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 THREE
DIMENTIONAL
GEOMETRY
 QUIZRR 3

THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

We have covered two-dimensional system uptil now where we considered only 2 axes i.e. x & y
axis. But the physical world in which we live is a 3 dimensional space. That means every physical
quantity can be denoted by 3 values rather than just two.
z
These 3 types are, in general
(1) Length
(2) Breadth z coordinate
(3) Height Z
Since every point is denoted by 3 values, it is y
represented as P ( x, y, z) .
x coordinate
To imagine 3D, consider your book. It has dimensions.
y coordinate
Two are the Length & breadth of the page and the last
one being thickness of it. x
To represent the thickness part on 2D, we imagine it to be directing out / down the plane of
paper.
Here, we have 3-axes , x-axis, y-axis & z-axis and 3 planes i.e. xy, xz, yz. For this you can
consider a cube. Here O is the origin and has coordinates (0,0,0). Now let us find the coordinates
of each vertex, given that the length of each side of cube is ÂaÊ.
A  lies on x-axis only  (a,0,0) z
so other coordinates E D
are 0. F
P
C  lies on y-axis only  (0,a,0)
E  lies only on z-axis  (0,0,a) y
O C
B  it lies in xy plane  (a,a,0)
A B
where z = 0 x
D  it lies in zy plane  (0,a,a)
where x = 0
F  it lies in xz plane  (a,0,a)
where y = 0
P  it does not lie in any  (a,a,a)
of the above mentioned
planes & hence has
all the three coordinates
Also you should notice that

Px i.e. x coordinate of P is the perpendicular distance of point P from YOZ plane

Py i.e. y coordinate of P is the perpendicular distance of point P from XOZ plane

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

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Pz i.e. z coordinate of P is the perpendicular distance of point P from XOY plane

TIP : Notice that for the coordinate whose distance is to be found never consists of the plane.
Thus, the coordinates of a point are the distances from the origin to the feet of perpendiculars
from the point on the respective axis.

Position Vector of a Point

If i→, →j, k→ are unit vectors along x-axis, y-axis and z-axis respectively, then the position vector of
point P (of the above diagram) is given by

p  ai→  aj→  ak→
in general for any point r , it could be given by

r  xi→  yj→  zk→
Position vector of a point which divides the segment joing A and B in ratio m : n internally is
 
mb  na 
, where a and b are position vectors of points A and B respectively.
mn

If coordinates of points A, B and P are ( x1 , y1 , z1 ), ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) and ( x, y, z) respectively, then

 mx2  nx1 my2  ny1 mz2  nz1 

( x, y, z)   , ,
 mn mn m  n 

If P divides AB externally in the ratio m : n, that means it divides AB internally in the ratio
m : (–n).
 Position vector of P is

 mb  na
OP 
mn
and coordinates of P are

 mx2  nx1 my2  ny1 nz2  nz1 

(x, y, z) =  , ,
 mn mn m  n 

If P is the mid-point of AB then P divides AB internally in ratio 1 : 1

 Position vector of P i.e., position vector of mid-point of AB is

 b  a
OP 
2
and coordinates of mid-point of AB are

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

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 5

Result. : The coordinates of centroid of a triangle the coordinates of whose vertices are
( x1 , y1 , z1 ),( x2 , y2 , z2 ) and ( x3 , y3 , z3 ) are

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

Illustration 1
Find the locus of the point which is equidistant from the points (1,3,5) and (-2,1,4).
Solution :
Let P(x,y,z) be any point equidistant from the point A(1,3,5) and B(-2,1,4), then

PA  PB  PA2  PB2

 ( x  1)2  ( y  3) 2  ( z  5)2  ( x  2)2  ( y  1)2  ( z  4)2

 x2  2 x  1  y2  6 y  9  z2  10 z  25  x2  4 x  4  y2  2 y  1  z2  8 z  16

 6 x  4 y  2 z  14  0

 3x  2 y  z  7  0
which is the required locus.

Illustration 2

Find the ration in which the join of (2, 1, 4) and (4,3,2) is divided by the point ( 2, 9, 8).
Solution :
Let the ratio be  : 1
The point which divides the join of (2,-1,4) and (4,3,2) in ratio  : 1 is

 4  2 3  1 2  4 
  1 ,  1 ,  1 
 
But the given point is (-2,-9,8)

4  2
  2
 1

 4  2  2  2  2
6   4  
3

2
 Required ratio is  : 1 i.e., -2 : 3.
3
Thus, ( 2, 9, 8) divide the join of (2, 1, 4) and (4, 3, 2) externally in ratio 2:3.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

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Illustration 3
Find the ratio in which the line joining the points (1,2,3) and (-3,4,-5) is divided by the xy-
plane. Also find the coordinates of the point of division.
Solution :
Let the ratio be  : 1 .
Thepoint which divides the join of (1,2,3) and (-3,4,-5) in ratio  : 1 is

 3  1 4  2 5  3 
  1 ,  1 ,  1  ....(i)
 
But this point lies on xy-plane, therefore z-coordinate is zero,

5  3 3
i.e., 0  .
 1 5

3
Therefore, required ratio is : 1 , i.e. 3 : 5.
5
The required point is

 3(3)  5(1) 3(4)  5(2) 3(5)  5(3) 

 , , 
 35 35 35 

 4 22   1 11 
i.e.   8 , 8 ,0  i.e.   2 , 4 ,0 
   

Illustration 4
Two vertices of a triangle ABC are A(2,-4,3) and B(3,-1,2) and its centroid is (1,0,3). Find its
third vertex C.
Solution :
Let the third vertex be ( x3 , y3 , z3 ) , then centroid is

 2  3  x3 4  1  y3 3  2  z3 
 , , 
 3 3 3 

 5  x3 5  y3 1  z3 
i.e.,  3 , 3 , 3 
 
But centroid is given to be (1,0,3).

5  x3 5  y3 1  z3
  1, 0 and 3
3 3 3

 x3  2, y3  5 and z3  8
Thus, the third vertex is (-2,5,8).

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

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Illustration 5
If origin is the centroid of triangle ABC with vertices A(a,1,3), B(-2,b,-5) and C(4,7,c), find the
values of a,b and c.
Solution :
Centroid of triangle ABC with vertices A(a,1,3), B(-2,b,-5) and C(4,7,c) is

 a 2 4 1 b7 35 c

 , , 
 3 3 3 

 a  2 8  b 2  c 
i.e.  3 , 3 , 3 
 
But, centroid is given to be (0,0,0)
a2 8b 2  c
  0,  0 and 0
3 3 3
 a  2, b  8 and c  2 .

Illustration 6
The mid-points of the sides of a triangle are (1,5,-1), (0,4,-2) and (2,3,4). Find its vertices.
Solution :
Let A( x1 , y1 , z1 ), B( x2 , y2 , z2 ) and C (c3 , y3 , z3 ) be the vertices of the triangle and letD(1,5,-1),
E(0,4,-2) and F(2,3,4) be the mid-points of the sides BC, CA and AB respectively. Then

x2  x3 y  y3 z z
 1, 2  5, 2 3  1 ;
2 2 2

x3  x1 y3  y1 z3  z1
0 4  2
2 2 2

x1  x2 y1  y2 z1  z2
2 3 4
2 2 2
Thus x2 + x3 = 2 x3 + x1 = 0 x1 + x2 = 4
Adding them
(x1 + x2 + x3) = 3
so from the above relations we get
x1 = 1, x2 = 3 x3 = 1
Similarly we get the values
y1 = 2 y2 = 4 y3 = 6
z1 = 3 z2 = 5 z3 = 7
Hence vertices of triangle are
A (1,2,3) B(3,4,5) & C( 1, 6, 7)
THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY
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Dir ect ion-C osines and Dir ect ion-R at ios

If  ,  and  are the angles which is directed line makes

with the positive directions of x-axis, y-axis and z-axis
Q
respectively, then cos  ,cos  and cos  are called the A
direction-cosines of the line. Direction-cosines are denoted
P (x,y,z)
by l, m, n i.e. l  cos  , m  cos  and n  cos  . 
r
O  N
Let AOA be a line through O with direction-cosines Y
A´ 
cos  ,cos  ,cos  and let P be a point on AOA with
coordinates (x,y,z) and position vector r L M
  X
Then, OP  r  xi→  yj→  zk→ , and direction-cosines of r are

also cos  ,cos  ,cos  .

As the x-axis makes angles 00 ,  ,  with ox, oy and oz respectively. Therefore direction cosines
2 2

 
of x-axis are cos0, cos , cos i.e. 1,0,0,. Similarly the direction cosines of y and z-axes are 0,1,0
2 2
and 0,0,1 respectively.

Some R esult s on Dir ect ion C osines :


Let P(x,y,z) be a point in space such that r  OP has direction cosines l, m, n . Then
  
(i) l r , m r , n r are projections of r on ox,oy,oz respectively, or
  
xl r , ymr , zn r
 
(ii) r  r (li→  mj→  nk→ ) and r→  li→  mj→  nk→

(iii) l 2  m2  n2  1

Direction Ratios :
Let l, m, n be direction cosines of a vector r and a, b, c be three numbers such that

l y n
 
a b c

Then a, b, c are known as direction ratios or direction numbers of vector r .

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

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Illustration 7

2 2 1
If ,  , are direction cosines of a vector r , then its direction ratios are 2, -2, 1 or -2, 2, -1 or
3 3 3
4, -4, 2, because

2 / 3 2 / 3 1 / 3 2 / 3 2 / 3
  , 
2 2 1 2 2

1 / 3 2 / 3 2 / 3 1 / 3
 ,   .
1 4 4 2

It is evident from the above defintion that to obtain direction ratios of a vector from its direction
cosines we just multiply them by a common number. This also shows that there can be infinitely
many sets of direction ratios for a given vector. But the direction cosines a re unique.
Obtaining Direction Cosines (DC) from Direction Ratios (DR)
Let a,b,c be direction ratios of a vector r having direction cosines l, m, n . Then,

l m n
 
a b c

l m n
Let     . Then l  a , m  b , n  c
a b c

l 2  m2  n 2  1

 a 2  2  b2  2  c2  2  1

1


a  b2  c2
2

a b c
So, l ,m ,n
a 2  b2  c2 a2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2
where the signs should be taken all positive or all negative.
Thus, if a,b,c are direction ratios of a vector, then its direction cosines are given by

a b c
 , ,
a2  b2  c2 a2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2
where the signs should be taken all positive or all negative.
For example, if 3, 4, 12 are direction ratios of a vector then its direction cosines are

3 4 12 3 4 12
, , , ,
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 or
(3)  (4)  (12) (3)  (4)  (12) (3)  (4)  (12) 13 13 13

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

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Some O t her R esult
(1) The DCÊs & DRÊs for a given point r

if r  ai→  bj→  ck→

then the Direction Ratios are given by a,b & c only where the Direction Cosines (l, m, n) are
given by

a b c
l , m  ,n 
r r r

If a vector r has direction ratios a,b,c then


 r
r ( ai→  bj→  ck→)
2 2 2
a b c

(2) Direction Ratio of a Line

If P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) & Q( x2 , y2 , z2 ) are points given which have to form the line, then the

DRs of PQ are ( x2  x1 ),( y2  y1 ),( z2  z1 )

( x2  x1 ) y2  y1 ( z2  z1 )
DCÊs of PQ are , ,
PQ PQ PQ

NOTE :
The DCÊs of a line are defined as the direction cosines of any vector whose support is
the given line.
If l, m, n are DC of a given line, then l, m, n are also the DCÊs of the same line.

Case of Parallel lines / vectors

If a & b are 2 parallel vectors then they have same DR & DC.

Projection of a segment on a line

The projection of line segment joining points P ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) & Q( x2 , y2 , z2 ) on a line with DCÊs l, m, n
is
( x2  x1 ) l  ( y2  y1 )m  ( z2  z1 ) n

DCÊs of angle bisector

If (l1 , m1 , n1 ) & (l2 , m2 , n2 ) are DCs of two concurrent lines, then the DCÊs of the lines bisecting the
angle between them is given by

 l1  l2 , m1  m2 , n1  n2  .

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

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Illustration 8
 
A vector OP is inclined to OX at 45 and OY at 60. Find the angle at which OP is inclined
to OZ.
Solution :
 
Suppose OP is inclined at an angle  to OZ. Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of OP . Then

l  cos 450 , m  cos 600 , n  cos 

1 1
 l ,m , n  cos  .
2 2

1 1
Now, l 2  m2  n2  1    n2  1
2 4

1 1
 n2  n
4 2

1
 cos       600 or 1200
2

Hence, OP is inclined to OZ either at 60 or at 120.

