26

Three-Dimensional Geometry
coORDINATES OF A POINT IN SPACE
Let O be the origin, and let OX, OY and 0Z
be three mutually perpendicular lines,
taken as the x-axis, the y-axis and the
z-axis respectively in such
way that they form a right-handed system.
a

The planes, YOZ, ZOX and XOY are

respectively known as yz-plane, zx-plane and Z
xy-plane.
N
These planes,known as coordinate
planes, divide the space into (x.y. 2)
eight parts,
called octants.
Let P be point in space. Through P,
draw planes parallel to coordinate
planes,
and meeting the axes OX, OY and 0Z in
points A, B and C respectively. Complete the
parallelepiped whose coterminous edges are
OA, OB and OC.
Let OA = x, OB = y and OC =z.

Then, we say that the coordinates of P are (x, y, z).

REMARK In fact, we have,

i) x =distance of P from yz-plane;

Z
(i) y = distance of P from xz-plane; P(x. y. z)
(ii) z = distance of P from xy-plane.

As a
consequence of the above facts, we
find that
(i) Every point In y2-plane has M
x-coordinate zero.
(ii) Every point in xz-plane has y-coordinate zero.
(i) Every point in xy-plane has z-coordinate
zero.
(iv) Any point on the x-axis is of the form
(x, 0,0).
(v) Any point the y-axis is of the
on
form (0, y, 0).
(vi) Any point on the z-axis is of
the form (0,0,
2).
783
 784 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 11
The following table shows the
signs of coordinates in eight octants.

IV v VIVII VII

EXAMPLE 1 In which octant does the

given point lic?
(i)(-2, 4, 3) (ii)(3, -2, -5) (ii)(-6, 3, -4)
(iv)(-3, -1, 4) (v)(1,-3, 6) (vi) (4,7, -2)
SOLUTION It is clear from the above table
that the point
() (-2, 4, 3) lies in octant I1;
ii) (3, -2, -5) lies in octant VIlI;
(ii) (-6, 3, -4) lies in octant VI;
(iv) (-3,-1, 4) lies in octant Il;
(v) (1,-3, 6) lies in octant IV;
(vi) (4,7, -2) lies in octant
V.
EXAMPLE 2 fa point lies on the
Z-coordinate?
y-axis then what are its x-coordinate and

SOLUTION If a
point lies on the y-axis then its x-coordinate is 0 and
2-coordinate is 0. is

EXAMPLE 3 Ifa point lies in xy-plane then what is its z-coordinate?

sOLUTION If point lies in
a
xy-plane then its z-coordinate is 0.
EXAMPLE4 In which
plane does the point (0,5, 4) ie?
sOLUTION Clearly, the
point (0, 5, -4) lies in the yz-plane.

EXERCISE 26A
1. If lies
a
point on the z-axis then find its
x-coordinate and
2. If a
point lies on yz-plane then what is its
y-coordinate
x-coordinate?
3. In which plane does the
point (4, -3, 0) lie?
4. In which octant does each of the
given points lie?
G(-4,-1,-6) i) (2, 3, -4)
(ii)(-6,5, -1)
(iv) (4, -3, -2) (v)(-1, -6, 5) (vi) (4, 6, 8)

ANSWERS (EXERCISE 264)

1. r = 0, y = 0 2. x = 0 3. Xyplane
4. i) VII (ii) V (ii) VI (iv) Vil (v) lI (vi)
 Three-Dimensional Geometry 185
THEOREM1 (Distance Formula) Prove that the distance between the points
P(X1 ) and Qlr2, V2, Z2) is given by

PQ =(x2 -x)+ (/2- h+ (z-Z%.

PROOF Let O be the origin, and let P(x,, y1, zy) and Qlxz, yz, 7z) be the given
point. From Pand Q, draw perpendiculars PM and ON respectively on
the xy-plane.
Then, the coordinates of M and N are
M(x1. ,0)and N(x2, y2, 0).
P
The two-dimensional coordinates of M
and N referred to OX and OY are
Mx, h) and N(x2/2).

