Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry

What if angry vectors veer Round your sleeping head, and from. There's never need to fear Violence of the poor world's abstract storm. ........ Warren,
Robert PennNature is an infinite sphere of which the centre is everywhere and the circumference nowhere ........ Pascal, Blaise

Vector quantities are specified by definite magnitude and definite direction. A vector is generally
represented by a directed line segment, say AB . A is called the initial point and B is called the
terminal point. The magnitude of vector AB is expressed by AB .
:
A vector of zero magnitude i.e. which has the same initial and terminal point, is called a zero vector. It
is denoted by O. The direction of zero vector is indeterminate.
:
A vector of unit magnitude in the direction of a vector a is called unit vector along a and is denoted by
a
a , symbolically a .
|a|

Two vectors are said to be equal if they have the same magnitude, direction and represent the same
physical quantity.
:

Two vectors are said to be collinear if their directed line segments are parallel irrespective of their
directions. Collinear vectors are also called parallel vectors. If they have the same direction( )

they are named as like vectors but if they have opposite direction ( ) then they are named as
unlike vectors.
Symbolically, two non-zero vectors a and b are collinear if and only if, a b , where R
a1 a a
a b a1i a2 j a3k = b1i b2 j b3k a1 = b1, a2 = b2, a3 = b3 = 2 = 3 (= )
b1 b2 b3
a1 a 2 a 3
Vectors a = a1 i + a2 j + a3k and b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k are collinear if = =
b1 b 2 b3

Note : If a,b are non zero, non collinear vectors, such that xa yb x 'a y 'b x x' , y y' ,
(where

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
Example # 1 : Find unit vector of i 2j 3k
Solution : a = i 2j 3k
2 2 2
if a = ax i + ay j + azk then | a | = ax ay az
a 1 2 3
|a| = 14 a = = i j + k
|a| 14 14 14

Example # 2 : a = (x + 1) i (2x + y) j + 3 k and b = (2x 1) i + (2 + 3y) j + k

find x and y for which a and b are parallel.
x 1 3
Solution : a and b are parallel = = x = 4/5 , y = 19/25
2 3y 1

:
A given number vectors are called coplanar if their line segments are all parallel to the same plane.
Note that two vectors are always coplanar .

If a is a vector and m is a scalar, then m is a vector parallel to a whose magnitude is m times that
of a . This multiplication is called scalar multiplication. If a and a are vectors and m, n are scalars,
then :
(i) m (a) (a) m ma (ii) m (na) n(ma) (mn)a
(iii) (m n) a ma na (iv) m (a b) ma mb

Self Practice Problems :

(1) Given a regular hexagon ABCDEF with centre O, show that
(i) OB OA = OD OE (ii) EA = 2 OB + OF (iii) AD + EB + FC = 4 AB
(2) Let ABCDEF be a regular hexagon. If AD = x BC and CF = y AB then find xy.
(3) The sum of the two unit vectors is a unit vector. Show that the magnitude of the their difference
is 3 .
Answers : (2) 4

(i) If two vectors a and b are represented by OA and OB , then their sum a b is a
vector represented by OC , where OC is the diagonal of the parallelogram OACB.
(ii) a b b a (commutative) (iii) (a b) c a (b c) (associative)
(iv) a 0 a 0 a (v) a ( a) 0 ( a) a
(vi) |a b| |a| |b| (vii) | a b | || a | | b ||

Example # 3 : The two sides of ABC are given by AB = 2 i + 4 j + 4 k , AC = 2 i + 2 j + k . Then find the
length of median through A.
Solution : Let D be mid point of BC
1 A
In ABC, AB + BD = AD AB + BC = AD
2
AB (AB BC)
= AD
2
AB AC 4i 6 j 5k 77
= AD | AD | = = B D C
2 2 2

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry

Example # 4 : In a triangle ABC, D, E, F are the mid-points of the sides BC, CA and AB respectively then
A
prove that, AD = ( BE + CF ).
1
Solution : AD = 3 GD = 3. (GB GC) where D is mid-point of BC F 2
G
E
2
3 2 2 1
= EB FC = ( BE + CF )
2 3 3 B D C

:
Let O be a fixed origin, then the position vector of a point P is the vector OP . If a and b are position
vectors of two points A and B, then
AB = b a = position vector (p.v.) of B position vector (p.v.) of A.

Distance between the two points A (a) and B (b) is AB = a b

If a and b are the position vectors of two points A (x1, y1, z1) and B(x2, y2, z2),
na mb
then the p.v. of a point R which divides AB in the ratio m: n is given by r
m n
nx1 mx2 ny1 my2 nz1 mz2
Here R = , ,
n m n m n m

a b x1 x 2 y1 y 2 z1 z2
Note : Position vector of mid point M of AB is . Here M = , ,
2 2 2 2
Example # 5 : Let O be the centre of a regular pentagon ABCDE and OA = a .
Then AB 2BC 3CD 4DE 5EA =
Solution : OA a,OB b,OC c,OD d,OE e
AB 2BC 3CD 4DE 5EA = b a +2 c b +3 d c +4 e d +5 a e

= 5a a b c d e = 5a , (since a b c d e = 0)

Example # 6 : In a triangle ABC, D and E are points on BC and AC respectively, such that BD = 2DC and
BP
AE = 3EC. Let P be the point of intersection of AD and BE. Find using vector method.
PE
Solution : Let the position vectors of points B and C be respectively b and c referred to A as origin of
reference.
BP PD A(0)
Let = and =
PE AP 3
3 c 2c b 1 E
b
2c b 3 4 3 1
AD = , AE = c AP = = P
3 4 1 1 2 µ 1
C(c)
B(b) D
comparing the coefficient of b & c
1 1 3 2
= and =
1 3( 1) 4( 1) 3( 1)
solving above equations we get = 8/3

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry

Self Practice Problems

(4) Express vectors BC , CA and AB in terms of the vectors OA , OB and OC
(5) If a, b are position vectors of the points(1, 1),( 2, m), find the value of m for which a and
b are collinear.
(6) The vertices P, Q and S of a PQS have position vectors p, q and s respectively.
(i) Find the position vector of t of point T in terms of p, q and s , such that
ST : TM = 2 : 1 and M is mid-point of PQ.
(ii) If the parallelogram PQRS is now completed. Express , the position vector
of the point R in terms of p, q and s

(7) In a quadrilateral ABCD, AB = p , BC = q , DA = p q . If E is the mid point of BC and F is

4
the point on DE such that DF = DE. Show that the points. A,F,C are collinear.
5

(8) Point L, M, N divide the sides BC, CA, AB of ABC in the ratios 1 : 4, 3 : 2, 3 : 7 respectively.
Prove that AL + BM + CN is a vector parallel to CK , when K divides AB in the ratio 1 : 3.

Answers : (4) BC OC OB , CA OA OC , AB OB OA (5) m=2

1
(6) (i) t = (p q s) (ii) r = (q p s)
3

Distance between any two points (x1, y1, z1) and (x 2, y2, z2) is given as (x1 x2 )2 (y1 y 2 )2 (z1 z2 )2

Let PA, PB and PC are distances of the point P(x, y, z) from the coordinate axes OX, OY and OZ
respectively then PA = y2 z2 , PB = z2 x2 , PC = x 2 y2

Example # 7 : Find the locus of a point which is equidistance from A (0,2,3) and B (2, 2, 1).
Solution : let P (x, y, z) be any point which is equidistance from A (0,2,3) and B (2, 2, 1)
PA = PB
2 2 2 2 2 2
= x 2y z+1=0

Example # 8 : Find the locus of a point which moves such that the sum of its distances from points A(0, 0, )
and B(0, 0, ) is constant.
Solution : Let the variable point whose locus is required be P(x, y, z)
Given PA + PB = constant = 2a (say)
(x 0)2 (y 0)2 (z )2 + (x 0)2 (y 0)2 (z )2 = 2a
x2 y2 (z )2 = 2a x2 y2 (z )2
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2
+ 2z = 4a2 + x2 + y2 + z2 + 2
2z 4a x2 y2 (z )2
z2 2
4z 4a2 = 4a x2 y2 (z )2 + a2 2z = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2
2z
a2
2
x2 y2 z2
or, x2 + y2 + z2 1 = a2 2
+ + =1
a2 a2 2
a2 2
a2
This is the required locus.
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Self practice problems :
(9) One of the vertices of a cuboid is (0, 2, 1) and the edges from this vertex are along the
positive x-axis, positive y-axis and positive z-axis respectively and are of lengths 2, 2, 3
respectively find out the vertices.

(10) Show that the points (0, 4, 1), (2, 3, 1), (4, 5, 0) and (2, 6, 2) are the vertices of a square.

(11) Find the locus of point P if AP2 BP2=20, where A (2, 1, 3) and B ( 1, 2, 1).

