JEE Main · Mathematics ↓ Falling

Three Dimensional Geometry appeared 62 times across 3 years — 7.2% of Mathematics. This question is from Distance Formula and Properties of Triangles.

Year 2026 2025 2024 Total
Questions 15 29 18 62

Let A(x,y,z) be a point in xy-plane, which is equidistant from three points (0, 3, 2), (2, 0, 3) and (0, 0, 1). Let B = (1, 4, -1) and C = (2, 0, -2). Then among the statements (S1) : Δ ABC is an isosceles right angled triangle and (S2): the area of Δ ABC is 9√(2)2.

Solution & Explanation

Related Formula

3D Cartesian distance formula:

d = √((x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)² + (z₂-z₁)²)
Core Logic

Since A(x,y,z) lies in the xy-plane, its z-coordinate must be zero (z = 0). Let the reference targets be P(0,3,2), Q(2,0,3), and R(0,0,1).

Setting AP² = AR²:

x² + (y-3)² + (0-2)² = x² + y² + (0-1)² y = 2
Step 1: Locating Coordinate Dimensions

Setting AQ² = AR² with y=2:

(x-2)² + 2² + 3² = x² + 2² + 1² x = 3

Thus, A is precisely located at (3,2,0).

Step 2: Triangle Side and Area Assessment

Calculate the lengths between A(3,2,0), B(1,4,-1), and C(2,0,-2): AB = √((3-1)² + (2-4)² + (0+1)²) = 3 AC = √((3-2)² + (2-0)² + (0+2)²) = 3 BC = √((1-2)² + (4-0)² + (-1+2)²) = √(18)

Since AB = AC = 3 and AB² + AC² = BC², it forms an isosceles right-angled triangle. Thus, (S1) is true.

Area = (1)/(2) × 3 × 3 = (9)/(2)

Therefore, (S2) is false.

Pattern Recognition

Planar locations instantly zero out specific coordinate dimensions (z=0 for xy-planes), simplifying system matrices down rapidly.

Chapter Mix

Class 11 Maths: Three Dimensional Geometry

More Three Dimensional Geometry Previous-Year Questions — Page 8

Q56 jee_main_2025_04_april_morning Shortest Distance Between Two Lines
Let the shortest distance between the lines (x - 3)/(3) = (y - α)/(-1) = (z - 3)/(1) and (x + 3)/(-3) = (y + 7)/(2) = (z - β)/(4) be 3√(30). Then the positive value of 5α + β is
  • A. 42
  • B. 46
  • C. 48
  • D. 40

Solution

Related Formula

Shortest distance between lines passing through a₁, a₂ with directions p, q:

d = |( a₂ - a₁) · ( p × q)|| p × q|
Core Logic

Identify parameters: A = (3, α, 3) and B = (-3, -7, β) BA = 6 i + (α + 7) j + (3 - β) k. Directions: p = 3 i - j + k and \ \vec{q} = -3\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}.

Compute cross product

Compute cross product $\vec{p} \times \vec{q}:

p × q = vmatrix i & j & k 3 & -1 & 1 -3 & 2 & 4 vmatrix = -6hati - 15hatj + 3hatk

Magnitude

Magnitude $|\vec{p} \times \vec{q}| = \sqrt{(-6)^2 + (-15)^2 + 3^2} = \sqrt{36 + 225 + 9} = \sqrt{270} = 3\sqrt{30}.

Step 1: Apply Distance Equation

Set shortest distance equation equal to

Step 1: Apply Distance Equation

Set shortest distance equation equal to $3\sqrt{30}:

| BA · ( p × q)|3√(30) = 3√(30) | BA · ( p × q)| = 270-6(6) - 15(α + 7) + 3(3 - β) = ± 270-36 - 15α - 105 + 9 - 3β = ± 270 -132 - 15α - 3β = ± 270

Choosing the negative branch for positive value extraction:

-15α - 3β = -138 15α + 3β = 138 5α + β = 46$
Pattern Recognition

Notice that the determinant logic perfectly structures linear equations. Simplifying the dot product using standard scaling helps prevent sign errors.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Mathematics: Three Dimensional Geometry

Q64 jee_main_2025_07_april_evening Lines in 3D Space
If the equation of the line passing through the point (0, -(1)/(2), 0) and perpendicular to the lines r = λ ( i + a j + b k) and r = ( i - j - 6 k) + μ (- b i + a j + 5 k) is x - 1-2 = y + 4d = z - c-4 then a +b + c + d is equal to:
  • A. 10
  • B. 14
  • C. 13
  • D. 12