Illustration 9

If a vector makes angles , ,  with OX, OY and OZ respectively, prove that

sin 2   sin 2   sin 2   2

Solution :
Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the given vector. Then l  cos  , m  cos  , n  cos  .

Now, l 2  m2  n2  1

 cos2   cos2   cos2   1

 (1  sin 2  )  (1  sin 2  )  (1  sin2  )  1

 sin 2   sin 2   sin2   2

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Illustration 1 0

Find the direction cosines of a vector r which is equally inclined with OX, OY and OZ. If

r is given, find the total number of such vectors.
Solution :
 
Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of r . Since r is equally inclined with OX, OY and OZ.
Therefore,
lmn [       cos   cos   cos  ]

1
Now, l 2  m2  n2  1  3l 2  1  l  
3

1 1 1
Hence, direction cosines of r are  , , .
3 3 3
 

Now, r  r li→  mj→  nk→ 
    1 → 1 → 1 → .
r  r  i j k
 3 3 3 

Since + and - signs can be arranged at three places in 2  2  2  8 ways. Therefore, there are eight
vectors of given magnitude which are equally inclined with the coordinate axes.

Illustration 1 1

A vector r has length 21 and direction ratios 2, 3, 6. Find the direction cosines and
 
components of r , given that r makes an acute angle with x-axis.
Solution :
Recall that if a,b,c are direction ratios of a vector, then its direction cosines are
a b c
 , ,
a2  b2  c2 a2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2
Therefore direction cosines of r are
2 3 6
 , ,
22  (3) 2  62 22  (3)2  62 22  (3)2  62
Since r makes an acute angle with x-axis, therefore cos   0 i.e. l  0 .
2 3 6
So, direction cosines of r are ,  ,
7 7 7


 2
7
3
r  21  i→  →j  k→ 
7
6 
7 
 

[Using r  r li→  mj→  nk→ ] 

or r  6i→  9 →j  18 k→
So, components of r along ox, oy and oz are 6i→, 9 j→ and 18 k→ respectively.

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Illustration 1 2

Find the angles at which the vector 2i→  →j  2 k→ is inclined to each of the coordinates axes.

Solution :
Let r be the given vector, and let it make angles  ,  ,  wit ox,oy and oz respectively. Then its
direction cosine are cos  ,cos  ,cos  .

We have r  2i→  j→  2k→ so, direction ratios of r are 2, -1, 2.

 Direction cosines of r are

2 1 2
, , ,
22  (1)2  22 22  (1)2  22 22  (1)2  22

2 1 2
i.e. , ,
3 3 3

2 1 2
 cos   , cos    , cos  
3 3 3

2  1 2
   cos1   ,   cos1    ,   cos1  
3   3   3  

 2 1  2
   cos1   ,     cos1   ,   cos1  
3   3   3  

Angle b et ween t wo lines

Let a1 , b1 , c1 and a2 , b2 , c2 be the direction-ratios of two lines and  be the angle between them,
 
then angle between vectors r1  a1i→  b1 j→  c1 k→ and r2  a2 i→  b2 →j  c2 k→ is also  .
 
r .r
 cos  1 2
r1 r2

a1 a2  b1b2  c1 c2
 cos 
a12  b12  c12 a22  b22  c22

If the two lines are perpendicular , then

a1 a2  b1 b2  c1 c2  0 [ cos  0 ]

Now, let l1 , m1 , n1 and l2 , m2 , n2 be the direction-cosines of two lines and  be the angle between

them, then angle between unit vectors r→1  l1i→  m1 →j  n1 k→ and r→2  l2 i→  m2 →j  n2 k→ is also  .

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r→1 .r→2
 cos 
→r1 r→2

 cos  l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 [ r→1  1  r→2 ]

If the two lines are perpendicular, then
l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2  0
If the lines are parallel then their direction-cosines are same and their direction-ratios are
propertionate
Now, cos  l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2

 cos2   (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 )2

 1  cos2   1  (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 )2

   
sin 2   l12  m12  n12 l22  m22  n22   l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 
2

 sin 2   (m1 m2  m2 n1 )2  (n1 l2  n2 l1 )2  (l1 m2  l2 m1 )2

2 2 2

2 2 2
 
[Using the identity l1  m1  n1 l2  m2  n2   l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 
2

 (m1 n2  m2 n1 )2  (n1 l2  n2 l1 )2  (l1 m2  l2 m1 )2

This identity is called LagrangeÊs identity].

 sin 2   (m1 n2  m2 n1 ) 2

 sin    (m1 n2  m2 n1 )2

Illustration 1 3

3 6 2 2 2 1
Find the angle between the lines whose direction-cosines are , , and , ,
7 7 7 3 3 3

Solution :
Let  be the angle between the two lines whose direction-coosines given, then

 3  2   6  2   2  1 
cos                   
 7  3   7  3   7  3 

6 12 2 16
   
21 21 21 21

 16 
   cos1  .
 21 

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 15

Illustration 1 4

Find the the coordinate of point P such that OP is inclined to x-axis at 45 and to y-axis

at 60 and OP  2 .

Solution :

1
l  cos 450 
2

1
m  cos 600  and
2
n  cos 

Now, l 2  m2  n2  1

1 1
   n2  1
2 4

1 1
n2   n
4 2

1
 cos       600 or 1200
2

  1 i→  1 →j  1 k→
Now, OP
2 2 2

 
OP  OP OP  2  1 i→  1 →j  1 k→  
2 → → →
i  j  k  2i→  →j  k→
 
 2 2 2  2

 coordinates of point P are  

2,1, 1 .

Illustration 1 5
The projections of a line segment on the coordinate axes are 6,2,3. Find the length of the
line and its direction-cosines.
Solution :
Let l, m, n be the direction-cosines of the line segment and r be its length
Then,
Projection on x-axis = rl  6
Projection on y-axis  rm  2
and Projection on z-axis  rn  3

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

16 QUIZRR

 (rl)2  (rm)2  (rn)2  (6)2  (2)2  (3)2

 r 2 l 2  r 2 m2  r 2 n2  36  4  9

 r2 (l2  m2  n2 )  49 [ l2  m2  n2  1 ]

 r 2  49  r 7

6
 rl  6  l
7

2
rm  2  m
7

3
and rn  3  n
7

Illustration 1 6
Find the direction-ratios of a line pependicular to the two lines having direction-ratios
1, 3, 2 and 2, 2, 4 respectively.
Solution :
Let a,b,c be the required direction-ratios.
Since, this line is perpendicular to the two lines having direction-ratios 1,3,-2 and -2,2,4.
 a  3b  2 c  0

2 a  2b  4 c  0

a b c
 
3 2 1 2 1 3

2 4 2 4 2 2

a b c a b c
i.e.,   i.e.,  
16 0 8 2 0 1

Thus, direction-ratios are 2, 0, 1.

Note : Do not get confuse with O in denominator here.

Illustration 1 7
Find the foot of the perpendicular from the point (1,1,1) to the joint of the points (4,7,1) and
(3,6,3).
Solution :
Let A(1,1,1), B(4,7,1) and C(3,5,3) be three points and D be the foot of perpendicular from A on
BC

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 17

Let D divide BC in ratio  : 1 , then coordinate of D are

 3  4 5  7 3  1 
 , , 
  1  1  1 

Direction-ratios of AD are A (1,1,1)

3  4 5  7 3  1
 1,  1, 1
 1  1  1

2  3 4   6 2
i.e. , ,
 1  1  1
B (4,7,1) D C (3,5,3)
Direction-ratios of BC are
3  4,5  7,3  1 i.e. 1, 2, 2
Since AD  BC

 2  3   4  6   2 
 1    2   2 0
  1    1    1

2  3  8  12  4
 0
 1

6  15 5
 0  6  15  
 1 2
 D divides BC in ratio 5:2 externally.
 Coordinates of point D are

 15  8 25  14 15  2   7 11 13 
 3 , 3 , 3  i.e.  3, 3 , 3 
   

Illustration 1 8
If the edges of a rectangular parallelopiped are a,b,c prove that the angle between the four
diagonals are given by

  a 2  b2  c 2 
cos 1  2
 a  b 2  c 2  .
 
Solution :
Let OA, OB, OC be the coterminous edges of the paralleopiped taken along the coordinateaxes
and let
OA  a, OB  b and OC  c
The coordinates of the vertices are
O(0,0,0), A(a,0,0), B(0,b,0), C(0,0,c)
D(a,b,0), E(a,0,c), F(0,b,c), G(a,b,c)

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

18 QUIZRR
The direction-ratios of the diagonal Z
C
OG are a  0, b  0, c  0 i.e. a,b,c F

AF are 0  a, b  a, c  0 , i.e. -a,b,c E G

BE are a  0,0  b, c  0 i.e. a,-b,c c
and CD are a  0, b  0,0  c , i.e. a,b,-c b
Y
Thus, direction-cosines of OG, AF, BE and CD are aO B

A D
a b c
, , X
a 2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2

a b c
, ,
2 2 2 2 2 2
a b c a b c a  b2  c2
2

a b c
, ,
a 2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2 a 2  b2  c2

a b c
, , respectively.
2 2 2 2 2 2
a b c a b c a  b2  c2
2

If 1 is the angle between OG and AF, then

 a2  b2  c2
cos 1 
a 2  b2  c2

  a2  b2  c2 
 1  cos 1 
 a 2  b2  c 2 
 

Again, if 2 is the angle between OG and BE, then

a 2  b2  c2
cos2 
a2  b2  c2

 a2  b2  c2 
 2  cos1 
 a 2  b2  c2 
 

Similarly, the angle between the other pairs of diagonals can be obtained.
Thus, the angles between the four diagonals may be given by

  a 2  b2  c2 
cos1  2
 a  b2  c2  .
 

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 19

Illustration 1 9

1  1 
Show that the angle between any two diagonals of a cube is cos   .
3

Solution :
Let OA, OB, OC be the conterminous edges of a cube, taken along the coordinates axes and let
OA  OB  OC  a
The coordinates of the vertices are
O(0,0,0), A(a,0,0), B(0, a,0), C(0,0, c)

D(a, a,0), E(a,0, a), F (0, a, a), G(a, a, a)

The direction-ratios of the diaginal OGare a,a,a; AF are -a,a,a; BE are a,-a,a and CD are a,a-a
Thus, direction-cosines of OG, AF, BE and CD are

1 1 1 1 1 1
, , ; , , ;
3 3 3 3 3 3
Z

1 1 1 1 1 1 C
, , and , , F
3 3 3 3 3 3 a
E G
respectively. a
a Y
B
If 1 be the angle between OG and AF, then
A D
 1  1   1  1   1  1 
cos1          X
 3  3   3  3   3  3 

1 1 1
  
3 3 3

1 1
 cos 1   1  cos 1  
3  
3

1  1 
Similarly, the angle between any two diagonals of the cube is cos   .
3

Illustration 20

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

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

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

20 QUIZRR
Solution :
Let OA, OB, OC be the coterminous edges of a cube, taken along the coordinates axes and let
OA=OB=OC=a (Figure)
The coordinates of the vertices are
O(0,0,0), A(a,0,0), B(0,a,0), C(0,0,a)
D(a,a,0), E(a,0,a), F(0,a,a), G(a,a,a)
The direction-ratios of the diagonal
OG are a,a,a; AF are -a,a,a; BE are a,-a,a and CD are a,a,-a. BE and CD are

1 1 1 1 1 1
, , ; , ,
3 3 3 3 3 3

1 1 1 1 1 1
,
, and , ,
3 3 3 3 3 3
respectively. Z
Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of a line which makes angles C
F
 ,  ,  ,  with the four diagonals of the cube. Then a
E G
l m n lmn a
cos      a Y
B
3 3 3 3
A D
l m n l  m  n
cos       X
3 3 3 3

l m n lm n
cos     
3 3 3 3

l m n lmn
cos     
3 3 3 3
On squaring and adding, we get

cos2   cos2   cos2   cos2 

2 2 2 2
 l  m  n   l  m  n   l  m  n   l  m  n 
       
 3   3   3   3 

1 2
 [ l  m2  n2  2lm  2mn  2nl  l2  m2  n2  2lm  2mm  2nl
3
 l2  m2  n2  2lm  2mn  2nl  l2  m2  n2  2lm  2mn  2nl]

1 2 4
 4(l  m2  n2 )  
3   3

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 21

Illustration 21

If l1 , m1 , n1 and l 2 , m 2 , n 2 be the direction-cosines of two mutually perpendiuclar lines, show

that the direction-cosines of the line perpendicular to both of them are

m1 n1  m 2 n1 , n1l 2  n 2 l1 , l1 m 2  l 2 m1 .
Solution :
Let l, m, n be the direction-cosines of the line perpendicular to each one of the given lines. Then

ll1  mm1  nn1  0

ll2  mm2  nn2  0

l m n
 
m1 n1 l1 n1 l1 m1

m2 n2 l2 n2 l2 m2

l m n
  
m1 n2  m2 n1 n1 l2  n2 l1 l1 m2  m1 l2

l m n l 2  m2  n2
  
 m1 n2  m2 n1 n1 l2  n2 l1 l1 m2  m1 l2 {Using langranges identity}
(m1 n2  m2 n1 ) 2

l m n 1
   
m1 n2  m2 n1 n1 l2  n2 l1 l1 m2  m1 l2 sin 

where  is the angle between the given lines.


