Q.State whether the following statement is True or False: The equation of a line, which is parallel to 2i^+3j^+k^ and which passes through the point (5,−2,4), is 2x−5=−1y+2=3z−4.
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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 Line — A line parallel to a given vector b and passing through a point with position vector a has equation r=a+λb. In Cartesian form, if b=b1i^+b2j^+b3k^, the line is b1x−x1=b2y−y1=b3z−z1.
Step 1: The given line is parallel to 2i^+3j^+k^, so its direction ratios are (2,3,1).
Step 2: The line passes through (5,−2,4). Using the Cartesian form, the correct equation is: …
The given line equation has direction ratios (2,−1,3), but the required line must be parallel to 2i^+3j^+k^, which has direction ratios (2,3,1). Since these are not proportional, the statement is False.
The core idea here is simple: a line's direction is determined by its direction ratios (or direction vector). If two lines are parallel, their direction vectors must be scalar multiples of each other. The given equation claims a specific direction, so we just check whether that direction matches the required one.
Let’s break it down.
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What does "parallel to a vector" mean for a line?
If a line is parallel to a vector v=ai^+bj^+ck^, then the direction ratios of the line are (a,b,c) — or any scalar multiple of them. So the line we want must have direction ratios proportional to (2,3,1).
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What direction does the given equation represent?
The symmetric form of a line is
ax−x0=by−y0=cz−z0
where (a,b,c) are the direction ratios. Here, the equation is
2x−5=−1y+2=3z−4
So the direction ratios claimed are (2,−1,3).
- Are (2,−1,3) proportional to (2,3,1)? For two sets of numbers to be proportional, the ratios of corresponding components must be equal. Check:
22=1,3−1=1,13=3
Clearly, 1=−31=3. They are not proportional. …
Method: Line Through a Point Parallel to a Given Vector
When a line must be parallel to a vector b=b1i^+b2j^+b3k^ and pass through (x1,y1,z1), its direction ratios are exactly the components of b.
Steps
Step 1: Take the direction ratios straight from the parallel vector.
"Parallel to b" means the direction ratios are (b1,b2,b3) — or any non-zero multiple. The point never changes the direction.
Step 2: Place the point in the numerators, the direction ratios in the denominators.
b1x−x1=b2y−y1=b3z−z1. …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Checking only the first direction ratio.
Why it's wrong: (2,−1,3) and (2,3,1) agree in the first slot but differ afterwards, so they are not parallel; one matching ratio proves nothing. Correct approach: confirm all three ratios are in the same proportion before concluding parallelism.
Mistake 2: Thinking a correct point makes the equation correct. …
Showing the 12 most recent of 13 on this concept.
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-FN1 markMCQQ.The direction cosines of the supporting line of the vector i+j−2k are (A) (61,61,6−2) (B) (21,21,−1) (C) (61,61,62) (D) (2−1,2−1,−1)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Direction cosines are the cosines of the angles a vector makes with the coordinate axes — they are simply the components of the unit vector in that direction. For i+j−2k, the correct direction cosines are (61,61,6−2), which is option (A).
The idea is straightforward: direction cosines are not just the raw components of the vector — they must be the components of a unit vector along that line. Any vector can be scaled up or down, but the direction it points in stays the same. So to get the direction cosines, you take the original vector and divide each component by its magnitude.
Let’s walk through it.
-
Write the vector in component form.
The given vector is i+j−2k, so its components are (1,1,−2).
-
Find the magnitude of the vector.
The magnitude is
∣v∣=12+12+(−2)2=1+1+4=6.
- Form the unit vector. Divide each component by 6:
v^=(61,61,6−2).
