NCERT Solution for Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 11, “Three Dimensional Geometry,” is an important study material designed to help students understand the fundamental concepts and principles of three-dimensional geometry. Swastik Classes, a leading coaching institute, has developed comprehensive NCERT solutions that provide step-by-step explanations and solved examples to help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject. The chapter covers topics such as direction cosines and direction ratios of a line, equation of a plane, angle between two lines and planes, and distance between a point and a plane. With the help of Swastik Classes’ NCERT solutions, students can improve their problem-solving skills and gain the confidence to tackle complex three-dimensional geometry problems. These solutions are also useful for students who are preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, and other entrance exams. Overall, Swastik Classes’ NCERT Solution for Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 11 is an essential resource for students who want to excel in mathematics and build a strong foundation in three-dimensional geometry.
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Answers of Mathematics NCERT solutions for class 12 Chapter 11 3-D Geometry
Chapter 11
3-D Geometry
Exercise 11.1
Question 1:
If a line makes angles 90°, 135°, 45° with x, y and z-axes respectively, find its direction cosines.
Answer
Let direction cosines of the line be l, m, and n.
Therefore, the direction cosines of the line are
Question 2:
Find the direction cosines of a line which makes equal angles with the coordinate axes.
Answer
Let the direction cosines of the line make an angle α with each of the coordinate axes.
∴ l = cos α, m = cos α, n = cos α
Thus, the direction cosines of the line, which is equally inclined to the coordinate axes, are
Question 3:
If a line has the direction ratios −18, 12, −4, then what are its direction cosines?
Answer
If a line has direction ratios of −18, 12, and −4, then its direction cosines are
Thus, the direction cosines are .
Question 4:
Show that the points (2, 3, 4), (−1, −2, 1), (5, 8, 7) are collinear.
Answer
The given points are A (2, 3, 4), B (− 1, − 2, 1), and C (5, 8, 7).
It is known that the direction ratios of line joining the points, (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2), are given by, x2 − x1, y2 − y1, and z2 − z1.
The direction ratios of AB are (−1 − 2), (−2 − 3), and (1 − 4) i.e., −3, −5, and −3.
The direction ratios of BC are (5 − (− 1)), (8 − (− 2)), and (7 − 1) i.e., 6, 10, and 6. It can be seen that the direction ratios of BC are −2 times that of AB i.e., they are proportional.
Therefore, AB is parallel to BC. Since point B is common to both AB and BC, points A, B, and C are collinear.
Question 5:
Find the direction cosines of the sides of the triangle whose vertices are (3, 5, − 4), (− 1, 1, 2) and (− 5, − 5, − 2)
Answer
The vertices of OABC are A (3, 5, −4), B (−1, 1, 2), and C (−5, −5, −2).
The direction ratios of side AB are (−1 − 3), (1 − 5), and (2 − (−4)) i.e., −4, −4, and 6.
Therefore, the direction cosines of AB are
The direction ratios of BC are (−5 − (−1)), (−5 − 1), and (−2 − 2) i.e., −4, −6, and −4.
Therefore, the direction cosines of BC are
i.e.,
The direction ratios of CA are (−5 − 3), (−5 − 5), and (−2 − (−4)) i.e., −8, −10, and 2. Therefore, the direction cosines of AC are
i.e.,
Exercise 11.2
Question 1:
Show that the three lines with direction cosines
are mutually perpendicular.
Answer
Two lines with direction cosines, l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2, are perpendicular to each other, if l1l2 + m1m2 + n1n2 = 0
For the lines with direction cosines, and , weobtain
Therefore, the lines are perpendicular.
For the lines with direction cosines, and , weobtain
Therefore, the lines are perpendicular.
For the lines with direction cosines, and , weobtain
Therefore, the lines are perpendicular.
Thus, all the lines are mutually perpendicular.
Question 2:
Show that the line through the points (1, −1, 2) (3, 4, −2) is perpendicular to the linethrough the points (0, 3, 2) and (3, 5, 6).
Answer
Let AB be the line joining the points, (1, −1, 2) and (3, 4, − 2), and CD be the line joining the points, (0, 3, 2) and (3, 5, 6).
