JEE Main · Mathematics ↓ Falling

Three Dimensional Geometry appeared 62 times across 3 years — 7.2% of Mathematics. This question is from Shortest Distance Between Two Lines.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 15 29 18 62

If the shortest distance between the lines (x - 1)/(2) = (y - 2)/(3) = (z - 3)/(4) and (x)/(1) = (y)/(α) = (z - 5)/(1) is 5√(6) , then the sum of all possible values of α is

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

Shortest distance between two skewed lines with vector equations r = a₁ + λ b₁ and \vec{r} = \vec{a}_2 + \mu \vec{b}_2 is:

S.D. = | ( a₂ - a₁) · ( b₁ × b₂)| b₁ × b₂| |
Core Logic

From the given lines: Line 1 passes through A(1, 2, 3) with direction vector b₁ = 2 i + 3 j + 4 k. Line 2 passes through B(0, 0, 5) with direction vector b₂ = i + α j + k.

The vector connecting the two fixed points is:

BA = (1-0) i + (2-0) j + (3-5) k = i + 2 j - 2 k
Step 1: Compute Cross Product of Direction Vectors
n = b₁ × b₂ = | matrix i & j & k 2 & 3 & 4 1 & α & 1 matrix | = i(3 - 4α) - j(2 - 4) + k(2α - 3) n = (3 - 4α) i + 2 j + (2α - 3) k
Step 2: Apply Shortest Distance Formula

Shortest Distance Between Two Lines diagram for Q52 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
Shortest Distance Between Two Lines diagram for Q52 - JEE Main 2025 Morning

S.D. = | ( i + 2 j - 2 k) · n| n| | = 5√(6)

Taking dot product in numerator:

( i + 2 j - 2 k) · n = 1(3-4α) + 2(2) - 2(2α-3) = 3 - 4α + 4 - 4α + 6 = 13 - 8α

Squaring both sides:

((13 - 8α)²)/((3 - 4α)² + 4 + (2α - 3)²) = (25)/(6) 6(64α² - 208α + 169) = 25(16α² - 24α + 9 + 4 + 4α² - 12α + 9) 6(64α² - 208α + 169) = 25(20α² - 36α + 22) 384α² - 1248α + 1014 = 500α² - 900α + 550 116α² + 348α - 464 = 0 α² + 3α - 4 = 0
Step 3: Calculate the Sum of Roots

The sum of all possible values of α is given by the relation:

α₁ + α₂ = -(3)/(1) = -3
Pattern Recognition

Whenever asked for the sum of all possible parameter values resulting from a vector condition, look to directly read the linear term coefficient via Vieta's relations rather than explicitly factoring or computing the roots individually.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Mathematics: Three Dimensional Geometry Class 12 Mathematics: Vector Algebra

Reference Study Guides

More Three Dimensional Geometry Previous-Year Questions

Q14 jee_main_2026_21_jan_morning Foot of Perpendicular and Projection
Let (α, β, γ) be the co-ordinates of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point (5, 4, 2) on the line r = (- i + 3 j + k) + λ(2 i + 3 j - k) . Then the length of the projection of the vector α i+β j+γ k on the vector 6 i+2 j+3 k is :
  • A. (15)/(7)
  • B. 4
  • C. (18)/(7)
  • D. 3

Solution

Related Formula
Length of projection of u on w = | u · w|| w|
Core Logic

Given point A(5, 4, 2) and line (L):

r = (- i + 3 j + k) + λ(2 i + 3 j - k)

Any general point P on this line has coordinates: (-1 + 2λ, 3 + 3λ, 1 - λ)

Step 1: Finding the foot of the perpendicular

Vector AP = P - A = (-1 + 2λ - 5) i + (3 + 3λ - 4) j + (1 - λ - 2) k

AP = (2λ - 6) i + (3λ - 1) j + (-λ - 1) k

Since AP is perpendicular to line (L), the dot product of AP with the direction vector of the line (2 i + 3 j - k) must be zero:

AP · (2 i + 3 j - k) = 0 2(2λ - 6) + 3(3λ - 1) - 1(-λ - 1) = 0 4λ - 12 + 9λ - 3 + λ + 1 = 0 14λ - 14 = 0 ⇒ λ = 1

Foot of perpendicular 3D diagram for Q14 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Foot of perpendicular 3D diagram for Q14 - JEE Main 2026 Morning

Step 2: Coordinates of the foot

Substitute λ = 1 into general point P to get (α, β, γ): α = -1 + 2(1) = 1 β = 3 + 3(1) = 6 γ = 1 - 1 = 0 Foot of perpendicular is (1, 6, 0).