- Read off the direction cosines. By definition, the direction cosines l,m,n are exactly these three components of the unit vector. So
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- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-FN1 markMCQQ.If the cartesian equation of the plane passing through the point i+2j+k and parallel to the vectors 2i+3j+k and −i+2j−3k is ax+by+cz=1 then 18(a+b+c)= (A) −3 (B) 3 (C) 4 (D) −4
›Reveal solutionSolution
The plane is found by taking a normal vector as the cross product of the two direction vectors, then using the given point to determine the constant. The final result gives 18(a+b+c)=−4.
The key idea: a plane parallel to two given vectors has a normal vector perpendicular to both. That normal is simply the cross product of the two direction vectors. Once we have the normal, we write the plane equation in point-normal form and then convert it to the required Cartesian form ax+by+cz=1. The coefficients a,b,c are then read off, and we compute 18(a+b+c).
Let’s work through it.
- Find a normal vector to the plane. The plane is parallel to v1=2i+3j+k and v2=−i+2j−3k. A vector perpendicular to both is their cross product:
n=v1×v2=i2−1j32k1−3
Compute:
n=i(3⋅(−3)−1⋅2)−j(2⋅(−3)−1⋅(−1))+k(2⋅2−3⋅(−1))
=i(−9−2)−j(−6+1)+k(4+3)
=−11i+5j+7k
So a normal vector is n=(−11,5,7).
- Write the plane equation using the given point. The plane passes through P(1,2,1) (since i+2j+k). The point-normal form is:
−11(x−1)+5(y−2)+7(z−1)=0
Expand:
−11x+11+5y−10+7z−7=0
−11x+5y+7z−6=0
So:
−11x+5y+7z=6
- Convert to the form ax+by+cz=1. Divide the whole equation by 6:
- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-05-FN1 markMCQQ.The Cartesian equation of a plane parallel to the plane r⋅(2i^+3j^−4k^)=1 and at a distance of 2 units from it is (A) 2x+3y−4z=3 (B) 2x+3y−4z=1±229 (C) 2x+3y−4z=−1±229 (D) 2x+3y−4z=−3
›Reveal solutionSolution
To find the equation of a plane parallel to a given plane and at a specific distance, we use the fact that parallel planes share the same normal vector. We then apply the formula for the distance between two parallel planes to find the constant term in the new plane's equation. The final equation is 2x+3y−4z=1±229.
Concept and Intuition
The equation of a plane can be expressed in vector form as r⋅n=d or in Cartesian form as Ax+By+Cz=D. In both forms, the vector n=Ai^+Bj^+Ck^ (or simply (A,B,C)) is the normal vector to the plane. This vector is perpendicular to every vector lying in the plane.
When two planes are parallel, it means their normal vectors are parallel. If we consider the simplest case, their normal vectors can be taken as identical. Therefore, if a plane has the equation Ax+By+Cz=D1, any plane parallel to it will have the equation Ax+By+Cz=D2 for some different constant D2. The coefficients A,B,C remain the same.
The distance between two parallel planes Ax+By+Cz=D1 and Ax+By+Cz=D2 is a standard result derived from projecting the vector connecting a point on one plane to a point on the other plane onto the normal vector.
The distance D between two parallel planes Ax+By+Cz=D1 and Ax+By+Cz=D2 is given by:
D=A2+B2+C2∣D1−D2∣
We will use this formula to find the possible values for D2 (which we'll call k in our solution) for the new plane. Since the new plane can be on either side of the original plane, there will be two possible equations.
Step-by-step Derivation
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Identify the normal vector and Cartesian equation of the given plane.
The given plane is in vector form: r⋅(2i^+3j^−4k^)=1.
Here, the normal vector is n=2i^+3j^−4k^.
To convert this to Cartesian form, let r=xi^+yj^+zk^.
Then, (xi^+yj^+zk^)⋅(2i^+3j^−4k^)=1.
This simplifies to 2x+3y−4z=1.
So, for the given plane, we have A=2, B=3, C=−4, and D1=1.
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Determine the general form of the parallel plane.
Since the required plane is parallel to the given plane, it must have the same normal vector. Therefore, its equation will be of the form:
2x+3y−4z=k
Here, k is the constant D2 that we need to find.
