Line in three dimensions( Notes)

1. Equation OF Line
r = a + λd

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂𝐴 𝐴𝑃 O
a
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + 𝜆 d
𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂𝐴
A(x1,y1,z1)
r = a + λd r

vector Equation of line

𝑥 𝑥1 𝑙
(𝑦 ) = (𝑦1 ) + 𝜆 (𝑚) d =li + mj + nk
𝑧 𝑧1 𝑛
P(x,y,z)
x = x1 + λl
y = y1 + λm
z = z1 + λn

Parametric Equation of line

2. Angle Between Two Lines

d1 .d 2
cos θ 
d1 d 2
d1
d2
θ

3. Pair of lines

Parallel Non – Parallel

Intersecting Non – Intersecting(Skew)

 Line in three dimensions
1. Referred to a fixed origin O, the points A and B have position vectors.
5i + j + 2k and − i + 7j + 8k
The line l1 passes through A and the line l2 passes through B. The lines l1 and l2 intersect at the point
C whose position vector is i + 2j + k
(a) Find equations for the line l1 and l2given each in the form r = a + tb

r = a + λd B

Equation of line l1 Equation of line l2

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
d = 𝐴𝐶 d = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐵𝐶
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝐴
= 𝑂𝐶 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 𝑂𝐶⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐵
1 5 1 −1
= ( 2) − ( 1) = ( 2) − ( 7 )
1 2 1 8
−4 2
=( 1 ) = (−5)
−1 −7
1 −4 1 2
r = (2) + 𝜆 ( 1 ) r = (2) + µ (−5)
1 −1 1 −7

(b) Find the size of angle OAB, given your answer to the nearest degree.
Answers: (a) r = 5i + j +2k + λ (4i − j + k); r = − i + 7j + 8k + μ (− 2i + 5j + 7k); ; (b) 77.8º .
2. The points A (24, 6, 0), B(30, 12, 12) and C(18, 6, 36) are referred to , Cartesian axis, origin O.
(a) Find a vector equation for the line passing through the points A and B.

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
d = 𝐴𝐵
d = 𝑂𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝐴
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
30 24 B
d = ( 12 ) − ( 6 )
12 0

6
d=( 6 ) A
12
1
d = (1)
2
24 1
r = ( 6 ) + 𝑡 ( 1)
0 2
The point P lies on the line passing through A and B.
(b) Show that 𝐶𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ can be expressed as (6 + t)i + tj+ (2t – 36) k, where t is a parameter.
Coordinates of unknown point P on the line
24 + 𝑡
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 6 + 𝑡 )
𝑂𝑃
2𝑡
18
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 6 )
𝑂𝐶
36
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐶𝑃 = 𝑂𝑃 − 𝑂𝐶 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
24 + 𝑡 18
= (6+𝑡)− ( 6 )
2𝑡 36
6+𝑡
=( 𝑡 )
2𝑡 − 36
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐶𝑃 = (6 + t)i + tj+ (2t – 36)k
(c) Given that ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐶𝑃 is perpendicular to𝐴𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ , find the coordinates of P.

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .𝐴𝐵
𝐶𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 0
6+𝑡 6 24 + 11 35
( 𝑡 ).( 6 ) = 0 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = ( 6 + 11 ) = ( 17 )
2𝑡 − 36 12 2 × 11 22
6(6 + t) + 6(t) + 12(2t – 36) = 0 P(35,17,22)
36 + 6t + 6t + 24t – 432 = 0
36t = 396
t = 11
(d) Hence, or otherwise, find the area of the triangle ABC, giving your answer to 3 sig. figures.
Answers: (a) r = 24i +6j + t (i + j + 2k); (c) (35,17,22) (d) 181 square units .

