3D Geometry
Area of triangle in 3D
nta_pyq_2023_jan
Grade 12
Question:
Let the co-ordinates of one vertex of $\triangle ABC$ be $A(0, 2, \alpha)$ and the other two vertices lie on the line $\frac{x+\alpha}{5} = \frac{y-1}{2} = \frac{z+4}{3}$. For $\alpha \in \mathbb{Z}$, if the area of $\triangle ABC$ is 21 sq. units and the line segment BC has length $2\sqrt{21}$ units, then $\alpha^2$ is equal to _____.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept: Area = $\frac{1}{2}|BC| \cdot h$ where $h$ is perpendicular distance from $A$ to line BC. Use the formula to find the distance, then use $\alpha \in \mathbb{Z}$.
$h = 2\times21/(2\sqrt{21}) = \sqrt{21}$. Solving the system: $\alpha = 3$ (integer), $\alpha^2 = 9$. Answer: 9
Correct Answer: 9