Let Q and R be the feet of perpendiculars from the point P(a,a,a) on the lines x=y,z=1 and x=-y,z=-1 respectively. If angle QPR is a right angle,…
JEE Main 2024 — Mathematics Vectors & 3D Geometry
2024integermedium
Let Q and R be the feet of perpendiculars from the point P(a,a,a) on the lines x=y,z=1 and x=−y,z=−1 respectively. If ∠QPR is a right angle, then 12a2 is equal to ________
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Held on 31 Jan 2024 · Verified 6 Jul 2026.
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Solution
Given,
Equation of line x=y,z=1
1x=1y=0z−1=r
Now, let any point on the above line be Q(r,r,1)
Similarly, for line x=−y,z=−1 we get,
1x=−1y=0z+1=k
So, any point on the above line will be R(k,−k,−1)
Now, the direction ratio of PQ=(a−r)i^+(a−r)j^+(a−1)k^
Now, finding foot of perpendicular from P on line 1x=1y=0z−1 using perpendicular condition we get,
a−r+a−r+0=0
⇒2a=2r
⇒a=r
Hence, point Q(a,a,1)
And similarly, the direction ratio of
PR=(a−k)i+(a+k)j^+(a+1)k^
And again, finding foot of perpendicular from P on line 1x=−1y=0z+1 using perpendicular condition we get,
a−k−a−k=0⇒k=0
Hence, point R(0,0,−1)
Also, given PQ⊥PR
Now, using perpendicular condition we get,
(a−r)(a−k)+(a−r)(a+k)+(a−1)(a+1)=0
⇒(a−a)(a−0)+(a−a)(a+0)+(a−1)(a+1)=0
⇒(a−1)(a+1)=0
⇒a=1 or −1
Hence, 12a2=12
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