STUDYORB

EXERCISE 7 (a)
1. Find the equation of a sphere whose centre is the origin and radius 6.
2. Find the equation of the sphere whose centre is (3, −1, 2) and radius 4.
3. Find the equation of the sphere which passes through the point (2, 6, −1) and whose centre is
(−1, 2, −3).
4. Find the vector equation of a sphere having centre at the origin and radius 8.
^ ^ ^
5. Find the vector equation of the sphere with centre having position vector 2 i − 3 j + 5 k and diameter
18.
→ ^ ^ ^
6. (i) Find the vector equation of a sphere concentric with the sphere | r + ( i − 2 j − 3 k )| = 5 and of
double its radius.
→ ^ ^ ^
(ii) Find the vector equation of the sphere concentric with the sphere | r + i + 2 j − 3 k | = 4 and of
double its surface area.
→ ^ ^ ^
7. Find the vector equation of the sphere with centre C whose position vector is c = i − 2 j + k and
diameter is r. (CBSE 1991 C)
^ ^ ^
8. Find the vector equation of a sphere with centre having the position vector 5 i − 2 j + 3 k and which
^ ^ ^
passes through the point having position vector 8 i − 6 j + 3 k .
[Hint. Let C be the centre and P the given point. Then radius = CP
→ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
= | CP | = |(8 i + 6 j + 3 k ) − (5 i − 2 j + 3 k )|
9.9. Find the equation of the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 + 4x + 6y − 8z − 7 = 0 in vectorial form and find the position
vector of its centre and radius.

[Hint. The given equation is (x + 2) + (y + 3) + (z − 4) = 36 or |( x + 2) i + ( y + 3) j + ( z − 4) k |2

2 2 2 ^ ^ ^

^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
= 36 or |( x i + y j + z k ) − (2 i − 3 j + 4 k )| = 6 or | r − (−2 i − 3 j + 4 k ) | = 6]
10. Find the coordinates of the centre and the radius of the sphere whose vector equation is
→ → ^ ^ ^
r 2 − r . (8 i − 6 j + 10 k ) − 50 = 0.

ANSWERS

2. x + y + z − 6x + 2y − 4z − 2 = 0
2 2 2 2 2 2
1. x + y + z = 36
→ → ^ ^ ^
3. x + y + z + 2x − 4y + 6z − 15 = 0 5. | r − (2 i − 3 j + 5 k )| = 9
2 2 2
4. | r | = 8
→ ^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
6. (i) | r + (i − 2 j − 3 k )| = 10 (ii) | r + (i + 2 j − 3 k )| = 4 2
→ ^ ^ ^ →
7. | R − (i − 2 j + k )| = r where P having p.v. R is any point on the sphere or
2
^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
2 | ( x − 1) i + ( y + 2) j + ( z − 1) k )| = r 8. | r − (5 i − 2 j + 3 k )| = 5
^ ^ ^
9. p.v. of centre is − 2 i − 3 j + 4 k , radius = 6 units. 10. (4, −3, 5) ; 10
 STUDYORB

EXERCISE 7 (b)
1. Find the centre and radius of the following spheres :
(a) x + y + z + 4x − 8y + 6z + 4 = 0
2 2 2
(CBSE 1995)
(b) 2x + 2y + 2z2 − 4x − 6y + 2z + 3 = 0
2 2
(CBSE 2000)
(c) 3x + 3y + 3z + 6x − 3y − 12z + 2 = 0
2 2 2
(CBSE 2000)
(d) (x − 1) (x + 2) + (y − 2) (y + 4) + (z − 3) (z + 6) = 0 (CBSE)
(e) 2 (x2 + y2 + z2) − 4x + 6y − 5z = 0 (CBSE)
(f) 2 (x − 5) (x + 1) + 2 (y + 5) (y − 1) + 2 (z + 2) (z − 2) − 7 = 0 (CBSE 1994)
2. Find the centre and radius of each of the following spheres :
→ ^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
(i) | r − (2 i − j + k ) | = 5 (ii) | r + ( i − j + k ) | = 3 (CBSE)
→ → ^ ^ ^
2
(iii) 3 r − 3 r . (2 i + 3 j − k ) + 1 = 0
3. Find the equation of the sphere whose centre is (1, −2, 5) and radius 3. (CBSE)
4. Find the equation of the sphere whose centre is (1, 2, 3) and whose radius is the same as that of the
sphere 2x + 2y + 2z − 14x + 18y − 10z = 1.
2 2 2

