V34 V136

07.4
The INTERSECTION
following
OF TWO LINES
case they algorithm
intersect, may
how to findbetheir
used to check
point of whether two given lines intersect or not and in
ALGORITHM
Let the twwo lines be intersection. otaibaoco srl.02
b ..)
C1 and, X-X2
STEPI Write the coordinates of y-y2Z-2
and (ii) are given by general points on (i) and(i). The b C2
..(i)
* -X1 y coordinates of general points on (1)
i.e. (a + xy, bË + -Y1-1and -2
b1
y1
2
=2=u respectively,
STEP II If the line (i)
and (ii) intersect,c1àthent z) and (agH +*2,b H+ y2 C2 H
they have a common +
STEP II Solve any
two of theequations in à
third equation, then and uobtained in step II. If
Z2)untvio2
point.
STEP IV Toobtain the the lines (i) and (ii) intersect. the values of. and u
coordinates of the point of Otherwise they do not intersect. satisfy the
coordinates general point(s) obtained in step
of intersection,
I. substitute the value (or u) in the
ALGORITHM FORVECTOR FORM
Let the two lines be

and,
STEP I Since r in the equation of a line .i)
denotes the
Therefore, position vectors of arbitrary points on position vector of
(i) and (ii) are givenan byarbitrary point on it.
(4qi +agj+ag k) +(by? +by j+bs)
and, (a';i+ a'zj+a'gh +n A

STEP 1I If the lines (';i+b';j+b's)rspectioely

(i) )and(ii) intersect,then they have acommon point. So,

1+hb)i +(4 +Ab)î +(ay +\b)&

Abg)k =(W'y +ub'i +Wz
| tub'y, a +by = a'; +ub'2 and ag +bg = d'3tub's
+hb;))+(Wy
(e's +ub'g)f
TERITT Solthirdve any two of theequations in hand uobtained in step Il. If the values
STEPIV To equation, then the two lines intersect. Otherwise they do not.
() (orobt(i),
ain the position vector of the point of intersection, substitute he value of (oru)in
 27.20

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
MATHEMATICS-X
LEVEL-1
x-4 -y-1
EXAMPLE1 Showthatthe line Y2-3 and - =zintersect. Find
their
2 3 4 5 2
[CBSE 2004, 2005, NCERT EXEMPLARI
point
of intersection.
sOLUTION The coordinates of any point on first line are given by
x-1_y-2_z-3=h
2 3 4 (say)
or, x=2 + 1,y= 3 À+2 and z= 4 +3
So, the coordinates of ageneral point on first line are (2 A+1, 3 2 + 2, 4 + 3).
The coordinates of any point on second line are given by
x-4_y-1 2-0
2
= (say)
or, x=5u + 4, y =24 +1,z =
So, the coordinates of ageneral point on second line are (5u +4, 24 +1, ).
If the lines intersect, then they have a common point. So, for some values of Aand , we must
have
24+1 = 5u +4, 3+2 = 24 +1 and 4 A+3 = #
or, 22-5 = 3, 32-2 =-1, 4h- = -3.
Solving first two of these two equations,we get: A=-1 and =-1.
Clearly, . =-1 and = -1satisfy the third equation. So,the given lines intersect.
Putting A=-1 in (2 À+1, 3 4+2, 44+ 3), the coordinates ofthe required point of intersection
are (-1, -1, -1).
EXAMPLE 2 Show that the lines do not intersect.
3-2
[CBSE2002)
sOLUTION The coordinates of any point on first line are givern by
X-1_y+1 _2-1
32 (say)
Or, x=32+1, y=2 h-1,z =5 A+1.
So, the coordinates of any pointon this line are: (3 A+1, 2 à -1, 5 A+1),
The coordinates of Polntonthesecond line are given by
x+2 - =
(say)
4 3 -2
or, X= 44 -2, y = 3 +1, z = -2u -1
So, the coordinates of any point on second line are: (4 u -2, 3u +1, -2 4 -1).
If the line intersect, then they have acommon point. So, for sonme values of Aand u, we mu
have
32+1 4u-2, 2-1 = 3H +1 and 5+1 =-2u -1. .()
3-44 -3 ..1) 22-34=2 ...1) and, 5A+ 24 =-2
Solving 1) and(i), we obtain =-17 and 12. These values of Aand udo not satisty
third equation. Hence, the given lines do not intersect.
EXAMPLE 3 Show that the lines 7-(î-j-h+(3?-) and T-(4î-9+n(2?-36)
Find their point of intersection.
intes
[CBSE2014]
SOLUTION The position vectors of arbitrary points on the given lines are
(+5-h+A(3?-)=(3 .+1)î +( -)i-k
and, (4?-k +(2?+3)- (2u +4)?+of +(3u-1)k respectively.
 LINE IN SPACE 27.21