MN=(x2-y)+ (y-y1)* M N
Now, from P draw PR LQN.

Then, PR is parallel and equal to MN.

Now, in right triangle PRQ, we have

PQ= PR+ RQ
= MN+ (QN -

RN)
= MN+ (QN - PM)*

: PM=% and QN =:1

= (x2X)+ (y2- y1)+ (2-Z)
PQ= V(x2-*)+ (y2 -V1)°+ (z2 -4)
cOROLLARY The distance of the point P(x, y, 2) from the origin O(0, 0, 0) is

OP =y(r-0)+(y-0)+ ( -0)
=
ya+ y+=*.
and B(4, 3, -6).
Find the distance between the points A(-2, 1, -3)
EXAMPLE1
sOLUTION We have

AB =
V14-(-2)1*+ (3 1)*+[-6-(-3)}
v49 =7 units.
=
y16+2+ (-3)1 =

and C(-4, 9, 6) form

Show that the potnts A(0,7, 10), B(-1, 6, 6)
an
EXAMPLE 2
isosceles right-angled triangle
sOLUTION We have
AB - 1 -0)+ (6-7) + (6-10) = V18 = 3/2,

BC - 4 + 1)*+ (9-6)*+ (6-6) = v18 3/2,

and AC y(-4-0)+ (9-7) + (6-7) = 36 = 6.

Clearly, AB = BC and AB+ BC* = (18 4+18) = 36= AC?
Hence, triangle ABC is an isosceles
right-angled triangle.
 Mathematics for Class 11
786 Senior Secondary School

EXAMPLE 3 Prove that the points A(3, -2, 4), B(1, 1, 1) and C(-1, 4, -2) arr

collinear.
sOLUTION We have
AB (1-3)*+ (1+2*+ (1-4)- 4+9+9=22,
BC y-11)+(4-1)+(-2-1) = 4+9+9 = V22,

and AC 1 - 3)+ (4+ 2*+ (-2-4) = /16+ 36+ 36

= 88 222.

AB +BC =AC.
This shows that the given points are collinear.
EXAMPLE 4 Find the equation of the curve formed by the set of all points whose
distances from the points (3, 4,-5) and (-2, 1, 4) are equal.
SOLUTION Let P(x, y, 2) be any point on the given curve, and let A(3, 4, -5) and
B(-2,1, 4) be the given points.
Then, PA = PB

PA= PB
=(x-3)+ (y-4)+(+ 5=(x +2) +(y-1)+-4)
= 10x +6y - 18z 2 9 = 0 .

Hence, the required curve is 10x + 6y -18z-29 = 0.

EXAMPLE 5Find the equation of the curve formed by the set of all those points the
sum of whose distances from the points A(4, 0, 0) and B(-4, 0, 0) s
10 units.

sOLUTION Let P(x, y, 2) be an arbitrary point on the given curve. Then,

PA + PB =10

r-4)+ y++ r +4) + y+z =10

yr+4)+ y+z =10-y(r -4)+ y?+z2 (i)
(r+ 4)+ y*+z=100+(x -4)+y+z?-20(r-4+ y+*
on squaring both sides of(i)
1 6 x =100-20(x-4)*+ y+z

5y(x- 4)* + y* + z* = (25 4x)

2 5 | ( r - 4)+ y*+z']= 625 + 16xr* - 200x

9+25y + 252-225 = 0.
Hence, the required equation of the curve is
9x+25y+ 25- 225 =0.
 Three-Dimensional Geometry 787
sOME USEFUL RESULTS

A quadrilateral ABCD is a
) parallelogram, if AB =CD and BC =DA;
(ii) rectangle, if AB = CD, BC = DA and AC = BD

(ii) rhombus, if AB = BC = CD = DA but AC B1D;

(iv) square, if AB = BC = CD = DA and AC - B1).

