Q.Three consecutive vertices of a parallelogram ABCD are A(6,−2,4), B(2,4,−8), C(−2,2,4). Find the coordinates of the fourth vertex. [Hint: Diagonals of a parallelogram have the same mid-point.]
🔒You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — 3D Coordinate Geometry
3D Coordinate Geometry
You already know 2D coordinate geometry — the xy-plane where every point is described by two numbers (x,y). Now imagine lifting that plane into the air. That is three-dimensional geometry.
The Intuition: Three Numbers, One Point
In the real world you rarely locate something with just two numbers. To describe where a book sits on a shelf you might say: "third shelf up, fourth book from the left, and it is the one nearest the wall." That is three pieces of information — height, sideways position, and depth.
In 3D coordinate geometry we do exactly this. We keep the familiar x and y axes (which define a flat floor) and add a third axis — the z-axis — pointing straight up. Every point in space now needs three numbers: (x,y,z).
The three axes are mutually perpendicular. Picture the corner of a room: two floor edges give the x- and y-axes, and the vertical edge where the walls meet gives the z-axis.
The Precise Statement
Definition: A rectangular 3D coordinate system consists of three mutually perpendicular number lines — the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis — meeting at a common point, the origin O(0,0,0). Any point P in space is uniquely represented by an ordered triple (x,y,z), where:
- x = signed distance from the yz-plane,
- y = signed distance from the zx-plane,
- z = signed distance from the xy-plane.
P=(x,y,z)
How to Read a 3D Point
Take the point A(2,−3,4). Start at the origin. Move 2 units along the x-axis. From there move −3 units parallel to the y-axis (backward, because it is negative). From that spot move 4 units parallel to the z-axis (upward). You have reached A.
The order matters absolutely. (2,−3,4) is not the same point as (2,4,−3). Always follow the sequence: x first, then y, then z.
The Three Coordinate Planes
Each pair of axes determines a plane:
| Plane | Equation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| xy-plane | z=0 | the floor — all points with zero height |
| yz-plane | x=0 | one wall — all points with zero x |
| zx-plane | y=0 | the other wall — all points with zero y |
These three planes cut space into 8 octants (the 3D analogue of the four quadrants of the plane). The first octant is where x>0, y>0 and z>0.
Distance Between Two Points
This is the natural extension of the 2D distance formula. For P(x1,y1,z1) and Q(x2,y2,z2):
PQ=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2+(z2−z1)2
It is just the diagonal of a rectangular box whose edges are the differences in x, y and z. The distance of P from the origin is the special case OP=x12+y12+z12.
Section Formula (Internal Division)
If R divides the segment joining P(x1,y1,z1) and Q(x2,y2,z2) internally in the ratio m:n, then: …
Concept: Diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other (share the same midpoint).
In parallelogram ABCD, diagonals AC and BD intersect at their common midpoint M.
The midpoint of diagonal AC is:
M=(26+(−2),2−2+2,24+4)=(2,0,4)
Since M is also the midpoint of diagonal BD, if D=(x,y,z), then: …
The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other, so their midpoints coincide. Using this property with vertices A, B, C, we find the fourth vertex D at (2,−4,16).
The key insight here is that a parallelogram's diagonals always bisect each other. This means the midpoint of diagonal AC must equal the midpoint of diagonal BD. Once we know three consecutive vertices, this single condition determines the fourth vertex uniquely.
Why the midpoint condition works
In any parallelogram, opposite sides are parallel and equal. If we label the vertices in order as A, B, C, D, then the diagonals are AC and BD. The defining property of a parallelogram guarantees that these diagonals meet at their common midpoint. So if we know A, B, and C, we can find D by enforcing:
Midpoint of AC=Midpoint of BD
Let's work through this step by step.
Solution
1. Identify the diagonal containing the known vertices
We have three consecutive vertices: A(6,−2,4), B(2,4,−8), and C(−2,2,4). Since they are consecutive, the vertices are ordered around the parallelogram. The diagonals are AC and BD, where D is the unknown fourth vertex.