intersect, then they have a common point. So, for some values of and u, we must
have

(3A+)i+0-)j-k= (2u +4) î +oj +(3 u-i)k

3A+1 = 2u + 4, 1-=0 and -1 = 3 u -1. [On equating coefficients of i, jand k]
Solving last two of these two equations, we get à =1 and u =0. These values of . and u satisfy
the third equation. So, the given lines intersect.
Putting à=l in first line, we get r =(i +j-k) +(3i-j) =4i +0j -k as the position vector of
the point of interaction.
Thus, the coordinates of the point of intersection are (4, 0, - 1).
EXAMPLE 4 Find the equations of the two lines through the origin which intersect the line
X-3_y-3 _z
2 1 -at angle ofeach.
3 [NCERT EXEMPLAR]
SOLUTION The coordinates of any point on the line x-3 y-3z are given by
2 1 1
X-3_y-3_.
2 1 1
So,let the coordinates of Abe (22+ 3, 2+3, 2).
Let the line throughO (0, 0, 0) and making an anglewith the given line be along OA. Then, its
3
direction ratios are proportional to
22+30, 2+30, A-0 or, 22+3, h+3,
The direction ratios of the given line are proportional to 2, 1, 1.
Itis given that the angle between the given line and the line along OA is 3
(22+ 3) x2 +(^+ 3) x1 +Ax1 62+9

J(22.+ 3)?+(a+ 3)? +2? V2+1+12 V6a? +18A +18 V6

1 3 (22.+ 3) O (0, 0, 0)
2 62+ 32+3
22.+3 =y +32+3
(2.+ 3) =+32+3 R/3 /3
A
32 +92 4+6=0 2
2+32+ 2=0 Fig. 27.3
2.=-1, -2
Putting of 2in the coordinates of Aie. (22 + 3, A+3, ), we find the coordinates of
Aand these
values
Bare A(1, 2,-1) and B(-1, 1, -2).
e
So,thX-0e y-0
equations of OA and OB are
Z-0 and
X-0 y-0
1-0-2-0r, 1
z-0
; 2 - 1 and respectively
1-0 2--0 -1-0 1-0 Z
e, the equations of the required lines are1 2 - 1
and -1 1
of the points
LES AB=3f-f+k and CD =-3f+2j+4kare tuo vectors. The positionvectors
j +4 kand -9j + 2k respectively. Find the position vector of apoint Pon the line AB
re6i +7
ABand CD both. [NCERT EXEMPLAR]
nQon the line CD such that PO is perpendicular to
27.22

sOLUTION The equation of line AB passing through A(6i+7j+4k)

