Q.

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 :          [2025]

1 147  
2 143  
3 139  
4 151  

Ans.

(1)

We have, the point P(5, 1, –3)

L1 : x – 1 = y – 2 = zλ (say)

L2 : x – 2 = y = z – 1 = μ (say)

Any point on L1 and L2 are given by Q(λ+1,λ+2,λ) and R(μ+2,μ,μ+1) respectively.

       PQ=(λ4)i^+(λ+1)j^+(λ+3)k^

Since, PQL1, whose direction ratios are < 1, 1, 1 >, So we have

       1(λ4)+1(λ+1)+1(λ+3)=0

 3λ=0  λ=0

   Q(1, 2, 0) is the foot of perpendicular on L1. Similarly,

       PR=(μ3)i^+(μ1)j^+(μ+4)k^

Now, PQL2, whose direction ratios are < 1, 1, 1 >, so we have

      1(μ3)+1(μ1)+1(μ+4)=0

 3μ4+4=0  μ=0

   R(2, 0, 1) is foot of perpendicular on L2.

Now, area PQR=12|PQ×PR|

 A=12||i^j^k^413314||=12|7i^+7j^+7k^|=732

  4A2=4×(12×73)2=147