Q.Find the equation of the line in vector and in cartesian form that passes through the point with position vector 2i^−j^+4k^ and is in the direction i^+2j^−k^.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Vector Equation Of Line
Vector Equation of a Line
A line is fixed by two pieces of information: one point it passes through and the direction it runs in. The vector equation packages both.
Let a be the position vector of a known point A on the line, and let b be any vector parallel to the line (its direction). For any point P on the line with position vector r, the displacement AP points along the line, so it is a scalar multiple of b: AP=λb. Since r=a+AP,
r=a+λb,λ∈R
How to read it
As the parameter λ runs through all real numbers, r traces every point of the line. At λ=0 you sit at A; positive λ moves one way along b, negative λ the other. Think of a as "where you start" and λb as "how far and which way you walk."
Line through two points
If the line passes through points with position vectors a and b, its direction is b−a, so
r=a+λ(b−a)
Example
The line through A(1,2,−1) parallel to b=2i^−j^+3k^ is
r=(i^+2j^−k^)+λ(2i^−j^+3k^). …
Concept: Vector Equation of a Line — a line through a fixed point a parallel to a direction vector b is given by r=a+λb.
Steps:
- Here, a=2i^−j^+4k^ and b=i^+2j^−k^.
- Vector form: r=(2i^−j^+4k^)+λ(i^+2j^−k^).
- For cartesian form, write r=xi^+yj^+zk^ and equate components: x=2+λ, y=−1+2λ, z=4−λ. …
The vector equation of a line is r=a+λb, where a is a point on the line and b is the direction vector. Here, r=(2i^−j^+4k^)+λ(i^+2j^−k^), and the cartesian form is 1x−2=2y+1=−1z−4.
The core idea: a line is just a point moving in a fixed direction. If you know where it starts (a given point) and which way it goes (a direction vector), you can describe every point on the line by starting at that point and adding some multiple of the direction vector. That multiple, usually called λ (or t), is a parameter — each value of λ gives a different point on the line.
Why this works: Think of walking along a straight road. You begin at a landmark (the given point). Every step you take is in the same direction (the direction vector). If you take λ steps, your position is: starting point + λ × (step direction). That’s the vector equation in a nutshell.
Now let’s build it step by step.
-
Identify the given point and direction vector
The point has position vector a=2i^−j^+4k^.
The direction vector is b=i^+2j^−k^.
-
Write the vector equation
The general vector equation of a line through point a in direction b is:
r=a+λb,λ∈R
Substituting:
r=(2i^−j^+4k^)+λ(i^+2j^−k^)
That’s the vector form. Done.
- Convert to cartesian form Let r=xi^+yj^+zk^. Then the vector equation becomes:
xi^+yj^+zk^=(2+λ)i^+(−1+2λ)j^+(4−λ)k^
Equate components:
x=2+λ,y=−1+2λ,z=4−λ
- Eliminate the parameter λ From x=2+λ, we get λ=x−2. From y=−1+2λ, we get λ=2y+1. …
Method: From point-and-direction to both vector and Cartesian forms
Given a point and a direction, a line can be written in either standard form; the two are the same statement — one carrying a parameter, one with the parameter eliminated.
Steps
Step 1: Read off a and b. The position vector of the point is a; the given direction is b=ai^+bj^+ck^.
Step 2: Vector form — write directly:
r=a+λb,λ∈R.
Step 3: Cartesian form — set r=xi^+yj^+zk^, match components (x=x0+aλ, and so on) and solve each for λ:
ax−x0=by−y0=cz−z0. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Wrong sign in the z-denominator of the Cartesian form.
Why it's wrong: the direction's k^ component is −1, so the denominator under z is −1: −1z−4, not 1z−4. Correct approach: copy each denominator from the direction vector, sign and all.
Mistake 2: A sign slip in a point coordinate.
Why it's wrong: the point is (2,−1,4), so the y-term is y−(−1)=y+1. Correct approach: write 1x−2=2y+1=−1z−4. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 16 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.iˉ−2jˉ is a point on the line parallel to the vector 2iˉ+kˉ. If iˉ+2jˉ is a point on the plane parallel to the vectors 2jˉ−kˉ and iˉ+2kˉ, then the point of intersection of the line and the plane is (A) −31(iˉ+6jˉ+2kˉ) (B) 31(iˉ+6jˉ+2kˉ) (C) −31(iˉ−6jˉ+2kˉ) (D) 31(iˉ−6jˉ+2kˉ)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Writing the line and plane in coordinates and substituting the line's parametric form into the plane's equation gives t=−2/3, landing exactly on option (A).
