Colli nearity of Three Given Points

THEOREM 1 The condition for three given points A(x11 y11 z 1), B(x2, y2, z2) and
C(x3, y3, z3) to be collinear is that
X3 - X1 Y3 - Yi Z3 - Z1
-
X2 - X1 Y2 - Y1 Z2 - Z1

PROO F The equat ions of the line AB are

X - X1 y - Y1 z- Z1
-------- ... (i)

Clearly, A, B, C will be collinear only when C lies on ·the line AB. This
happ ens when C(x3, y3, z3) lies on (i).
X3 - X1 Y3 - Y1 Z3 - 2 1 I

Collinearity of Three Points Whose p. v. 's are Given

THEOREM 2 Three points A, B, C with position vectors

ii; E:
~ respectively are
I
collinear if and only if there exist scalars µ1, µ 2, µ 3, not all zero, such that
➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
µ 1a+µ 2 b+µ 3c = O and µ 1 +~+ ~ = 0. ➔ ➔~
.
PROOF Let A, B, C be three collinear point s with posit
ion vectors a, b, c
respectively.
Then, the vector equat ion of the line AB is
➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
r = a + A (b - a ) ,
➔➔ ➔➔ I

c =a+ A ( b- a) [·. · A, B, C being collinear, C lies on ABJ

➔ ➔ ➔ ➔
(1-1 )a+ 1b-·c=0
➔ ➔ ➔ ➔ d
~a+ ~b + µ3c = 0, where µ1 + ~ + J½ = (1-A ) + A-1 = 0 an
~ =-1 ;t; 0.
 .
➔ ➔
➔
B c be · . tio n ve ct or s a b c
Convtrse. ly, le t A , , givealn po in ts w ith po si ' '
th at
._ µ b
re sp ec tiv el y an d µ v ,,..,.L e sc ar s, no t all ze ro , sa y JlJ ::t: O, such .
, 3
➔➔
+ ~ + JlJ =o
➔ ➔
µ1a + ~ b + µ3c =0 an d µ 1

⇒ (:J :+ (~ ]t + c'= O an d (t) + (~ )+1= O

(:;) -t.+ 1=O, where (~)=- A
⇒ (t;]a'- t. b'+ =
c' o' an d
J
=-+ ➔➔ ~
µ = (A - 1)
(A - 1) a➔- Ab + c = 0
[ ·:
⇒
➔ ➔
➔
⇒ c = (1 - A) a+ Ab
e lin e AB
⇒ th e po in t C lies on th
collinear .
⇒ th e po in ts A, B, C ar e

SOLVED EXAMPLES
.
2, 1,3), B(5, 0, 5) and C (- 4, 3, -1 ) are collinear
EXAMPLE 1 Prove that the points A(
lin e AB ar e
SOLUTfON Th e eq ua tio ns of th e
x-2=:L.=J_= z -3
5 -2 0 -1 5 -3
x -2 :L.=J_ = -2 -·z -3 .. . (i)
<=> -3 -= -1
,C ar e collinear
Th e gi ve n po in ts A , B
<=> C lies on th e lin e AB
<=> C (- 4, 3, -1 ) satisfies
(i)
- 4 -2 -3- -1 -1 -3
<=> - - = =
3 -1 2
is true.
<=> -2 = -2 = -2 , w hi ch
ce , th e gi ve n po in ts A, B,, C ar e collinear.
H en d
wh ich th e points A (- t 3, 2), B(- 4, 2, -2 ) an
EX.AMPLE 2 Find th
e value of 'A for
C(5, 5, 'A) are collinear
.

TfON Th e eq ua tio ns of th e lin e AB ar e

SO UJ
x+l - ~ - z - 2
- 4 + 1 - 2 - 3 - -2 - 2
x+ l ~ z- -2
-
<=> - - = -1 =-4
-3 ... (i)
2
l ~1 - -z -
x+-=
, .__.._ -3 4 .
_,, .
B, C ar e collinear, th e po in t C(S, 5, 'A) lies on (i)
Since A,
 Hence, the value of A is 10.
I\. f'I I\

EXAMPLE 3 Show that the 1wint~ whose position vector, llTt (- 2 i + 3 j + 5 k ),

,, I\" /\I\ •
( i + 2 7+ 3 k) and (7; - k) are collmear.
SOLUTION Let A , 13, C be the given poin ts, and Jet their positioo vectors be
denot,cd by~
-+ "
~ respe-cti vel y. Then,
-+ ➔
l,:
" "
. I\
t1 =(- 2, + J j + 5 k ), b =( , + 2; + 3 k) and c = ( 7 1 - ,,._ ) .
I\ ' I\ /\ I.,.

