THREE DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY

Syllabus: CBSE, JEE-MAINS and IIT-JEE

1. Coordinates of a point in space
2. Distance between two points
3. Coordinates of division point
4. Direction cosines & direction ratio's of a line
5. Angle between two lines
6. Projection of a point on a line
7. Projection of a Line segment joining two points on a line
8. Equation of the straight line
9. Equation of the plane
10. A plane and a Straight line
11. Miscellaneous point
 KEY CONCEPTS
Let O be a fixed point known as origin and let OX,
OY and OZ be three mutually perpendicular lines,
taken as x-axis, y-axis and z-axis respectively in
such a way that they form a right-handed system.
The planes XOY, YOZ and ZOX are known as
xy-plane, yz-plane and zx-plane respectively.
Let P be a point in space and distances of P from
yz, zx and xy-planes be x,y,z respectively (with
proper signs), then we say that coordinates of P are
(x, y, z). Also OA = x, OB = y, OC = z.
If P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) are two points, then
distance between them
PQ = .
In particular distance of a point (x, y, z) from origin
= .
Coordinates of the point dividing the line joining
two points P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) in the ratio
m1 : m2 are
(i) In case of internal division
(ii) In case of external division
Note :
(a) Coordinates of the Mid point :
When division point is the midpoint of PQ,
then ratio will be 1 : 1; hence coordinates of the
midpoint of PQ are
(b) Centroid of a Triangle :
If (x1, y1, z1), (x2, y2, z2) and (x3, y3, z3) be the
vertices of a triangle, then the centroid of the
triangle is
(c) Division by Coordinate Planes :
The ratios in which the line segment PQ joining
P(x1, y1, z1) and Q(x2, y2, z2) is divided by
coordinate planes are as follows.
(i) by yz - plane : – ratio
(ii) by zx - plane : – ratio
(iii) by xy - plane : – ratio
(iv) The ratio in which the line segment PQ
joining P(x1, y1, z1) ana Q(x2, y2, z2) is
divided by the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 is
=–
If > 0 then division is internal and if
 < 0 then division is external.
(d) Centroid of a Tetrahedron :
 If (xr, yr, zr), r = 1, 2, 3, 4 are vertices of a numbers which are proportional to the direction
tetrahedron, then coordinates of its centroid are cosines , m, n of a line then a, b, c are
direction ratios of the line. Hence

a, b, c dr's 

Further we may observe that in above case

= = ±
4.1 Direction cosines of a line [Dc's] :
The cosines of the angles made by a line with =±
coordinate axes are called the direction cosines
of that line.
= ± ,m=± ,
Let , ,  be the angles made by a line AB
with +ve coordinate axes then cos , cos , cos 
are the direction cosines of AB which are n=±
generally denoted by , m, n. Hence  = cos ,
m = cos , n = cos  Note :
(i) Numbers of dr's are not unique whereas
numbers of dc's are unique.
(ii) a2 + b2 + c2  1.
4.3 Direction cosines of a line joining two points:
Let P  (x1, y1, z1) and Q  (x2, y2, z2); then
(i) dr's of PQ : (x2 – x1), (y2 – y1), (z2 – z1)

Note : (ii) dc's of PQ : , ,

–1 < cos x < 1  x  R, hence values of , m,n
i.e.
are such real numbers which are not less than –1
and not greater than 1. Hence DC's [–1, 1].
, ,
Direction cosines of coordinate axes :
x-axis makes 0°, 90° and 90° angles with three
coordinate axes, so its direction cosines 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. Hence
dc's of x - axis = 1, 0, 0 Case-I : When dc's of the lines are given
dc's of y - axis = 0, 1, 0 If 1, m1, n1 and 2, m2, n2 are dc's of given two
dc's of z - axis = 0, 0, 1 lines, then the angle  between them is given by
Note : * cos  = 1 2 + m1m2 + n1n2
(i) The direction cosines of a line parallel to * sin  =
any coordinates axis are equal to the
direction cosines of the corresponding axis.
(ii) Relation between dc's : 2 + m2 + n2 = 1
(iii) Direction cosines are unique. The value of sin  can easily be obtained by the
4.2 Direction ratios of a line [DR's] following form :
Any three numbers which are proportional to
the direction cosines of a line are called the sin  =
direction ratios of that line. If a, b, c are such
Case-II : When dr's of the lines are given
If a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are dr's of given two lines,
then the angle  between them is given by
* cos  =
* sin  =
Conditions of Parallelism and Perpendicularity
of Two Lines :
If two lines are parallel then angle between them is
0° and if they are perpendicular then angle between
them is 90°. In these cases using above formulae for
sin  and cos  respectively, we shall get the
following conditions
Case-I :
When dc's of two lines AB and CD, say 1, m1, n1
and 2, m2, n2 are known
AB || CD  1 = 2, m1 = m2, n1 = n2
AB  CD  1 2 + m1m2 + n1n2 = 0
Case-II : When dr's of two lines AB and CD, say
a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2 are known
AB || CD 
± ,±
AB  CD  a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0
Let P be a point and AB be a given line. Draw
perpendicular PQ from P on AB which meets it at
Q. This point Q is called projection of P on the line
AB.
Let PQ be a line segment where P  (x1, y1, z1) and
Q  (x2, y2, z2); and AB be a given line with dc's as
, m, n. If the line segment PQ makes  angle with
the line AB, then projection of PQ is P'Q' = PQ cos .
On replacing the value of cos  in this, we shall get
the following value of P'Q'
P'Q' = (x2 – x1) + m (y2 – y1) + n (z2 – z1)
Note :
(i) For x-axis,  = 1, m = 0, n = 0 hence
Projection of PQ on x-axis = 1.(x2 – x1) + 0 + 0
= (x2 – x1)
Projection of PQ on y-axis = y2 – y1
Projection of PQ on z-axis = z2 – z1
(ii)  PQ2 = (x2 – x1)2 + (y2 – y1)2 + (z2 – z1)2
= the sum of the squares of the projections of
PQ on coordinate axes
 if a, b, c are the projections of a line segment
on coordinate axes, then
length of the segment =
(iii) If a, b, c are projections of a line segment on
coordinate axes then its dc's are
,±
Every equation of the first degree represents a
plane. Two equations of the first degree are
satisfied by the coordinates of every point on the
line of intersection of the planes represented by
them. Therefore, the two equations together
represent that line. Therefore, ax + by + cz + d = 0
and a'x + b'y + c'z + d' = 0 together represent a
straight line and called unsymmetric form of line
i.e. ax + by + cz + d = 0 = a'x + b'y + c'z + d'.
8.1 Equations to the Axes of Coordinates :
(a) The equations to the x-axis are y = 0, z = 0
(b) The equations to the y-axis are x = 0, z = 0
(c) The equations to the z-axis are x = 0, y = 0.
8.2 Symmetrical form of the equations to a line :
If a straight line passes through a given point
(x1, y1, z1) and has direction cosines , m, n
then the coordinates of any point on it satisfy
the equations
 = = ( = r) = =