The direction ratios, a1, b1, c1, of AB are (3 − 1), (4 − (−1)), and (−2 − 2) i.e., 2, 5, and
−4.
The direction ratios, a2, b2, c2, of CD are (3 − 0), (5 − 3), and (6 −2) i.e., 3, 2, and 4.
AB and CD will be perpendicular to each other, if a1a2 + b1b2+ c1c2 = 0
a1a2 + b1b2+ c1c2 = 2 × 3 + 5 × 2 + (− 4) × 4
= 6 + 10 − 16
= 0
Therefore, AB and CD are perpendicular to each other.
Question 3:
Show that the line through the points (4, 7, 8), (2, 3, 4) is parallel to the line through the points (−1, −2, 1), (1, 2, 5).
Answer
Let AB be the line through the points, (4, 7, 8) and (2, 3, 4), and CD be the line through the points, (−1, −2, 1) and (1, 2, 5).
The directions ratios, a1, b1, c1, of AB are (2 − 4), (3 − 7), and (4 − 8) i.e., −2, −4, and−4.
The direction ratios, a2, b2, c2, of CD are (1 − (−1)), (2 − (−2)), and (5 − 1) i.e., 2, 4, and 4.
AB will be parallel to CD, if
Thus, AB is parallel to CD.
Question 4:
Find the equation of the line which passes through the point (1, 2, 3) and is parallel to the vector 
Answer
It is given that the line passes through the point A (1,2,3). Therefore, the position vector through A is
It is known that the line which passes through point A and parallel to 
This is the required equation of the line.
Question 5:
Find the equation of the line in vector and in Cartesian form that passes through the point with position vector 
Answer
It is given that the line passes through the point with position vector
It is known that aline through a point with position vector 
This is the required equation of the line in vector form.
Eliminating λ, we obtain the Cartesian form equation as
This is the required equation of the given line in Cartesian form.
Question 6:
Find the Cartesian equation of the line which passes through the point
(−2, 4, −5) and parallel to the line given by
Answer
It is given that the line passes through the point (−2, 4, −5) and is parallel to
The direction ratios of the line, , are 3, 5, and 6. The required line is parallel to
Therefore, its direction ratios are 3k, 5k, and 6k, where k ≠ 0
It is known that the equation of the line through the point (x1, y1, z1) and with direction ratios, a, b, c, is given by
Therefore the equation of the required line is
Question 7:
The Cartesian equation of a line is . Write its vector form.
Answer
The Cartesian equation of the line is
The given line passes through the point (5, −4, 6). The position vector of this point is
Also, the direction ratios of the given line are 3, 7, and 2.
This means that the line is in the direction of vector,
It is known that the line through position vector and in the direction of the vector
This is the required equation of the given line in vector form.
Question 8:
Find the vector and the Cartesian equations of the lines that pass through the origin and (5, −2, 3).
Answer
The required line passes through the origin. Therefore, its position vector is given by,
The direction ratios of the line through origin and (5, −2, 3) are (5 − 0) = 5, (−2 − 0) = −2, (3 − 0) = 3
The line is parallel to the vector given by the equation,
The equation of the line in vector form through a point with position vector
The equation of the line through the point (x1,y1,z1)and direction ratios a, b, c is given by,
Therefore, the equation of the required line in the Cartesian form is
Question 9:
Find the vector and the Cartesian equations of the line that passes through the points (3,−2, −5), (3, −2, 6).
Answer
Let the line passing through the points, P (3, −2, −5) and Q (3, −2, 6), be PQ. Since PQ passes through P (3, −2, −5), its position vector is given by,
The direction ratios of PQ are given by, (3 − 3) = 0, (−2 + 2) = 0, (6 + 5) = 11
The equation of the vector in the direction of PQ is
The equation of PQ in vector form is given by,
The equation of PQ in Cartesian form is
i.e
Question 10:
Find the angle between the following pairs of lines:
(i)
(ii) and
Answer
Let Q be the angle between the given lines.
The angle between the given pairs of lines is given by,
The given lines are parallel to the vectors, and , respectively.
