Math Chapter 11

Three Dimensional
Geometry
 Chapter 11: Three Dimensional Geometry
Exercise 1.1

Q1. Find the cosine directions, if a line makes angles 90°, 135°, 45° with x, y and z- axes
respectively.

Sol:

Let, the direction cosines of the line be p, q and r

p = cos 90° = 0

q = cos 135° = −12√

r = cos 45° = 12√
Therefore, the direction cosines of the lines are 0, −12√ and 12√.

Q2. Find the direction cosines of a line which makes equal angles with the coordinate axes.

Sol:

Let the direction cosines of the line make an angle α with each of the coordinate axes.

p = cos α, q = cos α and r = cos α

Therefore, p2 + q2 + r2 = 1

cos2 α + cos2 α + cos2 α = 1

3cos2 α = 1

cos2 α = 13
cos2 α = ± 13√
Therefore, the direction cosines of the line, which is equally inclined to the coordinate axes,
are ±13√,±13√and±13√.
Q3. If a line has the direction ratios 12, -18, -4 then what are its direction cosines?

Sol:

If a line has direction ratios of 12, -18, -4 then its direction cosines are:

12(12)2+(−18)2+(−4)2√, −18(12)2+(−18)2+(−4)2√, −4(12)2+(−18)2+(−4)2√

That is,

1222,−1822,−422 611,−911,−211
Thus, the direction cosines are 611,−911and−211

Q4. Prove that the given points are collinear:

(-1, -2, 1), (2, 3, 4) and (8, 8, 7)

Sol:

The points are as follows:

P (-1, -2, 1)

Q (2, 3, 4)

R (8, 13, -2)

It is known that the direction ratios of line joining the points (x1, y1, z1) and (x1, y2, z2) are given
by:

(x2 – y1), (y2 – y1) and (z2 – z1)

The direction ratios are PQ are [2 – (-1)], [3 – (-2)] and (4 – 1) that is 3, 5 and -3.

The direction ratios are QR are (8 – 2), (13 – 3) and (-2 – 4) that is 6, 10 and -6.

It can be seen that the direction ratios of QR are 2 times that of PQ. That is they are proportional.

Therefore, PQ is parallel to QR and Q is the common point to both PQ and QR. P, Q and R
are collinear.
Q5. Find the direction cosines of the sides of the triangle whose vertices are (3, 5, − 4), (− 1,
1, 2) and (− 5, − 5, − 2).

Sol:

The vertices of ΔABC are X (3, 5, −4), Y (−1, 1, 2) and Z (−5, −5, −2).

The direction ratios of side XY are (−1 − 3), (1 − 5), and [2 − (−4)], that is −4, −4, and 6.

i.e. (−4)2+(−4)2+(6)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√ = 16+16+36−−−−−−−−−−√ = 68−

−√ = 217−−√
Hence, the direction cosines of XY are:

= −4(−4)2+(−4)2+(6)2√, −4(−4)2+(−4)2+(6)2√, 6(−4)2+(−4)2+(6)2√

= −4217√, −4217√, 6217√
= −217√, −217√, 317√
The direction ratios of YZ are [−5 − (−1)], (−5 − 1), and (−2 − 2), that is −4, −6, and −4.

Hence, the direction cosines of XY are:

= −4(−4)2+(−6)2+(−4)2√, −6(−4)2+(−6)2+(−4)2√, −4(−4)2+(−6)2+(−4)2√

= −4217√, −6217√, −4217√
The direction ratios of ZX are (−5 − 3), (−5 − 5), and (−2 − (−4), that is −8, −10, and 2.

Hence, the direction cosines of XZ are:

= −8(−8)2+(10)2+(2)2√, −5(−8)2+(10)2+(2)2√, 2(−8)2+(10)2+(2)2√

= −8242√, −5242√, 2242√
 Exercise 11.2

Q1. Prove that the three lines with direction

cosines 1213,−313,−413:413,1213,313:313,−413,1213 are mutually perpendicular.

Sol:

Two lines with direction cosines: l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are perpendicular to each other, if l1 l2 +
m1m2 + n1 n2 = 0

(i) For the lines with direction cosines, 1213,−313,−413 and 413,1213,313
Therefore, l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 1213×413+(−313)×1213+(−413)×313
i.e. l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 48169–36169–1213
(or) l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 0

Hence, the lines are perpendicular.

(ii) For the lines with direction cosines, 413,1213,313 and 313,−413,1213.
l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = [313×1213]+[(−413)×(−313)]+[1213×(−413)]
Therefore, l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 12169–48169+36169
or, l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 0

Hence, the lines are perpendicular.

(iii) For the lines with direction cosines, 313,−413,1213 and 1213,−313,−413
l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 =

Therefore, l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 36169+12169–48169
i.e. l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 0

Hence, the lines are perpendicular.

Therefore, all the lines are mutually perpendicular.

Q2. Show that the line through the points (1, −1, 2) (3, 4, −2) is perpendicular to the line
through the points (0, 3, 2) and (3, 5, 6).

Sol:

Let PQ be the line joining the points, (1, −1, 2) and (3, 4, − 2), and RS be the line joining the
points, (0, 3, 2) and (3, 5, 6).

The direction ratios p1 + q1 + r1 of PQ are (3 − 1), [4 − (−1)], and (−2 − 2) that is 2, 5, and −4.