These equations enable us to write down the

coordinates of any point (x, y, z) on the line in
terms of its distance r from the point (x 1, y1, z1)
in the form : x = x1 + r, y = y1 + mr, z = z1 + nr.
This form is called the distance form of the
equation of a line.
If , m, n are only direction-ratios of the line
and not the actual direction-cosines, even then
the equations represent a straight line, but in
this case r is only a parameter, it is not the
distance of (x, y, z) from (x 1, y1, z1).Conversely,
the equation
= =
represents a straight line passing through the
point (a, b, c) and having direction ratios (, m,
n).
8.3 Equation of line through two given points :
If A (x1, y1, z1), B (x2, y2, z2) are two given
points, the equations to the line AB are
= =
Alternative method :
The vector = i(b1c2 – b2c1)
+ j(c1a2 – c2a1) + k(a1b2 – a2b1) will be
parallel to the line of intersection of the
two given planes. Hence  : m : n
= (b1c2 – b2c1) : (c1a2 – c2a1) : (a1b2 – a2b1)
(ii) Point on the line : Note that as , m, n
cannot be zero simultaneously, so at least
one must be non-zero. Let a 1b2 – a2b1  0,
then the line cannot be parallel to xy plane,
so it intersect it. Let it intersect xy-plane in
(x1, y1, 0). Then a1x1 + b1y1 + d1 = 0 and
a2x1 + b2y1 + d2 = 0. Solving these, we get a
point on the line. Then its equation
becomes
= =

The coordinates of a variable point on AB can be

expressed in terms of a parameter  in the form or

x= ,y= ,z=
=
 being any real number different from –1. In
fact (x, y, z) are the coordinates of the point
which divides the join of A and B in the ratio
 : 1.
8.4 Reduction of non-symmetrical form to
symmetrical form:
Let equation of the line in non-symmetrical
form be a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0, a2x + b2y + c2z =
+ d2 = 0. To find the equation of the line in
symmetrical form, we must know (i) its Note : If   0, take a point on yz-plane as
direction ratios (ii) coordinate of any point on it. (0, y1, z1) and if m  0, take a point on
(i) Direction ratios : Let , m, n be the xz-plane as (x1, 0, z1).
direction ratios of the line. Since the line Alternative method :
lies in both the planes, it must be
perpendicular to normals of both planes. So If  , put z = 0 in both the
a1 + b1m + c1n = 0, a2 + b2m + c2n = 0.
From these equations, proportional values equations and solve the equations
of , m, n can be found by cross- a1x + b1y + d1 = 0, a2x + b2y + d2 = 0.
multiplication as Otherwise, put y = 0 and solve the
 equations a1x + c1z + d1 = 0 and a2x + c2z +
d2 = 0.
8.5 Number of constants in the equations to a line:
The equations = =
to a line can be written as x = z+a–
y = z + b –
which is of the form  x = Az + B, y = Cz + D
Therefore the equation of a line contain four
arbitrary constants.
8.6 Foot, length and equation of perpendicular
from a point to a line :
(i) Cartesian form : Let equation of the line be
= = = r (say) ...(i)
and A(, , ) be the point. Any point on
line (i) is P(r + a, mr + b, nr + c) ...(ii)
If it is the foot of the perpendicular from A
on the line, then AP is perpendicular to the
line. So (r + a – ) + m(mr + b – ) +
n(nr + c – ) = 0 i.e. r = ( – a) + ( – b)m
+ ( – c)n, since 2 + m2 + n2 = 1. Putting
this value of r in (ii), we get the foot of
perpendicular from point A on the given
line. Since foot of perpendicular P is
known, then the length of perpendicular is
given by AP =
the equation of perpendicular is given by
= =
(ii) Vector form : Equation of a line passing
through a point having position vector
and perpendicular to the lines
= + and is
parallel to . So the vector equation
of such a line is . (e) If a plane makes intercepts a, b, c on the
Position vector of the image of a point
in a straight line is given
by .
, Position vector of the foot of the perpendicular
on line is .
The equation of the perpendicular is
To find image of a point w.r.t. a line :
Let L  = = is a
given line.
Let (x, y, z) is the image of the point
P(x1, y1, z1) with respect to the line L. Then
(i) a(x1 – x) + b(y1 – y) + c(z1 – z) = 0
(ii) = =
= 
from (ii) get the value of x, y, z in terms of
 as x = 2a + 2x2 – x1, y = 2b + 2y2 – y1,
z = 2c + 2z2 – z1. Now put the values of
x, y, z in (i) get  and resubstitute the
value of  to get (x,y, z).
9.1 Equation of a plane :
A plane is represented by an equation of the
first degree, i.e. by ax + by + cz + d = 0.
Conversely, every equation of the first degree
in x, y, z represents a plane
(a) An equation of the y-z plane is x = 0.
(b) An equation of the z-x plane is y = 0.
(c) An equation of the x-y plane is z = 0.
(d) If , m, n be the direction cosines of the
normal to a plane and p be the length of the
perpendicular from the origin on the plane,
then an equation of the plane is
 x + my + nz = p (Normal form)
axes of coordinates, its equation is