Answers : (9) (2,2, 1), (2, 4, 1), (2, 4, 2), (2, 2, 2), (0, 2, 2), (0, 4, 2), (0, 4, 1).
(11) x + y + 2z = 6

x1 x2 x 3 y1 y2 y 3 z1 z2 z3
G , ,
3 3 3

ax1 bx2 cx3 ay1 by2 cy3 az1 bz2 cz3

I , , Where AB = c, BC = a, CA = b
a b c a b c a b c

Example # 9 : Show that the points A(2, 3, 4), B( 1, 2, 3) and C( 4, 1, 10) are collinear. Also find the
ratio in which C divides AB.
Solution : Given A (2, 3, 4), B ( 1, 2, 3), C ( 4, 1, 10).

Let C divide AB internally in the ratio k : 1, then

k 2 2k 3 3k 4 k 2
C , , = 4 3k = 6 k= 2
k 1 k 1 k 1 k 1
2k 3 3k 4
For this value of k, = 1, and = 10
k 1 k 1
Since k < 0, therefore C divides AB externally in the ratio 2 : 1 and points A, B, C are collinear.

Example # 10 :The vertices of a triangle are A(5, 4, 6), B(1, 1, 3) and C(4, 3, 2). The internal bisector of BAC
meets BC in D. Find AD.
Solution : AB = 42 52 32 5 2
AC = 12 12 42 3 2
Since AD is the internal bisector of BAC
BD AB 5
D divides BC internally in the ratio 5 : 3
DC AC 3
5 4 3 1 5 3 3( 1) 5 2 3 3 23 12 19
D , , or, D= , ,
5 3 5 3 5 3 8 8 8
2 2 2
23 12 19 1530
AD = 5 4 6 = unit
8 8 8 8

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Example # 11 : If the points P, Q, R, S are (4, 7, 8), ( 1, 2, 1), (2, 3, 4) and (1,2,5) respectively, show that PQ
and RS intersect. Also find the point of intersection.
Solution : Let the lines PQ and RS intersect at point A.
4 2 7 8
Let A divide PQ in the ratio : 1, ( 1) then A , , . .... (1)
1 1 1
k 2 2k 3 5k 4
Let A divide RS in the ratio k : 1, then A , , ..... (2)
k 1 k 1 k 1

From (1) and (2), we have,

4 k 2
k + 4k + 4 = k + 2 + k + 2 2 k+3 3k 2=0 .....(3)
1 k 1
2 7 2k 3
2 k 2 + 7k + 7 = 2 k + 3 + 2k + 3 4 k+5 5k 4 = 0 .....(4)
1 k 1
8 5k 4
..... (5)
1 k 1
Multiplying equation (3) by 2, and subtracting from equation (4), we get + k = 0 or, =k
Putting = k in equation (3), we get 2 2 + 3 3 2=0 =1=k
Clearly = k = 1 satisfies eqn. (5), hence our assumption is correct.
1 4 2 7 1 8 3 5 9
A , , or, A , , .
2 2 2 2 2 2

Self practice problems :

(12) Find the ratio in which yz plane divides the line joining the points A (4, 3, 5) and B (7, 4, 5).

(13) Find the co-ordinates of the foot of perpendicular drawn from the point A(1, 2, 1) to the line
joining the point B(1, 4, 6) and C(5, 4, 4).

8
(14) Two vertices of a triangle are (4, 6, 3) and (2, 2, 1) and its centroid is , 1, 2 . Find the
3
third vertex.

3 7 1
(15) Show that , , is the circumcentre of the triangle whose vertices are
2 2 2
A (2, 3, 2), B (0, 4, 1) and C (3, 3, 0) and hence find its orthocentre.

Answers : (12) 4 : 7 Externally (13) (3, 4, 5) (14) (2, 5, 2) (15) (2, 3, 2)

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry

(i) : Let be the angles which a directed line makes with the positive
directions of the axes of x, y and z respectively, then cos , cos cos are called the
direction cosines of the line. The direction cosines are usually denoted by , m, n.

Thus = cos , m = cos , n = cos .

(ii) If , m, n be the direction cosines of a line, then 2
+ m2 + n2 = 1

(iii) : Let a, b, c be proportional to the direction cosines , m, n then a, b, c are

called the direction ratios.
If a, b, c, are the direction ratios of any line L, then ai bj ck will be a vector parallel to the
line L.
If , m, n are direction cosines of line L, then i + m j + n k is a unit vector parallel to the line
L.

(iv) If , m, n be the direction cosines and a, b, c be the direction ratios of a vector, then ( , m, n)
a b c a b c
= , , or , ,
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
a b c a b c a b c a b c a b c a b2 c2

(v) If the coordinates P and Q are (x 1, y1, z1) and (x 2, y2, z2), then the direction ratios of line PQ are,
x 2 x1
a = x2 x1, b = y2 y1 & c = z2 z1 and the direction cosines of line PQ are = ,
| PQ |
y 2 y1 z z1
m= and n = 2 .
| PQ | | PQ |

cos3
Example # 12 : If a line makes angle , , with the co-ordinate axes. Then find the value of .
cos
cos3 4cos3 3cos
Solution : = = (4cos2 3)
cos cos
= 4(cos2 + cos2 + cos2 ) 3 3 3=4 9= 5 Ans. 5

Example # 13 : If the direction ratios of two lines are given by mn 4n + 3 m = 0 and + 2m + 3n = 0 then
find the direction ratios of the lines.
m n m n
Solution : Eliminating we have m = ± 2 n = = & = =
2 1 1
Ans. ( ), , 2 where R {0}

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
Self practice problems:

(16) Find the direction cosines of a line lying in the xy plane and making angle 30° with x-axis.
(17) A line makes an angle of 60° with each of x and y axes, find the angle which this line makes
with z-axis.
(18) A plane intersects the co-ordinates axes at point A(2, 0, 0), B(0, 4, 0), C(0, 0, 6) ; O is origin.
Find the direction ratio of the line joining the vertex B to the centroid of face ABC.
3 1 2 8
Answers : (16) = ,m=± , n=0 (17) 45° (18) , ,2
2 2 3 3

It is the smaller angle formed when the initial points or the terminal points of the two vectors are brought
together. Note that 0º 180º .

a . b a b cos , (0 )

Note: (a) If is acute, then a . b > 0 and if is obtuse, then a . b < 0.

(b) a . b 0 a b (a 0, b 0)

(c) Maximum value of a . b is | a | | b | (d) Minimum value of a . b is |a | |b |

B(b)
As shown in Figure, projection of vector OB (or b ) along vector OA ( or a )
b.a
is OL = | b | cos b.a
a
L
O
Properties of Dot Product | b | cos b.a
A(a)

a . b
(i) Projection of a on b
|b|
(ii) a. b b . a (commutative)
(iii) a . (b c) a . b a . c (distributive)
(iv) (ma) . b = a . (mb) = m (a . b) , where m is a scalar.
(v) i . i = j . j = k . k = 1; i . j = j . k = k . i = 0
2
(vi) a . a a a2

(vii) If a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k and b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k , then a . b = a1b1 + a2b2 + a3b3

2 2 2 2 2 2
a a1 a2 a3 , b b1 b2 b3

(viii) a b = | a |2 | b |2 2 | a || b | cos , where is the angle between the vectors

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry

Example # 14 : Find the value of p for which the vectors a 3i 2j 9k and b i pj 3k are
(i) perpendicular (ii) parallel
Solution : (i) a b a . b =0 3i 2 j 9k . i pj 3k = 0

3 + 2p + 27 = 0 p= 15
(ii) vectors a = 3i 2j 9k and b = i pj 3k are parallel iff
3 2 9 2 2
= = 3= p=
1 p 3 p 3
Example # 15 : If a , b , c are three vectors such that each is inclined at an angle /3 with the other two and
| a | = 1, | b | = 2, | c | = 3, then find the scalar product of the vectors 2 a + 3 b 5 c and
4a 6 b + 10 c .
Solution : Dot products is 82 a 182 b 502 c + a . b ( 12 + 12) + b . c (30 + 30) + c . a (20 20)

=8 18 (4) 50(9) + 60 2.3cos = 188 522 = 334

3

Example # 16 : Find the values of x for which the angle between the vectors
a = 2x2 i + 4x j + k and b = 7 i 2 j + x k is obtuse.

a . b
Solution : The angle between vectors a and b is given by cos =
| a || b |

a . b
Now, is obtuse cos <0 <0 a . b <0 [ | a |, | b | 0 ]
| a || b |
1
14x2 8x + x < 0 7x (2x 1) < 0 x(2x 1) < 0 0<x <
2
Hence, the angle between the given vectors is obtuse if x (0, 1/2)

Example # 17 : If a = i + j + k and = 2 a j + 3 k , then find

(i) Component of b along a . (ii) Component of b in plane of a & b but to a .

a . b
Solution : (i) Component of b along a is a ; Here a . b = 2 1 + 3 = 4 and | a |2 = 3
| a |2

a . b 4 4
Hence a = a = (i+ j + k)
| a |2 3 3

a . b 1
(ii) Component of b in plane of a & b but to a is b a.= 2i 7j 5k
| a |2 3

Example # 18 : Find the projection of the line joining A(1, 2, 3) and B( 1, 4, 2) on the line having direction ratios
2, 3, 6.
Solution : AB 2i 2j k B
A
4 6 6 8
Projection of AB 2i 2j k on 2i 3 j 6k is
4 9 36 7 90° 90°
P L M Q
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Self Practice Problems :

|a b|
(19) If a and b are unit vectors and is angle between them, prove that tan = .
2 |a b|

(20) Find the values of x for which the angle between the vectors a = 2x i 4j 3k and
b = is 90º

(21) if a, b, c are the pth, qth, rth terms of a HP then find the angle between the vectors
1 1 1
= (q r) i + (r q) j + (p q) k and v = i + j + k.
a b c

(22) The points O, A, B, C, D are such that OA a , OB b , OC 2a 3b , OD a 2b

Given that the length of OA is three times the length of OB . Show that BD and AC are
perpendicular.