AB =3i-j+k is
MATHEMATICS-XI
and parallel to
7-(6i47,-4h +A(3?-j+4
The equation of line CDpassing through C(-9j-2i)and parallel to CÓ=- 3î+2)-4.
7-(-9j+20+u-3î-2)+4h
The points Pand Qare chosen on AB and CD respectively. So, let their position vectors h.)
(6?+7j+4) +\(3?-j+§ =(6+34) î+(7 -A)j-(4 +2)R
and (9f+ 20)+ (-3i- 2,+48) --3uir(2u -9)j+(4u +2)k respectively
PÒ=-3uî*(2u -9)j+ (4u+ 2)8-(6 +34)î+(7 -1)j+(4 +)8
PQ =(-3u-3.-6)i+ (24 +h-16) f+(4u -h-2)k
It is given that PQ is perpendicular to both AB and CD.
PQ AB=0 and PQ CD=0
3(-3u - 32- 6) -(2u + a-16) + (4u --2) =0
and -3(-3u -32-6) + 2 (2u +-16) +4(4u -4-2) =0
-7u -112-4 =0 and 29u +7-22 =0
2=-1, =1
Substituting the values of h and u in the position vectors of P and Q, we find that
P.Vof P =3i+8j+ 3k and P.V. of Q=-3i-7j+6k.
EXERCISE 27.3
LEVEL-1

that the lines-2_Z+3 and2_y-6 z-3 intersect and find their point
1. Show 13 22 3 4
of intersection.
x-1 y +1 _z-1 X+2 y-1 z+1 do not intersect.
2. Show that the lines and =

3 2 5 4 3-2
y+ 3 z+5 and-2-y-4_z -6 intersect. Find theirpoint
3. Show that the lines X+1 1 35
3 5 7 [CBSE2014)
of intersection.
intersects the line through
4. Prove that the lines through A(0, -1, -1) and B(4, 5, 1)
C(3,9, 4) and D(-4, 4, 4). Also, find their point of intersection. EXEMPLAR, CBSE
2016
[NCERT
=(4i-Ô+u(2i+3k) interse
5. Prove that theline7=(i+j-k) + A(3f -j) and
find their point of intersection.
6. Determine whether the following pair of lines intersect or not:
)7--) +(2?+h and -(2?-) +u+)
 STRAIGHT LINE IN SPACE 27.23

(ii) X-1_y+1 zand y-2,z=2

2 3 1
ii) --y-l_2+
3 -1 0
and *-4-y-0 _z+1
2 0 3
Z+3 *-8
and
4 4 5 7 1 3 [CBSE 2002]
7. Show that the lines
7-3î+2)-4k+a(i+ 2f+2)and 75?-2j-u (3?+25-6) are
intersecting. Hence, find their point of intersection. [CBSE 2013]
ANSWERS
1. (2, 6, 3) 4. (10, 14, 4) 5. (4, 0,-1)
6. (1) No (ii) No
7. (-1, -6, -12) (ii) Yes (iv) Yes

27.5 PERPENDICULAR DISTANCE OF A LINE FROMA POINT

CARTESIAN FORM Let P(a, B,Y) be agiven point and let 1 1 -C 1be agiven line.
Let Lbe the foot of the perpendicular drawn from P (a, B, v) on the line 1 1 - 1
Let the coordinates of Lbe (x1 + a ,V1 +b a, z + c ). b C

Fig. 27.4

Then, direction ratios of PL are proportional to x + ah- a, yË t+b-p,z1 +ch-y

Direction ratio of AB are proportional to a, b, c.
Since PL is perpendicular to AB. Therefore,
(x1 + a2- a) a +(y1 +bh-p)b +(z +ca -)c=0
24(a -x) +b(B-y) + c(y -z)
+b²+c?
utting this value of .in(x1 +a d, y1 +b h, z +c), we obtain coordinates of L.
NOw, using distance formula we can find the length PL.
VECTOR FORM LetP(d) be apoint and 7 =a+Ab be the vector equation ofa line.
Let Lbe the foot ofthe perpendicular drawn from P(a) on the line 7=+Ab.
 STRAIGHT LINE IN SPACE 27.25

EPII Otain Pl -Position vector of L- Position vector of P d+ab-a.

