Coordinate Geometry
Equation of a Line
MJAT None
Grade 12

Question:

Let $L_1: \frac{x-1}{1} = \frac{y}{-1} = \frac{z-1}{3}$ and $L_2: \frac{x-1}{-3} = \frac{y}{-1} = \frac{z-1}{1}$ be two lines. Let $L: \frac{x-\alpha}{l} = \frac{y-1}{m} = \frac{z-\gamma}{-2}$ be a line that lies in the plane containing $L_1$ and $L_2$, passes through their point of intersection, and bisects the acute angle between them. Then which of the following statements is/are TRUE?
A) $\alpha - \gamma = 3$
B) $l + m = 2$
C) $\alpha - \gamma = 1$
D) $l + m = 0$

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Lines intersect if their parametric equations yield consistent solutions for parameters. Non-parallel intersecting lines in 3D are coplanar.
1. **Find the point of intersection**: The lines $L_1$ and $L_2$ intersect at $P = (1, 0, 1)$. Since $L$ passes through this intersection, the point $P(1, 0, 1)$ must lie on $L$: $$\frac{1-\alpha}{l} = \frac{0-1}{m} = \frac{1-\gamma}{-2}$$ This relates $\alpha$, $\gamma$, $l$, and $m$. 2. **Find the acute angle bisector**: The direction vectors of $L_1$ and $L_2$ are $\vec{v}_1 = \hat{i} - \hat{j} + 3\hat{k}$ and $\vec{v}_2 = -3\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}$. The unit vectors are: $$\hat{v}_1 = \frac{\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 3\hat{k}}{\sqrt{11}}, \quad \hat{v}_2 = \frac{-3\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}}{\sqrt{11}}$$ The angle is acute since $\vec{v}_1 \cdot \vec{v}_2 = 1 > 0$. The acute angle bisector vector $\vec{v}_b$ is parallel to $\hat{v}_1 + \hat{v}_2$: $$\vec{v}_1 + \vec{v}_2 = \langle -2, -2, 4 \rangle \propto \langle 1, 1, -2 \rangle$$ Comparing this to the direction of $L$, $\langle l, m, -2 \rangle$, we get $l = 1$ and $m = 1$. Therefore, $l + m = 2$ (Option B is TRUE). 3. **Find $\alpha$ and $\gamma$**: Since $P(1, 0, 1)$ lies on $L$, we have: $$\frac{1-\alpha}{1} = \frac{-1}{1} = \frac{1-\gamma}{-2} \implies 1-\alpha = -1 \implies \alpha = 2$$ and: $$\frac{1-\gamma}{-2} = -1 \implies 1-\gamma = 2 \implies \gamma = -1$$ Compute $\alpha - \gamma$: $$\alpha - \gamma = 2 - (-1) = 3$$ This matches Option A (Option A is TRUE). 4. **Conclusion**: The correct options are A and B.
Correct Answer: A, B

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