6 + 11
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐶𝑃 =( 11 )
22 − 36
17
= ( 11 )
−14

A P B

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √(6)2 + (6)2 + ( 12)2 = √216 = 6√6

|𝐴𝐵
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √(17)2 + (11)2 + ( −14)2 = √606
|𝐶𝑃

1
Area = × Base × Height
2
1
Area = × 6√6 × √606
2
Area = 181 Square Units
3. Referred to a fixed origin O, the points A and B have position vectors
(5i – j – k) and (i – 5j + 7k)
(i) Find an equation of the line AB.

d = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝐵
d = 𝑂𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝐴
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
1 5 B
d = (−5) − ( −1)
7 −1
−4
d = ( −4 ) A
8
1
d=( 1 )
−2

5 1
r = (−1) + 𝑡 ( 1 )
−1 −2
(ii) Show that the point C with position vector (4i – 2j + k) lies on AB.
4 5 1
(−2) = (−1) + 𝑡 ( 1 )
1 −1 −2
4 5 1
(−2) – (−1)= 𝑡 ( 1 )
1 −1 −2
−1 1
(−1) = 𝑡 ( 1 )
2 −2
1 1
– 1 ( 1 )= 𝑡 ( 1 )
−2 −2

t=–1
(iii) Show that OC is perpendicular to AB.

−4 4
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐶 .𝐴𝐵 = ( −4 ) . (−2)
8 1

= – 4(4) – 4(– 2) + 8(1)

= – 16 + 8 + 8
=0

Answers: (i) r = (5i – j – k) + t (i + j – 2k); (ii) t = – 1.

4. With respect to a fixed origin O, the lines l1 and l2 are given by the equations
l1: r = (2i + 3j – 2k) + λ (– 2i + 4j + k),
l2: r = (– 6i – 3j + k) + μ (5i + j – 2k), Where λ and μ are scalar parameters.
(a) Show that l1 and l2 meet and find the position vector of their point of intersection.

2 −2 −6 5
l1 : r= 3 +𝜆 4 )
( ) ( l2: r = −3 + 𝜇 1 )
( ) (
−2 1 1 −2

For Intersection
x = 2 – 2λ x = – 6 + 5μ
y = 3 + 4λ y=–3+μ
z=–2+λ z = 1 – 2μ

2 – 2λ = – 6 + 5μ …………. (i) ⨯ 2
3 + 4λ = – 3 + μ …………. (ii)
– 2 + λ = 1 – 2μ ………….(iii)

4 – 4λ = – 12 + 10μ
3 + 4λ = – 3 + μ
______________________
7 = – 15 + 11 μ

11 μ = 22
μ=2
Put in equation (i)
2 – 2λ = – 6 + 5(2)
2 – 2λ = 4
– 2λ = 2
λ=–1
Put λ = – 1 & μ = 2 in equation (iii)
– 2 + λ = 1 – 2μ
– 2 – 1 = 1 – 2(2)
–3 = –3
l1 and l2 intersect. For point of intersecting
Use λ = – 1 in the line l1 OR Use μ = 2 in the line l2
x = 2 – 2( – 1) = 4 x = – 6 + 5(2) = 4
y = 3 + 4(– 1 ) = – 1 y=–3+2 =–1
z=–2–1 = –3 z = 1 – 2(2) = – 3

Point of intersection ( 4, – 1, – 3).

(b) Find to the nearest 0.1°, the acute angle between l1 and l2.
Answers: (a) λ = – 1, μ = 2 ; 4i – j – 3k; (b) 71.4º.

d1 .d 2
cos θ 
d1 d 2
d1
d2
θ

  2  5 
   
d1   4  ; d2   1 
 1    2
   

  2  5 
  
d1 .d 2   4 . 1 
 1    2
  

= – 2(5) + 4(1) + 1(– 2)

=–8
d1  ( 2) 2  ( 4) 2  (1) 2 d 2  (5) 2  (1) 2  ( 2) 2

d1  21 d 2  30

8
cos θ 
21  30

 8 
θ  cos 1  
 21  30 

FN
θ  108.6 o OR 71.4 o
5. Show that the two lines given by the equations.
r = 3i + 4j + t(i + 2j – 2k) & r = 8i + 5j – 4k + m(– 2i – j + 2k)
Intersect and find the acute angle between them. Answers: t = – 1, m = 3 ; 2i + 2j + 2k; 27.3º.