(23) ABCD is a tetrahedron and G is the centroid of the base BCD. Prove that
AB2 + AC2 + AD2 = GB2 + GC2 + GD2 + 3GA2

(24) A (2, 3, 2), B (1, 5, 4,), C(0, 1, 2) D (4, 0, 3). Find the projection of line segment AB on CD
line.

(25) The projections of a directed line segment on co-ordinate axes are 3, 4, 12. Find its length and
direction cosines.
2 2
Answers : (20) x = 12/7 (21) /2 (24) (25) 13, , ,
3 13 13 13

(i) If a , b are two vectors and is the angle between them, then a x b a b sin n , where n is
the unit vector perpendicular to both a and b such that a , b and n forms a right handed screw
system.
(ii) Geometrically a x b = area of the parallelogram whose two adjacent sides are represented by

a and b .

(iii) axb bxa (not commutative)

(iv) (m a) b =a (m b) = m (a b) , where m is a scalar.
(v) a x (b c) (a xb) (a xc) (distributive)
(vi) a b 0 a and b are parallel (collinear) (a 0,b 0) i.e. a K b , where K is a scalar.

(vii) i i j j k k 0; i j k, j k i, k i j
i j k
(viii) If a = a1 i +a2 j + a3 k and b = b1 i + b2 j + b3 k , then a b a1 a2 a3
b1 b2 b3

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
r(a b)
(x) a and b is
|a b|

(xii) If a, b and c are the position vectors of 3 points A, B and C respectively, then the vector area of
1
ABC = (a b b c c a) . The points A, B and C are collinear if
2
a b b c c a 0
1
(xiii) Area of any quadrilateral whose diagonal vectors are d1 and d2 is given by d1 d2
2

Example # 19 : Given a = i + j k, b = i + 2 j + k and c = i +2j k , then find a unit vector

perpendicular to both a + b and b + c .
Solution : × is to both and
a +b = 3 j , b +c = 2 i + 4 j
3 j × ( 2 i + 4 j ) is to both or 6 j × i = 6k hence a unit vector is k .

Example # 20 : If =2i +3j k , = i+2j 4k , = i + j + k , then find value ( × ).( × .

Solution : × = 10 i + 9 j + 7 k and × =4 i 3 j k their dot product = 40 27 7 = 74

Example # 21 : Let OA = a + 3 b , OB = 5 a + 4b and OC = 2 a b where O is origin. Let p denote the area

of the quadrilateral OABC and q denote the area of the parallelogram with OA and OC as
p
adjacent sides. Find .
q
Solution : We have, p = Area of the quadrilateral OABC
1 1 1
p = | OB AC | = | OB (OC OA) | p = | (5a 4b) (4b a) |
2 2 2
1
p= | 20(a b) 4(b a) | = 12 | a b | .....(i)
2
and q = Area of the parallelogram with OA and OC as adjacent sides
q = | OA OC | = = 7| a b | .....(ii)
p 12
From (i) and (ii), we get =
q 7
Self Practice Problems :

(26) If p and q are unit vectors forming an angle of 30º. Find the area of the parallelogram
having a p 2q and b 2p q as its diagonals.

(27) ABC is a triangle and EF is any straight line parallel to BC meeting AC, AB in E, F
respectively. If BR and CQ be drawn parallel to AC, AB respectively to meet EF in R and Q
respectively, prove that ARB = ACQ.

Answers : (26) 3/4 sq. units

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(i) Vector equation: Vector equation of a straight line passing through a fixed point with position
vector a and parallel to a given vector b is r = a + b where is a scalar.

(ii) Vector equation of a straight line passing through two points with position vectors a & b is
r= a + (b a ).

(iii) The equation of a line passing through the point (x 1, y1, z1) and having direction ratios a, b, c
x x 1 y y1 z z1
is = = = r. This form is called symmetric form. A general point on the line
a b c
is given by (x + ar, y + br, z + cr).

(iv) The equation of the line passing through the points (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) is
x x1 y y1 z z1
= =
x 2 x1 y 2 y1 z2 z1

(v) Reduction of cartesian form of equation of a line to vector form & vice versa
x x1 y y1 z z1
= = = r (x1 i + y1 j + z1 k ) + (a i + b j + c k ).
a b c

(vi) The equations of the bisectors of the angles between the lines r = a + b and
r =a + c are : r = a + t b c and r = a + p c b .

Example # 22 : Find the equation of the line through the points (4, 5, 8) and ( 1, 2, 7) in vector form as well
as in cartesian form.
Solution : Let A (4, 5, 8) , B ( 1, 2, 7)

Now a = OA = 4i 5 j + 8k and b = OB = i + 2 j + 7k

Equation of the line through A( a ) and B( b ) is r = a + t ( b a )

or r =4i 5 j + 8k + t ( 5 i + 7 j k) ..... (1)

Equation of AB in cartesian form is

Example # 23 : Find the equation of the line passing through point (1, 0, 2) having direction ratio 3, 1, 5.
Prove that this line passes through (4, 1, 7).

Solution. equation of line is ,

Now 1 , so line passes through point (4, 1,7)

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Example # 24 : Find the equation of the line drawn through point ( 1, 7, 0) to meet at right angles the

line
2 1 2

Solution : Given line is ..... (1)

2 1 2
Let P ( 1, 7, 0)
Co-ordinates of any point on line (1) may be taken as Q (2r + 2, r 3, 2r + 1)
Direction ratios of PQ are 2r + 3, r 10, 2r + 1
Direction ratios of line AB are 2, 1, 2
Since PQ AB
2(2r + 3) + ( r 10) ( 1) + 2 (2r + 1) = 0 r= 2
Therefore, direction ratios of PQ are 1 , 8, 3

Equation of line PQ is
1 8 3
Example # 25 : A line passes through the point 3i and is parallel to the vector i j k and another line
passes through the point i j and is parallel to the vector i k , then find the point of
intersection of lines.
Solution : A point on the first line is 3i s( i j k) ....(i)
A point on the second line is i j t(i k) ....(ii)
At the point of intersection (i) and (ii) are same.
3 s = 1 + t, s = 1, s = t s =t=1
hence the point is 3i ( i j k) = 2i j k Ans. (2,1,1)
Self practice problems:
x 3 y 1 z 7
(28) Find the equation of the line parallel to line and passing through the point

(2, 3, 2).

Answers : (28)
4 1 5

P(x1,y1,z1)

Q(x2,y2,z2) F(x ,y ,z ) x x2 y y2 z z2
a b c

R(x ,y ,z )

x x2 y y2 z z2
Let L = = is a given line and P(x1, y1, z1) is given point as shown in figure.
a b c
Let F(x , y , z ) = (ar+x2, br+ y2, cr+ z2) be the foot of the point P (x1, y1, z1) with respect to the line
L. Apply PF.(ai bj ck) 0 .N in (1) we get F

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Now for calculating the reflection R(x , y , z ) of the point P (x1, y1, z1) with respect to the line L, apply
midpoint formula (midpoint of P & R is F)
PF.(ai bj ck)
PF = PQ sin =
a2 b2 c2

x 1 y 3 z 2
Example # 26 : Find the length of the perpendicular from P (2, 3, 1) to the line .
2 3 1
Solution : Co-ordinates of any point on given line may be taken as Q (2r 1, 3r + 3, r 2)
Direction ratios of PQ are 2r 3, 3r + 6, r 3
Direction ratios of AB are 2, 3, 1
Since PQ AB
15
2 (2r 3) + 3 (3r + 6) 1( r 3) = 0 14r + 15 = 0 r=
14
22 3 13 531
Q , , PQ = units.
7 14 14 14

Self practice problems :

(29) Find the length and foot of perpendicular drawn from point (2,3,4) to the line
. Also find the image of the point in the line.