The given lines are parallel to the vectors, and , respectively.
*Question 11:
Find the angle between the following pairs of lines:
(i)
(ii)
Answer
Let and be the vectors parallel to the pair of lines,
, respectively. and
The angle, Q, between the given pair of lines is given by the relation,
(ii) Let be the vectors parallel to the given pair of lines, and
, respectively.
If Q is the angle between the given pair of lines, then
*Question 12:
Find the values of p so the line and are at right angles.
Answer
The given equations can be written in the standard form as
and
The direction ratios of the lines are −3, , 2 and respectively.
Two lines with direction ratios, a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2, are perpendicular to each other, if
a1a2 + b1 b2 + c1c2 =0
Thus, the value of p is .
*Question 13:
Show that the lines and are perpendicular to each other.
Answer
The equations of the given lines are and
The direction ratios of the given lines are 7, −5, 1 and 1, 2, 3 respectively.
Two lines with direction ratios, a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2, are perpendicular to each other, if
a1a2 + b1 b2 + c1c2 = 0
∴ 7 × 1 + (−5) × 2 + 1 × 3
= 7 − 10 + 3
= 0
Therefore, the given lines are perpendicular to each other.
*Question 14:
Find the shortest distance between the lines
Answer
The equations of the given lines are
It is known that the shortest distance between the lines, and is given by,
Comparing the given equations, we obtain
Substituting all the values in equation (1), we obtain
Therefore, the shortest distance between the two lines is units
*Question 15:
Find the shortest distance between the lines and
Answer
The given lines are and It is known that the shortest distance between the two lines,
Comparing the given equations, we obtain
Since distance is always non-negative, the distance between the given lines is 
*Question 16:
Find the shortest distance between the lines whose vector equations are
Answer
The given lines are and
It is known that the shortest distance between the lines, and , is given by,
Comparing the given equations with and , we obtain
Substituting all the values in equation (1), we obtain
Therefore, the shortest distance between the two given lines is units.
*Question 17:
Find the shortest distance between the lines whose vector equations are
Answer
The given lines are
It is known that the shortest distance between the lines, and, is given by,
For the given equations,
Substituting all the values in equation (3), we obtain
Therefore, the shortest distance between the lines is units.
Exercise 11.3
Question 1:
In each of the following cases, determine the direction cosines of the normal to the plane and the distance from the origin.
(a) z = 2 (b)
(c) (d) 5y + 8 =0
Answer
(a) The equation of the plane is z = 2 or 0x + 0y + z = 2 … (1) The direction ratios of normal are 0, 0, and 1.
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 1, we obtain
This is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of the perpendicular drawn from the origin.
Therefore, the direction cosines are 0, 0, and 1 and the distance of the plane from the origin is 2 units.
(b) x + y + z = 1 … (1)
The direction ratios of normal are 1, 1, and 1.
∴
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.
Therefore, the direction cosines of the normal are and the
distance of normal from the origin is units.
(c) 2x + 3y − z = 5 … (1)
The direction ratios of normal are 2, 3, and −1.
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.
Therefore, the direction cosines of the normal to the plane are and the distance of normal from the origin is units.
(d) 5y + 8 = 0
⇒0x − 5y + 0z = 8 … (1)
The direction ratios of normal are 0, −5, and 0.
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we obtain
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.
Therefore, the direction cosines of the normal to the plane are 0, −1, and 0 and the distance of normal from the origin is units.
Question 2:
Find the vector equation of a plane which is at a distance of 7 units from the origin and normal to the vector 
Answer
The normal vector is,
Its known that the equation of the plane with position vector 
This is the vector equation of the required plane.
Question 3:
Find the Cartesian equation of the following planes:
(a) (b)
(c)
Answer
(a) It is given that equation of the plane is
For any arbitrary point P(x,y,z)on the plane, position vector
Substituting the value of
This is the Cartesian equation of the plane.
(b)
For any arbitrary point P (x, y, z) on the plane, position vector
Substituting the value of
This is the Cartesian equation of the plane.
