Solution
Related Formula
The vector connecting the shortest distance points P and Q on two skew lines must be simultaneously perpendicular to the direction vectors b₁ and b₂ of both lines:
PQ ∥ ( b₁ × b₂)Core Logic
Let's define general points on both lines:
- Point P on L₁: (1+λ, 2-λ, 3+λ)
- Point Q on L₂: (4+μ, 5+μ, 6-μ)
The direction ratios of vector PQ are:
Step 1: Compute Perpendicular Direction Vector
Calculate the cross product of the directions of lines L₁ and L₂:
b₁ × b₂ = vmatrix i & j & k 1 & -1 & 1 1 & 1 & -1 vmatrix = 0 i + 2 j + 2 kSince PQ is parallel to (0, 2, 2), we compare the coordinate ratios:
3+μ-λ = 0 λ - μ = 3 (1) (3+μ+λ)/(2) = (3-μ-λ)/(2) 2μ + 2λ = 0 λ + μ = 0 (2)Step 2: Solve for Parameters and Midpoint
Solving linear equations (1) and (2) simultaneously:
λ = (3)/(2), μ = -(3)/(2)Substitute these values back to find the specific coordinates of points P and Q: - P = ((5)/(2), (1)/(2), (9)/(2)) - Q = ((5)/(2), (7)/(2), (15)/(2))
The midpoint coordinates (α, β, γ) are:
(α, β, γ) = ( (5/2 + 5/2)/(2), (1/2 + 7/2)/(2), (9/2 + 15/2)/(2) ) = ((5)/(2), 2, 6)Step 3: Final Computation
Calculate the required terms:
2(α+β+γ) = 2((5)/(2) + 2 + 6) = 5 + 4 + 12 = 21Pattern Recognition
Sees: Explicit endpoints of the shortest distance line vector segment. Shortcut: Since the cross product component along i is 0, the x-coordinates of both line points are identical, providing a massive shortcut to check algebraic equations immediately.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Mathematics: Three Dimensional Geometry