3 1 8 −2
l1 : r = ( 4) + 𝑡 ( 2 ) l2: r = ( 5 ) + 𝑚 (−1)
0 −2 −4 2

For Intersection
x=3+t x= 8 – 2m
y = 4 + 2t y= 5–m
z = – 2t z = – 4 + 2m

3 + t = 8 – 2m …………………… (i)
4 + 2t = 5 – m ……………………… (ii)
– 2t = – 4 + 2m ……………………. (iii)

3 + t = 8 – 2m
– 2t = – 4 + 2m
______________________
3–t= 4
3–4=t
t= –1

Put in equation (i)

3 – 1 = 8 – 2m
2m = 6
m= 3
Put t = – 1 & m = 3 in equation (ii)
4 + 2( – 1) = 5 – 3
2 = 2

Lines intersect. For point of intersecting (Extra )

Use t = – 1 OR Use m = 3
x = 3 + ( – 1) = 2 x = 8 – 2(3) = 2
y = 4 + 2(– 1 ) = 2 y=5–3 = 2
z = – 2 (– 1) = 2 z = – 4 + 2(3) = 2

Point of intersection ( 2, 2, 2).

Find to the nearest 0.1°, the acute angle between l1 and l2.
 d1 .d 2
cos θ 
d1 d 2
d1
d2
θ

1 −2
𝑑1 = ( 2 ) ; 𝑑2 = (−1)
−2 2
1 −2
𝑑1 . 𝑑2 = ( 2 ) . (−1)
−2 2

=1( – 2) + 2(– 1) – 2( 2)
=–8
|𝑑1 | = √(1)2 + (2)2 + (−2)2 |𝑑2 | = √(−2)2 + (−1)2 + (2)2
|𝑑1 | = 3 | 𝑑2 | = 3

−8
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 =
9

−8
𝜃 = 𝑐𝑜𝑠 −1 ( )
9

𝜃 = 152.7 𝑂𝑅 27. 3𝑜

FN
6. The lines l and m have vector equations
r = 2i − j + 4k + s(i + j − k) and r = −2i + 2j + k + t(−2i + j + k) respectively.
(i) Show that l and m do not intersect.

2 1 –2 –2
l: 𝑟 = (– 1) + s ( 1 ) m: 𝑟 = ( 2 ) + t ( 1 )
4 –1 1 1

For Intersection
x= 2+ s x = – 2 – 2t
y=–1+s y= 2+ t
z= 4–s z= 1+ t

2 + s = – 2 – 2t …………. (i)
–1+s = 2+ t …………. (ii)
4–s = 1+ t ………….(iii)

2 + s = – 2 – 2t
4 –s= 1+ t
______________________
6 = –1–t

t=–7

Put in equation (i)

2 + s = – 2 – 2(– 7)
s = 10

Put t = – 7 & s = 10 in equation (ii)

– 1 + 10 = 2 + ( – 7)
9 ≠–5

l and m do not intersect.

 The point P lies on l and the point Q has position vector 2i − k.
(ii) Given that the line PQ is perpendicular to l, find the position vector of P.
l : r = 2i − j + 4k + s(i + j − k)

2+s 2
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( − 1 + s )
𝑂𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 0 )
𝑂𝑄
4 − s −1

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑃𝑄 =⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑄 − ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃
2 2+s
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 0 ) − ( −1 + s )
𝑃𝑄
−1 4 − s
− s
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 1 − s )
𝑃𝑄
−5 + s

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑃𝑄 . d = 0
− s 1
( 1 − s ).( 1 ) = 0
−5 + s −1
1(− s ) + 1(1 – s ) –1 ( − 5 + s ) = 0
6 – 3s = 0
s=2
2+2
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = ( − 1 + 2 )
4− 2
4
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = 1 )(
2
(iii) Verify that Q lies on m and that PQ is perpendicular to m.

−2 −2
m: 𝑟 = ( 2 ) + t ( 1 )
1 1
2 −2 −2
( 0 ) = ( 2 )+ t( 1 )
−1 1 1
2 −2 −2
( 0 ) − ( 2 )= t( 1 )
−1 1 1
4 −2
(− 2) = t ( 1 )
−2 1
− 2 −2
− 2( 1 )= t( 1 )
1 1
Q lies on m for t = − 2.
2 7
Answer: (i) , 10, or 3 for s and  ,− 7, or 0 for t (ii) s = 2 and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = 4i + j + 2k.
3 3
7. The lines l and m have vector equations
r = i − 2k + s(2i + j + 3k) and r = 6i − 5j + 4k + t(i − 2j + k) respectively.
Show that l and m intersect, and find the position vector of their point of intersection.
Answers: (a) s = 1, t = – 3 ; 3i + j + k.
1 2 6 1
l: 𝑟 = ( 0 ) + s (1) m: 𝑟 = (− 5 ) + t (−2)
−2 3 4 1