Since,   ,  sin   1
2

Thus, l  m1 n2  m2 n1 , m  n1 l2  n2 l1 and n  l1 m2  l2 m1
Hence, the direction-cosines of the required line are

m1 n2  m2 n1 , n1 l2  n2 l1 , l1 m2  l2 m1 .

Illustration 22

l1  l2  l 3 m1  m 2  m 3 n1  n 2  n 3
Verify that , , can be taken as the direction-cosines of a
3 3 3
line equally inclined to three mutually perpendicular lines with direction-cosines
l1 , m1 , n1 : l 2 , m 2 , n 2 and l 3 , m3 , n 3 .

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

22 QUIZRR
Solution

l1 , m1 , n1 ; l2 , m2 , n2 and l3 , m3 , n3 be the direction-cosines of three mutually perpendicular lines.

 l12  m12  n12  1, l22  m22  n22  1 and l32  m32  n32  1

and l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2  0

l2 l3  m2 m3  n2 n3  0

and l3 l1  m3 m1  n3 n1  0

Let 1 be the angle between the lines whose direction-cosines are

l1  l2  l3 m1  m2  m3 n1  n2  n3
, ,
3 3 3

and l1 , m1 , n1 then

l l l   m  m2  m3   n1  n2  n3 
cos1  l1  1 2 3   m1  1   n1  
 3   3   3 

1
 [(l12  m12  n12 )  (l1 l2  m1 m2  n1 n2 )  (l1 l3  m1 m3  n1 n3 )]
3

1 1
 [1  0  0] 
3 3

 1 
 1  cos1  
 3

Similarly, we can show that the angle between the other pairs i.e., between the line with direction-
cosines.

l1  l2  l3 m1  m2  m3 n1  n2  n3
, , and l2 , m2 , n2
3 3 3

l1  l2  l3 m1  m2  m3 n1  n2  n3
and , , and l3 , m3 , n3 is also cos1  1  .
3 3 3  
 3

St r aight L ine in Sp ace

A sraight line is uniquely determined, if
(i) it passes through a given point and has a given direction.
(ii) it passes through two given points.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 23

Equation of a straight line passing through a given point and parallel to a given
d i r ec t i o n .

Vector Form

Let a be the position vector of the point through whichline passes and m
 be the vector to which

line is parallel.
Let P be an arbitrary point on the line with position vector r
 
AP  m P
A
 
 AP   m
  m
 
OP  OA   m
   a r
 r  a  m
  
 r  a  m
O
which are the required eqautions.
Thus, equations of a line which pass through the point whose position vector is a and which is
parallel to m  are
  
r  a  m

Cartesian Form

Let the coordinates of the point through which line passes be ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and a,b,c be the direction-
ratios of vector to which line is parallel.
Let P be an arbitrary point on the line with coordinates (x,y,z).

Then a  x1i→  y1 →j  z1 k→

m  ai→  bj→  ck→

and r  xi→  yj→  zk→
Vector equation of line are
  
r  a  m

 xi→  yj→  zk→  ( x1i→  y1 →j  z1 k→ )   (ai→  bj→  ck→ )

 xi→  yj→  zk→  ( x1   a)i→  ( y1   b) →j  ( z1   c) →j

 x  x1   a, y  y1   b, z  z1   c

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
   
a b c
which are the required equation.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

24 QUIZRR

Thus, equations of a straight line passing through ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and parallel to vector whose direction-
ratios are a,b,c are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
a b c

Remark :
(i) The direction-ratios of this line are a,b,c

(ii) The point ( x1   a, y1   b, z1   c) is a general point on this line.

E q uat ion of a st r aight line p assing t hr ough t wo fixed p oint s

Vector Form
 
Equation of line passing through points whose position vectors are a and b are
   
r  a   (b  a)

Cartesian Form
Let the coordinates of the points through which line passes be ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) .

Then equations of straight line passing through points ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1
Note : We have the direction-ratios of line joining the points (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) in the
denominator.

R ed uct ion of C ar t esian t o vect or for m & Vice-Ver sa

1. Cartesian to Vector :
If you are given equation of line as

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  ...(i)
a b c
then the vector form is

r  ( x1 i→  y1 →j  z1 k→ )   (ai→  bj→  ck→ )

which is obvisous as in (i) ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is the point lying on the line and (a, b, c) are DRs of
a line parallel to the given line.

2. Vector to Cartesian
If you are given the equation
  
r  a  b
THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY
 QUIZRR 25

where a  a1 i→  a2 j→  a3 k→

and b  b1i→  b2 j→  b3 k→

then cartesian form is given by

x  a1 y  a2 z  a3
 
b1 b2 b3

 
m1 .m2
Thus, cos    
m1 m2

Angle b et ween t wo line

Vector From
     
Let r  a  m1 and r  b  m2

 
m1 .m 2
Then, cos    
| m1 || m 2 |

If the two lines areparallel, then

 
m1  m2 or m1  m2
 
If the two lines are perpendicular, then m1 .m2  0 .

Cartesian Form

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
Let   and  
a1 b1 c1 a2 b2 c2

be equations of two lines and  be angle between them. The direction-ratios of the two lines are
a1 , b1 , c1 and a2 , b2 , c2

a 1 a 2  b1b2  c1 c 2
cos  
 a 12  b12  c12 a 22  b22  c 22

a1 b1 c1
If the two lines are parallel then a  b  c or their direction-ratios are same.
2 2 2

If the two lines are perpendicular, then a1 a2  b1 b2  c1 c2  0 .

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Illustration 23
Find the equation of straight line passing through point (1,3,2) and parallel to vector

2i→  j→  k→ , both in vector and cartesian form.

Solution :

Vector Form : Position vector of the point through which line passes is a  i→  3 j→  2k→ and the

vector to which line is parallel is m  2i→  →j  k→ .

Vector equation of line are

  
r  a  m

 r  (i→  3 →j  2 k→ )   (2i→  →j  k→ )

Cartesian Form : Coordinates of the point through which line passes are (1,3,2) and direction-
ratios of vector to which line is parallel are 2,1,-1.
Cartesian equation of line are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 x1 y3 z 2
    
a b c 2 1 1

Illustration 24
Find the equation of straight line passing through the point (4,-3,-2) and (2,0,5), both in
vector and cartesian form.
Solution :
Vector Form : Position vectors of the points through which line passes are
 
a  4i→  3 →j  2 k→ and b  2i→  5k→
Vector equation of line are
   
r  a   (b  a)

 r  (4i→  3 →j  2k→ )   (2i→  5k→  4i→  3 →j  2k→ )

 r  4 i→  3 →j  2k→   (2i→  3 →j  7 k→ )
Cartesian Form : Coordinates of the points through which line passes are (4,-3,-2) and (2,0,5).
Cartesian equation of line are

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1

x  4 y  (3) z  (2) x4 y3 z 2

     
2  4 0  (3) 5  (2) 2 3 7

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Illustration 25

The cartesian equation of a line are 6 x  2  3 y  1  2 z  2 . Find its direction ratios and also
find vector equation of the line.
Solution :
Recall that in the symmetrical form of a line the coefficients of x,y and z are unity. Therefore to
put the given line in symmetric form, we must make the coefficients of x,y and z as unity.
The given line is
6 x  2  3 y  1  2z  2

 1  1
 6  x    3  y    2( z  1)
 3   3 

1 1
x y
 3  3  z 1
1 2 3

This shows that the given line passes through (1/3, -1/3, 1) and has direction ratios 1,2,3. In
 1 1
vector form this means that the line passes through the point having position vector a  i→  j→  k→
3 3

and is parallel to the vector b  i→  2 →j  3k→ .

Therefore, its vector equation is

 1 1 
r   i→  →j  k→    (i→  2 →j  3k→ )
 3 3 

Illustration 26

x  2 2y  5
Find the direction cosines of the line  , z  1 . Also find the vector equation of
2 3
the line.
Solution : The given line is

x  2 2y  5
 , z  1
2 3

x  2 2y  5 z 1 x 2 y 5 / 2 z1
     
2 3 0 2 3 / 2 0
Note, when nothing is given take z = 1, take 0 in deno minator.
This shows that the given line passes through the point (2, 5/2, -1) and has direction ratios 2,
3/2, 0.So, its direction cosines are

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28 QUIZRR

2 3 / 2 0
, ,
2 2 2
 3  3  3
22      02 22      02 22      02
 2  2  2

2 3 / 2
or , ,0
5/2 5/2

4 3
or ,  ,0
5 5

 5
Thus given line passes through the point having position vector a  2i→  j→  k→ and is parallel to
2
 3
the vector b  2i→  →j  0 k→ , its vector equation is
2

  5   3 
r   2i→  →j  k→     2i→  →j  0 k→ 
 2   2 

Illustration 27

Prove that the line x  a y  b , z  cy  d and x  a y  b , z  c y  d  are perpendicular if

a a   cc   1  0 .
Solution :
The equations of the given lines are not in symmetrical form. We first put them in symmetrical
form.
Equation of first line are x  ay  b, z  cy  d . These equation can be written as

xb zd xb y0 z d

 y,  y or   ...(i)
a c a 1 c

Similarly x  ay  b, z  cy  d  can be written as

x  b y  0 z  d
  ...(ii)
a 1 c
 
Lines (i) and (ii) are parallel to the vectors m1  ai→  →j  ck→ and m2  ai→  j→  ck→ respectively.
 
Now, (i) and (ii) are parallel to the vectors m1  ai→  →j  ck→ and m2  ai→  j→  ck→ respectively.
Now, (i) and (ii) are perpendicular
 
 m1 and m2 are perpendicular.
 
 m1 .m2  0  ( ai→  j→  ck→ ).(ai→  →j  ck→ )  0  aa  1  cc  0 .

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

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Illustration 28

A line passes through (2, 1, 3) and is perpendicular to the line r  (i→  j→  k→ )  (2i→  2 →j  k→ )

and r  (2i→  →j  3 k→ )  (i→  2 →j  2 k→ ) . Obtain its equation.

Solution :

The required line is perpendicular to the line which are parallel to vectors b1  2i→  2 →j  k→ and
   
b2  i→  2 →j  2k→ respectively. So, it is parallel to the vector b  b1  b2 .

i→ →j k→
  
Now, b  b1  b2  2 2 1  6i→  3 →j  6 k→
1 2 2

Thus, the required line passes through the point (2,-1,3) and is parallel to the vector

b  6i→  3 →j  6 k→ . Som, its equation is


r  (2i→  →j  3k→)   (6i→  3 →j  6 k→ )

 (2i→  →j  3 k→ )   (2i→  →j  2 k→ )   2

INTERSECTION OF TWO LINES
1. Cartesian form :
Let the two given lines be

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
  &  
a1 b1 c1 a2 b2 c2

then the intersection is given by

Step-1 Find general points on both lines i.e.

P1 : ( x1  a1 , y1  b11 , z1  c1  )

P2 : ( x2  a2  , y2  b2  , z2  c2  )

Step-2 For intersection, we equate, hence equate coefficeints of same axis i.e.

x1  a1  x2  a2  ...(i)

y1  b1   y2   b2 ...(ii)

z1   c1  z2   c2 ...(iii)

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Step-3 There are 2 variables now  &  .Find their value from first two equation of Step-2.

IMP.: Now after finding values of  &  you people think you have found the
intersection point. No, you have to check, i.e. put the values of  &  obtained
in the third equation of Step-2.
If it satisfies the equation then for these values of  &  the lines intersect.
& if the values does not satisfy the equation, then that means lines did not intersect.