(c)
For any arbitrary point P (x, y, z) on the plane, position vector
Substituting the value of
This is the Cartesian equation of the given plane.
Question 4:
In the following cases, find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the origin.
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Answer
LetthecoordinatesofthefootofperpendicularPfromtheorigintotheplanebe (x1, y1,z1).
2x + 3y + 4z − 12 = 0
⇒2x + 3y + 4z = 12 … (1)
The direction ratios of normal are 2, 3, and 4.
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by , we obtain
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.
The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).
Therefore, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are
LetthecoordinatesofthefootofperpendicularPfromtheorigintotheplanebe(x1,
y1, z1).
⇒
The direction ratios of the normal are 0, 3, and 4.
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we obtain
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.
The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).
Therefore, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are
Let the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular P from the origin to the plane be (x1,y1, z1).
… (1)
The direction ratios of the normal are 1, 1, and 1.
Dividing both sides of equation(1)by 
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.
The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).
Therefore, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are
Let the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular P from the origin to the plane be (x1,y1, z1).
⇒0x − 5y + 0z = 8 … (1)
The direction ratios of the normal are 0, −5, and 0.
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we obtain
This equation is of the form lx + my + nz = d, where l, m, n are the direction cosines of normal to the plane and d is the distance of normal from the origin.
The coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are given by (ld, md, nd).
Therefore, the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular are
Question 5:
Find the vector and Cartesian equation of the planes
a. that passes through the point (1, 0, −2) and the normal to the plane is
b. that passes through the point (1, 4, 6) and the normal vector to the plane is
Answer
The position vector of point (1, 0, −2) is
The normal vector 
The vector equation of the plane is given by,
Therefore, equation (1) becomes
This is the Cartesian equation of the required plane.
The position vector of the point (1, 4,6)is 
Therefore, equation (1) becomes
This is the Cartesian equation of the required plane.
*Question 6:
Find the equations of the planes that passes through three points.
(a) (1, 1, −1), (6, 4, −5), (−4, −2, 3)
(b) (1, 1, 0), (1, 2, 1), (−2, 2, −1)
Answer
(a) The given points are A (1, 1, −1), B (6, 4, −5), and C (−4, −2, 3).
Since A, B, C are collinear points, there will be infinite number of planes passing through the given points.
(b) The given points are A (1, 1, 0), B (1, 2, 1), and C (−2, 2, −1).
Therefore, a plane will pass through the points A, B, and C.
It is known that the equation of the plane through the points, and, is
This is the Cartesian equation of the required plane.
*Question 7:
Find the intercepts cut off by the plane
Answer
Dividing both sides of equation (1) by 5, we obtain
It is known that the equation of a plane in intercept form is , where a, b,c
are the intercepts cut off by the plane at x, y, and z axes respectively. Therefore, for the given equation,
Thus, the intercepts cut off by the plane are .
*Question 8:
Find the equation of the plane with intercept 3 on the y-axis and parallel to ZOX plane.
Answer
The equation of the plane ZOX is
y = 0
Any plane parallel to it is of the form, y = a
Since the y-intercept of the plane is 3,
∴ a = 3
Thus, the equation of the required plane is y = 3
*Question 9:
Find the equation of the plane through the intersection of the planes and and the point (2, 2,1)
Answer
The equation of any plane through the intersection of the planes, 3x − y + 2z − 4 = 0 and x + y + z − 2 = 0, is
The plane passes through the point (2, 2, 1). Therefore, this point will satisfy equation (1).
Substituting in equation (1), we obtain
This is the required equation of the plane.
*Question 10:
Find the vector equation of the plane passing through the intersection of the planesand through the point (2, 1,3)
Answer
The equations of the planes are
The equation of any plane through the intersection of the planes given in equations (1) and (2) is given by,
,where
The plane passes through the point (2, 1, 3). Therefore, its position vector is given by,
Substituting in equation (3), we obtain
Substituting in equation (3), we obtain
This is the vector equation of the required plane.