Concept and Intuition
A line "parallel to a vector through a point" and a "plane parallel to two vectors through a point" are both standard 3D-geometry objects: the line is a one-parameter family, the plane's normal is the cross product of its two direction vectors. Finding their intersection is just substituting the line's parametrization into the plane's Cartesian equation and solving for the parameter.
Step-by-Step Solution
- The line passes through P0=iˉ−2jˉ=(1,−2,0) and is parallel to 2iˉ+kˉ=(2,0,1). Parametrize: (x,y,z)=(1+2t,−2,t).
- The plane passes through Q0=iˉ+2jˉ=(1,2,0) and is parallel to 2jˉ−kˉ=(0,2,−1) and iˉ+2kˉ=(1,0,2).
- Normal to the plane: n=(0,2,−1)×(1,0,2). Compute: nx=2(2)−(−1)(0)=4, ny=(−1)(1)−0(2)=−1, nz=0(0)−2(1)=−2. So n=(4,−1,−2).
- Plane equation: 4(x−1)−1(y−2)−2(z−0)=0⇒4x−y−2z=2.
- Substitute the line's coordinates: 4(1+2t)−(−2)−2t=2⇒4+8t+2−2t=2⇒6+6t=2⇒t=−32.
- Point of intersection: x=1+2(−32)=1−34=−31, y=−2, z=−32. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.The point of intersection of the lines represented by rˉ=(iˉ−6jˉ+2kˉ)+t(iˉ+2jˉ+kˉ) and rˉ=(4jˉ+kˉ)+s(2iˉ+jˉ+2kˉ) is (A) 8iˉ+9jˉ+10kˉ (B) 8iˉ+8jˉ+7kˉ (C) 8iˉ+9jˉ+8kˉ (D) 8iˉ+8jˉ+9kˉ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Solving the three coordinate equations for the two line parameters (and verifying consistency) locates the intersection point as (8,8,9).
Concept and Intuition
Two lines in space intersect only if there's a common point — that is, values of the two parameters t and s that make all three coordinates match simultaneously. With two unknowns and three equations, the system is over-determined; solving two of the equations for t,s and then checking the third confirms genuine intersection (as opposed to skew lines).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Line 1: rˉ=(iˉ−6jˉ+2kˉ)+t(iˉ+2jˉ+kˉ), giving coordinates (1+t, −6+2t, 2+t).
- Line 2: rˉ=(4jˉ+kˉ)+s(2iˉ+jˉ+2kˉ), giving coordinates (2s, 4+s, 1+2s).
- Equating x: 1+t=2s — (i). Equating y: −6+2t=4+s — (ii). Equating z: 2+t=1+2s — (iii).
- From (i): t=2s−1. Substitute into (ii): −6+2(2s−1)=4+s⇒−6+4s−2=4+s⇒4s−8=4+s⇒3s=12⇒s=4.
- Then t=2(4)−1=7.
- Verify with (iii): 2+t=2+7=9 and 1+2s=1+8=9 — consistent, so the lines genuinely intersect. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.Points P and Q are given by OP=iˉ−jˉ−kˉ and OQ=−iˉ+jˉ+kˉ. A line along the vector aˉ=iˉ+jˉ passes through the point P and another line along the vector bˉ=jˉ−kˉ passes through the point Q. If a line along the vector cˉ=iˉ−jˉ+kˉ intersects both the lines along the vectors aˉ and bˉ at L and M respectively, then PM= (A) iˉ−jˉ+2kˉ (B) 4iˉ+4jˉ (C) −2iˉ+10jˉ−6kˉ (D) 3iˉ−2jˉ+kˉ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Setting up the two given lines parametrically and forcing the connecting segment LM to be parallel to cˉ pins down the parameters, giving PM=−2iˉ+10jˉ−6kˉ.
