Now direction cosines of AP are proportional to x  x1 , y  y1 , z  z1 and direction

cosines of BP are proportional to x  x2 , y  y2 , z  z 2 . But AP and BP are perpendicular..

Hence ( x  x1 ) ( x  x2 )  ( y  y1 )( y  y2 )  ( z  z1 )( z  z2 )  0 .

This is the equation of the required sphere.

181
 (C) Equation of a Sphere Through Four Non - coplanar Points.

We have seen that x2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 represents a sphere for given
u, v, w, d with u 2  v 2  w2  d  0 .

Since there are four parameters u, v, w, d in the equation of the sphere, four conditions
are necessary to specify a sphere uniquely.

Then each of these four conditions gives a linear relation between u, v, w, d.

In particular, if four non-coplanar points A, B, C, D on the sphere are given, we obtain a

unique sphere.

Consider the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2 vy  2 wz  d  0 ................ (2).

Since the points A( x1 , y1 , z1 ), B( x2 , y2 , z2 ), C ( x3 , y3 , z3 ), D( x4 , y4 , z4 ) lie on the sphere (2),

x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2wz1  d  0

x22  y22  z22  2ux2  2vy2  2 wz2  d  0

x32  y32  z32  2ux3  2vy3  2 wz3  d  0

x42  y42  z42  2ux4  2vy4  2 wz4  d  0

Eliminating u, v, w, d from (2) and these four equations, we get

x2  y 2  z2 x y z 1
2 2 2
x y z
1 1 1 x1 y1 z1 1
2 2 2
x y z
2 2 2 x2 y2 z2 1  0
2 2 2 ...............(3)
x y z
3 3 3 x3 y3 z3 1
x42  y42  z42 x4 y4 z4 1

This is the equation of the sphere through A, B, C, D.

7.2.3 Example

Find the centre and radius of the sphere 2 x 2  2 y 2  2 z 2  2 x  4 y  2 z  3  0 .

Solution :

Dividing the given equation by z, we get

182
 3
x2  y 2  z 2  x  2 y  z  0.
2

Comparing this equation with equation (2), we have

1 1 3
u   , v  1, w  , d  .
2 2 2

1 1
Hence the centre of the sphere = (u,  v,  w)   , 1,  
2 2

radius of the sphere  u 2  v 2  w2  d

1 1 3
  1   0
4 4 2

Hence the given equation represents a point sphere.

7.2.4 Example :

Find the equation of the sphere passing through O(0, 0, 0), A(a, 0, 0, ), B(0, b, 0),
C(0, 0, c). Also find its centre and radius.

Solution :

Let x2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 be the sphere through the given points,
O, A, B, C.

Since O lies on it, we have d = 0

Since A lies on it, we have a 2  2au  0  2u   a .

Since B lies on it, we have b 2  2bv  0  2v  b .

Since C lies on it, we have c 2  2cw  0  2w   c .

Then equation of the required sphere is x2  y 2  z 2  ax  by  cz  0 .

a b c
The centre of the sphere is  , , 
 2 2 2

2 2 2
a b c
and its radius        0
 2  2  2

1 2
 a  b2  c 2 .
2
183
 7.2.5 Example :

A point moves so that the sum of the squares of its distances from the six faces of a
cube is constant. Show that its locus is a sphere.

Solution :

Take the origin (0,0,0) as the centre of the cube and the co-ordinate planes as the planes
through the centre and parallel to its faces.

If 2a is the edge of the cube, then its faces are

x = a, x = -a, y = a, y = -a, z = a, z = -a.

If (f, g, h) is a point of the lines, then

(f - a)2 + (f + a)2 + (g - a)2 + (g + a)2 + (h - a)2 + (h + a)2 = k2,

where k is a constant.

 2( f 2  g 2  h 2  3a 2 )  k 2

Hence the required locus is 2( x 2  y 2  z 2  3a 2 )  k 2

which is a sphere.

7.2.6 Example :

A variable plane through a fixed point (a, b, c) cuts the co-ordinate axes at A, B, C
a b c
respectively. Show that the locus of the centre of the sphere OABC is x  y  z  2 .

Solution :

Let the sphere OABC be x2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  0 .

So that u, v, w vary for different spheres.

The points A, B, C where it cuts the co-ordinate axes are

(2u ,0,0),(0, 2v,0),(0,0, 2w) .
x y z
Then the equation of plane ABC is   1.
2u 2v 2w

Since this plane passes through (a, b, c), we have

a b c
  1 ............ (1)
2u 2v 2w

184
 If (x, y, z) be the centre of the sphere OABC given above, then

x  u , y   v, z   w . .................. (2)

a b c
From (1) and (2), we get    2 as the desired locus.
x y z

Check Your Progress:

Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

1) Find the radius and the centre of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  2 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
2) Find the equation of the sphere with A (2, 3, -1) and B (3, -1, 2) as the ends of a diameter.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

7.3 PLANE SECTION OF A SPHERE AND INTERSECTION OF

TWO SPHERES
A. The Curve of Intersection of a Sphere and a Plane.
7.3.1 Definition :
When a given sphere and a plane intersect, the set of points common to that sphere S
and the plane  , is called a plane section of a sphere.
We shall now show that the plane section of a sphere is a circle.
Let S be the given sphere and O be its centre.
Consider a point P on the plane section and draw ON perpendicular from O to the plane,
N being the foot of the perpendicular.

Then ON  NP ( ON is perpendicular to the plane which contains the line NP) .

Hence NP 2  OP 2  ON 2 .

Since O and N are fixed points, this shows that NP is constant for all positions of P on the
section.
Thus the locus of P is a circle with centre O.

185
 Note:
(i) The centre of the circle which is a plane section is the foot of the perpendicular from centre
of the sphere to the given plane.
(ii) Radius of this circle = [(radius)2 - (length of the perpendicular from the centre of the sphere
1
to the plane)2 ] 2

(iii) The sphere and the plane intersect if and only if the distance of the centre of the sphere
from the plane is less than or equal to the radius of the sphere.
Thus the sphere S given by (B of 7.2) will intersect the plane if and only if
(ul  vm  wn  p ) 2  (l 2  m 2  n2 )(u 2  v 2  w2  d ) .

7.3.2 Definition :
The section of a sphere by a plane through the centre of the sphere is called a great
circle.
The centre and radius of a great circle are the centre and radius of the sphere respectively.
The radius of the great circle is bigger than the radius of any other plane section.
7.3.3 Theorem :
The intersection of two distinct spheres is a circle.
Proof:
Consider two intersecting spheres

S  x2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2 wx  d  0

S '  x 2  y 2  z 2  2u ' x  2v ' y  2 w ' x  d '  0

Now S  S   2(u  u ') x  2(v  v ') y  2( w  w ') z  ( d  d ')  0 .

Since this is a first degree equation in x, y, z it represents a plane.

This point of intersection P lies on S = 0 as well as

S '  0  P lies on S = 0 and P lies on S  S '  0 .

So the set of common points of S = 0 and S '  0 is the section of the sphere S = 0 with
the plane S  S '  0 .

But the intersection of S = 0 and S  S '  0 is a circle say, C.

Also, P lies on S = 0 or S '  0  P lies on S = 0 or P lies on S  S '  0  P lies on C.

 The intersection of two spheres is a circle.

186
 This circle is called the circle of intersection of the two spheres.

Thus if the spheres S = 0 and S '  0 intersect, the plane of intersection is S  S '  0
and the circle of intersection is S = 0, S  S '  0 or S '  0, S  S '  0 .

Note : A circle can be represented by two equations as

(i) sphere S = 0 and intersecting plane  : L  0

(ii) two intersecting spheres S = 0, S '  0 or S '  0 , S  S '  0 or S = 0, S  S '  0

(iii) S = 0 and S '  0 .

(B) Intersection of Two Spheres

Consider two intersecting spheres

S1  x 2  y 2  z 2  2u1 x  2v1 y  2w1 z  d1  0

S 2  x 2  y 2  z 2  2u2 x  2v2 y  2w2 z  d2  0

When they intersect the co-ordinates of points common to the two spheres satisfy both
these equations.
Hence they also satisfy the equation

S1  S2  2 x (u1  u2 )  2 y (v1  v2 )  2 z ( w1  w2 )  ( d1  d 2 )  0

This being a first degree equation, represents a plane.

Hence the locus of the points of intersection of two spheres is a circle.

(C) Equation of a Sphere Through a Circle.

Let S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 be the sphere and

L  lx  my  nz  p  0 be the plane intersecting in the circle C.

Let   R . Then

S   L  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d   (lx  my  nz  p )  0 .

Since S = 0 and L = 0 intersect in C, their common points namely the points of C also
satisfy S   L  0 .

Hence S   L  0 represents a sphere through the circle C for each   R .

Also the equation S   S '  0 represents a sphere through the circle with equations
S  0, S '  0 for all values of  , where

187
 S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0

S '  x2  y2  z 2  2u ' x  2v ' y  2w ' z  d '  0

The set of spheres through the circle S  0, S '  0 is thus {S   S '  0,   R is the
parameter}.
Note :

Since S  S '  2(u  u ') x  2(v  v ') y  2( w  w ') z  (d  d ')  0 , the equation of any
sphere through the circle S  0, S '  0 is of the form S   ( S  S ')  0,  being the parameter..

7.3.4 Example :
Find the centre and radius of the circle

x2  y 2  z 2  2 y  4 z  11  0, x  2 y  2 z  15  0 .

Solution :

For the given sphere x2  y 2  z 2  2 y  4 z  11  0 , the centre is C (0, 1, 2) and radius

is 1  4  11  4 units.

Then CM = Perpendicular distance from C (0, 1, 2) to the plane x  2 y  2 z  15  0

2  4  15
  3.
1 4  4

Then radius of the circle = MP = CP 2  CM 2  16  9  7 units

Centre of the circle M = Foot of the perpendicular from C to the plane.

Direction ratios of CM are 1, 2, 2.

x  0 y 1 z  2
Then equations of CM are     ( say )
1 2 2

and any point on the line is ( , 1  2 , 2  2 ) .

This will be M if and only if it lies in the plane

   2(1  2 )  2(2  2 )  15  0  9  9  0    1 .

Hence the centre of the circle is M(1, 3, 4) and the radius of the circle = 7 units.

188
7.3.5 Example :
Find the equation of sphere passing through the circle

x2  y 2  z 2  9, 2 x  3 y  4 z  5  0 and through (1, 2, 3).

Solution :
Equation of any sphere passing through the given circle is

x2  y 2  z 2  9   (2 x  3 y  4 z  5)  0 .

Since this sphere passes through (1, 2, 3), we have

1
1  4  9  9   (2  6  12  5)  0 (or) 15  5  0     .
3

1
 Equation of the required sphere is x 2  y 2  z 2  9  (2 x  3 y  4 z  5)  0
3

 3x 2  3 y 2  3z 2  2 x  3 y  4 z  22  0 .

7.3.6 Example :

Show that the circles x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  3 y  4 z  5  0  5 y  6 z  1 and

x 2  y 2  z 2  3 x  4 y  5 z  6  0  x  2 y  7 z lie on the same sphere. Find its equation.

Solution :
The spheres through the given circles are

x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  3 y  4 z  5   (5 y  6 z  1)  0

and x2  y 2  z 2  3x  4 y  5 z  6   ( x  2 y  7 z)  0 .

If they represent the same sphere, then

  3  2, 3  5  4  2 and 4  6  5  7  .

Solving these equations :   1 and   1 .

These values of  ,  satisfy all the three equations.

Hence the given circles lie on the same sphere.

Its equation is x2  y 2  z 2  3 x  4 y  5 z  6   ( x  2 y  7 z )  0

i.e., x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2 z  6  0 .

189
 7.3.7 Example :

Show that the sphere S1  x2  y 2  z 2  2u1 x  2v1 y  2w1 z  d1  0 cuts the sphere
S 2  x2  y 2  z 2  2u2 x  2v2 y  2 w2 z  d 2  0 in a great circle if
2(u22  v22  w22 )  d 2  2(u1u2  v1v2  w1 w2 )  d1 (or)
2(u1u2  v1v2  w1w2 )  2r22  d1  d 2 , where r2 is the radius of S2 .

Solution :

Since the plane of the circle is S1  S 2  0 , we have

2(u1  u2 ) x  2(v1  v2 ) y  2( w1  w2 ) z  d1  d 2  0 ............(1)

The circle of intersection will be the great circle of the sphere S2 only when the above
plane (1) passes through the centre of the sphere S2 .

i.e., passes through the point ( u2 ,  v2 ,  w2 ) .

Hence 2(u1  u2 )( u2 )  2(v1  v2 )(  v2 )  2( w1  w2 )( w2 )  d1  d 2  0

(or) 2(u22  v22  w22 )  d 2  2(u1u2  v1v2  w1 w2 )  d1  2(u1u2  v1v2  w1w2 )  2r22  d1  d 2 .

Check Your Progress :

3) If the spheres x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  y  12 z  5  0 and x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  11  0

intersect in a circle, then find its equation.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
4) Show that the points (-8, 5, 2), (-5, 2, 2), (-7, 6, 6), (-4, 3, 6) are concyclic. Find the equation
of the circle through these points.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

7.4 INTERSECTION OF A SPHERE AND A LINE

Let x2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 be the equation of the sphere and
x  y   z 
  be the equation of the line.
l m n

190
 Any point on this line is (  lr ,   mr ,   nr ) .

If this line meets the sphere at this point, we have

(  lr ) 2  (   mr ) 2  (  nr ) 2  2u (  lr )  2v(   mr )  2w(  nr )  d  0

i.e.,

r 2 (l 2  m 2  n 2 )  2r (l  m  n  lu  mv  nw)  ( 2   2   2  2u  2v   2 w  d )  0.

This being a quadratic in r, gives two values of r.

Let them be r1 and r2.

Then (  lr1 ,   mr1 ,   nr1 ) and (  lr2 ,   mr2 ,   nr2 ) are the two points of
intersection.
Power of a Point

x  y   z 
Let x2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 and   be the equations
l m n
of a sphere and a line respectively.

Then any point on the line is (lr   , mr   , nr   ) .

If the line meets the sphere in this point, we have

r 2 (l 2  m2  n 2 )  2r (l  m  n  lu  mv  nw)

 ( 2   2   2  2u  2v  2w  d )  0 .

Since l, m, n are direction cosines, we have

r 2  2r (l  m  n  lu  mv  nw)  ( 2   2   2  2u  2v  2w  d )  0,

(l 2  m2  n2  1) .

If the line through the given point A( ,  ,  ) meets the sphere at P and Q, then we have

AP.AQ  r1r2   2   2   2  2u  2v  2w  d = constatnt.

7.4.1 Definition :
If from a fixed point A, chords be drawn in any direction to intersect a given sphere in P
and Q, then AP. AQ is constant. This constant is called the power of the point A with respect to
the sphere.

191
 7.4.2 Example :

If the powers of a point with respect to two given spheres are in a constant ratio ( 1) ,
then show that the locus of the point is a sphere.
Solution :

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be any point on the locus and suppose that the powers of P w.r.t the
spheres S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2u1 x  2v1 y  2w1 z  d1  0

S '  x 2  y 2  z 2  2u2 x  2v2 y  2w2 z  d 2  0

are in a constant ratio l : m ; l, m > 0. Let l > m. This implies that

m( x12  y12  z12  2u1 x1  2v1 y1  2w1 z1  d )  l ( x12  y12  z12  2u2 x1  2v2 y1  2w2 z1  d 2 )

 (l  m)( x12  y12  z12 )  2(u2l  u1m) x1  2(v2l  v1m) y1  2(w2l  w1m) z1  ld 2  md1  0

Dividing throughout by l - m

 u l  u1m   v l  v1m   w l  w1m  ld  md1

x2  y 2  z 2  2  2  x  2 2  y  2 2  z 2  0.
 lm   lm   lm  lm

This gives the locus of P which is a sphere.

7.4.3 Example :

x3 y 4 z 8
Find the points of intersection of the line   and the sphere
4 3 5
x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  10 y  23  0 .

Solution :

Any point on the given line is P( 3  4r , 4  3r ,8  5r ) .

This lies on the sphere if (4r  3) 2  (3r  4)2  (8  5r )2  2(4r  3)  10(3r  4)  23

 r 2  3r  2  0  r  1, 2 .

Substituting r = 1, 2 in the co-ordinates of P, we get the points of intersection as (1, -1, 3)

and (5, 2, -2) .
Check Your Progress:
1 1 1
5) Find the co-ordinates of the points where the line ( x  3)  ( y  4)   ( z  8) intersects
4 3 5
the sphere x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  10 y  23 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

192
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

7.5 SUMMARY
A sphere is the locus of the points in space which are at constant distance r (>0), called
the radius from a fixed point C, called its centre. There are four parameters in the equation of a
sphere. The equation of a sphere can be uniquely determined only if four conditions are given.
The set of points common to the sphere S and a plane  is called a plane section of the sphere.
The power of a point A with respect to a sphere is the product of the distances from the fixed
point A to the two points of intersection of the chord drawn in any direction to the sphere.