*Question 11:
Find the equation of the plane through the line of intersection of the planes
Answer
The equation of the plane through the intersection of the planes,
The direction ratios a1,b1,c1,of this plane are(2λ+1),(3λ+1),and(4λ+1). The plane in equation (1) is perpendicular to
Its direction ratios, a2, b2, c2, are 1, −1, and 1. Since the planes are perpendicular,
This is the required equation of the plane.
*Question 12:
Find the angle between the planes whose vector equations are
and
Answer
The equations of the given planes are and
It is known that if and are normal to the planes, and , then the angle between them, Q, is given by,
Here,
Substituting the value of , in equation (1), we obtain
*Question 13:
In the following cases, determine whether the given planes are parallel or perpendicular, and in case they are neither, find the angles between them.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Answer
The direction ratios of normal to the plane, 
The angle between L1 and L2 is given by,
(a) The equations of the planes are 7x+5y+6z+30=0 and 3x − y − 10z + 4 =0
Here, a1 = 7, b1 =5, c1 = 6
Therefore, the given planes are not perpendicular.
It can be seen that,
Therefore, the given planes are not parallel. The angle between them is given by,
(b) The equations of the planes are
Thus, the given planes are perpendicular to each other.
(c) The equations of the given planes are 
Thus, the given planes are not perpendicular to each other.
∴
Thus, the given planes are parallel to each other.
(d) The equations of the planes are and 
∴
Thus, the given lines are parallel to each other.
(e) The equations of the given planes are
So,
Therefore, the given lines are not perpendicular to each other.
∴
Therefore, the given lines are not parallel to each other. The angle between the planes is given by,
*Question 14:
In the following cases, find the distance of each of the given points from the corresponding given plane.
Point Plane
(a) (0,0,0)
(b) (3,−2,1)
(c) (2,3,−5)
(d) (−6,0,0)
Answer
It is known that the distance between a point, p(x1, y1, z1), and a plane, Ax + By + Cz =D, is given by,
The given point is (0, 0, 0) and the plane is
The given point is (3, − 2, 1) and the plane is
∴
The given point is (2, 3, −5) and the plane is
The given point is (−6, 0, 0) and the plane is
Miscellaneous Solutions
Question 1:
Show that the line joining the origin to the point (2, 1, 1) is perpendicular to the line determined by the points (3, 5, −1), (4, 3, −1).
Answer
Let OA be the line joining the origin, O (0, 0, 0), and the point, A (2, 1, 1).
Also, let BC be the line joining the points, B (3, 5, −1) and C (4, 3, −1).
The direction ratios of OA are 2, 1, and 1 and of BC are (4 − 3) = 1, (3 − 5) = −2, and (−1 + 1) = 0
OA is perpendicular to BC, if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0
∴ a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 2 × 1 + 1 (−2) + 1 ×0 = 2 − 2 = 0
Thus, OA is perpendicular to BC.
Question 2:
If l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are the direction cosines of two mutually perpendicular lines, show that the direction cosines of the line perpendicular to both of these are m1n2 − m2n1, n1l2 − n2l1, l1m2 − l2m1.
Answer
It is given that l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2 are the direction cosines of two mutually perpendicular lines. Therefore,
Let l, m, n be the direction cosines of the line which is perpendicular to the line with direction cosines l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2, n2.
l, m, n are the direction cosines of the line.
∴ l2 + m2 + n2 = 1 … (5)
It is known that,
∴
Substituting the values from equations (5) and (6) in equation (4), we obtain
Thus, the direction cosines of the required line are
Question3:
Find the angle between the lines whose direction ratios are a,b,c and b−c, c − a, a −b.
Answer
The angle Q between the lines with direction cosines, a, b, c and b − c, c − a, a − b, is given by,
Thus, the angle between the lines is 90°.
Question 4:
Find the equation of a line parallel to x-axis and passing through the origin.
Answer
The line parallel to x-axis and passing through the origin is x-axis itself.
Let A be a point on x-axis. Therefore, the coordinates of A are given by (a, 0, 0), where a ∈ R.
Direction ratios of OA are (a − 0) = a, 0, 0 The equation of OA is given by,
Thus, the equation of line parallel to x-axis and passing through origin is
Question 5:
If the coordinates of the points A, B, C, D be (1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 7), (−4, 3, −6) and (2, 9,2) respectively, then find the angle between the lines AB and CD.
