Q.

If the shortest distance between the lines xλ2=y43=z34 and x24=y46=z78 is 1329, then a value of λ is          [2024]

1 1325  
2 1325  
3 1  
4 –1  

Ans.

(3)

We have a=λi^+4j^+3k^, b=2i^+4j^+7k^ and p=2i^+3j^+4k^

Shortest distance, d=|(ba)×p|p||

ba=(2λ)i^+4k^

(ba)×p=|i^j^k^2λ04234|

     =i^(12)j^(84λ8)+k^(63λ)

     =12i^+4λj^+3(2λ)k^

  d=|144+16λ2+9(2λ)24+9+16|=1329          (Given)

 144+16λ2+36+9λ236λ=13

 25λ236λ+180=169  25λ236λ+11=0

 (25λ11)(λ1)=0  λ=1125 or 1.