7.6 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: MODEL ANSWERS

1. Centre of the sphere (1, -2, 3), radius = 4

2. x2  y 2  z 2  5x  2 y  z  1  0

3. x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  y  12 z  5  0, 4 x  3 y  12 z  16  0

4. 8( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  22 x  182 y  5 z  0, 2 x  2 y  z  8  0

5. (1, -1, 3), (5, 2, -2)

7.7 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Find the centre and radius of the spheres

(i) x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  5  0

(ii) x2  y 2  z 2  6 x  2 y  4 z  14  0

2. Find the equation of the sphere passing through O(0, 0, 0), A(0, 1, -1), B(-1, 2, 0), C (1, 2, 3).
3. Find the equation of the sphere described on the join of the points A (2, -3, 4), B(-5, 6, 7)
as diameter.
4. A variable plane through a fixed point (a, b, c) cuts the co-ordinate axes in the points A, B, C.
a b c
Show that the locus of the centres of the sphere OABC is    2.
x y z

5. Show that the equation of the sphere passing through the points (3, 0, 2), (-1, 1, 1), (2, -5, 4)
and having its centre on the plane 2 x  3 y  4 z  6 is x2  y 2  z 2  4 y  6 z  1 .

6. Obtain the equation of the sphere having its centre on the line 5 y  2 z  0  2 x  3 y and
passing through the points (0, -2, -4) and (2, -1, -1).

193
 7. Find the centre and radius of the circle x  2 y  2 z  15; x 2  y 2  z 2  2 y  4 z  11 .

8. Obtain the equations of the circle lying on the sphere x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  3  0

and having its centre at (2, 3, -4).

9. Obtain the equation of the sphere which passes through the circle x2  y 2  4, z  0 and
is cut by the plane x  2 y  2 z  0 in a circle radius 3.

10. Obtain the equation of the sphere having the circle

x2  y 2  z 2  10 y  4 z  8  0, x  y  z  3 as the great circle.

11. A sphere S has points (0, 1, 0), (3, -5, 2) at opposite ends of a diameter. Find the equation
of the sphere having the intersection of the sphere S with the plane 5 x  2 y  4 z  7  0
as a great circle.
12. Find the equation of the sphere through the circle
x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  3 y  6  0, x  2 y  4 z  9  0 and the centre of the sphere
x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  5  0 .

Answers :
1. (i) (-1, 2, 3), 3 (ii) (3, -1, 2), 0

2. 7 x 2  7 y 2  7 z 2  15 x  25 y  11z  0

3. x2  y 2  z 2  3( x  y  z )  56  0

6. x2  y 2  z 2  6 x  4 y  10 z  12  0

7. (1,3, 4), 7

8. x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  3  0  x  5 y  7 z  45

9. x2  y 2  z 2  6 z  4  0

10. x2  y 2  z 2  4 x  6 y  8 z  4  0

11. x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2 z  2  0

12. x2  y 2  z 2  7 y  8 z  24  0

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UNIT -8 : TANGENT PLANE, NORMAL PLANE AND
POLAR PLANES OF A SPHERE
Contents
8.0 Objectives
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Tangent Line and Tangent Plane
8.3 Plane of Contact, Polar Plane and Conjugacy
8.4 Angle of intersection of two Spheres
8.5 Summary
8.6 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
8.7 Model Examination Questions

8.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :

Define a tangent line and tangent plane to a sphere and obtain a necessary and sufficient
conditions for a line to touch a sphere.
Define a plane of contact, obtain the equation of polar plane of a point w.r.t a sphere and
find the pole of a plane.
Compute the conjugate points and conjugate lines w.r.t a sphere.

Find the angle of intersection of two spheres and derive a criterion for a sphere to cut
orthogonally another sphere .

8.1 INTRODUCTION
In unit 7, you have obtained the equation of a sphere in different form and noticed that a
sphere can be uniquely determined if four conditions are given. You have learnt that a set of
points common to the sphere and a plane is called a plane section of the sphere and the intersection
of two spheres is a circle.

A line which intersects the sphere in only one point is known as a tangent line to the
sphere. From an external point, we can draw infinitely many tangents lines to the sphere. The
locus of all the tangent lines at a point on a sphere is a plane called the tangent plane to the
sphere at that point.

8.2 TANGENT LINE AND TANGENT PLANE

In this section, we shall discuss about the tangent line and tangent plane to the sphere.

8.2.1 Definition :

If a line L through a given point B has only one common point T with a given sphere,

then the line L is called a tangent line to the sphere. BT is said to touch the sphere at T.

195
 
If C is the centre of the sphere, then CT , the line joining the point of contact to the
centre of the sphere is perpendicular to the tangent line.

If a line through B intersects the sphere at two distinct points P and Q, then PQ is called
a chord and PQ is secant line of the sphere.

8.2.2 Theorem :

The length of the tangent from a point P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) to the sphere

S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 is S11 units,

where S11  x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2 wz1  d .

Proof :

Let the centre of the sphere be C ( u ,  v,  w) .

Suppose the tangent from P touches the sphere at T.

Since PT  CT , we have
2 2
PT 2  CP  CT , (Fig. 1)

 ( x1  u ) 2  ( y1  v) 2  ( z1  w) 2  (u 2  v 2  w2  d )
 x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2 wz1  d  S11

Fig. 1

Hence, the length of the tangent from P to the sphere S is PT  S11 units.

8.2.3 Theorem :

Suppose S is a sphere and P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be a point on S. Then there exists a unique

plane  passing through P such that any line L through P is a tangent line to S iff L lies in  .
Also  is a plane through P normal to CP, where C is the centre of S.

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Proof :

Let S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 ............ (1)

be the sphere and let the equation of any line L through P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  ............ (2)
l m n
where l, m, n are the direction cosines of L.

The point P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) lies on the sphere 

x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2 wz1  d  0 ............ (3)

Any point on the line L is ( x1  lr , y1  mr , z1  nr ) .

This point lies on (1) if

r 2 (l 2  m 2  n 2 )  2r[(lx1  u )  m( y1  v)  n( z1  w)]

 ( x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2 wz1  d )  0

(or) r 2  2r[l ( x1  u )  m ( y1  v )  n( z1  w)]  S11  0

( l 2  m 2  n2  1) ............. (4)

By virtue of condition (1), this equation reduces to

r 2  2r[l ( x1  u )  m( y1  v)  n( z1  w)]  0 ............ (5)

Since P lies on S = 0, one root of equation (5) is zero.

(2) will be a tangent to (1)  the second root is also zero.

 l ( x1  u )  m( y1  v)  n( z1  w)  0 ............ (6)

This is the necessary and sufficient condition for the line (2) to touch the sphere (1).

Eliminating l, m, n from (2) and (6), we get

( x  x1 )( x1  u )  ( y  y1 )( y1  v)  ( z  z1 )( z1  w)  0
 xx1  yy1  zz1  ux  vy  wz  x1 2  y12  z1 2  ux1  vy1  wz1
.
Adding ux1  vy1  wz1  d on both sides, we get
xx1  yy1  zz1  u ( x  x1 )  v( y  y1 )  w( z  z1 )  d

 x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2 wz1  d  0 ( by virtue of (3)).

This implies xx1  yy1  zz1  u ( x  x1 )  v ( y  y1 )  w( z  z1 )  d  0  S1 (say) ......... (7)

197
 8.2.4 Definition :

Let P be a point on a sphere S with radius r  0 . Then there exists a unique plane 
passing through P such that any line L through P is a tangent line to S iff L lies in  . This plane
 is called the tangent plane to S at P and this is normal to CP where C is the centre of S.
Note :

(i) If C is the centre of the sphere S = 0, then the tangent plane at P is normal to CP, since
x1  u , y1  v, z1  w are the direction ratios of CP.

The equation of tangent plane at P to S = 0 is

( x  x1 )( x1  u )  ( y  y1 )( y1  v)  ( z  z1 )( z1  w)  0 ............ (1)

(ii) Perpendicular distance of any tangent line from centre C to  is equal to the radius.

If lx  my  nz  p is the tangent plane, then

l (u)  m(v)  n(w)  p

 u2  v2  w2  d i.e.,
2 2 2
l m n

(lu  mv  nw  p )2  (l 2  m2  n 2 )(u 2  v 2  w2  d ) .

Touching Spheres
8.2.5 Definition :
If two spheres have only one point P in common, then we say that the spheres touch
each other at P.
Note :
(i) If P is the point of contact of the touching sphere, then the tangent plane at P to the first
sphere is also the tangent plane to the second sphere at P.

(ii) If two spheres with centres C 1 and C2 touch each other at P, then C 1 , P, C2 are collinear..

(iii) If A, B are the centres and r1 , r2 are the radii of two spheres, then we say that these
spheres touch externally at P if r1  r2  AB . In this case P divides AB internally in the ratio
r1 : r2 (Fig.2(a)).

We say that these two spheres touch internally if r1  r2  AB . In this case P divides AB

externally in the ratio r1 : r2 (Fig.2(b)).

198
 Fig. 2(a) Fig. 2(b)
8.2.6 Theorem :

If the spheres S = 0 and S   0 touch at P, then the equation of the common tangent plane
at P is S  S '  0 .

Proof :

Consider the spheres S and S  to be

S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0
S '  x 2  y 2  z 2  2u ' x  2v ' y  2w ' z  d '  0 .

Then S  S '  0  2(u  u ') x  2( v  v ') y  2( w  w ') z  ( d  d ')  0 .

This being a first degree equation in x, y, z, it represents a plane.

(  at least one of u  u ', v  v ', w  w ' is non-zero).

Since P lies on both the spheres, we have

S11  x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2 wz1  d  0

S11  x12  y12  z12  2u ' x1  2v ' y1  2w ' z1  d '  0

 S11  S11  0  P lies on S  S '  0 .

Since the spheres touch each other at P, the only point common to the two spheres is P.

Hence the common tangent plane is S  S '  0 .

8.2.7 Example :

Show that the plane 2 x  2 y  z  12  0 touches the sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2 2 x  4 y  2 z  3  0 . Find the point of contact .

Solution :

The given sphere is S  x 2  y 2  z 2 2 x  4 y  2 z  3  0 ............ (1)

199
 Its centre C is (1, 2, -1) and radius r  1  4  4  3 .

Perpendicular distance from C to the given plane 2 x  2 y  z  12  0 ............ (2)

2(1)  2(2)  1  12
is  3 = radius of the sphere.
4  4 1

Hence the given sphere touches the plane (2).

Equation of any line passing through C (1, 2, -1) and perpendicular to the plane (2) is

x 1 y  2 z 1
   r (say).
2 2 1

Then any point on this line is P (2r  1, 2r  2, r  1) .

If this point is the contact point of (1) and (2) then P should lie on the plane (2).

Hence 2(2r  1)  2( 2r  2)  r  1  12  0  9r  9  0  r  1 .

So the point of contact is P = (-1, 4, -2).

8.2.8 Example :
Find the equations to the tangent planes to the sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2 4 x  2 y  6 z  5  0 which are parallel to the plane 2 x  2 y  z  0 .

Solution :

For the given sphere S  x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  2 y  6 z  5  0 ................. (1)

the centre is C (2, -1, 3) and the radius is 4  1  9  5  3 units.

Any plane parallel to 2 x  2 y  z  0 is 2 x  2 y  z  k  0 ............... (2)

If this plane is a tangent plane to the sphere (1) then

2(2)  2(  1)  3  k
 3 = radius
4  4 1

 k  1  9  k  1   9  k  10, 8 .

Hence, the equations of the tangent planes are

2 x  2 y  z  10  0 and 2 x  2 y  z  8  0 .

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8.2.9 Example :
Find the equation of the sphere which touches the sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2  x  3 y  2 z  3  0 at the point (1,1, 1) and passes through the origin.

Solution :
Equation of the tangent plane to the given sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2  x  3 y  2 z  3  0 at (1,1, 1) is
1 3
x(1)  y (1)  z (1)  ( x  1)  ( y  1)  1( z  1)  3  0
2 2
 2x  3 y  2z  x 1  3 y  3  2z  2  6  0

 x  5y  6  0 .

The equation of the required sphere is

x 2  y 2  z 2  x  3 y  2 z  3  k ( x  5 y  6)  0 , where k is constant.
1
This will pass through the origin if k   .
2
Hence the required equation of the sphere is 2( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  3x  y  4 z  0 .

8.2.10 Example :

Find the equation of the two tangent planes to the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  9 which pass
through the line x  y  6, x  2 z  3 .

Solution :
The radius of the given sphere = 3.

Any plane through the given line x  y  6   ( x  2 z  3)  0 will touch the given plane
if
6  3 1
 3  2 2    1  0    1, 
(1   ) 2  1  4 2 2.

Hence the two required planes are 2 x  y  2 z  9 ; x  2 y  2 z  9 .

Check Your Progress:

Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

201
 1) Find the equation of the tangent plane at (1, 2, 3) to the sphere

3 x 2  3 y 2  3 z 2 2 x  3 y  4 z  22  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2) Find the equation of the tangent planes to the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2 2 x  4 y  6 z  7  0

which intersects the line 6 x  3 y  2 z  0, 3 z  2  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

8.3 PLANE OF CONTACT, POLAR PLANE AND

CONJUGACY
(A) Plane of Contact :
In this section you will learn the concept of plane of contact and polar plane. The notion
of conjugacy of planes with respect to a given sphere is also introduced later.
8.3.1 Theorem :

Let S be a sphere with radius r  0 . If tangent planes are drawn to S from an external
point P, then the points of contact of these tangent planes determine a plane.

Proof :

Consider a point P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) outside the sphere S  0 .

Let a tangent plane through P touch the sphere S  0 at Q ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) .

Then the equation of the tangent plane at Q is

xx2  yy2  zz2  u ( x  x2 )  v ( y  y2 )  w( z  z2 )  d ( S 2 )  0 .

Since this passes through P, we have

S12  x1 x2  y1 y2  z1 z2  u ( x1  x2 )  v( y1  y2 )  w( z1  z2 )  d  0 .

Each such Q satisfies S1  xx1  yy1  zz1  u ( x  x1 )  v( y  y1 )  w( z  z1 )  d  0

which is a plane.

This plane determined is called the plane of contact of P with respect to the sphere S.

202
Note :
(i) If P lies on the sphere, then the tangent plane at P is regarded as the plane of contact of P.
If P is an interior point, then such plane of contact doesnot exist.
(ii) The plane of contact of P is perpendicular to CP where C is the centre.
(iii) No Plane of contact passes through the centre of S.
(B) Polar Plane
8.3.2 Definition :
Let S be the sphere and B is a point outside S. The locus of the points so that the plane
of contact of each point with respect to S passes through B, is a plane called the polar plane
of B with respect to S. The point B is called the pole of the polar plane.
8.3.3 Theorem :

The equation of the polar plane of the point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) with respect to the sphere

S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0 is
S1  xx1  yy1  zz1  u ( x  x1 )  v( y  y1 )  w( z  z1 )  d  0 .
Proof :

Consider the sphere S  0 with centre ( u, v,  w) and radius r  u 2  v 2  w2  d .

Let B  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) . Let P ( ,  ,  ) be a point so that its plane of contact w.r.t the sphere
S  0 passes through B.
The plane of contact of P is
 ( x  u )   ( y  v)   ( z  w)  ux  vy  wz  d  0
If this passes through B, then
 ( x1  u )   ( y1  v )   ( z1  w)  (ux1  vy1  wz1  d )  0

 locus of P is x( x1  u )  y ( y1  v )  z ( z1  w)  (ux1  vy1  wz1  d )  0

But by definition, the locus of P is the polar plane of B.
 Equation of polar plane of B is
xx1  yy1  zz1  u ( x  x1 )  v( y  y1 )  w( z  z1 )  d  0 .

 S1  0 .
Note :

(i) Polar plane of B is perpendicular to CB since direction ratios of CB are x1  u, y1  v, z1  w .

(ii) If B lies on the sphere, then the polar plane of B is the tangent plane at B to the sphere. If
B is exterior to the sphere, then the polar plane of B w.r.t the sphere is the plane of contact
of B w.r.t the sphere.
(iii) If a polar plane passes through the centre, then S must be a point sphere.
203
 8.3.4 Theorem :

If x 2  y 2  z 2  r 2 is a sphere, then the pole of the plane

lx  my  nz  p, p  0 ............ (1)

 lr 2 mr 2 nr 2 
is  , , 
 p p p .

Proof :

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the pole of the plane lx  my  nz  p  0 w.r.t the sphere

S  x2  y 2  z2  r 2  0 ............ (2)

Then the polar plane of P w.r.t sphere (2) is

xx1  yy1  zz1  r 2

But the polar plane of P w.r.t (2) of example (8.2.8) is lx  my  nz  p .

Since (1) and (2) represent the same plane,

x1 y1 z1 r 2
   .
l m n p

lr2 mr2 nr2

(or) x1  , y1  , z1  .
p p p

 lr 2 mr 2 nr 2 
Hence the pole P   , ,  .
 p p p 

8.3.5 Theorem :

Let O be the centre of the sphere S  x 2  y 2  z 2  r 2  0 . If the polar plane P w.r.t

the sphere S  0 intersects OP at Q, then OP.OQ  r 2 and the polar plane of P is perpendicular
to OP.
Proof :

Let P  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) . Polar plane of P w.r.t

x 2  y 2  z 2  r 2 is xx1  yy1  zz1  r 2 ............ (1)

Since the direction ratios of OP are x1 , y1 , z1 we observe that OP is normal to this polar
plane.
Hence OQ = Perpendicular distance from O to (1)

204
 r 2 r2
   OP.OQ  r 2 .
x12  y12  z12 OP

Since the d.r.’s of OP are the same as those of the normal to (1), OP is perpendicular to (1).
8.3.6 Theorem :

If the polar plane of P w.r.t S  0 passes through Q, then the polar plane of Q w.r.t
S  0 passes through P.
Proof :

Let P  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and Q  (x2 , y2 , z2 ) .

Polar plane of P w.r.t S  0 is xx1  yy1  zz1  a 2 .

If this passes through Q, then x1 x2  y1 y2  z1 z2  a 2 so that the plane

xx2  yy2  zz 2  a 2 passes through P.

Hence the polar plane of Q passes through P.