+ + = 1 (Intercept form)
9.2 Equation of system of planes :
An equation of a plane contains three
independent constants because a plane is
uniquely determined by three independent
conditions. If we consider a plane satisfying
two given conditions, its equation will contain
one arbitrary constant. If we consider a plane
satisfying one given condition, its equation will
contain two arbitrary constants.
Given below are the equations of some
well-known systems of planes
(a) The equation ax + by + cz + k = 0, represents
a system of planes parallel to the plane
ax + by + cz + d = 0, k being a parameter.
(b) The equation ax + by + cz + k = 0,
represents a system of planes perpendicular
to the line = = . (i) The equation of the planes bisecting the
(c) The equation (a1x + b1y + c1z + d1) + k(a2x
+ b2y + c2z + d2) = 0 represents a system of
planes passing through the intersection of
the planes a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 and
a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0, k being a parameter.
(d) The equation
A(x – x1) + B(y – y1) + C(z – z1) = 0
represents a system of planes through the
point (x1, y1, z1), the ratios of A, B, C being
the two parameters.
Note : (a) & (c) are example of one-parameter
family of planes and (d) is example of a two-
parameter family of planes.
9.3 Angle between two planes :
The angle  between the planes
a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0,
a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 is given by
cos = ±
Parallelism and perpendicularity of two planes :
The planes a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0,
a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 are parallel if and only
if = = and perpendicular if and
only if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0
9.4 Two sides of a plane :
Two points P (x1, y1, z1) and Q (x2, y2, z2) lie on
the same or different sides of the plane
ax + by + cz + d = 0 according as ax 1 + by1 +
cz1 + d and ax2 + by2 + cz2 + d are of the same
or of different signs.
9.5 Length of the perpendicular from a point to
a plane :
The perpendicular distance of the point
(x1, y1, z1) from the plane x + my + nz = p is
|p – x1 – my1 – nz1|, where, , m, n are
direction cosines of the normal to the plane and
p is the length of perpendicular on the plane
from the origin.
The perpendicular distance of the point
(x1, y1, z1) from the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0
is .
9.6 Angle bisectors :
angle between two given planes a 1x + b1y +
c1z + d1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 are
= ±
(ii) Equation of bisector of the angle
containing origin : First make both the
constant terms positive. Then the positive
sign in
= ±
gives the bisector of the angle which
contains the origin.
(iii) Bisector of acute/obtuse angle : First make
both the constant terms positive. Then
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 > 0  origin lies in
obtuse angle
a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 < 0  origin lies in acute
angle
9.7 Family of planes :
(i) Any plane passing through the line of
intersection of non-parallel planes or
equation of the plane through the given line
in non symmetric form.
 a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 & (ii) The line is parallel to the plane if and only if
a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 is a + bm + cn = 0.
a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 + (a2x + b2y + c2z + (iii) The line lies in the plane if and only if
d2) = 0 a + bm + cn = 0 and a + b + c + d = 0.
(ii) The equation of plane passing through the 10.1 Angle between a line and a plane :
intersection of the planes = d1 and (i) If  is the angle between line
= d2 is = d1 + d2
where  is arbitrary scalar. = = and the
9.8 To find image of a point w.r.t. a plane : plane
Let P(x1, y1, z1) is a given point and ax + by + ax + by + cz + d = 0, then
cz + d = 0 is given plane. Let (x, y, z) is the
image point. Then
sin  =
(a) x – x1 = a, y – y1 = b, z – z1 = c
 x = a + x1, y = b + y1, z = c + z1 (ii) Vector form : If  is the angle between a
...(i) line and = d then

(b) a +b +c = sin  = .

0 (iii) Condition for perpendicularity

...(ii)
=0
from (i) put the values of x, y, z in (ii)
and get the values of  and substitute in (i) (iv) Condition for parallel
to get (x, y, z). a + bm + cn = 0 =0
The coordinate of the image of point
10.2 Condition for a line to lie in a plane :
(x1, y1, z1) w.r.t. the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0
are given by (i) Cartesian form :

= = Line = = would

lie in a plane ax + by + cz + d = 0,
= –2 if ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d = 0 & a + bm + cn = 0
(ii) Vector form : Line would lie
9.9 The distance between two parallel planes in the plane = d if =0&
ax+ by + cx + d = 0 and ax + by + cx + d = 0 is = d.
10.3 Coplanar lines :

The lines = = , and

= = are coplanar if

Let the equations, ax + by + cz + d = 0, and

= = , represent a given
plane and a straight line respectively, only if =0
(i) The line is perpendicular to the plane if and
the equation of the plane containing the lines is
only if = = .
 and = =
= 0 (Imp.)

10.4 General equation of a plane containing line:

The general equation of the plane containing
the line

= = , is

A(x – ) + B(y – ) + C(z – ) = 0

where, A + Bm + Cn = 0.

S.D. =

11.1 Area of a triangle :

Let A (x1, y1, z1), B(x2, y2, z2), C(x3, y3, z3) be
the vertices of a triangle then
= = ÷

where x = , y =
(iii)Vector form : For lines &
to be skew .

and z =  0 or 
0
(iv) Shortest distance between the two parallel
Vector Method : From two vector and lines & is
. Then area is given by
d= .
=
11.3 Sphere :
General equation of a sphere is given by
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2ux + 2vy + 2wz + d = 0 where
(–u, –v, –w) is the centre and
11.2 Skew Lines : is the radius of the sphere.
(i) The straight lines which are not parallel 11.4 Volume of a tetrahedron :
and non-coplanar i.e. non-intersecting are Volume of a tetrahedron with vertices
called skew lines. If A(x1, y1, z1), B(x2, y2, z2), C(x3, y3, z3) and D(x4,

=  0.
y4, z4) is V =
then lines are skew.
(ii) Shortest distance : Suppose the equation
of the lines are = =
 SOLVED EXAMPLES

Ex.1 Find the co-ordinates of the point where the

line joining A(3, 4, 1) and B(5, 1, 6) crosses the

xy-plane.
Sol. Let the line joining A and B crosses the D.R.'s of AD are
xy-plane at the point M and let M divides AB
– 1, –8, – 4.
in the ratio  : 1 internally.

 , ,

Co-ordinates of M are D.R.'s of BC are 2 – 0, –3 + 11, 1 – 3,

i.e., 2, 8, –2
Since AD  BC
Since the point M lies on the xy-plane
 × 2+ ×8+ ×
Its z-co-ordinate is zero.
–2=0
 =0
 =0
 6 + 1 = 0 or  = –
 –76k – 152 = 0
 76k = –152
The ratio is  : 1 = : 1 i.e. 1 : 6 externally.
 k = – 2.
Hence the co-ordinates of M are Hence the co-ordinates of D are

i.e.

, i.e., or (4, 5, –5). Ans.

Ex.2 A (1, 8, 4), B (0, –11, 3), C (2, –3, 1) are three
Ex.3 Find the distance of centroid from x-axis of the
points and D is the foot of the perpendicular
triangle formed by the points (2, –4, 3),
from A on BC. Find the co-ordinate of D.
(3, –1, –2) and (–2, 5, 8) is ?
Sol. Let D be the foot of the  from A on BC, If P
Sol. The centroid of the triangle is -
divides BC in the ratio k : 1, then co-ordinates
 (1, 0 , 3)
of D are

Its distance from x-axis = =3 Ans.