For Intersection
x = 1 + 2s x= 6+t
y= s y = – 5 – 2t
z = – 2 + 3s z= 4+ t

1 + 2s = 6 + t …………. (i) × 2
s = – 5 – 2t …………. (ii)
–2+3s= 4+ t ………….(iii)

2 + 4s = 12 + 2t
s = – 5 – 2t
______________________
2 + 5s = 7

5s = 7 – 2
s=1
Put in equation (i)
1 + 2(1) = 6 + t
3 = 6+t
t =–3

Put t = – 3 & s = 1 in equation (iii)

1 + 2(1) = 6 + ( – 3)
3 =3

l and m intersect. For point of intersecting

Use s = 1 in the line l OR Use t = – 3 in the line m
x = 1 + 2(1) = 3 x= 6–3 =3
y= (1) = 1 y = – 5 – 2( – 3) = 1
z = – 2 + 3(1) = 1 z= –5+ 6 =1

Point of intersection ( 3, 1, 1).

8. Show that the two lines given by the equations.
r = i – j +2k + t (i + 2j – 2k) & r = j – 2k + m( i + j + k) do not intersect
1 1 0 1
l1: 𝑟 = (−1) + 𝑡 ( 2 ) l2: 𝑟 = ( 1 ) + 𝑚 (1)
2 −2 −2 1

For Intersection
x= 1+t x= m
y = – 1 + 2t y= 1+m
z = 2 – 2t z= –2+m

1+ t = m …………………… (i)
– 1 + 2t = 1 + m …………………… (ii)
2 – 2t = – 4 + 2m ……………………. (iii)

– 1 + 2t = 1 + m
2 – 2t = – 4 + 2m
______________________
1 = – 3 + 3m
4 = 3m
m = 4/3

Put in equation (ii)

– 1 + 2t = 1 + 4/3
t = 10/3

Put t = 10/3 & m = 4/3 in equation (i)

1 + 10/3 = 4/3
13/3 ≠ 4/3

Lines do not Intersect.

9. With respect to the origin O, the points A and B have position vectors given by
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 2i + 2j + k and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐴 𝑂𝐵= i + 4j + 3k.
The line l has vector equation r = 4i − 2j + 2k + s(i + 2j + k). Prove that the line l does not intersect
5 1
the line through A and B. Answer: (i) s = 0 or t = − 2; s =  or t =  or s = 5 or t = 3.
3 3
10. With respect to the origin O, the points A, B and C have position vectors given by

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = i − k, 𝑂𝐵
𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 3i + 2j − 3k and 𝑂𝐶
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 4i − 3j + 2k.
The mid-point of AB is M. The point N lies on AC between A and C and is such that
AN = 2NC.
(i) Find a vector equation of the line MN.
1+3
2 2
0+2
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑀 = =( 1 ) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝑁 = 2𝑁𝐶
2
−1−3 −2
( 2 )

= 2( 𝑂𝐶 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝑁 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ )
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝐴
𝑂𝑁 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 2𝑂𝐶 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 2𝑂𝑁 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ )
3𝑂𝑁⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + 2 𝑂𝐶 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ )
1 4 9
3𝑂𝑁⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 0 ) + 2 (−3) = (−6)
−1 2 3
3
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑁 = (−2)
1
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
d = 𝑀𝑁
d = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑀 − ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑁
1
= (−3)
3

(ii) It is given that MN intersects BC at the point P. Find the position vector of P.
Answers: (i) r = 2i + j – 2k + t (i – 3j + 3k); (ii) 5i – 8j + 7k.
11. Two lines have equations r = 5i + j − 4k + s(i − j + 3k) and r = pi + 4j − 2k + t(2i + 5j − 4k) , where
p is a constant. It is given that the lines intersect. Find the value of p and determine the coordinates of
the point of intersection. Answers: 9, (7, –1, 2).
x= 5+ s x = p + 2t
y= 1– s y = 4 + 5t
z = – 4 + 3s z = – 2 – 4t