Answers : (29) 3 5,N (2, 6, 2), (2, 9, 8)

If two lines have direction ratios a 1, b1, c1 and a 2, b2, c2 respectively, then we can consider two vectors
parallel to the lines as a1 i + b1 j + c1 k and a2 i + b2 j + c2 k and angle between them can be given as.
a1a2 b1b2 c1c 2
cos = .
2 2 2 2
a
1 b1 c
1 a 2 b22 c 22
(i) The lines will be perpendicular if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0
a b c
(ii) The lines will be parallel if 1 = 1 = 1
a2 b2 c2

Example # 27 : What is the angle between the lines whose direction cosines are
3 1 3 3 1 3
, , and , ,
4 4 2 4 4 2
Solution : Let be the required angle, then cos = 1 2
+ m1m2 + n1n2
3 3 1 1 3 3 3 1 3 1
= . = = 120°,
4 4 4 4 2 2 16 16 4 2
Example # 28 : P is a point on line r = 5i 7 j 2k s(3i j k) and Q is a point on the line
r = +t 3i 2j 4k . If PQ is parallel to the vector, 2i 7j 5k , find P and Q
Solution : is parallel to 2i 7j 5k
8i 4j 8k t( 3i 2j 4k) s 3i j k =2 = 8 3t 3s
7 = 4 + 2t + s 5 = 8 + 4t s
solving, =t=s= 1
P = (5, 7, 2) (3, 1, 1) = (2, 8, 3) Q = ( 3, 3, 6) ( 3, 2, 4) = (0, 1, 2)

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Self practice problems :
(30) Find the angle between the lines whose direction cosines are given by + m + n = 0 and
2
+m 2
n =0
2

(31) Let P (6, 3, 2), Q (5, 1, 4), R (3, 3, 5) are vertices of a find Q.

(32) Show that the direction cosines of a line which is perpendicular to the lines having
directions cosines 1
m1 n1 and 2
m2 n2 respectively are proportional to
m 1 n2 m2n1 , n1 2 n2 1, 1m2 2m1

Answers : (30) 60° (31) 90°

:
Lines in space which do not intersect and are also not parallel are called skew line.

If lines r = a + p & r =b + q are skew lines then (b a) . (p x q) 0

If lines are not skew lines then they are coplanar which means if (b a) . (p x q) 0 , then lines are coplanar.

(i) Shortest distance (d) between lines r = a + p & r = b + q

(b a) . (p x q)
is d
px q

x y z x ' y ' z '

(ii) Shortest distance (d) between two skew lines = = and
m n ' m' n'

' ' '

is d = m n (mn m n)2
' m' n'

For Skew lines the direction of the shortest distance would be perpendicular to both the lines.
If d = 0, the lines are coplanar
(iii) Shortest distance between two parallel lines r1 a1 Kb and r2 a2 Kb , is given by

b x (a 2 a1 )
d
b

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Example # 29 : Find the shortest distance and the vector equation of the line of shortest distance between the
lines given by r 3i 8j 3k 3i j k and r 3i 7j 6k 3i 2j 4k
x 3 y 8 z 3
Solution : Equation of given lines in cartesian form is = (say L 1)
3 1 1
x 3 y 7 z 6
and = (say L 2)
3 2 4
Let L on L1 is (3 + 3, + 8, + 3) and M on L2 is ( 3 3, 2 7, 4 + 6)
Direction ratios of LM are 3 + 3 + 6, 2 + 15, 4 3.
Since LM L1
3 (3 + 3 + 6) 1 ( 2 + 15) + 1 ( 4 3) = 0 or, 11 + 7 = 0 ..... (1)
Again LM CD
3 (3 + 3 + 6) + 2 ( 2 + 15) + 4 ( 4 3) = 0 or, 7 29 = 0 ..... (2)

A L B
90°

90°
C M D

Solving (1) and (2), we get = 0, =0 L (3, 8, 3), M ( 3, 7, 6)

2 2 2
Hence shortest distance LM = (3 3) (8 7) (3 6) = 270 = 3 30 units

Vector equation of LM is r 3i 8j 3k t 6i 15j 3k

x 3 y 8 z 3
Note : Cartesian equation of LM is .
6 15 3
Self practice problems:
x 1 y 2 z 3 x 2 y 4 z 5
(33) Find the shortest distance between the lines and .
2 3 4 3 4 5
Find also its equation.
1
Answers : (33) , 6x y = 10 3y = 6z 25
6

(i) The scalar triple product of three vectors a , b and c is defined as: a x b . c a b c ,

sin . cos where is the angle between a , b (i.e. a ^b = ) and is the angle between
a x b and c (a × b) ^ c = ) . It is (i.e. a b . c ) also written as a b c and spelled as box
product.
(ii) Scalar triple product geometrically represents the volume of the parallelopiped whose three
coterminous edges are

represented by a, b and c i.e. V | [a b c ] |

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(iii) In a scalar triple product the position of dot and cross can be interchanged i.e.
a . (b x c) (a x b) . c [ a b c] [b c a ] [c a b ]
(iv) a . (b x c) a . (c x b) i.e. [ a b c ] [ a c b ]
a1 a2 a3
(v) If a = a1 i + a2 j + a3 k ; b = b1 i +b2 j +b3 k and c = c1 i + c2 j + c3 k , then [ a b c ] b1 b2 b3
c1 c2 c3
.
In general, if a a1 a2m a3n ; b b1 b2m b3n and c c1 c 2m c 3 n
a1 a2 a3
then a b c b1 b2 b3 m n , where , m and n are non-coplanar vectors.
c1 c 2 c3

(vi) If a , b , c are coplanar, then [a b c] 0.

(vii) If a , b , c are non-coplanar, then [a b c] 0 for right handed system and [a b c] 0 for left
handed system.

(viii) [i j k] = 1
(ix) [K a b c] K [a b c]
(x) [(a b)c d] [a c d] [b c d]
(xi) a b b c c a = 0 and a b b c c a =2 a b c

a.a a.b a.c

2
(xii) abc = b.a b.b b.c
c.a c.b c.c

(a) The volume of the parallelopiped whose three coterminous edges are a , b and c is V [a b c ]

(b) The volume of the tetrahedron OABC with O as origin and the position vectors of A, B and C being
1
a, b and c respectively is given by V abc
6

(c) If the position vectors of the vertices of tetrahedron are a , b , c and d , then the position vector of its
1
centroid is given by (a b c d) .
4
Note : that this is also the point of concurrency of the lines joining the vertices to the centroids of the
opposite faces and is also called the centre of the tetrahedron. In case the tetrahedron is regular it is
equidistant from the vertices and the four faces of the tetrahedron.

Example # 30 : The volume of the paralleopiped whose edges are represented by 12 i + k , 3 j k,

2i + j 15 k is 546, then find .
12 0
Solution : V= | 0 3 1 | 546 = |12 × 44 6 | = 3 , 179
2 1 15

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Example # 31 : Find the volume of the tetrahedron whose four vertices have position vectors a , b , c and d .
Solution : Let four vertices be A, B, C, D with position vectors a , b , c and d respectively.
DA = ( a d ) DB = ( b d ) DC = ( c d )
1
Hence volume V = [a d b d c d]
6
1 1
= (a d ). [( b d ) × ( c d )] = (a d ) . [b × c b × b + c ×d ]
6 6
1 1
= {[ a b c ] [a b d] + [a c d ] [ d b c ]} = {[ a b c ] [a b d] + [a c d ] [ b c d ]}
6 6

Example # 32 : Prove that vectors r1 = (sec2 A, 1, 1) ; r2 = (1, sec2B, 1) ; r3 = (1, 1, sec2 C) are always non-
coplanar vectors if A, B, C (0, ).
sec 2 A 1 1
Solution : Condition of coplanarity gives D = 0 1 sec 2 B 1 =0
2
1 1 sec C
sec2A [sec2Bsec2C 1] 1(sec2c 1) + 1(1 sec2B) = 0
(1 + tan2 A)(tan2 B + tan2 C + tan2 B tan2 C) tan2 C tan2 B = 0
tan2 B tan2 C + tan2 A tan2 B + tan2 C tan2A + tan2 A tan2 B tan2 C = 0
divide by tan 2 A tan2 B tan2 C
cot2A + cot2B + cot2C = 1 it is a not possible

Example # 33 : If two pairs of opposite edges of a tetrahedron are mutually perpendicular, show that the third
pair will also be mutually perpendicular.
Solution : Let OABC be the tetrahedron, where O is the origin and co-ordinates of A, B, C are
(x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2), (x3, y3, x3) respectively.
Let OA BC and OB CA .
We have to prove that OC BA .
Now, direction ratios of OA are x 1, y1, z1 and of BC are (x3 x2), (y3 y2), (z3 z2).
OA BC and OB CA
x1(x3 x2) + y1(y3 y2) + z1(z3 z2) = 0 and x2(x1 x3) + y2(y1 y3) + z2(z1 z3) = 0
A (x1, y1, z 1)

O (0, 0, 0)

B C
(x2, y2, z 2) (x3, y3, z3)

Adding above two equations we get x3(x1 x2) + y3(y1 y2) + z3(z1 z2) = 0
OC BA ( direction ratios of OC are x3, y3, z3 and that of BA are (x1 x2), (y1 y2), (z1 z2))

Self practice problems :

(34) Show that a . (b c) (a b c) 0

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(35) One vertex of a parallelopiped is at the point A (1, 1, 2) in the rectangular cartesian co- ordinate. If
three adjacent vertices are at B( 1, 0, 2), C(2, 2, 3) and D(4, 2, 1), then find the volume of the
parallelopiped.

(36) Show that the vector a, b, c are coplanar if and only if b c , c a , a b are coplanar.