Answer
The coordinates of A, B, C, and D are (1, 2, 3), (4, 5, 7), (−4, 3, −6), and
(2, 9, 2) respectively.
The direction ratios of AB are (4 − 1) = 3, (5 − 2) = 3, and (7 − 3) = 4
The direction ratios of CD are (2 −(− 4)) = 6, (9 − 3) = 6, and (2 −(−6)) = 8
It can be seen that, Therefore, AB is parallel to CD.
Thus, the angle between AB and CD is either 0° or 180°.
Question 6:
If the lines and are perpendicular, find the value of k.
Answer
The direction of ratios of the lines, and , are −3, 2k, 2 and 3k, 1, −5respectively.
It is known that two lines with direction ratios, a1, b1, c1 and a2, b2, c2, are perpendicular, if a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0
Therefore, for , the given lines are perpendicular to each other.
Question 7:
Find the vector equation of the plane passing through (1, 2, 3) and perpendicular to the plane
Answer
The position vector of the point (1, 2, 3)is
The direction ratios of the normal to the plane, , are 1, 2, and−5 and the normal vector is
Theequationofalinepassingthroughapointandperpendiculartothegiven
plane is given by,
Question 8:
Find the equation of the plane passing through (a, b, c) and parallel to the plane
Answer
Any plane parallel to the plane, , is of the form
The plane passes through the point (a,b,c). Therefore, the position vector
Therefore, equation (1) becomes
Substituting 
This is the vector equation of the required plane. Substituting 
equation (2), we obtain
Question 9:
Find the shortest distance between lines and.
Answer
The given lines are
It is known that the shortest distance between two lines, and , is given by
Comparing to equations (1) and (2), we obtain
Substituting all the values in equation (1), we obtain
Therefore, the shortest distance between the two given lines is 9 units.
Question 10:
Find the coordinates of the point where the line through (5, 1, 6) and (3, 4, 1) crosses the YZ-plane
Answer
It is known that the equation of the line passing through the points, (x1, y1, z1) and (x2,y2, z2), is
The line passing through the points, (5, 1, 6) and (3, 4, 1), is given by,
Any point on the line is of the form (5 − 2k, 3k + 1, 6 −5k). The equation of YZ-plane is x = 0
Since the line passes through YZ-plane, 5 − 2k = 0
Therefore, the required point is .
Question 11:
Find the coordinates of the point where the line through (5, 1, 6) and (3, 4, 1) crosses the ZX − plane.
Answer
It is known that the equation of the line passing through the points, (x1, y1, z1) and (x2,y2, z2), is
The line passing through the points, (5, 1, 6) and (3, 4, 1), is given by,
Any point on the line is of the form (5 − 2k, 3k + 1, 6 −5k). Since the line passes through ZX-plane,
Therefore, the required point is
Question 12:
Find the coordinates of the point where the line through (3, −4, −5) and (2, − 3, 1) crosses the plane 2x + y + z = 7.
Answer
It is known that the equation of the line through the points, (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2), is
Since the line passes through the points, (3, −4, −5) and (2, −3, 1), its equation is given by,
Therefore, any point on the line is of the form (3 − k, k − 4, 6k − 5). This point lies on the plane, 2x + y + z = 7
∴ 2 (3 − k) + (k − 4) + (6k − 5) = 7
Hence, the coordinates of the required point are (3 − 2, 2 − 4, 6 × 2 − 5) i.e.,
(1, −2, 7).
Question 13:
Find the equation of the plane passing through the point (−1, 3, 2) and perpendicular to each of the planes x + 2y + 3z = 5 and 3x + 3y + z = 0.
Answer
The equation of the plane passing through the point (−1, 3, 2) is
a (x + 1) + b (y − 3) + c (z − 2) = 0 … (1)
where, a, b, c are the direction ratios of normal to the plane.
It is known that two planes, 
perpendicular, if
Plane (1) is perpendicular to the plane, x + 2y + 3z = 5
Also, plane (1) is perpendicular to the plane, 3x + 3y + z = 0
From equations (2) and (3), we obtain
Substituting the values of a, b, and c in equation (1), we obtain
This is the required equation of the plane.
