SATHEE: Chapter 11 Three Dimensional Geometry

Chapter 11 Three Dimensional Geometry

11.1 Introduction In Class XI, while studying Analytical Geometry in two dimensions, and the introduction to three dimensional geometry, we confined to the Cartesian methods only. In the previous chapter of this book, we have studied some basic concepts of vectors. We will now use vector algebra to three dimensional geometry. The purpose of this approach to 3-dimensional geometry is that it makes the study simple and elegant*. In this chapter, we shall study the direction cosines and direction ratios of a line joining two points and also discuss about the equations of lines and planes in space under different conditions, angle between two lines, two planes, a line and a plane, shortest distance between two skew lines and distance of a point from a plane. Most of the above results are obtained in vector form. Nevertheless, we shall also translate these results in the Cartesian form which, at times, presents a more clear geometric and analytic picture of the situation. 11.2 Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios of a Line From Chapter 10, recall that if a directed line L passing through the origin makes angles , and with x, y and z-axes, respectively, called direction angles, then cosine of these angles, namely, cos , cos and cos are called direction cosines of the directed line L. If we reverse the direction of L, then the direction angles are replaced by their supplements, i.e., − , − and − . Thus, the signs of the direction cosines are reversed. Chapter 11 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

For various activities in three dimensional geometry, one may refer to the Book “A Hand Book for designing Mathematics Laboratory in Schools”, NCERT, 2005 Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) 2022-23 464 MATHEMATICS Note that a given line in space can be extended in two opposite directions and so it has two sets of direction cosines. In order to have a unique set of direction cosines for a given line in space, we must take the given line as a directed line. These unique direction cosines are denoted by l, m and n. Remark If the given line in space does not pass through the origin, then, in order to find its direction cosines, we draw a line through the origin and parallel to the given line. Now take one of the directed lines from the origin and find its direction cosines as two parallel line have same set of direction cosines. Any three numbers which are proportional to the direction cosines of a line are called the direction ratios of the line. If l, m, n are direction cosines and a, b, c are direction ratios of a line, then a = l, b=m and c = n, for any nonzero R. Note Some authors also call direction ratios as direction numbers. Let a, b, c be direction ratios of a line and let l, m and n be the direction cosines (d.c’s) of the line. Then l a = m b = n k c = (say), k being a constant. Therefore l = ak, m = bk, n = ck … (1) But l2 + m2 + n2 = 1 Therefore k2 (a2 + b2 + c2) = 1 or k = 2 2 2 1 a b c ±

+ Fig 11.1 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 465 Hence, from (1), the d.c.’s of the line are 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 , , a b c l m n a b c a b c a b c =± = ± = ±
- - - - + where, depending on the desired sign of k, either a positive or a negative sign is to be taken for l, m and n. For any line, if a, b, c are direction ratios of a line, then ka, kb, kc; k 0 is also a set of direction ratios. So, any two sets of direction ratios of a line are also proportional. Also, for any line there are infinitely many sets of direction ratios. 11.2.1 Relation between the direction cosines of a line Consider a line RS with direction cosines l, m, n. Through the origin draw a line parallel to the given line and take a point P(x, y, z) on this line. From P draw a perpendicular PA on the x-axis (Fig. 11.2). Let OP = r. Then OA cos OP = x r = . This gives x = lr. Similarly, y = mr and z = nr Thus x2 + y2 + z2 = r2 (l2 + m2 + n2) But x2 + y2 + z2 = r2 Hence l2 + m2 + n2 = 1 11.2.2 Direction cosines of a line passing through two points Since one and only one line passes through two given points, we can determine the direction cosines of a line passing through the given points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) as follows (Fig 11.3 (a)). Fig 11.3 r Z X Y R S P ( , , ) x y z A O O A P x Fig 11.2 2022-23 466 MATHEMATICS Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the line PQ and let it makes angles , and with the x, y and z-axis, respectively. Draw perpendiculars from P and Q to XY-plane to meet at R and S. Draw a perpendicular from P to QS to meet at N. Now, in right angle triangle PNQ, PQN= (Fig 11.3 (b). Therefore, cos = 2 1 NQ PQ PQ z − z = Similarly cos = 2 1 and cos 2 1 PQ PQ x − x y − y = Hence, the direction cosines of the line segment joining the points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are 2 1 PQ x − x , 2 1 PQ y − y , 2 1 PQ z − z where PQ = ( )2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 (x − x ) + ( y − y ) + z − z Note The direction ratios of the line segment joining P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) may be taken as x 2 – x 1, y 2 – y 1, z 2 – z 1 or x 1 – x 2, y 1 – y 2, z 1 – z 2 Example 1 If a line makes angle 90°, 60° and 30° with the positive direction of x, y and z-axis respectively, find its direction cosines. Solution Let the d . c . ’s of the lines be l , m, n. Then l = cos 900 = 0, m = cos 600 = 1 2 , n = cos 300 = 2 3 . Example 2 If a line has direction ratios 2, – 1, – 2, determine its direction cosines. Solution Direction cosines are 2 2 2 2 ( 1) ( 2) 2
− + − , 2 2 2 2 ( 1 ) ( 2 ) 1
− + − − , 2 ( )2 2 2 1 ( 2) 2 − + + − − or 2 1 2 , , 3 3 3 − − Example 3 Find the direction cosines of the line passing through the two points (– 2, 4, – 5) and (1, 2, 3). 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 467 Solution We know the direction cosines of the line passing through two points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are given by 2 1 , 2 1 , 2 1 PQ PQ PQ x − x y − y z − z where PQ = ( )2 12 2 12 2 12 ( −x )x + y ( − y ) + z − z Here P is (– 2, 4, – 5) and Q is (1, 2, 3). So PQ = 2 2 2 (1 − (−2)) + (2 − 4) + (3− (−5)) = 77 Thus, the direction cosines of the line joining two points is 3 2 8 , , 77 77 77 − Example 4 Find the direction cosines of x, y and z-axis. Solution The x-axis makes angles 0°, 90° and 90° respectively with x, y and z-axis. Therefore, the direction cosines of x-axis are cos 0°, cos 90°, cos 90° i.e., 1,0,0. Similarly, direction cosines of y-axis and z-axis are 0, 1, 0 and 0, 0, 1 respectively. Example 5 Show that the points A (2, 3, – 4), B (1, – 2, 3) and C (3, 8, – 11) are collinear. Solution Direction ratios of line joining A and B are 1 – 2, – 2 – 3, 3 + 4 i.e., – 1, – 5, 7. The direction ratios of line joining B and C are 3 –1, 8 + 2, – 11 – 3, i.e., 2, 10, – 14. It is clear that direction ratios of AB and BC are proportional, hence, AB is parallel to BC. But point B is common to both AB and BC. Therefore, A, B, C are collinear points. EXERCISE 11.1