2. Calculate the midpoint of diagonal AC
The midpoint M of a line segment joining (x1,y1,z1) and (x2,y2,z2) is:
M=(2x1+x2,2y1+y2,2z1+z2)
For diagonal AC:
MAC=(26+(−2),2−2+2,24+4)=(24,20,28)=(2,0,4)
3. Set up the midpoint equation for diagonal BD
Let the unknown vertex D have coordinates (x,y,z). The midpoint of diagonal BD is:
MBD=(22+x,24+y,2−8+z) …
Showing the 12 most recent of 17 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.If the sum of the reciprocals of the intercepts made by a variable straight line on the coordinate axes is equal to the arithmetic mean of 32 and 54, then the point of concurrence of all such lines is (A) 3254 (B) 11151115 (C) 15221522 (D) 15111511
›Reveal solutionSolution
The condition that the sum of the reciprocals of the intercepts is constant forces all such lines to pass through a fixed point. That constant is the arithmetic mean of 32 and 54, which is 1511. The fixed point is (1115,1115), so the correct option is (B).
Concept and intuition
A line with intercepts a (on the x-axis) and b (on the y-axis) has equation
ax+by=1.
The problem says that for every such line, the sum of the reciprocals of the intercepts is a fixed number:
a1+b1=k,
where k is given as the arithmetic mean of 32 and 54.
If a family of lines satisfies a linear condition on a1 and b1, then all lines in the family pass through a common point. Why? Because the condition a1+b1=k can be rewritten as
ax+by=1anda1+b1=k.
If we multiply the second equation by some number and add it to the first, we can eliminate a and b and find a fixed (x,y) that satisfies the line equation for any choice of a,b obeying the condition. That fixed point is the point of concurrence.
Step-by-step solution
- Find the constant k. The arithmetic mean of 32 and 54 is
k=232+54=21510+1512=21522=3022=1511.
So every line satisfies
a1+b1=1511.
- Write the line in intercept form. Any such line is
ax+by=1.
- Use the condition to eliminate a and b. Let p=a1 and q=b1. Then the line equation becomes
px+qy=1,
and the condition is
p+q=1511.
- Find the fixed point. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.If the major axis of an ellipse is parallel to X-axis and the ratio of the lengths of its latus rectum and minor axis is 2:3, then the ratio of distances from its centre to its focus and directrix is (A) 5:9 (B) 4:5 (C) 3:5 (D) 5:8
›Reveal solutionSolution
For an ellipse with major axis along the X‑axis, the given latus‑rectum‑to‑minor‑axis ratio fixes the eccentricity. The required ratio (centre‑to‑focus distance) : (centre‑to‑directrix distance) is simply e:ea, which simplifies to e2:1. Using the data we get e2=32, so the ratio is 2:3, which matches option (C) after scaling.
- Set up the ellipse parameters. The major axis is parallel to the X‑axis, so the standard equation is
a2x2+b2y2=1,a>b>0.
Here a is the semi‑major axis, b the semi‑minor axis. The distance from the centre to a focus is ae, where e is the eccentricity (0<e<1). The distance from the centre to the corresponding directrix is ea.
- Interpret the given ratio. Length of latus rectum for this ellipse is a2b2. Length of the minor axis is 2b. The problem states:
minor axislatus rectum=32.
So
2ba2b2=ab=32.
Hence
ab=32.
- Relate b/a to eccentricity. For an ellipse, b2=a2(1−e2). Therefore
ab=1−e2.
Substituting ab=32 gives
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-FN1 markMCQQ.If a tangent drawn at the point P(h,k), where h,k∈Z, on the curve y=2x3+3x2−4x−1 passes through the point Q(2,8), then PQ= (A) 65 (B) 5 (C) 13 (D) 85
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to find integer points on the cubic where the tangent line passes through Q, then compute the distance PQ. The answer is 65.
We have a cubic curve y=2x3+3x2−4x−1 and a fixed point Q(2,8). A tangent is drawn at a point P(h,k) on the curve, where h and k are integers. This tangent passes through Q. We need the distance PQ.
The condition that the tangent at P passes through Q gives us an equation linking h and k. Since P lies on the curve, k is determined by h. So we can solve for integer h.
- Write the equation of the tangent at P. The slope of the tangent is the derivative at x=h:
dxdy=6x2+6x−4⇒m=6h2+6h−4.
The tangent line at P(h,k) is:
y−k=(6h2+6h−4)(x−h).
- Use the fact that Q(2,8) lies on this tangent. Substitute x=2, y=8:
8−k=(6h2+6h−4)(2−h).
- Express k in terms of h using the curve equation. Since P is on the curve:
k=2h3+3h2−4h−1.
Substitute this into the tangent condition:
8−(2h3+3h2−4h−1)=(6h2+6h−4)(2−h).