Concept and Intuition
When a third line (direction cˉ) is said to intersect two given (skew) lines, the two intersection points L (on line a) and M (on line b) must satisfy that the vector between them, M−L, is itself a scalar multiple of cˉ (since both points lie on the same line of direction cˉ). This turns a geometric intersection condition into a simple vector equation to solve for the two free parameters.
Step-by-Step Solution
- P=(1,−1,−1) with OP=iˉ−jˉ−kˉ. Line 1 (through P, direction aˉ=iˉ+jˉ): L=(1+s,−1+s,−1) for parameter s.
- Q=(−1,1,1) with OQ=−iˉ+jˉ+kˉ. Line 2 (through Q, direction bˉ=jˉ−kˉ): M=(−1,1+u,1−u) for parameter u.
- Since L and M both lie on the line of direction cˉ=iˉ−jˉ+kˉ, we need M−L=kcˉ for some scalar k:
M−L=(−1−(1+s),1+u−(−1+s),1−u−(−1))=(−2−s,2+u−s,2−u)
- Equate components to k(1,−1,1): −2−s=k; 2+u−s=−k; 2−u=k.
- From the first and third: −2−s=2−u⇒u−s=4.
- From the second: 2+u−s=−(−2−s)=2+s⇒u−s=s⇒u=2s. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-20-FN1 markMCQQ.Let a=i^ and b=j^. The point of intersection of the lines r×a=b×a and r×b=a×b is (A) r=i^+j^ (B) r=i^−j^ (C) r=k^ (D) r=2i^+j^
›Reveal solutionSolution
Each cross-product equation forces r onto a specific line; solving both lines simultaneously gives r=i^+j^.
Concept and Intuition
An equation of the form r×c=d×c (with d fixed and c a fixed direction) rearranges to (r−d)×c=0, meaning r−d is parallel to c — i.e. r traces out the line through the tip of d in direction c. Two such conditions together pin down a unique point: the intersection of the two lines.
Step-by-Step Solution
- From r×a=b×a: (r−b)×a=0, so r−b is parallel to a=i^. Thus r=b+ti^=j^+ti^=(t,1,0).
- From r×b=a×b: (r−a)×b=0, so r−a is parallel to b=j^. Thus r=a+sj^=i^+sj^=(1,s,0).
- Equate the two parametrizations: (t,1,0)=(1,s,0)⇒t=1, s=1. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-AN1 markMCQQ.Line L1 passes through the points iˉ+jˉ and kˉ−iˉ. Line L2 passes through the point jˉ+2kˉ and is parallel to the vector iˉ+jˉ+kˉ. If xiˉ+yjˉ+zkˉ is the point of intersection of the lines L1 and L2, then (y−x)= (A) 2z (B) −2z (C) z (D) −z
›Reveal solutionSolution
Parametrise both lines, equate coordinates to find the common point, then check the relation between y−x and z at that point.
Concept and Intuition
Two lines given by a point + direction (or two points) can be intersected by writing both as parametric equations in 3D and solving the resulting system for the two parameters — the point where they agree (if it exists) is the intersection.
Step-by-Step Solution
- L1 passes through A=(1,1,0) (iˉ+jˉ) and B=(−1,0,1) (kˉ−iˉ); direction =B−A=(−2,−1,1).
- Parametrise: L1:(x,y,z)=(1−2t, 1−t, t).
- L2 passes through (0,1,2) (jˉ+2kˉ), parallel to (1,1,1): (x,y,z)=(s, 1+s, 2+s).
- Equate: 1−2t=s, 1−t=1+s, t=2+s.
- From the 2nd equation: −t=s, i.e. s=−t. Substitute into the 3rd: t=2−t⇒2t=2⇒t=1, s=−1.
- Check the 1st equation: 1−2(1)=−1=s. Consistent. …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-20-FN1 markMCQQ.Let O(0ˉ), A(iˉ+2jˉ+kˉ), B(−2iˉ+3kˉ), C(2iˉ+jˉ), D(4kˉ) are position vectors of the points O, A, B, C and D. If a line passing through A and B intersects the plane passing through O, C and D at the point R, then position vector of R is (A) −8iˉ−4jˉ+7kˉ (B) 2iˉ+jˉ+kˉ (C) −7iˉ−6jˉ−5kˉ (D) 3iˉ+2jˉ−5kˉ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Parametrize the line AB, intersect it with the plane x=2y (through O,C,D), and get R=−8iˉ−4jˉ+7kˉ.