If a line makes angles 90°, 135°, 45° with the x, y and z-axes respectively, find its direction cosines.
Find the direction cosines of a line which makes equal angles with the coordinate axes.
If a line has the direction ratios –18, 12, – 4, then what are its direction cosines ?
Show that the points (2, 3, 4), (– 1, – 2, 1), (5, 8, 7) are collinear.
Find the direction cosines of the sides of the triangle whose vertices are (3, 5, – 4), (– 1, 1, 2) and (– 5, – 5, – 2). 2022-23 468 MATHEMATICS 11.3 Equation of a Line in Space We have studied equation of lines in two dimensions in Class XI, we shall now study the vector and cartesian equations of a line in space. A line is uniquely determined if (i) it passes through a given point and has given direction, or (ii) it passes through two given points. 11.3.1 Equation of a line through a given point and parallel to a given vector  b Let a  be the position vector of the given point A with respect to the origin O of the rectangular coordinate system. Let l be the line which passes through the point A and is parallel to a given vector b  . Let r  be the position vector of an arbitrary point P on the line (Fig 11.4). Then AP  is parallel to the vector b  , i.e., AP  = b  , where is some real number. But AP  = OP – OA   i.e. b  = r − a   Conversely, for each value of the parameter , this equation gives the position vector of a point P on the line. Hence, the vector equation of the line is given by  r =    a + b … (1) Remark If b = aiˆ + bˆj + ckˆ  , then a, b, c are direction ratios of the line and conversely, if a, b, c are direction ratios of a line, then = ˆ + ˆ + ˆ  b ai bj ck will be the parallel to the line. Here, b should not be confused with |  b|. Derivation of cartesian form from vector form Let the coordinates of the given point A be (x1, y1, z1) and the direction ratios of the line be a, b, c. Consider the coordinates of any point P be (x, y, z). Then = ˆ + r ˆ xi +yj zkˆ  a x ; ˆ i yˆ j z k ˆ 1 1 1 ++=  and b = a iˆ + b ˆj + c kˆ  Substituting these values in (1) and equating the coefficients of iˆ, ˆj and kˆ , we get x = x1 + a; y = y1 + b; z = z1+ c … (2) Fig 11.4 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 469 These are parametric equations of the line. Eliminating the parameter from (2), we get 1 x – x a = 1 1 y – y z – z = b c … (3) This is the Cartesian equation of the line. Note If l, m, n are the direction cosines of the line, the equation of the line is 1 x – x l = 1 1 y – y z – z = m n Example 6 Find the vector and the Cartesian equations of the line through the point (5, 2, – 4) and which is parallel to the vector 3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 8kˆ . Solution We have a  = 5iˆ+2 ˆj −4kˆ and b =3iˆ+2 ˆj −8kˆ  Therefore, the vector equation of the line is r  = 5 iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4 kˆ + ( 3 iˆ + 2 ˆj − 8 kˆ) Now, r  is the position vector of any point P(x, y, z) on the line. Therefore, xiˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ = 5iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ+ ( 3 iˆ + 2 ˆj − 8 kˆ) = (5 + 3)i + (2 + 2) ˆj + (− 4 − 8)k Eliminating , we get 5 3 x− = 2 4 2 8 y − z + = − which is the equation of the line in Cartesian form. 11.3.2 Equation of a line passing through two given points Let a  and b  be the position vectors of two points A(x1, y1, z1) and B(x2, y2, z2), respectively that are lying on a line (Fig 11.5). Let r  be the position vector of an arbitrary point P(x, y, z), then P is a point on the line if and only if AP = r − a    and AB = b − a    are collinear vectors. Therefore, P is on the line if and only if r − a = (b − a)     Fig 11.5 2022-23 470 MATHEMATICS or r = a +(b −a)     , R. … (1) This is the vector equation of the line. Derivation of cartesian form from vector form We have 1 1 1 r= xiˆ+ y ˆj + z kˆ, a = x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ and 2 2 2 b = x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ,  Substituting these values in (1), we get       1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 xi + y j + z k = x i + y j + z k + [(x − x )i + ( y − y ) j + (z − z ) k] Equating the like coefficieints jof ˆ, kˆ, ˆ , we get x = x1 + (x2 – x1); y = y1 + (y2 – y1); z = z1 + (z2 – z1) On eliminating , we obtain 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 x x y y z z x x y y z z − − − = = − − − which is the equation of the line in Cartesian form. Example 7 Find the vector equation for the line passing through the points (–1, 0, 2) and (3, 4, 6). Solution Let a  and b  be the position vectors of the point A(– 1, 0, 2) and B(3, 4, 6). Then a = − iˆ+ 2kˆ and b =3iˆ+ 4 ˆj +6kˆ  Therefore b −a =4iˆ+ 4 ˆj +4kˆ   Let r  be the position vector of any point on the line. Then the vector equation of the line is r= − iˆ+ 2kˆ+ (4iˆ+ 4 ˆj + 4kˆ) Example 8 The Cartesian equation of a line is 3 5 6 2 4 2 x + y − z + = = Find the vector equation for the line. Solution Comparing the given equation with the standard form 1 1 1 x x y y z z a b c − − − = = We observe that x 1 = – 3, y 1 = 5, z 1 = – 6; a = 2, b = 4, c = 2. 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 471 Thus, the required line passes through the point (– 3, 5, – 6) and is parallel to the vector 2iˆ+ 4 ˆj + 2kˆ . Let r  be the position vector of any point on the line, then the vector equation of the line is given by r= (−3 iˆ+5 ˆj −6kˆ) + (2iˆ + 4 ˆj + 2kˆ) 11.4 Angle between Two Lines Let L1 and L2 be two lines passing through the origin and with direction ratios a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2, respectively. Let P be a point on L1 and Q be a point on L2. Consider the directed lines OP and OQ as given in Fig 11.6. Let be the acute angle between OP and OQ. Now recall that the directed line segments OP and OQ are vectors with components a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2, respectively. Therefore, the angle between them is given by cos = 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 a a b b c c a b c a b c

+
- - + … (1) The angle between the lines in terms of sin is given by sin = 2 1 − cos = ( )( ) 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 ( ) 1 a a b b c c a b c a b c
+ −
- - + = ( )( ) ( ) ( ) ( ) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 a b c a b c aa bb cc a b c a b c
- - - − + +
- - + = 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 ( − ) + ( − ) + ( − )
- - + a b a b b c b c c a c a a b c a b c … (2) Note In case the lines L1 and L2 do not pass through the origin, we may take lines 1 2 L andL which are parallel to L1 and L2 respectively and pass through the origin. Fig 11.6 2022-23 472 MATHEMATICS If instead of direction ratios for the lines L1 and L2, direction cosines, namely, l1, m1, n1 for L1 and l2, m2, n2 for L2 are given, then (1) and (2) takes the following form: cos = | l1 l2 + m1m2 + n1n2| (as 2 2 2 1 1 1 l +m +n =1 2 2 2 2 2 2 = l +m +n ) … (3) and sin = ( )2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 l m −l m −(m n −m n ) +(n l −n l ) . .. (4) Two lines with direction ratios a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are (i) perpendicular i.e. if = 90° by (1) a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0 (ii) parallel i.e. if = 0 by (2) 1 2 a a = 1 1 2 2 b c b c = Now, we find the angle between two lines when their equations are given. If is acute the angle between the lines r  = 1 1 a + b  and r  = 2 2 a + μb   then cos = 1 2 1 2 b b b b     In Cartesian form, if is the angle between the lines 1 1 x x a − = 1 1 1 1 y y z z b c − − = … (1) and 2 2 x x a − = 2 2 2 2 y y z z b c − − = … (2) where, a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are the direction ratios of the lines (1) and (2), respectively, then cos = 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 a a b b c c a b c a b c
+
- - + Example 9 Find the angle between the pair of lines given by r  = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ + (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ) and r  = 5iˆ − 2 ˆj + μ(3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ) 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 473 Solution Here 1 b  = iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ and 2 b  = 3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ The angle between the two lines is given by cos = 1 2 1 2 (ˆ 2 ˆ 2 ˆ) (3ˆ 2 ˆ 6 ˆ) 1 4 4 9 4 36 b b i j k i j k b b + + + + =
- - +     = 3 4 12 19 3 7 21
+ = × Hence = cos–1 19 21       Example 10 Find the angle between the pair of lines 3 3 x + = 1 3 5 4 y − z + = and 1 1 x + = 4 5 1 2 y − z − = Solution The direction ratios of the first line are 3, 5, 4 and the direction ratios of the second line are 1, 1, 2. If is the angle between them, then cos = 2 2 2 2 2 2 3.1 5.1 4.2 16 16 8 3 3 5 4 1 1 2 50 6 5 2 6 15
+ = = =