The direction ratios p1 + q1 + r1 of RS are (3 − 0), (5 − 3), and (6 −2) that is 3, 2, and 4.

PQ and RS will be perpendicular to each other, if l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 0

l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 2 × 3 + 5 ×2 + (-4) × 4

i.e. l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 = 6 + 10 – 16 = 0

Hence, PQ and RS are perpendicular to each other.

Q3. Prove that the line through the points (4, 7, 8) and (2, 3, 4) is parallel to the line
through the points (−1, −2, 1) and (1, 2, 5).

Sol:

Let PQ be the line through the points, (4, 7, 8) and (2, 3, 4), and RS be the line through the
points, (−1, −2, 1) and (1, 2, 5).

The directions ratios p1, q1, r1 of PQ are (2 − 4), (3 − 7), and (4 − 8) that is −2, −4, and -4.

The direction ratios p2, q2, r2 of RS are [1 − (−1)], [2 − (−2)], and (5 − 1) that is 2, 4, and 4.

PQ will be parallel to RS, if p1p2=q1q2=r1r2

p1p2=−22=−1
Also, q1q2=−44=−1
And r1r2=−44=−1
Therefore, p1p2=q1q2=r1r2
Hence, PQ is parallel to RS.

Q4. Find the equation of the line which passes through the point (1, 2, 3) and is parallel to
the vector 3i^+2j^–2k^.

Sol:

It is given that the line passes through the point A (1, 2, 3).

Therefore, the position vector through A is,

a¯=i^+2j^+3k^ b¯=3i^+2j^–2k^
It is known that the line which passes through point A and parallel to b is given
by r =a +λb where λ is a constant.
r =i^+2j^+3k^+λ(3i^+2j^–2k^)
This is required equation of the line.

Q5. Find the equation of the line in Cartesian and in vector form that passes through the
point with position vector 2i^–j^+4k^ and is in the direction i^+2j^–k^.

Sol:

It is given that line passes through the point with position vector

a =2i^–j^+4k^ ——– (1)

b =i^+2j^–k^ ———- (2)
It is known that a line through a point with position vector a and parallel to b is given by the
equation,
r =a +λb r =2i^–j^+4k^+λ(i^+2j^–k^)
Eliminating λ, we obtain the Cartesian form of equation as,
x–21=y+12=z–4−1
This is the required equation of the given line in Cartesian form.
Q6. Find the Cartesian equation of the line which passes through the point (−2, 4, −5) and
parallel to the line given by x+33=y–45=z+86.

Sol:

It is given that line passes through the given point (−2, 4, −5) and it is parallel to x+33=y–
45=z+86
The direction ratios of the line x+33=y–45=z+86 are 3, 5, and 6.
The required line is parallel to x+33=y–45=z+86.
Hence, its direction ratios are 3k, 5k, and 6k, where k ≠ 0.

It is known that the equation of the line through the point (x1,y1,z1) and with direction ratios p,
q, r is given by x–x1p=y–y1q=z–z1r.
Hence, the equation of the required line is,

x+23k=y–45k=z+56k x+23=y–45=z+56=k

Q7. The Cartesian equation of a line is x–53=y+47=z–62. Give the vector form of the line.

Sol:

The Cartesian equation of the line is,

x–53=y+47=z–62 ——— (1)

The given line passes through the point (5, -4, 6). The position vector of this point is a =5i^–
4j^+6k^.
Also, the direction ratios of the given line are 3, 7, and 2.

This means that the line is in the direction of vector, b =3i^+7j^+2k^.

It is known that the line through position vector a and in the direction of the vector b is given
by the equation,
r =a +λb ,λ∈R r =(5i^–4j^+6k^)+λ(3i^+7j^+2k^)
This is the required equation of the given line in vector form.
Q8. Find the Cartesian and the vector equations of the lines that pass through the origin
and (5, −2, 3).

Sol:

The required line passes through the origin. Hence, its position vector is given by,

a =0 ————– (1)
The direction ratios of the line through origin and (5, −2, 3) are,

(5 − 0) = 5

(−2 − 0) = −2

(3 − 0) = 3

The line is parallel to the vector given by the equation,

b =5i^–2j^+3k^
The equation of the line in vector form through a point with position vector a and parallel
to b is,
r =a +λb ,λ∈R r =0 +λ(5i^–2j^+3k^) r =λ(5i^–2j^+3k^)
The equation of the line through the point (x1,y1,z1) and the direction ratios are p, q, r is given
as,
x–x1p=y–y1q=z–z1r
Hence, the equation of the required line in the Cartesian form is,

x–05=y–0−2=z–03 x5=y−2=z3

Q9. Find the Cartesian and the vector equations of the line that passes through the points
(3, −2, −5) and (3, −2, 6).

Sol:

Let the line passing through the points, M (3, −2, −5) and N (3, −2, 6), be MN.