Concept and Intuition
A line meeting a plane is found by writing the line in parametric form, substituting into the plane's Cartesian equation, and solving for the parameter. The plane through three points O,C,D (one of which is the origin) has normal OC×OD and passes through the origin, so its equation has zero constant term.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=(1,2,1), B=(−2,0,3). Line AB: P(t)=A+t(B−A)=(1,2,1)+t(−3,−2,2)=(1−3t,2−2t,1+2t).
- C=(2,1,0), D=(0,0,4). Plane through O,C,D is spanned by OC=(2,1,0) and OD=(0,0,4); normal =OC×OD=iˉ20jˉ10kˉ04=(4,−8,0).
- Plane equation (through origin): 4x−8y=0⇒x=2y. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.Let OA=iˉ+4kˉ be the position vector of a point A. If the line passing through the point A and parallel to the vector 3iˉ+jˉ and the plane passing through the points 2iˉ+jˉ, jˉ−2kˉ and 2kˉ−iˉ intersect at the point P then ∣AP∣= (A) 0 (B) 217 (C) 17 (D) 1
›Reveal solutionSolution
The line through A actually meets the plane exactly at A itself (i.e. A lies on the plane), so the intersection point P=A and ∣AP∣=0.
Concept and Intuition
To find where a line meets a plane, parametrize the line, substitute into the plane's Cartesian equation, and solve for the parameter. If the point A (parameter t=0) itself already satisfies the plane equation, the "intersection point" coincides with A, and the segment length is trivially zero.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=(1,0,4) (from OA=iˉ+4kˉ). The line through A parallel to 3iˉ+jˉ is r(t)=(1+3t, t, 4) — the z-coordinate never changes since the direction vector has zero kˉ component.
- Plane points: P1=(2,1,0), P2=(0,1,−2), P3=(−1,0,2).
- P2−P1=(−2,0,−2), P3−P1=(−3,−1,2). Normal =(P2−P1)×(P3−P1)=(−2,10,2), simplify to (−1,5,1).
- Plane equation using P1: −1(x−2)+5(y−1)+1(z−0)=0⇒−x+5y+z=3. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-20-AN1 markMCQQ.The point of intersection of the lines joining points i^+2j^,2i^−j^ and −i^,2i^ is (A) 35i^ (B) 53i^+j^ (C) 5−3i^ (D) 52j^
›Reveal solutionSolution
One of the two lines is simply the x-axis; intersecting the other line with y=0 gives the point 35i^.
Concept and Intuition
When two given points share the same y-coordinate, the line through them is just that horizontal line — a useful shortcut that avoids solving two line equations simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Convert to Cartesian points: i^+2j^=(1,2); 2i^−j^=(2,−1); −i^=(−1,0); 2i^=(2,0).
- The second pair, (−1,0) and (2,0), both lie on y=0, so that line is exactly the x-axis.
- The first line passes through (1,2) and (2,−1): slope =2−1−1−2=−3.
- Equation: y−2=−3(x−1)⇒y=2−3x+3=5−3x.
- Set y=0 (intersection with the x-axis): 0=5−3x⇒x=35. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-19-FN1 markMCQQ.Let a,b,c be three non-coplanar vectors. Then the point of intersection of the line joining the points a+b+c, a−b+3c and the line joining the points 2a−b+c, a−2b+4c is (A) 2a+4c (B) 3a−3b+5c (C) a−2b+4c (D) a−b+3c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Parametrize both lines in terms of the (linearly independent) basis a,b,c and match coefficients to find where they meet. Answer: (C).
Concept and Intuition
Since a,b,c are non-coplanar, they act like an independent coordinate basis (like i,j,k), so two vectors expressed in this basis are equal only if all three coefficients match separately.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Line 1 through a+b+c and a−b+3c: parametrize as L1(t)=(a+b+c)+t[(a−b+3c)−(a+b+c)]=a+(1−2t)b+(1+2t)c.
- Line 2 through 2a−b+c and a−2b+4c: parametrize as L2(s)=(2a−b+c)+s[(a−2b+4c)−(2a−b+c)]=(2−s)a+(−1−s)b+(1+3s)c.
- Setting L1(t)=L2(s) and matching the a-coefficients: 1=2−s⇒s=1.
