hri Shivaji College, Parbha The Sphere

Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

M.Sc. Mathematics, NET, GATE (AIR 200)

kadamsharadb@gmail.com
December 26, 2024

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

Definition

Shri Shi
Sphere
A sphere is the locus of a point which remains at a constant distance from a
fixed point.

The constant distance is called the Radius and the fixed point the Centre of
the sphere.

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

Equation of a Sphere

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Let (a, b, c) be the centre and r the radius of a given sphere. Equating the
radius r to the distance of any point (x, y, z) on the sphere from its centre
(a, b, c), we have
(x − a)2 + (y − b)2 + (z − c)2 = r2
⇔ x2 + y2 + z2 − 2 a x − 2 b y − 2 c z + (a2 + b2 + c2 − r2 ) = 0. (1)
which is the required equation of the given sphere.
Thus, the sphere whose centre is the point (a, b, c) and whose radius is r is
the set
{(x, y, z) | x2 + y2 + z2 − 2 a x − 2 b y − 2 c z + (a2 + b2 + c2 − r2 ) = 0}
We note the following characteristics of the equation (1) of the sphere :
1. It is of the second degree in x, y, z;
2. The coefficient of x2 , y2 , z2 are all equal;
3. The product terms xy, yz, zx are absent.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Conversely, we consider the equation

Shri Shi
a x2 + a y2 + a z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0, a,0 (2)
having the above three characteristics; a, u, v, w, d being given constants and
a , 0. The equation (2) can be rewritten as
 u 2  v 2  w 2 u2 + v2 + w2 − a d
x+ + y+ + z+ = .
a a a a2
This manner of rewriting shows  u thatvthe distance between the variable point
w
(x, y, z) and the fixed point − , − , − is
a a a
p
(u2 + v2 + w2 − a d)
, u2 + v2 + w2 − a d > 0
|a|
and is, therefore, constant. The locus of the equation (2) is thus a sphere, if
u2 + v2 + w2 − a d > 0.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
General Equation of a Sphere

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

We write the equation (2) in the form
2u 2v 2w d
x2 + y2 + z2 + x+ y+ z + = 0, a,0
a a a a
⇔ x + y + z + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d0 = 0
2 2 2 0 0 0

which is taken as the general equation of a sphere.

The family of spheres is thus given by the equation
x2 + y2 + z 2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0
where u, v, w, d are parameters such that u2 + v2 + w2 − d > 0.
The radius of the sphere is 0 if
u2 + v2 + w2 − d = 0.
In this case the sphere is what we may call a Point sphere.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the radius and centre of the sphere

x2 + y2 + z2 − 2 x + 4 y − 6 z = 2.

Solution : Comparing with the general equation of sphere, we have

u = − 1, v = 2, w = − 3, d = − 2.

Hence, centre is
(− u, − v, − w) = (1, − 2, 3).
The radius is
p p
(u2 + v2 + w2 − d) = (1 + 4 + 9 + 2) = 4.

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

A plane passes through a fixed point (a, b, c), show that the locus of the foot
of the perpendicular to it from the origin is the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 + −a x − b y − c z = 0.
Solution : Any plane through (a, b, c) is
l (x − a) + m (y − b) + n (z − c) = 0 (3)
and the line is perpendicular to it from the origin is
x y z
= = . (4)
l m n
The foot of the perpendicular is the point of intersection of (3) and (4). Thus,
to find the locus of the foot of perpendicular, we should eliminate l, m, n
between (3) and (4), i.e.,
x (x − a) + y (y − b) + z (z − c) = 0 ⇒ x2 + y2 + z2 − a x − b y − c z = 0.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

A point moves so that the sum of the squares of its distances from the six
faces of a cube is constant; show that its locus is a sphere.
Solution : Take the centre of the cube as the origin and the planes through
the centre parallel to its faces as coordinate planes. Let each of the edge of
the cube be equal to 2 a. Then the equations of the faces of the cube are
x = a, x = − a; y = a, y = − a; z = a, z = − a.
If (f , g, h) be a point of the locus, we have
(f − a)2 + (f + a)2 + (g − a)2 + (g + a)2 + (h − a)2 + (h + a)2 = k2 (k, a constant)
⇔ 2 (f 2 + g2 + h2 + 3 a2 ) = k2
so that the locus is
2 (x2 + y2 + z2 + 3 a2 ) = k2 ,
which is a sphere.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
The Sphere through Four Given Points