EXERCISE 268

1. Find the distance between the points:

(i) P(1, -1, 3) and Q(2, 3, -5)
(i) A(5, 1, 2) and B(4, 6, -1)
the
(ii) R(1, -3, 4) and S(4, -2,-3) (iv)C(9,-12, -8) and origin
1, 3) and C(9, 1, -3) are the
vertices

2. Show that the points A(1, -1, -5), B(3,

of an equilateral triangle.
form the
A(4, 6, -5), B(0, 2, 3)
and C(4, -4, - )
3. Show that the points
vertices of an isosceles triangle.
the vertices of
B(2, -1, 3) and C(1, -3, 1)
are

4. Show that the points A(0, 1, 2),

an isosceles right-angled
triangle.
and D(2, 2, 5) are the
A(1, 1, 1), B(-2, 4, 1), C(1, -5, 5)
5. Show that the points
vertices of a square.
and D(4, 7, 6) are

3), B(-1, -2, -1), C(2, 3, 2)

6. Show that the points A(1, 2, that ABCD is not a rectangle.
Show
the vertices of a parallelogram.
Q4,7, -7, R(-2, 1, -10)
and S(4 3. 2) -

3,5),
7. Show that the points P(2,
a r e the vertices
of a rectangle.
and S-5, 1, 1) a r e
6, 10), R(-7, 4,7)
8. Show that the points
P(1, 3, 4), Q-1,
rhombus.
the vertices of a ABC with vertices
circumcentre ot triangle
4, 3 ) is the
9. Show that D(-1,
and C(-3, 2, 1).
A(3, 2, -5), B(-3, 8, -5)
collnear:
points a r e
10. Show that the following
-1)
i) A(-2, 3, 5), B(1,
2, 3) and C(7, 0,
B(-1, 0, 8)
and C(7, 10, -

- 6)
(ii) A(3, -5, 1),
and R(-1, 4, 2)
1, 1)
(i) P(3, 2 , 4), Q1, the set of all points which are
l o r m e a by
of the curve
11. Find the equation and B(3, 2, ).
A(-1, 2, 3)
from the points
equidistant
which s e q u i s t a n t
from the points A(3, 1, 2)
the y-axis
12. Find the point o n

and B(5, 5, 2).

U
& 8 &
 Three-Dimensional Geometry 789
SECTION FORMULAE

THEOREM2 (Section Formula) Let P(X1, h,zq)and Ax2, Va, Zz) be trwo
points and
let R(x, y, 2) be a point on PQ
dividing it in the ratio m n. Prove that :

=2 A y="y2* " andz ="i2 t

m+

PROOF From P. Qand R, draw perpendiculars PL, QM and RN on the xy-plane.

Also, draw PS LQM, meeting QM and RN at S and T respectively.
From similar triangles PRT and PQS, we have
RT PR
QS PQ
RN TN
QM -SM m +n

RN PL
QM- PL m +n

L N M

m +1
Z2-21

+n

Similarly, x ="1x2*Al and y =*niy2+ ny

m +n

y2 * 2.
Hence, r ="427 A]
=
=

m++n m +1

the midpoint of the jom of P(1, Vi3) and

COROLLARY 1 The coordinates of
Q2.y222)are
3,,2
PROOF Let R be the midpoint of PO.
find that the coordinates of
1 in the above result,
we
Putting nm =n =

Raare

R wlhch divules the join of P(r 1, z) and

COROLLARY 2 The coordinates of a point the rato m: n are
in
Q02, V2, 22) externally

- -
 790 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 11

PROOF
Replacing n by -n in Theorem 2, we find that the coordinates of R are

-1

CENTROID OF A TRIANGLE
THEOREM 3 Show that the centroid of the triangle with vertices A(X1, 1,.2),
B2. Y,22) and C(X3, y3, 23) is

PROOF Let D be the midpoint of BC. Join AX1 Y121)

A and D.
Then, the coordinates of D are

G
1
Let G be the centroid of triangle B(M2:y2. 72) D CM3. Y3. 23
ABC. Then, G lies on AD and
divides it in the ratio 2:1.
the coordinates of G are