(37) Show that {( a + b + c ) × ( c b )} . a = 2 a b c .

(38) Find the value of m such that the vectors 2i j k , i 2j 3k and 3i mj 5k are coplanar.

(39) Find the value of for which the four points with position vectors j k , 4i 5j k , 3i 9 j 4k , and
4i 4 j 4k are coplanar.
Answer : (35) 72 (38) 4 (39) =1

Let a , b and c be any three vectors, then the expression a x (b x c ) is a vector & is called a
vector triple product. This vector is perpendicular to a and lies in plane containing vectors b and c

a x ( b x c ) = (a . c)b (a . b)c
(a x b) x c = (a . c)b (b . c)a
In general (a x b) x c a x (b x c)

Example # 34 : [ a ×(3 b +2 c ) b ×( c 2a) 2 c ×( a 3 b )] =

Solution : Let b × c = p , c × a = q , a × b = r
[ p q r ] = [ a b c ]2 ....(i)
a × (3 b + 2 c ) = 3 r 2q etc.
E = [3 r 2 q p + 2 r , 2q + 6p ]
0 2 3
= [0 p 2 q + 3 r , p + 0 q + 2 r , 6p + 2q + 0 r ] = 1 0 2 [ a b c ]2 = 18 [ a b c ]2
6 2 0

3b a
Example # 35 : If a , b , c are non-coplanar unit vectors such that ( a × b ) × c = . Then find
2

angles which makes c with a & b ( a and b are non-collinear)

3b a 3b a
Solution : (a ×b ) × c = ( a . c .), b (b .c )a =
2 2

3 1
a .c = , and b .c = .
2 2
3 1
cos = and cos = .
2 2
2
= and =
6 3
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Example # 36 : Prove that a {b (c d)} = (b . d)(a c) (b. c) (a d)
Solution : We have, a {b (c d)} = a {(b . d) c (b . c) d}
= a {(b . d) c} a {(b . c) d} [by dist. law]
= (b . d) (a c) (b . c) (a d) .

Self Practice Problems :

(40) Prove that a {a (a b)} (a . a) (b a) .
(41) Let b and c be noncollinear vectors. If a is a vector such that a . (b c) = 4 and
a (b c) = (x2 2x + 6) b + c siny, then find x and y.
(42) Find a unit vector coplanar with i j 2k and i 2 j k and perpendicular to i j k is

Answer : (41) x = 1 & y = (4n + 1) /2 , n (42) ±

2

Given a finite set of vectors a,b,c,...... , then the vector r xa yb zc ........ is called a linear
combination of a,b,c,...... for any x, y, z..... R. We have the following results :

(a) If a,b are non zero, non collinear vectors, then xa yb x 'a y 'b x x' , y y'

(b) Fundamental Theorem in plane : Let a,b be non zero, non collinear vectors, then any vector r
coplanar with a,b can be expressed uniquely as a linear combination of a and b
i.e. there exist some unique x, y R such that xa yb r .

(c) If a,b,c are non zero, non coplanar vectors, then

xa yb zc x'a y'b z'c x x' , y y' , z z'

(d) Fundamental theorem in space: Let a,b,c be non zero, non coplanar vectors in space. Then any
vector r can be uniquely expressed as a linear combination of a,b,c i.e. there exist
some unique x,y, z R such that xa yb zc r.

(e) If x1 ,x2 ,......, xn are n non zero vectors and k 1,k2,.....,kn are n scalars and if the linear
combination k1x1 k2 x2 ....... k n xn 0 k1 0, k2 0 , ....., kn 0 , then we say that vectors
x1 , x2 , ......,xn are linearly independent vectors.

(f) If k1x1 k2 x2 k 3 x3 ...... kr xr ...... kn xn 0 and if there exists at least one k r 0, then
x1 , x2 , ......, xn are said to be .
If kr 0 then xr is expressed as a linear combination of vectors x1, x2 ,........, xr 1, xr 1, .........., xn
Note :
In general, in 3 dimensional space every set of four vectors is a linearly dependent system.

i , j , k are Linearly Independent set of vectors. For K1 i + K2 j + K3 k = 0 K1= K2= K3 = 0

Two vectors a and b are linearly dependent a is parallel to b i.e. a b 0 linear dependence
of a and b . Conversely if a b 0 then a and b are linearly independent.
If three vectors a, b, c are linearly dependent, then they are coplanar i.e. [a b c] = 0. Conversely if
[a b c] 0 then the vectors are linearly independent.
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Example # 37 : If a , b , c are three non-coplanar vectors, solve the vector equation r . a = r .b = r .c = 1
Solution : since a , b , c are three non-coplanar vectors therefore a × b , b × c & c × a are also non-
coplanar vectors
Let r = x ( a × b ) + y ( b × c ) + z ( c × a ).
Then, r . a = 1 1 = y [( b × c ) a .]
1 1 1
y= , similarly x = z = r = (( a × b ) + ( b × c ) + ( c × a ))
[a b c] [a b c] [a b c]

Example # 38 : Given that position vectors of points A, B, C are respectively

a 2 b + 3 c , 2 a + 3 b 4 c , 7 b + 10 c then prove that vectors AB and AC are linearly
dependent.
Solution : Let A, B, C be the given points and O be the point of reference then
OA = a 2 b + 3 c , OB = 2 a + 3 b 4c and OC = 7 b + 10 c
Now AB = p.v. of B p.v. of A
= OB OA = ( a + 5 b 7 c ) and AC = p.v. of C p.v of A
= OC OA = (a 5b 7c) = AB
AC = AB
where = 1. Hence AB and AC are linearly dependent.

Example # 39 : Prove that the vectors 5 a + 6 b + 7 c , 7 a 8 b + 9 c and 3 a + 20 b + 5 c are linearly

dependent, where a , b , c being linearly independent vectors.
Solution : We know that if these vectors are linearly dependent , then we can express one of them as a
linear combination of the other two.
Now let us assume that the given vector are coplanar, then we can write
5 a + 6b + 7c = ( 7a 8 b + 9 c ) + m (3 a + 20 b + 5 c ) where , m are scalars
Comparing the coefficients of a , b and c on both sides of the equation
5 = 7 + 3m, 6= 8 + 20 m, 7 = 9 + 5m
1
= = m. Hence the given vectors are linearly dependent.
2

Self Practice Problems :

1 1
(43) Given that x (p . x) p q , show that p . x p . q and find x in terms of p and q .
p2 2
(44) If x . a = 0, x . b = 0 and x . c = 0 for some non-zero vector x , then show that
[a b c] = 0
(r . a) (b c) (r . b) (c a) (r . c) (a b)
(45) Prove that r = + +
[ a b c ] [ a b c ] [ a b c ]
where a, b, c are three non-coplanar vectors

(46) Does there exist scalars u, v, w such that ue1 ve2 we3 i where e1 k,
e2 j k , e3 j 2k ?
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(47) If a and b are non-collinear vectors and A =(x + 4y) a + (2x + y + 1) b and
B = (y 2x + 2) a + (2x 3y 1) b , find x and y such that 3A 2B .

(48) If vectors a, b,c be linearly independent, then show that

(i) a 2b 3c , 2a 3b 4c , b 2c are linearly dependent
(ii) a 3b 2c , 2a 4b c , 3a 2b c are linearly independent.

(49) Prove that a vector r in space can be expressed linearly in terms of three non-coplanar, non-
zero vectors a, b, c in the form

[r b c] a [ r c a ] b [ r a b ] c
r
[ a b c]
p . q
Answers : (43) x = q p (46) No (47) x = 2, y = 1
2 | p |2

Three points A,B,C with position vectors a, b, c respectively are collinear, if & only if there exist scalars
x, y, z not all zero simultaneously such that xa yb zc 0 = 0 , where x + y + z = 0.

Four points A, B, C, D with position vectors a, b, c, d respectively are coplanar if and only if there exist
scalars x, y, z, w not all zero simultaneously such that xa+yb+zc + wd = 0 , where x + y + z + w = 0.

Example # 40 : Prove that four points 2a 3b c , a 2b 3c , 3a 4b 2c and a 6b 6c are coplanar.

Solution
PS : Let the given four points be P, Q, R and S respectively. These points are coplanar if the
vectors PQ , PR and PS are coplanar. These vectors are coplanar iff one of them can be
expressed as a linear combination of other two. So let PQ = x PR + y PS
a 5b 4c = x a b c +y a 9b 7c

a 5b 4c = (x y) a + (x 9y) b + ( x + 7y) c
x y = 1, x 9y = 5, x + 7y = 4 [Equating coeff. of a, b, c on both sides]
1 1
Solving the first two equations of these three equations, we get x = ,y= .
2 2
These values also satisfy the third equation. Hence the given four points are coplanar.

Self Practice Problems :

(50) If a, b, c, d are any four vectors in 3-dimensional space with the same initial point and such
that 3a 2b c 2d 0 , show that the terminal A, B, C, D of these vectors are coplanar. Find
the point (P) at which AC and BD meet. Also find the ratio in which P divides AC and BD.