Step 3: Calculate the projection

Let u = α i + β j + γ k = i + 6 j + 0 k Let w = 6 i + 2 j + 3 k

Projection = | u · w|| w| = |1(6) + 6(2) + 0(3)|√(6² + 2² + 3²) = 6 + 12√(36 + 4 + 9) = 18√(49) = (18)/(7)
Pattern Recognition

Foot of perpendicular problems algorithm: 1) Frame general vector P(λ). 2) Construct distance vector AP. 3) Dot product with direction vector d = 0. 4) Solve for λ.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Maths: Three Dimensional Geometry Class 12 Maths: Vector Algebra

Q7 jee_main_2026_21_jan_evening Lines
Let the line L pass through the point (-3, 5, 2) and make equal angles with the positive coordinate axes. If the distance of L from the point (-2, r, 1) is √((14)/(3)), then the sum of all possible values of r is:
  • A. 12
  • B. 16
  • C. 6
  • D. 10

Solution

Related Formula
Equation of a line: (x - x₁)/(a) = (y - y₁)/(b) = (z - z₁)/(c) = λ Distance formula: d² = (x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)² + (z₂ - z₁)²
Core Logic

Distance from point to line in 3D diagram for Q7 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Distance from point to line in 3D diagram for Q7 - JEE Main 2026 Evening
Line L makes equal angles with the positive axes, so its direction ratios are (1, 1, 1). Equation of line L is (x + 3)/(1) = (y - 5)/(1) = (z - 2)/(1) = λ. A general point R on the line is (λ - 3, λ + 5, λ + 2). Use the perpendicularity condition PR · d = 0 to find λ, then substitute back into the distance formula.

Step 1: Apply Perpendicularity Condition

Let point P = (-2, r, 1). The vector PR = λ - 1, λ + 5 - r, λ + 1. Since PR · 1, 1, 1 = 0:

(λ - 1)(1) + (λ + 5 - r)(1) + (λ + 1)(1) = 0 3λ - r + 5 = 0 λ = (r - 5)/(3)
Step 2: Calculate Distance

Substitute λ back into point R:

R ≡ ( (r - 14)/(3), (r + 10)/(3), (r + 1)/(3) )

We are given PR = √((14)/(3)) PR² = (14)/(3). PR² = ( (r - 14)/(3) + 2 )² + ( (r + 10)/(3) - r )² + ( (r + 1)/(3) - 1 )² = (14)/(3)

((r - 8)²)/(9) + ((10 - 2r)²)/(9) + ((r - 2)²)/(9) = (14)/(3) (r² - 16r + 64) + (100 + 4r² - 40r) + (r² - 4r + 4) = 42 6r² - 60r + 168 = 42 6r² - 60r + 126 = 0

Dividing by 6:

r² - 10r + 21 = 0
Step 3: Solve for r
(r - 7)(r - 3) = 0 r = 3, 7

The sum of all possible values of r is 3 + 7 = 10.

Pattern Recognition

When a line makes equal angles with coordinate axes, its direction cosines are (1/√(3), 1/√(3), 1/√(3)), making its simpler direction ratios (1, 1, 1). Use projection vector methods or direct dot product to find perpendicular foot.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Maths: Three Dimensional Geometry

Q8 jee_main_2026_21_jan_evening Shortest Distance
Let the line L₁ be parallel to the vector -3 i + 2 j + 4 k and pass through the point (2, 6, 7) and the line L₂ be parallel to the vector 2 i + j + 3 k and pass through the point (4, 3, 5). If the line L₃ is parallel to the vector -3 i + 5 j + 16 k and intersects the lines L₁ and L₂ at the points C and D, respectively, then | CD|² is equal to:
  • A. 171
  • B. 290
  • C. 312
  • D. 89

Solution

Related Formula
Equation of a line: r = a + λ b | CD|² = (x₂ - x₁)² + (y₂ - y₁)² + (z₂ - z₁)²
Core Logic

Write general points on L₁ and L₂ representing points C and D. The vector CD must be parallel to the given direction vector of L₃. This yields proportional equations to solve for the line parameters.