(C) Conjugate Points and Conjugate lines :
8.3.7 Definition :
Two points are said to be conjugate points w.r.t a sphere, if the polar plane of either point
passes through the other.
Two planes are said to be conjugate planes with respect to a sphere, if the pole of either
lies on the other.
8.3.8 Theorem :
Let S be a sphere with centre C and L be a straight line not passing through C. Then the
polar planes of all points on L w.r.t S pass through a line L ' . Also, the polar planes of all points
on L ' w.r.t S pass through L.

Proof :
Let S  x 2  y 2  z 2  r 2  0 be the given sphere and L be the line

x  y   z 
   k (say).
l m n
Then any point on L is P (  lk ,   mk ,   nk ) .

Now the polar plane of P w.r.t S  0 is

205
 x(  lk )  y (   mk )  z (  nk )  r 2  0

 ( x   y   z  r 2 )  k (lx  my  nz )  0 .

This equation, for different values of k, represents a plane passing through the line L ' of
intersection of the planes  x   y   z  r 2  0, lx  my  nz  0 .

Hence the polar plane of all points on L pass through the fixed line L ' .

Now suppose that P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is any point on L ' .

Then  x1   y1   z1  r 2  0, lx1  my1  nz1  0

 ( x1   y1   z1  r 2 )  k (lx1  my1  nz1 )  0 k  R

 (  lk ) x1  (   mk ) y1  (  nk ) z1  r 2  0 k  R

This implies that xx1  yy1  zz1  r 2  0 passes through the line L ' with parametric
equations x    lk , y    mk , z    nk , k is a paramater..

Hence the polar plane of P passes through L.

8.3.9 Definition :
Let S be the sphere. Two lines are said to be conjugate lines to each other with respect
to S if the polar plane of every point on one line contains the other line.

i.e if L and L ' are lines such that the polar plane of every point on L w.r.t S passes
through L ' , then L and L ' are called conjugate lines (or polar lines).
8.3.10 Theorem :

If l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  p1 and l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  p2 are conjugate planes w.r.t the sphere

S  x 2  y 2  z 2  r 2  0 , then r 2 (l1l2  m1m2  n1n2 )  p1 p2 .

Proof :

 l1r 2 m1r 2 n1r 2 

P
Pole of l1 x  m1 y  n1 z  0 w.r.t S  0 is  , , 
 p1 p1 p1  .

Since the given planes are conjugate, P should lie on l2 x  m2 y  n2 z  p2 .

 l1r 2   m1r 2   n1r 2 

l
This happens if 2    m2 
 2n   p2
 p1   p1   p1 
 r 2 (l1l2  m1m2  n1n2 )  p1 p2 .

206
8.3.11 Example :

Find the pole of the plane x  2 y  3 z  7 with respect to the sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  11  0 .

Solution :

Given plane is x  2 y  3z  7  0 ............ (1)

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the pole of (1) w.r.t the sphere

S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  11  0 ............ (2)

Polar plane of P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) w.r.t (2) is

xx1  yy1  zz1  ( x  x1 )  2( y  y1 )  3( z  z1 )  11  0

 x ( x1  1)  y ( y1  2)  z ( z1  3)  ( x1  2 y1  3 z1  11)  0 ............ (3)

(1) and (3) represent the same polar plane.

x1  1 y1  2 z1  3 x1  2 y1  3z1  11
Hence     k (Say)
1 2 3 7

Then ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  ( k  1, 2 k  2, 3k  3) and x1  2 y1  3 z1  11  7 k

This implies k  1  4 k  4  9 k  9  11  7 k  k  3 7 .

 4 8 12 
Hence the pole of the plane x  2 y  3 z  7 is  , , .
7 7 7 
8.3.12 Example :

Prove that the planes 5 x  y  6 z  25  0 and x  2 y  3 z  25  0 are conjugate

planes w.r.t the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  25 .

Solution :

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the pole of 5 x  y  6 z  25  0 ............... (1)

w.r.t the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  25 .

 Polar plane of P w.r.t the sphere is xx1  yy1  zz1  25  0 . ............... (2)

207
 Equations (1) and (2) represent the same plane

x y z 25
     P ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  (5,1, 6)
5 1 6 25

Clearly, P lies on x  2 y  3 z  25  0 .

In a similar way, the pole of x  2 y  3 z  25  0 w.r.t the given sphere can be obtained
as Q( 1, 2,3) and Q clearly lies on (1).

8.3.13 Example :

Show that the points P (1,  1, 2), Q(5, 2,3) are conjugate points w.r.t the sphere
x2  y 2  z 2  9  0 .

Solution :

The polar plane of P (1,  1, 2) w.r.t the given sphere is

x(1)  y ( 1)  z (2)  9  0  x  y  2 z  9  0 ............. (1)

Now Q(5, 2,3) lies on (1) because 5 - 2 +2 (3) -9 = 0.

Then polar plane of Q(5, 2,3) is x(5)  y (2)  z (3)  9  0  5 x  2 y  3 z  9  0

Since 5(1)  2( 1)  3(2)  9  0 , we find that P lies on 5 x  2 y  3z  9  0 .

So the polar plane of each point passes through the other point.
Hence P and Q are conjugate points w.r.t the given sphere.
Check Your Progress:

3) Find the pole of the plane x  y  5 z  3  0 with respect to the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  9 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

x  3 y 1 z  2
4) Find the polar line of   with respect to the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  1 .
1 2 3
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

208
8.4 ANGLE OF INTERSECTION OF TWO SPHERES
In this section you will learn the concept of orthogonality of two spheres and the condition
for orthogonality.
8.4.1 Definition :

Let the spheres S1 and S 2 intersect at P. The angle  between the tangent planes at P
to the two spheres is called an angle of intersection of the spheres S1 and S 2 at P. It is also
equal to the angle between the radii of the spheres to the common point.


The other angle between the spheres is    . If   , the spheres are said to
2
intersect orthogonally at P and they are called orthogonal spheres.
8.4.2 Theorem :

If two spheres S1 and S 2 with radii r1 and r2 intersect at P, then the angle  between
the tangent planes to the spheres at the common point P is the same for all common points of the

 r12  r22  d 2 
spheres and is given by cos      , d being the distance between the centres
 2r1r2 
of spheres.
Proof :

Let C1 and C2 be the centres of the two spheres S1 and S 2 and C1C2  d (Fig. 3).
The tangent planes at P to S1 and S 2 are perpendicular to C1 P and C2 P respectively..

Since the angles between the planes is equal to the angle between their normals
C1 PC2   or    , C1 P  r1 , C2 P  r2 and C1C2  d .

Fig. 3

209
 From C1 PC2 , C1C2 2  C1 P 2  C2 P 2  2C1 P.C2 P.cos  C1 PC2 (by cosine rule)

 d 2  r12  r2 2  2r1r2 cos 

 r 2  r2 2  d 2 
 cos     1 .
 2r1r2 

Note :

(i) The value of cos  is independent of the choice of P on the circle of intersection of the
spheres.

(ii) Spheres S1 and S 2 cut orthogonally    900  r12  r2 2  d 2 . In this case the tangent

plane to S1 at P passes through the centre of S 2 and the tangent plane to S 2 at P passes
through the centre of S1 .

8.4.3 Theorem :
A necessary and sufficient condition for the spheres

S1  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0

and S 2  x 2  y 2  z 2  2u1 x  2v1 y  2 w1 z  d1  0

to cut orthogonally is that 2uu1  2vv1  2 ww1  d  d1 .

Proof :

Let C1 , C2 be the centres and r1 , r2 be the radii of these spheres respectively..

Then C1  (u ,  v,  w), C2  (u1 ,  v1 ,  w1 )

r1  u 2  v 2  w2  d , r2  u12  v12  w12  d1

2
The two spheres cut orthogonally   C1 C 2   r12  r2 2

 ( u  u1 ) 2  ( v  v1 ) 2  ( w  w1 ) 2  u 2  v 2  w 2  d  u12  v12  w12  d1

 u 2  u12  2uu1  v 2  v12  2vv1  w2  w12  2ww1
 u 2  v 2  w2  d  u12  v12  w12  d1

 2uu1  2vv1  2ww1   d  d1

210
  2uu1  2vv1  2 ww1  d  d1

which is the required condition.

8.4.4 Theorem :
If two spheres of radii r1 and r2 cut orthogonally, then the radius of the circle of their
r1r2
intersection is .
r12  r2 2

Proof :
Let A and B be the centres of the orthogonal spheres and M is the centre and a is the
radius of the circle of intersection which is common to the two spheres.
Then A, M, B are collinear.

Fig. 4

Let P be a point of intersection of the spheres (Fig . 4)

MP  AB, APB  900 and AB 2  r12  r2 2  ( AM  MB ) 2  r12  r2 2

 AM 2  MB 2  2 AM .MB  r12  r2 2

 r12  a 2  r22  a 2  2 (r12  a 2 )(r22  a 2 )  r12  r2 2

 4( r12  a 2 )( r2 2  a 2 )  4a 4  r12 r2 2  a 2 ( r12  r2 2 )  0

r1r2
a .
r12  r2 2

8.4.5 Example :

Show that the spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  6 y  2 z  8  0 and

x 2  y 2  z 2  6 x  8 y  4 z  20  0 are orthogonal.

211
 Solution :
From the given spheres, on comparison with the standard form, we find that

u  0, v  3, w  1, d  8 ; u '  3, v '  4, w'  2, d '  20

 2uu ' 2vv ' 2ww '  0  2(3)(4)  2(1)(2)  28.

Since d  d '  28 , the two given spheres are orthogonal.

8.4.6 Example :

Find the equation of the sphere which touches the plane 3 x  2 y  z  2  0 at (1, -2, 1)
and cuts the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  6 y  4  0 orthogonally..

Solution :

The centre and radius of the given sphere are (2, -3, 0) and 494  3.

The given plane 3 x  2 y  z  2  0 is the tangent plane at (1, -2, 1) to the required
sphere. Then equation of the normal at (1, -2, 1) is the tangent plane to the required sphere.
Equations of the normal at (1, -2, 1) are
x 1 y  2 z 1
   t (say )
3 2 1

 Centre of the required sphere can be taken as (3t  1,2t  2,  t  1)

and radius = (3t  1  1)2  (2t  2  2) 2  ( t  1  1) 2  14 t .

Since the required sphere cuts the given sphere orthogonally

(3t  1  2)2  (2t  2  3)2  (t  1  0)2  14 t 2  9

 9t 2  1  6t  4t 2  1  4t  t 2  1  2t  14 t 2  9
 t  3 2 .

 7 5
Hence the centre of the required sphere is   ,  5, .
 2 2
Then equation of the required sphere is
2 2 2
 7 2  5  3
 x    ( y  5)   z     14  
 2  2  2
 x 2  y 2  z 2  7 x  10 y  5 z  12  0 .

212
Check Your Progress:

5) Show that the spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  y  3 z  4  0 and x 2  y 2  z 2  5 x 

6 y  2 z  3  0 cut orthogonally.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

6) Find the angle of intersection of the spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  4, x 2  y 2  z 2 

2x  2 y  0 .
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

8.5 SUMMARY
Any line which has only one point of contact with a given sphere S is a tangent line to S.
A plane  passing through a point P on S such that any line L through P is a tangent line to S iff
L lies in  , is called a tangent plane to S at P. The locus of the points so that the plane of contact
of each point w.r.t the sphere S passes through a point B out side the sphere is the polar plane of
B. If the polar plane of either point passes through the other, then those two points are said to
be conjugate points.

8.6 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS : MODEL ANSWERS

1. 4 x  9 y  14 z  64  0

2. 2 x  y  4 z  5, 4 x  2 y  z  16

3. (3, 3,15)

x 7 y  3 2  7z
4.  
1 11 5

 3
6. ,
4 4

213
 8.7 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Find the equation of the tangent plane to the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  6 x  2 z  1  0 at

(2, 2,1) .

2. Find the equation of the sphere which touches the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  x  3 y  2 z  3  0

at (1,1, 1) and passes through the origin.

3. Show that the spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  100 and

x 2  y 2  z 2  24 x  30 y  32 z  400  0 touch externally and find the point of contact.

4. Find the equation of the sphere that passes through the circle

x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  3 y  4 z  6  0 , 3 x  4 y  5 z  15  0 and cut the sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  11  0 orthogonally..

5. Find the equation of the sphere which touches the plane 3 x  2 y  z  2  0 at (1, -2, 1)
and cuts orthogonally the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  6 y  4  0 .

6. Find the equation of the sphere with (1, 2, -3) and (5, 0,1) as the ends of one of its diameters.
Also find the angle between it and the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  10  0 .

7. Find the sphere intersecting the spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  x  3 z  2  0,

x y
x2  y2  z2    2  0 orthogonally and passing through (0,3, 0) and
2 3
( 2, 1, 4) .

8. Prove that the points P (1, 1, 2) and Q (2, 0, 4) are conjugate points w.r.t the sphere
x 2  y 2  z 2  6 x  2 y  3z  1  0 .

9. Find the polar plane of the point P ( 2,3, 0) w.r.t the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  5 z  3  0 .
Also show that the points P ( 2,3, 0) and Q (3, 4, 2) are conjugate points w.r.t the sphere.

10. Find the polar lines of 6( x  3)  3( y  1)  2( z  2) w.r.t the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  1 .

Hence show that the two lines are perpendicular.
Answers:

1. x  2 y  2z  4  0

2. 2( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  3 x  y  4 z  0

214
  24 32 
3.  , 6, 
 5 5 

4. 5( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  13 x  19 y  25 z  45  0

5. x2  y2  z2  4x  6 y  4  0

2
6. x 2  y 2  z 2  6 x  2 y  2 z  2  0, cos 1  
3

7. x2  y2  z2  2x  2 y  4z  3  0

9. 6 y  6 z  14  0

x 7 y  3 7z  2
10.  
1 11 5

215
 UNIT -9 : RADICAL PLANE AND COAXIAL SYSTEM
OF SPHERES
Contents
9.0 Objectives
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Radical Plane, Radical Line and Radical Centre
9.3 Coaxial System of Sphere and Limiting Points
9.4 Summary
9.5 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
9.6 Model Examination Questions

9.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :

Distinguish between a radical plane, a radical line and a radical centre of a system of
spheres.
Define a coaxial system of spheres and find its simplified form.
Define a limiting point and find the limiting points of a co-axial system of spheres.

9.1 INTRODUCTION
In the earlier unit, you are introduced to the concept of power of a point. From a fixed
point A, if chords are drawn in any direction to intersect a given sphere in P and Q, then AP.AQ
is a constant called the power of a point A w.r.t the sphere. The locus of a point whose powers
w.r.t two given spheres are the same is known as the radical plane of the two spheres. The
radical plane of three spheres taken two at a time pass through one line and this line is called the
radical line of three spheres. A co-axial system of spheres is one in which any two of its
members have the same radical plane. In this unit, the concepts of radical plane, radical line and
radical centre are introduced, co-axial system of spheres and their limiting points are discussed.

9.2 RADICAL PLANE, RADICAL LINE AND RADICAL

CENTRE
9.2.1 Definition :

The locus of points each of whose powers w.r.t two non-concentric spheres are equal
is a plane, called the radical plane of the two spheres.

9.2.2 Theorem :

The equation of the radical plane of non-concentric spheres S  0 and S   0 is

S  S  0 .

216
Proof:

Let S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0

and S   x 2  y 2  z 2  2u x  2vy  2w z  d   0

be the non-concentric spheres. i.e., (  u,  v,  w)  (  u,  v,  w) .

Let B ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be a point whose powers w.r.t the two spheres are equal.

  S11  S11  0  2(u  u) x  2(v  v ) y  2(w  w ) z  (d  d )  0

Then S11  S11

which is a plane. This is the locus of B.

But locus of B is the radical plane of the spheres S  0 and S   0 .

So the radical plane of the spheres S  0, S   0 is

2(u  u ) x  2(v  v) y  2( w  w ) z  d  d   0 or S  S   0 .

Observation :

(i) Radical plane is perpendicular to the line of centres (line joining the centres) of the spheres.
(ii) If two spheres intersect, the plane of their circle of intersection is their radical plane.
(iii) If two spheres touch each other, then their radical plane is the tangent plane at the point
of contact to either of the spheres.
9.2.3 Definition :

If S , S , S  are three spheres with non-collinear centres, then the three radical planes
of the spheres taken in pairs pass through a unique line, called the radical line of the spheres.

If S  0, S   0, S   0 are non-concentric spheres with non-collinear centres, then their

radical planes are S  S   0, S   S   0 and S  S   0 .

Also each radical plane passes through the line of intersection of the other two,
since S  S   0  S  S   1( S   S )  0 etc.

Thus the three radical planes have a line in common.

9.2.4 Definition :
The four radical lines of four spheres with non-coplanar centres, taken three by three,
intersect at a unique point, called the radical centre of the spheres.

217
 9.2.5 Theorem :

If S  0, S   0, S   0, S   0 are four spheres whose centres are non-coplanar, then

the four radical lines of four spheres taken three by three intersect at a unique point.
Proof :

The radical plane of S  0, S   0 is S  S   0

i.e., 2(u  u ) x  2(v  v) y  2( w  w ) z  d  d   0 ......... (1)

The radical plane of S  0, S   0 is S  S   0

i.e., 2(u  u ) x  2(v  v) y  2( w  w) z  d  d   0 ......... (2)

Similarly the radical plane of S  0, S   0 is S  S   0

i.e., 2(u  u  ) x  2(v  v) y  2( w  w) z  d  d   0 ......... (3)

Since their centres (  u,  v,  w), (  u,  v,  w), (  u,  v,  w)
and (  u,  v,  w) are non-coplanar,,

u v w 1
u  u  v  v w  w
u  v  w 1
 0  u  u  v  v w  w  0
u   v  w 1
u  u v  v w  w
 u  v  v 1

(by the application of elementary operations)

 radical planes (1), (2), (3) pass through a unique point P.