NL Put PL.6 - 0 ie.(a+Ab-a) =0to obtainthe value of A.
Substitute the value of Ain r + Ab to obtain the position vector of L.
Fnd|PL] to obtain the required length ofthe perpendicular.
ILLUSTRATIVEEXAMPLES
LEVEL-1
EXAMPLE 1 Find thefoot ofthe perpendicular from the point (0, 2,3) on the lineTO
Also, find the length of the perpendicular.
sOLUTION Let Lbe the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point P (0,2, 3) to the
line. The coordinates of ageneral point on the linet Z+4
given
3 are given by
5 3
or, x=5-3, y = 2 à+1, z = 3-4.
Let the coordinates of L be (5-3, 2 A+1, 32-4).
proportional to Therefore, direction ratios of PL are
5À-3-0, 2 à+1-2, 3-4-3 i.e. 5 A-3, 2 A-1, 3à-7.
PO, 2,3)/

X+3 y-1/ 4 L(SA 3, 22 41,32 4)

5 2

Fig. 27.6
Direction ratios of the given line are proportional to 5, 2, 3.
but, PL is perpendicular to the given line.
5(5 2- 3) +2(2 2. -1) + 3(3 4 -7) =0> =1
Futing à, =l in (52.-3, 22+1, 32-4), the coordinates of Lare (2, 3, - 1).
PL = (2-0²+(3 -2) +(-1 - 3)² =V21 units.
FHence, length of the perpendicular from Pon the given line is PL =V21 units,
AMPLE 2_ Find the length of the perpendicular from the point (1, 2, 3) to the line
3
-Y-7_2-7
2-2
OLUTION Let L.be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point P (1, 2, 3) to the given
Z-7
he. The coordinated of ageneral point on 3 are given by
27.26

P1, 2, 3)/ MATHEMATICS-XI

L
3N+6,2E +7,-22 +7)7

Flg. 27.7

*-6_y-_--or,
3 2 -2
x=3 A+6, y =2 h+7,z=-2 h+7
Let the coordinates of Lbe (3 +6, 2 à +7, -2 2 +7) .)
The direction ratios of PL are proportional to 3. + 6-1, 22+7-2, - 22 +7 -3
or, 3). +5,22. +5, -2 2+4. The direction ratios of the given line are proportional to 3, 2, -2.
Since PL is perpendicular to the given line. Therefore,
3 (3 A+5) +2 (2 2 +5) + (-2) (-2 2+ 4) = 0 ’ A =-1.
Putting =-1 in (1), we obtain the coordinates of Las (3, 5,9).
PL = (3 -1)² +(5-2) +(9-3)² =7 unit
Hence, the required length of the perpendicular is 7 units.
EXAMPLE 3 Find the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point 2i-j +5k to the line
7=(a1?-2f-8k +(10? -4f -11),Also, find the length of the perpendicular.
SOLUTION Let Lbe the foot of the perperndicular drawn from P (21-+5k) on the line
T=11? -2j-8ê +A(10?-4 - 11-),
Let the position vector of L be
7=11f-2?-8k +A(10?-4, - 11h=(1+10 2)? +(-2 -42)+(-8 -112)k.0
Then, PL =Position vector of L- Position vector of P

P(217+5k)

(111-21-Bk)42(10-4,-11k)
Fig. 27.8
 LINE IN SPACE 27.27

P. - (9+10 a)i +(-1-4 ) +(-13 -11 )k ...(i)

Since PL is perpendicular to the given line which is parallel to B=10f -4-11k.
FLB=0

10(9 + 10 ) - 4(-1-4 ) -11(-13 -11 2) = 0

90+ 100 À+ 4+16 +143+ 121 = 0’ 237 A = - 237 ’> A = -1
Putting the value of in (i), we obtain the position vector of Las i +2j+ 3k.
Putting À=-l in (ii), we obtain
FL = (î+2j+ 3h) -(2i-j+5) = -f+3f-2k
| PL| =1+9+4 = V4.
Hence, lerngth of the perpendicular from P on the give line is 14 units.
EXAMPLE 4 Find the image of the point(1, 6, 3) in the line ==Also, 2 write the equation
1 2 3
of the line joining the given point and its image and find the length of the segment joining the given point
and its image. [CBSE 2010, NCERT EXEMPLAR]
SOLUTION LetQ be the image of point P(1, 6, 3) in the line -Y-2
2
and Mbe the foot
of perpendicular drawn from P to this line. Then, PM =MQ.