Ex.4 The locus of a point, which moves in such a =  (x2 – x1) + m (y2 – y1) + n (z2 – z1)
way that its distance from the origin is thrice
the distance from xy-plane is - = [2 – (–1)] + (5 – 0) + (1 – 3)

Sol. Let the point be P (x, y, z), then its distance

= ×3+ ×5+ × –2
from origin is
OP =
= + –
The distance of P from xy-plane is z.
According to question = =
= 3z
Ans.
Thus the required locus is
x2 + y2 – 8z2 = 0. Ans. Ex.7 If two points are P (7, –5, 11) and Q (–2, 8, 13),
Ex.5 Find the measure of the angle between the lines then find the projection of PQ on a straight line
whose direction ratios are 1, –2, 7 and
with direction cosines , , is ?
3, –2, –1.
Sol. = Sol. The projection of line joining the points
P (7, –5, 11) and Q (–2, 8, 13) on a line with
=
 The actual direction cosines of the lines are direction cosines , , is

, , and , , = (–2 – 7) + (8 + 5) + (13 – 11)

=–3+ + =7
If  is the angle between the lines, then Ans.

cos  = + Ex.8 Find the ratio in which the plane 2x + 3y + 5z = 1

divides the line joining the points (1, 0, –3) and
(1, –5, 7).
+
Sol. Let  be required ratio and given by

= = 0   = 90º. Ans. =–

Ex.6 Find the projection of the line segment joining = – =

the points (–1, 0, 3) and (2, 5, 1) on the line
whose direction ratios are 6, 2, 3. Ex.9 If a line makes angles  with four
Sol. The direction cosines , m, n of the line are diagonals of a cube, then cos2  + cos2  + cos2 
given by + cos2 equals ?
Sol Let OA, OB, OC be coterminous edges of a
= = = = = cube and OA = OB = OC = a, then co-ordinates
of its vertices are O(0, 0, 0), A(a, 0, 0), B(0, a, 0),
C(0, 0, a), L (0, a, a), M(a, 0, a), N (a, a, 0) and
P(a, a, a)
 = ,m= ,n= Direction ratio of diagonal AL, BM, CN and
OP are
The required projection is given by
 Similarly, the angle between each of the other

pairs of diagonals is cos–1

Ex.11 Find the angle between two lines whose

direction cosines are given by  + m + n = 0,
2 + m2 – n2 = 0 is ?
Sol. Eliminating n between the given relations, we get
, 2 + m2 – (– – m)2 = 0
or m = 0   = 0 or m = 0

, now = 0  1.+ 0.m + 0.n = 0

and  + m + n = 0
Let , m, n be the direction cosines of the given Solving these equations,
line, then
we get = = ....
cos  =  +m +n
(1)
Similarly m = 0  0. + 1.m + 0.n = 0
= and l + m + n = 0
Solving these equations, we get
Similarly cos  = , cos  =
= = ....

and cos  = (2)

Thus direction ratios of given lines are 0, – 1, 1
 cos2  + cos2 + cos2 + cos2 = 4/3
and 1, 0, – 1 respectively. Let  is the angle
Ex.10 The cosine of angle between any two diagonal between them, then
of a cube is ? cos  =
Sol. From above example, we have direction ratios
of diagonals AL, BM, CN and OP as

, or cos  = –   = 2/ 3

, Ex.12 Find the image of the point A (7, 4, –3) in the

If 1 be the angle between OP and AL, then line = = .

cos 1 =
Sol. Given line BC is = = = .

Any point on this line is P (, –2 + 1, 3 + 2).

Let this point be the foot of the perpendicular
= from A on BC.
Then, AP  BC.
 1 = cos–1 DRs of AP are ( – 7),(–2 + 1 – 4),(3 + 2 +3).
i.e. ( – 7), (–2 – 3), (3 + 5).
DRs of BC are 1, – 2, 3.
AP  BC
  1( – 7) – 2 (–2 – 3) + 3 (3 + 5) = 0 Sol. Given lines are

= = = r1

...(1)

 =–1 = = = r2 ...(2)
 Point P is P(–1, 3, – 1).
Any general points on these lines are
Let D (x1, y1, z1) be the image of A in BC.
P (r1 + 4, – 4r1 –3, 7r1 – 1) and
Then, P is the midpoint of AD.
Q (2r2 + 1, –3r2 – 1, 8r2 – 10)
 = – 1, = 3, = –1 respectively.
If these lines intersect, then the points P and Q
 x1 = – 9, y1 = 2, z1 = 1.
coincide for some values of r1 and r2. Then, we
Hence, the required image of A is (–9, 2, 1).
have,
Ex.13 Find the direction cosines of a line which is r1 + 4 = 2r2 + 1, – 4r1 – 3 = – 3r2 – 1,
perpendicular to each one of the lines with 7r1 – 1 = 8r2 – 10
direction cosines 1, m1, n1, and 2, m2, n2.
 r1 – 2r2 = –3, 4r1 – 3r2 = – 2, 7r1 – 8r2 = – 9.
Sol. Let , m, n be the dc's of the required line.
Solving first two of these equations, we get
Then,
r1 = 1 and r2 = 2.
1 + mm1 + nn1 = 0
Clearly, these values of r1 and r2 satisfy the
2 + mm2 + nn2 = 0
third equation.
By cross multiplication, we have
So, the given lines intersect.
= = = The point of intersection is (5, –7, 6).

. Ex.15 Find the equation of the plane passing through

  =  (m1n2 – m2n1) the intersection of the planes x – 2y + 3z + 4 = 0
m =  (2n1 – 1n2) and 2x – 3y + 4z – 7 = 0 and containing the
n =  (1m2 – 2m1) point (1, –1, 1).
 2[m1n2 – m2n1]2 +(2n1 – 1n2)2 Sol. Any plane through the intersection of the given
2
+ (1m2 – 2m1) ] = 1 planes is given by P1 + P2 = 0
[ 2 + m2 + n2 = 1] (x – 2y + 3z + 4) + (2x – 3y + 4z – 7) = 0 ...(1)
2 2
  sin 90º = 1  =±1 If this plane passes through (1, –1, 1), we have
[ = (1 + 2 + 3 + 4) +  (2 + 3 + 4 – 7) = 0
sin]  =–5
 Actual dc's are : (m1n2 – m2n1), (2n1 – 1n2) and  Required plane is (x – 2y + 3z + 4)
(1m2 – 2m1) –5 (2x – 3y + 4z – 7) = 0
 –9x + 13y – 17z + 39 = 0
Ex.14 Prove that the lines = =
 9x – 13y + 17z – 39 = 0

and = = intersect and

Ex.16 Show that the points (2, 1, –1), (1, 1, 1),
find the co-ordinates of their point of (3, 3, 0) and (0, –1, 0) are coplanar. Find the
intersection. equation of the plane in which these points lie.
Sol. The equation of the plane passing through the Sol. Let the equation of the plane be
points (2, 1, –1), (1, 1, 1) and (3, 3, 0) is given by
+ + =1 ...(1)

=0 Its distance from origin is 3p.