Hence P lies on the radical plane of S  0, S   0, S   0, S   0  P lies on the

radical line of S  0, S   0, S   0 .

Similarly P lies on the radical line of S  0, S   0, S   0; S  0, S   0, S   0;

S   0, S   0, S   0 .

Hence the four radical lines of four spheres taken three by intersect at a unique point P.
9.2.6 Theorem :

The centre of the sphere S which intersects the spheres S1 and S 2 orthogonally lies on
the radical plane of the spheres S 1 , S 2 .

218
Proof :

Let C1 and C2 be the centres and r1 and r2 be the radii of S1 and S 2 respectively..

Let C (  u,  v,  w) be the centre of sphere S  0 .

Then radical plane of S   0, S   0 is S   S   0 .

 2(u  u ) x  2(v  v) y  2( w  w) z  d   d   0

S intersects S1 orthogonally  2uu  2vv  2ww  d  d  ......... (1)

S intersects S 2 orthogonally  2uu  2vv  2ww  d  d  ......... (2)

(1) and (2) gives 2(u  u ) x  2(v  v) y  2( w  w) z  d   d   0

 2(u   u)(  u )  2(v  v )(  v)  2( w  w)( w)  d   d   0

Hence the centre (  u,  v,  w) of S  0 clearly lies on the radical plane of

S   0, S   0 .
9.2.7 Example :
Find the equation of the radical line of the three spheres

S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2 z  2  0,

S   x 2  y 2  z 2  4 y  0,

S   x 2  y 2  z 2  3 x  2 y  8 z  6  0 .

Solution :

Radical plane of S  0 and S   0 is S  S   0

 2x  2 y  2z  2  0  x  y  z  1  0

Radical plane of S   0 and S   0 is S   S   0

 3 x  6 y  8 z  6  0  3 x  6 y  8 z  6  0

 Radical line of the given sphere is

x  y  z  1  0  3x  6 y  8z  6 .

9.2.8 Example :
Find the radical centre of the spheres
S  x2  y2  z2  4 y  0 ,

219
 S   x2  y2  z2  2x  2 y  2z  2  0 ,
S   x 2  y 2  z 2  3 x  2 y  8 z  6  0 ,
S   x 2  y 2  z 2  x  4 y  6 z  2  0 .

Solution :

Radical plane of S  0, S   0 is
2 x  2 y  2 z  2  0  x  y  z  1  0 ......... (1)

Radical plane of S   0 and S   0 is

 x  4 y  6z  4  0  x  4 y  6z  4  0 ......... (2)

 Radical line of S  0, S   0 and S   0 is

x  y  z  1  0  x  4 y  6z  4 ......... (3)

Now Radical plane of S  0 and S   0 is

3 x  6 y  8 z  6  0  3 x  6 y  8 z  6  0 ......... (4)

Radical plane of S  0 and S   0 is x  6 z  2  0 ......... (5)

Radical line of S  0, S   0, S   0 is

3x  6 y  8 z  6  0  x  6 z  2 ......... (6)

 Radical centre of the intersection of the radical lines (3) and (6).
Hence solving the equations (1), (2), (4) and (5), we obtain
1 1 3
x , y , z .
5 2 10
 1 1 3
Hence the radical centre of the given spheres is   , , 
 5 2 10 

which is the point of intersection of the radical lines (3) and (6).
Check Your Progress :
Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.
1) Find the radical plane of the spheres

2( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  3 x  2 y  5  0 and 3( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  4 y  7 z  2  0 .
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

220
9.3 COAXIAL SYSTEM OF SPHERES AND LIMITING
POINTS
(A) Coaxial System of Spheres:
9.3.1 Definition :
A system of non-concentric spheres such that any two spheres of the system have the
same radical plane is called a coaxial system of spheres.

9.3.2 Theorem :

If S  0 and S   0 are two non-concentric spheres, then the equation S  S   0,

 ( 1) is a real parameter, represents a system of spheres such that any pair of spheres in the
system have the same radical plane S  S   0 .

Proof :

For   1 , we know that S  S   0 represents a system of spheres.

Let S  1 S   0 and S   2 S   0 be any pair of distinct members of the system for

1   2 .
Then by making the coefficents of second degree terms unity, the equation of the spheres
can be written as
S  1S S  2 S
 0; 0
1 1 1 2
Then the radical plane of these spheres is
S  1 S  S   2 S 
 0
1  1 1  2

 (1   2 )( S  1 S )  (1  1 )(S   2 S )  0

 ( 2  1 ) ( S  S  )  0  S  S   0 ( 1   2 ) .

Since this is independent of 1 and  2 , the plane S  S   0 is the radical plane of any
two spheres of the system.

9.3.3 Theorem :

The centres of the spheres of a coaxial system of spheres are collinear.

221
 Proof :

Let  be a coaxial system of spheres with radical plane  .

If S1 and S 2 are two spheres of the system  with centres C1 and C2 then C1C2   .
Let S3 be a sphere of the system  distinct from S1 and S 2 with centre C3 .

Then S1 , S3 have the same radical plane and C1C3 perpendicular to  . ( C1 C3 r )

Hence C1 , C2 , C3 are collinear..

 All the centres of the system of spheres lie on C1C2 which is called the line of
centres of the co-axial system  .
9.3.4 Definition :

The line containing the centres of all the members of the co-axial system of spheres is
called the line of centres of the system.

(B) Simplified Form of Co-axial System of Spheres

9.3.5 Theorem :
The co-axial system of spheres with the line of centres as X-axis and the YZ-plane as
common radical plane is x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  c  0 , where  is a parameter and c is the
constant that is same for all members of the system.
Proof :

Let x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  c  0 be the equation of any sphere of the system.

Since its centre (  u,  v,  w) lies on X-axis, being the line of centres, we have v  0 and
w 0.
Then the equation of the sphere reduces to x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  c  0 .

This is the general form of any member of the system.

Now consider any two spheres of the system

x 2  y 2  z 2  2u1 x  c1  0 and x 2  y 2  z 2  2u2 x  c2  0 .

Their radical plane is 2(u1  u2 ) x  c1  c2  0 .

222
 Since the spheres of co-axial system are non-concentric, we have u1  u2 , so that

c2  c1
x
2(u1  u2 ) .

But the radical plane is x = 0, the YZ-plane, so that c1  c 2 .

Hence all the members of the co-axial system have the same constant term.

This shows that for different u and fixed c, x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  c  0 , where  is a

parameter, is the equation of the co-axial system of spheres in the simplest form.
Observations :

For the co-axial system of spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  c  0 ............... (1)

Radical plane of the system is YZ-plane i.e., x  0 ............... (2)

 Equations (1) and (2) intersect at the points x = 0, y 2  z 2  c  0 i.e., y 2  z 2   c

2
2 2
Case (i): If c  0 , all points of intersection lie on the circle x  0 , y  z   c  and
every sphere of the system passes through the circle. This is an intersecting type of
co-axial system of spheres.

Case (ii): If c  0 then x  0 , y 2  z 2  0  y  z  0 . Then every pair of a spheres of the

system touch at (0, 0, 0) and the radical plane of the system is the tangent plane at
(0, 0, 0) to every sphere of the system.
Case (iii): If c > 0, there are no points in common to any two spheres of the system.
Then the system of spheres is a non-intersecting type of co-axial system.
(C) Limiting Points
Consider the simplest form of co-axial system of spheres given by

x 2  y 2  z 2  2x  c  0 This can be written as ( x   )2  y 2  z 2   2  c .

If    c , c  0 , then this equation represents point spheres, namely  c ,0,0  

and  
c , 0, 0 .

9.3.6 Definition :
The point spheres of the co-axial system of spheres are called the limiting points of the
coaxial system.

For the system x 2  y 2  z 2  2x  c  0 , where  is parameter, the limiting points


are  c ,0,0 and   
c , 0, 0 if c > 0.

223
 If c = 0, then the system has only one limiting point, namely (0, 0, 0). In this case, the
system is of a touching type of spheres at (0, 0, 0).
If c < 0, the system has no real limiting points. In this case, the system is of intersecting
type.
9.3.7 Example :
Find the equation of the sphere belonging to the co-axial system given by
x 2  y 2  z 2  2ax  2ay  2az  4a 2  ( x  y  z )  0 and
x 2  y 2  z 2  4ax  4ay  4a 2  0
and which cuts the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2ax  0 orthogonally..

Solution :
The radical plane of the given spheres is

2ax  2ay  2az  ( x  y  z )  0

 2a ( x  y  z )   ( x  y  z )  0  ( x  y  z )(2a   )  0

 x  y  z  0 ( 2a    0) .

Equation to a sphere of the co-axial system is

x 2  y 2  z 2  2ax  2ay  2az  4a 2  ( x  y  z )  0

If the sphere intersects x 2  y 2  z 2  2ax  0 orthogonally, then

   2a     2a     2a  2
2  a  2  .0  2   .0  4a    6a .
 2   2   2 

Then equation to the required sphere is

x 2  y 2  z 2  4ax  4ay  8az  4a 2  0 .

9.3.8 Example :
Find the limiting points of the co-axial system defined by the spheres
x 2  y 2  z 2  3x  3 y  6  0 , x2  y 2  z 2  6 y  6 z  6  0 .

Solution :
The radical plane of the sphere of co-axial system is

3x  3 y  6 z  x  y  2 z  0 .
The equation of the co-axial system determined by the given spheres is given by

224
 x 2  y 2  z 2  3x  3 y  6  ( x  y  2 z )  0
(or) x 2  y 2  z 2  (3   ) x  (  3) y  2z  6  0 , (  being a parameter)
............ (1)
.

 3  3 
The centre of the sphere (1) is   , ,  
 2 2 

1
 3   2    3  2 2
 2
and its radius is  
      6  .
 2   2  

Equating this radius to zero, we get 6 2  6  0    1 .

 Limiting points are (-1, 2, 1) and (-2, 1, -1).

9.3.9 Example :
Show that every sphere through the limiting points of a co-axial system intersects every
sphere of that system orthogonally.
Solution :

Let the co-axial system of spheres be x 2  y 2  z 2  2x  d  0, d  0 .........(1)

Then the limiting points of this system are    

d , 0, 0 ,  d , 0, 0 .

Let a sphere passing through the limiting points be

x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  c  0 .

Since it passes through the limiting points,

we have d  2u d  c  0 and d  2u d  c  0 .

Solving these equations, u  0, c  d .

Then equation of the system of spheres through the limiting points is

x 2  y 2  z 2  2vy  2wz  d  0 .

Since 2..0  2.0.v  2.0.w  d  d is true for any sphere of the system (1), every sphere
of the system intersects every sphere of the system of the spheres through the limiting points
orthogonally.

225
 Check Your Progress:
2) Find the equation to the spheres of the co-axial system

x 2  y 2  z 2  5   (2 x  y  3 z  3)  0 which touch the plane 3 x  4 y  15  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

3) The point (-2, 1, -1) is a limiting point of the co-axial system for which x  y  2 z  0 is
the radical plane. Find the other limiting point.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

9.4 SUMMARY
A radical plane of two spheres is the locus of points each of whose powers w.r.t two
non-concentric spheres are equal. The three radical planes of three spheres with non-collinear
centers taken in pairs pass through a unique line called the radical line of the spheres. If any two
spheres of a system of non-concentric spheres have the same radical plane then such system is
known as a co-axial system of spheres. Limiting points of a co-axial system of spheres are the
point spheres of the system. In this unit all these concepts are discussed and problems related to
these concepts are illustrated.

9.5 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: MODEL ANSWERS

1. 9 x  14 y  14 z  19  0

2. x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  2 y  6 z  11  0; 5( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  8 x  4 y  12 z  13  0

3. ( 1, 2,1)

9.6 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Find the radical line of the spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2 z  2  0 ,

x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  4 z  4  0 , x2  y 2  z 2  x  6 y  4 z  2  0 .

2. Find the radical centre of the spheres x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2 z  1  0 ,

x2  y2  z 2  1 , x2  y2  z2  6 z  4  0 , x2  y2  z2  x  4 y  6z  2  0 .

226
3. Find the limiting points of the co-axial system of spheres determined by the spheres

2 2 2 2 2
x 2  y  z  3x  3 y  6  0, x  y  z  6 y  6 z  6  0 .
4. Find the equation of the radical plane of the co-axial system whose limiting points are
( 1, 2,1) and ( 2,1, 1) .

5. If ( 2,1, 1) is a limiting point of a coaxial system for which x  y  2 z  0 is the radical
plane, then show that the other limiting point is ( 1, 2,1) .

6. Find the equation of the sphere through the point (0, 1, 2) and belonging to the co-axial
system defined by x 2  y 2  z 2  3x  3 y  2 z  0 , x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  y  z  10  0 .

7. Find the limiting point of the co-axial system of spheres x2  y 2  z 2  20 x  30 y  40 z 

29   (2 x  3 y  4 z )  0 .

Answers:

x y 1 z
1.  
2 5 3

 14 25 5 
2.  , , 
 9 18 6 

3. (1,2,1),(2,1,1)

4. x  y  2z  0

6. x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  5 y  5 z  10  0

7. (2, 3, 4), ( 2, 3, 4)

227
BLOCK - IV : THE CONE AND THE CYLINDER

In Block - III, a comprehensive discussion about the sphere was done. In the discussion
that follows in the three units of this block our concentration is on the other two solids namely
the cone and the cylinder.

A cone is essentially a set of lines called the generators through a given point called its
vertex. A cone whose equation is of second degree is called a quadratic cone. In units 10 and
11 of this block, the equation of quadratic cone with vertex at the origin and with a given guiding
curve is derived and the concept of an enveloping cone of a sphere, tangent lines and tangent
planes, reciprocal cones and right circular cone are discussed in detail. In unit 12, the equation
of a cylinder, the enveloping cylinder of a surface and the right circular cylinder are covered in
detail.

The following units are included in this block:

Unit - 10 : Cone, Intersection of a Cone with a Plane and a Line

Unit - 11 : Enveloping Cone, Reciprocal Cone and Right Circular Cone
Unit - 12 : The Cylinder and the Right Circular Cylinder

229
230
UNIT -10 : CONE, INTERSECTION OF A CONE WITH
A PLANE AND A LINE
Contents
10.0 Objectives
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Equation of a Cone with a Given Vertex and a Conic as Guiding Curve
10.3 Quadratic Cones with Vertex at the Origin
10.4 The Condition that the General Second Degree Equation may Represent a Cone
10.5 Cone and a Plane Through its Vertex : Mutually Perpendicular Generators
10.6 Summary
10.7 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
10.8 Model Examination Questions

10.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :

Derive the equation of a cone with a given vertex and a conic as guiding curve.
Obtain the condition that the general second degree equation may represent a cone.
Derive the condition for the perpendicularity of generators of the given cone.

10.1 INTRODUCTION
In mensuration you have learned how to find the surface area and volume of a given
cone. Given a curve C in the XY-plane and a point V not contained in that plane, if every point of
C is joined to V by a straight line, the union of all these lines becomes a surface, called a cone.
The fixed point is called the vertex and the given curve the guiding curve of the cone. A straight
line on the surface is called its generator. The degree of the guiding curve is known as the
degree of the cone. In this unit, we will confine ourself to quadratic cone - i.e., cones with
second degree.

10.2 EQUATION OF A CONE WITH A GIVEN VERTEX AND A

CONIC AS GUIDING CURVE
A cone is a surface passing through a fixed point and generated by a straight line such
that it intersects a given curve or touches a given surface. The fixed point is called its vertex and
the given curve is called the guiding (base) curve. Each straight line through the vertex lying on
the cone is called a generator of the cone.

10.2.1 Definition :

Let S be the set of points in R 3 . If there exists V  S such that P  S  VP  S ,

then S is called a cone, V is called its vertex and VP its generator..

231
 Note :
(i) If S is a cone with vertex V, then S is the union of the set of all straight lines through V.
(ii) If L is a generator of a cone S, then every point of L is in S.
(iii) A pair of intersecting planes can be regarded as a cone with every point on the line of
intersection as vertex.
(iv) Even though we can have cones with equations of any degree depending on the guiding
curve, we confine out discussion here only to the quadratic cones i.e., cones
represented by second degree equations.
10.2.2 Theorem :

The equation of the cone whose vertex is the point (, ,  ) and whose generators
intersects the conic ax 2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 , z  0 is a

a(z  x) 2  2h(z  x)( z  y )  b( z  y )2

 2 g (z  x)( z   )  2 f ( z  y )( z   )  c ( z   )2  0

Proof :

We have to find the locus of all points on lines which pass through the given point
(, ,  ) and intersect the given curve.

Equations of any line passing through (, ,  ) are given by

x  y  z  
  ................. (1)
l m n

Equation (1) is a generator of the cone  it intersects the given curve.

 l m 
This line (1) meets the plane z = 0 in the point    ,  , 0  which lies on the
 n n 
given conic, if
2 2
  x    x      y      y   
a        2h              b     
  z     z    z     z  

  x    y  
 2 g       2 f       c  0 .................. (2)
  z     z  

This is the condition for (1) to intersect the cone i.e., to be a generator of the cone.

232
 Eliminating l, m, n from (1) and (2), we get

2 2
  x    x      y      y   
a        2h              b     
  z       z      z       z    

  x    y  
 2 g       2 f       c  0
  z     z  
 a (z  x)2  2h(z  x )( z  y )  b( z  y ) 2  2 g (z  x)( z   )
 2 f ( z  y )( z   )  c ( z   ) 2  0 .