Since MN passes through M (3, −2, −5), its position vector is given by, a =3i^–2j^–5k^.
The direction ratios of MN are given by,

(3 − 3) = 0

(−2 + 2) = 0

(6 + 5) = 11

The equation of the vector in the direction of MN is,

b =0.i^–0.j^+11k^ b =11k^
The equation of MN in vector form is given by,

r =a +λb ,λ∈R r =(3i^–2j^–5k^)+11λk^

The equation of MN in Cartesian form is,

x–x1p=y–y1q=z–z1r
i.e. x–30=y+20=z+511

Q10. Calculate the angle between the given pairs of lines:

(i) r =2i^–5j^+k^+λ(3i^–2j^+6k^) and r =7i^–6k^+μ(i^+2j^+2k^)

(ii) r =3i^+j^–2k^+λ(i^–j^–2k^)andr =2i^–j^–56k^+μ(3i^–5j^–4k^)

Sol:

(i) Let θ be the angle between the given lines.

The angle between the given pairs of lines is given by,

cosθ=∣∣∣∣b1→.b2→∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣∣∣∣∣
The given lines are parallel to the
vectors, b1→=3i^+2j^+6k^ and b2→=i^+2j^+2k^respectively.
Therefore,

∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣=32+22+62−−−−−−−−−−√= 7
⇒ ∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣=(1)2+(2)2+(2)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√ = 3
⇒ b1→.b2→=(3i^+2j^+6k^).(i^+2j^+2k^)
⇒ b1→.b2→=3×1+2×2+6×2 = 3 + 4 + 12 = 19
⇒ cosθ=197×3
⇒ θ=cos−1(1921)

(ii) The given lines are parallel to the vectors, b1→=i^–j^–2k^ and b2→=3i^–5j^–
4k^ respectively.
Therefore,

∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣=(−1)2+(−1)2+(−2)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=6–√
⇒ ∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣=(3)2+(−5)2+(−4)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√
∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣=50−−√ =52–√
⇒ b1→.b2→=(i^–j^–2k^).(3i^–5j^–4k^)
⇒ b1→.b2→=1×3–1(−5)–2(−4) = 3 + 5 + 8 = 16
⇒ cosθ=∣∣∣∣b1→.b2→∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣∣∣∣∣=166√.52√=162√.3√.52√=16103√
⇒ cosθ=853√
⇒ θ=cos−1(853√)

Q11. Calculate the angle between the given pairs of lines:

(i) x–22=y–15=z+3−3 and x+2−1=y–48=z–54

(ii) x2=y2=z1 and x–54=y–21=z–38

Sol:

(i) Let b1→ and b2→ be the vectors parallel to the pair of lines, x–22=y–
15=z+3−3 and x+2−1=y–48=z–54
b1→=2i^+5j^–3k^ and
b2→=−i^+8j^+4k^
⇒ ∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣=(2)2+(5)2+(−3)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=38−−√
⇒ ∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣=(−1)2+(8)2+(4)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=81−−√= 9
⇒ b1→.b2→=(2i^+5j^–3k^).(−i^+8j^+4k^)
⇒ b1→.b2→=2(−1)+5×8+(−3)4= -2 + 40 – 12 = 26
The angle θ, between the given pair of lines is given by the relation,
cosθ=∣∣∣∣b1→.b2→∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣∣∣∣∣=26938√
⇒ θ=cos−1(26938√)

(ii) Let b1→ and b2→ be the vectors parallel to the given pair of lines, x2=y2=z1 and x–54=y–
21=z–38 respectively.
⇒ b1→=2i^+2j^+k^ andb2→=4i^+j^+8k^
⇒ ∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣=(2)2+(2)2+(1)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=9–√= 3
⇒ ∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣=(4)2+(1)2+(8)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=81−−√ = 9
⇒ b1→.b2→=(2i^+2j^+k^).(4i^+j^+8k^)
⇒ b1→.b2→=2×4+2×1+1×8 = 8 + 2 + 8 = 18
The angle θ, between the given pair of lines is given by the relation,
⇒ cosθ=∣∣∣∣b1→.b2→∣∣∣b1→∣∣∣∣∣∣b2→∣∣∣∣∣∣∣=183×9=23
⇒ θ=cos−1(23)

Q12. Find the values of m so the line 1–x3=7y–142m=z–32 and 7–7x3m=y–51=6–z5 are at right
angles.

Sol:

The given equations can be written in the standard form as x–1−3=y–22m7=z–32 and x–1−3m7=y–
51=z–6−5
The direction ratios of the lines are -3, 2m7, 2 and −3m7,1 , -5 respectively.
Two lines with direction ratios, a1,b1,c1 and a2,b2,c2 are perpendicular to each other,
if a1a1+b1b2+c1c2=0
(−3).(−3m7)+(2m7).(1)+2.(−5)=0 9m7+2m7=10 11m=70 m=7011
Therefore, the value of m is 7011.

Q13. Show that the lines x–57=y+2−5=z1 and x1=y2=z3 are perpendicular to each other.

Sol:

The equations of the given lines are lines x–57=y+2−5=z1 and x1=y2=z3.
The direction ratios of the given lines are 7, −5, 1 and 1, 2, 3 respectively.
Two lines with direction ratios, a1,b1,c1 and a2,b2,c2 are perpendicular to each other,
if a1a1+b1b2+c1c2=0
(7×1)+(−5×2)+(1×3)
= 7 – 10 + 3 = 0

Hence, the given lines are perpendicular to each other.