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

The general equation of a sphere contains four parameters and, as such a sphere
can be uniquely determined so as to satisfy four conditions, each of which is such
that it gives rise to one linear relation between the constants.
In particular, we can find a sphere through four non-coplanar points
(x1 , y1 , z1 ), (x2 , y2 , z2 ), (x3 , y3 , z3 ), (x4 , y4 , z4 ).
Let
x2 + y2 + w2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0 (5)
be the equation of the sphere through the four given points.
We have then the linear equations
x21 + y21 + w21 + 2 u x1 + 2 v y1 + 2 w z1 + d = 0 (6)
and three more similar equations corresponding to the remaining three points so
that we obtain a system of four linear equations in four unknowns u, v, w, d. We
solve these these equations and substituting the values thus obtained for u, v, w, d
in (5), we get the required equation.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the equation to the sphere through the points (0, 0, 0), (0, 1, −1), (−1, 2, 0),
(1, 2, 3).
Solution : Let the equation of the sphere be
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0 (7)
As it passes through given points, we have
d = 0;
2 + 2 v − 2 w + d = 0;
5 − 2 u + 4 v + d = 0;
14 + 2 u + 4 v + 6 2 + d = 0
yielding u = − 15/14, v = − 25/14, w = − 11/14 and d = 0.
Hence, the equation of sphere becomes
15 25 11
x2 + y2 + z2 − x− y− z = 0, i.e., 7 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) − 15 x − 25 y − 11 z = 0.
7 7 7
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Plane Section of a Sphere

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Consider a sphere and a plane. We suppose that the sphere and the plane have
points in common i.e., intersect. The set of points common to a sphere and a plane,
assuming that the sphere and the plane intersect, is called a plane section of a sphere.
We show that the locus of points common to a sphere and a plane is a circle, i.e., a
plane section of a sphere is a circle.
Let O be the centre of the sphere and P, a point on the plane
section. Let ON be perpendicular to the given plane; N be-
ing the foot of the perpendicular. As ON is perpendicular
to the plane which contains the line NP, we have

ON ⊥ NP ⇒ NP2 = OP2 − ON2 .

Now, O and N being fixed points, this relation shows that NP is constant for all
positions of P on the section. Hence, the locus of P is a circle whose centre is the
point N, viz., the foot of the perpendicular from the centre of the sphere to the plane.
The section of a sphere by a plane through its centre is known as a great circle.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
 Shri Shi
The centre and radius of a great circle are the same as those of the sphere.
There exist points of intersection of a sphere and a plane if and only if the distance
of the centre of the sphere from the plane is 6 the radius of the sphere.
Thus, the sphere

x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0

will intersect the plane

lx + my + nz = p
if and only if

(u l + v m + w n + p)2 6 (l2 + m2 + n2 ) (u2 + v2 + w2 − d).

Corollary : The circle through three given points lies entirely on any sphere through
the same three points.
Thus, the condition of a sphere containing a given circle is equivalent to that of its
passing through any three of its points.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Intersection of Two Spheres

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

We now consider two spheres and assume that the given spheres have points
in common i.e., intersect. Assuming that two given spheres intersect, we
show that the locus of the points of intersection of two spheres is a circle.
The co-ordinates of points, if any, common to the two spheres

S1 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u1 x + 2 v1 y + 2 w1 z + d1 = 0,
S2 = x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u2 x + 2 v2 y + 2 w2 z + d2 = 0

satisfy both these equations, and, therefore, they also satisfy the equation

S1 − S2 = 2 x (u1 − u2 ) + 2 y (v1 − v2 ) + 2 z (w1 − w2 ) + (d1 − d2 ) = 0

which, being of the first degree, represents a plane.