/6,3)

iM xy1/z-2

Fig.27.9
et the coordinates of M be given by 1 Y=t. 2 3
Let the
coordinates
The direction ratios ofof PM 2r +1, 3r +2).tor -1, 2r -5, 3r -1.
(r, proportional
Mbeare
Since PM 1is perpendicular to the given line. Therefore,
1(-1) +2(2r -5) + 3(3r -1) = 0 14r -14 =0 ’r =l.
So, the coordi nates of Mare (1, 3,5).
yyz) be the coordinates of Q. Since Mis the mid-point of PQ.
y1 +6 +3
2 -=3, =5 ’ X1 = 1, y| = 0, z =7
Thus, the ccoordinates of Qare (1,0,7). So, the cartesian equations of PQ are
2 2

X-1 y-6 Z-3 *-1 y-6 Z-3

1-1 0-6 7-3 0 -6 4

PQ =N1-12 +(6 - 0)2+(3-7) = 2V13

 2 2
EXERCISE27.4
LEVEL-1
xy-2 z-3
- 11) from the line
1. Find the perpendicular distance of the point (3, 1, 2 -3 4

line X-1 y +1 z+ 10
point (1, 0, 0) from the
2. Find the perpendicular distance of the 2 -3 8

Also, find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular and the [CBSE equation of the
perpendicular. 2005, 2011]
3. Find the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point A (1, 0, 3) to the joint of the points
B(4,7,1) and C (3, 5, 3).
4, A(1, 0, 4), B(0, -11, 3), C(2, - 3, 1) are three points and D is the foot of perpendicular
from A on BC. Find the coordinates of D.
4-x_y_1-z Also, find
5. Find the foot of perpendicular from the point (2, 3, 4) to the line 2 6 3
the perpendicular distance from the given point to the line. [NCERT EXEMPLARI
27.30
MATHEMATICS-XI|
6. Find the equation of the perpendicular drawn from the point P(2, 4, -1) to the line
x+5y+3z-6
1 4 -9

Also, write down the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular from P.
7. Find the length of the perpendicular drawn from the point (5, 4, -1) to the line

8. Find the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point +6+ 3k to tthe line
7-)+2X+A(?+ 2j+38). Also, find the length of the perpendicular
9. Find the equation of the perpendicular drawn from the point P (-1,3, 2) to the line
7=(2+ 3k) +A(2 ++38). Also, ind the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular
from P.

10. Find the foot of theperpendicular from (0,2, 7) on the line: -1 - Z -3

x+2
3 -2
X+1
11. Find the foot of the perpendicular from (1,2, - 3) to the line 2
1
-2

12. Find the equation of line passing through the points A(0, 6, - 9) and B(-3, - 6, 3), IfD s
the foot of perpendicular drawn from a point C(7, 4, -1) on the line AB, then find the
coordinates of the point Dand the equation of line CD. [CBSE 2010]
13. Find the distance of the point (2, 4, -1)from the line *+5_y+ 3_z-6
1 4 -9
[NCERT EXEMPLAR]
14. Find the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular drawn from the point A (1, 8, 4) to the line
joining the points B(0, -1, 3) andC(2, -3, -1). [NCERT EXEMPLAR]
ANSWERS
1 V53 2. 2V6,(3, - 4, - 2), r =i+2(i-2j-k) 3. (5/3,7/3, 17/3)
(170 78 10 101
4. 5.
49 49, 49 49 6. (-4,1, - 3); -2_y-4z+1
-6-3 -2
7 2109 8. ?+3f+5k, VI3
110

9. 7-(-í+ 3, +2) +»(3? -9j +; (-4/7,12/7, 15/7)