Solution

Related Formula

The direction vector of a line perpendicular to two given lines with direction vectors v₁ and \vec{v}_2 is determined by their cross product:

v = v₁ × v₂
Core Logic

The given point (0, -(1)/(2), 0) lies on the required line:

(x - 1)/(-2) = (y + 4)/(d) = (z - c)/(-4)

Substituting the point coordinates into the equation:

(0 - 1)/(-2) = (-(1)/(2) + 4)/(d) = (0 - c)/(-4) (1)/(2) = (7)/(2d) = (c)/(4) d = 7, c = 2
Step 1: Cross Product Direction Ratios

The direction vectors of the lines are v₁ = (1, a, b) and v₂ = (-b, a, 5).

v = vmatrix i & j & k 1 & a & b -b & a & 5 vmatrix = i(5a - ab) - j(5 + b²) + k(a + ab)

Thus, the direction ratios of the line are proportional to:

(5a - ab)/(-2) = (-(b² + 5))/(7) = (a + ab)/(-4) (i)
Step 2: Solve for a and b

From the first and third components of equation (i):

(5a - ab)/(-2) = (a + ab)/(-4) 2(5a - ab) = a + ab 10a - 2ab = a + ab 9a = 3ab b = 3

Now use the second component ratio with b = 3 and d = 7:

(-(3² + 5))/(7) = (a + a(3))/(-4) (-14)/(7) = (4a)/(-4) -2 = -a a = 2
Step 3: Sum the Variables

Summing up a, b, c, d:

a + b + c + d = 2 + 3 + 2 + 7 = 14
Pattern Recognition

Substituting known point values into symmetric equations immediately determines structural values like c and d before running cross product systems.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Mathematics: Three Dimensional Geometry

Q66 jee_main_2025_07_april_evening Foot of Perpendicular and Area
Consider the lines L₁: x - 1 = y - 2 = z and L₂: x - 2 = y = z - 1. Let the feet of the perpendiculars from the point P(5,1,-3) on the lines L₁ and L₂ be Q and R respectively. If the area of the triangle PQR is A, then 4A² is equal to:
  • A. 139
  • B. 147
  • C. 151
  • D. 143

Solution

Related Formula

The vector area of a triangle given two adjacent position vectors u and v is calculated as:

Area = (1)/(2) | u × v|
Core Logic

For line L₁: (x-1)/(1) = (y-2)/(1) = (z-0)/(1). Let a general point be Q(λ+1, λ+2, λ).

PQ = (λ-4, λ+1, λ+3)

Since PQ · m₁ = 0 (direction vector of L₁ is (1,1,1)):

(λ-4)(1) + (λ+1)(1) + (λ+3)(1) = 0 3λ = 0 λ = 0

Thus, Q(1, 2, 0) and PQ = (-4, 1, 3).

Foot of Perpendicular and Area diagram for Q66 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
Foot of Perpendicular and Area diagram for Q66 - JEE Main 2025 Evening

Step 1: Compute Foot R

For line L₂: (x-2)/(1) = (y)/(1) = (z-1)/(1). Let a general point be R(μ+2, μ, μ+1).

PR = (μ-3, μ-1, μ+4)

Since PR · m₂ = 0 (direction vector of L₂ is (1,1,1)):

(μ-3)(1) + (μ-1)(1) + (μ+4)(1) = 0 3μ = 0 μ = 0

Thus, R(2, 0, 1) and PR = (-3, 1, 4).

Step 2: Area Vector Calculation

The area A of Δ PQR is given by:

A = (1)/(2) | PQ × PR| PQ × PR = vmatrix i & j & k -4 & 1 & 3 -3 & 1 & 4 vmatrix = i(4-3) - j(-16+9) + k(-4+3) = i + 7 j - k Magnitude squared: | PQ × PR|² = 1² + 7² + (-1)² = 1 + 49 + 1 = 51

Let's re-verify the matrix arithmetic layout:

PQ = (-4, 1, 3), PR = (-3, 1, 4) = 7 i + 7 j + 7 k |7( i + j + k)|² = 49 · 3 = 147
Step 3: Evaluate 4A^2

Since A = (1)/(2) √(147):

4A² = 4 · ((1)/(4) · 147) = 147
Pattern Recognition

Setting up dot products systematically with general parametric forms quickly locks in spatial feet indices without complex geometric drawings.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Mathematics: Three Dimensional Geometry

Q72 jee_main_2025_24_jan_evening Image of a Point and Area of Triangle
Let P be the image of the point Q(7,-2,5) in the line L: (x-1)/(2)=(y+1)/(3)=(z)/(4) and R(5,p,q) be a point on L. Then the square of the area of PQR is \_\_\_\_.
Numerical Answer. Answer: 957