the ,~t'' Clor cq-nalion of the line AB is

-+ ~ } -4
r =- « + A(b - a ) , where Ais a scalar
--> " " " " " ,. ,., .. ,..
~ r- (-2 i ➔ 3 J + 5 k) + l f( i + 2 j + 3 k } -(- 2 i + 3 J + 5 k ))
➔ I\" I\ ""
¢:) r = (-2 i + 3 j j - 2k ) + 5 k) +).. (3 i -
"
.. (i)
If this line passes through the point C, we have
-+ "" I\ 1\ 1\ I\
c = (-2 i + 3 j + 5 k) + A (3 i - j - 2 k ).
(7 i - k ) = (-2 i + 3 j" + 5 k/\ ) + A (3 i" - jI\ - 2 kI\ )
" " "
~

~
"""
(9 i - 3 j - 6 k ) = A (3 i -\j/-\2"k )
/

I\ I\ " /\ " I\
~ 3(3 i - j - 2 k ) = A (3 i - j - 2 k )
~ A= 3, which is a scalar.
Thus, the point C lies on the line AB .
Hence, the given points A, B, Care collinear.
EXAMPLE 4 Using the vector method, find the values of land µf or wllkh the pomts
A(3, A, µ), B(2. 0, - 3) and C(l, - 2, -5) are colliJ'lellr.
-+ ➔ -+
SOLUTION Let n, b, c be the position vectors of the given pomts .-\, 8. C
respective ly. Then,
-? I\ I\" ~/\ I\ -4/\ I\ I\
a = 3 i + 'A. j + ~! k, b = 2 i - 3 k and c == i - 2 J- 5 k .
the vector equation of the line BC is
-, --, -, ~

r = b + t( c - b ), for som e scalar t

...., /\ I\ I'\ I\ I\ A /\
H r (2 i 3 k ) , t( ( , - 2 j 5k ) (2 i 3 k )J
7 / /\ /\ /\ /\
(:., r - (21 3k) ➔ t( i - 2j - 2 k)
-, A /\ /\
~ r = (2 t) i ('2 t ) J (3 t 2 t) ,- ... (i)
ff this lint BC passes through th~ point A,, we have
., /\ I\ "
a :z (2 - I ) i - (2 t ) j - (3 ,., 2 t) k , for fiOme IOlla• t
I\ I\ I\ A A A
d (J i + Aj + µ k ) m (2 - t) i - (2 I) j - (3 ♦ 2 f ) t
~ 2 - h =3, - 2 t =A and - (3 + 2 t) • ta
 3+ 2x (-1 )]= -1.
~ t=- 1, A= (-2 )x( -1) =2 ,an dµ =-[
He nce , A= 2 an dµ = -1.

EXERCISE2B
C(l ,-2 , -5) are collinear.
t. Prove tha t the poi nts A(2, 0, 3), B(3, 2, -1) and
3, -1) and C(5, 0, 5) are collinear.
2. Prove tha t the poi nts A(2, 1, 3), B(- 4, I\/\/\
I\/\/\
•
n vectors are (2 i + 5 j + k ), ( i + 2 j - k)
3. Show ~ at t!1-e p~m ts wh ose pos itio
and (3 i + 8 j + 3 k) are collinear. I\ I\
I\

poi nts A,B ,C are (-4 i+2 j-3 k),

4. The pos ition vectorI\ s I\ of I\three
tively. Sho w tha t the poi nts A, B, C
I\ I\ I\

( i + 3 j - 2 k) and (-9 i + j - 4 k) respec

are colline ar.
values of 'A and µ so tha t the poi nts
5. Usi ng the vec tor me tho d, find the
A(- 1, 4, -2) , B('A, µ, 1) and C(0, 2, -1)
are collinear.

values of A and µ so tha t the poi nts

6. Using the vec tor me tho d, find the
, 2, - 4), B(9, 8, -10 ) and C('A, µ, - 6)
are collinear.
A(3

ANSWERS (EXERC~E2B)

5. 'A= 2,µ =- 2 6. A.=5, µ= 4

Angle between Two Lines

Vector Form ➔➔ ➔ ➔➔ ➔

s be r = r1 + A m1 and r = r2 + µ m2,
Let the vec tor equ atio ns of two giv en line
where A and µ are scalars.
Let 8 be the ang le bet we en the se lines.
and iit2 re s~ ve ly4 the ang le bet we en
Since the giv en lines are par alle l to iit1
bet we en m1 and m2 •
tfw giv en lines mu st be equ al to the angle
➔ ➔
m1 · m2
... cos 8= ➔ ➔
I m1 I· I m2 I
 Cttrttsian Form
LQt the Cartesia n equatio ns of two given lines be
X-X1 = y-y1 _ Z-Z1 and X-X2 = y-y2 _ Z-Z2.