This is the required equation of the cone.

10.2.3 Example :

Find the equation of the cone with vertex (1, 1, 0) and whose guiding curve is

x2  z 2  4 , y  0 .
Solution :

Equation of any line through the vertex (1, 1, 0) are

x 1 y 1 z  0
  = r (say) ................. (1)
l m n

Any point on (1) is of the form (1  lr ,1  mr , nr ) .

If this lies on the given curve, then (1  lr ) 2  (nr ) 2  4, 1  mr  0 .

2 2
1  l   n 
Then r  ,  1       4  (m  l )2  n 2  4m 2 .................... (2)
m  m  m 

Upon eliminating l, m and n from (1) and (2), we get

 y  1  ( x  1)2  z 2  4 ( y  1) 2  x 2  3 y 2  z 2  2 xy  8 y  4  0

which is the required equation of the cone.

10.2.4 Example :

Find the equation of the cone with vertex (5, 4, 3) and base curve 3 x 2  2 y 2  6,
yz 0.

233
 Solution :

Equation of a generator of the cone is any line through (5, 4, 3).

x 5 y  4 z 3
Let it be    r (say).
l m n

Then any point on this line is (lr  5, mr  4, nr  3)

This point lies on the base curve if

3(lr  5)2  2(mr  4)2  6 .............. (1)

and mr  4  nr  3  0 (or) (m  n)r  7 .............. (2)

Using equation (2) in (1), we get

3[l (m  n)r  5(m  n) 2 ]2  2[m(m  n)r  4(m  n)]  (m  n)2
 3(7l  5m  5n)2  2(7m  4m  4n)2  6(m  n)2

Hence the locus of (l , m, n) is

3[7( x  5)  5( y  4)  5( z  3)]2  2[3( y  4)  4( z  3)]2  6( y  4  z  3)2

 147 x 2  87 y 2  101z 2  210 xy  90 yz  210 zx  294  0
which is the desired equation.

Check Your Progress:

Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

1) Find the equation of the cone whose vertex is (, ,  ) and whose base curve is
y 2  4ax, z  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

10.3 QUADRATIC CONES WITH VERTEX AT ORIGIN

In this section we discuss quadratic (second degree) cones having vertex at the origin.

234
10.3.1 Theorem :

The general second degree equation

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy 2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0 represents a cone

with vertex at origin if and only if the equation is homogeneous i.e., u = v = w = d = 0.

Proof :

Suppose the given second degree equation represents a cone with its vertex at origin.

Consider a point P ( x, y , z ) on this cone.

Then ( rx, ry, rz ) are the co-ordinates of a point on the line OP, joining P to the origin O.

Since OP becomes a generator of this cone, the point ( rx, ry, rz ) lies on it for every
real r.

Hence r 2 (ax2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz   2 gz x  2hxy )  2r (ux  vy  wz )  d  0 ,

for all real r.

This implies that ax2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz   2 gz x  2hxy   0 ......... (1)

ux  vy   wz   0 ......... (2)
and d 0 ......... (3)

In equation (2) if u, v, w are not all zero, then the co-ordinates x, y , z  of any point
on the cone satisfy a first degree equation ux  vy  wz  0 which is a contradiction, since the
surface is not a plane. Thus u = v = w = 0 and d = 0.
Hence the equation of a cone with its vertex at the origin is necessarily a homogeneous
equation.

Conversely suppose that S ( x, y, z )  0 is a homogeneous equation of degree two.

It is clear that if ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) satisfy this equation, then it is also satisfied by rx1 , ry1 , rz1
for any real r .
Hence if any point P lies on the surface, then every point on the line OP lies on it.
Thus, the surface is generated by lines through the origin O and hence by definition is a
cone with its vertex at O.
Note:
You have learned in the unit on planes that a homogeneous second degree equation will
represent a pair of planes if that expression can be split into linear factors. A pair of intersecting

235
 planes can thus be thought of as a cone with any point on the line of intersection as a vertex there
of.
If l, m, n be the direction ratios of any generator of the cone

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 so that the point (lr , mr , nr ) lies on it for every
value of r, then al 2  bm 2  cn 2  2 fmn  2 gnl  2hlm  0 .

10.3.2 Theorem :

If l, m, n are the direction cosines (ratios) of any generator of the cone,

ax  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 , then f (l , m, n)  0 .
2

Proof :

We know that for the given cone f ( x, y , z )  0 , origin is the vertex.

x y z
So equations of a generator with direction cosines l, m, n are   .
l m n

Any point Q(lr , mr , nr ) , r  R lies on f ( x, y , z )  0 if

r 2 (al 2  bm 2  cn 2  2 fmn  2 gnl  2hlm)  0

 r 2 f (l , m, n)  0 Vr  R

 f ( l , m, n )  0 .

Note :
If f (l, m, n) = 0, the line with l, m, n as the direction cosines is a generator of the cone,
f (x, y, z) = 0.
10.3.3 Theorem :
The general equation of a cone which passes through the three co-ordinate axes is
fyz  gzx  hxy  0 .
Proof :
Since the co-ordinate axes are the generators for this cone, this cone has its vertex at
the origin.
Hence by theorem (10.3.1), the equation of the cone is

ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 ............... (1)

Since this cone passes through X-axis, X-axis is a generator with direction cosines (1,0,0).
Then by theorem (10.3.2), the direction cosines 1, 0, 0 satisfy equation (1).

236
 Similarly the other direction cosines also

 a.1  0, b.1  0, c.1  0 .

Hence a  b  c  0 .

 Equation (1) reduces to the form

2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0  fyz  gzx  hxy  0 ............... (2)

The general equation of a quadratic cone with (, ,  ) as its vertex is of the form
a ( x  ) 2  b ( y  ) 2  c ( z   )2  2 f ( y  )( z   )  2 g ( z   )( x   )

 2h( x   )( y  )  0 .

Observe that this equation contains six constants a, b, c, f, g, h out of which atleast one
is non zero.

If a  0 , say, then dividing this equation by a :

b c f g
( x  )2  ( y  ) 2  ( z   ) 2  2 ( y  )( z   )  2 ( z   )( x   )
a a a a
h
 2 ( x   )( y  )  0
a
(or) ( x   ) 2  b( y  )2  c ( z   ) 2  2 f ( y  )( z   )  2 g ( z   )( x  )

 2h( x   )( y  )  0 .

This implies that if five conditions, each of which giving a linear relation between the
five constants b, c, f , g  and h are given, then the cone can be uniquely determined.

10.3.4 Example :
Find the equation of the cone which passes through the three co-ordinate axes and the
x y z x y z
lines   and   .
1 2 3 3 1 1
Solution :
The equation of the cone through the three co-ordinate axes is
fyz  gzx  hxy  0 ................. (1)

x y z
Since the line   lies on the above equation (1), the direction ratios 1, -2, 3
1 2 3
will satisfy it.

237
 Hence we have  6 f  3 g  2h  0 .................. (2)

x y z
Similarly   lies in (1) and hence
3 1 1
 f  3 g  3h  0 .................. (3)

Solving (2) and (3), we get

f g h f g h f g h
        .
9  6 2  18 18  3 3 16 15 3 16 15

Hence the equation of the cone is 3 yz  16 zx  15 xy  0 .

10.3.5 Example :
Show that the equation of the cone whose vertex is the origin and which passes through
the curve of intersection of the plane lx  my  nz  p and the surface ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1 is
2
2 2  lx  my  nz 
2
ax  by  cz    .
 p 

Solution:

Given surface is ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1 .

lx  my  nz
The plane is lx  my  nz  p i.e.,  1.
p

To get the equation of the cone, we homogenize the equation of the surface.

2
2 2  lx  my  nz 
2
i.e., ax  by  cz   
 p 
 p 2 (ax 2  by 2  cz 2 )  (lx  my  nz )2 .

10.4 CONDITION THAT THE GENERAL SECOND DEGREE

EQUATION MAY REPRESENT A CONE

Let ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 ............ (1)

represents a cone with vertex (, ,  ) .

We now shift the origin to the vertex (, ,  ) so that x changes to x   , y changes
to y   and z to z.

238
 Then the transformed equation of (1) is
a ( x   )2  b( y  ) 2  c ( z   ) 2  2 f ( y  )( z   )  2 g ( z   )( x   )
 2h( x   )( y  )  2u ( x   )  2v( y  )  2 w( z   )  d  0

(or) ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2 x(a  h  g   u )

 2 y (h  b  f   v )  2 z ( g   f   c   w)  a 2  b 2  c  2
2 f   2 g   2h  2u  2v  2w  d  0 ............. (2)

Since equation (2) represents a cone with its vertex at the origin, it must be a homogeneous
equation.

Hence the coefficients of x, y, z and the constant term should be zero.

i.e., a  h  g   u  0 ............ (3)

h  b  f   v  0 ........... (4)
g   f   c  w  0 ........... (5)

and  ( a  h  g   u )  (h  b  f   v)   ( g   f   c  w)
 u  v  w  d  0 .

In view of equations (3), (4) and (5) this equation reduces to u  v  w  d  0 .......... (6)

Eliminating , ,  between the equations (3) to (6) the required condition is obtained as

a h g u
h b f v
0
g f c w
u v w d

If this determinant condition is satisfied, then the co-ordinates , ,  of the vertex can
be obtained by solving any three of the equations (3) to (5).

Note :
Suppose we are given a second degree equation f (x, y, z) = 0 and asked to determined
whether it represents a cone.
Alternatively, we introduce a fourth variable t and make it homogeneous so that the new
equation will be F (x, y, z, t) = 0.

 F   F   F   F 
Then we obtain          0.
 x t 1  y t 1  z t 1  t t 1

239
 Solving any three equations, we obtain the values of x, y and z.

If these values satisfy the fourth equation then only we confirm that the given equation
represents a cone with vertex (x, y, z).

10.4.1 Example :

Show that the equation ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0 represents a cone

u 2 v 2 w2
if   d.
a b c

Solution :

Let us introduced the fourth variable t into the given equation and homogenize it to get

F ( x, y , z , t )  ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2uxt  2vyt  2wzt  dt 2  0 .

 F  u
Then  x   2ax  2u  0  x  a .
 t 1

 F  v
   2by  2v  0  y 
 y t 1 b .

 F  w
 z   2cz  2w  0  z  c .
 t 1

 F 
 t   2ux  2vy  2wz  2d  0
 t 1

 ux  vy  wz  d  0 .

Substituting the values of x, y, z from the first three equations in the last equations, we get
 u  v  w
u     v    w    d  0
 a  b  c
u 2 v 2 w2
   d.
a b c

10.4.2 Example :

Show that the equation

f ( x, y , z )  x 2  2 y 2  3 z 2  5 yz  6 zx  4 xy  8 x  19 y  2 z  20  0 represents

a cone. Find its vertex.

240
Solution :

5
Here a  1, b  2, c  3, f  , g  3, h  2,
2
19
u  4, v  , w  1, d  20 .
2

1 2 3 4
a h g u 2 2 5 19
h b f v 2 2
 5
g f c w 3 3 1
Then 2
u v w d
19
4 1 20
2

1 2 3 4 1 0 0 0
1 4 4 5 19 1 4 12 7 3
 
8 6 5 6 2 8 6 7 12 22
8 19 2 40 8 3 22 72

(by applying the elementary operations 2c1  c2 , 3c1  c3 ,  4c1  c4 )

12 7 3
1 1
 7 12 22   12(864  484)  7(504  66)  3(154  36)   0
8 8 .
3 22 72

Hence the given equation represents a cone .

Making f ( x , y , z )  0 homogeneous with the auxiliary variable t, we get

F ( x, y , z , t )  x 2  2 y 2  3 z 2  5 yz  6 zx  4 xy  8 xt  19 yt  2 zt  20t 2 .

Equating the partial derivatives of F ( x, y, z , t ) w.r.t x, y, z, t respectively to zero and

after putting t = 1, we get x  2 y  3z  4  0
4 x  4 y  5 z  19  0
6x  5 y  6 z  2  0
8 x  19 y  2 z  40  0

Solving the first three linear equations, we get x = 1, y = -2, z = 3.

241
 Since these values satisfy the fourth equation, the given equation represents a cone with
vertex (1, -2, 3).

Check Your Progress:

2) Show that the equation 4 x 2  y 2  2 z 2  2 xy  3 yz  12 x  11y  6 z  4  0 represents

a cone with vertex at ( 1, 2, 3) .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
3) Find the equation to the cone which passes through the three co-ordinate axes and also
x y z x y z
the two lines   and   .
1 2 3 3 1 1
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

10.5 CONE AND A PLANE THROUGH ITS VERTEX :

MUTUALLY PERPENDICULAR

Let f ( x, y , z )  ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 .......... (1)

be the given cone.

Let the plane ux  vy  wz  0 ......... (2)

cuts the given cone (1) in two lines passing through the origin.

x y z
Let one of the lines be   ......... (3)
l m n

Since this line lies in the plane, we have

ul  vm  wn  0 ......... (4)

Since line (3) lies on th cone (1), its direction cosines satisfy the equation of the cone.

Hence al 2  bm 2  cn 2  2 fmn  2 gnl  2hlm  0

ul  vm
From (4) we have n  
w

242
 Then from (4) it follows that
2
2  ul  vm 
2  ul  vm 
al  bm  c     2( fm  gl )     2hlm  0
 w   w 

l2 l
(or) 2
(aw2  cu 2  2 gwu )  2 (cuv  fwu  gvw  hw2 )
m m

 (bw2  cv 2  2 fvw)  0 ......... (5)

l
Since equation (5) is a quadratic in , the given plane (1) cuts the cone in two lines
m
(generators).

Let their direction ratios are l1 , m1 , n1 and l2 , m2 , n2 . Then

l1 l2 bw2  cv 2  2 fvw
.  2
m1 m2 aw  cu 2  2 gwu

l1l2 m1m2 n1n2

  2  2
bw  cv  2 fvw aw  cu  2 gwu bu  av 2  2huv
2 2 2

( by symmetry)

l1l2  m1m2  n1n2


(b  c)u  (c  a )v 2  (a  b)w2  2 fvw  2 gwu  2huv
2

l1l2  m1m2  n1n2


(a  b  c)(u 2  v 2  w2 )  f (u, v, w)

condition for perpendicularity of generators :

The two generators in which the plane (2) cuts the cone are perpendicular if and only
if l1l2  m1m2  n1n2  0 .

i.e.,  k [bw 2  cv 2  2 fvw  aw 2  cu 2  2 gwu  bu 2  av 2  2huv ]  0

 k [bw2  cv 2  aw 2  cu 2  bu 2  av 2  au 2  bv 2  cw 2 ]  0 ,in virtue of (1)
 k (a  b  c )(u 2  v 2  w2 )  0
2 2 2
 a  b  c  0 (Since k  0 and u  v  w  0 )

243
 Note :

If the general equation ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0

represents a cone, then also a  b  c  0 is the condition to be satisfied to have three mutually
perpendicular generators, for , on shifting the origin to its vertex, the coefficients of the second
degree terms remain unaffected.
10.5.1 Example :

Find the equations of the lines in which the plane 2 x  y  z  0 intersects the cone
4 x 2  y 2  3 z 2  0 . Also find the acute angle between these lines.

Solution :

x y z
Suppose   is one of the two lines in which the plane 2 x  y  z  0 intersects
l m n
the given cone. Then

2l  m  n  0 and 4l 2  m 2  3n 2  0
Eliminating n between these equations, we get

4l 2  m 2  3(2l  m)2  0

 4l 2  m 2  3(4l 2  m 2  4lm)  0

 16l 2  12lm  2m2  0  8l 2  6lm  m 2  0 \

2
 l   l 
 8   6   1  0
m m

 4l  2l 
   1  1  0
 m  m 

4l l 1 l m
Let 1  0    
m m 4 1 4

2l n n 1 m 
Also 2l  m  n  0   1   0    l  
m m m 2 4 
m n
  .
4 2

244
 l m n
Hence   .
1 4 2

2l l 1 l m
Now let  1  0 . Then    .
m m 2 1 2

2l n n n
Also 2l  m  n  0  1  0    0   0
m m m m
m n
  .
2 0

l m n
Hence these results show that   .
1 2 0

So that the lines of intersection are

x y z x y z
  and   .
1 4 2 1 2 0

If  is the acute angle between these lines, then

1 8 9 1  9 
cos    (or)   cos  .
21 5 105  105 

10.5.2 Example:

Find the equation of the quadratic cone passing through the three co-ordinate axes and
x y z x y z x y z
the three mutually perpendicular lines   ,   and   .
1 2 3 1 1 1 5 4 1

Solution:

We know that the equation of the cone through the three co-ordinate axes is
fyz  gzx  hxy  0 .

x y z
Since this passes through   , we have
1 2 3
 6 f  3 g  2h  0 ......... (1)

245
 x y z
Similarly from   we get f  g  h  0 ......... (2)
1 1 1

f g h
Solving (1) and (2) we get  
3  2 2  6 6  3
f g h f g h
      .
5 8 3 5 8 3

Then the equation of the cone is 5 yz  8 zx  3xy  0 ......... (3)

x y z
It can be easily verified that this cone passes through the third line   .
5 4 1

10.5.3 Example :

x y z
If   represents one of a set of three mutually perpendicular generators of
1 2 3
the cone 5 yz  8 zx  3xy  0 , then find the equation of the other two.