2. Vector Form :
Let the two lines be

r1  ( a1 i→  a2 →j  a3 k→ )   (m1i→  m2 →j  m3 k→ )

and r2  (b1i→  b2 →j  b3 k→ )   (n1 i→  n2 →j  n3 k→ )

Apply the same steps as done earlier in Cartesian form with the only difference being that you
need not find any general point as the equation in vector form is equation of a point on the line.

Per p end icular d ist ance of a p oint fr om a line :

1. Cartesian form : P (px, py, pz)
Here we have to find PQ and the equation of line is

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
a b c

Logic : For PQ we need to find point Q, for this we need some condition.
And the condition comes from perpendicularity of the lines PQ & AB. A Q B

Algor it hm :

Step-1 : Find general point Q

i.e. Q  ( x1   a, y1   b, z1   c)

Step-2 : Find DR of PQ & the line for the line we know it is a,b,c for
PQ = position vector of Q - position vector of P

 ( x1   a  px )i→  ( y1   a  py ) →j  (z1   a  pz ) k→

 DRs of PQ  ( x1   a  px ), ( y1   a  py ),( z1   a  pz )

Step-3 : Apply condition of perpendicularity

i.e. ( x1  a  px ) a  ( y1  a  py )b  ( z1  a  pz ) c

find the value of  from here.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 31

Step-4 : From  find point Q & hence by using distance formula find PQ.
This case also covers the case of finding the foot of perpendicular i.e. the position of
point Q.

2. Vector form :
The same process applied in this case also. We will demonstrate it with thehelpof an example.

Illustration 29

x y1 z 2
Find the foot of perpendicular from the point (1,6,3) to the line   .
1 2 3

Also, find the length of perpendicular and the equation of the perpendicular.
Solution :

x y1 z 2
Any point on the line   can be taken as (,1  2,2  3 ) .
1 2 3
A (1,6,3)
Let this point be D, the foot of perpendicular from A(1,6,3) to the line

x y1 z 2
  .
1 2 3
Direction-ratios of given line are 1,2,3.
Direction-ratios of AD
D x = y 1= z 2
  1, 1  2  6, 2  3  3 [using x2  x1 , y2  y1 , z2  z1 ] 1 2 3

i.e.   1, 2  5, 3  1
Since, AD is perpendicular to the given line

 1(  1)  2(2  5)  3(3  1)  0 [Using a1 a2  b1 b2  c1 c2  0 ]

   1  4  10  9  3  0
 14  14  0    1

Thus, coordinates of D are (1,1  2,2  3) i.e. (1,3,5)

 Foot of perpendicular is (1,3,5).
Length of perpendicular is

AD  (1  1)2  (3  6)2  (5  3)2

 0  9  4  13
Equation of perpendicular i.e., equations of AD are

x 1 y 6 z  3 x 1 y  6 z  3
  i.e.  
11 36 53 0 3 2

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32 QUIZRR

Illustration 30
Find the image of the point (2,-1,5) in the line

x  11 y  2 z  8
 
10 4 11

Solution :

x  11 y  2 z  8
Any point on the line  
10 4 11

Direction-ratios of given line are 2, 1,5 . A (2, 1,5)

Direction-ratios of AD
11  10  2,  2  4  (1),  8  11  5

[using x2  x1 , y2  y1 , z2  z1 ]
D x 11 = y+2 = z+8
i.e. 9  10 ,  1  4  ,  13  11 . 10 4 11
Since, AD is perpendicular to the given line.

 10(9  10 )  4(1  4 )  11(13  11 )  0

A´ (x1,y1,z1)
[using a1 a2  b1 b2  c1 c2  0 ]

 90  100  4  16   143  121  0

 237  237  0    1
Thus, coordinates of D are
(11  10,  2  4,  8  11)

i.e. (1,2,3) .

Now, let A( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the image of A(2, 1,5) in the line

x  11 y  2 z  8
  .
10 4 11

Then D(1,2,3) is the mid-point of A(2,-1,5) and A( x1 , y1 , z1 )

2  x1 1  y1 5  z1
  1, 2 and 3
2 2 2

 x1  0, y1  5 and z1  1

Thus, the image of A(2, 1,5) is A(0,5,1) .

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 33

Illustration 31
Find the point of intersection of the lines

x1 y 3 z 5 x2 y 4 z6

  and   .
3 5 7 1 3 5

Solution : Any point on line

x1 y 3 z 5
  can be taken as
3 5 7

(1  3 ,  3  5 ,  5  7 ) ...(i)
Any point on line

x2 y4 z6

  can be taken as
1 3 5

(2   ,4  3 ,6  5  ) ...(ii)

The given lines intersect, therefore for some values of  and  the point (i) and (ii) coincide

i.e. 1  3  2  

 3    3 ...(iii)

and 3  5  4  3 

 5  3  7 ...(iv)

1 3
Solving (iii) and (iv), we get  and   -
2 2

1 1 1 3
Putting   in (i), we get  2 , 2 , 2 
2  

3 1 1 3
Putting    in (ii), we get  2 , 2 , 2 
2  

which is the required point of intersection.

Illustration 32
Find the coordinates of the point where the line through (2,1,7) and (1,5,0) crosses the yz-
plane.
Solution : The equations of line through (2,1,7) and (1,5,0) are

x 2 y1 z7 x 2 y 1 z 7
    
1 2 51 07 1 4 7
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34 QUIZRR
Any point on this line can be taken as
(2  ,1  4 ,7  7 )
If this point lies on yz-pplane then x-coordinate is zero i.e.,
20  2
 The required point is (0,9,-7)

SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO STRAIGHT LINES

SKEW LINES
Two straight lines in space which are neither parallel nor intersecting are called skew lines.

Now, let PQ be the shortest distance vector between two parallel lines l1 and l2 whose vector
     
equations are r  a   m and r  b   m respectively. Clearly these lines are coplanar.
  . Then
Let BC  l1 and  be the angle between AB and m

 
AB  m
sin    
AB m

  P C A(a)

Now, PQ  AB sin  l1


 
 AB  m
 AB  
AB m
l2
  Q B(b)
AB  m
 
m

  
(b  a)  m
 
m

  
(b  a )  m
 Shortest distance between the parallel lines  
m

Cartesian Form : Let the equations of two skew lines be

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
a1 b1 c1

x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
and  
a2 b2 c2

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 QUIZRR 35


Then a  x1i→  y1 →j  z1 k→

b  x2 i→  y2 j→  z2 k→

m1  a1 i→  b1 →j  c1 k→

and m2  a2 i→  b2 →j  c2 k→
 
b  a  ( x2  x1 )i→  ( y2  y1 ) j→  ( z2  z1 ) k→

i→ →j k→
 
m1  m2  a1 b1 c1
a1 b2 c2

 (b1 c2  c1 b2 )i→  (a2 c1  a1 c2 ) →j  (a1b2  a2 b1 ) k→

 
m1  m2   (a1b2  a2 b1 )2

x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1
   
and (b  a).(m1  m2 )  a1 b1 c1
a2 b2 c2

Thus, shortest distance

x 2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1
a1 b1 c1
   
(b  a ).(m1  m2 ) a2 b2 c2
   
m1  m2 (a 1 b2  a 2 b1 )2

Remarks :
(i) It is more convenient to use vector form for finding shortest distance rather than cartesian
form. lf the equations of lines are given in cartesian form, then find the corresponding vector
equation and use vector form for finding the shortest distance.
(ii) For finding the equations of line of shortest distance PQ, we find the coordinates of points
P and Q asÊ follows:
Take a general point on line l1 and take it as P then take a general point on l2 and take

it as Q. Find direction-ratios of PQ and use the condition that PQ is perpendicular to l1 and

l2 to obtain two equations in  and  .

Solve the equations for  and  and substitute their values in general points to get the
coordinates of P and Q.
Once the coordinates of P and Q are obtained, we can find equations of line PQ both in
vector as well as cartesian form and we can also find distance PQ using distance formula.

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 36 QUIZRR

Illustration 33
Find the shortest distance between the lines
 
r  (6i→  2 →j  2k→ )   (i→  2 →j  2k→ ) and r  (4i→  k→ )   (3i→  2 →j  2k→ )
Solution :
Given lines are

r  (6i→  2 →j  2k→ )   (i→  2 →j  2k→ )

and r  (4i→  k→ )   (3i→  2 →j  2k→ )
 
 a  6i→  2 →j  2 k→; m1  i→  2 →j  2 k→
 
and b  4i→  k→; m2  3i→  2 →j  2k→
 
Now, b  a  10i→  2 j→  3k→

i→ →j k→
 
and m1  m2  1 2 2  8i→  8 →j  4 k→
3 2 2

 
 m1  m2  82  82  42

 64  64  16  144  12
   
Also, (b  a).(m1  m2 )

 (10i→  2 j→  3k→ ).(8i→  8 j→  4 k→ )

 80  16  12  108
 Shortes distance
   
(b  a).(m1  m2 ) 108
    9
m1  m2 12

Shor t est d ist ance b et ween 2 skew lines :

Skew lines : Two non-parallel , non intersecting lines in space.
Q
Thus, the skew lines are those which do not lie in the same
plane. i.e. non-coplanar. l2
LINE OF SHORTEST DISTANCE : If l1 and l2 are two skew- Line of shortest
lines, then there is one and only one line perpendicular to each distance
of lines l1 and l2 which is known as the line of shortest distance.
SHORTEST DISTANCE : The shortest distance between two
l1
lines l1 and l2 is the distance PQ between the points P and Q P

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 37

where the lines of shortest distance intersects the two given lines.
If two lines intersect then the shortestdistance between them is zero. If two lines are parallel then
the shortest distance between them is the distance between the two lines.

CONDITION FOR TWO GIVEN LINES TO INTERSECT

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
If the    
l1 m1 n1 and l2 m2 n2 intersect, then the shortest distance

between them is zero. Therefore,

x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1
l1 m1 n1
l2 m2 n2
d 0
(m1 m2  m2 n1 )2  (n1 l2  l1 n2 )2  (l1 m2  l2 m1 )2

x2  x1 y2  y1 z2  z1
l1 m1 n1  0

l2 m2 n2

Illustration 34

Find the shrtest distance betw een the lines

x3 y8 x3 x3 y7 z6

  and  
3 1 1 3 2 4

Solution :
Vector equations of the given lines are

r  3i→  8 →j  3k→   (3i→  →j  k→ )

and r  3i→  7 →j  6k→   (3i→  2 →j  4 k→ )
 
 a  3i→  8 →j  3k→; m1  3i→  →j  k→
 
and b  3i→  7 →j  6 k→; m2  3i→  2 →j  4 k→
 
Now, b  a  6i→  15 →j  3k→

i→ →j k→
 
and m1  m2  3 1 1  6i→  15 j→  3k→
3 2 4

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 38 QUIZRR

 
 m1  m2  (6)2  (15)2  (3)2  36  225  9  270
   
Also, (b  a).(m1  m2 )

 (6i→  15 →j  3k→ ).(6i→  15 →j  3k→ )  36  225  9  270

 Shortest distance
   
(b  a).(m1  m2 ) 270
     3 30
m1  m2 270

Illustration 35
Show that the following pair of lines intersect
 
r  i→  →j  k→   (3i→  →j ) ; r  4 i→  k→   (2i→  3 k→ )
Solution : Given lines are

r  i→  →j  k→   (3i→  →j )

and r  4 i→  k→   (2i→  3 k→ )
 
 a  i→  →j  k→; m1  3i→  →j

and b  4 i→  k→; m2  2i→  3k→
   
The given lines will intersect if (b  a).(m1  m2 )  0
   
i.e., if [b  a m1 m2 ]  0
 
Now, b  a  3i→  →j

3 1 0

and  b  a m
  
1 m2 
 3 1 0  0 [ R1 and R2 are identical]

2 0 3

Thus lgiven lines intersect.