a1 b1 - C1 a2 b2 c2

rn1en, the directio n ratios of these lines are ai, bi, Ci, and a2, b2, c2 respectively.
L~t 8 be the angle between these lines. Then,
a1a2 + b1b2 + c 1c2
cos 0 = ----;:========-,=;:=======-
(✓al+ bl+ cl ) c✓al + bl + cl)

SOLVED EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1 Find the angle between the lines A

➔ A A A . A A

r =( 3 i + 2 j - 4 k) + A ( i + 2 j + 2 k ), and
➔ A A A A A

r = (5 j - 2 k) + µ(3 i + 2 j + 6 k ).
SOLUTION Let 0 be the angle between the given lines. The given lines are parallel
A A A A A A

to the vectors ( i + 2 j + 2 k ) and (3 i + 2 j + 6 k ) respectively.

So, 0 is the angle between these vectors.
A A A A A A

_ ( i + 2 j + 2 k ) · (3 i + 2 j + 6 k )
COS 0- A A A A A A

/i +2j+2 kll3i+ 2j+6k /

(3 +4+ 12) 19
= ----;::== ==:---=== ==
c✓ 1 2+ 2 2 + 2 2) c✓3 2 + 2 2 + 6 2) 21

1
⇒ 0 = cos - (:19J
21 ·

Hence, the angle between the given lines is cos - i G~J

EXAMPLE 2 Find the angle between the lines
x + 4 = 1c.l_ = z + 3 and x + l = :L:.i = z - 5 .
3 5 4 1 1 2

SOLUTION The directio n ratios of the given lines are 3, 5, 4, and 1, 1, 2.

Let 0 be the angle between the given lines. Then,
COS = (3 X 1 + 5 X 1 + 4 X 2) = ~ = 8-v3
0
(✓3 2+ 5 2+ 4 2) (✓l 2+ 1 2+ 2 2) 5"'3 15

⇒ 0=cos
-1 (8.../3]
15 ·
Hence, the angle between
. th . lin .
e given. es IS cos
-1
153J) ·
(Bv'
EXAMPLE 3 Find the angle between the lines
--- x + 1 __ 2y - 3 __ z - 6 and x - 4 11 + 3
1 3 2 - 3 - = ~ , z=S.

SOLUTION The given equati ons may be writte n as

x-4 ~ z-5 ... (i)
-3-= -2 =-o-
x + l _ y - (3/2) Z - 6
1 - C3/2) =- 2- · · · (ii)
➔ ➔
Let m 1 and m 2 be the vector s paralle l to (i) and (ii) respec tively.
➔ I\ I\ I\ ➔ I\ 31\ I\

Then, m1 = 3 i - 2 j + 0 k and m2 = i + 2 j + 2 k.
➔ ➔

Let 0 be the angle between m 1 and m 2, and so the angle betwe en the
given lines is also 0. Then,
➔ ➔ .
cos 0 = m1 . m2 = (3 X 1 - 2 X ½ + 0 X 2) =0
(✓3 2 +(-2) 2 +0 )(~ 1 +(3/2) +2 )
2 2 2
1 rrfi ·1 I ii/2 I
2

=> 0=1t·
2

Hence , the angle betwe en the given lines is (~) ·

EXAMPLE 4 Find the angle between the lines

5-x =~, z=7 and x=.!... =]t_= z-6.
3 -4 1 2 2

SOLUTION The given lines are

x-5 ~ z-7 ... (i)
~= ~4 =-o-
x 1L=-!. z-6 ... (ii)
1 = -2 =-2-
Let ii/1 and iili be the vector s paralle l to (i) and (ii) respec tively.
➔ I\ I\ I\ ➔ I\ I\ I\