Solution :

x y z
The given generator is   and the cone is 5 yz  8 zx  3xy  0 .
1 2 3

x y z
Any line perpendicular to the given generator is   .
l m n

 l  2m  3n  0 ......... (1)

If this line is a generator of the given cone, then

5mn  8nl  3lm  0 ......... (2)

 (l  2m)
From equation (1) , n 
3

Then from (2) eliminating n, we get

( l  2m)
(5m  8l )  3lm  0
3
 5lm  8l 2  10m 2  16lm  9lm  0

246
  4l 2  lm  5m 2  0  (l  m)(4l  5m)  0

(l  2m)
If l-m = 0, then l = m and n   l
3
l m n x y z
   and the line is   .
1 1 1 1 1 1

5 m
If (4l  5m)  0 then l   m and n   .
4 4
l m n x y z
   and the other line is   .
5 4 1 5 4 1

Hence the other two mutually perpendicular generators of the given cone are

x y z x y z
  and   .
1 1 1 5 4 1

Check Your Progress:

x y z
4) Find the equations of the other two generators, if   is one of the set of three
1 1 2
mutually perpendicular generators of the cone 3 yz  2 zx  2 xy  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

5) Find the angle between the lines of intersection of the plane x  y  z  0 and the cone
x 2  3 z 2  yz  xy  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

10.6 SUMMARY
In this unit you have studied a cone with a given vertex and a given conic as guiding
curve. We have confined our discussion to quadratic cones and derived the condition for a
general second degree equation to represent a cone. We have derived the condition for the
perpendicularity of generators.

247
 10.7 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS - MODEL ANSWERS

1) ( z  y )2  4a (z  x)( z   )

2) x  1, y  2, z  3

3) 3 yz  16 zx  15 xy  0

x y z x y z
4)   ,  
2 4 1 3 1 2

5) 6

10.8 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1) Find the equation of the cone with vertex at (1, 2, 3) and guiding curve
x2  y 2  z2  4 , x  y  z  1 .

2) Find the equation of the cone with vertex at (2, 3, 1) and passing through the curve
x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  7  0 and x  2 y  2 z  5

3) Find the equation of the quadratic cone which passes through the three coordinate axes
1 1 1
and the three mutually perpendicular lines x  y   z , x  y  z and
2 3 5
1 1 1
x y z .
8 11 5

4) If the plane 2 x  y  cz  0 cuts the cone yz  zx  xy  0 in perpendicular lines find the

value of c.

1
5) If x  y  z represents one of a set of three mutually perpendicular generators of the
2
cone, 11 yz  6 zx  14 xy  0 , find the equations of the other two.

6) Find the equation of the cone with vertex at origin and guiding curve x 2  y 2  4, z  2

7) Find the acute angle between the lines of intersection of the plane 3x  y  5 z  0 with
the cone 6 yz  2 zx  5 xy  0 .

x y z
8) Show that   is a generator of the cone 2 x 2  3 y 2  4 z 2  0 where
l m n
2l 2  3m 2  4n 2  0 .

248
9) Find the equation of the cone with vertex at the origin and direction cosines of its generators
satisfing the relation 3l 2  7m 2  8n 2  0 .

10) Show that the equation 2 y 2  8 yz  4 zx  8 xy  6 x  4 y  2 z  5  0 represents a cone.

Find its vertex.
Answers:

1. 5 x 2  3 y 2  z 2  2 xy  6 yz  4 zx  6 x  8 y  10 z  26  0

2. x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  7  0, x  2 y  2 z  5

3. 16 yz  33 zx  25 xy  0
4. c=2

x y z x y z
5.   ,  
2 3 4 11 2 7

6. x2  y2  z2

1
7. cos 1  
6

9. 3x2  7 y 2  8z 2  0

10. (2, 2, 1)

249
 UNIT - 11 : ENVELOPING CONE, RECIPROCAL CONE `
AND RIGHT CIRCULAR CONE
Contents
11.0 Objectives
11.1 Introduction
11.2 Enveloping Cone of a Sphere
11.3 Tangent Lines and Tangent Planes of a Cone
11.4 Reciprocal Cones
11.5 Right Circular Cone
11.6 Summary
11.7 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
11.8 Model Examination Questions

11.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you will be able to :

Define and derive the equation of an enveloping cone of a sphere.

Obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a plane  to touch a cone.
Define a reciprocal cone and obtain the equation of the reciprocal cone for the given
cone.
Define and obtain the equation of a right circular cone satisfying the given conditions.

11.1 INTRODUCTION
In the earlier unit, you have learned that a cone can be determined by five independent
constants and the degree of the equation of a cone depends upon the nature of the guiding curve.
If this guiding curve is a conic and the equation of the cone is of second degree and it is called the
quadratic cone.

In this unit, you will learn about an enveloping cone of a surface which is the locus of the
tangent lines drawn from a given point to the given surface. This cone is also known as the
tangent cone of the surface. A tangent plane at a point on a cone passes through the vertex and
touches it at all points of the generator through that point. Equation of the tangent plane and the
condition for a plane to touch the cone will be derived here. The concept of a reciprocal cone
and right circular cone are introduced and some properties of right circular cones are discussed
and exemplified.

11.2 ENVELOPING CONE OF A SPHERE

11.2.1 Definition :

The cone formed by the tangent lines to a surface, drawn from a given point is called the
enveloping cone of the surface with the given point as its vertex.

250
11.2.2 Theorem :
The equation of the cone with vertex ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and whose generators touch the sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 is ( xx1  yy1  zz1  a 2 ) 2  ( x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 )( x12  y12  z12  a 2 ) .

Proof :

Let S  x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2  0 ........(1)

be the equation of the given sphere.

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
Any line through the vertex A ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is    r (say) ........(2)
l m n

Fig . 1

Hence any point P on (2) is of the form ( x1  lr , y1  mr , z1  nr ) .

This lies on (2) if

( x1  lr ) 2  ( y1  mr ) 2  ( z1  nr ) 2  a 2  0
(or) r 2 (l 2  m 2  n 2 )  2r (lx1  my1  nz1 )  ( x12  y12  z12  a 2 )  0 ........(3)

This equation being a quadratic in r will have two roots.

Observe that (2) will be a generator of (1)  the line (2) touches the sphere (1)

 the roots the equation (3) are equal.

i.e., (lx1  my1  nz1 ) 2  (l 2  m 2  n 2 )( x12  y12  z12  a 2 )  0 ........(4)

Eliminating l, m, n between (2) and (4), we get

[ x1 ( x  x1 )  y1 ( y  y1 )  z1 ( z  z1 )]2  [( x  x1 ) 2  ( y  y1 ) 2  ( z  z1 ) 2 ]  ( x12  y12  z12  a 2 )

i.e., [( xx1  yy1  zz1 )  ( x12  y12  z12 )]2

 [ x 2  y 2  z 2  2( xx1  yy1  zz1 )  ( x12  y12  z12 )]  [ x12  y12  z12  a 2 ] ........(5)

251
 By adopting the notation S  x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 ,

S11  x12  y12  z12  a 2 , S1  xx1  yy1  zz1  a 2

equation (5) can be written as

[( S1  a 2 )  ( S11  a 2 )]2  [ S 2  a 2  2( S1  a 2 )  ( S11  a 2 )]S11

 ( S1  S11 ) 2  ( S  2S1  S11 ) S11
 S12  S112  2 S1 S11  SS11  2 S1S11  S112
 S12  SS11 .

i.e., ( xx1  yy1  zz1  a 2 ) 2  ( x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 )( x12  y12  z12  a 2 ) .

This is the enveloping cone with vertex ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and sphere as guiding surface.

Note :

The equation of the enveloping cone of the sphere

x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 with its vertex at ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) can be worked out on
similar lines. In this case, the equation turns out to be :
( x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d )  ( x12  y12  z12  2ux1  2vy1  2 wz1  d )
 [ xx1  yy1  zz1  u ( x  x1 )  v ( y  y1 )  w( z  z1 )  d ]2

11.2.3 Example :

Find the enveloping cone of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 z  1  0 with its vertex at

(1,1,1) .

Solution :

Here S  x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 z  1  0

S11  12  12  12  2((1)  4(1)  1  4

S1  x (1)  y (1)  z (1)  1( x  1)  2( z  1)  1  y  3z

Hence the equation of the enveloping cone is

( x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 z  1)(4)  ( y  3z ) 2
(or) 4 x 2  3 y 2  5 z 2  6 yz  8 x  16 z  4  0 .

252
Check Your Progress:
Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

1) Find the equation of the enveloping cone of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2  0

with its vetex at (1,1,1) .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

11.3 TANGENT LINES AND TANGENT PLANES OF A CONE

We will now introduce the concept of a tangent plane and tangent line and obtain the
equation of a tangent plane.

A. Intersection of a Line with a Cone

Let f ( x, y , z )  ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 ........(1)

be the given cone
x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
and L   ........(2)
l m n
be the line.

Consider any point P ( x1  lr , y1  mr , z1  nr ), r  R on the line L.

Then P lies on the cone (1) if and only if f ( x1  lr , y1  mr , z1  nr )  0 .

i.e., a( x1  lr ) 2  b( y1  mr ) 2  c( z1  nr ) 2  2 f ( y1  mr )( z1  nr ) 
2 g ( z1  nr )( x1  lr )  2h( x1  lr )( y1  mr )  0

 Ar 2  2 Br  C  0 where

A  f (l , m, n), B  l (ax1  hy1  gz1 )  m(hx1  by1  fz1 )  n( gx1  fy1  cz1 )

C  f ( x1 , y1 , z1 )

Hence P  S  Ar 2  2 Br  C  0 . ........(3)

Then the following three cases follow :

(i) If A  f (l , m, n)  0 , then the line L is not parallel to any generator of S. In this case,
equation (3) is a quadratic in r . If it has a double root then L will be tangent to S. If it

253
 has two distinct real roots, then L is called a chord of S. In case it has non real roots then
L is called a virtual chord.

(ii) If A  f (l , m, n)  0 , then L is parallel to a generator of S and B  0 . In this case (3)

is linear in r so that L meets S in exactly one point. In this case L is called a secant of S.

(iii) If A  B  0 and C  0 , then Ar 2  2 Br  C  0 for any value of r. In this case L is

an asymptote to S. If A  B  C  0 , then V r  R , Ar 2  2 Br  C  0 so that
L  S or L is a generator of S.
B. Tangent Line and Tangent Plane at a Point
11.3.1 Definition :

Let S : f ( x, y, z )  0 be a cone. If a line L that is not parallel to any generator of the

cone intersect S at a unique point P, then L is called a tangent line to the cone S at P.

11.3.2 Theorem :

Let S : ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 be a cone with its vertex at origin

and suppose that P ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  (0, 0,0) be a point on S. Then there exists a plane (say  )
passing through P such that each line through P in  is either a tangent or a generator of the
cone.

Proof :

Let S : f ( x, y , z )  ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 ........(1)

be the given cone. Any line L through P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  ........(2)
l m n
Then any point on the line (2) can be P ( x1  lr , y1  mr , z1  nr ), r  R .

P  S  r 2 f (l , m, n)  2r[l ( ax1  hy1  gz1 )  m (hx1  by1  fz1 ) 

n( gx1  fy1  cz1 )  f ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  0 ........(3)

Since P  S , we have f ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  0 .

Consequently r 2 f (l , m , n )  2 r [l ( ax1  hy1  gz1 )  m ( hx1  by1  fz1 )

 n( gx1  fy1  cz1 )]  0 .

If the line L is a tangent to S, then L is not parallel to a generator so that equation (3) is
a quadratic whose roots are equal and both become zero.

254
 Hence the coefficient of r in (3) is zero.

If the line L is a generator, then also coefficient of r is zero. Thus we have

l (ax1  hy1  gz1 )  m(hx1  by1  fz1 )  n( gx1  fy1  cz1 )  0 ........(4)

Conversely whenever (4) holds, then L is either a tangent or a generator of the cone
according as f (l , m, n)  0 or f (l , m, n)  0 .

Hence (4) is a necessary and sufficient condition for L to be a tangent line or a generator
to S.

By eliminating l, m, n from equations (2) and (4), we get

( x  x1 )(ax1  hy1  gz1 )  ( y  y1 )(hx1  by1  fz1 )  ( z  z1 )( gx1  fy1  cz1 )  0

 x (ax1  hy1  gz1 )  y (hx1  by1  fz1 )  z ( gx1  fy1  cz1 )

 ax12  by12  cz12  2 fy1 z1  2 gz1 x1  2hx1 y1  0, ( P  S ) .

Hence we have

x(ax1  hy1  gz1 )  y (hx1  by1  fz1 )  z ( gx1  fy1  cz1 )  S1  0 ........(5)

and this plane (  ) is called the tangent plane to the cone S at P.

Observation :
We observe that the tangent plane at any point P on a cone touches the cone at all the
points of the generator through P. Hence the tangent plane touches the cone along the generator.
11.3.3 Theorem :

A necessary and sufficient condition for a plane  : lx  my  nz  0 to touch a cone

S : f ( x, y , z )  ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0 is that

a h g l
h b f m
 0
g f c n
l m n 0

Proof :

Assume that the plane  touches the cone S at P ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  (0, 0,0) .

255
 Then the tangent plane to S at P is

(ax1  hy1  gz1 ) x  (hx1  by1  fz1 ) y  ( gx1  fy1  cz1 ) z  0 .

But lx  my  nz  0 is the tangent plane according to the hypothesis.

Hence these two equations represent the same plane.

ax1  hy1  gz1 hx1  by1  fz1 gx1  fy1  cz1

So,     ( say ) .
l m n

Then ax1  hy1  gz1  l  0

hx1  by1  fz1  m  0
gx1  fy1  cz1  n  0

and lx1  my1  nz1  0 ( P)

Since these equations have a non zero solution x1 , y1 , z1 ,  ; their determinant

a h g l
h b f m
 0
g f c n
l m n 0

Conversely, suppose that this condition holds.

Then the system ax  hy  gz  lw  0

hx  by  fz  mw  0
gx  fy  cz  nw  0
lx  my  nz  0

has a non zero solution. Let us call it ( x1 , y1 , z1 ,  ) .

For   0 if (0, 0, 0, ) is a solution, then l   m  n  0 so that l  m  n  0 .

This is a contradiction to the hypothesis that L represents a plane.
Hence   0 and there is a solution ( x1 , y1 , z1 ,  ) with ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  (0, 0, 0) .

Since lx1  my1  nz1  0 , then P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) lies on  . Also we have

ax1  hy1  gz1  l , hx1  by1  fz1   m, gx1  fy1  cz1   n .

256
So that F ( x1 , y1 , z1 )  (ax1  hy1  gz1 ) x1  (hx1  by1  fz1 ) y1  ( gx1  fy1  cz1 ) z1
 lx1  my1  nz1  (lx1  my1  nz1 )  0 .

This implies that P  S .

Also S1  (ax1  hy1  gz1 ) x  (hx1  by1  fz1 ) y  ( gx1  fy1  cz1 ) z  0
is the tangent plane to S at P. Hence  touches S.

Note:
The condition for the tangency can be given as
Al 2  Bm 2  Cn 2  2 Fmn  2Gnl  2 Hlm  0 , where A, B, C , F , G, H
a h g
h b f
are the co-factors of a, b, c, f , g , h respectively in the determinant and
g f c

A  bc  f 2 , B  ca  g 2 , C  ab  h 2 , F  gh  af , G  hf  bg , H  fg  ch .

11.3.4 Example :
Find the equation of the tangent plane to the cone
4 x 2  y 2  2 z 2  2 xy  3 yz  12 x  11y  6 z  4  0 at the point ( 3, 0,1) .

Solution :

The required equation of the tangent plane to the given cone at the point ( 3, 0,1) is
3
4 x( 3)  y (0)  2 z ( 1)  [ x (0)  (3) y ]  [ y (1)  z (0)]  6( x  3)
2
11
 ( y  0)  3( z  1)  4  0
2

3 11
i.e., 12 x  2 z  3 y  y  6 x  18  y  3z  3  4  0
2 2
 6 x  7 y  z  17  0 .
11.3.5 Example :

Show that the tangent plane to the cone ayz  bzx  cxy  0 is at right angles to the
generators of the cone a 2 x 2  b 2 y 2  c 2 z 2  2bcyz  2cazx  2abxy  0 .

257
 Solution :

Let lx  my  nz  0 be the tangent plane to the cone ayz  bzx  cxy  0 .

Then we have Al 2  Bm 2  Cn 2  2 Fmn  2Gnl  2 Hlm  0 ,

where A, B, C, F, G, H are the co-factors of the elements in the determinant

c b
0
2 2
c a
0
2 2 .
b a
0
2 2

a2 b2 c2 bc ca ab
Then we have A   , B   , C   , F  ,G , H  .
4 4 4 4 4 4

Substituting these values in the condition for tangency, we get

 a 2 l 2  b 2 m 2  c 2 n 2  2bcmn  2canl  2ablm  0

(or) a 2 l 2  b 2 m 2  c 2 n 2  2bcmn  2canl  2ablm  0

Hence the lines perpendicular to the plane lx  my  nz  0 will generate the cone
a 2 x 2  b 2 y 2  c 2 z 2  2bcyz  2cazx  2abxy  0 .

Check Your Progress:

2) Find the plane which touch the cone x 2  2 y 2  3 z 2  2 yz  5 zx  3xy  0 along the
generator whose direction cosines are 1, 1, 1.
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

11.4 RECIPROCAL CONES

We shall now discuss the concept of reciprocal cones having a common vertex.
11.4.1 Definition :
The cone formed by all the lines through the vertex of a given cone perpendicular to its
tangent planes is called the reciprocal cone of the given cone.