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Apply the distance formula between parallel planes.
We are given that the distance between the two planes is 2 units. Using the formula for the distance between 2x+3y−4z=1 and 2x+3y−4z=k:
D=A2+B2+C2∣D1−D2∣ …
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.The shortest distance between the lines r=(3i−5j+2k)+t(4i+3j−k) and r=(i+2j−4k)+s(6i+3j−2k) is (A) 7 (B) 8 (C) 9 (D) 12
›Reveal solutionSolution
The shortest distance between the two skew lines is 8, so the correct option is (B).
Setting up
For skew lines r=a1+td1 and r=a2+sd2, the shortest distance is
d=∣d1×d2∣(a2−a1)⋅(d1×d2).
Here a1=(3,−5,2), d1=(4,3,−1) and a2=(1,2,−4), d2=(6,3,−2).
Solution
Connecting vector: a2−a1=(−2,7,−6).
Cross product: …
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-20-AN1 markMCQQ.If l,m,n are the d.c.'s of a normal to the plane passing through the points (0,1,2), (3,0,2), (4,5,0) then ∣l∣+∣m∣+∣n∣= (A) 9113 (B) 5711 (C) 7713 (D) 7412
›Reveal solutionSolution
To find the direction cosines of the normal to a plane, we first find two vectors lying in the plane and compute their cross product to get a normal vector. Then, we normalize this vector to obtain the direction cosines. The sum of the absolute values of the direction cosines is 7412.
Concept and Intuition
A plane in 3D space is uniquely defined by three non-collinear points. To find the direction of the normal to this plane, we need a vector that is perpendicular to the plane.
The key idea is that if we form two vectors using these three points, these two vectors will lie within the plane. For example, if the points are A,B,C, then vectors AB and AC both lie in the plane.
The cross product of two vectors results in a new vector that is perpendicular to both original vectors. Therefore, the cross product of AB and AC (i.e., AB×AC) will give us a vector that is perpendicular to the plane containing A,B,C. This vector is a normal vector to the plane.
Let the normal vector be N=ai^+bj^+ck^. The components (a,b,c) are called the direction ratios of the normal.
The direction cosines (l,m,n) are the cosines of the angles the vector makes with the positive x,y,z axes, respectively. They are obtained by dividing each component of the vector by its magnitude.
If a vector is V=ai^+bj^+ck^, its magnitude is ∣V∣=a2+b2+c2.
The direction cosines are l=∣V∣a, m=∣V∣b, n=∣V∣c.
An important property is l2+m2+n2=1.
Step-by-step Derivation
Let the given points be A=(0,1,2), B=(3,0,2), and C=(4,5,0).
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Form two vectors lying in the plane.
We can form vectors AB and AC:
AB=B−A=(3−0)i^+(0−1)j^+(2−2)k^=3i^−j^+0k^
AC=C−A=(4−0)i^+(5−1)j^+(0−2)k^=4i^+4j^−2k^
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Find the normal vector to the plane.
The normal vector N is given by the cross product of AB and AC:
N=AB×AC=i^34j^−14k^0−2
Expanding the determinant:N=i^((−1)(−2)−(0)(4))−j^((3)(−2)−(0)(4))+k^((3)(4)−(−1)(4))
N=i^(2−0)−j^(−6−0)+k^(12−(−4))
$$ \vec{N} = 2\hat{i} + 6\hat{j} + 16\hat{k} $$ … -
- TG EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-18-AN1 markMCQQ.If A(2i+j−k), B(λi+5j+4k), C(−4i+3j+2k) and D(−i−2j+3k) are four points in space such that AB=xAC+yAD for some real numbers x=0,y=0 then 17(λ+9)= (A) 5 (B) 3 (C) 7 (D) 9
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given vector relationship implies that the four points are coplanar. By expressing the vectors in component form and equating coefficients, we solve for the unknown λ and find that 17(λ+9)=7.