Q14. Find the shortest distance between the given lines,

r =(i^+2j^+k^)+λ(i^–j^+k^) and r =(2i^–j^–k^)+μ(2i^+j^+2k^)

Sol:

The equations of the given lines are,

r =(i^+2j^+k^)+λ(i^–j^+k^) r =(2i^–j^–k^)+μ(2i^+j^+2k^)
It is known that the shortest distance between the
lines, r =a1→+λb1→ and r =a2→+μb2→, is given by:
d=∣∣∣∣(b1→×b2→).(a2→–a1→)∣∣∣b1→×b2→∣∣∣∣∣∣∣ . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Comparing the given equations, we obtain:

a1→=i^+2j^+k^ , b1→=i^–j^+k^
And, a2→=2i^–j^–k^, b2→=2i^+j^+2k^
⇒ a2→–a1→=(2i^–j^–k^)–(i^+2j^+k^)=i^–3j^–2k^
b1→×b2→ = ∣∣∣∣∣i^12j^−11k^12∣∣∣∣∣
b1→×b2→=(−2–1)i^–(2–2)j^+(1+2)k^=−3i^+3k^
And, ∣∣∣b1→×b2→∣∣∣=(−3)2+(3)2−−−−−−−−−−√=9+9−−−−√=32–√
Substituting all the values in equation (1), we obtain:

d=∣∣∣(−3i^+3k^).(i^–3j^–2k^)32√∣∣∣=∣∣−3.1+3.(−2)32√∣∣∣∣=−932√∣∣=32√=3×2√2√×2√=32√2
Hence, the shortest distance between the two lines is 32√2 units.
Q15. Find the shortest distance between the lines x+17=y+1−6=z+11 and x–31=y–5−2=z–71

Sol:

The given lines are as follows,

x+17=y+1−6=z+11 and x–31=y–5−2=z–71

It is known that the shortest distance between the two lines, x–x1a1=y–y1b1=z–z1c1 and x–x2a2=y–
y2b2=z–z2c2 is given by,
⇒∣∣∣∣∣x2−x1a1a2y2−y1b1b2z2−z1c1c2∣∣∣∣∣(b1c2−b1c1)2−(c1a2−c2a1)2+(a1b2−a2b1)2√. . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Comparing the given equations, we obtain:

x1=−1,y1=−1,z1=−1a1=7,b1=−6,c1=1
And, x2=3,y2=5,z2=7a2=1,b2=−2,c2=1
Then,

⇒∣∣∣∣x2−x1a1a2y2−y1b1b2z2−z1c1c2∣∣∣∣=∣∣∣∣4716−6−2881∣∣∣∣
= 4(−6+2)–6(7–1)+8(−14+6)
= –16–36–64 = – 116
= (b1c2–b2c1)2+(c1a2–c2a1)2+(a1b2–
a2b1)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√
= (−6+2)2+(1+7)2+(–
14+6)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=116−−−√=229−−√
Substituting all the values in equation (1), we obtain:

d=−116229√=−5829√=−2×2929√=−229−−√
Since distance is always non-negative, the distance between the given lines
is 229−−√ units.

Q16. Find the shortest distance between the lines whose vector equations
are r =(i^+2j^+3k^)+λ(i^–3j^+2k^) and r =(4i^+5j^+6k^)+μ(2i^+3j^+k^)

Sol:

The given vectors are as follows:

r =(i^+2j^+3k^)+λ(i^–3j^+2k^) r =(4i^+5j^+6k^)+μ(2i^+3j^+k^)
It is known that the shortest distance between the
lines, r =a1→+λb1→ and r =a2→+μb2→
The lines are given by:

d=∣∣∣∣(b1→×b2→).(a2→–a1→)∣∣∣b1→×b2→∣∣∣∣∣∣∣ . . . . . . . . . . . (1)
Comparing the given equations with r =a1→+λb1→ and r =a2→+μb2→
a1→=i^+2j^+3k^, b1→=i^–3j^+2k^, a2→=4i^+5j^+6k^, b2→=2i^+3j^+k^
a2→–a1→=(4i^+5j^+6k^)–
(i^+2j^+3k^)=3i^+3j^+3k^ b1→×b2→=∣∣∣∣∣i^j^k^1−32231∣∣∣∣∣
= (−3–6)i^–(1–4)j^+(3+6)k^=−9i^+3j^+9k^
∣∣∣b1→×b2→∣∣∣=(−9)2+(3)2+(9)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=81+9+81−−−−−−−−−√=
sqrt171=319−−√ (b1→×b2→).(a2→–a1→)=(−9i^+3j^+9k^).(3i^+3j^+3k^)
= (−9×3)+(3×3)+(9×3) = 9
Substituting all the values in equation (1), we obtain:

d=∣∣9319√∣∣=∣∣319√∣∣
Hence, the shortest distance between the two given lines is 319√ units.