If A (−1, 4, −3) is one end of a diameter AB of the sphere x + y + z − 3x − 2y + 2z − 15 = 0, then find the
2 2 2
5.
co-ordinates of B. (CBSE)
6. Find the equation of a sphere which passes through the point (1, −2, 0), has its centre on the positive
direction of z-axis and is of radius 4.
[Hint : Centre C = (0, 0, γ), γ > 0

| CA | = 4 ⇒ 2 2 2
(1 − 0) + (−2 − 0) + (0 − γ) = 4 ⇒ γ = 11 ]
7. Find the equation of the sphere concentric with the sphere x + y + z − 4x − 6y + 8z + 4 = 0 and of
2 2 2

double its
(i) radius and (ii) surface area
8. Find the equation of the sphere one of whose diameters has end points.
(a) (3, 2, −2) and (1, 0, −10) (CBSE 2001 C) (b) (2, 3, 5) and (4, 9, −3) (CBSE)
(c) Obtain the equation of the sphere with the points (1, −1, 1) and (3, −3, 3) as the extremities of a
diameter and find the coordinates of its centre. (CBSE 1996)
9. Find the vector equation of the sphere on the join of (2, −3, 4) and (−5, 6, −7) as diameter.
10. Find the vector equation of the sphere described on the join of the points A (3, 4, 5) and B (5, 2, 3) as
the opposite ends of a diameter. Deduce the equation in cartesian form. Find also the centre and
radius. (CBSE 1990 C)
11. Find the equation of the sphere described on the join of the point A and B having position vectors
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
(i) 2 i + 6 j − 7 k and − 2 i + 4 j − 3 k (ii) 5 i + j and 3 i − 5 j + 2 k
respectively as a diameter. Find also the centre and radius of the sphere. (AICBSE 2002)
12. Find the vector equation of the sphere with (4, 5, 1) and (3, −2, −1) as the extremities of a diameter.
Deduce the equation in Cartesian form, and also find the centre and radius of the sphere.
(CBSE 1992 C)
13. The ends of a diameter of a sphere lie on the positive x-axis and positive y-axis at distance 2 and 4
respectively from the origin. Show that the sphere passes through the origin and find the radius of the
sphere. [Hint. The end of the diameter are (2, 0, 0) and (0, 4, 0).]
→ ^ ^ ^
14. Find the vector equation of the sphere concentric with the sphere | r − (2 i + 3 j − 4 k ) | = 5 and of
double its radius.
→ ^ ^ ^
15. Find the vector equation of the sphere concentric with the sphere | r + 3 i − 4 j + 7 k | = 4 and of double
its surface area.
 STUDYORB

ANSWERS

1. (a) (−2, 4, −3) ; 5 ( 2 2)

(b) 1, 3 , − 1 ; 2 (c) (− 1, 12 , 2) ; 55
12

(d) ( −21, − 1, −23 ) ; 3 414 (e) (1, −3 , 4 ) ; 1

2 5 4
77 (f) ( 2, − 2, 0 ) ; 51
2

2. (i) (2, −1, 1) : 5 (ii) (−1, 1, −1) ; 3 (iii) ( 2 2 )

1, 3 , −1 ; 19
6
3. x + y + z − 2x + 4y − 10z + 21 = 0 4. 4x + 4y + 4z − 8x − 16y − 24z − 101 = 0
2 2 2 2 2 2

5. (4, −2, 1) 6. x + y + z − 2 11 z − 5 = 0
2 2 2

7. (i) x + y + z − 4x − 6y + 8z − 71 = 0(ii) x + y + z − 4x − 6y + 8z − 21 = 0
2 2 2 2 2 2

8. (a) x2 + y2 + z2 − 4x − 2y + 12z + 23 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 + z2 − 6x − 12y − 2z + 20 = 0