Illustration 36
Find the length and the equation of the line of shortest distance between the lines

x  8 y  9 z  10 x  15 y  29 z  5
  and  
3 16 7 3 8 5
Solution :
Given lines are

x  8 y  9 z  10
  ...(i)
3 16 7
THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY
 QUIZRR 39

x  15 y  29 z  5
and   ...(ii)
3 8 5
Any point on line (i) can be taken as

 x  8 y  9 z  10 
P (3  8,  16  9,7  10)  Puting 3  16  7   
 
Any point on line (ii) can be taken as

 x  15 y  29 z  5 
Q(3  15,8 29, 5  5)  Puting    
 3 8  5 
Direction ratios of PQ are
(3  3  7, 8   16  38,  5  7  5)
Let PQ be the line of shortest distance then PQ is perpendicular to lines (i) and (ii).
 3(3  3  7)  16(8   16  38)  7(5  7  5)  0

and 3(3  3  7)  8(8   16  38)  5(5  7  5)  0

 154   314   622  0

and 98   154   350  0

 77   157  311  0

and 49  77  175  0

Solving them, we get   2,   1

Putting the values of  and  in P and Q, we get
P(5, 7, 3) and Q (9, 13, 15)
Equations of PQ i.e., equations of the line of shortest distance are

x5 y7 z3 x5 y7 z3

  i.e.  
4 6 12 2 3 6
and length of the line of shortest distance is

PQ  (9  5)2  (13  7)2  (15  3)2  16  36  144  196  14

Illustration 37
Find the shortest distance and the equation of the line of shortest
 
r  3i→  5 j→  7 k→  (i→  2 →j  k→ ) and r   i→  j→  k→  (7i→  6 →j  k→ )
Solution :
Given lines are

r  3i→  5 →j  7 k→   (i→  2 →j  k→ ) ...(i)

and r  i→  →j  k→   (7i→  6 →j  k→ ) ...(ii)

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

40 QUIZRR
Let P be a point on line (i) with position vector

OP  3i→  5 →j  7 k→   (i→  2 →j  k→ )

 (3   )i→  (5  2 ) →j  (7   ) k→
and Q bea point on line (ii) _with position vector

OQ  i→  →j  k→   (7i→  6 →j  k→ )

 (1  7  )i→  (1  6 ) →j  (1   ) k→


PQ  (7     4)i→  (6   2  6) →j  (    8) k→

Let PQ be the line of shortest distance, then PQ is perpendicular to lines (i) and (ii)

 PQ.(i→  2 →j  k→ )  0

and PQ.(7i→  6 j→  k→ )  0

 1(7     4)  2(6   2  6)  1(    8)  0

and 7(7     4)  6(6   2  6)  1(    8)  0
 20   6  0 and 86   20  0
Solving them, we get   0 and   0
 
Putting the values of  and  in OP and OQ , we get
 
OP  3i→  5 →j  7 k→ and OQ  i→  →j  k→
Equations of PQ i.e., equations of line of shortest distance are

r  (3i→  5 →j  7 k→ )  t[(i→  →j  k→ )  (3i→  5 →j  7 k→ )]

i.e. r  (3i→  5 →j  7 k→ )  t(4i→  6 →j  8 k→ )
and shortest disatnce

PQ  (3  1)2  (5  1)2  (7  1) 2  16  36  64  116  2 29

PLANE
A plane is a surface such that a line that joins any two points of the surface lies in the surface.
The general equation of plane is ax  by  cz  d  0 . Here there are 4 variables a, b, c & d . We can
reduce them to three i.e.

a b c

 d x  d  y  d z1  0
     

 Ax  By  Cz  1  0
So now there are 3 variables & hence 3 conditions are required to find the equation of a plane.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 41

Differ ent for ms of eq uat ion of p lane :

(1) Intercept form :
Analogous to the form as we did in straight line, if the plane cuts the intercepts a,b,c on x-axis,
y-axis & z-axis respectively, then the equation of plane is given by

x y z
  1
a b c

NOTE : For finding x-intercept we put both y & z equal to zero in the equation. Similarly for
y-intercept, put x = 0 & z = 0 Z-intercept, put x = 0 & y = 0.

Illustration 38
A plane meets the coordinates axes in A,B,C such that the centroid of triangle ABC is the
x y z
point (p,q,r). Show that the equation of the plane is p  q  r  3 .

Solution :
Let the equation of the required plane be

x y z
  1 ...(i)
a b c
Then the coordinates of A,B and C are A(a,0,0), B(0,b,0) and C(0,0,c) respectively. So, the centroid
a b c
of triangle ABC is  , ,  . But the coordinates of the centroid are (p, q, r).
3 3 3

a b c
 p , q  and r   a  3 p, b  3q and c  3r
3 3 3
Substituting the values of a,b and c in (i), we get the required plane as

x y z x y z
  1    3.
3 p 3q 3r p q r

Illustration 39
A variable plane moves in such a way that the sum of the reciprocals of its intercepts on
the three coordinate axes is constant. Show that the plane passes through a fixed point.
Solution :
Let the equation of the plane be
x y z
  1 ...(i)
a b c
Then, a,b,c are intercepts made by the plane with coordinate axes.
1 1 1
    k , k is a constant.
a b c

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 42 QUIZRR

1 1 1
   1
ak bk ck

1  1  1 1  1 1 
   1
a  k  b  k  c  k 

1 1 1
This shows that plane (i) passes through the fixed point  , ,  .
 k k k

(2) EQUATION OF PLANE IN NORMAL PLANE

If n is the given normal to the plane then the equation of plane is as follows :

1. VECTOR FORM :

r .n→  d ...(i)

where n→ = unit vector in n direction
d = distance of plane from origin.
Logic : From diagram NP  ON & we have to find the equation of plane containing N & P
So NP  ON
or n  NP
or n→  NP N P

 ( NP).n→  0

 (OP  ON ).n→  0 n r
 
 (r  n).n→  0
O
 
 r.n→  n.n→

n.n→ is nothing but the magnitude of ON i.e. distance ON & hence the result.
NOTE : In equation (i) n should be a unit vector only. If you not given the unit vector

  n d
instead it is given like r .n  d , then at this moment convert it to r. 
n n .

2. Cartesian Form :

Put r  xi→  yj→  zk→ and

n→  li→  mj→  nk→

so equation becomes
lx  my  nz  p ...(ii)
IMP : The coefficients of x,y & z in the equation of plane are direction ratios of the normal
to the plane.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 43

Conversion from cartesian to vector form :

1. Represent the equation in terms of equation (ii)
2. If R.H.S. is negative, make it positive
3. Divide both sides by

(coeff. of x)2  (coeff. of y)2  (coeff. of z)2

l m n p
i.e. x y z
l2  m2  n2 l2  m2  n2 l2  m2  n2 l2  m2  n2

 l m p 
so here  , ,  are direction cosines (and not DRs) of
 2 2 2 2 2 2 
 l m n l m n l  m2  n2
2


p
the normal & is the distance of plane from origin.
l2  m2  n2

E q uat ion of p lane p assing t hr ough a given p oint and nor mal t o a given vect or .
If ÂaÊ is the given point and ÂnÊ is the normal vector then the equation is given by
  
(r  a).n  0

Cartesian form :

For cartesian form put r  xi→  yj→  zk→

a  a1 i→  a2 j→  a3 k→

and n  n1i→  n2 →j  n3 k→
in the above vector equation, then the equation becomes

( x  a1 ) n1  ( y  a2 ) n2  ( z  a3 )n3  0
NOTE : The coefficients of x,y,z here are Directional Ratios (not DCÊs) of the normal.Please do
not get confuse between the two, that is the reason we keep mentioning it everytime.

Illustration 40

Find the length of perpendicular from the origin to the plane 2 x  3 y  6 z  14 .

Solution :
Given equation of the plane is 2 x  3 y  6 z  14 .

Here a  2, b  3, c  6 and d  14

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

44 QUIZRR
Perpendicular distance of the plane from the origin is

d
p
a  b2  c2
2

14 14 14 14
    2
2
(2)  (3)  (6) 2 2 4  9  36 49 7

Illustration 41

Write the normal form of the equation of the plane r .(2i→  →j  2 k→ )  72 .

Solution :

Given equation of the plane is r.(2i→  →j  2 k→ )  72


Here n  2i→  →j  2 k→ and d  72


n 2i→  →j  2k→ 2i→  →j  2k→
Now, n→    
n (2) 2  (1)2  (2) 2 3

2→ 1 → 2 →
 i  j k
3 3 3

d 72 72
p     24
n 2 2
(2)  (1)  (2) 2 3


Equation of plane in normal form is r .n→  p

 2 1 2 
 r .  i→  →j  k→   24 .
 3 3 3 

Illustration 42

Find the cartesian form of equation of a plane whose vector equation is r .(2i→  3 →j  k→ )  10 .

Solution :

Given equation of the plane is r.(2i→  3 →j  k→ )  10


Here n  2i→  3 →j  k→ and d  10 .

Direction-ratios of normal are 2,3,-1 i.e. a  2, b  3, c  1 and d  10 .

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 45

Equation of the plane in cartesian form is

ax  by  cz  d

 2 x  3 y  z  10
Other Method :

r  xi→  yj→  zk→


Given equation of plane is r.(2i→  3 →j  k→ )  10

 ( xi→  yj→  zk→ ).(2i→  3 →j  k→ )  10

 2 x  3 y  z  10
which is the required cartesian form.

Illustration 43
Find the equation in cartesian form of the plane passing through the point (3,-3) and
normal to the line joining the points (3,4,-1) and (2,-1,5).
Solution :
We know that the vector equation of a plane passing through a point having position vector a
and normal to n is
  
(r  a).n  0
   
or r .n  a.n ...(i)
Since the given plane passes through the point (3, 3, 1) and is normal to the line joining
A (3, 4, 1) and B (2, 1, 5). Therefore

a  3i→  3 →j  k→
 
and n  AB  P.B. of B- P.V. of A

 (2i→  →j  5 k→ )  (3i→  4 →j  k→ )  i→  5 →j  6 k→

 
Substituting a  3i→  3 →j  k→ and n  i→  5 →j  6 k→ in(i) We obtain

r .(i→  5 j→  6 k→ )  (3i→  3 →j  k→ )).(i→  5 →j  6 k→ )

or r .(i→  5 →j  6 k→ )  3  15  6

or r.(i→  5 →j  6 k→ )  18
This is the vector equation of the required plane. The Cartesian equation is

( xi→  yj→  zk→ ).(i→  5 j→  6 k→ )  18

  x  5 y  6 z  18 or x  5 y  6 z  18  0

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

46 QUIZRR

Illustration 44
 o
A vector n of magnitude 8 units is inclined to x-axis at 45 , y-axis at 60o and an acute
angle with z-axis. If a plane passes through a point   
2, 1,1 and is normal to n , find its
equation in vector form.
Solution :
Let  be the angle made by n with z-axis. Then direction cosines of n are

1 1
l  cos 450  , m  cos600  and n  cos 
2 2

2 2
 1  1
 l2  m2  n2  1   2
  2  n 1
 2  

1 1
 n2  n [  is acute  n  cos   0 ]
4 2

We have n 8.


 
 
n  n li→  mj→  nk→  n  8 
 1 → 1 → 1 →
 2
i  j  k   4 2i→  4 →j  4 k→
2 2 

The required plane passes through the point  

2, 1,1 having position vector a  2i→  →j  k→ .

So, its vector equation is

      
(r  a).n  0 or r .n  a.n



r .(4 2i→  4 →j  4 k→)   
2i→  →j  k→ .(4. 2i→  4 →j  4 k→)



r.  
2i→  →j  k→  4

Illustration 45

Reduce the equation r .(3i→  4 j→  12 k→ )  5 to normal form and hence find the length of
perpendicular from the origin to the plane.
Solution :

The given equation is r.(3i→  4 →j  12 k→ )  5

  
or r .n  5 wheer n  3i→  4 →j  12 k→

Since n  32  (4) 2  122  13  1 , therefore the given equation is not in normal form. To reduce

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 47

it to normal form, we divide both sides by n , i.e.


 n 5  3 4 → 12 →  5
r.    r .  i→  j k 
13  13
n n or .
 13 13

This is the normal form of the equation of given plane. The length of the perpendicular from the
5
origin is .
13

Angle betweem two plane

Angle between two planes is same as angle between their normals.

Vector Form
 
Let r .n1  d1 and r .n2  d2 be two planes and  be the angle between them, then  is the angle
 
between normals n1 and n2 .
 
n1 . n 2
 cos    
n1 n 2
   
If the two planes are perpendicular than n1  n2 and n1 .n2  0
   
If the two planes are paralell then n1  n2 and n1   n2 .

Carteisan Form :
Let a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  0 and a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d2 be two planes and  be angle between them ,
then  is the angle between their normals whose direction-ratios are a1 , b1 , c1 and a2 , b2 , c2 .

a1 a2  b1b2  c1 c2
 cos 
a12  b12  c12 a22  b22  c22

If the two planes are perpendicular then their normals are perpendicular and hence
a1 a2  b1 b2  c1 c2  0 .

a1 b1 c1
If the two planes are parallel then their normals are parallel and hence a  b  c .
2 2 2

Illustration 46
 
Find the angle between the planes r .(2i→  →j  k→ )  6 and r .(i→  →j  2 k→ )  7 .
Solution :
Let  be the angle bnetween the given planes then  is the angle between their normals
2i→  →j  k→ and i→  →j  2k→

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 48 QUIZRR

(2i→  →j  k→ ).(i→  →j  2k→ )

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

2 1  2 3 1
  
6 6 6 2

   600 .