Q17. Find the shortest distance between the lines whose vector equations are r =(1–
t)i^+(t–2)j^+(3–2t)k^ and r =(s+1)i^+(2s–1)j^+(2s+1)k^

Sol:

The lines are as follows:

r =(1–t)i^+(t–2)j^+(3–2t)k^
r =(i^–2j^+3k^)+t(−i^+j^–2k^) . . . . . . . . (1)
r =(s+1)i^+(2s–1)j^+(2s+1)k^
r =(i^–j^+k^)+s(i^+2j^–2k^) . . . . . . . . . . (2)
It is known that the shortest distance between the
lines, r =a1→+λb1→ and r =a2→+μb2→ is given by:
d=∣∣∣∣(b1→×b2→).(a2→–a1→)∣∣∣b1→×b2→∣∣∣∣∣∣∣ . . . . . . . . (3)
Comparing the given equations with r =a1→+λb1→ and r =a2→+μb2→,
a1→=i^–2j^+3k^, b1→=−i^+j^–2k^
And, a2→=i^–j^–k^, b2→=i^+2j^–2k^
a2→–a1→=(i^–j^–k^)–(i^–2j^+3k^)=j^–
4k^ b1→×b2→=∣∣∣∣∣i^j^k^−11−212−2∣∣∣∣∣
= (−2+4)i^–(2+2)j^+(−2–1)k^=2i^–4j^–3k^

∣∣∣b1→×b2→∣∣∣=(2)2+(−4)2+(−3)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=4+16+9−−−−−−−−
√=29−−√
⇒ (b1→×b2→).(a2→–a1→)=(2i^–4j^–3k^).(j^–4k^) = -4 + 12 = 8
Substituting all the values in equation (3), we obtain:

d=∣∣829√∣∣=829√
Hence, the shortest distance between the lines is 829√ units.

Exercise 11.3

Q1. In the following cases, find the cosine directions of the normal to the plane and the
distance from the origin.

(a) z = 2

(b) x = y+ z = 1

(c) 2x + 3y – z = 5

(d) 5y + 8 = 0

Sol:

(a) The equation of the plane is z = 2 OR 0x + 0y + z = 2

The direction ratios of normal are 0, 0, and 1.

02+02+12−−−−−−−−−−√=1
Dividing both the sides of equation (1) by 1, we get,

0.x + 0.y + 1.z = 2

This is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the
plane and d is the distance of the perpendicular drawn from the origin. Hence, the
direction cosines are 0, 0, and 1 and the distance of the plane from the origin is 2 units.

(b) x + y+ z = 1 —— (1)

The direction ratios of normal are 1, 1, and 1.

12+12+12−−−−−−−−−−√=3–√

Dividing both the sides of equation (1) by 3–√, we get

13√x+13√y+13√z=13√ —–(2)
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to
the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.

Hence, the direction cosines of the normal are 13√, 13√ and 13√ the distance of normal from the
origin is 13√ units.

(c) 2x + 3y − z = 5 —— (1)

The direction ratios of normal are 2, 3, and −1.

(2)2+(3)2+(−1)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=14−−√
Dividing both the sides of equation (1) by 14−−√, we get,
214√x+314√y–114√z=514√
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to
the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.

Hence, the direction cosines of the normal to the plane are 214√, 314√, and −114√ and the distance
of normal from the origin is 514√ units.
5y + 8 = 0

0.x – 5.y + 0.z = 8 —— (1)

The direction ratios of normal are 0, −5, and 0.

0+(−5)2+0−−−−−−−−−−−√=5
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we get,

−y=85
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to
the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin. Therefore, the direction cosines of the
normal to the plane are 0, −1, and 0 and the distance of normal from the origin is 85 units.

Q2. Find the vector equation of a plane which is at a distance of 7 units from the origin and
normal to the vector 3i^+5j^–6k^.

Sol:

The normal vector is, n =3i^+5j^–6k^

n^=n ∣∣n ∣∣ = 3i^+5j^–6k^(3)2+(5)2+(6)2√ = 3i^+5j^–6k^70√
It is known that the equation of the plane with position vector r is given by, r .n^=d
r .3i^+5j^–6k^70√=7
This is the required plane of the vector equation.

Q3. Find the Cartesian equation of the following planes:

(a) r .(i^+j^–k^)=2
(b) r .(2i^+3j^–4k^)=1
(c) r .[(s–2t)i^+(3–t)j^+(2s+t)k^]=15

Sol:

(a) It is given that equation of the plane is r .(i^+j^–k^)=2 ——– (1)

For any arbitrary point P (x, y, z) on the plane, position vector r is given as,
r =xi^+yj^–zk^
Substituting the value of r in equation (1), we get,
(xi^+yj^–zk^).(i^+j^–k^)=2 x+y–z=2
This is the Cartesian equation of the plane.
(b) r .(2i^+3j^–4k^)=1 ——– (1)
For any arbitrary point P (x, y, z) on the plane, position vector r is given by,
r =xi^+yj^–zk^
Substituting the value of r in equation (1), we get,
(xi^+yj^+zk^).(2i^+3j^–4k^)=1
2x + 3y – 4z = 1

This is the Cartesian equation of the plane.

(c) r .[(s–2t)i^+(3–t)j^+(2s+t)k^]=15 ———- (1)

For any arbitrary point P (x, y, z) on the plane, position vector r is given by,
r =xi^+yj^–zk^

Substituting the value of r in equation (1), we get,

(xi^+yj^–zk^).[(s–2t)i^+(3–t)j^+(2s+t)k^]=15

(s–2t)x+(3–t)y+(2s+t)z=15

This is the Cartesian equation of the given plane.

Q4. In the following cases, find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from
the origin.

(a) 2x + 3y + 4z – 12 = 0

(b) 3y + 4z – 6 = 0

(c) x + y + z = 1

(d) 5y + 8 = 0
Sol:

(a) Let the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular P from the origin to the plane
be (x1+y1+z1).