+ Hence, the required angle is cos–1 8 3 15       . 11.5 Shortest Distance between Two Lines If two lines in space intersect at a point, then the shortest distance between them is zero. Also, if two lines in space are parallel, then the shortest distance between them will be the perpendicular distance, i.e. the length of the perpendicular drawn from a point on one line onto the other line. Further, in a space, there are lines which are neither intersecting nor parallel. In fact, such pair of lines are non coplanar and are called skew lines. For example, let us consider a room of size 1, 3, 2 units along x, y and z-axes respectively Fig 11.7. Fig 11.7 2022-23 474 MATHEMATICS l2 S T Q P l1 The line GE that goes diagonally across the ceiling and the line DB passes through one corner of the ceiling directly above A and goes diagonally down the wall. These lines are skew because they are not parallel and also never meet. By the shortest distance between two lines we mean the join of a point in one line with one point on the other line so that the length of the segment so obtained is the smallest. For skew lines, the line of the shortest distance will be perpendicular to both the lines. 11.5.1 Distance between two skew lines We now determine the shortest distance between two skew lines in the following way: Let l1 and l2 be two skew lines with equations (Fig. 11.8) r  = 1 1 a + b   … (1) and r  = 2 2 a + μ b   … (2) Take any point S on l1 with position vector 1 a  and T on l2, with position vector 2 a  . Then the magnitude of the shortest distance vector will be equal to that of the projection of ST along the direction of the line of shortest distance (See 10.6.2). If PQ  is the shortest distance vector between l1 and l2 , then it being perpendicular to both 1 b  and 2 b  , the unit vector nˆ along PQ  would therefore be ˆ n = 1 2 1 2 | | b b b b × ×     … (3) Then PQ  = d nˆ where, d is the magnitude of the shortest distance vector. Let be the angle between ST  and PQ  . Then PQ = ST | cos | But cos = PQ ST | PQ | | ST |     = 2 1 ˆ ( ) ST d n a a d  −  (since 2 1 ST = a − a )    = 1 2 2 1 1 2 ( ) ( ) ST b b a a b b × − ×       [From (3)] Fig 11.8 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 475 Hence, the required shortest distance is d = PQ = ST | cos θ| or d = ( × ) . ( ) | × | 1 2 2 1 1 2 r r r r r r b b a a

b b
Cartesian form
The shortest distance between the lines
l
1 :
x x
a
− 1
1
=
y y
b
z z
c
−
=
− 1
1
1
1
and l
2 :
x x
a
− 2
2
=
y y
b
z z
c
−
=
− 2
2
2
2
is
x x y y z z
a b c
a b c
b c b c c a c a a b
2 1 2 1 2 1
1 1 1
2 2 2
1 2 2 1
2
1 2 2 1
2
1 2
− − −
( − ) + ( − ) + ( − a b 2 1
2 )
11.5.2 Distance between parallel lines
If two lines l
1 and l
2 are parallel, then they are coplanar. Let the lines be given by
… (1)
and … (2)
where, 1
a is the position vector of a point S on l
1 and
2
a
is the position vector of a point T on l
2 Fig 11.9.
As l
1, l
2 are coplanar, if the foot of the perpendicular
from T on the line l
1 is P, then the distance between the
lines l
1 and l
2 =
Let θ be the angle between the vectors ST

and b

.
Then
b × ST =

… (3)
where nˆ is the unit vector perpendicular to the plane of the lines l
1 and l
2.
But ST

= 2 1
a − a
Fig 11.9
476 MATHEMATICS
Therefore, from (3), we get
2 1 b × (a − a )
  
=

(since PT = ST sin )
i.e., 2 1
  
=

( as
Hence, the distance between the given parallel lines is
d =
Example 11 Find the shortest distance between the lines l1 and l2 whose vector
equations are
r
 = iˆ + ˆj + (2 iˆ − ˆj + kˆ ) … (1)
and r
 = 2 iˆ + ˆj − kˆ + μ (3 iˆ −5 ˆj +2kˆ ) … (2)
Solution Comparing (1) and (2) with r
 = 1 1 a + b
  and
2 2 bar
   = + μ respectively,
we get 1 a
 = 1
iˆ + ˆj , b = 2 iˆ − ˆj + kˆ

2 a

= 2 ˆ i + ˆj – ˆ k and 2 b

= 3 ˆi – 5 ˆj + 2 kˆ
Therefore 2 1 a − a   = iˆ − kˆ
and 1 2 b × b
 
= ( 2 iˆ − ˆj + kˆ ) × ( 3 iˆ − 5 ˆj + 2 kˆ )
=
ˆ ˆ ˆ
2 1 1 3 ˆ ˆ 7 ˆ
3 5 2
i j k
− = i − j − k
−
So 1 2
 
= 9 +1 + 49 = 59
Hence, the shortest distance between the given lines is given by
d =

( ( ) . )
21
1 2 2 1
bb
bb a a 
   
×
× −
59
10
59
03 7
+−
=
Example 12 Find the distance between the lines l1 and l2 given by
r
 = iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4 kˆ + ( 2 iˆ +3 ˆj + 6 kˆ )
and r
 = 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5 kˆ + μ ( 2 iˆ +3 ˆj + 6 kˆ )
2022-23
THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 477
Solution The two lines are parallel (Why? ) We have
1 a
 = iˆ + 2 ˆj − 4kˆ , 2 a

= 3iˆ + 3 ˆj − 5kˆ and b

= 2iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6kˆ
Therefore, the distance between the lines is given by
d = 2 1 ( )

b a a
b
× −
  
 =
ˆ ˆ ˆ
2 3 6
2 1 1
4 9 36
i j k
−

+ or = | 9 ˆ 14 ˆ 4 ˆ | 293 293 49 49 7 − i + j − k = = EXERCISE 11.2

Show that the three lines with direction cosines 12 3 4 4 12 3 3 4 12 , , ; , , ; , , 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 − − − are mutually perpendicular.
Show that the line through the points (1, – 1, 2), (3, 4, – 2) is perpendicular to the line through the points (0, 3, 2) and (3, 5, 6).
Show that the line through the points (4, 7, 8), (2, 3, 4) is parallel to the line through the points (– 1, – 2, 1), (1, 2, 5).
Find the equation of the line which passes through the point (1, 2, 3) and is parallel to the vector 3 iˆ +2 ˆj −2 kˆ .
Find the equation of the line in vector and in cartesian form that passes through the point with position vector 2 iˆ− j + 4 kˆ and is in the direction iˆ + 2 ˆj − kˆ .
Find the cartesian equation of the line which passes through the point (– 2, 4, – 5) and parallel to the line given by 3 4 8 3 5 6 x + y − z + = = .
The cartesian equation of a line is 5 4 6 3 7 2 x − y + z − = = . Write its vector form.
Find the vector and the cartesian equations of the lines that passes through the origin and (5, – 2, 3). 2022-23 478 MATHEMATICS
Find the vector and the cartesian equations of the line that passes through the points (3, – 2, – 5), (3, – 2, 6).
Find the angle between the following pairs of lines: (i) r = 2iˆ − 5 ˆj + kˆ + (3iˆ + 2 ˆj + 6kˆ) and r = 7iˆ − 6kˆ+ μ(iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2kˆ) (ii) r = 3iˆ + ˆj − 2kˆ+ (iˆ − ˆj − 2kˆ) and r = 2iˆ − ˆj − 56kˆ+ μ(3 iˆ − 5 ˆj − 4kˆ)
Find the angle between the following pair of lines: (i) 2 1 3 2 4 5 and 2 5 3 1 8 4 x − y − z + x+ y − z − = = = = − − (ii) 5 2 3 and 2 2 1 4 1 8 x y z x − y − z − = = = =
Find the values of p so that the lines 1 7 14 3 3 2 2 x y z p − − − = = and 7 7 5 6 3 1 5 x y z p − − − = = are at right angles.
Show that the lines 5 2 7 5 1 x − y + z = = − and 1 2 3 x y z = = are perpendicular to each other.
Find the shortest distance between the lines r = (iˆ + 2 ˆj + kˆ) + (iˆ − ˆj + kˆ) and r = 2 iˆ − ˆj − kˆ + μ (2 iˆ + ˆj + 2 kˆ)
Find the shortest distance between the lines 1 1 1 7 6 1 x + y + z + = = − and 3 5 7 1 2 1 x − y − z − = = −
Find the shortest distance between the lines whose vector equations are r = (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3 kˆ)