 3p =
 =0

 (x – 2)(0 – 4) – (y – 1)(–1 –2) + (z + 1)(–2 – 0) = 0  = + +

 –4(x – 2) + 3(y – 1) – 2(z + 1) = 0 ...(2)

 4x – 3y + 2z = 3 ...(1) Clearly (1) cuts the axes at A (a, 0, 0),
B (0, b, 0) & C(0, 0,c)
Clearly, the fourth point (0, –1, 0) also
Let (x, y, z) be the centroid of ABC. Then,
satisfies (1)
Hence, the given points lie in the same plane x= , y= , z =
whose equation is 4x – 3y + 2z = 3.

Ex.17 Find the equation of the plane containing the

 a = 3x, b = 3y and c = 3z
line = = and parallel to
Putting these values in (2), we get the required
locus as
the line = = .
= + +

or x–2 + y–2 + z–2 = p–2.

Sol. Any plane containing the line
Ex.19 Show that the points (0, 1, 2), (2, –1, 3) and
= = is (1, –3, 1) are vertices of an isosceles right
a (x – 1) + b (y + 6) + c (z + 1) = 0 ...(1) angled triangle.
where, 3a + 4b + 2c = 0 ...(2) Sol. Let the given points (0, 1, 2), (2, –1, 3),
Also, it is parallel to the second line and hence, (1, –3, 1) be A, B, C respectively, then
its normal is perpendicular to this line AB2 = (2 – 0)2 + (–1 –1)2 + (3 – 2)2
 2a – 3b + 5c = 0 ...(3) =4+4+1=9
Solving (2) & (3) by cross multiplication, we get BC = (1 – 2)2 + (– 3 + 1)2 + (1 – 3)2
2

=1+4+4=9
= = =k CA = (0 – 1)2 + (1 + 3)2 + (2 – 1)2
2

= 1 + 16 + 1 = 18
 a = 26k, b = – 11k & c = – 17k
From above results it is clear that
Putting these values in (1), we get
AB2 + BC2 = CA2 and AB = BC
26k (x – 1) – 11k (y + 6) –17k (z + 1) = 0
Hence the given points form an isosceles right
 26x – 11y – 17z = 109,
angled triangle. Ans.
which is the required equation of the plane.
Ex.20 Find the ratio in which the line joining the
Ex.18 A variable plane is at a constant distance 3p
points (3, 5, –7) and (–2, 1, 8) is divided by
from the origin and meets the axes in A, B and
yz-plane.
C. Find the locus of the centroid of ABC.
Sol. Let the line joining the points (3, 5, –7) and
and cos = cos 60º = but
(–2, 1, 8) divides yz-plane in the ratio  : 1,
then coordinates of the dividing point will be cos2 + cos2 + cos2 = 1

 + + cos2  = 1

Now above points lies on the yz-plane, so its

cos2  = 1 – – =
x-coordinate should be zero i.e.

=0=  cos2  = ±

Hence yz-plane divides line joining the given   = 45º or 135º. Ans.

points in the ratio : 1 or 3 : 2. Ans. Ex.23 A line passes through the points (6, –7, –1) and
(2, –3, 1). Find direction ratios and the
Ex.21 Find the ratio in which the plane x – 2y + 3z = 17 direction cosines of the line so directed that the
divides the line joining the points (–2, 4, 7) and angle  is acute.
(3, –5, 8). Sol. Let A  (6, –7, –1) and B  (2, –3, 1).
Sol. Let the required ratio be k : 1  P.V. of A = 6i – 7j – k
The co-ordinates of the point which divides the and P.V. of B = 2i – 3j + k
join of (–2, 4, 7) and (3, –5, 8) in the ratio AB = P.V. of B – P.V. of A
= 2i – 3j + k – (6i – 7j – k)
k : 1 are = (2 – 6) i + (–3 + 7) j + (1 + 1) k
= – 4i + 4j + 2k
Since this point lies on the plane
 D.r's of AB are – 4, 4, 2.
x – 2y + 3z – 17 = 0
Let the d.c's of AB are – 4k, 4k, 2k.
 –2 + 3 –  (–4k)2 + (4k)2 = 1
 16k2 + 16k2 + 4k2 = 1
17 = 0
 (3k – 2) – 2(–5k + 4) + 3(8k + 7) = 17k – 17  36k2 = 1 k2 =
 3k + 10k + 24k – 17k = 17 + 2 + 8 – 21
 k=± .
 37k – 17k = 6
But the line is so directed that the angle 
 20k = 6; k= =
which it makes with OX is acute.
Hence the required ratio = k : 1  cos  = – 4k is + ve
 k is – ve.
= : 1 = 3 : 10 Ans.
 k=– .
Ex.22 A line OP makes with the x-axis an angle of
Hence the line is directed from B to A and the
measure 120º and with y-axis an angle of
d.c's of BA are
measure 60º. Find the angle made by the line
with the z-axis. –4 ,4 ,2
Sol.  = 120º and  = 60º

 cos  = cos 120º = –  ,– ,– . Ans.

Ex.24 Find the direction cosines of the lines joining
points P (3, –4, 7) and Q (0, 2, 5).  = cos–1 .
Sol. Here the direction ratios of the line PQ are
0 – 3, 2 + 4, 5 – 7 i.e. – 3, 6, –2 and its (b) =
direction cosines are =
, , i.e.  The actual direction cosines of the lines are

– , ,– . , , and , ,

Ans.

Ex.25 What are the dc's of the lines equally included

to the axes ? If  is the angle between the lines, then
Sol. If a line makes angles , ,  with the axes,
cos = +
we have
==
 cos  = cos  = cos  +
 =m=n
  2 + m2 + n2 = 1
 2 + 2 +2 = 1  32 = 1

 2 = ,=± = =0

 The d.c's of the lines are   = 90º. Ans.