2x + 3y + 4z – 12 = 0

2x + 3y + 4z = 12 ———- (1)

The direction ratios of normal are 2, 3, and 4.

(2)2+(3)2+(4)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=29−−√
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 29−−√, we get,
229√x+329√y+429√z=1229√
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to
the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.

The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).

Hence, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are,

(229√,1229√,329√,1229√,429√,1229√)
That is:

(2429,3649,4829)

(b) Let the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular P from the origin to the plane
be (x1+y1+z1).

3y + 4z – 6 = 0

0x + 3y + 4z = 6 ———– (1)

The direction ratios of the normal are 0, 3, and 4.

0+32+42−−−−−−−−−√=5

Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we get,

0x+35y+45z=65
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to
the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.

The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).

Hence, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are,

(0,35,65,45,65)
That is,

(0,1825,2425)

(c) Let the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular P from the origin to the plane
be (x1+y1+z1).
x + y + z = 1 ————- (1)

The direction ratios of the normal are 1, 1, and 1.

12+12+12−−−−−−−−−−√=3–√
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 3–√, we get,
13√x+13√y+13√z=13√
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to
the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.

The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).

Hence, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are,

(13√,13√,13√,13√,13√,13√)
That is:

(13,13,13)

(d) Let the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular P from the origin to the plane
be (x1+y1+z1).
5y + 8 = 0

0.x – 5y + 0.z = 8 ———– (1)

The direction ratios of the normal are 0, −5, and 0.

0+(−5)2+0−−−−−−−−−−−√=5
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we get,

−y=85
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to
the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.

The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).

Hence, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are,

(0,−1(85),0)
That is:

[0,−1(85),0]

Q5. Find the vector and Cartesian equation of the planes

(a) that passes through the point (1, 0, −2) and the normal to the plane is i^+j^–k^
(b) that passes through the point (1, 4, 6) and the normal vector to the plane is i^–2j^+k^

Sol:

The position vector of point (1, 0, −2) is a =i^–2k^

The normal vector N perpendicular to the plane is N =i^+j^–k^
The vector equation of the plane is given by:

(r –a ).N =0
[r –(i^–2k^)].(i^+j^–k^)=0 . . . . . . . . . (1)
r is the position vector of any point P (x, y, z) in the plane.r =xi^+yj^+zk^
Therefore, equation (1) becomes:

[xi^+yj^+zk^–(i^–2k^)].(i^+j^–k^)=0 [(x–1)i^+yj^+(z+2)k^].(i^+j^–k^)=0
(x – 1) + y – (z + 2) = 0

x+y–z–3=0

x+y–z=3

This is the Cartesian equation of the required plane.

(a) The position vector of the point (1, 4, 6) is a =i^+4j^+6k^
The normal vector N perpendicular to the plane is N =i^–2j^+k^.
The vector equation of the plane is given by:

(r –a ).N =0
[r –(i^+4j^+6k^)].(i^–2j^+k^)=0 ——— (1)

r is the position vector of any point P (x, y, z) in the plane.

r =xi^+yj^+zk^
Hence, equation (1) becomes:

[(xi^+yj^+zk^)–(i^+4j^+6k^)].(i^–2j^+k^)=0 [(x–1)i^+(y–4)j^+(z–6)k^].(i^–
2j^+k^)=0 (x–1)–2(y–4)+(z–6)=0 x–2y+z+1=0
This is the Cartesian equation of the required plane.

Q6. Find the equations of the planes that pass through three points.

(a) (1, 1, −1), (6, 4, −5), (−4, −2, 3)

(b) (1, 1, 0), (1, 2, 1), (−2, 2, −1)

Sol:

(a) (1, 1, −1), (6, 4, −5), (−4, −2, 3) are the given points.

∣∣∣∣16−414−2−1−53∣∣∣∣
= (12–10)–(18–20)–(−12+16) = 2 + 2 – 4 = 0
Since A, B, C are collinear points, there will be infinite number of planes passing through the
given points.

(b) (1, 1, 0), (1, 2, 1), (−2, 2, −1) are the given points.

∣∣∣∣11−212201−1∣∣∣∣
= (−2–2)–(2+2) = -8 ≠0
Hence, a plane will pass through the points A, B, and C.
It is known that the equation of the plane through the
points, (x1,y1,z1),(x2,y2,z2) and (x3,y3,z3) is,
∣∣∣∣ x–x1y–y1z–z1x2–x1y2–y1z2–z1x3–x1y3–y1z3–x1∣∣∣∣=0

∣∣∣∣ x–1y–1z011−31−1∣∣∣∣=0

(−2)(x–1)–3(y–1)+3z=0 = 0
−2x–3y+3z+2+3=0 = 0
-2x – 3y + 3z = -5

2x + 3y – 3z = 5

This is the Cartesian equation of the required plane.

Q7. Find the intercepts cut off by the plane 2x + y – z = 5.

Sol:

2x + y – z = 5 ———- (1)

Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we get

25x+y5–z5=1

x52+y5+z−5=1 ———— (2)

It is known that the equation of a plane in intercept form is xa+yb+zc=1, where a, b, c are the
intercepts cut off by the plane at x, y, and z axes respectively.
Hence, for the given equation,

a=52, b = 5 and c = -5
Therefore, the intercepts cut off by the plane are 52, 5 and -5.
Q8. Find the equation of the plane with intercept 3 on the y-axis and parallel to ZOX plane.