(iˆ − 3 ˆj + 2kˆ) and r = 4 iˆ +5 ˆj +6 kˆ + μ (2 iˆ + 3 ˆj + kˆ)

Find the shortest distance between the lines whose vector equations are r = (1− t) iˆ + (t − 2) ˆj + (3− 2 t) kˆ and r = (s+1) iˆ + (2s −1) ˆj − (2s +1) kˆ 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 479 11.6 Plane A plane is determined uniquely if any one of the following is known: (i) the normal to the plane and its distance from the origin is given, i.e., equation of a plane in normal form. (ii) it passes through a point and is perpendicular to a given direction. (iii) it passes through three given non collinear points. Now we shall find vector and Cartesian equations of the planes. 11.6.1 Equation of a plane in normal form Consider a plane whose perpendicular distance from the origin is d (d 0). Fig 11.10. If ON  is the normal from the origin to the plane, and nˆ is the unit normal vector along ON  . Then ON  = d nˆ . Let P be any point on the plane. Therefore, NP  is perpendicular to ON  . Therefore, NP ON   = 0 … (1) Let r  be the position vector of the point P, then NP  r d = −n ˆ  (as ON+ NP=OP    ) Therefore, (1) becomes (r d n) d n  − = 0 or (r d n) n  − = 0 (d 0) or r n d n n  − = 0 i.e., r n  = d (as n n 1) = … (2) This is the vector form of the equation of the plane. Cartesian form Equation (2) gives the vector equation of a plane, where nˆ is the unit vector normal to the plane. Let P(x, y, z) be any point on the plane. Then OP  = r = x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ  Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of nˆ . Then nˆ = l iˆ + m ˆj + n kˆ X Y Z N P( ) x , y, z r d O Fig 11.10 2022-23 480 MATHEMATICS Therefore, (2) gives (x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ) (l iˆ + m ˆj + n kˆ) = d i.e., lx + my + nz = d … (3) This is the cartesian equation of the plane in the normal form. Note Equation (3) shows that if r (a iˆ + b ˆj + c kˆ) = d is the vector equation of a plane, then ax + by + cz = d is the Cartesian equation of the plane, where a, b and c are the direction ratios of the normal to the plane. Example 13 Find the vector equation of the plane which is at a distance of 29 6 from the origin and its normal vector from the origin is 2iˆ − 3 ˆj + 4kˆ . Also find its cartesian form. Solu=tion nL−et i 2 ˆ + 3 ˆj 4 kˆ  . Then || ˆ n n n   = = 2 ˆ 3 ˆ 4 ˆ 2 ˆ 3 ˆ 4 ˆ 4 9 16 29 i − j + k i − j + k =

+ Hence, the required equation of the plane is 2 ˆ 3 ˆ 4 ˆ 6 29 29 29 29 r i j k  −   + +  =    Example 14 Find the direction cosines of the unit vector perpendicular to the plane r (6 iˆ − 3 ˆj − 2 kˆ) +1 = 0 passing through the origin. Solution The given equation can be written as ˆ ˆ ˆ ( 6 3 2 − + +  r i j k) = 1 … (1) Now | − 6 iˆ + 3 ˆj + 2 kˆ | = 36 + 9 + 4 = 7 Therefore, dividing both sides of (1) by 7, we get 6 ˆ 3 ˆ 2 ˆ 7 7 7 r i j k   − + +     = 1 7 which is the equation of the plane in the form r nˆ = d  . This showns that i j kˆ 7 ˆ 2 7 ˆ 3 7 6 − + = + ˆ is a unit vector perpendicular to the plane through the origin. Hence, the direction cosines of nˆ are 7 2 , 7 3 , 7 − 6 . 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 481 Z Y X O P (x1, y1 , z1) Example 15 Find the distance of the plane 2x – 3y + 4z – 6 = 0 from the origin. Solution Since the direction ratios of the normal to the plane are 2, –3, 4; the direction cosines of it are 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 4 , , 2 ( 3) 4 2 ( 3) 4 2 ( 3) 4 −
− + + − + + − + , i.e., 2 3 4 , , 29 29 29 − Hence, dividing the equation 2x – 3y + 4z – 6 = 0 i.e., 2x – 3y + 4z = 6 throughout by 29 , we get 2 3 4 6 29 29 29 29 x y z −+
= This is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where d is the distance of the plane from the origin. So, the distance of the plane from the origin is 29 6 . Example 16 Find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the origin to the plane 2x – 3y + 4z – 6 = 0. Solution Let the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular P from the origin to the plane is (x 1, y 1, z

(Fig 11.11). Then, the direction ratios of the line OP are x1, y1, z1. Writing the equation of the plane in the normal form, we have 2 3 4 6 29 29 29 29 x− y + z = where, 2 3 4 , , 29 29 29 − are the direction cosines of the OP. Since d.c.’s and direction ratios of a line are proportional, we have 1 2 29 x = 1 1 3 4 29 29 y z = − = k i.e., x1 = 29 2k , y1 = 1 3 4 , 29 29 k k z − = Fig 11.11 2022-23 482 MATHEMATICS Substituting these in the equation of the plane, we get k = 29 6 . Hence, the foot of the perpendicular is 12 18 24 , , 29 29 29  −      . Note If d is the distance from the origin and l, m, n are the direction cosines of the normal to the plane through the origin, then the foot of the perpendicular is (ld, md, nd). 11.6.2 Equation of a plane perpendicular to a given vector and passing through a given point In the space, there can be many planes that are perpendicular to the given vector, but through a given point P(x 1, y 1, z 1), only one such plane exists (see Fig 11.12). Let a plane pass through a point A with position vector a  and perpendicular to the vector N  . Let r  be the position vector of any point P(x, y, z) in the plane. (Fig 11.13). Then the point P lies in the plane if and only if AP  is perpendicular to N  . i.e., AP  . N  = 0. But AP= r −a    . Therefore, ( ) N 0    r −a = … (1) This is the vector equation of the plane. Cartesian form Let the given point A be (x1, y1, z1), P be (x, y, z) and direction ratios of N  are A, B and C. Then, 1 1 1 a= x iˆ+ y ˆj + z kˆ, r= xiˆ+ y ˆj + z kˆ and N=Aiˆ+B ˆj +Ckˆ  Now (r – a) N=0    So ( ) ( ) ( ) 1 1 1  x− x iˆ+ y − y ˆj + z − z kˆ(Aiˆ+B ˆj +Ckˆ)=0   i.e. A(x – x1) + B(y – y1) + C(z – z1) = 0 Example 17 Find the vector and cartesian equations of the plane which passes through the point (5, 2, – 4) and perpendicular to the line with direction ratios 2, 3, – 1. Fig 11.12 Fig 11.13 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 483 Y Z O r a R P S b c (RS X RT) X T Solution We have the position vector of point (5, 2, – 4) as a =5iˆ+ 2 ˆj −4kˆ and the normal vector N  perpendicular to the plane as N=2iˆ+3 ˆj −kˆ  Therefore, the vector equation of the plane is given by (r −a).N = 0    or [r−(5 iˆ+2 ˆj −4kˆ)] (2 iˆ+3 ˆj − kˆ)=0 … (1) Transforming (1) into Cartesian form, we have [(x – 5)iˆ+( y −2) ˆj +(z +4) kˆ] (2 iˆ+3 ˆj −kˆ)= 0 or 2(x −5)+3( y −2)−1(z + 4)=0 i.e. 2x + 3y – z = 20 which is the cartesian equation of the plane. 11.6.3 Equation of a plane passing through three non collinear points Let R, S and T be three non collinear points on the plane with position vectors a  ,b  and c  respectively (Fig 11.14). Fig 11.14 The vectors RS  and RT  are in the given plane. Therefore, the vector RS ×RT   is perpendicular to the plane containing points R, S and T. Let r  be the position vector of any point P in the plane. Therefore, the equation of the plane passing through R and perpendicular to the vector RS ×RT   is (r −a) (RS× RT)     = 0 or       (r – a).[(b – a)×(c – a)] = 0 … (1) 2022-23 484 MATHEMATICS Fig 11.15 This is the equation of the plane in vector form passing through three noncollinear points. Note Why was it necessary to say that the three points had to be non collinear? If the three points were on the same line, then there will be many planes that will contain them (Fig 11.15). These planes will resemble the pages of a book where the line containing the points R, S and T are members in the binding of the book. Cartesian form Let (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2) and (x3, y3, z3) be the coordinates of the points R, S and T respectively. Let (x, y, z) be the coordinates of any point P on the plane with position vector r  . Then RP  = (x – x1) ˆi + (y – y1) ˆj + (z – z1) ˆ k RS  = (x2 – x1) ˆ i + (y2 – y1) ˆj + (z2 – z1) ˆ k RT  = (x3 – x1) ˆ i + (y3 – y1) ˆj + (z3 – z1) kˆ Substituting these values in equation (1) of the vector form and expressing it in the form of a determinant, we have 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 1 3 1 3 1 0 x x y y z z x x y y z z x x y y z z − − − − − − = − − − which is the equation of the plane in Cartesian form passing through three non collinear points (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2) and (x3, y3, z3). Example 18 Find the vector equations of the plane passing through the points R(2, 5, – 3), S(– 2, – 3, 5) and T(5, 3,– 3). Solution Let a = 2iˆ+5 ˆj −3kˆ , b =− 2iˆ−3 ˆj +5kˆ  , c=5iˆ+3 ˆj −3kˆ Then the vector equation of the plane passing through a  , b  and c  and is given by (r −a) (RS×RT)     = 0 (Why?) or (r −a) [(b −a)×(c −a) ]       = 0 i.e. [r −(2iˆ+5 ˆj −3kˆ)][(−4iˆ −8 ˆj +8kˆ)×(3iˆ−2 ˆj)] = 0 R S T 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 485 11.6.4 Intercept form of the equation of a plane In this section, we shall deduce the equation of a plane in terms of the intercepts made by the plane on the coordinate axes. Let the equation of the plane be Ax + By + Cz + D = 0 (D 0) … (1) Let the plane make intercepts a, b, c on x, y and z axes, respectively (Fig 11.16). Hence, the plane meets x, y and z-axes at (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0), (0, 0, c), respectively. Therefore Aa + D = 0 or A = D a − Bb + D = 0 or B = D b − Cc + D = 0 or C = D c − Substituting these values in the equation (1) of the plane and simplifying, we get x y z a b c