3a c
Answers : (50) p divides AC in 1 : 3 and BD in 1 : 1 ratio
4

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry

If line joining any two points on a surface lies completely on it then the surface is a plane.
OR
If line joining any two points on a surface is perpendicular to some fixed straight line. Then this surface
is called a plane. This fixed line is called the normal to the plane.

(i) Vector form : The equation (r r0 ) . n 0 represents a plane containing the point with position
vector is a vector normal to the plane.
The above equation can also be written as r . n d , where d = r0 . n

(ii) Cartesian form : The equation of a plane passing through the point (x1, y1, z1) is given by
a (x x1) + b( y y1) + c (z z1) = 0 where a, b, c are the direction ratios of the normal
to the plane.

(iii) Normal form : Vector equation of a plane normal to unit vector and at a distance d from the
origin is r . n = d. Normal form of the equation of a plane is x + my + nz = p, where, ,m, n are
the direction cosines of the normal to the plane and p is the distance of the plane from the
origin.

(iv) General form : ax + by + cz + d = 0 is the equation of a plane, where a, b, c are the

direction ratios of the normal to the plane.

(v) Plane through three points : The equation of the plane through three non collinear points
x x3 y y3 z z3
(x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2), (x3, y3, z3) is x1 x3 y1 y3 z1 z3 = 0
x2 x3 y2 y3 z2 z3
x y z
(vi) Intercept Form : The equation of a plane cutting intercept a, b, c on the axes is 1
a b c
Note :
Equation of yz plane, xz plane and xy plane is x = 0, y = 0 and z = 0
: To reduce any equation
ax + by + cz d = 0 to the normal form, first write the constant term on the right hand side
2 2 2
and make it positive, then divide each term by a b c , where a, b, c are coefficients of x,
y and z respectively e.g.
ax by cz d
+ + =
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
a b c a b c a b c a b2 c2
Where (+) sign is to be taken if d > 0 and ( ) sign is to be taken if d < 0.
A plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 divides the line segment joining (x1, y1, z1) and (x 2, y2, z2). in the
ax1 by1 cz1 d
ratio
ax2 by 2 cz2 d
Coplanarity of four points

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
The points A(x1 y1 z1), B(x2 y2 z2) C(x3 y3 z3) and D(x 4 y4 z4) are coplanar then
x2 x1 y2 y1 z2 z1
x3 x1 y3 y1 z3 z1 =0
x4 x1 y4 y1 z 4 z1
Example # 41 : Find the equation of the plane upon which the length of normal from origin is 10 and direction
ratios of this normal are 3, 2, 6.
Solution : If p be the length of perpendicular from origin to the plane and , m, n be the direction
cosines of this normal, then its equation is
x + my + nz = 10 ..... (1)
Direction ratios of normal to the plane are 3, 2, 6
3 2 6
Direction cosines of normal to the required plane are = ,m= ,n=
7 7 7
3 2 6
Equation of required plane is x + y + z = 10 or, 3x + 2y + 6z = 70
7 7 7

Example # 42 :Find the plane through the points (2, 3,3), ( 5, 2, 0), (1, 7, 1)

Solution : =0 or =0 2x + y 3z + 8 = 0

Example # 43 : If P be any point on the plane x + my + nz = p and Q be a point on the line OP such that
OP . OQ = p2, show that the locus of the point Q is p( x + my + nz) = x 2 + y2 + z2.
Solution : Let P ( , , ), Q (x1, y1, z1)
Direction ratios of OP are , , and direction ratios of OQ are x1, y1, z1.

Since O, Q, P are collinear, we have = k (say) ..... (1)

x1 y1 z1
As P ( , , ) lies on the plane x + my + nz = p,
+m +n =p or k( x1 + my1 + nz1) = p ..... (2)
2 2 2
Given OP . OQ = p2 x12 y12 z12 = p2

or, k 2 (x12 y12 z12 ) x12 y12 z12 = p2 or, k (x12 y12 z12 ) = p2 ....(3)

x1 my1 nz1 1
On dividing (2) by (3), we get or, p ( x1 + my1 + nz1) = x12 y12 z12
x12 y12 z12 p
Hence the locus of point Q is p ( x + my + nz) = x2 + y2 + z2.

Example # 44 : A moving plane passes through a fixed point ( , ) and cuts the coordinate axes A, B, C . Find
the locus of the centroid of the tetrahedron OABC.
x y z
Solution : Let the plane be = 1, 0 (0,0,0) , A (a, 0,0), B (0, b, 0)
a b c
a b c
C (0,0,c) . Centroid of OABC is , ,
4 4 4

The plane passes through ( , , ) 1 ......(i)

a b c

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
a b c
Centroid , x = ,y = ,z= or a = 4x , b = 4y , c = 4z
4 4 4
Now (1) gives the locus of G as =4
x y z

Self practice problems :

(51) Check whether given points are coplanar if yes find the equation of plane containing them
A (0, 1, 1), B (4, 5, 1), C (3, 9, 4), D ( 4, 4, 4)
(52) Find the plane passing through point (3, 2, 1) and perpendicular to the line joining the
points (2, 4, 3) and (3, 1, 5).

(53) Find the equation of plane passing through the point (2, 4, 6) and making equal intercepts on
the coordinate axes.
(54) Find the equation of plane passing through (1, 2, 3) and (2, 3, 3) and perpendicular to the
plane 2x + y 3z + 4 = 0.

(55) Find the equation of the plane parallel to and and passing through (2, 1, 3).

(56) Find the equation of the plane passing through the point (1, 1, 1) and perpendicular to the
planes x + 2y + 3z 7 = 0 and 2x 3y + 4z = 0.
Answers : (51) yes, 5x 7y + 11z + 4 = 0 (52) x 5y + 2z + 5 = 0
(53) x + y + z =12 (54) 9x 15y + z + 24 = 0
(55) x y+z=4 (56) 17x + 2y 7z = 26

A plane divides the three dimensional space in two equal parts. Two points A (x 1 y1 z1)
and B (x2 y2 z2) are on the same side of the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 if ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d and
ax2 + by2 + cz2 + d are both positive or both negative and are opposite side of plane if both of these
values are in opposite sign.

Example # 45 : Show that the points (1, 2, 3) and (2, 1, 4) lie on opposite sides of the plane
x + 4y + z 3 = 0.
Solution : Since the numbers 1+ 4 × 2 + 3 3 = 9 and 2 4+4 3= 1 are of opposite sign, then points
are on opposite sides of the plane.

P(x 1,y 1, z1)

F(x , y , z )

R(x ,y , z )

Let P ax + by + cz + d = 0 is a given plane and P(x1, y1, z1) is given point as shown in figure.
Let F(x , y , z ) be the foot of the point P (x 1, y1, z1) with respect to the plane P.
And R(x , y , z ) be the reflection of point P (x 1, y1, z1) with respect to the plane P.
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(i) Distance of the point (x , y , z ) from the plane ax + by + cz+ d = 0 is given by
ax1 by1 cz1 d
.
2 2 2
a b c
(ii) The length of the perpendicular from a point having position vector a to plane r . n = d is
|a . n d|
p= .
|n|
(iii) The coordinates of the foot (F) of perpendicular from the point (x1, y1, z1) to the plane
x x1 y y1 z z1 (ax1 by1 cz1 d)
ax + by + cz + d = 0 are =
a b c a 2 b2 c 2
(iv) The coordinates of the Image (R) of point (x1, y1, z1) to the plane
x x1 y y1 z z1 2(ax1 by1 cz1 d)
ax + by + cz + d = 0 are =
a b c a2 b2 c 2

Example # 46 : Find the image of the point P (3, 5, 7) in the plane 2x + y + z = 0.

Solution : Given plane is 2x + y + z = 0 ..... (1)
Direction ratios of normal to plane (1) are 2, 1, 1
Let Q be the image of point P in plane (1). Let PQ meet plane (1) in R then PQ plane (1)
Let R (2r + 3, r + 5, r + 7)
Since R lies on plane (1)
2(2r + 3) + r + 5 + r + 7 = 0 or, 6r + 18 = 0 r= 3
R ( 3, 2, 4)
Let Q ( , , )
Since R is the middle point of PQ
3 5 7
3= = 9 and 2 = = 1 and 4 = =1
2 2 2
Q = ( 9, 1, 1).

Example # 47 : A plane passes through a fixed point (a, b, c). Show that the locus of the foot of perpendicular
to it from the origin is the sphere x 2 + y2 + z2 ax by cz = 0
Solution : Let the equation of the variable plane be x + my + nz + d = 0 ..... (1)
Plane passes through the fixed point (a, b, c) a + mb + nc + d = 0 ..... (2)
Let P ( , , ) be the foot of perpendicular from origin to plane (1).
Direction ratios of OP are
O(0, 0, 0)

P( , , )

0, 0, 0 i.e. , ,
From equation (1), it is clear that the direction ratios of normal to the plane i.e. OP are , m, n;
, , and , m, n are the direction ratios of the same line OP
1
= = = (say) =k ,m=k ,n=k ..... (3)
m n k
Putting the values of , m, n in equation (2), we get ka + kb + kc + d = 0 ..... (4)
Since , , lies in plane (1) +m +n +d=0 ..... (5)
Putting the values of , m, n from (3) in (5), we get k 2 + k 2 + k 2 + d = 0 ..... (6)
or k 2 + k 2 + k 2 ka kb kc = 0 [putting the value of d from (4) in (6)]
or 2
+ 2+ 2 a b c =0
Therefore, locus of foot of perpendicular P ( , , ) is x2 + y2 + z2 ax by cz = 0 ..... (7)

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Self practice problems :

(57) Find the intercepts of the plane 3x + 4y 7z = 84 on the axes. Also find the length of
perpendicular from origin to this plane and direction cosines of this normal.