(c) x + y + z − 4x + 4y − 4z + 9 = 0 ; (2, −2, 2)
2 2 2

→ ^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
9. ( r − 2 i + 3 j − 4 k ) · ( r + 5 i − 6 j + 7 k ) = 0
→ → → ^ ^ ^
10. r 2 − r − r · (8 i + 6 j + 8 k ) + 38 = 0 ; x2 + y2 + z2 − 8x − 6y − 8z + 38 = 0 ; (4, 3, 4), 3
→ → ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
11. (i) r 2 − r · (0 i + 10 j − 10 k ) + 41 = 0 ; (0, 5, −5), 3 ; p.v. of centre is 0 i + 5 j − 5 k .
→
(ii) r 2 − r (8 ^i − 4 j^ + 2 k^ ) + 10 = 0; p.v. of centre is 4 ^i − 2 j^ + k^ , radius = 11.

( )
→ → ^ ^ ^ 7 3 3 6
12. r 2 − r · (7 i + 3 j + 0 k ) + 1 = 0, x + y + z − 7x − 3y + 1 = 0, 2 , 2 , 0 ; 2
2 2 2

→ ^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
13. 5 14. | r − (2 i + 3 j − 4 k ) | = 10 15. | r + 3 i − 4 j + 7 k | = 4 2.
 STUDYORB

EXERCISE 7 (c)
1. Find the equation of the sphere passing through the points
(i) (0, 0, 0), (0, 1, −1), (−1, 2, 0) and (1, 2, 3) (CBSE)
(ii) (0, 0, 0), (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0) and (0, 0, c)
(iii) (1, 1, 1), (1, 2, 1), (1, 1, 2) and (2, 1, 1)
2. Fill the equation of the sphere
(i) passing through the points (3, 0, 0), (0, −1, 0), (0, 0, −2) and centre lying on the plane
3x + 2y + 4z = 1 (CBSE 1999 C)
(ii) passing through the points (a, 0, 0), (0, a, 0), (0, 0, a) and whose centre lies in the plane
x + y + z = a. (Pb 1990 C)
(iii) passing through the points (0, 0, 0), (1, 0, −1) and (−1, 1, 1) and its centre lies on the plane
x + y + z = 6. (H.B.)
(iv) passing through the origin and intercepting lengths a, b, c from positive direction of the x-, y- and
z-axes respectively. (CBSE)
(v) having its centre on the line 5y + 2z = 0 = 2x − 3y and passing through the points (0, −2, −4) and (2,
−1, −1).
(vi) which passes through the origin and meets the co-ordinate axes on their positive sides at distances
of 1, 2, 3 units from the origin. [CBSE (SP) 2003]
3. Find the equation of the sphere which passes through the given point (1, 1, 4) and touches the
coordinate planes. (H.P.B, J & K)
[Sol. Since the sphere touches the coordinate planes, the distances of the centre of the sphere from the
coordinate planes are equal. Let this distance be a. Then, by definition, the centre of the sphere is
(a, a, a),
Let the equation of the sphere be x2 + y2 + z2 − 2ax − 2ay − 2az + d = 0 ...(i)
This passes through the point (1, 1, 4) ; therefore
1 + 1 + 16 − 2a − 2a − 8a + d = 0 or 18 − 12a + d = 0 ...(ii)
Also the distance of the centre of the sphere from (1, 1, 4) is equal to a. Therefore
(a − 1) + (a − 1) + (a − 4) = a or 2a − 12a + 18 = 0
2 2 2 2 2

or a − 6a + 9 = 0 or (a − 3)2 = 0 or a = 3
2

From (ii), we get d = 18

Substituting the values of a and d in (i), we get x + y + z − 6x − 6y − 6z + 18 = 0
2 2 2

which is the required equation of the sphere.]