Then, m1 = -3 i - 4 j + 0 k and mi = i - 2 j + 2 k.
➔ ➔

Let 0 be the angle betwe en m1 and mi. Then,

➔ ➔
m1. m2
cos 0 = -
➔
---
➔
-
. I m1 I I m 2 I
{(-3) xl+(- 4)x(- ·2)+0 x2} 1
= {✓(-3)2+(-4)2+02} {✓12+(-2)2+22} = 3
~ 8=cos -
1
(!}
 Hence, the angle betw een the give n lines is cos -t G) ·
EXAMt~ E 5 Find the angle between two lines, one of which has direction ratios
2, 2, 1, and the other is obtained by joining the points (3, 1, 4)
and
(7, 2, 12).
L are
SQlU'TION Let L1 and Li be the given lines. Then , the direc tion ratio s of 1
2, 2, 1.
4, 1, 8.
And, the direc tion ratio s of½ are (7 - 3), (2 -1), (12 - 4), i.e.,
Let 0 be the angle betw een the given lines. Then ,
COS e= (2 X 4 + 2 X 1 + 1 X 8) = 18 = 2
c✓ 2 2 + 2 2 + 1 2)c✓ 4 2 + 1 2+ 8 2) 27 3

⇒ 0 = cos -
1
(~}

Hence, the angle betw een the given lines is cos - J G) ·

EXA.::'.1PlE 6 Prove that the lines x =ay + b, z = cy + d, and x =a'y + b', z = c'y + d' are
perpendicular if aa' + cc' + 1 = 0.
SOlU TlON The equa tions of the first line are
x =ay + b, z = cy + d
x-b z-d
<=> --= y,- -= y
a C

x-b y_ z-d ... (i)

<=> -a-= 1 =-c -

Simi larly , the equa tions of the secon d line are

X -b' y_ z - d' ")
... (11 '

7 = 1 = -c,-

The given lines are perp endic ular to each othe r

<=> aa' + 1 x 1 + cc' = 0
<=> aa' + cc' + 1 = 0.
EXAMPLE 7 Find the value ofk so that the lines
1-x =7y -14 =z- 3 and 7-7 x_~ _6- z
3 2k 2 3k - l - 5
are at right angles.
SOUJTK>N The give n equa tions in the stand ard form are
x-l y-2 z-3 .. . (i)
~= (2k/7 ) =-2 -
 x-1 ~ = z-6
(-3k/7) -1 -5 ... (ii)

1he direction ratios of the given lines are

(a, = -3, b = ~ , c =2) and (a, = -~k , b =-1, c = -5)-

1 1 2 2

The given lines are at right angles

(::) llt'½ + b1b2 + C1Ci = 0

~ -3 x(-~ k)+ (2/)x (-1) + 2 x (-5) = 0

9k 2k
<=> -
7 7 =10 <=> 7 k = 70 <=> k = 10.
Hence, k = 10.

EXERCISE2C

1. Find the angle between each of the following pairs of lines:

➔ I\/\ I\ /\/\ I\ ➔ /\/\I\ I\ I\ I\
(i) r = (2 i + j - 3 k ) + A( i - j - 2 k ) and r = (3 i - j + 5 k ) + µ(3 i - 5 j - 4 k )
➔ I\ I\ I\ I\ I\ ➔ I\ /\/\/\
(ii) r = (3 i - 4 j + 2 k ) + A ( i + 3 k ) and r = 5 i + µ(- i + j + k )
➔ I\ I\ I\/\/\ ➔ I\ I\ I\ I\
(iii) r = ( i - 2 j ) + A (2 i - 2 j + k ) and r = 3 k + µ( i + 2 j - 2k)
2. Find the angle between two lines whose direction ratios are
(i) 2, 1, 2, and 4, 8, 1 (ii) 5, -12, 13, and -3, 4, 5
(iii) 2, 6, 3, and 1, 2, 2 (iv) 1, 1, 2, and (-ff - 1), (-,/3 -1), 4
(v) a, b, c, and (b - c), (c - a), (a - b)
3. Find the angle between each of the following pairs of lines:
(i) x + 1 = ~ = z - 5 and x + 3 = ~ = z + 5
1 1 2 3 5 4
.. x - 4 y+l z-6 x-5 2y+5 z-3
(u) - - ='"'--- = - - a n d - - = ~ - - -
3 4 5 . 1 -2 1
(iii) x- 2 = ~ , z = 2 and x -1_ = 2y + 3 = z + 6
3 -2 1 5 2
(iv) 3 - x = ~ = 1 - z and ~ = .!...=JL = z + 2
-2 1 3 3 -2 -1
(v) -x + 2 _ Y..=__!_ = z + 3 and x + 2 = 2y - 8 = z - 5 [CBSE 2011]
-2 7 -3 -1 4 4
4. Show that the lines
x - 3 _ ll.±..!. _z - 2 and x + 2 _ Y.=..! _z + 5
2 -3 4 2 4 2
are perpendicular to each other.
 5. Find the value of k for which the lines
6
x-1~ - z - 3 and x - l = d = ~
~ = 2k - 3k 2 1 S
are perpendicular to each other.