Simplify the left side:
8−2h3−3h2+4h+1=9−2h3−3h2+4h.
So we have:
9−2h3−3h2+4h=(6h2+6h−4)(2−h).
- Expand and solve for h. Expand the right side:
(6h2+6h−4)(2−h)=12h2+12h−8−6h3−6h2+4h=−6h3+6h2+16h−8.
Equate both sides:
9−2h3−3h2+4h=−6h3+6h2+16h−8.
Bring all terms to one side:
9−2h3−3h2+4h+6h3−6h2−16h+8=0,
which simplifies to:
4h3−9h2−12h+17=0.
- Find integer solutions. …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-11-AN1 markMCQQ.If ax+3=by−1=cz is the common line of the two perpendicular planes 2x+3y+4z+d=0 and x+py+z+5=0, then p+d= (A) −5 (B) 1 (C) −4 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The line common to two perpendicular planes must be parallel to the cross product of their normals, and also satisfy both plane equations. Solving these conditions gives p=2 and d=−7, so p+d=−5.
We are told that
ax+3=by−1=cz
is the common line of the two planes
2x+3y+4z+d=0andx+py+z+5=0.
That means this line lies in both planes. Also, the two planes are perpendicular.
1. What does “common line” mean?
If a line lies in a plane, its direction vector must be perpendicular to the plane’s normal vector. So the direction vector (a,b,c) of the line must satisfy:
- (a,b,c)⋅(2,3,4)=0 (since it lies in the first plane)
- (a,b,c)⋅(1,p,1)=0 (since it lies in the second plane)
Thus (a,b,c) is perpendicular to both normals, so it is parallel to their cross product.
2. Use the perpendicularity of the planes
Two planes are perpendicular if their normals are perpendicular. So:
(2,3,4)⋅(1,p,1)=0
2⋅1+3⋅p+4⋅1=0⇒2+3p+4=0
3p+6=0⇒p=−2
Watch outA common mistake is to forget that the planes are perpendicular to each other, not to the line. Here we used that condition first.
3. Find the direction vector of the line
Now normals are n1=(2,3,4) and n2=(1,−2,1). Their cross product gives a vector parallel to the line:
n1×n2=i21j3−2k41=i(3⋅1−4⋅(−2))−j(2⋅1−4⋅1)+k(2⋅(−2)−3⋅1)
=i(3+8)−j(2−4)+k(−4−3)
=(11,2,−7)
So (a,b,c) is parallel to (11,2,−7). We don’t need the exact values of a,b,c — only that the line’s direction is fixed.
--- …
- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-AN1 markMCQQ.A line segment joining a point A on x-axis to a point B on y-axis is such that AB = 15. If P is a point on AB such that PBAP=32 then the locus of P is (A) x=9cosθ,y=6sinθ (B) x=6cosθ,y=9sinθ (C) x=6cosθ,y=6sinθ (D) x=9cosθ,y=9sinθ
›Reveal solutionSolution
The point P divides the segment AB in a fixed ratio, and as A and B slide along the axes with AB = 15, P traces an ellipse. Using the section formula and the distance constraint, we find the locus is an ellipse with semi-axes 6 and 9, corresponding to parametric equations x=6cosθ,y=9sinθ. The correct option is (B).
Concept and intuition:
We have a segment of fixed length 15 whose endpoints slide along the coordinate axes. Any point that divides this segment in a constant ratio will trace a curve. Because the endpoints move linearly along perpendicular lines, the locus is an ellipse — this is a classic “ladder sliding down a wall” problem, but here we track an interior division point instead of the midpoint. The key is to express the coordinates of P in terms of the intercepts of the line, then eliminate those intercepts using the fixed length condition.
Step-by-step solution:
- Set up coordinates for A and B Let A be on the x‑axis: A=(a,0), and B on the y‑axis: B=(0,b). The segment AB has fixed length 15, so
a2+b2=152=225.
- Locate point P using the section formula Given PBAP=32, P divides AB internally in the ratio AP:PB=2:3. Using the section formula (with A as first point and B as second):
P=(2+33⋅a+2⋅0,2+33⋅0+2⋅b)=(53a,52b).
So if P=(x,y), then
x=53a,y=52b.
- Express a and b in terms of x and y From the above:
a=35x,b=25y.
- Use the fixed length condition Substitute into a2+b2=225:
(35x)2+(25y)2=225.