. Ans. Ex.27 Find the angle between the lines whose

direction cosines are
Ex.26 (a)Find the acute angle between two lines whose
, , ; , ,–
direction ratios are 2, 3, 6 and 1, 2, 2
respectively.
(b) Find the measure of the angle between the lines
whose direction ratios are 1, –2, 7 and
Sol. Let  be the angle between the lines
3, –2, –1.
 cos  = 1 2 + m1m2 + n1n2
Sol. (a) a1 = 2, b1 = 3, c1 = 6; a2 = 1, b2 = 2, c2 = 2.
If  be the angle between two lines whose d.r's = + +
are given, then

cos =
= + – = = =–
=

= =   = 120º. Ans.
Ex.28 If the lines whose direction cosines are given
by a + bm + cn = 0 and fmn + gn + hm = 0

are perpendicular, then + + equals

?
Sol. Eliminating n between the given relations, we Let P be the foot of the perpendicular from A
find that on BC. If P divides BC in the ratio k : 1, then
Co-ordinates of P are
(fm + g) + hm = 0

or ag + (af + bg – ch) + bf = 0 D.R's of BC are 3 – 4, 5 – 7, 3 – 1

...(1) i.e. –1, –2, 2 or 1, 2, –2

D.R's of AP are
Let and , are roots of (1), then
– 1, –0, –3

. =  , ,

Since AP is  BC
 = ...(2)
×1 + ×2+ × (–2) =
Similarly = ...(3)
0
From (2) and (3), we get
 =0
= = =
 12k + 21 = 0

 12k = – 21  k=– =–

So the foot of the  i.e., the co-ordinates of P

If two lines are perpendicular, then
are
12 + m1m2 + n1n2 = 0

 + + =0 Ans.

Ex.29 Find the foot of the perpendicular drawn from

the point A(1, 0, 3) to the join of the points

B(4, 7, 1) and C(3, 5, 3).
Sol. Let A(1, 0 , 3) B(4, 7, 1) and C(3, 5, 3) be the
 i.e. ,
given points.
Ans.
Ex.30 Find the co-ordinates of the foot of the = 4 –12 + 8 = 0,
perpendicular from (1, 1, 1) on the line joining  line (1) is perpendicular to line (2).
(5, 4, 4) and (1, 4, 6).
Ex.32 Find the equations of the line passing through
Sol. Let A (1, 1, 1), B (5, 4, 4) and C(1, 4, 6) be the
the point (1, 2, 3) and parallel to the line
given points. Let M be the foot of the
perpendicular from A on BC. = = .
If M divides BC in the ratio  : 1, then
Co-ordinates of M are Sol. The direction-ratios of the given line are
< 12, 4, 5 >
 The required line passes through the point
D.Ratios of BC are 1 – 5, 4 – 4, 6 – 4 (1, 2, 3) and has direction-ratios < 12, 4, 5 >.
i.e., – 4, 0, 2 or 2, 0, –1
Its equation is : = = .

Ex.33 Show that if the axes are rectangular, the

equations of the line through (x1, y1, z1) at right
angles to the lines

D.R.'s of AM are = = , = = are

–1, –1, –1
= =
 , ,

 4, 3 + 3, 5 + 3 .
Since AM  BC
 2(4) + 0(3 + 3) – 1(5 + 3) = 0 Sol. The two given lines are
 8 – 5 – 3 = 0
= = ....(1)
 =1
Hence the co-ordinates of M are (3, 4, 5). Ans.
and = = ....
Ex.31 Show that the line = =
(2)
Any line through (x1, y1, z1) is
is perpendicular to the line = =
= = ....(3)
.
Since (3) is  to (1),
Sol. The given lines are
 1 + mm1 + nn1 = 0 ....(4)
= = ....
Since (3) is  to (2),
(1)
 2 + mm2 + nn2 = 0 ....(5)
and = = ....(2) Solving (4) and (5), by cross-multiplication, we
have :
Here < 2, – 3, 4 > and < 2, 4, 2 > are direction-
ratios of lines (1) and (2) respectively.
Since (2) (2) + (–3) (4) + (4) (2)
 i.e. < – 10 – k1 + 3k2, – 2+ 2k1 – 2k2,
= = – 3 – 2k1 – 2k2 >.
Since MN is perpendicular to (1),
 (1)(–10 – k1 + 3k2) – 2 (–2 + 2k1 – 2k2)
+ 2 (–3 – 2k1 – 2k2) = 0
= k (say)
 – 10 – k1 + 3k2 + 4 – 4k1 + 4k2 – 6
  = k (m1n2 – m2n1), m = k (n12 – n21),
– 4k1 – 4k2 = 0
n = k (1m2 – 2m1), k  0.
 – 9k1 + 3k2 – 12 = 0
Putting in (3),  3k1 – k2 + 4 = 0 ...(5)
Again since MN is perpendicular to (2),
= =
(3)(–10 – k1 + 3k2) – 2(–2 + 2k1 + 2k2)
– 2 (–3 – 2k1 – 2k2) = 0
 –30 – 3k1 + 9k2 + 4 – 4k1 + 4k2
+ 6 + 4k1 + 4k2 = 0
 = =  –3k1 + 17k2 – 20 = 0
 3k1 – 17k2 + 20 = 0 ...(6)
Solving (5) and (6) :
(5) – (6) gives : 16k2 – 16 = 0
which are the required equations.  k2 = 1
Putting in (5), 3k1 – 1 + 4 = 0
Ex.34 Find the shortest distance between the
 k1 = – 1.
straight lines through the points (6, 2, 2) and
Putting k1 = – 1 in (3), the point M is
(–4, 0, –1) in the directions (1, –2, 2) and
(6 – 1, 2 + 2, 2 – 2) i.e. (5, 4, 0),
(3, –2, –2).
Putting k2 = 1 in (4), the point N is
Sol. The given lines are :
(–4 + 3, – 2, – 1 – 2) i.e. (–1, –2, –3)
= = Hence length of S.D. = | MN |
=
...(1)
= = = 9 units.
and = = ...(2)
Ex.35 Find the equation of the plane through the
points (1, –1, 2) and (2, –2, 2) and
perpendicular to the plane 6x – 2y + 2z = 9.
Sol. Any plane through (1, –1, 2) is
a (x – 1) + b (y + 1) + c(z – 2) = 0 ...(1)
Since it passes through (2, –2, 2),
Let MN be the S.D.  a (2 – 1) + b (–2 + 1) + c (2 – 2) = 0
Let M be (6 + k1, 2 – 2k1, 2 + 2k1) ...(3)  a – b + 0. c = 0 ...(2)
and N be (– 4 + 3k2, – 2k2, –1 – 2k2) ...(4) Also the plane (1) and the given plane
 Direction-ratios of MN are : 6x – 2y + 2z = 9 are perpendicular,
< – 4 + 3k2 – 6 – k1, – 2k2 – 2 + 2k1,  their normals are also perpendicular
–1 – 2k2 – 2 – 2k1 > a(6) + b (–2) + c (2) = 0
 3a – b + c = 0 ...(3)
 Solving (2) and (3), by cross-multiplication,
we have :
= =
 = = = k (say), where k 
0 the planes :
 a = k, b = k, c = – 2k.
Putting these values of a, b, c in (1), we get :
k(x – 1) + k(y + 1) – 2k(z – 2) = 0
 (x – 1) + (y + 1) – 2 (z – 2) = 0
 x – 1 + y + 1 – 2z + 4 = 0
 x + y – 2z + 4 = 0,
which is the required equation.
Ex.37 Find the equation of the plane passing through
the line of intersection of the planes :
2x + 3y – z + 1 = 0 and x + y – 2z + 3 = 0
and perpendicular to the plane 3x – y – 2z – 4 = 0.
Sol. Any plane through the line of intersection of
2x + 3y – z + 1= 0 and x + y – 2z + 3 = 0
is (2x + 3y – z + 1) + k(x + y – 2z + 3) = 0
...(1)
i.e. (2 + k)x + (3 + k)y – (1 + 2k) z
+ (1 + 3k) = 0 ....(2)
Since it is perpendicular to the plane
3x – y – 2z – 4 = 0