Sol:

The equation of the plane ZOX is y = 0.

Any plane parallel to it is of the form,

y=a

Since the y-intercept of the plane is 3,

a=3

Therefore, the equation of the required plane is y = 3

Q9. Find the equation of the plane through the intersection of the planes 3x – y + 2z – 4 = 0
and x + y + z – 2 = 0 and the point (2, 2, 1).

Sol:

The equation of any plane through the intersection of the planes, 3x − y + 2z − 4 = 0 and x + y +
z − 2 = 0, is,

(3x–y+2z–4)+α(x+y+z–2)=0, where α∈R ———– (1)

The plane passes through the point (2, 2, 1).

Hence, this point will satisfy equation (1).

(3 × 2 – 2 + 2 × 1 – 4) + α (2 + 2+ 1 – 2) = 0
2 + 3α = 0
α=−23
Substituting α=−23 in equation (1), we get:
(3x–y+2z–4)–23(x+y+z–2)=0

3(3x–y+2z–4)–2(x+y+z–2)=0
(9x–3y+6z–12)–2(x+y+z–2)=0

7x–5y+4z–8=0
This is the required equation of the plane.

Q10. Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the intersection of the
planes r .(2i^+2j^–3k^)=7 , r .(2i^+5j^+3k^)=9 and through the point (2, 1, 3).

Sol:

r .(2i^+2j^–3k^)=7 r .(2i^+5j^+3k^)=9

The equations of plane are as follows:

r .(2i^+2j^–3k^)–7=0 ——– (1)

r .(2i^+5j^+3k^)–9=0 ——— (2)

The equation of any plane through the intersection of the planes given in equations (1) and (2) is
given by,

[r .(2i^+2j^–3k^)–7]+λ[r .(2i^+5j^+3k^)–9]=0, where λ∈R

r .[(2i^+2j^–3k^)+λ(2i^+5j^+3k^)]=9λ+7

r .[(2+2λ)i^+(2+5λ)j^+(3λ–3)k^]=9λ+7 ——– (3)

The plane passes through the point (2, 1, 3). Therefore, its position vector is given by,

r =2i^+2j^+3k^

Substituting in equation (3), we get

(2i^+j^–3k^).[(2+2λ)i^+(2+5λ)j^+(3λ–3)k^]=9λ+7
(2+2λ)+(2+5λ)+(3λ–3)=9λ+7

18λ–3=9λ+7

9λ=10

λ=109

Substituting λ=109 in equation (3), we get

r .(389i^+689j^+39k^)=17

r .(38i^+68j^+3k^)=153
This is the vector equation of the required plane.

Q11. Find the equation of the plane through the line of intersection of the planes x + y + z =
1 and 2x + 3y + 4z = 5 which is perpendicular to the plane x – y + z = 0.

Sol:

The equation of the plane through the intersection of the planes, x + y + z = 1 and 2x + 3y + 4z =
5 is,

(x+y+z–1)+λ(2x+3y+4z–5)=0
(2λ+1)x+(3λ+1)y+(4λ+1)z–(5λ+1)=0 ——— (1)
The direction ratios, a1,b1,c1 of this plane are (2λ+1), (3λ+1), and (4λ+1).
The plane in equation (1) is perpendicular to x – y + z = 0.

Its direction ratios, a2,b2,c2 are 1, -1 and 1.

Since the planes are perpendicular,

a1a2+b1b2+c1c2=0 (2λ+1)–(3λ+1)+(4λ+1)=0 3λ+1=0

λ=−13

Substituting λ=−13 in equation (1), we get

13x–13z+23=0
x–z+2=0

This is the required equation of the plane.

Q12. Find the angle between the planes whose vector equations are r .(2i^+2j^–
3k^)=5 and r .(3i^–3j^+5k^)=3

Sol:

The equations of the given planes are r .(2i^+2j^–3k^)=5 and r .(3i^–3j^+5k^)=3.

It is known that if n1→ and n2→ are r .n1→=d1 and r .n2→=d2 normal to the planes, ,
then the angle between them, θ, is given by,

cosθ=∣∣∣n1→.n2→∣∣n1→∣∣∣∣n2→∣∣∣∣∣ ———- (1)

Here, n1→=2i^+2j^–3k^ and n2→=3i^–3j^+5k^

Therefore,

n1→.n2→=(2i^+2j^–3k^).(3i^–3j^+5k^)
= (2 × 3) + (2 × -3 ) + (-3 × 5) = -15

∣∣n1→∣∣=(2)2+(2)2+(−3)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=17−−√
∣∣n2→∣∣=(3)2+(−3)2+(5)2−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−√=43−−√

Substituting the value of n1→,n2→,∣∣n1→∣∣and∣∣n2→∣∣

cosθ=∣∣−1517√.43√∣∣

cosθ=15731√

θ=cos−1(15731√)

Q13. In the following cases, determine whether the given planes are parallel or
perpendicular, and in case they are neither, find the angles between them.