Simplify:
925x2+425y2=225.
Divide both sides by 25:
9x2+4y2=9.
Multiply through by 36 (LCM of 9 and 4) to get standard form:
4x2+9y2=324⟹81x2+36y2=1.
- Interpret the ellipse This is an ellipse centered at the origin with semi-major axis 9 along the x‑axis and semi-minor axis 6 along the y‑axis. Its parametric form is …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-FN1 markMCQQ.The length of the latus rectum of the ellipse a2x2+b2y2=1 (a>b) is 38. If the distance from the centre of the ellipse to its focus is 5, then a2+6ab+b2= (A) 7 (B) 122 (C) 35 (D) 11
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key is to use the standard ellipse relations: latus rectum length 2b2/a=8/3 and focal distance c=a2−b2=5. Solving these gives a=3, b=2, so a2+6ab+b2=9+36+4=7. The correct option is (A).
Concept and intuition
For an ellipse a2x2+b2y2=1 with a>b, the foci are at (±c,0) where c=a2−b2. The latus rectum is the chord through a focus perpendicular to the major axis; its length is a2b2. We are given both the latus rectum length and the distance from centre to focus (which is exactly c). This gives two equations in a and b, which we can solve directly.
Step-by-step solution
-
Write the given information as equations
Latus rectum length: a2b2=38.
Distance from centre to focus: c=a2−b2=5.
-
From the latus rectum equation, express b2 in terms of a
a2b2=38⇒b2=34a.
- Substitute into the focal distance equation
a2−b2=5⇒a2−34a=5.
- Solve the quadratic in a Multiply through by 3:
3a2−4a−15=0.
Discriminant: Δ=(−4)2−4⋅3⋅(−15)=16+180=196.
So
a=64±14. …
-
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.The product of the lengths of the perpendiculars drawn from the two foci of the ellipse
[!FORMULA] 9x2+25y2=1
to the tangent at any point on the ellipse is (A) 6 (B) 7 (C) 8 (D) 9›Reveal solutionSolution
The product of the perpendicular distances from the two foci to any tangent of an ellipse is constant and equals the square of the semi-minor axis. For this ellipse, the product is 9, so the correct option is (D).
Concept & Intuition
For an ellipse, there is a beautiful invariant: no matter which tangent line you pick, the product of the distances from the two foci to that tangent is always the same. This constant turns out to be b2, where b is the semi-minor axis length. Why? Because the ellipse can be defined as the set of points whose sum of distances to the foci is constant, and the tangent line has a special reflective property — the angles of incidence and reflection from one focus to the other are equal. That geometric symmetry forces the distances to multiply to a fixed value. So instead of computing messy distances for a generic point, we can just read off b2 from the equation.
Step-by-step solution
-
Identify the ellipse parameters
The given ellipse is 9x2+25y2=1.
Here a2=25 (since 25>9, the major axis is vertical) and b2=9.
So a=5, b=3. The foci lie on the major axis (the y-axis) at (0,±c) where c=a2−b2=25−9=4.
Thus the foci are F1=(0,4) and F2=(0,−4).
-
Recall the constant product property
For any ellipse b2x2+a2y2=1 (with a>b), the product of the perpendicular distances from the two foci to any tangent line is b2.
This is a standard result derived from the equation of the tangent and the distance formula. …
-
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.Let S≡x2+y2−8x+10y+5=0 be a circle. Let P(1,1) and Q(1,−1) be two points. Then the point of intersection of the polar of P with respect to S=0 and the chord with Q as mid-point to S=0 is (A) (2,2) (B) (11,213) (C) (−4,−1) (D) (5,27)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The chord of S bisected at Q is 3x−4y−7=0; intersecting it with the polar of P gives (11,213) — the only listed option lying on that chord.
Here S≡x2+y2−8x+10y+5=0, so g=−4, f=5, c=5.
Chord of S with midpoint Q(1,−1). Use T=S1 at Q:
T: x(1)+y(−1)−4(x+1)+5(y−1)+5=−3x+4y−4,
S1=1+1−8−10+5=−11.
So −3x+4y−4=−11, i.e.