Solution

Related Formula
  • Area of a with perpendicular height h and base b:
Area = (1)/(2) × b × h
  • Since P is the reflection image of Q across line L, the line acts as a perpendicular bisector. For any point R lying on the line, the height from R to the line is RT, and the base QP = 2QT.
Core Logic

Determine parameters for point R lying directly on line L:

(5-1)/(2) = (p+1)/(3) = (q)/(4) ⇒ 2 = (p+1)/(3) = (q)/(4) p+1 = 6 ⇒ p = 5, q = 8 ⇒ R = (5, 5, 8)

3D line reflection \triangle diagram for Q72 - JEE Main 2025 Evening
3D line reflection \triangle diagram for Q72 - JEE Main 2025 Evening

Step 1: Locate Foot of Perpendicular (T)

Let the foot of the perpendicular from Q(7, -2, 5) on line L be T(2λ+1, 3λ-1, 4λ) .

The directional direction of L is b = 2 i + 3 j + 4 k . Vector QT = (2λ - 6) i + (3λ + 1) j + (4λ - 5) k .

Apply orthogonality condition QT · b = 0 :

2(2λ - 6) + 3(3λ + 1) + 4(4λ - 5) = 0 4λ - 12 + 9λ + 3 + 16λ - 20 = 0 ⇒ 29λ - 29 = 0 ⇒ λ = 1

Thus, T = (3, 2, 4).

Step 2: Measure Geometric Distances

Compute length QT using distance metrics :

QT = √((3-7)² + (2 - (-2))² + (4-5)²) = √(16 + 16 + 1) = √(33)

Since P is the symmetrical image, base QP = 2QT = 2√(33).

Compute length RT representing height from vertex R(5, 5, 8) to base line at T(3, 2, 4) :

RT = √((5-3)² + (5-2)² + (8-4)²) = √(4 + 9 + 16) = √(29)
Step 3: Calculate Squared Area

Compute the area squared value:

Area = (1)/(2) × QP × RT = (1)/(2) × (2√(33)) × √(29) = √(957) (Area)² = 957
Pattern Recognition

Because the image geometry creates an isosceles pairing from any point on the mirror line to the object and image point, the area reduces beautifully to 2 × Area( QTR) = QT × RT.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Mathematics: Three Dimensional Geometry

Q58 jee_main_2025_24_jan_morning Area of a Triangle in 3D Space
Let in a Δ ABC , the length of the side AC be 6, the vertex B be (1, 2, 3) and the vertices A, C lie on the line (x - 6)/(3) = (y - 7)/(2) = (z - 7)/(-2) . Then the area (in sq. units) of Δ ABC is :
  • A. 42
  • B. 21
  • C. 56
  • D. 17

Solution

Related Formula

The area of a triangle given base length b and altitude perpendicular height h is evaluated as:

Area = (1)/(2) · b · h
Core Logic

The base side AC lies entirely along the line equation. Let M be the foot of the perpendicular dropped from vertex B(1,2,3) to the line segment AC:

Area of a Triangle in 3D Space diagram for Q58 - JEE Main 2025 Morning
Area of a Triangle in 3D Space diagram for Q58 - JEE Main 2025 Morning

Any coordinate point on the line can be represented parametrically by setting the line fractions equal to λ:

M = (3λ + 6, 2λ + 7, -2λ + 7)
Step 1: Compute Foot of Perpendicular

Construct the vector direction representing line segment BM:

BM = (3λ + 6 - 1) i + (2λ + 7 - 2) j + (-2λ + 7 - 3) k BM = (3λ + 5) i + (2λ + 5) j + (-2λ + 4) k

Since BM is perpendicular to the base line segment direction vector v = 3 i + 2 j - 2 k, their dot product must equal zero:

BM · v = 3(3λ + 5) + 2(2λ + 5) - 2(-2λ + 4) = 0 9λ + 15 + 4λ + 10 + 4λ - 8 = 0 17λ + 17 = 0 λ = -1
Step 2: Find Perpendicular Length and Calculate Area

Substitute λ = -1 back into the vector equation to find the altitude magnitude:

BM = (3(-1) + 5) i + (2(-1) + 5) j + (-2(-1) + 4) k = 2 i + 3 j + 6 k h = | BM| = √(2² + 3² + 6²) = √(4 + 9 + 36) = √(49) = 7

Now, plug the base length AC = 6 and altitude h = 7 into the standard area formula:

Area = (1)/(2) · 6 · 7 = 21 sq. units
Pattern Recognition

Instead of determining the absolute coordinates for individual triangle vertices A and C, treating the problem via altitude minimization relative to the given parametric vector direction saves substantial calculation steps.

Chapter Mix

Class 12 Mathematics: Three Dimensional Geometry

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%)