4. A sphere passes through the origin and cuts off equal intercepts OA, OB and OC on the axis of x, y and
z respectively. If AB = BC = CA = a 2 , find the equation of the sphere.
2 2 2
[Sol. Let the equation of the sphere be x + y + z + 2ux + 2vy + 2wz = 0. ...(i)
It cuts the x-axis if y = 0, z = 0.
This gives x2 + 2 . ux = 0. i.e., OA = x = −2u.
Similarly, it cuts the y-axis if x = 0, z = 0. This gives OB = y = − 2v.
It cuts the z-axis if x = 0, y = 0. This gives OC = z = − 2w
Since OA = OB = OC, we have − 2u = − 2v = − 2w, i.e., u = v = w ...(ii)
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Now, AB = OA + OB = 4 (u + v ) = 4 (u + u ) = 8u
2 2 2 2
Similarly, BC = 8u , CA = 8u
8u2 = ( a 2 ) ⇒ 4u2 = a2 ⇒ u = ±
2 a
∴
2
Substituting in (i), we have the equations of the spheres as
x + y + z + ax + ay + az = 0 and x + y + z − ax − ay − az = 0.
2 2 2 2 2 2

5. A sphere passes through the origin O and cuts off equal intercepts OA, OB, OC on the axes. If
OA = OB = OC = 2, find the equation of the sphere.
6. A sphere passes through the origin O and cuts off equal intercepts OA = OB = OC on the axes. If AB
= BC = CA = 3 2, find the equation of the sphere. [Hint. See Q. 4]
7. A sphere passes through the origin and meets the axes in points A, B, C. If the radius of the sphere is
4r, show that the locus of the centroid of ∆ ABC is the sphere with centre at origin and radius 8r/3.
(CBSE 1998)
[Hint. First obtain the equation of the sphere through (0, 0, 0), (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0) and (0, 0, c). This will be
 STUDYORB

x + y + z − ax − by − cz = 0.
2 2 2

( a2 ) + ( b2 ) + ( 2c ) − 0 = 4r ⇒ a + b + c = 64r
2 2 2
Given, radius = 4r ⇒ 2 2 2 2
...(i)

Centroid (α, β , γ) is ( a , b , c ) ⇒ α = a , β = b , γ = c
3 3 3 3 3 3
⇒ a = 3α, b = 3β, c = 3γ. Substitute in (i) and change α, β, γ to x, y, z.]
8. A variable plane passes through a fixed point (1, 2, 3). Show that the locus of the foot of perpendicular
from the origin to this plane is the sphere given by x + y + z − x − 2y − 3z = 0.
2 2 2

9. A plane passes through a fixed point (1, −2, 3) and cuts axes at A, B and C. Show that the locus of the
centre of the sphere OABC is given by
1−2+3
= 2. (CBSE 1998)
x y z
10. A sphere passes through the origin and meets the axes in points A, B and C. If the radius of the sphere
is 3r, show that the locus of the centroid of ∆ABC is a sphere with centre at origin and radius 2r.
(CBSE 1998)

ANSWERS
1. (i) 7 (x + y + z ) − 15x − 25y − 11z = 0, (ii) x + y + z − ax − by − cz = 0
2 2 2 2 2 2

(iii) x + y + z − 3x − 3y − 3z + 6 = 0
2 2 2

2. (i) 6 (x + y + z ) − 16x + 9z − 6 = 0 (ii) 3 (x + y + z ) − 2ax − 2ay − 2az − a = 0

2 2 2 2 2 2 2

(iii) 2x + 2y + 2z − 9x − 10y − 5z = 0 (iv) x + y + z − ax − by − cz = 0

2 2 2 2 2 2

(v) x2 + y2 + z2 − 6x − 4y + 10z + 12 = 0 (vi) x2 + y2 + z2 − x − 2y − 3z = 0

5. x + y + z − 2x − 2y − 2z = 0
2 2 2

6. x + y + z + 3x + 3y + 3z = 0, and x + y + z − 3x − 3y − 3z = 0
2 2 2 2 2 2
 STUDYORB

EXERCISE 7 (d)
1. Find the value of λ for which the plane x + y + z = 3λ touches the sphere
x + y + z − 2x − 2y − 2z − 6 = 0
2 2 2
(AICBSE 2003)
2. (i)Find the equation of the sphere whose centre is the point (2, 3, 1) and which touches the plane
x + y + z = 0. (CBSE)
(ii)Find the equation of a sphere with centre (−2, 3, 5) and tangent to the YZ-plane.
→ ^ ^ ^ → ^ ^ ^
3. Show that the plane r · (2 i − 2 j + k ) + 12 = 0 touches the sphere | r − (i + 2 j − k ) | = 3.
^ ^ ^
4. Find the equation of the sphere whose centre has the position vector − i + 2 j + 3 k and which touches
→ ^ ^ ^
the plane r . (i − 2 j + 2 k ) = 10. (CBSE)