5+ s= p + 2t …………. (i)
1 – s = 4 + 5t …………. (ii) × 3
– 4 + 3s = – 2 – 4t ………….(iii)

3 – 3s = 12 + 15t
– 4 + 3s = – 2 – 4t
______________________
–1 = 10 + 11t

11t = – 11
t=–1
Put in equation (ii)
1 – s = 4 + 5(–1)
s = 2

Put t = – 1 & s = 2 in equation (i)

5 + (2) = p + 2( – 1)
p =9

For point of intersecting

Use s = 2 OR Use t = – 1
x= 5+ 2 = 7 x = 9 + 2( – 1) =7
y= 1– 2 =–1 y = 4 + 5( – 1) = – 1
z = – 4 + 3(2) = 2 z = – 2 – 4( – 1) = 2
12. With respect to the origin O, the position vectors of two points A and B are given by
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = i + 2j + 2k and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐴 𝑂𝐵 = 3i + 4j.
The point P lies on the line through A and B, and 𝐴𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = λ 𝐴𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .
(i) Show that ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = (1 + 2 λ )i + (2 + 2λ)j + (2 − 2λ)k.
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝑃 = 𝜆𝐴𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 − 𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 𝜆(𝑂𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ )
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 𝑂𝐴
𝑂𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ + 𝜆(𝑂𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ )
1 3 1
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = ( 2 ) + λ [(4) − (2)]
2 0 2
1 2
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 2 ) + λ ( 2 )
𝑂𝑃
2 −2

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = (1 + 2 λ )i + (2 + 2λ)j + (2 − 2λ)k.

(ii) By equating expressions for cosAOP and cosBOP in terms of λ, find the value of λ for
which OP bisects the angle AOB.

A
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .𝑂𝑃
𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
cos AOP = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
|𝑂𝐴|| ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ 𝑂𝑃|

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐵 .𝑂𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
cos BOP = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
|𝑂𝐵|| 𝑂𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ |

O P

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √(1)2 + (2)2 + ( 2)2 = 3

|𝑂𝐴 B
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √(3)2 + (4)2 + ( 0)2 = 5
|𝑂𝐵

1 1 + 2𝜆
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ . ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐴 𝑂𝑃 = (2) . (2 + 2𝜆)
2 2 − 2𝜆
=1(1+ 2λ) + 2(2 + 2λ) + 2(2 – 2λ)

= 9 + 2λ
 3 1 + 2𝜆
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐵. ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃 = (4) . (2 + 2𝜆)
0 2 − 2𝜆
= 3(1+ 2λ) + 4(2 + 2λ) + 0(2 – 2λ)

= 11 + 14λ

cos AOP = cos BOP

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .𝑂𝑃
𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .𝑂𝑃
𝑂𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
=
|𝑂𝐴|| ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ 𝑂𝑃| ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
|𝑂𝐵|| ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑𝑂𝑃|
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .𝑂𝑃
𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ 𝑂𝐵
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .𝑂𝑃
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
|𝑂𝐴| ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ |𝑂𝐵|
9 + 2λ 11 + 14λ
=
3 5
5(9 + 2λ) = 3(11 + 14λ)
45 + 10λ = 33 + 42λ
32λ = 12

3
λ= .
8

3
(iii) When λ has this value, verify that AP : PB = OA : OB. Answer: (ii) λ = .
8

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝑃 = λ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝐵. A 3 P 5 B
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝑃 3
= =
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝐵 8

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝑃 3 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ 3
𝑂𝐴
= & =
𝑃𝐵 ⃑5
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ 𝑂𝐵 ⃑5
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝑃 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐴
=
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑃𝐵 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐵
AP : PB = OA : OB
13. The lines l and m have equations
r = 3i − 2j + k + λ (− i + 2j + k) and r = 4i + 4j + 2k + μ(ai + bj − k)
respectively, where a and b are constants.
(i) Given that l and m intersect, show that 2a − b = 4.

