Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

-- Mathematics - Section B1

Chapter

Three-dimensional Geometry

Question:

The lines with direction cosines 12/17, -3/17, -4/17 and 4/17, 12/17, 3/17 are- 

Options:

Perpendicular

Non-perpendicular

May or may not be perpendicular

None of these

Correct Answer:

Perpendicular

Explanation:

The lines with direction cosines l1, m1, n1 and l2, m2,n are perpendicular to each other if

l1.l2+ m1.m2+ n1.n2 = 0

We have the lines with direction cosines 12/17, -3/17, -4/17 and 4/17, 12/17, 3/17

so  l1.l2+ m1.m2+ n1.n2 = (12/17).(4/17) + (-3/17).(12/17) + (-4/17).(3/17)

⇒  l1.l2+ m1.m2+ n1.n2 = (48/289) -(36/289) - (12/289)

⇒  l1.l2+ m1.m2+ n1.n2 = 0

Therefore the line are perpendicular.