258
11.4.2 Theorem :

The lines through the vertex of the cone C : ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0
perpendicular to its tangent plane lie in the cone
C  : Ax 2  By 2  Cz 2  2 Fyz  2Gzx  2 Hxy  0 ........(1)
where A, B, C, F, G, H are respectively the co-factors of a, b, c, f, g, h in the determinant

a h g
D h b f
.
g f c

Proof :

Let  : lx  my  nz  0 be the tangent plane to the given cone C.

Then the direction cosines of the normal to this tangent plane are proportional to l, m, n.
x y z
Hence the equations of the normal through the vertex are   ........(2)
l m n
Eliminating l, m, n between (1) and (2), we get

Ax 2  By 2  Cz 2  2 Fyz  2Gzx  2 Hxy  0

which is the required equation of the reciprocal cone C with vertex at the origin.
To find the reciprocal cone of C  given by equation (1), we have to replace A, B, C, F,

A H G
H B F
G, H in it by their corresponding co-factors in
G F C

where A  bc  f 2 , B  ca  g 2 , C  ab  h 2 , F  gh  af , G  hf  bg , H  fg  ch .

Then co-factor of A  Bc  F 2  (ca  g 2 )(ab  h 2 )  ( gh  af )2

 a 2 bc  ach 2  abg 2  g 2 h 2  g 2 h 2  a 2 f 2  2afgh

 a(abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch 2 )

 a where   abc  2 fgh  af 2  bg 2  ch2

259
 Similarly co-factor of B  CA  G 2  b,
C  AB  H 2  c ,
F  GH  AF  f  ,
G  HF  BG  g  ,
H  FG  CH  h .

Hence the required locus for the cone (1) : C is ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0
which is the same as cone C. So C and C are reciprocals to each other..
Corollary :
The condition for the cone (1) (of (A) of (11.3)) to passes three mutually perpendicular
tangent planes is that, the reciprocal cone has three mutually perpendicular generators and this is
given by A  B  C  0  bc  ca  ab  f 2  g 2  h 2 .

11.4.3 Example :

Show that the equation fx  gy  hz  0 represents a cone that touch the

co-ordinate planes. Also show that the equation of its reciprocal cone is fyz  gzx  hxy  0 .

Solution :
The given equation can be written as
fx  gy   hz  fx  gy  2 fgxy  hz (or) ( fx  gy  hz ) 2  4 fgxy

 f 2 x 2  g 2 y 2  h 2 z 2  2 ghyz  2hfzx  2 fgxy  0 ........(1)

which represents a quadratic cone.

The co-ordinate plane x = 0 meets (1) where
g 2 y 2  h2 z 2  2 ghyz  0  ( gy  hz)2  0

Since this is a perfect square, the plane x = 0 touches it.

Similarly we can show that y  0 and z  0 also touch the given cone.

Comparing the given cone with the standard from (1) (of (A) of (11.3)), we find that
a  f 2 , b  g 2 , c  h 2 , f   gh, g   hf , h   fg .

Then A  bc  f 2  g 2 h 2  ( gh)2  0 .

Similarly B = C = 0.
F  gh  af  (hf )( fg )  f 2 ( gh)  2 f 2 gh .

260
 Similarly G  2 g 2 hf , H  2h 2 fg .

Hence the equation of the reciprocal cone to (1) is

Ax 2  By 2  Cz 2  2 Fyz  2Gzx  2 Hxy  0

 2 f 2 ghyz  2 g 2 hfzx  2h 2 fgxy  0 (or) fyz  gzx  hxy  0 .

11.4.4 Example :
x2 y 2 z 2
Show that the cones ax 2  by 2  cz 2  0 and    0 are reciprocal.
a b c
Solution:

Let the reciprocal cone of ax 2  by 2  cz 2  0 be

Ax 2  By 2  Cz 2  2 Fyz  2Gzx  2 Hxy  0 .

Here f  0, g  0, h  0 .

a 0 0
Thus   0 b 0  abc .
0 0 c

Also A  bc, B  ca, C  ab , F  0, G  0, H  0 .

Hence the reciprocal cone of ax 2  by 2  cz 2  0 is bcx 2  cay 2  abz 2  0

x2 y 2 z 2
   0.
a b c
Observation :
Two cones with the same vertex are reciprocal cones, if the generators of one cone are
normals of the tangent planes of the other cone.
Check Your Progress:

3) Find the reciprocal cone of 2 x 2  3 y 2  4 z 2  0 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

261
 11.5 RIGHT CIRCULAR CONE
11.5.1 Definition :

A right circular cone is a surface generated by a line which passes through a fixed
point and makes a constant angle with the fixed line through the fixed point.
The fixed line is called its axis, the fixed point is called vertex and the fixed angle is
called the semi vertical angle.
11.5.2 Theorem :

The equation of a right circular cone with vertex (, ,  ) , axis

x   y  z  
  and semi vertical angle  is
l m n

[l ( x  )  m( y  )  n( z   )]2  (l 2  m 2  n 2 )[( x   )2  ( y  )2  ( z   ) 2 ]cos 2  .

Proof :
Let V be the vertex and VA be the axis of the cone.

Let P be any point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) on the cone.

Then the direction ratios of VP are x1  , y1   , z1   and the direction ratios of VA

A
are l, m, n.

Since  AVP   , we have

l ( x1  )  m( y1  )  n( z1  )
cos  
l 2  m 2  n 2 ( x1  )2  ( y1  )2  ( z1  ) 2

262
(or) [l ( x1   )  m( y1  )  n( z1   )]2 
(l 2  m 2  n 2 )[( x1  ) 2  ( y1  ) 2  ( z1   ) 2 ]cos 2  .

Then the locus of P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is [l ( x   )  m( y  )  n( z   )]2 

(l 2  m 2  n 2 )[( x  ) 2  ( y  ) 2  ( z   )2 ]cos 2 

This is the equation of the right circular cone.

Special case (i): In particular if the vertex of the right circular cone is at the origin, then its
equation reduces to (lx  my  nz ) 2  (l 2  m 2  n 2 )( x 2  y 2  z 2 ) cos 2  .

Special case (ii) : If the vertex is at the origin and axis of the cone is the Z-axis, then its equation
is z 2  ( x 2  y 2  z 2 ) cos 2  (or) x 2  y 2  z 2 tan 2  .

11.5.3 Corollary :
The semi vertical angle of a right circular cone admitting sets of three mutually
perpendicular generators is tan 1 2 (or)   tan 1 2 .

Proof :
The equation of the right circular cone with vertex at the origin and Z - axis as axis is
x  y  z 2 tan 2   0 .
2 2

If it admits mutually perpendicular generators then the sum of the coefficients of x 2 , y 2 , z 2

is zero.

Hence 1  1  tan 2   0  tan 2   2  tan   2    tan 1 2 (or)   tan 1 2 .

11.5.4 Corollary :
The semi vertical angle of a right circular cone having sets of three mutually perpendicular

1 1 1  1 
tangent planes is tan or   tan  .
2  2

Proof :
The equation of the right circular cone with vertex at origin, Z -axis as its axis is
x  y  z 2 tan 2   0 .
2 2

This admits sets of three mutually perpendicular tangent planes if and only if
1.1  1.tan 2   tan 2 .1  0  0  0 ( ab  bc  ca  f 2  g 2  h 2 )

263
 1
 2 tan 2  1  tan 2 
2
1 1 1  1 
 tan       tan 1 (or)   tan  .
2 2  2

11.5.5 Example :
Find the equation of the right cicular cone with vertex at p (2, -3, 5), semi vertical angle
30 and whose axis PQ makes equal angles with the co-ordinate axes.
Solution:

Let R be any point (x , y, z) on the cone whose vertex is P (2, 3,5) .

Let the direction cosines of the axis PQ be l, m, n .

Since PQ makes equal angles  with the co-ordinate axes, the direction cosines of PQ
are cos , cos , cos  .

The direction ratios of PQ are 1, 1, 1 and direction ratios of PR are x-2, y+3, z-5.

Since semi vertical angle is 30 , we have

1( x  2)  1( y  3)  1( z  5)
cos 30 
1  1  1 ( x  2) 2  ( y  3) 2  ( z  5) 2

3
 .3.[( x  2) 2  ( y  3) 2  ( z  5) 2 ]  ( x  y  z  4) 2
4

 5 x 2  5 y 2  5 z 2  8 xy  8 yz  8 zx  4 x  86 y  58 z  278  0 .

11.5.6 Example :

Show that x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  2 y  6 z  12  0 represents a right circular cone whose

vertex is at (2,1, 3) , whose axis is parallel to OY and whose semi vertical angle is 45 .

Solution :
Since the axis of the desired cone is parallel to OY, its direction cosines are 0, 1, 0. Since
the vertex of the cone is V (2,1, 3) , equation of the axis of the cone is
x  2 y 1 z  3
  .
0 1 0

264
 Let p( x, y, z ) be any point on the cone.

Then the direction ratios of the generators are x-2, y-1, z+3 .

Also VP is making an angle of 45 with the axis whose direction cosines are 0, 1, 0.

Hence the equation of the desired cone is

( x  2).0  ( y  1).1  1( z  3).0

cos 45 
0  12  02 ( x  2) 2  ( y  1) 2  ( z  3) 2
2

1 y 1
  2 2 2
2 ( x  2)  ( y  1)  ( z  3)

 ( x  2)2  ( y  1)2  ( z  3)2  2( y  1)2

 ( x  2) 2  ( y  1)2  ( z  3)2  0

 x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  2 y  6 z  12  0 .

This is the equation of the required cone .

Check Your Progress:
4) Find the equation of the right circular cone with vertex (2, 1, -3), axis parallel to Y -axis
and semi vertical angle 45 .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

11.6 SUMMARY
In this unit, an enveloping cone of a surface is defined and a necessary and sufficient
condition for a line to be a tangent line to a given cone is derived. The concept of reciprocal
cones having a common vertex is discussed and the procedure for obtaining the reciprocal cone
for a given cone is illustrated. A right circular cone is defined and the equation of a right circular
cone with a given vertex, semi vertical angle and axis is obtained in specific cases.

11.7 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS: MODEL ANSWERS

1. 3 x 2  y 2  4 zx  10 x  2 y  4 z  6  0

2. yz 0

265
 x2 y2 z 2
3.   0
2 3 4

4. x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  2 y  6 z  12  0

11.8 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

1. Show that the plane z = 0 cuts the enveloping cone of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  11 which
has its vertex at (2, 4, 1) in a rectangular hyperbola.
2. Find the equation of the right circular cone whose vertex is the point (1, 1, 1), the axis is
x 1 y  1 z 1
given by the line   and semi vertical angle 30 .
1 2 3
3. Find the equation of the right circular cone whose vertex is at the origin, axis is the line
x y z
  and whose vertical angle is 60 .
1 2 3

4. Find the equation to the tangent planes of the cone 4 x 2  y 2  4 z 2  0 which passes through
the line x  2 y  3z  0  x  y  2 z .

5. Show that the reciprocal cone to the cone 3 x 2  4 y 2  5 z 2  2 yz  4 zx  6 xy  0 is given

by the equation 19 x 2  11 y 2  3z 2  6 yz  10 zx  26 xy  0 .

6. Show that the tangent plane to the cone x 2  y 2  2 z 2  3 yz  4 zx  5 xy  0 are

perpendicular to the generators of the cone17 x 2  8 y 2  29 z 2  28 yz  46 zx  16 xy  0 .

1 1 1
2
7. Prove that the cones ayz  bzx  cxy  0 and ( ax)  (by ) 2  (cz ) 2 = 0 are reciprocal.

8. Show that the plane 3x  2 y  4 z  0 passes through a pair of common generators of the
cones 27 x 2  20 y 2  32 z 2  0 and 2 yz  zx  4 xy  0 .

9. Find the equation of the right circular cone which passes through the point (1, 1, 2), has its
x y z
vertex at the origin and axis the line   .
2 4 3
10. A right circular cone is passing through the point (1, 1, 1) and its vertex is at the point
(1, 0, 1). If the axis of the cone is equally inclined to the co-ordinate axes, find the equation
of the cone.

266
Answers:

2. 19 x 2  13 y 2  3z 2  24 yz  12 zx  8 xy  58 x  10 y  6 z  31  0

3. 19 x 2  13 y 2  3 z 2  24 yz  12 zx  8 xy  0

4. x  z  0, 3 x  2 y  5 z  0

9. 12 x 2  5 z 2  16 xy  24 yz  12 zx  0

10. yz  zx  xy  x  2 y  3 z  1  0

267
 UNIT - 12 : THE CYLINDER AND RIGHT CIRCULAR
CYLINDER
Contents
12.0 Objectives
12.1 Introduction
12.2 Equation of a Cylinder
12.3 Enveloping the Cylinder
12.4 Right Circular Cylinder
12.5 Summary
12.6 Check Your Progress - Model Answers
12.7 Model Examination Questions

12.0 OBJECTIVES
After studying this unit, you should be able to :

Define a cylinder and obtain the equation of a cylinder .

Define an enveloping cylinder of a surface and find its equation.
Define a right circular cylinder and derive its equation when its axis and radius are
known.

12.1 INTRODUCTION
Consider a curve C in a plane and a line L not parallel to it in the plane. If you consider
all the lines drawn parallel to L through all points of C, then they form a surface called a cylinder.
Thus a cylinder is a surface generated by a variable line which moves such that it is always
parallel to a fixed straight line and may intersect a given curve or may touch a given surface.
The fixed straight line is called the axis of the cylinder and the given curve or surface is called
the guiding curve or surface. In this unit we shall study second degree cylinders using rectangular
co-ordinate system.

12.2 EQUATION OF A CYLINDER

12.2.1 Definition :

A cylinder is a surface generated by a straight line which is always parallel to a fixed

line and is subject to a condition that it may intersect a given curve or touch a given surface.

The fixed line is called the axis of the cylinder and the given curve or surface is called
the guiding curve or surface.

268
12.2.2 Theorem :
x y z
The equation of the cylinder whose generators are parallel to the line   and
l m n
whose guiding curve is the conic ax 2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0, z  0 is

a(nx  lz )2  2h(nx  lz )(ny  mz )  b(ny  mz ) 2  2 gn(nx  lz )  2 fn(ny  mz)  cn 2  0.

Proof :

x y z
Let the given line be   ............ (1)
l m n

and the equation of the conic be

f ( x, y )  ax 2  2 hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0, z  0 ............ (2)

Consider a point (  ,  ,  ) on the surface of the cylinder so that the equations of the
x  y  z  
generator through this point are   ............ (3)
l m n

This line meets the plane z = 0 at the point given by

x   y     l m 
  (or)    ,   , 0 .
l m n  n n 

Since the generator given by (3) intersects the guiding curve, this point should satisfy the
conic (2) i.e.,

2 2
 l   l   m   m   l   m 
a      2h          b    2g      2 f   c  0
 n  n n   n   n  n 

(or) a ( n  l  ) 2  2 h ( n  l  )( n  m  )  b ( n  m  ) 2  2 gn ( n  l  )   2 fn ( n  m  )  cn 2  0 .

Hence the locus of the point (  ,  ,  ) is

a(nx  lz )2  2h(nx  lz )(ny  mz )  b(ny  mz ) 2  2 gn(nx  lz )  2 fn(ny  mz )  cn 2  0

This is the required equation of the cylinder.

Special case:

(i) If the generators are parallel to the Z-axis so that l = 0, m = 0 and n = 1 , then the equation
of the cylinder is x 2  2hxy  by 2  2 gx  2 fy  c  0 .

(ii) The cylinder whose generators are parallel to the X-axis or Y-axis can be obtained by
eliminating x or y between the equations of the given curve.

269
 x y z
(iii) The equation of the cylinder whose generators are parallel to the line   and the
l m n
 l m 
guiding curve f ( x, y )  0, z  0 is f  x  z, y  z   0 .
 n n 

12.2.3 Example :

x y z
Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators are parallel to   and whose
1 2 3
guiding curve is x 2  2 y 2  1, z  3 .

Solution :

Let (  ,  ,  ) be any point on the surface of the cylinder so that the equations of its
x  y  z  
generator through this point are   .
1 2 3

 3 2  6 
This line meets the plane z  3 at the point    ,  , 3 .
 3 3 

This point will be on the curve x 2  2 y 2  1, z  3 if

2 2
 3    2  6 
    2   =1
 3   3 

(or) (3    3)2  2(3  2  6)2  9

 3 2  62  3 2  8  2  6  24  18  24  0 .

Hence the locus of the point (  ,  ,  ) is

3 x 2  6 y 2  3z 2  8 yz  2 zx  6 x  24 y  18 z  24  0 .

This is the required equation of the cylinder.

12.2.4 Example :

Find the equation of a cylinder whose generating lines have the direction cosines (l , m, n) and
which pass through the circle x 2  z 2  a 2 ; y  0 .

270
Solution :

Let (, ,  ) be any point on the cylinder..

Then the equations of its generators are

x   y  z  
  .
l m n

 l n 
This meets the plane y = 0 at    , 0,   
 m m

This point will lie on the curve x 2  z 2  a 2 if

2 2
 l   n  2
         a .
 m  m

Hence the locus of (, ,  ) is

2 2
 ly   ny  2
x  z   a
 m   m 

(or) (mx  ly )2  (mz  ny )2  a 2 m 2 .

12.2.5 Example :
Find the equation of the quadratic cylinder whose generators are parallel to X-axis and
pass through the curve ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1, lx  my  nz  p .

Solution :
The equation of the required cylinder is obtained by eliminating x between the equations
ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1, lx  my  nz  p .

p  my  nz
Now, substituting x  in the given equation of the curve, we get
l
2
 p  my  nz  2 2
a   by  cz  1
 l 
(or) a( p  my  nz )2  bl 2 y 2  cl 2 z 2  l 2
 (bl 2  am 2 ) y 2  (cl 2  am 2 ) z 2  2amnyz  2apmy  2apnz  ap 2  l 2  0 .