231 2 1-y 2
2+1 2+1 2+1

ie., t*s, j*y2t ys zt2+Zg

sOLVED EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1 Find the coordinates of the point which divides the join of the points
P(5, 4, 2) and Q-1, -2, 4) in the ratio 2:3.
sOLUTION Let R(x, y, 2) be the required point. Then,
2-)+2+33x5 -
Y= 2-2)+3x 4_2x 4+3 x2
2+3 2+3
13
or x-yandz =
14
So, the required point is R| '5 5

EXAMPLE 2 Find the coordinates of the point which divides the join of the poms
A(2,-1, 3) and B(4, 3, 1) externally in the ratio 3:4
 Three-Dimensional Geometry
791
SOLUTION LetC(¥, y, 2) be the required point. Then,

. _ 3 x 4-4x 2 3 x 3-4(-1) 3x1-4x 3

3-4
' 3-4

3-4
or *= -4, y =-13 and z =9.
the required point is C(-4, -13, 9).
EYAMPLE 3 Find the ratio in which the join of the points P(2, -1, 3) and Of4, 3, 1)

isdivided by the point77'7

sOLUTION Let the required ratio be A : 1. Then, the coordinates of R are
42 +2 3 -1 A+ 3
a+1 a+1 'a+1
But, the coordinates of R a r e , ,

4 +T220 or a=

So, the required ratio is1,i.e.,3:4

EXAMPLE 4 Find the ratio in which the line segment, joining the points P(2, 3, 4
and Q(-3, 5, -4) is divided by the yz-plane. Also, find the point of

intersection.
SOLUTION Let PQ be the divided by the yz-plane at a
point R in the ratio à : L

Then, the coordinates of R are

-3 +2 5+3 42 +4 )
+1 A+1 +1)
Since R lies on the yz-plane, the x-coordinate or R is therefore 0.

-3A+1+2-0, or A
So, the required ratiois:1,i.e, 2:3.
3
line segment FQ
Putting à =
in (i), the point of intersection of the

and
the yz-plane is|(
LES Find the ratio in which the join of A(2, 1, 5) and B(3, 4, 3) is divuded by
he plane 2x + 2y 22 = 1. A/so, find the coordinates of the point of

division.
SOLUTION
OSuppose the given plane intersects AB at a point C and let the
required ratio be à :1.
 Mathematics for Class 11
792 Senior Secondary School

Then, the coordinates of C are

3+2 4 +1 3 +5 . (1)
+ 1 'a+1' a+1
Since Clies on the plane 2r
+ 2y-22 =
1, this point must
satisfy the
equation of the plane.

3+22 4 +1-23A +=1 or =27

+1
So, the required ratio is:1, i.e., 5: 7.
9
Puting A=in (i), the required point of division is C , '6)
7
12'4

Three vertices of a parallelogram ABCD are A(3, -1, 2), B(1, 2, -4)
EXAMPLE 6
and C(-1,1, 2). Find the coordinates of the fourth vertex D.
sOLUTION Let D(x, y, 2) be the required point. Then, the midpoint of diagonal

BD is

And, the midpoint of diagonal AC is

5ie,0,0.2.
But, the midpoints of the diagonals of a parallelogram always coincide.

X+1-1,Y*
2 2
=0and 2
=2
So, r =1, y =-2and z =8.
Hence, the required point is D(1, - 2, 8).

EXAMPLE7 The midpoints of the sides of a triangle are (1, 5, - 1), (0, 4. -2)n
(2, 3, 4). Find its vertices
sOLUTION Let A(1, g1,2,), B(x2, y2,22) and C(x3, y, 2,) be the vertices of the
given triangle, and let D(1,5, -1), E0, 4, -2) and F(2, 3, 4) be the
midpoints of the sides BC, CA and AB respectively. Then,

+2 =1,th A1 Y
2
X *1 = 0;, Ys * =4; 3T = -2:
2 2
X +X22: 2= 3 and 4.
2 2 B(2.Y. #2) D * *

Thus, , t X,= 2; Xyt , =0; a, t , = 4;

y+ Ys = 10;y, + y = 8; y+ V = 6;

2+23 2,2t2=-42 +=8.