Thus, the points of intersection of the two spheres are the same as those of
any one of them and this plane and, therefore, they lie on a circle.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Sphere with a Given Diameter

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the equation of the sphere described on the segment joining the points
A(x1 , y1 , z1 ), B(x2 , y2 , z2 ) as a diameter.
Solution : Let P(x, y, z) be a point on the sphere described on the segment
AB as diameter.
Since the section of the required sphere by the plane through the three points
P, A, B is a great circle having AB as diameter, the point P lies on a semi-circle
and, therefore
PA ⊥ PB.
The direction cosines of PA, PB being proportional to
x − x1 , y − y1 , z − z1 and x − x2 , y − y2 , z − z2
they will be perpendicular, if
(x − x1 ) (x − x2 ) + (y − y1 ) (y − y2 ) + (z − z1 ) (z − z2 ) = 0,
which is the required equation of the sphere.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Equations of a Circle

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

A circle is the intersection of its plane with some sphere through it. As such,
a circle can be represented by two equations, representing a sphere and the
other a plane.
Thus, the two equations
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0, lx + my + nz = p
taken together represent a circle.
A circle can also be represented by the equations of any two spheres through
it.
Note : The equations
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 f y + c = 0, z=0
also represent a circle which is the intersection of the cylinder
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 f y + c = 0
with the plane z = 0.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the equations of the circle circumscribing the triangle formed by the three
points (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0), (0, 0, c). Obtain the co-ordinates of the centre of this circle.
Solution : The equation of the plane passing through these three points is
x y z
+ + = 1.
a b c
The required circle is the curve of intersection of this plane with any sphere through
the three points.
To find the equation of this sphere, a fourth point is necessary which for the sake of
convenience, we take as origin. If
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0
be the sphere through these four points, we have
a2 + 2 u a + d = 0;b2 + 2 v b + d = 0; c2 + 2 w z + d = 0; d = 0.
1 1 1
These give d = 0, u = − a, v = − b, w = − c.
2 2 2
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Thus, the equation of the sphere is x2 + y2 + z2 − a x − b y − c z = 0. Hence,

Shri Shi
x y z
x2 + y2 + z2 − a x − b y − c z = 0, + + =1
a b c
are the equations of the circle.  
1 1 1
The centre of this circle, is the foot of the perpendicular from the centre a, b, c
2 2 2
x y z
of the sphere to the plane + + = 1. The equations of the perpendicular are
a b c
1 1
x− 2a y− 2b z − 12 c
 
r a r b r c
= = = r, say ⇒ + , + , + ,
1/a 1/b 1/c a 2 b 2 c 2
is any point on the line. Its intersection with the plane is given by
 
1 1 1 1 1 1
r + + + =0 ⇒ r=− × 1
.
a2 b2 c2 2 2 a2
+ b12 + c12

!
a b12 + c12 b a12 + c12 c a12 + b12



Thus, the centre is
,
,
.
2 a12 + b12 + c12 2 a12 + b12 + c12 2 a12 + b12 + c12
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Spheres through a Given Circle

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

The equation S + k U = 0 represents a sphere through the circle with equa-
tions S = 0, U = 0, where
S ≡ x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d, U ≡ lx + my + nz − p
Thus, the set of spheres through the circle S = 0, U = 0, is
{S + k U = 0 | k is the parameter}.
Also the equation S + k S0 = 0 represents a sphere through the circle with
equations S = 0, S0 = 0, where
S ≡ x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d
S0 ≡ x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u0 x + 2 v0 y + 2 w0 z + d0
for all values of k.
The set of spheres through the circle S = 0, S0 = 0 is thus
{S + k U = 0 | k is the parameter}.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Note

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

1. We notice that the equation of the plane of the circle through the two
given spheres S = 0, S0 = 0 is
S − S0 = 2 (u − u0 ) x + 2 (v − v0 ) y + 2 (w − w0 ) z + d − d0 = 0.
From this we see that the equation of any sphere through the circle
S = 0, S0 = 0 is also of the form
S + k (S − S0 ) = 0;
k, being the parameter.
2. The general equation of a sphere through the circle
x2 + y2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + c = 0, z=0
is
x2 + y2 + 2 g x + 2 f y + 2 k z + c = 0,
where k is the parameter.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the equation of the sphere through the circle
x2 + y2 + z2 = 9, 2x + 3y + 4z = 5
and the point (1, 2, 3).
Solution : The sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 − 9 + k (2 x + 3 y + 4 z − 5) = 0
passes through the given circle for all values of k.
It will pass through (1, 2, 3) if
1
5 + 15 k = 0
k=− . ⇒
3
The required equation of the sphere, therefore, is
3 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) − 2 x − 3 y − 4 z − 22 = 0.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Show that the two circles
x2 + y2 + z2 − y + 2 z = 0, x − y + z − 2 = 0;
2 2 2
x + y + z + x − 3 y + z − 5 = 0, 2 x − y + 4 z − 1 = 0;

lie on the same sphere and find its equation.

