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Q.The line x=1+5μ, y=−5+μ, z=−6−3μx = 1 + 5\mu,\ y = -5 + \mu,\ z = -6 - 3\mu passes through which of the following point? (A) (1,−5,6)(1, -5, 6) (B) (1,5,6)(1, 5, 6) (C) (1,−5,−6)(1, -5, -6) (D) (−1,−5,6)(-1, -5, 6)

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2025MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
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To check if a point lies on a line given by parametric equations, substitute the point's coordinates into the equations and verify if a single, consistent value of the parameter μ\mu is obtained for all three coordinates. The point (1,−5,−6)(1, -5, -6) yields μ=0\mu=0 for all equations, so it lies on the line.

Concept and Intuition

A line in three-dimensional space can be described using parametric equations. These equations express the x,y,x, y, and zz coordinates of any point on the line in terms of a single parameter, often denoted by μ\mu (or t,λt, \lambda, etc.).

The given equations are:

x=1+5μx = 1 + 5\mu

y=−5+μy = -5 + \mu

z=−6−3μz = -6 - 3\mu

This means that as μ\mu varies over all real numbers, the point (x,y,z)(x, y, z) traces out the entire line. Each specific value of μ\mu corresponds to a unique point on the line.

For a given point (x0,y0,z0)(x_0, y_0, z_0) to lie on this line, there must exist one specific value of the parameter μ\mu such that when this μ\mu is substituted into all three equations, it simultaneously produces x0,y0,x_0, y_0, and z0z_0. If we substitute the coordinates of a candidate point into the equations and solve for μ\mu from each equation, we must get the same value of μ\mu from all three equations. If the μ\mu values are different, the point does not lie on the line.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Understand the condition for a point to be on the line:

    A point (x0,y0,z0)(x_0, y_0, z_0) lies on the line x=1+5μ, y=−5+μ, z=−6−3μx = 1 + 5\mu,\ y = -5 + \mu,\ z = -6 - 3\mu if and only if there exists a single real value of μ\mu that satisfies all three equations simultaneously when x=x0,y=y0,z=z0x=x_0, y=y_0, z=z_0.

  2. Test Option (A): (1,−5,6)(1, -5, 6)

    Substitute x=1,y=−5,z=6x=1, y=-5, z=6 into the parametric equations:

    • For xx: 1=1+5μ  ⟹  5μ=0  ⟹  μ=01 = 1 + 5\mu \implies 5\mu = 0 \implies \mu = 0
    • For yy: −5=−5+μ  ⟹  μ=0-5 = -5 + \mu \implies \mu = 0
    • For zz: 6=−6−3μ  ⟹  12=−3μ  ⟹  μ=−46 = -6 - 3\mu \implies 12 = -3\mu \implies \mu = -4 Since the values of μ\mu obtained are 0,0,0, 0, and −4-4, they are not consistent. Therefore, the point (1,−5,6)(1, -5, 6) does not lie on the line.
  3. Test Option (B): (1,5,6)(1, 5, 6)

    Substitute x=1,y=5,z=6x=1, y=5, z=6 into the parametric equations:

    • For xx: 1=1+5μ  ⟹  5μ=0  ⟹  μ=01 = 1 + 5\mu \implies 5\mu = 0 \implies \mu = 0
    • For yy: 5=−5+μ  ⟹  μ=105 = -5 + \mu \implies \mu = 10 The values of μ\mu obtained are 00 and 1010, which are not consistent. There is no need to check the zz-coordinate. Therefore, the point (1,5,6)(1, 5, 6) does not lie on the line. …

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