(a) 7x + 5y + 6z + 30 = 0 and 3x – y – 10z + 4 = 0

(b) 2x + y + 3z – 2 = 0 and x – 2y + 5 = 0

(c) 2x – 2y + 4z + 5 = 0 and 3x – 3y + 6z – 1 = 0

(d) 2x – y + 3z – 1 = 0 and 2x – y + 3z + 3 = 0

(e) 4x + 8y + z – 8 = 0 and y + z – 4 = 0

Sol:

The direction ratios of normal to the plane, L1:a1x+b1y+c1z=0,

are a1,b1,c1 and L2:a2x+b2y+c2z=0 are a2,b2,c2

L1∥L2,ifa1a2=b1b2=c1c2 L1⊥L2,ifa1a2=b1b2=c1c2=0

The angle between L1 and L2 is given by,

θ=cos−1∣∣∣∣a1a2+b1b2+c1c2a21+b21+c21.a22+b22+c22√√∣∣∣∣
(a) The equations of the planes are 7x + 5y + 6z + 30 = 0 and 3x − y − 10z + 4 = 0

Here,

a1=7, b1=5, c1=6

a2=3, b2=−1, c2=−10

a1a2+b1b2+c1c2=(7×3)+(5×−1)+(6×−10)
= – 44

≠0
Hence, the given planes are not perpendicular.

a1a2=73,b1b2=5−1=−5,c1c2=6−10=−35

It can be seen that, a1a2≠b1b2≠c1c2

Hence, the given planes are not parallel.

The angle between them is given by,

θ=cos−1∣∣∣∣(7×3)+(5×−1)+(6×−10)(7)2+(5)2+(6)2×(3)2+(−1)2+(−10)2√√∣∣∣∣

θ=cos−1∣∣21–5–60110√×110√∣∣

θ=cos−144110

θ=cos−125

(b) The equations of the planes are 2x + y + 3z – 2 = 0 and x – 2y + 5 = 0.

Here,

a1=2, b1=1, c1=3

a2=1, b2=−2, c2=0
a1a2+b1b2+c1c2=(2×1)+(1×−2)+(3×0) = 0

Thus, the given planes are perpendicular to each other.

(c) The equations of the given planes are 2x – 2y + 4z + 5 = 0 and 3x – 3y + 6z – 1 = 0

Here,

a1=2, b1=−2, c1=4

a2=3, b2=−3, c2=6

a1a2+b1b2+c1c2=(2×3)+(−2×−3)+(4×6)
= 6 + 6 + 24

= 36

≠0
Therefore, the given planes are not perpendicular to each other.

a1a2=23,b1b2=−2−3=23,c1c2=46=23

a1a2=b1b2=c1c2
Therefore, the given planes are parallel to each other.

(d) The equations of the planes are 2x – y + 3z – 1 = 0 and 2x – y + 3z + 3 = 0

Here,

a1=2, b1=−1, c1=3

a2=2, b2=−1, c2=3

a1a2=22=1,b1b2=−1−1=1,c1c2=33=1

a1a2=b1b2=c1c2
Therefore, the given planes are parallel to each other.

(e) The equations of the given planes are 4x + 8y + z – 8 = 0 and y + z – 4 = 0

Here,

a1=4, b1=8, c1=1

a2=0, b2=1, c2=1

a1a2+b1b2+c1c2=(4×0)+(8×1)+(1×1)
=9

≠0
Thus, the given lines are not perpendicular to each other.

a1a2=40=1,b1b2=81=8,c1c2=11=1

a1a2≠b1b2≠c1c2
Thus, the given lines are not parallel to each other.

The angle between the planes is given by,

θ=cos−1∣∣∣∣(4×0)+(8×1)+(1×1)(4)2+(8)2+(1)2×(0)2+(1)2+(1)2√√∣∣∣∣

θ=cos−1∣∣99×2√∣∣

θ=cos−1(12√)

θ=45∘
Q14. In the following cases, find the distance of each of the given points from the
corresponding given plane.

Point Plane

(a) (0, 0, 0) 3x – 4y + 12z = 3

(b) (3, −2, 1) 2x – y + 2z + 3 = 0

(c) (2, 3, −5) x + 2y – 2z = 9

(d) (−6, 0, 0) 2x – 3y + 6z – 2 = 0

Sol:

It is known that the distance between a point, p (x1,y1,z1), and a plane, Ax + By + Cz = D, is

given by,

d=∣∣∣Ax1+By1+Cz1–DA2+B2+C2√∣∣∣ ——– (1)

(a) The given point is (0, 0, 0) and the plane is 3x – 4y + 12z = 3.

d=∣∣∣3×0–4×0+12×0–332+(−4)2+122√∣∣∣ d=3169√ d=313

(b) The given point is (3, − 2, 1) and the plane is 2x – y + 2z + 3 = 0

d=∣∣∣2×3–(−2)+2×1+322+(−2)2+22√∣∣∣ d=∣∣133∣∣ d=133

(c) The given point is (2, 3, −5) and the plane is x + 2y – 2z = 9

d=∣∣∣2+2×3–222+(−2)2+22√∣∣∣ d=∣∣∣2+2×3–2(−5)–9(1)2+(2)2+(−2)2√∣∣∣ d=93 d=3

(d) The given point is (−6, 0, 0) and the plane is 2x – 3y + 6z – 2 = 0.

d=∣∣∣2×−6–2×0+6×0–2(2)2+(−3)2+(6)2√∣∣∣ d=∣∣−1449√∣∣ d=147 d=2