Question 14:
If the points (1, 1, p) and (−3, 0, 1) be equidistant from the plane
, then find the value of p.
Answer
The position vector through the point (1, 1,p)is
Similarly, the position vector through the point (−3, 0, 1) is
The equation of the given plane is
It is known that the perpendicular distance between a point whose position vector is
Here, 
Therefore, the distance between the point (1, 1, p) and the given plane is
Similarly, the distance between the point (−3, 0, 1) and the given plane is
It is given that the distance between the required plane and the points, (1, 1, p) and (−3, 0, 1), is equal.
∴ D1 = D2
Question 15:
Find the equation of the plane passing through the line of intersection of the planesand and parallel to x-axis.
Answer
The given planes are
The equation of any plane passing through the line of intersection of these planes is
Its direction ratios are (2λ + 1), (3λ + 1), and (1 − λ).
The required plane is parallel to x-axis. Therefore, its normal is perpendicular to x-axis. The direction ratios of x-axis are 1, 0, and 0.
Substituting in equation (1), we obtain
Therefore, its Cartesian equation is y − 3z + 6 = 0 This is the equation of the required plane.
*Question 16:
If O be the origin and the coordinates of P be (1, 2, −3), then find the equation of the plane passing through P and perpendicular to OP.
Answer
The coordinates of the points, O and P, are (0,0,0) and (1,2,−3) respectively.
Therefore, the direction ratios of OP are (1−0)=1,(2−0)=2, and (−3−0)=−3
It is known that the equation of the plane passing through the point (x1,y1,z1) is where, a, b, and c are the direction ratios of normal. Here, the direction ratios of normal are 1,2 and −3 and the point P is (1,2,−3).
Thus, the equation of the required plane is
*Question 17:
Find the equation of the plane which contains the line of intersection of the planes and which is perpendicular to the
Plane
Answer
The equations of the given planes are
The equation of the plane passing through the line intersection of the plane given in equation (1) and equation (2) is
The plane in equation (3) is perpendicular to the plane,
This is the vector equation of the required plane.
The Cartesian equation of this plane can be obtained by substituting
*Question 18:
Find the distance of the point (−1, −5, −10), from the point of intersection of the line and the plane and plane
Answer
The equation of the given line is
The equation of the given plane is
Substituting the value of
Substituting this value in equation (1), we obtain the equation of the line as
Thismeansthatthepositionvectorofthepointofintersectionofthelineandtheplane is
This shows that the point of intersection of the given line and plane is given by the coordinates, (2, −1, 2). The point is (−1, −5, −10).
The distance d between the points, (2, −1, 2) and (−1, −5, −10), is
*Question 19:
Find the vector equation of the line passing through (1, 2, 3) and parallel to the planesand
Answer
Let the required line be parallel to vector
The position vector of the point (1, 2, 3)is
The equation of line passing through (1,2,3) and parallel to
The equations of the given planes are
The line in equation (1) and plane in equation (2) are parallel. Therefore, the normal to the plane of equation (2) and the given line are perpendicular.
From equations (4) and (5), we obtain
Therefore, the direction ratios of
Substituting the value of
This is the equation of the required line.
*Question 20:
Find the vector equation of the line passing through the point (1, 2, − 4) and
perpendicular to the two lines:
Answer
Let the required line be parallel to the vector
The position vector of the point (1, 2, − 4) is
The equation of the line passing through (1, 2, −4) and parallel to vector
The equations of the lines are
Line (1) and line (2) are perpendicular to each other.
Also, line (1) and line (3) are perpendicular to each other.
From equations (4) and (5), we obtain
∴Direction ratios of
Substituting 
This is the equation of the required line.
*Question 21:
Prove that if a plane has the intercepts a, b, c and is at a distance of P units from the origin, then
Answer
The equation of a plane having intercepts a, b, c with x, y, and z axes respectively is given by,
The distance (p) of the plane from the origin is given by,
*Question 22:
Distance between the two planes: 
(A) 2 units (B) 4 units (C) 8units (D)
Answer
The equations of the planes are
It can be seen that the given planes are parallel.