- = 1 … (1) which is the required equation of the plane in the intercept form. Example 19 Find the equation of the plane with intercepts 2, 3 and 4 on the x, y and z-axis respectively. Solution Let the equation of the plane be x y z a b c
- = 1 … (1) Here a = 2, b = 3, c = 4. Substituting the values of a, b and c in (1), we get the required equation of the plane as 1 2 3 4 x y z + + = or 6x + 4y + 3z = 12. 11.6.5 Plane passing through the intersection of two given planes Let 1 and 2 be two planes with equations r nˆ1  = d 1 and 2 r nˆ  = d 2 respectively. The position vector of any point on the line of intersection must satisfy both the equations (Fig 11.17). Fig 11.16 Fig 11.17 2022-23 486 MATHEMATICS If t  is the position vector of a point on the line, then 1 t nˆ  = d 1 and 2 t nˆ  = d 2 Therefore, for all real values of , we have 1 2 t (nˆ +nˆ )  = 1 2 d +d Since t  is arbitrary, it satisfies for any point on the line. Hence, the equation 1 2 1 2 r (n +n )=d +d    represents a plane 3 which is such that if any vector r  satisfies both the equations 1 and 2, it also satisfies the equation 3 i.e., any plane passing through the intersection of the planes 1 r n   = 1 2 2 d and r n = d   has the equation 1 2 r (n + n )    = d 1
d 2 … (1) Cartesian form In Cartesian system, let 1 n  = 1 2 1 A iˆ+B ˆj +C kˆ 2 n  = 2 2 2 A iˆ+B ˆj +C kˆ and r  = xiˆ+ y ˆj + z kˆ Then (1) becomes x (A1 + A2) + y (B1 + B2) + z (C1 + C2) = d1 + d2 or (A1x + B1y + C1z – d1) + (A2x + B2 y + C2 z – d2) = 0 . .. (2) which is the required Cartesian form of the equation of the plane passing through the intersection of the given planes for each value of . Example 20 Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the intersection of the planes r (iˆ+ ˆj +kˆ)=6 and r (2iˆ+3 ˆj +4kˆ)=− 5, and the point (1, 1, 1). Solution Here, 1 n = iˆ+ ˆj + kˆ and 2 n  = 2iˆ+3 ˆj +4kˆ; and d1 = 6 and d2 = –5 Hence, using the relation 1 2 1 2 r (n +n )=d +d    , we get r [iˆ+ ˆj +kˆ +(2iˆ+3 ˆj +4kˆ )] = 6−5 or r [(1+2) iˆ+(1+3) ˆj +(1+ 4)kˆ] = 6−5 … (1) where, is some real number. 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 487 Taking r= xiˆ+ y ˆj + z kˆ , we get (xiˆ+ y ˆj + z kˆ)[(1+ 2) iˆ+(1+3) ˆj +(1+4)kˆ]=6−5 or (1 + 2 ) x + (1 + 3) y + (1 + 4) z = 6 – 5 or (x + y + z – 6 ) + (2x + 3y + 4 z + 5) = 0 … (2) Given that the plane passes through the point (1,1,1), it must satisfy (2), i.e. (1 + 1 + 1 – 6) + (2 + 3 + 4 + 5) = 0 or = 3 14 Putting the values of in (1), we get 3 ˆ 9 ˆ 6 ˆ 1 1 1 7 14 7 r i j k         +  + +  + +           = 15 6 14 − or 10 ˆ 23 ˆ 13 ˆ 7 14 7 r i j k    + +     = 69 14 or r (20iˆ+23 ˆj + 26kˆ) = 69 which is the required vector equation of the plane. 11.7 Coplanarity of Two Lines Let the given lines be r  = 1 1 a +b   … (1) and r  = 2 2 a +μb   … (2) The line (1) passes through the point, say A, with position vector 1 a  and is parallel to 1 b  . The line (2) passes through the point, say B with position vector 2 a  and is parallel to 2 b  . Thus, AB  = 2 1 a − a   The given lines are coplanar if and only if AB  is perpendicular to 1 2 b ×b   . i.e. 1 2 AB.(b × b )    = 0 or 2 1 1 2 (a − a ) (b ×b )     = 0 Cartesian form Let (x 1, y 1, z