The problem states a relationship between four vectors originating from a common point A: AB=xAC+yAD. This equation means that the vector AB can be expressed as a linear combination of vectors AC and AD.
Geometrically, this implies that the vector AB lies in the plane formed by vectors AC and AD. Since all three vectors share a common initial point A, this condition means that the four points A,B,C,D are coplanar. Our strategy is to express each vector in terms of its components, substitute them into the given equation, and then equate the corresponding components to form a system of linear equations. Solving this system will allow us to find the value of λ.
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Determine the position vectors of the given points.
The coordinates of the points are given in vector form. We can write their position vectors as:
a=2i+j−k
b=λi+5j+4k
c=−4i+3j+2k
d=−i−2j+3k
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Calculate the vectors AB, AC, and AD.
A vector from point P to point Q is given by PQ=q−p.
AB=b−a=(λi+5j+4k)−(2i+j−k)
AB=(λ−2)i+(5−1)j+(4−(−1))k
AB=(λ−2)i+4j+5k
AC=c−a=(−4i+3j+2k)−(2i+j−k)
AC=(−4−2)i+(3−1)j+(2−(−1))k
AC=−6i+2j+3k
AD=d−a=(−i−2j+3k)−(2i+j−k)
AD=(−1−2)i+(−2−1)j+(3−(−1))k
AD=−3i−3j+4k
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Substitute these vectors into the given relationship.
The problem states AB=xAC+yAD.
(λ−2)i+4j+5k=x(−6i+2j+3k)+y(−3i−3j+4k)
Distribute x and y and group the components:
(λ−2)i+4j+5k=(−6x−3y)i+(2x−3y)j+(3x+4y)k
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Equate the corresponding components of i, j, and k.
This gives us a system of three linear equations:
(1) λ−2=−6x−3y
(2) 4=2x−3y
(3) 5=3x+4y
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Solve the system of equations for x and y.
We use equations (2) and (3) to find x and y:
2x−3y=4(Eq. 2)
3x+4y=5(Eq. 3) …
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- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-06-AN1 markMCQQ.If α,β are scalars and r=(2+α−3β)i^+(β−3)j^+(2α−5β−1)k^ is equation of a plane, then that equation in Cartesian form is (A) 2x+y−z+2=0 (B) 2x−y−z=8 (C) 2x−y−z+8=0 (D) 2x+y−z=2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The parametric plane has base point (2,−3,−1) and direction vectors (1,0,2) and (−3,1,−5); its Cartesian equation is 2x+y−z=2.
The position vector r=(2+α−3β)i^+(β−3)j^+(2α−5β−1)k^ can be split as:
r=(2i^−3j^−k^)+α(i^+2k^)+β(−3i^+j^−5k^).
So a point on the plane is A=(2,−3,−1), with direction vectors u=(1,0,2) and v=(−3,1,−5).
The normal is n=u×v: …
- TG EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-09-FN1 markMCQQ.If P(1,2,5), Q(3,0,7), R(6,−3,10) are three points on a line and (α,β,γ) is a point at a distance of 3 units from P on the same line, then value of α+β+γ that lies between 6 and 7 is (A) 13−3 (B) 8−3 (C) 16+3 (D) 7−2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The three points are collinear, so we find the direction vector, paramaterize the line, locate the two points 3 units from P, and then pick the one whose sum of coordinates lies between 6 and 7. That point gives α+β+γ=8−3, which is option (B).
Concept & Intuition
When three points lie on a line, the vector from one to another is a scalar multiple of the direction vector. We can paramaterize the line as P+t⋅d, where d is a direction vector. The distance from P to any point on the line is ∣t∣⋅∥d∥. Setting this equal to 3 gives two possible t values (one on each side of P). We then compute α+β+γ for both and see which lies between 6 and 7.