It is known that the distance between two parallel planes, ax + by + cz = d1 and ax + by+ cz = d2, is given by,
Thus, the distance between the lines is units. Hence, the correct answer is D.
*Question 23:
The planes: 2x − y + 4z = 5 and 5x − 2.5y + 10z = 6 are
(A) Perpendicular 3
(B) Parallel
(C) intersect y-axis
(D) passes through
Answer
The equations of the planes are 2x − y + 4z = 5 … (1)
5x − 2.5y + 10z = 6 … (2)
It can be seen that,
Therefore, the given planes are parallel.
Hence, the correct answer is B.
Conclusion
Swastik Classes’ NCERT Solution for Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 11, “Three Dimensional Geometry,” is a comprehensive study material designed to help students understand three-dimensional geometry’s fundamental concepts and principles. The solutions provide step-by-step explanations and examples that help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject. The chapter covers a range of topics, including direction cosines and direction ratios of a line, the equation of a plane, angle between two lines and planes, and distance between a point and a plane. With the help of these solutions, students can improve their problem-solving skills and gain the confidence to tackle complex three-dimensional geometry problems. Swastik Classes’ NCERT solutions are designed in accordance with the latest CBSE syllabus, making them useful for students preparing for board exams or competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Overall, Swastik Classes’ NCERT Solution for Class 12 Mathematics Chapter 11 is an excellent resource for students who want to excel in mathematics and build a strong foundation in three-dimensional geometry.
You will learn about line direction cosines and ratios, cartesian and vector equations, coplanar and skew lines, and coplanar and skew lines.
Topics to study in Three Dimensional Geometry
| Section No. | Topics |
| 11.1 | Introduction |
| 11.2 | Direction Cosines and Direction Ratios of a Line |
| 11.3 | Equation of a Line in Space |
| 11.4 | Angle Between Two Lines |
| 11.5 | Shortest Distance between Two Lines |
| 11.6 | Plane |
| 11.7 | Coplanarity of Two Lines |
| 11.8 | Angle Between Two Planes |
| 11.9 | Distance of a Point from a Plane |
| 11.10 | Angle Between Two Line And Plane |
Weightage of Math Class 12 Chapter 11 in CBSE Exam
| Chapters | Marks |
| Three Dimensional Geometry | 8 Marks |
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One of the top IIT JEE coaching institutes is Swastik Classes. Shobhit Bhaiya and Alok Bhaiya, pioneering mentors of IIT JEE Coaching Classes, started Swastik Classes in Anand Vihar. Over the last 15 years, they have educated and sent over 2000+ students to IITs and 5000+ students to different famous universities such as BITS, NITs, DTU, and NSIT. When it comes to coaching programmes for IIT JEE, Swastik Classes is the top IIT JEE Coaching in Delhi, favoured by students from all over India.
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Frequently Asked Questions on NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Math Chapter 11
Who is the father of three-dimensional geometry?
Euclid of Alexandria is father of Three Dimensional Geometry.
What is the use of three-dimensional geometry?
3D geometry is the study of forms in three-dimensional space using three coordinates: x-coordinate, y-coordinate, and z-coordinate. To discover the precise position of a point in a three-dimensional space, three parameters are necessary.
What is a three-dimensional figure without edges and vertices?
It is called a sphere. Sphere has no edges and Vertices.
How many 3-dimensional shapes are there?
The different types of three dimensional shapes are 8 and their names are cone, cylinder, cuboid, cube, sphere, rectangular prism, pyramid.
Are humans 3D or 4D?
Human beings are three-dimensional creatures. Objects in three-dimensional space have varying lengths, heights, and widths.
What dimension are we living in now?
The world we live in is referred to as the Three Dimensional World, or the 3-D World.
Is there a 7th dimension?
A 7-polytope is a polytope with seven dimensions. Regular polytopes, of which there are only three in seven dimensions: the 7-simplex, 7-cube, and 7-orthoplex, are the most studied.