Ex.36 Find the equation of a plane through the points

 their normals are perpendicular
(2, 1, 0), (3, –2, –2) and (3, 1, 7).
 (2 + k) 3 + (3 + k) (–1) – (1 + 2k) (–2) = 0
Sol. Any plane through (2, 1, 0) is :
 6 + 3k – 3 – k + 2 + 4k = 0
a(x – 2) + b (y – 1) + c(z – 0) = 0
 a(x – 2) + b(y – 1) + cz = 0 ...(1)  6k + 5 = 0  k= .
Since the plane passes through the points
Putting in (1), we get :
(3, –2, –2) and (3, 1, 7),
 a(3 – 2) + b (–2 – 1) + c (–2) = 0 x + y – z +
and a(3 – 2) + b(1 – 1) + c(7) = 0
 a – 3b – 2c = 0 ...(2) =0
and a + 0b + 7c = 0 ...(3)
Solving (2) and (3),  x+ y+ z– =0

= =  7x + 13y + 4z – 9 = 0,
which is the required equation.
 = =
Ex.38 Find the equation of the line through (1, 2, 3)
and parallel to the line :
 = = = k (say), where k  0.
x – y + 2z = 5; 3x + y + z = 6.
 a = 7k, b = 3k, c = – k. Sol. Any line through (1, 2, 3) is
Putting these values of a, b, c in (1), we get :
= =
7k(x – 2) + 3k(y – 1) – k(z) = 0
 7(x – 2) + 3 (y – 1) – z = 0 [ k  0] ...(1)
Since the line (1) is parallel to the line
 7x – 14 + 3y – 3 – z = 0
x – y + 2z = 5; 3x + y + z = 6 ...(2)
 7x + 3y – z = 17,
 normals to the planes represented by (2)
which is the required equation. are perpendicular to line (1),
  (1) (a) + (–1) (b) + (2) (c) = 0 Ex.40 Find the equation to the plane through the line
i.e. a – b + 2c = 0 ...(3)
= = and parallel to the
and (3) (a) + (1) (b) + (1) (c) = 0
i.e. 3a + b + c = 0 ...(4)
line = = .
Solving (3) and (4),
Sol. The plane through line (1) will also contain the
= =
point (, , ).
Any plane through (, , ) is
 = =
a (x – ) + b(y – ) + c (z – ) = 0
...(5)
Since plane contains line (1),
From (1) and (5), the required equations of the
line are :  normal to plane is perpendicular to
line (1).
= = .
 a + bm + cn = 0 ...(1)
Again since plane is perpendicular to
Ex.39 Find the angle between the line = line (2)
 a' + bm' + cn' = 0 ...(2)
= and the plane 3x + 4y + z + 5
Solving (1) and (2),
= 0.
= =
Sol. The given line is = =
= k (say)
...(1)
and the given plane is 3x + 4y + z + 5 = 0 ...(2)  a = k (mn' – m'n), b = k (n' – n'),
c = k(m' – 'm) ; k  0.
If the line (1) makes with an angle  with the
plane (2), then the line (1) will make angle
(90º – ) with the normal to the plane (1). Putting in (3),
Now direction-ratios of line (1) are < 3, –1, –2 >  k(mn' – m'n) (x – ) + k(n' – n') (y – )
and direction-ratios of normal to plane (2) are + k(m' – 'm) (z – ) = 0
< 3, 4, 1 >  (mn' – m'n) (x – ) + (n' – n') ( – )
 cos (90º – ) = + (m' – 'm) (z – ) = 0, [ k  0]
which is the required equation.

Ex.41 Find the equation of the plane parallel to the

 sin = =
line = = , which

Hence  = sin–1 contains the point (5, 2, –1) and passes through
the origin.
Sol. Let ax + by + cz = 0 ...(1)
be the equation of the plane, which passes
through the origin. [ d = 0]
Since it passes through (5, 2, –1),
 (a) (5) + b(2) + c(–1) = 0
 5a + 2b – c = 0 ...(2)
Again since the plane (1) is parallel to the line

= =

...(3)
 the normal to the plane (1) is to the
line (3)
 (1) (a) + (3) (b) + (2) (c) = 0
 a + 3b + 2c = 0 ...(4)
Solving (2) and (4),

= = = k (say),

where k  0
 a = 7k, b = – 11k, c = 13k.
Putting in (1), 7kx – 11ky + 13kz = 0
 7x – 11y + 13z = 0, [ k  0]
which is the required equation.
 EXERCISE # 1