Solution : The equations of any sphere through the first circle is

x2 + y2 + z2 − y + 2 z + k (x − y + z − 2) = 0, (8)

and that of any sphere through the second circle is

x2 + y2 + z2 + x − 3 y + z − 5 + k0 (2 x − y + 4 z − 1) = 0. (9)

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

 Shri Shi
The equations (8) and (9) will represent the same sphere, if k, k0 can be chosen
so as to satisfy the four linear equations

k − 2 k0 = 1,
k − k0 = 2,
k − 4 k0 = − 1,
− 2 k + k0 = −5

The first two of these equations give k = 3, k0 = 1, and these values clearly
satisfy the remaining two equations also. These four equations in k, k0 being
consistent, the two circles lie on the same sphere viz.,

x2 + y2 + z2 − y + 2 z + 3 (x − y + z − 2) = 0
⇒ x2 + y2 + z2 + 3 x − 4 y + 5 z − 6 = 0.

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Prove that the plane x + 2 y − z = 4 cuts the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 − x + z − 2 = 0
in a circle of radius unity and find the equations of sphere which has this
circle for one of its great circle.  
1 1
Solution : The centre of the given sphere is , 0, − and its radius
2 2
s 
2 2
 r
1 1 5
= + 02 + − − (− 1) = = r.
2 2 2

1 √
 
1 1
Length of perpendicular from , 0, − to the plane is 6 = p (say)
2 2 2
r
5 6
q
Radius of circle = r2 − p2 = − = 1.
2 4
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Now, equation of a sphere through given circle is

Shri Shi
x2 + y2 + z2 − x + z − 2 + λ (x + 2 y − z − 4) = 0
or x2 + y2 + z2 + (λ − 1) x + 2 λ y + (1 − λ) z − (2 + 4 λ) = 0 (10)

Its centre is  
λ−1 1−λ
− , − λ, − .
2 2
If the circle is a great circle of the sphere (10), then its centre should lie on
the plane x + 2 y − z = 4 of the circle. Therefore,
1 1
− (λ − 1) + 2 (− λ) + (1 − λ) − 4 = 0 ⇒ λ = − 1.
2 2
From (10), the equation of required sphere is

x2 + y2 + z2 − 2 x − 2 y − 2 z + 2 = 0.

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

Intersection of a Sphere and a Line

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Let
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0 (11)
x−α y−β z−γ
= = ; (12)
l m n
be the equations of a sphere and a line respectively.
The point (l r + α, m r + β, n r + γ) which lies on the given line (12) for all
values of r, will also lie on the given sphere (11), for those of the values of r
which satisfy the equation
r2 (l2 + m2 + n2 ) + 2 r [l (α + u) + m (β + v) + n (γ + w)]
+ (α2 + β2 + γ2 + 2 u α + 2 v β + 2 w γ + d) = 0, (13)
and this latter being a quadratic equation in r, gives two valus say, r1 , r2 of r.
Then (l r1 + α, m r1 + β, n r1 + γ), (l r2 + α, m r2 + β, n r2 + γ) are the two points
of intersection.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Power of a Point

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the given line (12), so that l2 + m2 + n2 =
1. Then r1 , r2 are the distances of the point A(α, β, γ) from the point of
intersection P and Q and we have

AP · AQ = r1 r2 = α2 + β2 + γ2 + 2 u α + 2 v β + 2 w γ + d

which is independent of the direction cosines l, m, n. Thus, if from a fixed

point A, chords be drawn in any direction to intersect a given sphere in P
and Q, then AP · AQ is constant. This constant is called the Power of the point
A with respect to the sphere.

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Show that the sum of the square of the intercepts made by a given sphere
on any three mutually perpendicular straight lines through a fixed point is
constant.
Solution : Take the fixed point O as the origin and any three mutually
perpendicular lines through it as the co-ordinate axes. With this choice of
axes, let the equation of the given sphere be
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0
The X-axis, (y = 0 = z) meets the sphere in points given by
x2 + 2 u x + d = 0,
so that if x1 , x2 be its roots, the two points of intersection are
(x1 , 0, 0), (x2 , 0, 0).
Also we have
x1 + x2 = − 2 u, x1 x2 = d.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Therefore