10. 11. (1,1, -1) 12.-6+9,n
1 4 =D(-1,2,
-5); X-7_y-4
4 1
_z+1
2
13. 7 14. (-5/3, 2/3, 19/3)
27.6 SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO STRAIGHT LINES
Let usrecall that two lines ina plane must intersect if they are not parallel. However, two lines in
space i.e. R3 may neither be parallel nor intersecting. The three different situations that can
occur are shown in Fig. 27.12.
27.32 MATHEMATICS-XI
LINES (Vector Form)
27.6.1 SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO SKEW
Let lh and l, be two lines having vector equations
h:r=a t+ hbË and h:r=a t b, respectively.
through the points A and B with position vectors aj and a, respectively
Clearly, lh and h pass
parallel to the vectors bË and b, respectively. Let PQ be the shortest distance yer
and are
which are parallel to b and
between l, and ,. Then, PÓ is perpendicular to both l and h
But, bË xby is perperndicular .
respectively. Therefore, PØisperpendicular to both bË and b,.
vector
both b and b,. Therefore, PO is parallel to the
Let nbe aunit vector along PQ. Then,n =t

From Fig. 27.14, it is evident that

PQ = Projection of AB on PÒ
PQ = AB.
Ba
PQ = +(a3-a) shortest
dt
|bj xb, |
-a)-(b;xb)
PQ =

PQ =: A(a)

Since the distance PQis to be taken as positive.

Fig. 27.14
PQ =

Thus, the shortest (S.D) between two non-parallel lines r =a +hbj and r =a +uby is
given by
S.D. =

Condition for two given lines to intersect: If the lines =a1+ abj and r =a +å b, intersect, then
the shortest distance between them is zero.

6jb-a-6) - 0 (01x b) -(ay -a) =0

27.34
27.6.3 SHORTEST DISTANCE BETWEEN TWO
PARALLEL LINES

Let l and lh be two parallel lines whose

vector equations are
MATHEMATICS-XI
and
through the points and
A Bwith
h:r =a +ub respectively. Clearly, I, and lh pass
to the vector b.
vectors a1 and a, respectively and both are parallel shortest distance between I, and s
the
Let BM be perpendicular from Bon l,.Then, BM is
be the angle between AB and line l,.Then, angle between ABandb is -
Let 6

Fig.27.15

In triangle ABM, BM
sin =
AB
BM = AB sin e = |AB| sin 0 ..)

Now, |ABx b| = | AB| |B|sin (r -9)

[Using 0)

BM =

Thus, the shortest distance 'd' between the parallel lines =+Ab and Y =a +u b is given by

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES
LEVEL-1
EXAMPLE1 Find the shortest distance between the lines [CBSE2018]
7-(4?-p+a@+2f -39) nd ? =(î -ý+ 2h + (2?+4j -59)r=+b, and
SOLUTION We know that the shortest distance between the lines
7-+uby is given by
 HT LINE IN SPACE 27.35

d =

Comparing the given equationswith the equations r =a + bj and r =a, + b, respectively,

we obtain

-4f-9. -i-j+2k, bË =î+ 2)-3k and b; - 2î +4j-5k

a-ai =-3f +0j +2k and, bË xb, =1 2 -3 - 2î-ý+0k
2 4 -5

(as-a)-oixb) =(-3i +0j +2k)-(2f-j+0R) = -6+0+0 - -6

and, 1bx bz| = 4+1+0 = N5
Shortest distance = 6

EXAMPLE 2 Find the shortest distance between the lines

x-1_ y-2 Z-3 and x-2 y-4 z-5
2 3 4 4 5
SOLUTION The equations of two given lines are
X-1 y-2 Z-3
2 3
.(i) and x-2 y-4 Z-5
..ii)
4 3 4
Line (i) passes through (1, 2, 3) and has direction ratios proportional to 2, 3, 4.
equation is So, its vector
’
7=4+ bË ..(iiü)
where, a -i+2j+3k and bi = 2+ 3 +4k.
Line (ii) passes through (2, 4, 5) and has direction ratio proportional to 3, 4, 5. So, its vector
equation is