Step 1: Write Line Equations

Line L₁: (x-2)/(-3) = (y-6)/(2) = (z-7)/(4) = λ₁ Point C on L₁: (-3λ₁+2, 2λ₁+6, 4λ₁+7) Line L₂: (x-4)/(2) = (y-3)/(1) = (z-5)/(3) = λ₂ Point D on L₂: (2λ₂+4, λ₂+3, 3λ₂+5)

Step 2: Proportionality of Vector CD

The vector CD = 2λ₂+3λ₁+2, λ₂-2λ₁-3, 3λ₂-4λ₁-2. Since L₃ is parallel to -3 i + 5 j + 16 k, the components are proportional:

2λ₂+3λ₁+2-3 = λ₂-2λ₁-35 = 3λ₂-4λ₁-216
Step 3: Solve for lambda values

From the first two expressions:

5(2λ₂+3λ₁+2) = -3(λ₂-2λ₁-3) 10λ₂ + 15λ₁ + 10 = -3λ₂ + 6λ₁ + 9 13λ₂ + 9λ₁ = -1

From the last two expressions:

16(λ₂-2λ₁-3) = 5(3λ₂-4λ₁-2) 16λ₂ - 32λ₁ - 48 = 15λ₂ - 20λ₁ - 10 λ₂ - 12λ₁ = 38

Substitute λ₂ = 12λ₁ + 38 into the first equation:

13(12λ₁ + 38) + 9λ₁ = -1 156λ₁ + 494 + 9λ₁ = -1 165λ₁ = -495 λ₁ = -3 λ₂ = 12(-3) + 38 = 2

Coordinates of C: (11, 0, -5) Coordinates of D: (8, 5, 11)

Step 4: Calculate Magnitude squared
| CD|² = (8 - 11)² + (5 - 0)² + (11 - (-5))² = (-3)² + 5² + 16² = 9 + 25 + 256 = 290
Pattern Recognition

For intersecting lines via a transversal of known direction, represent intersection points generally using independent parameters λ and μ. The difference vector MUST be proportional to the given direction ratio.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Maths: Three Dimensional Geometry Class 12 Maths: Vector Algebra

Q6 jee_main_2026_22_january_morning Shortest Distance Between Two Lines
Let P(α, β, γ) be the point on the line (x - 1)/(2) = (y + 1)/(-3) = z at a distance 4√(14) from the point (1, -1, 0) and nearer to the origin. Then the shortest distance, between the lines (x - α)/(1) = (y - β)/(2) = (z - γ)/(3) and (x + 5)/(2) = (y - 10)/(1) = (z - 3)/(1), is equal to
  • A. 7√((5)/(4))
  • B. 4√((7)/(5))
  • C. 4√((5)/(7))
  • D. 2√((7)/(4))

Solution

Related Formula
Shortest distance between two skew lines r = a₁ + λ b₁ and r = a₂ + μ b₂ is d = | ( a₂ - a₁) · ( b₁ × b₂)| b₁ × b₂| |
Core Logic

Let any point on the first line (x - 1)/(2) = (y + 1)/(-3) = (z)/(1) = λ be given by P(2λ + 1, -3λ - 1, λ).

The distance of P from the point A(1, -1, 0) is 4√(14).

(2λ + 1 - 1)² + (-3λ - 1 + 1)² + (λ - 0)² = (4√(14))² 4λ² + 9λ² + λ² = 16 × 14 14λ² = 224 λ² = 16 λ = ± 4
Step 1: Finding Point P

For λ = 4, point is P₁(9, -13, 4). Distance from origin: √(81 + 169 + 16) = √(266) For λ = -4, point is P₂(-7, 11, -4). Distance from origin: √(49 + 121 + 16) = √(186)

Since P is nearer to the origin, we choose λ = -4. Therefore, P(α, β, γ) = (-7, 11, -4).

Step 2: Shortest Distance Calculation

We need the shortest distance between Line 1: (x + 7)/(1) = (y - 11)/(2) = (z + 4)/(3) and Line 2: (x + 5)/(2) = (y - 10)/(1) = (z - 3)/(1).

Here, a₁ = -7 i + 11 j - 4 k and b₁ = i + 2 j + 3 k. a₂ = -5 i + 10 j + 3 k and b₂ = 2 i + j + k.