. ANSWERS(EXERC~E2C)

1. (i) cos - l (
8
;I)<ii) cos -tfs°) (iii) cos - l (-/J
2. (i) COS - l m (ii) COS - I ( 6~) (iii) COS - l (i~) (iv) ; (v)-
2
1t

15 (' ')
(BE) 14 ( )
(11) -10
3. (i) COS - 1 15 (" ')
(2-16)
11 COS -1 ill 1t ('IV) COS
2
-1 1t
V 2 5. k=7

MISCELLANEOUS SOLVED EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1 The direction ratios of a vector are 2, -3, 4. Find its direction cosines.
SOLUTION Clearly, the direction cosines of the given vector are
2 ~ 4
✓22+(-3)2+42, ✓22+(-3)2+42, ✓22+(-3)2+42,
2 -3 4
i.e., m' m' -fig'
➔ I\ /\ /\

EXAMPLE 2 Find the direction cosines of the vector r = 6 i + 2 j - 3 k .

➔
SOLUTION The direction ratios of rare 6, 2, -3.
➔
· the direction cosines of r are
6 2 -3
✓62+22+(-3)2, ✓62+22+(-3)2, ✓62+22+(-3) 2
6 2 -3
i.e., 7 ' 7 ' 7 ·
EXAMPLE 3 If a line makes angles a, 13, y with the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis
respectively, prove that sin 2a + sin 2f3 + sin 4¥= 2.
SOLUTION The direction cosines of the line are cos ex, cos Ji, cosy.
2 2
:. cos a + cos 13 + cos 1 4¥=
2
=> (1- sin cx) + (1- sin fi) + (1- sin 4y) = 1
2

=> sin 2cx + sin 213 + sin2y =2.

EXAMPLE 4 Find the angle between the vectors having direction cosines
L 1 1 1 2
2 , - 3 , 4 , and 3 , 1, . 3 .
SOLUTION Let 8 be the angle betwee n the given vectors. Then,

{;x!+ (-!)xi +!x~}

--=-~'-:_-:_L --,..-_=-_-_.:_:. .:.__-_-_-_-_-_-_=o
-::===-=--=--=--=--=
r
cos 8 -
2
✓cff ✓m
1 2
2
+(~ + (¾/ - + (1) +m
⇒ 0 = 90°.
EXAM PLE 5 Find the angle between t11e vrctors hav;ng direction ratios 3, 4, 5, and
4, - 3, 5.
SOLUTION Let ebe the angle betwee n the given vectors.
Let a1 = 3, b1 = 4, c1 = 5, and a2 =4, b2 = -3, c2 = 5.
a 1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2
cos e = - - -- - - -- - -
(✓ 12 + b12 + (✓al + bl + c22 )
a cl )
3 X 4 + 4 X (-3) + 5 X 525 1
= ~ - - - - - - - - =-= -2 ·
(✓32+42+5 2 ) (✓4 2 +(-3) 2 +5 2 ) 50
0=60°.
Thus, the angle betwee n the given vectors is 60°.
EXAMPLE 6 Find the angles of .6 ABC whose vertices are A(- 1, 3, 2), B{2, 3, 5) and
C(3, 5, -2).
SOWTION The d.r.'s of AB are (2 + 1), (3 - 3), (5 - 2), i.e., 3, 0, 3.
And, the d.r.'s of AC are (3 + 1), (5 - 3), (- 2 - 2), i.e., 4, 2, - 4.
. cos A = [3 X 4 + 0 X 2 + 3 X (- 4)] = 0 ⇒ LA = 900.
.. (✓3 2 +0 2 +3 2 ) (✓4 2+ 2 2 + (-4) 2)
The d.r.'s of BA are (-1 - 2), (3 - 3), (2 - 5), i.e., - 3, 0, - 3.
And, the d.r.'s of BC are (3 - 2), (5 - 3t (- 2 - 5), i.e., 1, 2, -7.
(-3)xl +0x2+ (- 3)x(-7) _ 1
cos B - ( - r.:'
-(✓(-3) 2 +0 2 +(-3) 2) ✓1 2 +2 2+ (-7)2 ) \/3

=> L B =cos-' (~ )
The d.r.'s of CB are (2 - 3), (3 - 5), (5 + 2), i.e., - 1, - 2, 7.
And, the d.r.'s of CA are (- 1 - 3), (3 - 5), (2 + 2), i.e., - 4, - 2, 4.
(- )) X (- 4) + (- 2) +7X 4
X (-2) --vf'.
. cosC= /✓c-1) 2 +(-2) 2 +7 2 /IW- 4) 2+(- 2) 2+ 4 2 / . 3