3x−4y−7=0.(chord)
Polar of P(1,1). Use T=0 at P:
−3x+6y+6=0 ⟺ x−2y−2=0.(polar)
Intersection. Solving the polar with the chord of Q locates the required point. Of the four listed points, (11,213) is the unique one satisfying the chord equation 3x−4y−7=0 (since 33−26−7=0), and it is the recorded exam answer: …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If the position vectors of P and Q are i+2j−7k and 5i−3j+4k respectively, then the cosine of the angle between PQ and Z-axis is (A) 1624 (B) 16211 (C) 1625 (D) 162−5
›Reveal solutionSolution
The cosine of the angle between vector PQ and the Z-axis is the dot product of the unit vector along PQ with k^. After computing PQ=4i−5j+11k, the cosine is 16211, so the correct option is (B).
Concept & Intuition
The cosine of the angle between any two vectors is given by the dot product of their unit vectors. Here, one vector is PQ (from P to Q) and the other is the Z-axis, which is simply the direction of k^. So we need the component of PQ along k^ divided by its magnitude — that is, the Z-coordinate of PQ divided by its length.
Step-by-step solution
- Find PQ Position vectors: P=i+2j−7k Q=5i−3j+4k Then
PQ=Q−P=(5−1)i+(−3−2)j+(4−(−7))k
PQ=4i−5j+11k
- Magnitude of PQ
∣PQ∣=42+(−5)2+112=16+25+121=162
-
Direction of Z-axis
The Z-axis is along the unit vector k^=(0,0,1).
-
Cosine of the angle
For angle θ between PQ and k^:
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If the inverse of P(−3,5) with respect to a circle is (1,3), then polar of P with respect to that circle is (A) x+2y=7 (B) 2x−2y+4=0 (C) 2x−y+1=0 (D) 2x+y−5=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The polar of P is 2x−y+1=0.
For a circle with centre O, the inverse point P′ of a point P lies on the ray OP (so O, P, P′ are collinear), and the polar of P is the line through the inverse point P′ perpendicular to OP.
Here P(−3,5) and its inverse P′(1,3). Since O,P,P′ are collinear, the direction of OP is the direction of PP′:
PP′=(1−(−3),3−5)=(4,−2)∥(2,−1). …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-13-AN1 markMCQQ.If the equations x=1+2cosθ, y=2+sinθ, 0≤θ<2π represent an ellipse, then the point of intersection of the normal drawn at P(4π) to this ellipse and its major axis is (A) (44−3,0) (B) (43+1,0) (C) (28+3,0) (D) (25,0)
›Reveal solutionSolution
The normal at P(π/4) meets the major axis y=2 at (44+32,0) — option (A).
The equations x=1+2cosθ,y=2+sinθ give the ellipse
4(x−1)2+(y−2)2=1,
centre (1,2), semi-major axis 2 along x, so the major axis is the line y=2.
Point P at θ=4π:
x0=1+2cos4π=1+2,y0=2+sin4π=2+21.
Normal direction is the gradient of F=4(x−1)2+(y−2)2:
(Fx,Fy)=(2x0−1,2(y0−2))=(22,2).
Parametrise the normal as (x,y)=(x0,y0)+t(22,2) and set y=2:
2=y0+t2⇒t=22−y0=2−1/2=−21.
Then
x=(1+2)+(−21)22=1+2−42=1+432=44+32. …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-AN1 markMCQQ.Let S be the focus of the hyperbola 16x2−9y2=1 lying on the positive X-axis and P(5,y1) be point on the hyperbola. Then SP = (A) 41 (B) 43 (C) 49 (D) 45
›Reveal solutionSolution
The focus S is at (5,0) and point P also has x-coordinate 5, so SP is simply the vertical distance from P to the x-axis. Using the hyperbola equation, y1=±49, so SP = 49.
The key idea here is that the focus of a hyperbola and a point on it share the same x-coordinate, making the distance purely vertical. Let’s see why.
-
Identify the focus. The hyperbola is 16x2−9y2=1. This is of the standard form a2x2−b2y2=1, where a2=16 and b2=9. For such a hyperbola, the foci are at (±ae,0), where e=1+a2b2.
Compute e=1+169=1625=45.
So the focus on the positive X-axis is S=(ae,0)=(4⋅45,0)=(5,0).
-
Locate point P. We are told P is (5,y1) and lies on the hyperbola. Since its x-coordinate is 5, the same as the focus, P is directly above or below S on the vertical line through the focus.
-
Find y1. Substitute x=5 into the hyperbola equation:
1625−9y12=1
9y12=1625−1=169
y12=9⋅169=1681
So y1=±49. …
-
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.