- Matching b-coefficients: 1−2t=−1−s=−2⇒t=23. …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-20-FN1 markMCQQ.The line passing through (1,1,−1) and parallel to the vector i^+2j^−k^ meets the line −1x−3=5y+2=−4z−2 at A and the plane 2x−y+2z+7=0 at B. Then AB= (A) 6 (B) 26 (C) 36 (D) 46
›Reveal solutionSolution
Parametrizing the line and solving for its intersections with the given line and the given plane locates A=(2,3,−2), B=(4,7,−4), giving AB=26.
Concept and Intuition
A line in space is fully described by a point and a direction vector; every point on it is found by a single parameter t. Intersecting it with another line means finding a common point (solve simultaneously for both parameters); intersecting it with a plane means substituting the parametrized coordinates into the plane equation and solving for t.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Parametrize the line through (1,1,−1) with direction (1,2,−1): (x,y,z)=(1+t,1+2t,−1−t).
- Parametrize the second line as (3−s,−2+5s,2−4s) (from −1x−3=5y+2=−4z−2=s).
- Equating: 1+t=3−s⇒t+s=2; 1+2t=−2+5s⇒2t−5s=−3; −1−t=2−4s⇒t=4s−3.
- From the first, s=2−t; substitute into the third: t=4(2−t)−3=5−4t⇒5t=5⇒t=1, so s=1 (checked consistent with the second equation).
- So A=(1+1,1+2,−1−1)=(2,3,−2). …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-04-FN1 markMCQQ.The point of intersection of the lines rˉ=2bˉ+t(6cˉ−aˉ) and rˉ=aˉ+s(bˉ−3cˉ) is (A) aˉ+bˉ+cˉ (B) bˉ−cˉ−6aˉ (C) 2aˉ−bˉ+cˉ (D) aˉ+2bˉ−6cˉ
›Reveal solutionSolution
Matching coefficients of the (linearly independent) position vectors aˉ,bˉ,cˉ on both sides of the line equations pins down the parameters and gives the intersection point aˉ+2bˉ−6cˉ.
Concept and Intuition
When two vector lines are given in terms of a common set of independent reference vectors, the intersection point can be found by comparing the coefficients of each reference vector on both sides — this is valid because aˉ,bˉ,cˉ are linearly independent (as position vectors of non-collinear/non-coplanar reference points), so a vector equation between them is only satisfied if each coefficient matches independently.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Line 1: rˉ=2bˉ+t(6cˉ−aˉ)=−taˉ+2bˉ+6tcˉ.
- Line 2: rˉ=aˉ+s(bˉ−3cˉ)=aˉ+sbˉ−3scˉ.
- Equate coefficients of aˉ: −t=1⇒t=−1.
- Equate coefficients of bˉ: 2=s⇒s=2. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-FN1 markMCQQ.If the line joining the points iˉ+2jˉ and jˉ−2kˉ intersects the plane passing through the points 2iˉ−jˉ, 2jˉ+3kˉ and kˉ−2iˉ at rˉ, then rˉ.(iˉ+jˉ+kˉ)= (A) 15 (B) 5 (C) 3 (D) 7
›Reveal solutionSolution
Find the plane through three given points, parametrize the given line, intersect, then dot with (1,1,1). Answer: 15.
Concept and Intuition
A line-meets-plane problem is mechanical once both objects are in coordinate form: get the plane's normal via a cross product of two side vectors, write the line parametrically, substitute, and solve for the parameter at the intersection.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Points: A=(2,−1,0), B=(0,2,3), C=(−2,0,1) (from 2iˉ−jˉ, 2jˉ+3kˉ, kˉ−2iˉ).
- AB=B−A=(−2,3,3), AC=C−A=(−4,1,1).
- Normal n=AB×AC=(3⋅1−3⋅1, −[(−2)(1)−(3)(−4)], (−2)(1)−(3)(−4))=(0,−10,10), simplify to (0,−1,1).
- Plane through A with this normal: −1(y−(−1))+1(z−0)=0⇒z−y=1. (Check B: 3−2=1 ✓; C: 1−0=1 ✓.)
- Line through P1=(1,2,0) and P2=(0,1,−2): direction d=P2−P1=(−1,−1,−2), so rˉ(t)=(1−t, 2−t, −2t). …
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