 Three-Dimensional Geometry 793

Adding tirst three

equations, we get
Thus,
1, 1,= 3 and - 1
=
Adding next three equatons, We get
A V: +V)= 24 or
V, V12
V2:=4 ad V6.
Adding last three equationns, we get
+ + )=2 tz, Z1or

3, 22 =5 and 2, =-7.
Hence, the vertices of the
given triangle are
A(1, 2, 3); B(3, A, 5) and C(-1, 6,-7)
EXAMPLE 8 llsing the section formula,
prove lhat the threr points
A(-2, 3,5), B(1, 2, 3) and C(7, 0, - 1) are collinear
sOLUTION Suppose Cdivides AB in the ratiol:1.
+5
Then,
A+17+0 and
From each of these equations, we get A =

This shows that C divides AB externally in the ratio 3:2.

So, C lies on the line joining A and B.
Hence, the given points A, B, C are collinear.

EXERCISE 26C

1. Find the coordinates of the point which divides the join of A(3, 2.5) and
B(-4, 2,-2) in the ratio 4:3.
2. Let A(2. 1, - 3) and B(5, -8, 3) be two given points. Find the coordinates ot
of the line segment AB.
the points of trisection
3. Find the coordinates of the point that divides the join ot A(-2 4 7) and

B(3,-5, 8) extremally in the

ratio 2: 1.
4. Find the ratio in which the point R(5, 4, - 0) divides the join of P(3, - 4)
a n d Q(9, 8, - 10).

5. Find the ratio in which the point C(5, 9,-14) diviles the join ot A(2, -3, 4
and B(3, 1, -2).
6. Find the ratio in which the line segnent havnng the end Ponts A(-1 -3, 4)
and B(4, 2, -1) is divided by the v2-plane. Also, tind the coordinates ot the

point of division.
794 Senior Secondary School Mathematics for Class 11

7. Find the coordinates of the point where the line joining A(3, 4, 1) and
B(5,1, 6) crosses the xy-plane
8. Find the ratio in which the plane x
2y + 3z =5 divides the join of
A(3, -5, 4) and B(2, 3, -7). Find the coordinates of the point of intersection
of the line and the plane.
9. The vertices of a triangle ABC are A(3,
2, 0), B(5, 3, 2) and C(-9,6, -3).
The bisector AD of LA meets BC at D. Find the coordinates of D.
10. If the three consecutive vertices of a
parallelogram be A(3, 4,-1),.
B7, 10,-3) and C(5, -2, 7), find the fourth vertex D.
11. 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 vertexC.
12. If origin is the centroid of traingle ABC with vertices A(a, 1, 3), B(-2, b, -5)
and C(4,7, c), find the values of a, b, c.

13. The midpoints of the sides of a triangle are (1,5, -1), (0, 4, -2) and (2, 3, 4).
Find its vertices.

ANSWERS (EXERCISE 26c)

1.(-1, 2, 1 2. (3,-2, -1), (4,-5, 1) 3. (8,-14, 9

4. 1:2 5. 3:2 (externally) 6. 3:2,(2,0,1)

7
50 s.
2:3 16 16
10. (1, -8, 9) 11. (-2,5, 8) 12. a = -2, b = -8, c =2

13. (1, 2, 3); (3, 4, 5);(--1, 6, -7)

HINTS TO SsOME SELECTED QUESTIONS

2. Let Pand Qbe the points of trisection of AB. Then, P divides AB in the ratio l: 2and
divides AB in the ratio 2:1.

7. Suppose the xy-plane divides AB in the ratio A: I.

6tl=0
Then+
THhon
1 »
=
Divide AB in the ratio 1:(-6)

8. D divides BC in the ratio AB: AC.