Step-by-step solution
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Check collinearity
Compute vectors:
PQ=(3−1,0−2,7−5)=(2,−2,2)
PR=(6−1,−3−2,10−5)=(5,−5,5)
Since PR=25PQ, the points are collinear.
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Direction vector and its length
Use d=PQ=(2,−2,2).
Its magnitude: ∥d∥=22+(−2)2+22=12=23.
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Parametric form of the line
Any point on the line:
(x,y,z)=P+td=(1+2t,2−2t,5+2t).
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Distance condition
Distance from P to this point is ∣t∣⋅∥d∥=∣t∣⋅23.
Set equal to 3: ∣t∣⋅23=3⟹∣t∣=233=23.
So t=±23.
-
Find the two candidate points
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For t=23:
α=1+2⋅23=1+3
β=2−2⋅23=2−3
γ=5+2⋅23=5+3
Sum: α+β+γ=(1+3)+(2−3)+(5+3)=8+3.
-
For t=−23: …
-
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- TG EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-02-FN1 markMCQQ.For the circle x−2=5cosθ, y+1=5sinθ where θ is the parameter, the line x=1+2r, y=−2+23r where r is the parameter, is a (A) Chord of the circle other than diameter (B) Tangent of the circle (C) Diameter of the circle (D) Line that does not meet the circle
›Reveal solutionSolution
The line passes through the center of the circle, so it is a diameter. The correct option is (C).
We are given a circle in parametric form:
x−2=5cosθ,y+1=5sinθ
This means the circle’s center is at (2,−1) and its radius is 5.
The line is given in parametric form:
x=1+2r,y=−2+23r
We need to determine its relationship to the circle: chord (but not diameter), tangent, diameter, or no intersection.
1. Find the direction vector of the line
From the parametric equations, as r varies, the coefficients of r give the direction:
direction=(21, 23)
This is a unit vector because
(21)2+(23)2=41+43=1
So the line moves exactly 1 unit in that direction per unit increase in r.
2. Find a point on the line
When r=0, we get the point
(1,−2)
So the line passes through (1,−2).
3. Check if this point lies inside, on, or outside the circle
Distance from center (2,−1) to (1,−2):
(1−2)2+(−2+1)2=1+1=2
Since 2<5, the point is inside the circle. So the line definitely meets the circle — it is not a tangent and not a line that misses the circle. That eliminates options (B) and (D).
4. Determine if the line passes through the center
The center is (2,−1). Does this lie on the line?
We need to find r such that:
1+2r=2⇒2r=1⇒r=2
And then check y:
y=−2+23⋅2=−2+3
For the center, y should be −1. But −2+3≈−2+1.732=−0.268, not −1. So the center is not on the line. …
- TG EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.Equation of the plane through the mid-point of the line segment joining the points A(4,5,−10) and B(−1,2,1) and perpendicular to AB is (A) 10x+6y−22z+135=0 (B) 10x+6y−22z−135=0 (C) 5x+3y+11z=135 (D) 10x+6y−22z+185=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The plane passes through the midpoint of AB and is perpendicular to AB, so AB’s direction vector is the plane’s normal. The midpoint is (3/2, 7/2, -9/2) and the normal is (5, 3, -11), giving the equation 10x + 6y - 22z - 135 = 0. The correct option is (B).
Concept & Intuition
A plane perpendicular to a line means the line’s direction vector is normal (perpendicular) to the plane. So if we find the vector from A to B, that vector is the plane’s normal. The plane also passes through the midpoint of AB, so we have a point and a normal — that’s all we need to write the plane’s equation.
Step-by-step solution
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Find the direction vector of AB
The line segment goes from A(4,5,−10) to B(−1,2,1).
The vector AB=B−A=(−1−4,2−5,1−(−10))=(−5,−3,11).
This vector is perpendicular to the required plane, so it can serve as the plane’s normal vector n.
(We could also use (5,3,−11), the negative, since normals are only defined up to a scalar multiple.)