and (x 2, y 2, z
be the coordinates of the points A and B respectively. 2022-23 488 MATHEMATICS Let a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 be the direction ratios of 1 b  and 2 b  , respectively. Then 2 1 2 1 2 1 AB=(x − x )iˆ+ (y − y ) ˆj + (z − z )kˆ  1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 b = a iˆ+b ˆj +c kˆ and b = a iˆ+b ˆj + c kˆ   The given lines are coplanar if and only if ( ) 1 2 AB b ×b = 0    . In the cartesian form, it can be expressed as 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 0 x x y y z z a b c a b c − − − = … (4) Example 21 Show that the lines +3 1 5 –3 1 5 x y − z − = = and +1 2 5 –1 2 5 x y − z − = = are coplanar. Solution Here, x1 = – 3, y1 = 1, z1 = 5, a1 = – 3, b1 = 1, c1 = 5 x2 = – 1, y2 = 2, z2 = 5, a2 = –1, b2 = 2, c2 = 5 Now, consider the determinant 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 0 3 1 5 0 1 2 5 x x y y z z a b c a b c − − − = − = − Therefore, lines are coplanar. 11.8 Angle between Two Planes Definition 2 The angle between two planes is defined as the angle between their normals (Fig 11.18 (a)). Observe that if is an angle between the two planes, then so is 180 – (Fig 11.18 (b)). We shall take the acute angle as the angles between two planes. Fig 11.18 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 489 If 1 n  and 2 n  are normals to the planes and be the angle between the planes r n1   = d 1 and 22 nr d . =   . Then is the angle between the normals to the planes drawn from some common point. We have, cos = Note The planes are perpendicular to each other if 1 n  . 2 n  = 0 and parallel if 1 n  is parallel to 2 n  . Cartesian form Let be the angle between the planes, A1 x + B1 y + C1z + D1 = 0 and A2x + B2 y + C2 z + D2 = 0 The direction ratios of the normal to the planes are A1, B1, C1 and A2, B2, C2 respectively. Therefore, cos = A A B B C C A B C A B C 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

+
- - + Note

If the planes are at right angles, then = 90o and so cos = 0. Hence, cos = A1A2 + B1B2 + C1C2 = 0.
If the planes are parallel, then 1 1 1 2 2 2 A B C A B C = = . Example 22 Find the angle between the two planes 2x + y – 2z = 5 and 3x – 6y – 2z = 7 using vector method. Solution The angle between two planes is the angle between their normals. From the equation of the planes, the normal vectors are N1  = 2 iˆ + ˆj − 2 kˆ and 2 N = 3 iˆ − 6 ˆj − 2 kˆ  Therefore cos = = 4 21       Hence = cos – 1       21 4 2022-23 490 MATHEMATICS Example 23 Find the angle between the two planes 3x – 6y + 2z = 7 and 2x + 2y – 2z =5. Solution Comparing the given equations of the planes with the equations A1 x + B1 y + C1 z + D1 = 0 and A2 x + B2 y + C2 z + D2 = 0 We get A1 = 3, B1 = – 6, C1 = 2 A2 = 2, B2 = 2, C2 = – 2 cos = ( 2 2 2 ) ( 2 2 2 ) 3 2 ( 6) (2) (2) ( 2) 3 ( 6) ( 2) 2 2 ( 2) × + − + −

− + − + + − = 10 5 5 3 7 2 3 7 3 21 − = = × Therefore, = cos-1 5 3 21       11.9 Distance of a Point from a Plane Vector form Consider a point P with position vector a  and a plane 1 whose equation is r nˆ = d (Fig 11.19). Consider a plane 2 through P parallel to the plane 1. The unit vector normal to 2 is nˆ . Hence, its equation is ( r − a ) nˆ = 0   i.e., r nˆ  = a nˆ  Thus, the distance ON of this plane from the origin is |a nˆ | . Therefore, the distance PQ from the plane 1 is (Fig. 11.21 (a)) i.e., ON – ON = | d – a nˆ |  Fig 11.19 (a) a Z X Y d N’ P O 1 2 N Q 1 (b) P X Z Y O d N’ N a 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 491 which is the length of the perpendicular from a point to the given plane. We may establish the similar results for (Fig 11.19 (b)). Note

If the equation of the plane 2 is in the form r N = d   , where N  is normal to the plane, then the perpendicular distance is | N | | N | a − d    .
The length of the perpendicular from origin O to the plane N =   r d is | | | N | d (since a  = 0). Cartesian form Let P(x1, y1, z1) be the given point with position vectora  and Ax + By + Cz = D be the Cartesian equation of the given plane. Then a  = 1 1 1 x iˆ + y ˆj + z kˆ N  = A iˆ+B ˆj +Ckˆ Hence, from Note 1, the perpendicular from P to the plane is 1 1 1 2 2 2 ( ˆ ˆ ˆ ) ( A ˆ B ˆ C ˆ ) D A B C x i + y j + z k i + j + k −

+ = 1 1 1 2 2 2 A B C D A B C x + y + z −
+ Example 24 Find the distance of a point (2, 5, – 3) from the plane r ( 6 iˆ − 3 ˆj + 2 kˆ ) = 4 Solution Here, = 2 ˆ + 5 ˆ − 3 ˆ , N = 6 ˆ − 3 ˆ + 2 ˆ   ai j k i j kand d = 4. Therefore, the distance of the point (2, 5, – 3) from the given plane is | (2 ˆ 5 ˆ 3 ˆ) (6 ˆ 3 ˆ 2 ˆ) 4| | 6 ˆ 3 ˆ 2 ˆ | i j k i j k i j k
− − + − − + = | 12 15 6 4 | 13 36 9 4 7 − − − =
+ 2022-23 492 MATHEMATICS 11.10 Angle between a Line and a Plane Definition 3 The angle between a line and a plane is the complement of the angle between the line and normal to the plane (Fig 11.20). Vector form If the equation of the line is bar    = + and the equation of the plane is r n = d   . Then the angle between the line and the normal to the plane is cos = | | | | b n b n     and so the angle between the line and the plane is given by 90 – , i.e., sin (90 – ) = cos i.e. sin = | | | | b n b n     or = –1 sin b n b n Example 25 Find the angle between the line 1 2 x + = 3 3 6 y z− = and the plane 10 x + 2y – 11 z = 3. Solution Let be the angle between the line and the normal to the plane. Converting the given equations into vector form, we have r  = ( – iˆ + 3 kˆ) + ( 2 iˆ + 3 ˆj + 6 kˆ ) and r ( 10 iˆ + 2 ˆj − 11 kˆ )  = 3 Here b  = 2 iˆ + 3 ˆj + =6 kˆ na+nd i 10 ˆ− 2 ˆj 11 kˆ  sin = 2 2 2 2 2 2 (2 ˆ 3 ˆ 6 ˆ) (10 ˆ 2 ˆ 11 ˆ) 2 3 6 10 2 11 i + j + k i + j − k
- - + = 40 7 15 − × = 8 21 − = 8 21 or = 1 8 sin 21 −       Fig 11.20 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 493 EXERCISE 11.3