Shri Shi
(intercept on X-axis)2 = (x1 − x2 )2 = (x1 + x2 )2 − 4 x1 x2 = 4 (u2 − d).
Similarly
(intercept on Y-axis)2 = 4 (v2 − d),
(intercept on Z-axis)2 = 4 (w2 − d).
The sum of the squares of the intercepts
= 4 (u2 + v2 + w2 − 3 d)
= 4 (u2 + v2 + w2 − d) − 8 d
= 4 r2 − 8 p,
where r is the radius of the given sphere and p is the power of the given
point with respect to the sphere.
Since the sphere and the point are both given, r and p are both constants.
Hence, the result.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Equation of a Tangent Plane

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

To find the equation of the tangent plane at any point (α, β, γ) of the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0 (14)
The point (α, β, γ) lies on the sphere
α2 + β2 + γ2 + 2 u α + 2 v β + 2 w γ + d = 0
The points of intersection of any line
x−α y−β z−γ
= = =r (15)
l m n
through (α, β, γ) with the given sphere are (I r + α, m r + β, n r + γ) where
the values of r are the roots of the quadratic equation
r2 (l2 + m2 + n2 ) + 2 r [l (α + u) + m (β + v) + n (γ + w)]
+ (α2 + β2 + γ2 + 2 u α + 2 v β + 2 w γ + d) = 0, (16)
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
By virtue of the condition (14), one root of this quadratic equation is zero so

Shri Shi
that one of the points of intersection coincides with (α, β, γ). In order that
the second point of intersection may also coincide with (α, β, γ), the second
value of r must also vanish and this requires,
l (α + u) + m (β + v) + n (γ + w) = 0. (17)
Thus, the line
x−α y−β z−γ
= =
l m n
meets the sphere in two coincident points at (α, β, γ) and so is a tangent line
to it thereat for any set of values of l, m, n which satisfy the condition (31).
The locus of the tangent lines at (α, β, γ), obtained by eliminating l, m, n
between the condition (31) and the equations (15) of the line is
(x − α) (α + u) + (y − β) (β + v) + (z − γ) (γ + w) = 0
⇔ α x + β y + γ z + u (x + α) + v (y + β) + w (z + γ) + d
= α2 + β2 + γ2 + 2 u α + 2 v β + 2 w γ + d = 0
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
which is a plane known as the tangent plane at (α, β, γ).

Shri Shi
It follows that
(α + u) x + (β + v) y + (γ + w) z + (u α + v β + w γ + d) = 0
is the equation of the tangent plane to the given sphere at the given point
(α, β, γ).
Corollary 1 : The line joining the centre of a sphere to any point on it is
perpendicular to the tangent plane thereat, for the direction cosines of
the line joining the centre (− u, − v, − w) and the (α, β, γ) on the sphere
are proportional to (α + u, β + v, γ + w) which are also the coefficients of
x, y, z in the equation of the tangent plane at (α, β, γ). Hence, the result.
Corollary 2 : If a plane or a line touches a sphere, then the length of
the perpendicular from its centre to the plane or the line is equal to its
radius.
Note : Any line in the tangent plane through its point of contact touches the
section of the sphere by any plane through the line.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Show that the plane
lx + my + nz = p
will touch the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0
if
(u l + v m + w n + p)2 = (l2 + m2 + n2 ) (u2 + v2 + w2 − d).
Solution : Equating the radius
p
u2 + v2 + w2 − d
of the sphere to the length of the perpendicular from the centre (− u, − v, − w)
to the plane
l x + m y + n z = p,
we get the required condition.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the two tangent planes to the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 − 4 x + 2 y − 6 z + 5 = 0
which are parallel to the plane 2 x + 2 y = z.
Solution : The general equation of a plane parallel to the given plane is
2x + 2y − z = 0
2 x + 2 y − z + λ = 0; λ is a parameter
This will be a tangent plane, if its distance from the centre (2, − 1, 3) of the is
equal to the radius 3 and this requires
−1 + λ
= 3 ⇒ λ = 10 or − 8.
±3
Hence, the required tangent planes are
2 x + 2 y − z + 10 = 0 and 2 x + 2 y − z − 8 = 0.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the equation of the sphere which touches the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 − x + 3 y + 2 z − 3 = 0,
at the point (1, 1, − 1) and passes through the origin.
Solution : The tangent plane to the given sphere at (1, 1, − 1) is
x + 5 y − 6 = 0.
The equation of the required sphere is, therefore,
x2 + y2 + z2 − x + 3 y + 2 z − 3 + k (x + 5 y − 6) = 0,
where k is a suitably chosen number.
1
This will pass through the origin if k = − .
2
Thus, the required equation is
2 (x2 + y2 + z2 ) − 3 x + y + 4 z = 0.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Plane of Contact