-
Find the midpoint of AB
Midpoint M=(24+(−1),25+2,2−10+1)=(23,27,−29).
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Write the plane equation using point-normal form
For a plane with normal n=(a,b,c) through point (x0,y0,z0), the equation is
a(x−x0)+b(y−y0)+c(z−z0)=0.
Using n=(−5,−3,11) and M(23,27,−29):
−5(x−23)−3(y−27)+11(z+29)=0.
- Simplify the equation Expand: −5x+215−3y+221+11z+299=0. …
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- TG EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-04-AN1 markMCQQ.If a plane is at a distance of 6 units from the origin and the vector 2i+6j−3k is its normal, then the equation of the plane in Cartesian form is (A) 2x+3y−6z−35=0 (B) 2x+6y−3z−42=0 (C) 2x+6y−3z−35=0 (D) 2x−6y+3z−42=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The plane’s normal vector gives the coefficients of x, y, z in its Cartesian equation. Using the distance from the origin, we find the constant term. The correct equation is 2x+6y−3z−42=0, which is option (B).
The key idea is that a plane with normal vector n=ai+bj+ck has a Cartesian equation of the form ax+by+cz=d, where d is determined by the plane’s distance from the origin. The distance from the origin to the plane ax+by+cz=d is a2+b2+c2∣d∣. Here we know the distance is 6, and the normal is given, so we can solve for d and then write the full equation.
- Identify the normal vector and its magnitude. The normal vector is 2i+6j−3k, so a=2, b=6, c=−3. Its magnitude is
22+62+(−3)2=4+36+9=49=7.
- Use the distance formula. For a plane 2x+6y−3z=d, the perpendicular distance from the origin is
22+62+(−3)2∣d∣=7∣d∣.
This distance is given as 6, so
7∣d∣=6⇒∣d∣=42.
Hence d=42 or d=−42. Both give a plane at distance 6 from the origin, but on opposite sides.
- Write the equation and match the options. The plane’s equation is 2x+6y−3z=±42. …
- TG EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-10-AN1 markMCQQ.n is a unit vector normal to the plane π containing the vectors i+3k and 2i+j−k. If this plane π passes through the point (−3,7,1) and p is the perpendicular distance from the origin to this plane π, then p2+5= (A) 59 (B) 8 (C) 64 (D) 51
›Reveal solutionSolution
The key idea is to find the plane’s equation using its normal vector (cross product of the two given vectors) and the given point, then compute the perpendicular distance from the origin, and finally evaluate p2+5. The result is 8, so the correct option is (B).
We are given two vectors lying in the plane π:
a=i+3k=(1,0,3) and b=2i+j−k=(2,1,−1).
A normal vector n to the plane is perpendicular to both a and b, so we take their cross product. Since n is also given to be a unit vector, we will later normalize it.
Step 1: Find a normal vector to the plane
n0=a×b=i12j01k3−1=i(0⋅(−1)−3⋅1)−j(1⋅(−1)−3⋅2)+k(1⋅1−0⋅2)
=i(0−3)−j(−1−6)+k(1−0)=−3i+7j+k
So n0=(−3,7,1).
Step 2: Unit normal vector
The magnitude is
∣n0∣=(−3)2+72+12=9+49+1=59.
Thus the unit normal is
n^=591(−3,7,1).
Step 3: Equation of the plane
The plane passes through point P0=(−3,7,1). For any point (x,y,z) on the plane, the vector from P0 to (x,y,z) is perpendicular to n^. So the plane equation is
n^⋅(x+3,y−7,z−1)=0.
Using the unnormalized normal for simplicity (since scaling doesn’t change the plane):
(−3,7,1)⋅(x+3,y−7,z−1)=0.
Compute:
−3(x+3)+7(y−7)+1(z−1)=0
−3x−9+7y−49+z−1=0
−3x+7y+z−59=0.
So the plane equation is
−3x+7y+z=59.
Step 4: Perpendicular distance from origin …
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