In each of the following cases, determine the direction cosines of the normal to the plane and the distance from the origin. (a) z = 2 (b) x + y + z = 1 (c) 2x + 3y – z = 5 (d) 5y + 8 = 0
Find the vector equation of a plane which is at a distance of 7 units from the origin and normal to the+ vectio−r 3 ˆj 5 ˆ 6 kˆ.
Find the Cartesian equation of the following planes: (a) r (iˆ + ˆj − kˆ) = 2 (b) r (2iˆ +3 ˆj − 4kˆ) = 1 (c) r [(s − 2t) iˆ + (3 − t) ˆj +(2 s +t ) kˆ] = 15
In the following cases, find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the origin. (a) 2x + 3y + 4z – 12 = 0 (b) 3y + 4z – 6 = 0 (c) x + y + z = 1 (d) 5y + 8 = 0
Find the vector and cartesian equations of the planes (a) that passes through the point (1, 0, – 2) and the normal to the plane is iˆ + ˆj − kˆ. (b) that passes through the point (1,4, 6) and the normal vector to the plane is iˆ −2 ˆj + kˆ.
Find the equations of the planes that passes through three points. (a) (1, 1, – 1), (6, 4, – 5), (– 4, – 2, 3) (b) (1, 1, 0), (1, 2, 1), (– 2, 2, – 1)
Find the intercepts cut off by the plane 2x + y – z = 5.
Find the equation of the plane with intercept 3 on the y-axis and parallel to ZOX plane.
Find the equation of the plane through the intersection of the planes 3x – y + 2z – 4 = 0 and x + y + z – 2 = 0 and the point (2, 2, 1).
Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the intersection of the planes r .(2 iˆ + 2 ˆj − 3 kˆ ) = 7 , r .( 2 iˆ + 5 ˆj + 3 kˆ ) = 9 and through the point (2, 1, 3).
Find the equation of the plane through the line of intersection of the planes x + y + z = 1 and 2x + 3y + 4z = 5 which is perpendicular to the plane x – y + z = 0. 2022-23 494 MATHEMATICS
Find the angle between the planes whose vector equations are r (2 iˆ + 2 ˆj − 3 kˆ) = 5 and r (3 iˆ − 3 ˆj + 5 kˆ) = 3.
In the following cases, determine whether the given planes are parallel or perpendicular, and in case they are neither, find the angles between them. (a) 7x + 5y + 6z + 30 = 0 and 3x – y – 10z + 4 = 0 (b) 2x + y + 3z – 2 = 0 and x – 2y + 5 = 0 (c) 2x – 2y + 4z + 5 = 0 and 3x – 3y + 6z – 1 = 0 (d) 2x – y + 3z – 1 = 0 and 2x – y + 3z + 3 = 0 (e) 4x + 8y + z – 8 = 0 and y + z – 4 = 0
In the following cases, find the distance of each of the given points from the corresponding given plane. P oint Plane (a) (0, 0, 0) 3x – 4y + 12 z = 3 (b) (3, – 2, 1) 2x – y + 2z + 3 = 0 (c) (2, 3, – 5) x + 2y – 2z = 9 (d) (– 6, 0, 0) 2x – 3y + 6z – 2 = 0 Miscellaneous Examples Example 26 A line makes angles , , and with the diagonals of a cube, prove that cos2 + cos2 + cos2 + cos2 = 4 3 Solution A cube is a rectangular parallelopiped having equal length, breadth and height. Let OADBFEGC be the cube with each side of length a units. (Fig 11.21) The four diagonals are OE, AF, BG and CD. The direction cosines of the diagonal OE which is the line joining two points O and E are 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 , , a a a a a a a a a a a a − − −

- - - - + i.e., 3 1 , 3 1 , 3 1 A(a,0,0) B(0, a,0) C(0,0, a) (a,0, a) G F(0, a,a) E(a,a,a) X a Da ( , ,0) Y Z O Fig 11.21 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 495 Similarly, the direction cosines of AF, BG and CD are –1 3 , 3 1 , 3 1 ; 3 1 , –1 3 , 3 1 and 3 1 , 3 1 , –1 3 , respectively. Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the given line which makes angles , , , with OE, AF, BG, CD, respectively. Then cos = 1 3 (l + m+ n); cos = 1 3 (– l + m + n); cos = 1 3 (l – m + n); cos = 1 3 (l + m – n) (Why?) Squaring and adding, we get cos2 + cos2 + cos2 + cos2 = 1 3 [ (l + m + n )2 + (–l + m + n)2 ] + (l – m + n)2 + (l + m –n)2] = 1 3 [ 4 (l2 + m2 + n2 ) ] = 3 4 (as l2 + m2 + n2 = 1) Example 27 Find the equation of the plane that contains the point (1, – 1, 2) and is perpendicular to each of the planes 2x + 3y – 2z = 5 and x + 2y – 3z = 8. Solution The equation of the plane containing the given point is A (x – 1) + B(y + 1) + C (z – 2) = 0 … (1) Applying the condition of perpendicularly to the plane given in (1) with the planes 2x + 3y – 2z = 5 and x + 2y – 3z = 8, we have 2A + 3B – 2C = 0 and A + 2B – 3C = 0 Solving these equations, we find A = – 5C and B = 4C. Hence, the required equation is – 5C (x – 1) + 4 C (y + 1) + C(z – 2) = 0 i.e. 5x – 4y – z = 7 Example 28 Find the distance between the point P(6, 5, 9) and the plane determined by the points A (3, – 1, 2), B (5, 2, 4) and C(– 1, – 1, 6). Solution Let A, B, C be the three points in the plane. D is the foot of the perpendicular drawn from a point P to the plane. PD is the required distance to be determined, which is the projection of AP  on AB × AC   . 2022-23 496 MATHEMATICS Hence, PD = the dot product of AP  with the unit vector along AB × AC   . So AP 
i=+3 ˆj 6 ˆ 7 kˆ and AB × AC   = ˆ ˆ ˆ 2 3 2 12 ˆ 16 ˆ 12 ˆ 4 0 4 i j k = i − j + k − Unit vector along AB × AC   = 3 ˆ 4 ˆ 3 ˆ 34 i − j + k Hence P+D =i +( 3 ˆj 6 ˆ 7 kˆ ) . 3 ˆ 4 ˆ 3 ˆ 34 i − j + k = 17 3 4 3 Alternatively, find the equation of the plane passing through A, B and C and then compute the distance of the point P from the plane. Example 29 Show that the lines x − a + d − = y − a z − a − d = + and x − b + c − = y − b z − b − c = + are coplanar. Solution Here x1 = a – d x2 = b – c y 1 = a y 2 = b z1 = a + d z2 = b + c a1 = – a2 = – b1 = b2 = c1 = + c2 = + Now consider the determinant 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 x x y y z z a b c a b c − − − = b −c− a+ d b − a b +c − a − d − + − + 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 497 Adding third column to the first column, we get 2 b − a b − a b +c − a − d + + = 0 Since the first and second columns are identical. Hence, the given two lines are coplanar. Example 30 Find the coordinates of the point where the line through the points A (3, 4, 1) and B(5, 1, 6) crosses the XY-plane. Solution The vector equation of the line through the points A and B is r  = 3 iˆ + 4 ˆj + kˆ + [ (5 −3)iˆ + (1 − 4) ˆj + (6− 1) kˆ ] i.e. r  = 3 iˆ + 4 ˆj + kˆ + ( 2 iˆ −3 ˆj +5 kˆ ) … (1) Let P be the point where the line AB crosses the XY-plane. Then the position vector of the point P is of tˆhe fiorˆxmy +j . This point must satisfy the equation (1). (Why ?) i.e. x iˆ + y ˆj = (3 + 2 ) iˆ + ( 4− 3 ) ˆj + ( 1 + 5 ) kˆ Equating the like coefficients of iˆ, ˆj and kˆ , we have x = 3 + 2 y = 4 – 3 0 = 1 + 5 Solving the above equations, we get x = 13 23 and 5 5 y = Hence, the coordinates of the required point are       0, 5 23 , 5 13 . Miscellaneous Exercise on Chapter 11