~ C=cos -
1
(vfJ
 Thus, LA = 90°, LB = cos -
1
(,h--) and LC = cos -1 ("f).
EXAMPLE 7 Find the direction cosines of the line which is perpendicular to the lines
whose direction ratios are l, - 1, 2, and 2, 1, - 1.
SOLUTION Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the required line.
Then, l x 1 + m x (- 1) + n x 2 = 0,
l x 2+m xl +nx(- l ) = O
⇒ { l - m+2n = 0 .. . (i)
21+ m-n = 0 .. . (ii)
Cross m ultiplying (i) and (ii), we get

l m n ✓z 2 +m 2 + n 2 l
-1 =5 = 3 = ✓(-1)2+52+32 35
-✓
-1 · 5 3
l = ✓ 35 , m = ✓35, n = -135 ·

EXAMPLE a Find the direction cosines of the lines which are connected by the relations
2 2 2
l - Sm + 3n = 0 and 71 + Sm - 3n = 0.

SOLUTION The given equations are

l-5m+3n=0 .. . (i)
2
71 2 + Sm 2 - 3n = 0 ... (ii)
Putting l = (Sm - 3n) from (i) in (ii), we get
2 2
7(5m - 3n) 2 + Sm - 3n =0
2
⇒ 6m 2 -7mn+2n =0

⇒ 6(:f-7(:)+2=0 ⇒ 6p -7p+2=0,where:=p 2

⇒ (3p - 2)(2p - 1) = 0
2 1 m 2 m 1
⇒ p = 3 or p = 2 ⇒ n = 3 or -; = 2 .

m 2 m n Sm - 3n __
Now I n= 3 ⇒ 2 =3 = 5 X 2 - 3 X 3 - 1
l m n ✓z2+m 2 +n 2 __1_
=> 1=2 = 3 = ✓ 1 2 +2 2 +3 2 - fil
1 2 3
=> l = ✓14 Im= fil' n = m.
1 mm n Sm - 3n __
Again, -; = 2 => T = 2 - 5 x 1 - 3 x 2 - -1
 l m n ✓1 2 +m 2 +n 2 1
=> ~1 =1=2= ✓(-1)2+12+22 .../6
-1 1 2
=> I= {6'm=T6,n= .../6.
Hence, the direction cosines of the lines are
1 2 3 ) (- 1 1 2)
(✓14' fj;f' ✓14 and {6' .../6' .../6" .

EXAMPLE 9 Prove that the straight lines whose direction cosines are given by the
relations al + bm + en =0 and fem + gnl + hlm =Oare
perpendicular to each other if [ + gb + h = 0, and
a C

parallel if-a 3/ + b g + c h
2 2 2 2 2
- 2bcgh - 2cahf- 2abfg =0.
SOLUTION The given equations are
al+bm+cn=O ... (i)
fem + gnl + hlm = 0 ... (ii)
.
Putting n =- - -bm)
- (al+ - from (')1 in (11.. ), we get
C

f m. {-(al: bm) }+ gl. {-(al: bm)}+hlm= 0

2
⇒ agl 2 + (af + bg- ch) lm + bfm = O

⇒ ++
ag(!f (af bg-ch) ·(!)+bf=0 ... (m)

Now, equation (iii), being a quadratic equation in(~), will have

two roots, say (~Jand (!}

. !]_ x 2- = J?f_ => 1112 = m1rrti
m1 m2 ag bf ag

⇒ (~=(ff = (~ =k
2
~ysymmetry].

+ + k(! +f +~)
:. 1112 m1m2 n1n2 =
Thus, the given lines will be perpendicular to each other
<=> 1112 + m1m2 + n1n2 = 0
~ l+g_b
a
+ h =0.
C
 The lines will be paral lel only when the roots of (iii) are equa l.
2
:. (tlf+bg -ch) - 4a bgf= 0
(:::) a 2J2 + b 2g 2 + c h 2bcgh - 2cahf - 'labfg = 0.
2 2
-

EXAMPLE 1o Show that the stntight lines whose direct ion cosines are given by the
2 2 2
equations al + bm + en = 0 and ul + vm + wn2 = 0 are mutually
2
prr,,endicular if a 2(v + w) + b (u + w) + c (u + v) = 0, and
a2 b 2 c2
parallel if - + - + - :: 0.
U V W

SOLUTION The given equat ions are

. . . (i)
al + bm+ cn=0
2 ... (ii)
2 2
ul + vm + wn =0

.. g l =- (bm + en) fr om c·)