...iv)
where, a = 2i+4j+5k and b, = 3i+4j+5k.
The shortest distance betweern the lines (ii) and (iv) is given by

S.D. = ..v)

Now, 4-a - (2f+4j +58) -(î +2j+ 3) =î +2j +2k

and., Ex b;= 2 3 4 = -î+2j-k
3 4 5
27.36
MATHEMATICS-XI
1bËx b| = J1+4+1 =V6
and, (aj-a)-oi xb) - ê+2)+ 2Ô)-(-î+2)-h =-l+4-2 =1.
Substituting the values of (a3-a)-o;xb) and | b; xb; lin
1
S.D. = ,we get S.D. =

EXAMPLE3 By computing the shortest distance determine whether the following pairs of lines interseet
or not:

@-@-)+ A(2î+9; -2-j+u(î-j-)

*-1_yt+1 =2; x+1_y-
1
z=2 [CBSE 2020)
3 5

sOLUTION ) Let the vector equations of two given lines be r =a +Aby and r =ah +ub,
respectively. Then,
=i-j.bi=2î +k, =2i-j and b, =i-j-k.
k
- =(2i-)-6-)=i and, iËxb; =2 0 1=+3,-2k
1 -1 -1

So, a-a)-(bi xb) = î-(î +3f-2) =1+0+0 =1

Clearly, (a, - a)-(bjx b,) + 0. So, the given lines do not intersect.
(i) The equations of given lines can be re-written as
x-1 y+1
=
z-0
..i) and, x+1 y-2 =
z -2 ...(i)
2 3 1 5 1

Line () passes through the point (1, -1,0) and has direction ratios proportional to 2,3, 1. So, its
vector equation is - +abi, where a =i-jand b; =2i+3f+ k.
Line (i) passes through the point(-1, 2, 2) and has direction ratios proportional to 5, 1, 0. So, its
vector equation is =a, +u by, where a, =-i +2j +2k and b, =5i +j +Ok.
;--(ci+2j +29)-(î-)=-2j+3, +2k
and, bË xby =2 3 1
5 1 0
--f+5j -13k

a-a) ijxb,) =(-2î +3f +28)-(-î +5, -13) - 2+15 -26 =-9 * 0
Hence, given lines do not intersect.
EXAMPLE 4 Find the shortest distance between the lines whose vector equations are
7-i+2j+ 38) + A(2f+3j +4h) and, 7-(2?+4, +5) +n (4î[CBSE
+6j 2008,
+8k) 2015)
 STRAIGHT LINE IN SPACE 27.37

sOLUTION The vector equations of given lines are

7-(î+2j +3k) +A(2i +3 +4) ...i)
and, 7= (2i+4j +5k) +2 (2 +3j +4k)
Equation (ii) can re-written as ..(iü)

7=(2i+4j +5)+w*(2+3j+4k) ...iü)

where u' =2u.
These two lines passes through the points
having position vectors and
=2i+4j +5k respectively and both are parallel to the vector b =2i + 3j + 4k.
shortest distance between them is given by So, the
SD - I;-a) x B
.(iv)
Now,

ag-a) xb= (î +2j+ 2) x(2î+3j +ai) =1 2 2- 2? -o, -k

234

I(a,-a) x b|=/4 +0+1-45 and | b|=(4+9+16 =/29

Substitutingthevalues of | (a -a) x b|and| b| in (iv), we obtain
S.D. = V5
29

EXERCISE 27.5
LEVEL-1
1. Find the shortest distance between the
following pairs of lines whose vector equations are:
0 7=3f +8+3k +A(3i-j+k) and =-3i-7j +6k +p(-3 +2+4k
(9) 7=(3+5j +79+(-2j+7k) and
=-i-j-k+u(7-6j +)
(ü) 7 =(?+2+3) +A(2i+ 3j +4k) and -(2î+4j +5)+(3î +4j+5)
i) =(1-)i +( -2) +(3 -9)k and 7 =(s +1) i+(2s-1) j
-(2s+1)k
INCERT, CBSE 2002, 2011]
() 7=(a-1)î+(0+)i -1+2)k and 7-(1-)i +(2u-1)j+(a +2)k
i) Y=(2i-j-Â+A(2i-5j+2k) and, 7 =(i +2j +k) +u(i-j+h) AA