( a₂ - a₁) = 2 i - j + 7 k

Shortest distance d is given by the determinant form:

d = | matrix 2 & -1 & 7 1 & 2 & 3 2 & 1 & 1 matrix || b₁ × b₂|

Evaluate the determinant:

= 2(2 - 3) - (-1)(1 - 6) + 7(1 - 4) = 2(-1) + 1(-5) + 7(-3) = -2 - 5 - 21 = -28

Now find | b₁ × b₂| = | matrix i & j & k 1 & 2 & 3 2 & 1 & 1 matrix | = i(2-3) - j(1-6) + k(1-4) = - i + 5 j - 3 k

Magnitude is √((-1)² + 5² + (-3)²) = √(1 + 25 + 9) = √(35).

d = |-28|√(35) = 28√(35) = 4 × 7√(5 × 7) = 4√(7)√(5) = 4√((7)/(5))
Pattern Recognition

To find points on a line at a given distance from a fixed point on the line itself, the algebraic distance parameter λ translates to d² = λ²(a²+b²+c²), meaning 14λ² equates instantly to the squared given distance. Bypasses the complex distance formula.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Maths: Three Dimensional Geometry

Q11 jee_main_2026_22_january_morning Image of a Point in a Line
If the image of the point P (1, 2, a) in the line (x - 6)/(3) = (y - 7)/(2) = (7 - z)/(2) is Q(5, b, c), then a² + b² + c² is equal to
  • A. 293
  • B. 264
  • C. 298
  • D. 283

Solution

Related Formula
Midpoint M = ((x₁ + x₂)/(2), (y₁ + y₂)/(2), (z₁ + z₂)/(2)) lies on the given line. Direction ratio of PQ is perpendicular to line's direction vector b, so PQ · b = 0.
Core Logic

Given line L: (x - 6)/(3) = (y - 7)/(2) = (z - 7)/(-2). Notice the standard form requires (z-7)/(-2).

Point P = (1, 2, a) and its image is Q = (5, b, c). The midpoint M of PQ must lie exactly on the line L.

M = ((1 + 5)/(2), (2 + b)/(2), (a + c)/(2)) = (3, (b + 2)/(2), (c + a)/(2))
Step 1: Using the Midpoint on the Line

Substitute M into the line equation:

(3 - 6)/(3) = ((b + 2)/(2) - 7)/(2) = ((c + a)/(2) - 7)/(-2) -1 = (b - 12)/(4) = (c + a - 14)/(-4)

From -1 = (b - 12)/(4), we get -4 = b - 12 b = 8.

From -1 = (c + a - 14)/(-4), we get 4 = c + a - 14 c + a = 18.

Step 2: Using the Orthogonality Condition

The vector PQ must be perpendicular to the line's direction vector v = 3 i + 2 j - 2 k.

PQ = (5 - 1) i + (b - 2) j + (c - a) k = 4 i + 6 j + (c - a) k (since b = 8)

Now set the dot product to zero:

4(3) + 6(2) + (c - a)(-2) = 0 12 + 12 - 2(c - a) = 0 24 = 2(c - a) c - a = 12
Step 3: Solving for variables

We have a system of linear equations:

  • c + a = 18
  • c - a = 12
  • Adding both: 2c = 30 c = 15. Substituting c: 15 + a = 18 a = 3.

    Therefore, a = 3, b = 8, c = 15.

    Calculate a² + b² + c²:

a² + b² + c² = 3² + 8² + 15² = 9 + 64 + 225 = 298

Image of a Point in a Line diagram for Q11 - JEE Main 2026 Morning
Image of a Point in a Line diagram for Q11 - JEE Main 2026 Morning

Pattern Recognition

Any 'image of a point' problem revolves around two strict constraints: 1) The line bisects the segment joining the point and its image (Midpoint lies on the line), and 2) The segment is orthogonal to the line (Dot product = 0). Directly imposing these generates decoupled simple linear equations.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Maths: Three Dimensional Geometry

More Three Dimensional Geometry Questions — jee_main_2025_07_april_morning

Practice all Three Dimensional Geometry previous-year questions →

Rankbit System
JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%) | JEE Physics: Waves (+15.5%) | Electrostatics: Concentric Shells (-29.7%) | Modern Physics: Photoelectric Clones (+34.2%) | Mathematics: Definite Integrals (+18.1%) | Chemistry: Coordination Splitting (-11.4%)