(58) Find : (i) perpendicular distance (ii) foot of perpendicular

(iii) image of (1, 1, 1) in the plane 3x + 4y 12z + 13 = 0
84 3 4 7
Answers : (57) a = 28, b = 21, c = 12, p = ; , ,
74 74 74 74
17
(58) (i) (ii) ( 1, 1/2, 1) (iii) ( 3, 0,1)
2

(i) Consider two planes ax + by + cz + d = 0 and a x + b y + c z + d = 0. Angle between these

planes is the angle between their normals. Since direction ratios of their normals are (a, b, c)
and (a , b , c ) respectively, hence , the angle between them, is given by
aa' bb' cc '
cos =
2 2
a b c2 a'2 b' 2 c'2
a b c
Planes are perpendicular if aa + bb + cc = 0 and planes are parallel if = =
a' b' c '
n1 . n2
(ii) The angle between the planes r . n1 = d1 and r . n2 = d2 is given by, cos =
| n1 | | n2 |

Planes are perpendicular if n1 . n2 = 0 & planes are parallel if n1 = n2 .

| d1 d2 |
Distance between two parallel planes ax + by + cz + d 1 = 0 and ax + by + cz + d2 = 0 is
2 2
a b c2

Example # 48 : Find the distance between the parallel planes 2x y + 2z + 3 = 0 and 4x 2y + 4z + 5 = 0

Solution : Given planes are 2x y + 2z + 3 = 0 and 2x y + 2z + 5/2 = 0

Required distance between planes =

2 2 2 6

(i) The equations of the planes bisecting the angle between two given planes
a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 are
a1x b1y c1z d1 a2 x b2 y c 2 z d2
=
2 2 2
a1 b 1 c 1 a22 b22 c 22
a1x b1y c1z d1 a2 x b2 y c 2 z d2
=
2 2 2
a1 b 1 c 1 a22 b22 c 22
(ii) If a1 + b1 + c1 + d1 and a2 + b2 + c2 + d2 are of same/opposite sign then (1)/(2)
gives equation of angle bisector of region containing point , ,

(iii) If a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 > 0, then equation (1)/(2) gives obtuse/acute angle bisector
and if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 < 0, then equation (1)/(2) gives acute/obtuse angle bisector.
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(i) Any plane passing through the line of intersection of non parallel planes or equation of
the plane through the given line in non symmetric form.
a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 & a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 is
a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 + (a2x + b2y + c2z + d2) = 0, where R
(ii) The equation of plane passing through the intersection of the planes r . n1 = d1 & r . n2 = d2
is. r (n1 + n2 ) = d 1 d2 where is arbitrary scalar

Example # 49 : Find the equation of the plane through the line of intersection of the planes x + 2y + 3z + 2 = 0,
2x + 3y z + 3 = 0 and perpendicular to the plane x + y + z = 0
Solution : The plane is x + 2y + 3z + 2 + (2x + 3y z + 3) = 0
or (1 + 2 ) x + (2 + 3 ) y + (3 )z+2+3 =0
It is perpendicular to x + y + z = 0
3
1+2 +2+3 +3 = 0 or 2 + 3 = 0 =
2
Substituting we get 4x + 5y 9z+5=0

Example # 50 : Find the equation of the plane through the point (1, 1, 1) which passes through the line of
intersection of the planes x + y + z = 6 and 2x + 3y + 4z + 5 = 0.
Solution : Given planes are x + y + z 6 = 0 ..... (1)
and 2x + 3y + 4z + 5 = 0 ..... (2)
Given point is P (1, 1, 1).
Equation of any plane through the line of intersection of planes (1) and (2) is
x + y + z 6 + k (2x + 3y + 4z + 5) = 0 ..... (3)
If plane (3) passes through point P, then
3
1+1+1 6 + k (2 + 3 + 4 + 5) = 0 or, k=
14
From (3) required plane is 20x + 23y + 26z 69 = 0

Example # 51 Let planes are 2x + y + 2z = 9 and 3x 4y + 12z + 13 = 0. Which of these bisector planes
bisects the acute angle between the given planes. Does origin lie in the acute angle or obtuse
angle between the given planes ?

Solution : Given planes are 2x y 2z + 9 = 0 ..... (1)

and 3x 4y + 12z + 13 = 0 ..... (2)
2x y 2z 9 3x 4y 12z 13
Equations of bisecting planes are
2 2 2 2
( 2) ( 1) ( 2) 3 ( 4)2 (12)2
or, 13 [ 2x y 2z + 9] = ± 3 (3x 4y + 12z + 13)
or, 35x + y + 62z = 78, ..... (3) [Taking +ve sign]
and 17x + 25y 10z = 156 ..... (4) [Taking ve sign]
Now a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = ( 2) (3) + ( 1) ( 4) + ( 2) (12)
= 6 + 4 24 = 26 < 0
Bisector of acute angle is given by 35x + y + 62z = 78
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 < 0, origin lies in the acute angle between the planes.

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Example # 52 : If the planes x cy bz = 0, cx y + az = 0 and bx + ay z = 0 pass through a straight line,
then find the value of a2 + b2 + c2 + 2abc.
Solution : Given planes are x cy bz = 0 ..... (1)
cx y + az = 0 ..... (2)
bx + ay z = 0 ..... (3)
Equation of any plane passing through the line of intersection of planes (1) and (2) may be
taken as x cy bz + (cx y + az) = 0
or, x (1 + c) y (c + ) + z ( b + a ) = 0 ..... (4)
If planes (3) and (4) are the same, then equations (3) and (4) will be identical.
1 c (c ) b a
b a 1
(i) (ii) (iii)
From (i) and (ii), a + ac = bc b
(a bc)
or, = ..... (5)
(ac b)

From (ii) and (iii),

c+ = ab + a2 or = ..... (6)
1 a2
(a bc) (ab c)
From (5) and (6), we have .
ac b (1 a2 )
or, a a3 + bc a2bc = a2bc + ac2 + ab2 + bc
or, a2bc + ac2 + ab2 + a3 + a2bc a = 0 or, a2 + b2 + c2 + 2abc = 1.

Self practice problems:

(59) Find the equation of plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes
2x 7y + 4z = 3 and 3x 5y + 4z = 11 and the point ( 2, 1, 3).

(60) Find the equations of the planes bisecting the angles between the planes x + 2y + 2z 3 = 0,
3x + 4y + 12z + 1 = 0 and sepecify the plane which bisects the acute angle between them.

(61) Show that the origin lies in the acute angle between the planes
x + 2y + 2z 9 = 0 and 4x 3y + 12z + 13 = 0

(62) Prove that the planes 12x 15y + 16z 28 = 0, 6x + 6y 7z 8 = 0 and

2x + 35y 39z + 12 = 0 have a common line of intersection.
Answers : (59) 15x 47y + 28z = 7
(60) 2x + 7y 5z = 21, 11x + 19y + 31z = 18; 2x + 7y 5z = 21

x x1 y y1 z z1
(i) If is the angle between line = = and the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0, then
m n

a b m c n
sin = .
(a 2
b 2
c 2
) 2
m2 n2

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
b . n
(ii) Vector form: If is the angle between a line r = ( a + b ) and r . n = d then sin = .
|b| |n|
m n
(iii) Condition for perpendicularity = = b xn = 0
a b c
(iv) Condition for parallel a + bm + cn = 0 b .n = 0

x x1 y y1 z z1
(i) Cartesian form: Line = = would lie in a plane
m n
ax + by + cz + d = 0, if ax 1 + by1 + cz1 + d = 0 & a + bm + cn = 0.

(ii) Vector form: Line r = a + b would lie in the plane r . n = d if b . n = 0 & a . n = d

Example # 53 : Find the distance of the point (1, 0, 3) from the plane x y z = 9 measured parallel to the
x 2 y 2 z 6
line .
2 3 6
Solution : Given plane is x y z = 9 ..... (1)
x 2 y 2 z 6
Given line AB is ..... (2)
2 3 6
Equation of a line passing through the point Q(1, 0, 3) and parallel to line (2) is
x 1 y z 3
= r. ..... (3)
2 3 6
Co-ordinates of any point on line (3) may be taken as
P (2r + 1, 3r, 6r 3)
If P is the point of intersection of line (3) and plane (1), then P lies on plane (1),

(2r + 1) (3r) ( 6r 3) = 9
r=1
or, P (3, 3, 9)
Distance between points Q (1, 0, 3) and P (3, 3, 9)
B

2 2 2
PQ = = 4 9 36 = 7.