5. (a)The plane 2x − y + z + 12 = 0 touches the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 − 2x − 4y + 2z − 3 = 0 at the point

(i) (1, − 4, − 2), (ii) (−1, 4, −2), (iii) (−1, −4, 2), (iv) (1, 4, −2).
(b)Show that the plane 2x − y − 2z = 4 touches the sphere x + y + z + 2x − 6y + 1 = 0. Also, find the
2 2 2

point of contact. [CBSE (SP) 2003]

6. Prove that the plane x + 2y + 2z = 15 cuts the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 − 2y − 4z − 11 = 0 in a circle. Find the
centre and radius of the circle. (Pb 1995)
Also find the equation of the sphere which has this circle for one of its great circles.
[Hint. Prove that the length of the ⊥ from the centre to the plane is less than the radius of the sphere.]
7. (i)Find the radius of the circular section of the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 49 by the plane.
2x + 3y − z − 5 14 = 0 (CBSE 1997)
(ii)Find the radius of the circular section of the sphere x + y + z = 81 by the plane 2x + 3y − z − 7 14 = 0.
2 2 2

(CBSE 1997)
(iii) Prove that the plane x + 2y − z = 4 cuts the sphere x + y + z − x + z − 2 = 0 in a circle whose radius
2 2 2

is unity. Also find the centre of this circle and the equation of the sphere which has this circle as
a great circle.
→ ^ ^
8. Find the radius and centre of the circular section of the sphere | r − ( j + 2 k ) | = 4 by the plane
→ ^ ^ ^
| r . (i + 2 j + 2 k ) | = 5.
2 2 2 2
9. Show that the centre of all sections of a sphere x + y + z = r by planes through a point (x′, y′, z′) lie
on the sphere x (x − x′) + y (y − y′) + z (z − z′) = 0.
[Sol. The plane which cuts the sphere in a circle with centre (α, β, γ) is α (x − α) + β (y − β) + γ (z − γ) = 0.
It will pass through (x′, y′, z′) if α (x′ − α) + β (y′ − β) + γ (z′ − γ) = 0
so that the locus of (α, β, γ) is the sphere x (x′ − x) + y (y′ − y) + z (z′ − z) = 0
⇒ x (x − x′) + y (y − y′) + z (z − z′) = 0
2 2 2
10. Obtain the equation of the sphere which passes through the circle x + y + z = 4, z = 2 and is cut by the
plane x + 2y + 2z = 0 in a circle of radius 3.
2 2 2
[Sol. The given circle is x + y + z = 4, z = 2
N
Any sphere passing through the circle is (x2 + y2 + z2 − 4) + λz = 0
3

( )
C
−λ 2 P
Its centre is C 0, 0, 2 and radius CP is λ + 4. λ
0,0 —
2 2
0 + 2 × 0 + 2 × −λ
It is given that PN = 3. Also CN = 2
1+ 4 + 4
 λ2  2
Since CP − CN = NP ∴ + 4  − λ = 3 or λ = ± 6
2 2 2 2

 4  9
Hence the equations of the spheres are x2 + y2 + z2 ± 6z − 4 = 0.]
 STUDYORB

ANSWERS
1. λ = 3 ± 3 2. (i) x + y + z − 4x − 6y − 2z + 2 = 0
2 2 2

→ ^ ^ ^
(ii) x + y + z + 4x − 6y − 10z + 34 = 0 4. | r − (− i + 2 j + 3k) | = 3
2 2 2

5. (a) (−1, 4, −2) (b) (1, 2, −2)

6. (1, 3, 4), 7 , x2 + y2 + z2 − 2x − 6y − 8z + 19 = 0
(iii) (1, 1, −1) ; x + y + z − 2 (x + y − z) + 2 = 0
2 2 2
7. (i) 2 6 (ii) 4 2
8. 7 ; (1, 3, 4)