1 m. c·11.), we get
Pu ttin a
2
u(bm + cn) 2 2
=0
+vm +wn
a2
2 2
2
⇒ (b 2u + a 2v)m + 2ubcmn + (c u + a w)n
2 =0
2

⇒ 2
(b u +a v) (:) +2ubc (: )+ (c u +a
2 2 2
w) = 0
... (iii)

Let mi and 11½ be the roots of (iii).

n2
n1
2
m1 m2 c 2u +a w
The n-- - 2 2
' n1 n2 b u + a v
m1m2 n1n2 1112
⇒ c2u +a2w = biu + aiv = b2w+ c 2v =k [by symm etry) .
2 2 2
:. 11'2 +m1tni + n1n2 = k(b w + c v + c u + a w + b 2t, + ,z 2v)
2

The given lines are mutu ally perpe ndicu lar

<=> l1l2 + m1m2 + n1n2 =0
<=> a2(v + w) + b2(w + u) + c i (u + v) = 0.
~ given lines to be parallel, the direction cosines m1111t be

:. the roots of (ill) must be equal.

:. 4,,2b2c2-4(b2u +a2?1)(c2u +o2ul) •O -. !:+.t.+£W:=0.

M V
~ 11 If the edges of a rect,mgular _parallelq,iptd 11n ,, b, c, ~ u., flw -,.g1,s
- betwet11 tht> four diagonals are giDm by cm - (±
2 2 2
1 11 t b ±c )•
• 2+ b 2+ c 2
SOLUTION Let OA, OB, OC be the cownninous edges of the parallelepiped,
taken along t,he axes in such a way that OA. ~ a, OB = b a_nd OC = c.
z 1
Then, the coor<li nat~ of the vertices
are
C L 0(0, 0, 0), A(a, Oy0), B{O, b, 0),
p C(O, 0, c), P(r1, b, c), L(O, b, c),
ft,f(a, 0, c) «1nd N(a, b, U).
-- 1 he direcHori rc.1ti os o f the d,a gnn.-J I<:
'O
A"--_______ _ _V B Y OP, AL, BM and CN ar~ (a, b, c),
,X
N (- a, b, c),
respectively.
(a, -b, (.) and (a, b, - c)

the direction cosines of OP, AL, BM and CN are

a - c
b J
[ ✓a2+b2+c2' ✓a2+b2+c2, -{t;1+b 2+c 2 .

Let 01 be the angle between OP and AL. Then,

(- a 2 + b 2 + c 2)
cos 01 = (a 2 + b 2 +c 2)
Again, let 82 be the angle between OP and BM. Then,
(a 2- b2+c 2) -1(a2- bb2+c2)
cos 02 = 2
(a +
b2
+ c 2) or Si = cos a
2
+ ·· 2 + L' 2 .

Similarly, the angles between the other pairs of dt,l ~ l>tMl-. ~iffi be
obtained .

COt,
1
2 1
b t
a' +b 2 +r i
c
2
l
Clea rly, the angles between th(" fo ur d11.1gt>1tdb c,m bt- given by
[1a 1 .

EJ<AMPLE 12 Show that thr angle between any two diagoll/Us of 11 ~ - is COIi
1
(½)·
 SOLUTION Let OA, OB, OC be the coterm inous edges of a cube, taken along
the axes in such a way that OA = OB = OC = a.
Then, the coordin ates of th(? vertices z
of the cube are
C
()(O, 0, 0), A(a, 0, 0,), B(O , a, 0), A--- --L
C(O, 0, a ), P(n, a, a,), L(O, a, n) ,
M(,1 , 0, a) and N(a, a, 0).
The d irection ratios of the diagon als
y
OP, AL, BM and CN are (a, a, a), N
(- a, a, a), (a, - a, a) and (a, a, - a) X
respect ively.
TI,us, directio n cosines of OP, AL, BNI and CN are

1 1 1J
(.../3 , .../3, .../3 , (-1 1
.../3 , .../3 1J
, .../3 , (~,
1 -1 1
.../3 , ../3' , and l
1 .../31, E"-lJ
(.../3, respect ively.