This is the equation of the required cylinder.

271
 Check Your Progress:
Note : (a) Space is given below for writing your answer.
(b) Compare your answer with the one given at the end of this unit.

x y z
1) Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators are parallel to the line  
1 2 3
and whose guiding curve is the ellipse x 2  2 y 2  1 , z = 0.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

12.3 ENVELOPING CYLINDER

12.3.1 Definition :
The locus of the lines drawn in a given direction (or parallel to a given line) so as to touch
a given surface, is called an enveloping cylinder of the surface.

Enveloping cylinder is a cylinder whose generators touch a given surface and are parallel
to a given line.

12.3.2 Theorem :

The equation of the enveloping cyclinder of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 whose

x y z
generators are parallel to the line   is
l m n

( x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 ) (l 2  m 2  n 2 )  (lx  my  nz )2 .

Proof :

Consider a point P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) on the cylinder..

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
Then the equations of the generator through P are   ....... (1)
l m n

Any point ( x1  lr , y1  mr , z1  nr ) on (1) lies on the sphere if

( x1  lr ) 2  ( y1  mr ) 2  ( z1  nr ) 2  a 2

 r 2 (l 2  m 2  n 2 )  2r (lx1  my1  nz1 )  x12  y12  z12  a 2  0 ............ (2)

272
 This is a quadratic equation in r (since l 2  m 2  n 2  0 ) and it has two roots.

The line (1) is a tangent line if and only if the roots of the equation (2) are equal
i.e.,  4(lx1  my1  nz1 ) 2  4(l 2  m 2  n 2 )( x12  y12  z12  a 2 )  0 .

Hence the locus of P is (lx  my  nz ) 2  (l 2  m 2  n 2 )( x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 )

which is the equation of the enveloping cylinder.

Note:
The equation of the enveloping cylinder of a sphere
x y z
x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2wz  d  0 whose generators are parallel to the line   is
l m n

l ( x  u )  m( y  v )  n( z  w)2  (l 2  m 2  n 2 ) ( x 2  y 2  z 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d )

12.3.3 Example :

Find the equation of the enveloping cylinder of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  25 whose

x y z
generators are parallel to the line   .
1 2 3

Solution:

Consider a point P (, ,  ) on the cyclinder..

Then the equation of its generator is
x  y  z  
   r (say)
1 2 3
Any point on the generator is ( r  , 2r  ,3r   ) .
Since it lies on the sphere
(r  )2  (2r  )2  (3r  ) 2  25

i.e., 14r 2  2r (  2  3 )  ( 2  2   2  25)  0

It will touch the sphere if the discriminant

4(  2  3 )2  4(14)( 2   2   2  25)  0
(or) 4(  2  3 )2  56( 2  2   2  25)
 13 2  10 2  5 2  4  6  12  350  0 .

273
 Hence locus of (, ,  ) is
 13 x 2  10 y 2  5 z 2  4 xy  6 zx  12 yz  350  0 .
12.3.4 Example :

Find the equation of the enveloping cylinder of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  1  0

whose generators are parallel to x = y = z.

Solution :

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be any point on the enveloping cyclinder..

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
Then equations of the generators through P are   .........(1)
1 1 1

Any point on the line (1) is taken as ( x1  r , y1  r , z1  r ) .

This lies on the sphere if

( x1  r ) 2  ( y1  r ) 2  ( z1  r ) 2  2( x1  r )  4( y1  r )  1  0
 3r 2  2r ( x1  y1  z1  1)  ( x12  y12  z12  2 x1  4 y1  1)  0 .........(2)

The line (1) will be a tangent to the sphere if the roots of the equation (2) are equal.
i.e., its discriminant is zero.
4( x1  y1  z1  1) 2  4(3)( x12  y12  z12  2 x1  4 y1  1)  0

 ( x1  y1  z1  1) 2  3( x12  y12  z12  2 x1  4 y1  1)  0

 Locus of P is ( x 2  y 2  z 2  1)2  3( x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  1)  0
 2 x 2  2 y 2  2 z 2  2 xy  2 yz  2 zx  8 x  10 y  2 z  4  0
 x 2  y 2  z 2  xy  yz  zx  4 x  5 y  z  2  0 .

This is the equation of the enveloping cylinder.

Check Your Progress:

2) Find the equation of the enveloping cylinder of the sphere
x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2 z  2  0 with generator parallel to x   y  z .

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

274
12.4 RIGHT CIRCULAR CYLINDER
12.4.1 Definition :
A right circular cylinder is a surface generated by a line which intersects a fixed circle,
called the guiding circle, and is perpendicular to its pane.
The normal to the plane of the guiding circle through its centre is called the axis of the
right circular cylinder.
A section of a right circular cylinder by any plane perpendicular to its axis is called a
normal section. Thus, normal sections of a right circular cylinder are circles with the same
radius. This radius is called the radius of the cylinder.
12.4.2 Theorem :

x  y  z  
The equation of a right circular cylinder whose axis is the line  
l m n
and whose radius is r, is

2 2 [l ( x  )  m( y  )  n( z   )]2
2
( x  )  ( y  )  ( z  )  2 2 2
 r 2 .......(1)
l m n
Proof :

Consider a point P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) on the cylinder and a point T (, ,  ) on its axis.

Let Q be the projection of P on the axis.

Then PQ = r and TQ = projection of TP on the axis of the cylinder (See Fig.1).

Fig . 1

275
 Now, the direction cosines of the axis TQ are
l m n
, , .
2 2 2 2 2 2
l m n l m n l  m2  n2
2

l ( x1   )  m( y1  )  n( z1   )
 TQ 
l 2  m2  n2

Now TP 2  TQ 2  PQ2 ( TPQ is right angled)

2
2
 ( x1  )  ( y1  )  ( z1   ) 2 2

l ( x1  )  m( y1  )  n( z1   )  r2
2 2 2
l m n
Hence locus of P is
2
2 2
( x  )  ( y  )  ( z   ) 2

l ( x  )  m( y  )  n( z   )  r2 .
2 2 2
l m n
This is the required equation of the right circular cylinder.
12.4.3 Corollary :
The equation of a right circular cylinder whose radius is r and axis, the Z-axis is
x  y  r2 .
2 2

Proof :

x0 y0 z0

Equation of Z-axis is   . Substituting l = 0, m = 0, n = 1 and
0 0 1
      0 in the equation (1) of 12.4.2, we get x 2  y 2  r 2 .

12.4.4 Example :
Find the equation of the right circular cylinder whose radius is 3 units and axis the line
x 2 y 3 z 4
  .
2 1 2
Solution :
The required equation of the cylinder is
2
2 2
( x  2)  ( y  3)  ( z  4) 2

 2( x  2)  1( y  3)  2( z  4)
 32
2 2  12  (2)2

 9  x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  6 y  8 z  29   (2 x  y  2 z  1) 2  81

 9 x 2  9 y 2  9 z 2  36 x  54 y  72 z  261

276
  4 x 2  y 2  4 z 2  4 xy  4 yz  8 zx  4 x  2 y  4 z  82
 5 x 2  8 y 2  5 z 2  4 xy  4 yz  8 zx  40 x  56 y  68 z  179  0 .

This is the required equation of the right circular cylinder .

12.4.5 Example :

Find the equation of the right circular cylinder whose guiding circle is x 2  y 2  z 2  9 ,
x y  z  3.
Solution:

The centre of the given sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  9 is O (0,0,0) and its radius is 3 units .

The given plane is x  y  z  3 .............. (1)

Consider a point B on the circle (see fig. 2).

Fig . 2

x y z
Then equation of the normal to the plane (1) through the centre O(0, 0, 0) are   .
1 1 1

Let P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be any point on the cylinder and A be the projection of B on the axis of
the cylinder.

277
 Then OA = Perpendicular distance from O to the plane (1)

3
 = 3 units.
111

Also AB 2  OB 2  OA2
2
= 3 
2
 3  ( OB  3 , the radius of sphere)
= 6.

Hence radius of the circle = AB = 6 units.

x y z
Now equation of the right circular cylinder with axis   and radius 6 units is
1 1 1

2
 ( x  0) 2  ( y  0) 2  ( z  0) 2 
  6   (1  1  1)  1( x  0)  1( y  0)  1( z  0) 
2

i.e., ( x 2  y 2  z 2  6)3  ( x  y  z )2

 3 x 2  3 y 2  3z 2  18  x 2  y 2  z 2  2 xy  2 yz  2 zx
(or) x 2  y 2  z 2  xy  yz  zx  9  0 .

Check Your Progress:

3) Find the equation of the right circular cylinder having radius 2 units and with its axis
x 1 y  2 z  3
  .
2 3 2
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

12.5 SUMMARY
A cylinder is a surface generated by a variable straight line which moves such that it is
always parallel to a fixed straight line. It may intersect a given curve or may touch a given
surface. In this unit you have learnt how to derive the equation of a cylinder and also its
enveloping cylinder. The right circular cylinder is defined and its equation is obtained in some
specific cases.

278
12.6 CHECK YOUR PROGRESS : MODEL ANSWERS

1. 3 x 2  6 y 2  3z 2  2 zx  8 yz  3  0

2. 2 x 2  2 y 2  2 z 2  2 yz  2 zx  2 xy  4 x  8 y  4 z  5  0

3. 13 x 2  8 y 2  13 z 2  12 xy  12 yz  8 zx  22 x  16 y  46 z  26  0 .

12.7 MODEL EXAMINATION QUESTIONS

x y z
1. Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators are parallel to the line   and
1 2 3
pass through the curve x 2  y 2  16, z  0 .

2. Find the equation of the quadratic cylinder whose generators intersect the curve
ax 2  by 2  2 z , lx  my  nz  p and are parallel to Z-axis.

3. Find the equation of the right circular cylinder of radius 3 units whose axis pass through
(1, 3, 5) and has direction cosines proportional to 2, 2, -1.

x  2 y 1 z
4. Find the equation of the right circular cylinder whose axis is   and whose
2 1 3
passes through (0, 0, 3).
5. Find the equation of the right circular cylinder whose guiding curve is
x 2  y 2  z 2  9, x  y  z  3 .

6. Find the equation of the enveloping cylinder of the sphere x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 z  11  0

having its generators parallel to the line x  2 y  2 z .

7. Find the equation of the right circular cylinder of radius 4 units and having axis x  2 y   z .

8. Obtain the equation of the right circular cylinder whose guiding curve is the circle through
the points (1, 0, 0), (0, 1, 0), (0, 0, 1).
9. Find the equation of the right circular cylinder which envelops a sphere of centre (a, b, c)
and radius r, and has its generators parallel to the direction l, m, n.
Answers:

1. 9 x 2  9 y 2  5 z 2  12 yz  6 zx  144  0

2. n(ax 2  by 2 )  2(lx  my  p)  0

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 3. 5 x 2  5 y 2  8 z 2  4 yz  4 zx  8 xy  6 x  42 y  96 z  225  0

4. 10 x 2  13 y 2  5 z 2  6 yz  12 zx  4 xy  36 x  18 y  30 z  135  0

5. x 2  y 2  z 2  yz  zx  xy  9  0

6. 2 x 2  5 y 2  5 z 2  2 yz  4 zx  4 xy  4 x  14 y  22 z  67  0

7. 5 x 2  8 y 2  5 z 2  4 xy  4 yz  8 zx  144  0

8. x 2  y 2  z 2  yz  zx  xy  1  0

2
9. (l 2  m2  n 2 ) ( x  a )2  ( y  b)2  ( z  c)2  r 2   l ( x  a )  m( y  b)  n( z  c) 

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 DR.B.R.AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
THIRD YEAR (3 Year Degree Course), SEMESTER - V
MODEL QUESTION PAPER
MATHEMATICS
DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC ELECTIVE COURSE - A
THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY (BS517MATDSE(A)-E)

[Total Time: 3 Hours] [Max. Marks : 80]

SECTION – A
Short Answer Questions
(Marks: 4 X 5 = 20)

Note: (a) Answer any FOUR of the following questions.

(b) Each question carries 5 marks

1. [Block - I] : Find the foot of the perpendicular from the origin to the line joining the points
(-9, 4, 5) and (11, 0, -1).

2. [Block - I] : Find the equation of the plane through the points A (-1, 1, 1), B (1, -1, 1) and
perpendicular to the plane x  2 y  2 z  5 .
3. [Block - II] : Obtain the symmetrical form of the equations of the line
x  2 y  3z  4, 2 x  3 y  4 z  5
4. [Block - II] : Obtain the relations between the direction cosines of the three mutually
perpendicular axes of two systems.
5. [Block - III] : Find the centre and radius of the circle
x  2 y  2 z  15; x 2  y 2  z 2  2 y  4 z  11 .
6. [Block - III] : Find the equation of the tangent plane to the sphere
x 2  y 2  z 2  6 x  2 z  1  0 at (2, 2,1) .
7. [Block - IV] : Find the equation to the tangent plane of 4 x 2  y 2  4 z 2  0 which passes
through the line x  2 y  3z  0  x  y  2 z .
8. [Block - IV] : Find the equation of the right circular cylinder whose guiding curve is
x 2  y 2  z 2  9, x  y  z  3 .

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 SECTION – B
Long Answer Questions
(Marks: 4 X 10 = 40)

Note: (a) Answer Four of the following questions.

(b) Each question carries 10 marks.

9. [Block - I] : Find the plane passing through the points (1, 1, 0), (-2. 2, -1) and (1, 2, 1).
(OR)
10. [Block - I] : Find the bisector of the acute angle between the planes 2 x  y  2 z  3  0,
3x  2 y  6 z  8  0 .

x 1 y  3 z  5 x  2 y  4 z  6
11. [Block - II] : Prove that the lines   ,   intersect.
3 5 7 1 3 5
Find their point of intersection and equation of the plane in which they lie.
(OR)
12. [Block - II] : Find the length and the equations of the shortest line segment between the two
lines

x3 y4 z2 x 1 y  7 z  2

  and   .
1 2 1 1 3 2

13. [Block - III] : Obtain the equation of the sphere having its centre on the line
5 y  2 z  0  2 x  3 y and passing through the points (0, -2, -4) and (2, -1, -1).
(OR)

14. [Block - III] : Find the equation of the sphere through the point (0, 1, 2) and belonging to the
co-axial system defined by x 2  y 2  z 2  3x  3 y  2 z  0 ,

x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  y  z  10  0 .

15. [Block - IV] : Find the acute angle between the lines of intersection of the
plane 3x  y  5 z  0 with the cone 6 yz  2 zx  5 xy  0 .

(OR)

16. [Block - IV] : Show that the tangent plane to the cone
x 2  y 2  2 z 2  3 yz  4 zx  5 xy  0 are perpendicular to the generators of the cone
17 x 2  8 y 2  29 z 2  28 yz  46 zx  16 xy  0

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 SECTION - C
Objective Type Questions
(Marks : 20 X 1 = 20)

I. Multiple Choice Questions. (10 Marks)

1) The ratio in which the line joining (2, 4, 5), (3, 5, -4) is divided by the YZ - plane is
(a) 2 : 3 (b) 3 : 2 (c) -2 : 3 (d) 4 : -3
2) The direction cosines of X - axis are
(a) 1, 0, 0 (b) 0, 1, 0 (c) 0, 0, 1 (d) 1, 1, 1

3) The intercept on the X - axis of the plane x  y  z  1

(a) 4 (b) 3 (c) 2 (d) 1

4) The angle between the planes x  y  z  1 and x  y  2  0 is :

  
(a) 0 (b) (c) (d)
2 3 4
5) The equations of the line joining the points (-2, 4, 2) and (7, -2, 5) are
x y z x y z
(a)   (b)  
2 4 2 7 2 5
x2 y4 z2
(c)   (d) None of these.
3 2 1

6) The length of the shortest line segment between the lines

x 1 y  2 z  4 x2 y4 z5
  and  
2 3 4 3 4 4
1 1 1 1
(a) (b) (c) (d)
6 6 3 3

7) Centre of the sphere x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  2 y  2 z  3  0 is

(a) (1, 1, 1) (b) (-1, 1, 1) (c) (-1, -1, 1) (d) (1, 1, -1)

8) The equation ax2  ay 2  az 2  2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0, a  0 , represents a sphere if :

(a) u 2  v 2  w2  ad  0 (b) u 2  v 2  w2  ad  0
(c) u 2  v 2  w2  ad  0 (d) u 2  v 2  w2  ad  0

9) The general equation to the cone which passes through the axes is :
(a) ax2  by 2  cz 2  1 (b) ax2  by 2  cz 2  0
(c) fyz  gzx  hxy  1 (d) fyz  gzx  hxy  0
10) The guiding curve of a right circular cylinder is
(a) ellipse (b) circle (c) pair of straight lines (d) any closed curve

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 II. Match the Following (5 Marks)

1) The equation of XOY - Plane ( ) (a) 1

2) The intercept on Z - axis of the plane x  y  2 z  2 ( ) (b) x = 0, y = 0

3) The equation of Z - axis ( ) (c) 5

4) The radius of the sphere x2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  6 z  7  0 ( ) (d) z = 0

5) The number of arbitrary constants in the equation of a cone ( ) (e) 7

III. Fill in the Blanks (5 Marks)

1) The point (-1, -2, -3) lies in the octant ....................

2) If l, m, n are the direction cosines of a line, then l 2  m 2  n 2  ..................

3) The distance between the parallel planes 2 x  2 y  z  1  0 and

4 x  4 y  2 z  3  0 .............

4) The equation of the sphere whose centre is at origin and radius a is ......................

5) Any line on the surface of a cylinder is called its .......................

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