Example # 54 : Find the equation of the plane passing through (1, 2, 0) which contains the line
x 3 y 1 z 2
.
3 4 2
Solution : Equation of any plane passing through (1, 2, 0) may be taken as
a (x 1) + b (y 2) + c (z 0) = 0 ..... (1)
where a, b, c are the direction ratios of the normal to the plane. Given line is
x 3 y 1 z 2
..... (2)
3 4 2
If plane (1) contains the given line, then
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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
3a + 4b 2c = 0 ..... (3)
Also point ( 3, 1, 2) on line (2) lies in plane (1)
a ( 3 1) + b (1 2) + c (2 0) = 0
or, 4a b + 2c = 0 ..... (4)
a b c
Solving equations (3) and (4), we get
8 2 8 6 3 16
a b c
or, = k (say). ..... (5)
6 2 13
Substituting the values of a, b and c in equation (1), we get
6 (x 1) + 2 (y 2) + 13 (z 0) = 0.
or, 6x + 2y + 13z 10 = 0. This is the required equation.

x 1 y 1 z 3
Example # 55 : Find the equation of the projection of the line on the plane x + 2y + z = 9.
2 1 4
x 1 y 1 z 3
Solution : Let the given line AB be ..... (1)
2 1 4
Given plane is x + 2y + z = 9 ..... (2)
Let DC be the projection of AB on plane (2)
Clearly plane ABCD is perpendicular to plane (2).
Equation of any plane through AB may be taken as (this plane passes through the point
(1, 1, 3) on line AB)
a (x 1) + b (y + 1) + c (z 3) = 0 ..... (3)
where 2a b + 4c = 0 ..... (4)
[ normal to plane (3) is perpendicular to line (1)]
Since plane (3) is perpendicular to plane (2),
a + 2b + c = 0 ..... (5)
a b c
Solving equations (4) & (5), we get .
9 2 5
Substituting these values of a, b and c in equation (3), we get
9 (x 1) 2 (y + 1) 5 (z 3) = 0
or, 9x 2y 5z + 4 = 0 ...... (6)
Since projection DC of AB on plane (2) is the line of intersection of plane ABCD and plane (2),
therefore equation of DC will be
9x 2y 5z 4 0 .....(i)
and ..... (7)
x 2y z 9 0 .....(ii)
Let , m, n be the direction ratios of the line of intersection of planes (i) and (ii)
9 2m 5n = 0 ..... (8) and + 2m + n = 0 ..... (9)
m n m n
2 10 5 9 18 2

Let any point on line (7) is ( , , 0) 9 2 +4=0

1 17
+2 9=0 = , =
2 4
1 17
So equation of line is 2 4

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
Self practice problems :
x 2 y 3 z 6
(63) Find the values of a and b for which the line is perpendicular to the plane
a 4 2
3x 2y + bz + 10 = 0.
x 1 y 2 z 3
(64) Find the equation of the plane containing the lines and
2 3 3
x 2 y 3 z 4
.
3 4 5
x 2 y 3 z 4
(65) Find the plane containing the line = = and parallel to the line
2 3 5
x 1 y 1 z 1
= =
1 2 1
x 1 y 2 z 3 x 4 y 1
(66) Show that the line = = & = = z are intersecting each other.
2 3 4 5 2
Find their intersection point and the plane containing the line.
Answers : (63) a = 6, b = 1 (64) 3x y z + 2 = 0
(65) 13x + 3y 7z 7 = 0 (66) ( 1, 1, 1) & 5x 18y + 11z 2 = 0

A straight line in space is characterised by the intersection of two planes which are not parallel and
therefore, the equation of a straight line is a solution of the system constituted by the equations of the
two planes, P1 a1x + b1y + c 1z + d1 = 0 and P2 a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 =0. This form is also known as
non-symmetrical form.

To find the equation of the line in symmetrical form, we must know (i) its direction ratios (ii) coordinate
of any point on it.

(i) Direction ratios: Let , m, n be the direction ratios of the line. Since the line lies in both the
planes, it must be perpendicular to normals of both planes.
So a1 + b1m + c1n = 0, a2 + b2m + c2n = 0. From these equations, proportional values of
m n
, m, n can be found by cross-multiplication as = =
b1c 2 b2c1 c1a 2 c 2a1 a1b2 a2b1

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
(ii) Point on the line Note that as , m, n cannot be zero simultaneously, so at least one must
be non-zero. Let a1b2 a2b1 0, then the line cannot be parallel to xy plane, so it intersect it.
Let it intersect xy-plane in (x1, y1, 0). Then a1x1 + b1y1 + d1 = 0 and a2x1 + b2y1+ d2= 0.Solving
these, we get a point on the line.

Note : If 0, then we can take a point on yz-plane as (0, y1, z1) and if m 0, then we can take a point on xz-
plane as (x1, 0, z1).

Condition of coplanarity if both the lines are in general form Let the lines be
ax + by + cz + d = 0 = a x + b y + c z + d & x+ y+ z+ =0= x+ y+ z+
a b c d
a' b' c ' d'
They are coplanar if =0

' ' ' '

Example # 56 : Find the equation of the line of intersection of planes 4x + 4y 5z = 12, 8x + 12y 13z = 32
in the symmetric form.
Solution : Given planes are 4x + 4y 5z 12 = 0 ..... (1)
and 2x 3y + 4z = 5 ..... (2)
Let , m, n be the direction ratios of the line of intersection :
then 4 4m 3n = 0 ..... (3)
m n m n
and 42 12m + 13n = 0 or,
1 2 1
Hence direction ratios of line of intersection are 1, 2, 1.
Let the line of intersection meet the xy-plane at P ( , , 0).
Then P lies on planes (1) and (2)
=4 or, 2 3 =5 ..... (5)
= 2, = 3
x 2 y 3 z
Hence equation of line of intersection in symmetrical form is .
1 2 1

Example # 57 : Find the angle between the lines x 3y 4 = 0, 4y z + 5 = 0 and

x + 3y 11 = 0, 2y z + 6 = 0.
x 3y 4 0
Solution : Given lines are ..... (1)
4y z 5 0
x 3y 11 0
and ..... (2)
2y z 6 0
Let 1
, m1, n1 and 2
, m2, n2 be the direction cosines of lines (1) and (2) respectively
line (1) is perpendicular to the normals of each of the planes
x 3y 4 = 0 and 4y z + 5 = 0
1
3m1 + 0.n1 = 0 ..... (3) and 0 1
+ 4m1 n1 = 0 ..... (4)

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Vector & Three Dimensional Geometry
1 m1 n1
Solving equations (3) and (4), we get =
3 0 0 ( 1) 4 0
1 m1 n1
or, = k (let).
3 1 4
Since line (2) is perpendicular to the normals of each of the planes
x + 3y 11 = 0 and 2y z + 6 = 0,
2
+ 3m2 = 0 ..... (5) and 2m2 n2 = 0 ..... (6)

2 n2
2
= 3m2 or, = m2 and n2 = 2m 2 or, = m 2.
3 2
2 m2 n2
= t (let).
3 1 2
If be the angle between lines (1) and (2), then cos = 1 2
+ m1m2 + n1n2
= (3k) ( 3t) + (k) (t) + (4k) (2t) = 9kt + kt + 8kt = 0 = 90°.

x 3 y 1 z 2
Example # 58 : Show that the lines and are coplanar. Also find the
2 3 1
equation of the plane containing them.
x 3 y 1 z 2 x 7 y z 7
Solution : Given lines are = r (say)..... (1) and = R (say) ..... (2)
2 3 1 3 1 2
If possible, let lines (1) and (2) intersect at P.
Any point on line (1) may be taken as (2r + 3, 3r 1, r 2) = P (let).
Any point on line (2) may be taken as ( 3R + 7, R, 2R 7) = P (let).
2r + 3 = 3R + 7 or, 2r + 3R = 4 ..... (3)
Also 3r 1 = R or, 3r R = 1 ..... (4)
and r 2 = 2R 7 or, r 2R = 5. ..... (5)
Solving equations (3) and (4), we get, r = 1, R = 2
Clearly r = 1, R = 2 satisfies equation (5).
Hence lines (1) and (2) intersect.
lines (1) and (2) are coplanar.
x 3 y 1 z 2
Equation of the plane containing lines (1) and (2) is 2 3 1 =0
3 1 2
or, (x 3) ( 6 1) (y + 1) (4 + 3) + (z + 2) (2 9) = 0
or, 7 (x 3) 7 (y + 1) 7 (z + 2) = 0 or, x 3 + y + 1 + z + 2 = 0 or, x + y + z = 0.

Self practice problems:

(67) Find the equation of the line of intersection of the plane

x y + 2z = 5, 3x + y + z = 6.

(68) Prove that the three planes 2x + y 4z 17 = 0, 3x + 2y 2z 25 = 0, 2x 4y + 3z + 25 = 0

intersect at a point and find its co-ordinates.

4y 9 z
Answers : (67) = = (68) (3, 7, 1)
5 1

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