3 −1 4 𝑎
l1: 𝑟 = (−2) + 𝜆 ( 2 ) l2: 𝑟 = (4) + 𝜇 ( 𝑏 )
1 1 2 −1

For Intersection
x= 3– λ x = 4 + aμ
y = – 2 + 2λ y = 4 + bμ
z= 1+λ z=2–μ

3 – λ = 4 + aμ …………. (i) × 2
– 2 + 2λ = 4 + bμ ………. (ii)
1 + λ = 2 – μ ………….(iii)

6 – 2λ = 8 + 2aμ
– 2 + 2λ = 4 + bμ
______________________
4 = 12 + (2a + b)μ

−8
(2a + b)μ = – 8 ; μ=
2𝑎 + 𝑏
Put in equation (i)
−8
3 – λ = 4 + a( )
2𝑎 + 𝑏
8𝑎
3–4+ = 2λ
2𝑎 + 𝑏
− 2𝑎 −𝑏+ 8𝑎
= 2λ
2𝑎 + 𝑏
6𝑎− 𝑏
λ=
2𝑎 + 𝑏
6𝑎− 𝑏 −8
Put λ= & μ= in equation (iii)
2𝑎 + 𝑏 2𝑎 + 𝑏
6𝑎− 𝑏 −8
1+ = 2–
2𝑎 + 𝑏 2𝑎 + 𝑏
2𝑎 + 𝑏+6𝑎 − 𝑏 4𝑎+2𝑏+8
=
2𝑎 + 𝑏 2𝑎 + 𝑏
8a = 4a + 2b +8
8a – 4a – 2b = 8
4a – 2b = 8
2a – b = 4
(ii) Given also that l and m are perpendicular, find the values of a and b.
−1 𝑎
( 2 ).( 𝑏 ) = 0
1 −1
– 1(a) +2(b) 1(– 1) = 0
– a + 2b – 1 = 0
a – 2b = – 1
Solving 2a – b = 4 & a – 2b = – 1 Simultaneously.
a = 3, b = 2

(iii) When a and b have these values, find the position vector of the point of intersection of l
and m. Answers: (ii) a = 3, b = 2 (iii) i + 2j + 3k.

6𝑎− 𝑏 −8
λ= & μ=
2𝑎 + 𝑏 2𝑎 + 𝑏
6(3)− 2 −8
λ= & μ=
2(3) + 2 2(3) + 2
λ=2 & μ=–1
For point of Intersection using a = 3, b = 2 , λ = 2 & μ = – 1

x = 3 – (2) = 1 x = 4 + 3(– 1) = 1
y = – 2 + 2(2) = 2 y = 4 + 2(– 1) = 2
z = 1 + (2) = 3 z = 2 – (– 1) = 3
 1 2
14. The point P has coordinates (−1, 4, 11) and the line l has equation r = ( 3 ) + 𝜆 (1). Find the
−4 3
perpendicular distance from P to l. Answers: √104.

P(−1, 4, 11)
−1
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 4 )
𝑂𝑃
11

Coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular (unknown point) on the line from

1 + 2𝜆
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 3 + 𝜆 )
𝑂𝐹
−4 + 3𝜆
Distance of P is the magnitude of the vector PF

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑃𝐹 𝑂𝐹 − ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑃

1 + 2𝜆 −1
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑃𝐹 = ( 3 + 𝜆 ) − ( 4 )
−4 + 𝜆 11
2 + 2𝜆
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( −1 + 𝜆 )
𝑃𝐹
−15 + 3𝜆
To find λ

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ . d = 0
𝑃𝐹

2 + 2𝜆 2
( −1 + 𝜆 ). (1) = 0
−15 + 𝜆 3

2(2 + 2λ) +1( − 1 + λ) + 3( − 15 + 3λ) = 0

4 + 4λ − 1 + λ − 45 +93λ = 0

λ=3
For the coordinates of the foot of Perpendicular from P to the line (Extra )

1 + 2𝜆
Put λ = 3 in ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐹 = ( 3 + 𝜆 )
−4 + 3𝜆
1+ 6
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 3 + 3 )
𝑂𝐹
−4 + 9
7
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐹 = (6)
5
For distance of point P from the line
2 + 2𝜆
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( −1 + 𝜆 )
Put λ = 3 in 𝑃𝐹
−15 + 3𝜆
2 + 2(3)
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑃𝐹 = ( −1 + 3 )
−15 + 3(3)
8
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 2 )
𝑃𝐹
−6
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ |
Distance of P from the line = |𝑃𝐹