Illustration 47

Find the angle between the planes 2 x  y  z  5 and x  2 y  z  6 .

Solution :
Let  be the angle between the given planes then  is the angle between their normals wose
direction-ratios are 2,-1,1 and 1,2,1.

2  1  (1)  2  1  (1)
 cos  
(2)  (1)2  (1)2 (1)2  (2)2  (1)2
2

2  21 1
 
6 6 6

1
  cos1   .
6  

E q uat ion of p lane p assing t hr ough 3 p oint s

M et h o d - 1

(a) The general equation of a plane passing through a point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) is given by

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

where a, b, c are constants.

To find these values, put the values of 3 points in the equation to obtain 3 equations. And solve
for 3 variables.

M et h o d - 2
(a) Vector Form :
  
If 3 points r1 r2 r3 are given on the plane.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 49

According to equation type 3 weneed one point and normal direction. We have points, we need
normal. For normal we can do
   
(r1  r2 )  (r2  r3 )

which will give me a normal to the plane.

r2
Thus completes our equation of plane r1
   
(r  r1 )[(r1  r2 )  (r2  r3 )]  0 r3
   
or [r  r1 r1  r2 r2  r3 ]  0

in scalar triple product.

(b) Constant form :

From the last equation, just applying the formula of scalar triple product

x  a1 y  a2 z  a3
a1  b1 a2  b2 a3  b3  0
b1  c1 b2  c2 b3  c3


where r  xi→  yj→  zk→

r1  a1 i→  a2 →j  a3 k→

r2  b1 i→  b2 →j  b3 k→

r3  c1 i→  c2 →j  c3 k→

Vect or E q uat ion of Plane in Scalar T r ip le Pr od uct For m

(i) Vector equation of a plane passing through three non-collinear points.

Let A,B,C be the three given points with position vectors a , b, c respectively and P beanarbitrary
point on the plane with position vector r .

B
C

a  P
b

c 
r

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 50 QUIZRR
  
Points A, B, C and P lie on same plane, therefore AP, AB and AC are coplanar.

  

Hence,  AP AB AC   0
 
     
  OP  OA OB  OA OC  OA   0

 
  r  a ba
 
c  a   0

which is the required equation.

(ii) Vector equation of a plane passing through two given points and parallel to a given
straight line
  be a vector
Let A and B be the two given points with position vectors a and b respectively, m
parallel to the given straight line and P be an arbitrary point on the plane with position vector r.

A

m

B P

a 
b

r

 lie on same plane, therefore,   

Points A, B, P and vector m AP, AB and m are coplanar.
  
 
Hence,  AP AB m   0
    
 OP  OA OB  OA m 
  0

 r  a b  a m

  0
which is the required equation.

(iii) Vector equation of a plane passing through a given point and parallel to two given
straight lines
  
LetA be the given point with position vector a, m1 and m2 be vectors parallel to the given straight
lines and P be an arbitrary point on the plane with position vector r .

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 51


m1
A


m2
P

a

r

    
Points A, P and vectors m1 , m2 lie on same plane, therefore AP, m1 and m2 are coplanar.

   
Hence,  AP m 1 m2   0

   
 
  OP  OA m1 m2   0
   
 r  a m1 m2   0

which is the required equation.

Equation of a Plane in Parametric Form

  
Let A be a point on the plane with position vector a and m1 and m2 be two vectors parallel to the
plane. Let P be an arbitrary point with position vector r .

 
m2 C m1
M

A
P

L B

r
O
   
Take AB  m1 and AC  m2
Complete the parallelogram ALPM.
   
AL   m1 and AM  m2
   
 AL   m1 and AL   m1

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 52 QUIZRR
  
Now, AP  AL  AM [Parallelogram law of addition]
   
 OP  OA  AL  AM
   
 r  a   m1   m2
   
 r  a   m1   m2
which is the required equation with parameters  and  .
Thus, equation of a plane in parametric form passing through point with position vector a and
 
parallel to vectors in m1 and m2 is
   
r  a   m1   m 2

Illustration 48
Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the points

2i→  2 →j  k→ , 3i→  4 →j  2 k→ and 7i→  6 k→

Solution :
  
Let a  2i→  2 j→  k→, b  3i→  4 →j  2 k→ and c  7i→  6 k→
Equation of the required plane is

 r  a b  a c  a   0
 
     
 (r  a).[(b  a)  (c  a)]  0 ...(i)
 
Now b  a  (3i→  4 →j  2 k→ )  (2i→  2 →j  k→ )  i→  2 →j  3k→
 
c  a  (7i→  6 k→ )  (2i→  2 →j  k→ )  5i→  2 →j  7 k→

i→ j→ k→
   
(b  a)  ( c  a)  1 2 3
5 2 7

 20i→  8 →j  12 k→
From (i)

[r  (2i→  2 →j  k→ )}.[20i→  8 →j  12k→ ]  0

 r (20i→  8 →j  12k→ )  (2i→  2 →j  k→ ).(20i→  8 →j  12k→ )  0

 r .(20i→  8 →j  12k→ )  (40  16  12)  0

 r .(20i→  8 j→  12k→ )  68

 r.(5i→  2 →j  3k→ )  17
which is the required equation.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 53

Illustration 49

Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the points i→  →j  k→ and 2i→  6 j→  k→
and parallel to the line

r  (3i→  5 →j  k→ )  (i→  2 j→  k→ ) .
Solution :
  
Let a  i→  →j  k→, b  2i→  6 →j  k→ and m  i→  2 →j  k→
Equation of the required plane is
    
[r  a. b  a. m]  0
    
 (r  a).{(b  a)  m}  0 ...(i)
 
Now, b  a  (2i→  6 j→  k→ )  (i→  →j  k→ )  i→  5 →j  2 k→

i→ →j k→
  
(b  a)  m  1 5 2  9i→  →j  7 k→
1 2 1

From (i)

{r  (i→  →j  k→ ).(9 k→  →j  7 k→ }  0


 r (9i→  →j  7 k→ )  (i→  →j  k→ ).(9i→  →j  7 k→ )  0


 r .(9i→  →j  7 k→ )  (9  1  7)  0


 r.(9i→  →j  7 k→ )  17

which is the required equation.

Illustration 50

Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the point 3i→  →j  k→ and parallel to
the lines
 
r  (i→  j→  k→ )  (2i→  j→  k→ ) and r (2i→  →j  3 k→ )  (5i→  3 j→  k→ )

Solution :
  
Let a  3i→  →j  k→, m1  2i→  →j  k→ and m2  5i→  3 j→  k→

Equation of the required plane is

   
[r  a m1 m2 ]  0

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 54 QUIZRR
   
(r  a). (m1  m2 )  0

i→ →j k→
 
m1  m2  2 1 1
5 3 1

 4 i→  3 →j  11 k→

r  (3i→  →j  k→) 4i→  3 →j  11k→  0


 r .(4i→  3 →j  11k→ )  (3i→  →j  k→ ).(4 i→  3 →j  11k→ )  0

 r.(4i→  3 →j  11k→ )  (12  3  11)  0

 r.(4i→  3 →j  11k→ )  2  0

Illustration 51
Find the vector equation in scalar product form of the plane

r  i→  →j  (i→  j→  k→ )  (i→  2 j→  3 k→ )
Solution :

The given equation is r  i→  →j   (i→  →j  k→ )   (i→  2 →j  3 k→ ) .

It represents a plane passing through the point i→  →j and parallel to i→  →j  k→ and i→  2 →j  3k→ .
  
Let a  i→  →j, m1  i→  →j  k→ and m2  i→  2 →j  3k→
Equation of given plane in scalar product form is
   
[r  a m1 m2 ]  0
   
 (r  a).(m1  m2 )  0 ...(i)

i→ j→ k→
 
m1  m2  1 1 1
Now,
1 2 3

 5i→  2 →j  3 k→

From (i) {r  (i→  →j )}.{5i→  2 →j  3k→ }  0

 r .(5i→  2 →j  3k→ )  (i→  →j ).(5i→  2 →j  3k→ )  0

 r .(5i→  2 →j  3k→ )  (5  2  0)  0

 r.(5i→  2 →j  3k→ )  7
which is the required equation.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 55

Illustration 52

Find the vector equation of the plane r  ( s  2t )i→  (3  t ) j→  (2s  t )k→ in scalar product form.

Solution :
Given equation is

r  ( s  2t)i→  (3  t) →j  (2s  t) k→


i.e. r  3 →j  s(i→  2k→ )  t(2i→  →j  k→ )

It represents a plane passing through point 3 →j and parallel to i→  2k→ and 2i→  →j  k→ .

  
Let a  3 →j, m1  i→  2k→ and m2  2i→  →j  k→

Equation of given plane in scalar product form is

   
[r  a m1 m2 ]  0
   
 (r  a).(m1  m2 )  0 ...(i)

i→ →j k→
 
Now, m1  m2  1 0 2
2 1 1

 2i→  5 →j  k→

From (i)

(r  3 →j ).(2i→  5 j→  k→ )  0


 r .(2i→  5 →j  k→ )  3 →j.(2i→  5 →j  k→ )  0


 r.(2i→  5 →j  k→ )  15  0


 r.(2i→  5 →j  k→ )  15

which is the required equation.

T wo Sid es of a Plane
 
Let a and b be positionvectors of two points A and B and r.n  d be equation of a plane.

Let P be a point on given plane which divides the line segment joining A and B in the ratio m : n .
 
ma  nb
The position vector of P is .
mn

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

56 QUIZRR
Since P lies on the plane r.n  d

 ma  nb  
   .n  d
 mn 

  
 ma.n  nb.n  md  nd
 
 m(a.n  d)  n(b.n  d )  0

m (b.n  d)
   
n ( a.n  d )

m 
If is positive then a .n  d and b.n  d are of the opposite sign and P divide AB internally.
n
Therefore, A and B are on theopposite side of the plane (Figure).

m 
If is negative then a .n  d and b.n  d are of the same sign and P divides AB externally.
n
Therefore A and B are on the same side of the plane
  
Thus, if a .n  d and b.n  d
are of opposite sign then points with position vectors a and b are

on opposite sides of the plane r.n  d and a .n  d and b.n  d are of same sign then points with

position vector a and b are on same side of the plane r.n  d .

P P
A B A B

Similarly, for cartesian form the points ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) are on opposite sides of the

plane ax  by  cz  d if ax1  by1  cz1  d1 and ax2  by2  cz2  d2 are of opposite sign and the

points ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) and ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) are on same side of the plane ax  by  cz  d if ax1  by1  cz1  d1

ax2  by2  cz2  d2 are of same sign.

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 57

Illustration 53

Show that the points i→  j→  2 k→ and i→  →j  k→ lie on opposite sides of the plane


r .(5i→  2 →j  7 k→ )  9  0 .

Solution :
 
Let a  i→  →j  3k→ and b  i→  →j  k→ .

Equationof plane is

r .(5i→  2 →j  7 k→ )  9  0


 r.(5i→  2 →j  7 k→ )  9


Here n  5i→  2 →j  7 k→ and d  9

 
Now, a.n  d  (i→  →j  3k→ ).(5i→  2 →j  7 k→ )  9  5  2  21  9  9

and b.n  d  (i→  →j  k→ ).(5i→  2 →j  7 k→ )  9  (5  2  7)  9  9
    
Since a.n  d and b.n  d are of opposite signs,therefore, a and b lie on opposite sides of the
given plane.

DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO PARALLEL PLANES

 
Let r.n  d1 and r.n  d2 be two parallel planes.

 d1  d2
Then, distance of r.n  d1 from the origin is p1  n and that of r.n  d2 is p2  n .