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the locus of the points of contact of the tangent planes which pass
through a given point (α, β, γ) and touch the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0.
Solution : The tangent plane
x (x0 + u) + y (y0 + v) + z (z0 + w) + (u x0 + v y0 + w z0 + d) = 0
and (x0 , y0 , z0 ) will pass through the point (α, β, γ), if
α (x0 + u) + β (y0 + v) + γ (z0 + w) + (u x0 + v y0 + w z0 + d) = 0
⇔ x0 (α + u) + y0 (β + v) + z0 (γ + w) + (u α + v β + w γ + d) = 0
which is the condition that the point (x0 , y0 , z0 ) should lie on the plane
x (α + u) + y (β + v) + z (γ + w) + (u xα + v β + w γ + d) = 0.
It is called the plane of contact for the point (α, β, γ). Thus, the locus of points
of contact is the circle in which the plane cuts the sphere.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
The Polar Plane

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

If a line drawn through a fixed fixed point A meets a given sphere in points
P, Q and a point R is taken on this line such that the segment AR is divided
internally and externally by the points P, Q in the same ratio, then the locus
of R is a plane called the Polar Plane of A w.r.t. the sphere.
Consider the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 , (18)
and let A be the point (α, β, γ).
Let R(x, y, z) be the co-ordinates of the point R on any line through A. The
co-ordinates of the point dividing AR in the ratio λ : 1 are
     
λx + α λy + β λz + γ
, ,
λ+1 λ+1 λ+1
This point will be on the sphere for values of λ which are roots of the
quadratic equation
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
 Shri Shi
 2  2  2
λx + α λy + β λz + γ
+ + = a2 ,
λ+1 λ+1 λ+1
λ2 (x2 + y2 + z2 − a2 ) + 2 λ (α x + β y + γ z − a2 ) + (α2 + β2 + γ2 − a2 ) = 0 (19)

Its roots λ1 and λ2 are the ratios in which the points P, Q divide the segment
AR. Since P, Q divide the segment AR internally and externally in the same
ratio, we have
λ1 + λ2 = 0.
Thus, from (19), we have

α x + β y + γ z − a2 = 0, (20)

which is the relation satisfied by the co-ordinates (x, y, z) of R.

Hence, (20) is the locus of R. Clearly it is a plane.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Thus, we have seen here that the equation of the polar plane of the point

Shri Shi
(α, β, γ) with respect to the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 = a2
is
α x + β y + γ z = a2 .
It may similarly be shown that the polar plane of (α, β, γ) with respect to the
sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u x + 2 v y + 2 w z + d = 0,
is the plane
(α + u) x + (β + v) y + (γ + w) z + (u α + v β + w γ + d) = 0.
On comparing the equation of the polar plane with that of the tangent plane
and the plane of contact, we see that the polar plane of a point lying on the
sphere is the tangent plane at the point and that of a point, lying outside it,
is its plane of contact.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Pole of a Plane

Shri Shi
Pole of a Plane
If π be the polar plane of a point P, then P is called the pole of the plane π.
Find the pole of the plane
lx + my + nz = p (21)
with respect to the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 .
Solution : If (α, β, γ) be the required pole, then the equation (21) is identical with
α x + β y + γ z = a2 (22)
so that, on comparing (21) and (22), we obtain
α β γ a2 a2 l a2 m a2 n
= = = ⇒ α= , β= , γ= .
l m n p p p p
Thus, the point (a2 l/p, a2 m/p, a2 n/p) is the pole of the plane l x + m y + n z = p with
respect to the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 .
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Some Results Concerning Poles and Polars

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Hereafter we shall always take the equation of a sphere in the form
x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 .
1. The line joining the centre O of a sphere to any point P is perpendicular
to the polar plane of P.
The direction ratios of the line joining the centre O(0, 0, 0) to the point
P(α, β, γ) are α, β, γ and these are also the direction ratios of the normal
to the polar plane x2 + y2 + z2 = a2 of P(α, β, γ).
2. If the line joining the centre O of a sphere to a point P meets the polar
plane of P in Q, then
OP · OQ = a2 ,
where a is the radius of the sphere. We have
p
OP = (α2 + β2 + γ2 ).
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
 Also, OQ, which is the length of the perpendicular from the centre