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √(8)2 + (2)2 + ( −6)2

|𝑃𝐹

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √104
|𝑃𝐹
15. With respect to an origin O, the position vectors of the point L, M and N are
(4i + 7j + 7k) , (i + 3j + 2k) & (2i + 4j + 6k) respectively.
 9
(i) Find the vectors |𝑀𝐿|&|𝑀𝑁 | and hence prove that cos LMN  .
10
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 𝑂𝐿
𝑀𝐿 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝑀
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 𝑂𝑁
𝑀𝑁 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ − 𝑂𝑀
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑

4 1 2 1
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑀𝐿 = (7) − (3) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑀𝑁 = (4) − (3)
7 2 6 2
3 1
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = (4)
𝑀𝐿 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = (1)
𝑀𝐿
5 4
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
|𝑀𝐿| = √(3) + (4)2 + (5)2
2 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
|𝑀𝑁| = √(1)2 + (1)2 + ( 4)2

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √50 = 5√2

|𝑀𝐿 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ | = √18 = 3√2
|𝑀𝑁

3 1
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ . 𝑀𝑁
𝑀𝐿 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = (4) . (1)
5 4
= 3(1) + 4(1) + 5(4)

= 27
L
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ .𝑀𝑁
𝑀𝐿 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
cos 𝐿𝑀̑𝑁 = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
|𝑀𝐿|| 𝑀𝑁 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ |

27
cos 𝐿𝑀̑𝑁 =
5√2×3√2

27
cos 𝐿𝑀̑𝑁 =
5√2×3√2

9
cos 𝐿𝑀̑𝑁 = N
10
 3 19
(ii) Prove that the area of ΔLMN  .
2

9
cos 𝐿𝑀̑𝑁 =
10
H2 = P2 +B2 10

(10)2 = P2 + (9)2
P2 = 19
P = √19 9

√19
sin 𝐿𝑀̑𝑁 =
10

1
Area = ×|𝑀𝐿||𝑀𝑁| sin 𝐿𝑀̑𝑁 N
2
1 √19
Area = ×5√2 × 3√2 ×
2 10

3 19
Area of ΔLMN  .
2
16. The point A has coordinates (7, 3, 3) and the point B has coordinates (10, – 2, 2). The line l has
vector equation r = i + j + k + λ (3i + j + k), where λ is a real parameter.
(i) Show that the point A lies on the line l.
(ii) Find the length of AB.
(iii) Find the size of the acute angle between the line l and the line segment AB, giving your answer
to the nearest degree.
(iv) Hence, or otherwise, calculate the perpendicular distance from B to the line l, giving your
answer to 3 significant figures. Answers: (ii) √35 ;(iii) 81.2º; (iv) 5.85 units.
17. A line l1 passes through the point A, with position vector 5i + 3j and the point B, with position vector
– 2i – 4j + 7k
(i) Write down an equation of the line l1.

d = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐴𝐵
d = ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐵 − 𝑂𝐴
−2 5 B
d = ( −4 ) − (3)
7 0
−7
d = ( −7 ) A
7
1
d=( 1 )
−1

5 1
r = ( 3) + 𝜆 ( 1 )
0 −1

A second line l2 has equation r = i – 3j – 4k +μ (i + 2j + 3k). Where μ is a parameter.

(ii) Show that l1 and l2are perpendicular to each other.
1 1
𝑑1 . 𝑑2 = ( 1 ) . (2) = 1( 1) + 1(2) – 1(3) = 0
−1 3
(iii) Show that the two lines meet, and find the position vector of the point of intersection.

5 + λ = 1 + μ …………... (i)
3 + λ = – 3 + 2μ …………. (ii)
– λ = – 4 + 3μ ………….(iii)

5+λ= 1+ μ
– 3 – λ = 3 – 2μ
______________________
2 = 4–μ
μ=2
Put in equation (i)
5 + λ = 1 + (2)
λ=–2
Put λ = – 1 & μ = 2 in equation (iii)
– ( – 2) = 4 – 2
2 = 2
l1 and l2 intersect. For point of intersecting
Using λ = – 2 in the line l1 OR μ = 2 in the line l2 point of intersection , (3,1,2)
The point C has position vector 2i – j – k.
(iv) Show that C lies on l2. The point D is the image of C after reflection in the line l1.Find the
position vector of D.