(CBSE2008]1
0) 7-@+)+A(24-j +h and, 7=2î +)-+u(3i-5j +2h
[CBSE 2014, NCERT]
) re(843)-(9+16)?+10+72)& and =15f+ 29j+5k+n (3f+8j-50)
[NCERTEXEMPLAR]
27.38

2. Find the shortest distance between the following pairs of lines whose
MATHEMATI
Cartesian
CS-X
are: equations
X-1 2_y
y-2_z-3 and x-2,
(i)
2 3 4 3 4 [CBSE 2005]
(ii)
2
Y+zand
3 r+1_y-2;z=2
3
X-1 y+1 z+ 1
1

and
-1 1 1 2-2
x-3 y-5 z-7
and x+1 y+1 z+1
(iv) 1 -2 1 7-6 1n [CBSE 2008, 2014]
3. By computing the shortest distance determine whether the following pairs of lines intersect
or not:

o 7-@-) +A(2? +h) and -(2?-)+u î+j-§

G) 7-@+j-9+(3?-) and ?=(4?-k) +p(2î +36)
(iii)
x-1 y+1 = z and+1_ y-2-iZ = 2
2 3 5 1
x-5 y-7 z+3 -8 =y-7 z-5
(iv) and
4 -5 -5 7 1 3

4. Find the shortest distance between the following pairs of parallel lines whose equations
are:

@ 7-@+2j +3k +1(-i+h and -(2-- +pci+j

and =(2+j-h+n(4î -2, +2)
5. Find the equations of the lines joining the following pairs of vertices and then find the
shortest distance between the lines
(i) (0,0, 0) and (1, 0, 2) (ii) (1, 3, ) and (0, 3, 0)
6. them
Write the vector equations of the fllowing lines and hence determine the distance between
x-1 y-2 z+4 x-3 y -3 z+5
and [CBSE 2010]
2 3 6 4612
7. Find the shortest distance between the lines

) 7=+2j+h) + A(i-j+h) and,r =2i-j-k +u(2î +j +2k) [NCERT]

(ii) X+1 y+1_ z+1 andX-3y-5 z-7eb [NCERT]
7 -6 1 1 -2 1

(G) 7=í+2j + 3k +» -3, +28) and 7-4?+5,+6k +u (2î+3+)

[NCERT, CBSE 2014)
(iv) r =6i +2j +2k+ A(i -2j +2k) and
8. Find the distance between the linesl, and h r=-4-k+u(31-2-2k) [NCERI
given by
r=i+2j-4k +A(2i+ 3j +6) and,7=3 +3j-5k +u (2î +3 +6)
NCERT, CBSE 2014]
9. Find the vector equation of aline passing through the point (2, 3, 2) and parallel totheline
r =(-2i+ 3)+(2i-3j+6k). Also find the [CBSE2019)
distanice between these lines.
sTRAIGHT LINE IN SPACE 27.39

ANSWERS
512 1 3
1. () V270 (ii) (iv) (v)
5
W3968 V2 V2
3 10 1
(vi) (vii) (viii) 1 4 2 .(1) (iü)
V59 V59
(iii) (iv) 2V29 3. (i) No (i) Yes (iii) No (iv) No
/29
4. () V26 V11 5. y_Z*-1 y-3
(i) 03 units
1 00 2'-1 0

6.7=î+2j-4k+A(2î+3j+6k);
i+ 7=(3i +3)-5) +u(4i+6j+12k), S.D. =V293
7
units
3 3
7. () -V2 (ii) 2V29 (ii) V293
J19 (iv) 9 8.
units
7
HINTS TONCERT & SELECTED PROBLEMS
1. (iv) The equations of the lines are
T =(i2j+ 3k) and, AAA
-k)+s(