Q.8 The d.c's of a line whose direction ratios are

Q.1 The points A(5, –1, 1); B(7, –4, 7); C(1, –6, 10) 2, 3, –6, are-
and D(–1, –3, 4) are vertices of a -
(A) (B)
(A) square (B) rhombus
(C) rectangle (D) none of these
(C) (D) None of these
Q.2 Points (1, 2, 3); (3, 5, 7) and (–1, –1, –1) are-
(A) Vertices of a equilateral triangle
Q.9 The projections of a line segment on x, y and z
(B) Vertices of a right angle triangle
axes are respectively 3, 4 and 5, then the length
(C) Vertices of a isosceles triangle
and direction cosines of the line segment is
(D) Collinear
(A) 5 ; , ,

Q.3 The ratio in which the segment joining the (B) 3 ; , ,

points (2, 4, 5), (3, 5, –4) is divided by the
yz-plane is- (C) 5 ; , ,
(A) – 2 : 3 (B) 2 : 3
(C) 3 : 2 (D) – 3 : 2
(D) 3 ; , ,–
Q.4 The ratio in which the segment joining
(1, 2, –1) and (4, –5, 2) is divided by the plane
Q.10 The direction cosines of a line equally inclined
2x – 3y + z = 4 is-
with the coordinate axes are -
(A) 7 : 3 (B) 3 : 7
(A) (1, 1, 1) or (–1, –1, –1)
(C) 3 : 5 (D) None of these

Q.5 If distance of any point from z-axis is thrice its (B) or

distance from xy-plane, then its locus is-
(A) x2 + y2 – 9z2 = 0 (B) y2 + z2 – 9x2 = 0
(C) x2 – 9y2 + z2 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 + z2 = 0

Q.6 The co-ordinates of the point where the line (C) or

joining the points (2, –3, 1), (3, –4, –5) cuts the
plane 2x + y + z = 7 are-
(A) (2, 1, 0) (B) (3, 2, 5)
(C) (1, –2, 7) (D) None of these
(D) none of these
Q.7 A point moves in such a way that sum of
square of its distances from the co-ordinate axis
are 36, then distance of these given point from
origin are- Q.11 Direction ratios of two lines are a, b, c and
(A) 6 (B) 2
, , . The lines are -
(C) 3 (D) None of these
(A) Mutually perpendicular
(B) Parallel
 (C) Coincident Q.16 The angle between two lines
(D) None of these
and
Q.12 If , m, n and , m, n be the direction cosines
of two lines which include an angle , then - is-
(A) cos =  + mm + nn
(A) cos–1 (2/9) (B) cos–1 (4/9)
(B) sin =  + mm + nn
(C) cos–1 (5/9) (D) cos–1 (7/9)
(C) cos = mm + mn + n +n+ m + m
(D) sin = mn + mn + n + n + m + m Q.17 The equation of a line passing through the
origin and parallel to the line whose direction
ratios are 1, –1, 2 is -

(A) = =
Q.13 P  (x1, y1, z1) and Q (x2, y2, z2) are two
points if direction cosines of a line AB are , (B) = =
m, n then projection of PQ on AB aare -
(C) = =
(A) (x2 – x1) + (y2 – y1) + (z2 –

z1) (D) = =
(B)  (x2 – x1) + m (y2 – y1) + n (z2 – z1)

Q.18 = = is -
(C) [(x2 – x1) + m(y2 – y1) + n(z2 –

z1)] (A) parallel to yz plane

(B) parallel to zx plane
(D) None of these
(C) perpendicular to z axis
Q.14 If the line OP of length r makes an angle  with (D) parallel to z axis
x-axis and lies in the xz plane, then the
Q.19 The point in which the join of (–9, 4, 5) and
coordinate of P are -
(11, 0, –1) is met by the perpendicular from the
(A) (r cos , 0, r sin ) (B) (0, 0, r sin )
origin is-
(C) (0, 0, r cos ) (D) (r cos , 0, 0) (A) (2, 1, 2) (B) (2, 2, 1)
Q.15 If coordinates of point P, Q, R, S are (C) (1, 2, 2) (D) None of these
respectively (6, 3, 2) ; (5, 1, 4) ; (3, 4, –7) and
(0, 2, 5) then the projection of PQ on RS are- Q.20 If the lines and

(A) (B) are at right angles, then

the value of k will be –

(C) (D)
(A) (B)

(C) –10 (D) –7

Q.21 The equation of straight line passing through

the points (a, b, c) and (a – b, b – c, c – a), is -
 (A) = = (A) contains the line = =

(B) contains the point (0, 7, –1)

(B) = =
(C) is perpendicular to the line = =
(C) = = (D) is parallel to the plane x – 2y + 7z = 0

(D) = = Q.27 If the line = = lies in the

plane 4x + 4y – kz – d = 0, then the value of k

and d, are-
Q.22 The normal form of the plane 2x + 6y + 3z = 1, is- (A) 3, 5 (B) 5, 3 (C) 2, 5 (D) 5, 2

(A)

(B) Q.28 The foot of the perpendicular from (a, b, c) on

the line x = y = z is the point (r, r, r) where
(C) 3r = a + b + c.

(D) Q.29 The line x – 2y + 4z + 4 = 0, x + y + z – 8 = 0

intersects the plane x – y + 2z + 1 = 0 at the
point (2, 5, 1).
Q.23 A point which lie in yz plane, the sum of
co-ordinate is 3, if distance of point from xz
plane is twice the distance of point from xy
plane, then co-ordinates are - Q.30 The planes bx – ay = n, cy – bz = , az – cx =
(A) (1, 2, 0) (B) (0, 1, 2) m intersect in a line if ..............
(C) (0, 2, 1) (D) (2, 0, 1)
Q.31 If a plane cuts off intercepts OA = a, OB = b,
Q.24 A point located in space is moves in such a way OC = c from the coordinate axes, then the area
that sum of algebraic distance from xy and yz of the triangle ABC is .....
plane is equal to distance from zx plane the
locus of the point are -
(A) x – y + z = 2 (B) x + y – z = 0
(C) x + y – z = 2 (D) x – y + z = 0

Q.25 A plane meets the co-ordinate axes in A, B, C

such that the centroid of the triangle is the point
(1, r, r2), the equation of the plane is -
(A) x + ry + r2z = 3r2 (B) r2x + ry + z = 3r2
(C) x + ry + r2z = 3 (D) r2x + ry + z = 3
Q.26 The plane x – 2y + 7z + 21 = 0
 ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE # 1

28. True 29. True 30. a + bm + cn = 0 31.