Thus, the distance between these two planes is

d d d d
p1  p2  1  2  1  2
n n n

Similarly, in cartersian form the distance between parallel planes ax  by  cz  d1 and

ax  by  cz  d2 is

d1  d2
.
a  b2  c2
2

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

58 QUIZRR
Distance of a point from a Plane
Let A be a point with position vector a and r.n  d be a plane
Equation of plane through a and parallel to given plane is
  
(r  a).n  0 [ parallel planes have small nomral]
   
 r .n  a.n
 
a.n
Perpendicular distance of this plane from the origin is n .

d
Perpendicular distance of r.n  d from the origin is n .

   
a.n d a.n  d
Distance between the two planes is n  n  
n
which is same as distance between the

 
a.n  d
point A with position vector a and plane r.n  d is 
n

Similarly, for cartesian form the distance of point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) from the plane ax  by  cz  d is

ax1  by1  cz1  d

a2  b2  c2

Illustration 54

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

Solution :
Given equation of theplane are
2x  2 y  z  3  0
and 4 x  4 y  2z  5  0
i.e. 2 x  2 y  z  3
and 4 x  4 y  2 z  5
Perpendicular distance of the plane 2 x  2 y  z  3 from the origin is

3 3  d 
p1   1  p  
2 2
(2)  (2)  (1) 2 3
 a2  b2  c2 
Perpendicular distance of the plane 4 x  4 y  2 z  5 from the origin is
5 5
p2  
2 2
(4)  (4)  (2) 2 6

 distance between the two given planes is

5 1
p1  p2  1   units
6 6

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 59

Illustration 55

Find the distance of the point 2i→  j→  4 k→ from the plane r .(4i→  12 →j  3 k→ )  7 .

Solution :
Given plane is

r.(4i→  12 →j  3k→ )  7


Here n  4i→  12 →j  3k→

and d 7

Let a  2i→  j→  4 k→ , then
distance of a from the plane is

  (2i→  →j  4 k→ ).(4i→  12 →j  3 k→ )  7
a.n  d
 
n (4)2  (_12)2  (3)2

8  12  12  7 25 25
   units
16  144  9 169 13

Illustration 56

Find the distance of the point (2, 3, 5) from the plane x  2 y  2 z  9 .

Solution :

Distance of point ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) from the plane ax  by  cz  d is

ax1  by1  cz1  d

a2  b2  c2

Therefore, distance of (2,3,-5) from x  2 y  2 z  9  0 is

2  2(3)  2(5)  9 2  6  10  9

(1) 2  (2)2  (3)2 9

9
  3 units.
3

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 60 QUIZRR
Family of Planes
(i) Family of planes parallel to a given plane
Vector Form
Family of planes parallel to the plane r.n  d is r.n   , because the parallel planes have same
normal. Different values of  give different planes parallel to the plane r.n  d .

Cartesian Form
Family of planes parallel to the plane ax  by  cz  d is ax  by  cz   because the parallel
planes have same normal and hence direction-ratios of normals are same. Different values of 
given different planes parallel to the plane ax  by  cz  d .

(ii) Family of Planes passing through the intersection of two planes.

If two planes are not parallel then they intersect at a line called the line of intersection.
Vector Form
 
Let r .n1  d1 and r.n2  d2 be two non-parallel planes. Consider the equation
  
(r .n1  d1 )   (r .n2  d2 )  0

where  is a constant
  
 r .(n1   n2 )  d1   d2 ...(i)

Cartesian Form

Thus, equation of family of planes through the intersection of planes a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1

and a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d2 is

( a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1 )   ( a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d2 )  0

Illustration 57

Find the equation of plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes
2 x  7 y  4 z  3, 3 x  5 y  4 z  11  0 and the point A ( 2, 1, 3).
Solution :
Equation of family of planes passing through theline of intersection of the planes
2x  7 y  4 z  3 and 3 x  5 y  4 z  11  0 is

(2 x  7 y  4 z  3)   (3 x  5 y  4 z  11)  0
Since, this plane passes through the point (-2,1,3)
 (2(2)  7(1)  4(3)  3)   (3(2)  5(1)  4(3)  11)  0

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 61

 2   (12)  0
 12  2

2 1
  
12 6
Thus, required equation of the planeis

1
(2 x  7 y  4 z  3)  (3 x  5 y  4 z  11)  0
6

 12 x  42 y  24 z  18  3 x  5 y  4 z  11  0

 15 x  47 y  28 z  7  0

 15 x  47 y  28 z  7

Illustration 58
Find the equation of the plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes
x  y  z  6 , 2 x  3 y  4 z  15  0 and perpendicular to the plane 4 x  5 y  3 z  8 .
Solution :
Equation of family planes passing through the line of intersection of the planes
x y z  6 and 2 x  3 y  4 z  15  0 is

( x  y  z  6)   (2 x  3 y  4 z  15)  0

 (1  2 ) x  (1  3 ) y  (1  4  ) z  6  15  0

Since, this plane is perpendicular to the plane 4 x  5 y  3 z  8

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

6
 6 + 11 = 0   =
11

Thus, required equation of the plane is

6
( x  y  z  6)  (2 x  3 y  4 z  15)  0
11

 11 x  11 y  11z  66  12 x  18 y  24 z  90  0

  x  7 y  13 z  156  0

 x  7 y  13 z  156  0

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62 QUIZRR

Illustration 59


Find the equation of the plane through the line of intersection of the planes r .(i→  3 j→ )  6  0

and r .(3i→  j→  4 k→ )  0 , which is at a unit distance from the origin.

Solution :
Equation of family of plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes
 
r .(i→  3 j→)  6  0 and r .(3i→  →j  4 k→ )  0 is
 
[r .(i→  3 j→)  6]   [r .(3i→  →j  4 k→ )]  0

 r [(1  3 )i→  (3   ) →j  4 k→ ]  6  0

 r .[(1  3 )i→  (3   ) →j  4  k→ ]  6
Perpendicular distance of this plane from the origin is

6
((1  3 )  (3   )) 2  (4 )2
2

If perpendicular distance from the origin is 1, then

6
1
(1  3 )2  (3   )2  (4 )2

 6  (1  3 )2  (3   )2  (4 )2

 36  1  6  9 2  9  6   2  16 2

 36  10  26 2  26  26 2

26
 2     1
26
Thus, required equations of the planes are
 
[r .(i→  3 j→)  6]  [r .(3i→  →j  4 k→ )]  0


 r .(4i→  2 →j  4 k→ )  6  0

 
and [r .(i→  3 j→)  6]  [r .(3i→  →j  4 k→ )]  0


 r .(2i→  4 →j  4 k→ )  6  0

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 63

(iii) Planes bisecting the angles between the given planes.

Vector Form :
 
Let r .n1  d1 and r.n2  d2 be equations of two non-parallel planes.

Let P be an arbitrary point on the plane bsiecting the angle between the given planes with
position vector r . Then distance of point P from thegiven plane should be equal
 
r .n1  d1 r .n2  d2
   
n1 n2

 
r.n1  d1 r.n2  d2
    
n1 n2

which are the required equations.

Cartesian Form :

Let a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1 and a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d2 be equations of two non-parallel planes

Corresponding Cartesian form is

a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1 a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d2

a12  b12  c12 a22  b22  c22

*You can see that results of cartesian form are very similar to that to straight lines.

BISECTORS OF ACUTE AND OBTUSE ANGLES

One of the bisector planes obtained bisects the acute angle between the two given planes qnd the
other bisects the obtuse angle between the two given planes. To obtain the angle bisector bisecting
the acute angle between the two given planes, we find the tangent of the angle  (say). between

one of the given planes and one of the angle bisectors. If tan   1 , then the chosen bisector plane
bisects the acute angle between the given planesÊ and the other bisector plane bisects the obtuse
angle~between the planes. If tan   1 , then the chosen bisector bisects the obtuse angle between
the planes and the other bisector bisects the acuteÊangle between the planes.

Bisector of the Angle Containing the Origin

To find the plane bisecting the angle containing the origin, we proceed as under:
STEP-I. Write down the equations of the given planes such that their constant terms are of
the same sign.
STEP-II. Obtain the bisect or corresponding to +v sign.
For example, if the given planes are
a1 x  b1 y  c1 z  d1  0

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

64 QUIZRR

and a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d2  0

such that d1 and d2 are of the same sign, then the bisecting plane

a1 x  b1 y  c2 z  d1 a2 x  b2 y  c2 z  d1

a12  b12  c12 a22  b22  c22

bisects the angle betwen the planes that contains the origin.

Illustration 60

Find the equation of the plane bisecting the angles between the planes x  2 y  2 z  3  0
and 3 x  4 y  12 z  1  0 . Also specify the plane which bisects the acute angle.
Solution :
The equations of the given planes are
x  2 y  2z  3  0 ...(i)
and 3 x  4 y  12 z  1  0 ...(ii)
The equations of the two bisectors planes are
x  2 y  2z  3 3 x  4 y  12 z  1

2 2 2
(1)  (2)  (2) (3) 2  (4)2  (12) 2

x  2 y  2z  3 3 x  4 y  12 z  1
 
3 13
 13 x  26 y  26 z  39   (9 x  12 y  36 z  3)

 4 x  14 y  10 z  42  0

and 22 x  38 y  62 z  36  0

 2 x  7 y  5 z  21  0 ...(iii)

and 11 x  19 y  31 z  18  0 ...(iv)
Thus, the two bisectors are
2 x  7 y  5 z  21  0 and 11 x  19 y  31 z  18  0
Now, let  be the acute angle between the plane(i) and the bisector plane (iii), then

1(2)  2(7)  2(5)

cos  
(1)2  (2)2  (2)2 (2)2  (7)2  (5)2

2  14  10 6 2 2
   
9 78 3 78 78 39

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 65

2 37
Now, sin   1  cos2   1  
39 39

sin  37
 tan    1
cos 2

   450
Therefore, the bisector plane (iii) biscts the obtuse angle between the given planes.
Hence, plane 11 x  19 y  31 z  18  0 bisects the acute angle between the given plane.

Illustration 61
Find the equation ofplane bisecting the angle in which the origin lies of the planes
x  2 y  2 z  9 and 4 x  3 y  12 z  13  0 .
Solution :
The given equation are
x  2 y  2z  9 and 4 x  3 y  12 z  13  0

i.e. x  2 y  2z  9  0 and 4 x  3 y  12 z  13  0 [Constant terms should be of same sign]

 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  2 z  9 4 x  3 y  12 z  13
 
3 13

 13 x  26 y  26 z  117  12 x  9 y  36 z  39

 25 x  17 y  62 z  78  0

LINE AND PLANE

Unsymmetrical Form of Line
The equation of two non-parallel planes taken together is called the unsymmetrical form of line
beceuase if a point lies in both these planes it has to lie on the line of intersection of the planes.

Illustration 62
Reduce in symmetrical form, the equation of the line of intersection of two planes
x  y  2 z  5, 3 x  y  z  6 .
Solution :
Let a,b,c be the direction ratios of the required line.
Since the required line lies in both the given planes, we must have
a  b  2 c  0 and 3a  b  c  0

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

66 QUIZRR
Solving these two equations by cross-multiplication, we get

a b c a b c
  or  
1  2 6  1 1  3 3 5 4

In order to find a point on the required line, we put z  0 in the two given equation to obtain

x  y  5, 3 x  y  6

11 9
Solving these two equations, we obtain x  , y .
4 4

 11 9 
Therefore, coordinates of a point on the required line are  ,  ,0  . Hence, the equation of the
 4 4 

required line is

11 y    9 
x  4  z 0
4    4 x  11 4 y  9 z  0 4 x  11 4 y  9 z  0
or   or   .
3 5 4 12 20 4 3 5 1

ANGLE BETWEEN A LINE AND A PLANE

    
Let the line be r  a   b and the plane be r .n  d . If  is the angle between them then

0 b.n
cos(90   )   
b n

 
b.n
 sin    
b n
 
n b
In Cartesian form, if the plane is ax  by  cz  d  0 and line

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 
is   then
l m n

al  bm  cn
sin  
a  b  c 2 l 2  m2  n2
2 2


So, the condition that line is parallel to the plane is b.n  0 or al  bm  cn  0 and the condition

 l m n
of perpendicular is b   n or   .
a b c

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY

 QUIZRR 67

Illustration 63

x 1 y1 z 3
Find the angle between the line   and plane 6 x  3 y  2 z  5 .
2 2 1

Solution :
Let  be the angle between the given line and given plane, the direction-ratios of line are 2,2,1
and that of normal to the plane are (6,-3,2).

(2)(6)  (2)(3)  (1)(2)

 sin  
(2)  (2)2  (1)2 (6)2  (3)2  (2)3
2

12  6  2 8
 
9 49 21

 8 
   sin 1  .
 21 

Illustration 64
 
Show that the line r  (i→  j→ )  (2i→  →j  4 k→ ) is parallel to the plane r .(2i→  k→ )  5 . Also find
the distance between them.
Solution : Given line is

r  (i→  j→)   (2i→  →j  4 k→ )

where m  2i→  →j  4 k→

and given plane is r.(2i→  k→)  5

where n  2i→  k→
 
Now, m.n  (2i→  j→  4 k→ ).(2i→  k→ )  4  0  4  0
 Given line and given plane are parallel.