Show that the line joining the origin to the point (2, 1, 1) is perpendicular to the line determined by the points (3, 5, – 1), (4, 3, – 1).
If l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are the direction cosines of two mutually perpendicular lines, show that the direction cosines of the line perpendicular to both of these are 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 m n − m n , n l − n l , l m − l m 2022-23 498 MATHEMATICS
Find the angle between the lines whose direction ratios are a, b , c and b – c, c – a, a – b.
Find the equation of a line parallel to x-axis and passing through the origin.
If the coordinates of the points A, B, C, D be (1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 7), (– 4, 3, – 6) and (2, 9, 2) respectively, then find the angle between the lines AB and CD.
If the lines 1 2 3 1 1 6 and 3 2 2 3 1 5 x y z x y z k k − − − − − − = = = = − − are perpendicular, find the value of k.
Find the vector equation of the line passing through (1, 2, 3) and perpendicular to the plane 09) ˆ i r −j+. ( ˆ+ 2 ˆk 5 =  .
Find the equation of the plane passing through (a, b, c) and parallel to the plane r (iˆ + ˆj + kˆ) = 2.
Find the shortest distance between lines r= 6 iˆ + 2 ˆj + 2 kˆ + (iˆ − 2 ˆj + 2 kˆ) and r = − 4 iˆ − kˆ + μ (3 iˆ − 2 ˆj − 2 kˆ)  .
Find the coordinates of the point where the line through (5, 1, 6) and (3, 4,1) crosses the YZ-plane.
Find the coordinates of the point where the line through (5, 1, 6) and (3, 4, 1) crosses the ZX-plane.
Find the coordinates of the point where the line through (3, – 4, – 5) and (2, – 3, 1) crosses the plane 2x + y + z = 7.
Find the equation of the plane passing through the point (– 1, 3, 2) and perpendicular to each of the planes x + 2y + 3z = 5 and 3x + 3y + z = 0.
If the points (1, 1, p) and (– 3, 0, 1) be equidistant from the plane  (3 ˆ + 4 ˆ −12 ˆ) +13 = 0, r i j k then find the value of p.
Find the equation of the plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes r (iˆ + ˆj + kˆ) =1and r (2 iˆ + 3 ˆj − kˆ) + 4 = 0 and parallel to x-axis.
If O be the origin and the coordinates of P be (1, 2, – 3), then find the equation of the plane passing through P and perpendicular to OP.
Find the equation of the plane which contains the line of intersection of the planes r (iˆ + 2 ˆj + 3 kˆ) − 4 = 0 , r (2 iˆ + ˆj − kˆ) + 5 = 0and which is perpendicular to the plane r (5 iˆ + 3 ˆj − 6kˆ) + 8 = 0 . 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 499
Find the distance of the point (– 1, – 5, – 10) from the point of intersection of the line r = 2 iˆ − ˆj + 2 kˆ + (3 iˆ + 4 ˆj + 2 kˆ) and the plane r (iˆ − ˆj + kˆ) = 5 .
Find the vector equation of the line passing through (1, 2, 3) and parallel to the planes r (iˆ − ˆj + 2kˆ) = 5 and r (3 iˆ + ˆj + kˆ) = 6 .
Find the vector equation of the line passing through the point (1, 2, – 4) and perpendicular to the two lines: 7 10 16 19 3 8 − = − + = − zyx and 15 3 x − = 29 5 8 5 y − z − = − .
Prove that if a plane has the intercepts a, b, c and is at a distance of p units from the origin, then 2 2 2 2 1 11 1 a bc p =++ . Choose the correct answer in Exercises 22 and 23.
Distance between the two planes: 2x + 3y + 4z = 4 and 4x + 6y + 8z = 12 is (A) 2 units (B) 4 units (C) 8 units (D) 2 29 units
The planes: 2x – y + 4z = 5 and 5x – 2.5y + 10z = 6 are (A) Perpendicular (B) Parallel (C) intersect y-axis (D) passes through 5 0,0, 4       Summary  Direction cosines of a line are the cosines of the angles made by the line with the positive directions of the coordinate axes.  If l, m, n are the direction cosines of a line, then l2 + m2 + n2 = 1.  Direction cosines of a line joining two points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are 2 1 2 1 2 1 , , PQ PQ PQ x − x y − y z − z where PQ = ( )2 12 2 12 2 12 − + x(x ( y) − ) + y − z z  Direction ratios of a line are the numbers which are proportional to the direction cosines of a line.  If l, m, n are the direction cosines and a, b, c are the direction ratios of a line 2022-23 500 MATHEMATICS then l = 222 a b c a ++ ; m = 2 2 2 a b c b ++ ; n = 2 2 2 a b c c ++  Skew lines are lines in space which are neither parallel nor intersecting. They lie in different planes.  Angle between skew lines is the angle between two intersecting lines drawn from any point (preferably through the origin) parallel to each of the skew lines.  If l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are the direction cosines of two lines; and is the acute angle between the two lines; then cos = | l1l2 + m1m2 + n1n2|  If a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are the direction ratios of two lines and is the acute angle between the two lines; then cos = 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 a a b b c c a b c a b c

+
- - +  Vector equation of a line that passes through the given point whose position vector is a  and parallel to a given vector b  is r = a + b    .  Equation of a line through a point (x 1, y 1, z

and having direction cosines l, m, n is 1 1 1 x x y y z z l m n − − − = =  The vector equation of a line which passes through two points whose position vectors are a  and b  is r = a + (b − a)    .  Cartesian equation of a line that passes through two points (x1, y1, z1) and (x 2, y 2, z
is 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 x x y y z z x x y y z z − − − = = − − − .  If is the acute angle between 1 1 r = a + b    and 2 2 r = a + b    , then 1 2 1 2 cos | | | | b b b b =      If 1 1 1 1 1 1 n zz m yy l xx − = − = − and 2 2 2 2 2 2 n zz m yy l xx − = − = − are the equations of two lines, then the acute angle between the two lines is given by cos = | l1 l2 + m1m2 + n1n2 |. 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 501  Shortest distance between two skew lines is the line segment perpendicular to both the lines.  Shortest distance between r = a1 + b1    and 2 2 r = a + μ b    is 1 2 2 1 1 2 ( ) ( – ) | | b b a a b b × ×        Shortest distance between the lines: 1 1 1 1 1 1 x x y y z z a b c − − − = = and 2 2 2 2 x x y y a b − − = = 2 2 z z c − is 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1 ( ) ( ) ( ) x x y y z z a b c a b c b c b c c a c a a b a b − − − − + − + −  Distance between parallel lines 1 r = a + b    and 2 r = a + μ b    is 2 1 ( ) | | b a a b × −      In the vector form, equation of a plane which is at a distance d from the origin, and nˆ is the unit vector normal to the plane through the origin is r nˆ = d .  Equation of a plane which is at a distance of d from the origin and the direction cosines of the normal to the plane as l, m, n is lx + my + nz = d.  The equation of a plane through a point whose position vector is a  and perpendicular to the vector N  is ( r − a ) . N = 0    .  Equation of a plane perpendicular to a given line with direction ratios A, B, C and passing through a given point (x1, y1, z1) is A (x – x1) + B (y – y1) + C (z – z1 ) = 0  Equation of a plane passing through three non collinear points (x1, y1, z1), 2022-23 502 MATHEMATICS (x2, y2, z2) and (x3, y3, z3) is 3 13 1 3 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 x yx y z z x yx y z z x x y y z z − − − −− − −− − = 0  Vector equation of a plane that contains three non collinear points having position veactobrs   , and c  is ( r − a ) . [(b − a) × ( c − a ) ] = 0        Equation of a plane that cuts the coordinates axes at (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0) and (0, 0, c) is

= 1 c z b y a x  Vector equation of a plane that passes through the intersection of planes 1 1 2 2 r n = d and r n = d     is 1 2 1 2 r (n + n ) = d + d    , where is any nonzero constant.  Cartesian equation of a plane that passes through the intersection of two given planes A1 x + B1 y + C1 z + D1 = 0 and A2 x + B2 y + C2 z + D2 = 0 is (A1 x + B1 y + C1 z + D1) + (A2 x + B2 y + C2 z + D2) = 0.  Two lines 1 1 r = a + b    and 2 2 r = a + μ b    are coplanar if 2 1 1 2 (a − a ) (b × b )     = 0  In the cartesian form two lines = x x a y y b z z c and x x a − = − = − − 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 y – y z – z b C = = are coplanar if 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 22 1 2 1 a b c a b c −x yx −y z z − = 0.  In the vector form, if is the angle between the two planes, 1 1 r n = d   and 2 2 r n = d   , then = cos–1 1 2 1 2 | | | | | | n n n n     .  The angle between the line r = a + b    and the plane r nˆ = d is 2022-23 THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY 503 ˆ sin | | | ˆ| b n b n =    The angle between the planes A1x + B1y + C1z + D1 = 0 and A2 x + B2 y + C2 z + D2 = 0 is given by cos = 1 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 A A B B C C A B C A B C
+
- - +  The distance of a point whose position vector is a  from the plane r nˆ = d is | d − a nˆ |  The distance from a point (x1, y1, z1) to the plane Ax + By + Cz + D = 0 is 1 1 1 2 2 2 A B C D A B C x + y + z +
+ .

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