Shri Shi
O(0, 0, 0) to the polar plane α x + β y + γ z = a2 of P, is given by
a2
OQ = p .
(α2 + β2 + γ2 )
Hence, the result.
3. If the polar plane of a point P passes through a point Q, then the polar
plane of Q passes through P.
The condition that the polar plane
α1 x + β1 y + γ1 z = a2 ,
of P(α1 , β1 , γ1 ) passes through Q(α2 , β2 , γ2 ) is
α1 α2 + β1 β2 + γ1 γ2 = a2 ,
which is also, by symmetry, or directly, the condition that the polar
plane of Q passes through P.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
 Conjugate points : Two points such that the polar plane of either passes

Shri Shi
through the other are called conjugate points.
4. If the pole of a plane π1 lies on another plane π2 , then the pole of π2 also
lies on π1 .
The condition that the pole
 2
a l1 a2 m1 a2 n1

, ,
p1 p1 p1
of the plane π1
l1 x + m1 y + n1 z = p1
lies on the plane π2
l2 x + m2 y + n2 z = p2
is
a2 (l1 l2 + m1 m2 + n1 n2 ) = p1 p2
 2
a l2 a2 m2 a2 n2

which is the condition that the pole , , of π2 lies on π1 .
p2 p2 p2
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
 Conjugate planes : Two planes such that the pole of either lies on the

Shri Shi
other are called conjugate planes.
5. The polar planes of all the points on a line l pass through another line l0 .
The polar plane of any point (l r + α, m r + β, n r + γ) on the line, l,
x−α y−β z−γ
= =
l m n
is
(l r + α) x + (m r + β) y + (n r + γ) z = a2 ,
⇔ (α x + β y + γ z − a2 ) + r (l x + m y + n z) = 0,
which clearly passes through the line
α x + β y + γ z − a2 = 0, l x + m y + n z = 0,
whatever value, r, may have. Hence, the result.
Polar lines : Two lines such that the polar plane of every point either
passes through the other are called polar lines.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Example

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the polar line of
x−1 y−2 z−3
= =
2 3 4
with respect to the sphere
x2 + y2 + z2 = 16.
Solution : Any point on given line is (2 r + 1, 3 r + 2, 4 r + 3). Polar plane of
this point with respect to sphere is
x (2 r + 1) + y (3 r + 2) + z (4 r + 3) = 16
i.e., (x + 2 y + 3 z − 16) + r (2 x + 3 y + 4 z) = 0.
This clearly passes through the line
x + 2 y + 3 z − 16 = 0 = 2 x + 3 y + 4 z
which is the required polar plane.
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Angle of Intersection of Two Spheres

Shri Shi
Angle of Intersection of Two Spheres
The angle of intersection of two spheres at a common point is the angle
between the tangent planes to them at that point and is, therefore, also equal
to the angle between the radii of the spheres to the common point; the radii
being perpendicular to the respective tangent planes at the point.

The angle of intersection at every common point of the spheres is the same,
for if P, P0 be any two common points and C, C0 the centres of the spheres,
the triangles CC0 P and CC0 P0 are congruent and accordingly
∠CPC0 = ∠CP0 C0 .
The spheres are said to be orthogonal if the angle of intersection of two spheres
is a right angle. In this case
CC02 = CP2 + C0 P2 .
Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam
Condition for the Orthogonality of Two Spheres

hri Shivaji College, Parbha

Find the condition for the two spheres

x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u1 x + 2 v1 y + 2 w1 z + d1 = 0,
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 u2 x + 2 v2 y + 2 w2 z + d2 = 0,

to be orthogonal.
Solution : The spheres will be orthogonal if the square of distance between
their centres is equal to the sum of the squares of their radii and this requires

(u1 − u2 )2 + (v1 − v2 )2 + (w1 − w2 )2 = (u21 + v21 + w21 − d1 ) + (u22 + v22 + w22 − d2 )

⇔ 2 u1 u2 + 2 v1 v2 + 2 w1 w2 = d1 + d2 .

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam

Shri Shi

Analytical Geometry Sharad Bhagwanrao Kadam