Distance between given line and given plane is same as perpendicular distance of point a  i→  →j
from the plane r.(2i→  k→)  5 ,
 
a.n  d
which is 
n

(i→  →j ).(2i→  k→ )  5 2  5 7 7
   
2 2 5 5 5
(2)  (1)

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68 QUIZRR
INTERSECTION OF A LINE AND A PLANE

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
To find the point of intersection of the line   and the plane ax  by  cz  d  0
l m n

The coordinates of any point on the line

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
  are given by
l m n P
(x1+1r, y1+mr, z1+nr)

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1 ax+by+cz+d=0
   r (say)
l m n

or ( x1  lr, y1  mr, z1  nr) ...(i)

If it lies on the plane ax  by  cz  d  0 , then

a ( x1  lr )  b( y1  mr )  c( z1  nr)  d  0

 ( ax1  by1  cz1  d )  r (al  bm  cn)  0

(ax1  by1  cz1  d)

 r
al  bm  cn

Substituting the value of r in(i), we obtain the coordinates of the required point of intersection.

Illustration 65

x 1 y 2 z  5
Find the point of intersection of the line   and the plane 2 x  4 y  z  3
2 3 4

Solution :

x 1 y 2 z  5
Any point on the line   can be taken as
2 3 4

(1  2 ,2  3 ,  5  4  ) ...(i)

If this point lies on the plane 2 x  4 y  z  3 , then

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

 2  4  8  12  5  4   3
 15  12  3
  1
 From (i), point of intersection is (1+2, 2-3, -5+4) i.e. (3,-1,-1).

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Illustration 66

Find the distance between the point with position vector  i→  5 j→  10 k→ and the point of

x 2 y1 z2
intersection of the line   with the plane x  y  z  5 .
3 4 12

Solution :
The coordinates of any point on the line

x 2 y1 z 2
   r (say) are (3r  2,4 r  1,12r  2) ...(i)
3 4 12

If it lies on the plane x  y  z  5 , then

3r  2  4 r  1  12r  2  5  11r  0
 r 0.
Putting r = 0 in (i), we obtain (2, 1, 2) as the coordinates of the point of intersection of the given
line and plane.
Required distance = distance between (-1,-5,-10) and (2,-1,2)

 (2  1)2  (1  5)2  (2  10)2  13

Condition for line to lie in a plane

 
(a) Vector Form : If the line r  a   b lies in the plane r.n  d , then (i) b.n  0 and (ii) a.n  d .

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
(b) Cartesian Form : If the line   lies in the plane ax  by  cz  d  0 then
l m n
(i) ax1  by1  cz1  d1  0 and (ii) al  bm  cn  0 .

Illustration 67
 
Show that the line r  (i→  j→ )  (2i→  →j  4 k→ ) lies on the plane r .(i→  2 j→  k→ )  3 .
Solution :
If the line

r  (i→  →j )   (2i→  →j  4 k→ ) lies on the plane

r .(i→  2 →j  k→ )  3 then line must satisfy the equation of plane

i.e. [(i→  →j )   (2i→  →j  4 k→ )].(i→  2 →j  k→ )  3

 (1  2)   (2  2  4)  3  33 which is true.
Aliter : Show that angle between line and plane is 00 and distance between them is also zero.

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Illustration 68

Find the equation of the line through the point 2i→  →j  k→ and perpendicular to the plane

r .(3i→  5 j→  k→ )  4 .
Solution :

Since, line is perpendicular to the plane r .(3i→  5 →j  k→ )  4 ,
Therefore, normal to the plane is parallel to the line. Thus, equation of the line through the point
 
a  2i→  →j  k→ and parallel to m  3i→  5 j→  k→ is

r  (2i→  →j  k→ )   (3i→  5 →j  k→ ) .

Illustration 69
Find the equation of the plane passing through the point (0,7,-7) and containing the line
x 1 y3 z 2
  .
3 2 1
Solution :
Let the equation of a plane passing through (0,7,-7) be
a (x  0)  b( y  7)  c( z  7)  0 ...(i)

x1 y3 z 2
The line   passes through the point (-1,3,-2) and has direction ratios -3,2,1. If
3 2 1
(i)contains this line, it must pass through (-1,3,-2) and must be parallel to the line. Therefore
a(1)  b(3  7)  c(2  7)  0

i.e. a(1)  b(4)  c(5)  0 (ii)

and  3 a  2b  1c  0 (iii)
On volving (ii) and (iii) by cross-multiplication, we get

a b c a b c
       ( say)
14 14 14 1 1 1

 a  , b  , c  
Puttingthe values ofa,b,c in (i), we obtain

 ( x  0)   ( y  7)   ( z  7)  0  x y z  0
This is equation of the required plane.

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 QUIZRR 71

C ond it ion of C op lanar it y of t wo lines and eq uat ion of t he p lane cont aining t hem
Vector Form
     
Let r  a   m1 and r  b   m2 be two coplanar lines.
       
Then, the plane containing them is parallel to b  a, m1 and m2 . Therefore b  a, m1 and m2 are
coplanar.

 [r  b m1 m2 ] = 0 or [r  a m1 m2 ]  0

Cartesian Form

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
Let   and
a1 b1 c1

x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
  be two coplanar lines then
a2 b2 c2


a  x1i→  y1 →j  z1 k→

b  x2 i→  y2 j→  z2 k→

 
m1  a1 i→  b1 j→  c1 k→ and m2  a2 i→  b2 →j  c2 k→

 condition of complanarity
   
[b  a m1 m2 ]  0
Equation of plane
   
 r  a m1 m2   0
x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
a1 b1 c1  0

a2 b2 c2

   
or [r  b m1 m2 ]  0

x  x2 y  y2 z  z2
a1 b1 c1  0

a2 b2 c2

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Illustration 70

Show that the lines r  (i→  →j  k→ )  (3i→  →j ) and (4i→  k→ )  (2i→  3 k→ ) are coplanar. Also, find
the plane containing these two lines.
Solution :
Given equation are

r  (i→  →j  k→ )   (3i→  →j )

and r  (4 i→  k→ )   (2i→  3k→ )
 
where a  i→  →j  k→ , m1  3i→  →j
 
and b  4i→  k→ , m2  2i→  3k→

Condition for coplanairty is  b  a m
  
1 m2   0

 
Now, b  a  3i→  →j
   
  b  a m1 m2   0
 

3 1 0
3 1 0  0

2 0 3

Therefore, Given lines are coplanar.

Equation of plane containing the given lines is
   
 r  a m1 m2   0
   
  r  a  .  m1  m2   0 (i)

i→ →j k→
 
Again, m1  m2  3 1 0  3i→  9 j→  2k→
2 0 3

Therefore, from (i) equation of plane is

 r  (i→  →j  k→)  .(3i→  9 →j  2k→)  0
 

 r .(3i→  9 →j  2k→ )  (3  9  2)  0

 r .(3i→  9 →j  2k→ )  14  0

 r.(3i→  9 →j  2k→ )  14
which is the required equation.

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Equation of line of intersection of 2 planes

(a) Vector Form
  
If a is the position vector of a point on line of intersection of two planes and n1 and n2 are two
normal vectors of the given plane then the equation of line of intersection is given by
   
r  a   (n1  n2 )

Logic : The line of intersection is perpendicular to the normals of both the plane. (Think over it).
 
So a vector perpendicular to both normals is  (n1  n2 ) .

(b) Cartesian form :

Let r  xi→  yj→  zk→

a  x1i→  y1 →j  z1 k→


n1  a1i→  b1 →j  c1 k→


and n2  a2 i→  b2 j→  c2 k→

Then equation is given by

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
b1 c1 c1 a1 a1 b1
b2 c2 c2 a2 a2 b2

Illustration 71

Find the equation of line of intersection of planes x  y  2 z  5 and x  y  z  6 .

Solution :
For finding the line of intersection of the given planes, we find a point on their line of intersection
by putting z  0 , which gives
x  y  5; 3 x  y  6
On solving these, we get
11 9
x and y  
4 4

 11 9 
Therefore, point  ,  ,0  is a point on line of intersection.
 4 4 

11 9
x y
Therefore, equation of line is 4  4 z (i)
a b c

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74 QUIZRR
Now, since this line lies on given planes, therefore, it is perpendicular to the normals of given
planes.
Thus,
a  b  2c  0
and 3a  b  c  0
Solving them, we get

a b c
 
3 5 4
Putting the proportional values of a,b,c in (i) , we get

x  11 9
y
4  4  z
3 5 4

4 x  11 4 y  9 z
  
12 20 4

4 x  11 4 y  9 z
  
3 5 1
which is the required equation.

Image of a Point in a plane : P(x1, y1, z1)

Let P and Q be two points and let A be a plane such that

(i) line PQ is perpendicular to the plane  , and ax + by + cz + d = 0

(ii) mid-point of PQ lies on the plane  .

R
Then either of the point is the image of the
other in the plane  .
A

I mage of a Point in a give Plane : Q (x1 + ar, y1 + br, z1 + cr)

STEP-I : Write the equation of the line passing through P and normal to the given plane
as

x  x1 y  y1 z  z1
 
a b c

STEP-II. : Write the coordinates of image Q as ( x1  ar, y1  br, z1  cr)

STEP-III. : Find the coordinates of the mid-point R of PQ.
STEP-IV. : Obtain the value of r by putting the coordinates of R in the equation of the plane.
STEP-V : Put the value of r in the coordinate of Q.

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 QUIZRR 75

Illustration 72

a b c
Does    0 represent a pair of planes ?
x  y yz z x
Solution :
a b x
Givenequation is   0
x y y z z x

or a ( y  z)( z  x)  b( x  y)( z  x)  c( x  y)( y  z)  0

or  az2  ayz  axy  axz  bx2  bzx  bxy  byz  cy2  cxy  czx  cyz  0

or bx2  cy2  ax2  (b  c  a) xy  ( c  a  b) yz  ( a  b  c) zx  0

The value of determinant

1 1
b  (b  c  a)  ( a  b  c)
2 2
1 1
 (b  c  a) c  ( c  a  b)
2 2
1 1
 ( a  b  c)  ( c  a  b) a
2 2

0 0 0
1 1
  (b  c  a) c  ( c  a  b)
2 2  R1  R1  R2  R3   0
1 1
 ( a  b  c)  ( c  a  b) a
2 2

Hence the given equation represents a pair of planes.

Illustration 73

Findthe image of the point (1, 2, 3) in the plane x  2 y  4 z  38 .

Solution :
Equation of line through (1,2,3)and perpendicular to the plane x  2 y  4 z  38 is

x 1 y 2 z  3
 
1 2 4

Any point on this line is

(1  , 2  2 ,3  4 ) ...(i)

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76 QUIZRR

If this point is D, the foot of perpeneicular, then it must lie on plane x  2 y  4 z  38

 (1   )  2(2  2)  4(3  4)  38

 1    4  4  12  16   38

 21  21    1
Therefore, coordinates of D from (i) are (2,4,7)

Let A( x1 , y1 , z1 ) be the image of A, A (1, 2, 3)

then D is mid-point of AA .

1  x1
 2  x1  3
2
D
2  y1
4  y1  6 x + 2y + 4x = 38
2

3  z1
7  z1  11
2 A´ (x1, y1, z1)

Therefore, image of A(1,2,3) is A(3,6,11) .

Illustration 74
Find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular from the point (2,3,7) to the plane
3 x  y  z  7 . Also, find the length of the perpendicular and equation of perpendicular.
Solution :
Let A(2,3,7) and D be the foot of perpendicular from A to the plane 3 x  y  z  7 .

Line through A and D passes through (2,3,7) and is perpendicualr to 3 x  y  z  7 , therefore its
equation is

x2 y3 z7

 
3 1 1

any point of this line is

(2  3 , 3   ,7   ) ..(i)
if this point is D, i.e., foot of perpendicular, then it must lie on plane
3x  y  z  7

 3(2  3 )  (3  )  (7   )  7
 6  9  3    7    7

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 QUIZRR 77

 11  11    1 A (2, 3, 4)

 From (i), foot of perpendicular is (5,2,6).

Length of perpendicular

(5  2)2  (2  3)2  (6  7)2  9  1  1  11

D
and equation of perpendicular is

x2 y3 z7 3x y z =7

 
3 1 1

THREE DIMENTIONAL GEOMETRY