2 1 1
( −1 ) = (− 3) + µ (2)
−1 −4 3
2 1 1
( −1 ) − (−3) = µ (2 )
−1 −4 3
1 1
( 2 ) = µ ( 2)
3 3
1 1
1 ( 2 ) = µ (2)
3 3
C lies on l2 for µ = 1.

C(2, – 1, – 1)

(3,1,2)

D(x, y, z)
2+𝑥 −1+𝑦 −1+𝑧
3= ; 1= ; 2=
2 2 2
x=4 ; y=3 ; z =5

Answers: (i) r = 5i + 3j + λ (i + j – k) (iii) λ = – 2, μ = 2, 3i + j + 2k;(iv) D(4, 3, 5).

18. Write down, in vector form, an equation of the line l which passes through L(– 3, – 7, 1) and
M(5, 3, 5).Find the position vector of the point P on the line for which OP is perpendicular to l
where O is the origin. Hence find the shortest distance from O to the line l. Answers:
19. Referred to an origin O. the points A and B have position vectors given by
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = 7i + 3j + 8k
𝑂𝐴 ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐵 = 5i + 4j + 6k
(i) Show that the point P with position vector given by ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ 𝑂𝑃 = (5 – 2 λ) i + (4 + λ) j + (6 – 2 λ) k
Where λ is a parameter, lies on the straight line L passing through the points A and B.
(ii) Find the value of λ for which OP is perpendicular to L. Answers: (ii)
20. The vectors u and v are given by u = 5i – 4j + sk , v = 2i + t j – 3k
(i) Given that the vectors u and v are perpendicular, find a relation between the scalars s and t.
(ii) Given instead that the vectors u and v are parallel, find the values of the scalars s and t.
Answers: (i) 3s + 4t = 10 ; (ii) s = – 7.5, t = –1.6.
21. With respect to an origin O, the position vectors of the point L and M are 2i – 3j + 3k & 5i + j + ck
respectively, where c is a constant. The point N is such that OLMN is a rectangle.
(i) Find the value of c.
(ii) Write down the position vector of N.
(iii) Find, in the form r = p + tq an equation of the line MN.
Answers: (i) c = 5 ; (ii) 3i + 4j + 2k ; r = 3i + 4j + 2k+ λ (2i – 3j – 3k).
22. The points A and B have position vectors, relative to the origin O, given by
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = – i + 3j + 5k and ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐴 𝑂𝐵= 3i – j – 4k.
The line l passes through A and is parallel to OB. The point N is the foot of the perpendicular from
B to l.
(i) State a vector equation for the line l.
−1 3
r = ( 3 ) + 𝜆 (−1)
5 −4
(ii) Find the position vector of N and show that BN = 3.
− 1 + 3λ 3
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑁 = ( 3 − λ ) ⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝐵 = ( −1 )
5 − 4λ −4

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ =⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐵𝑁 𝑂𝑁 − 𝑂𝐵⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
− 1 + 3λ 3
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝐵𝑁 = ( 3 − λ ) − ( −1 )
B(3, − 1, − 4)
5 − 4λ −4

− 4 + 3𝜆
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = (
𝐵𝑁 4− λ ) N
9 − 4λ

⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ . d = 0
𝐵𝑁 d = 3i − j − 4k

− 4 + 3𝜆 3
( 4 − λ ) . ( −1 ) = 0
9 − 4λ −4
3(– 4 + 3λ ) – 1(4 – λ ) – 4 ( 9 − 4λ) = 0
26λ – 52 = 0
λ=2
For coordinates of the foot of perpendicular from the point P to the line l.
−1 + 3(2)
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑁 = ( 3 − 2 )
5 − 4(2)
5
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑
𝑂𝑁 = ( 1 )
−3
For the distance BN.
− 4 + 3(2)
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 4 − 2 )
𝐵𝑁
9 − 4(2) +
2
⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑⃑ = ( 2 )
𝐵𝑁
1
𝐵𝑁 = √(2)2 + ( 2)2 + (1)2
𝐵𝑁 = √9 = 3