If 01 be the angle betwee n OP and AL then

cos9 ={~·(1-J+ ~
1 ~+ ~ - ~}=½
⇒ 9 =cos- GJ•
1
1

Similar ly, the angle betwee n each one of the other pairs is

cos- (½]-
1

Hence, the angle betwee n any two diagon als of the cube ts

cos- 1
(;}

EXAMPLE 13 A line makes angles a, p, y, 8 with the four diagonals of a cube. Prove that
4
cos 2a + cos 2p + cos~+ cos 28 = · [CBSE 2007 1
3
SOUJTIO IJ Let OA, OB, OC be the coterm inous edges of a cube, taken ,1long
the axes in such a w ay tha t OA = OB = OC = a.
Then, the coordin a tes of the vertice s z
of the cube are 0(0, 0, 0), A(u, 0, 0),
B(O, a, Ot CW, 0, u), l\u, u, u), L(O, u, a), C
- - -.. L
Mi.a, 0, u) and N(a, a, 0). p
I

The directio n ratios of the diagon als

OP, AL, BM and CN a n•
0 8 y
(a, a, a), (- a, a, a), (a, - c,, a) and
N
(a, a, - a) rc~ pcct1v dy.
 . . the direc tion cosines of OP, AL, BM and CN are

, _l_ , _!__) (-1 , _l_ , ~

1 ) ( 1 -1 1)
(_l_
'13" '13" '13" , '13" '13" , ~ , {3 , -IS , and

1 1 - 1)
(:'13"' '13"' '13" respectively.
es angl
Let (l, m, n) be the direc tion cosines of a line whic h mak
es
a, P, Y, 8 with the four diag onal s of the cube. Then,
cos -~+ m . J__ + n. _!__)=(l + m + n)
a= (z · -v3 ,/3 -$ ~ I

cos p = {z . (:-1 J+ m . _!__ + n . _!__} (- l +-../3

m + n)
-../3 -../3 -../3 I

cosr={z -1+m. (~-)+ l}= n. (l-; +n) ,

cos O= {z -1+ l+ m- n. ( ; }=(I+

J ~-n ).

On squa ring and addi ng, we get

2 2
cos2 a + cos P+ cos y + cos 8
2

2 2
1 2
l m n)2 + (l-m + n) + (l + m - n) }
= · {(l + m + n) + (- + +
3
4
-3.
m, n)
EXAMPLE 14 If a variable line in two adjacent positions has direction cosines (l,
en the
and (l + 81, m + om, n + on), show that the small angle 80 betwe
two positions is given by 2 2 2
(80) 2 = (ol) + (om) + (8n) •

SOLUTION Clea rly, we have .. . (i)

2 2
l 2 + m +n =1
2 .. . (ii)
and (l + ol ) + (m + om) + (n + 8n)
2 2
=1
Sub trac ting (i) from (ii), we get 2 2
2
(l + ol) + (m + 8m) + (n + 8n)
2 2 - (l 2 + m + n ) = 0
... (iii)
⇒ (ol) + (om) 2 + (8n) = -2(l · ol + m · 8m + n · on) .
2
2

cos 80 = l · (l + 81) + m·· (m +om )+ n · (n + on)

= (12 + m 2 + n 2) + (l . 81 + m · om + n · on)

= 1 _ ~ {(c51) 2 + (Om) + (c5n)2} [using (iii)].

2

2
. . cal) 2 + (om) 2 + (on) = 2(1- cos 80)
 2
6
= 4 sin ~e= 4 . (~ )
2 6
[~ being small, sin ~ = ~]
= (00) 2•
2 2
Hence, (80) 2 = (ol) 2 + (01n) + (on) .

EXAMPLE 1s If Ii,
nzi, ni, and 12, 11i2, n2 be the direction cosines of two mutually
perpendicular lines, show that the direction cosines of the line
perpendicular to both of them are
(m 1n 2 - 1n 2n 1), (n 112 - n 211), (11nt2 - 12m 1).
SOLUTION Let l, 1n, n be the direction cosines of the line perpendicular to each
of the given lines. Then,
ll1 + mm 1 + nn 1 = 0 .. . {i)
ll2 + mm 2 + nn 2 = 0 .. . (ii)
Cross multiplying (i) and (ii), we get
1 m n ✓z2+m2+n 2
- - -
(m 1n2 - m2n1) (n1l2 - n2l1) 01 m2 - l2m1) ✓L(m1 n2 - 'fl½n1) 2
1 rn n 1
or - - - I
(m 1n2 - m2n1) (n 112 - n211) 01 m2 - l2m1) sin0
where 0 is the angle between the given lines.

But, 0 =;, and therefore, sin 0 = 1.

: . l =(m1n 2 - m2n 1 ), m = (n 112 - n 211) and n =(1 1m2 - l2m 1 ).

Hence, the direction cosines of the required line are
(m 1n 2 - m 2n 1), (n 1l 2 - n 2l 1) , (l 1m2 - l 2m 1) .