If a line makes angles $\frac{\pi}{4}$ and $\frac{\pi}{3}$ with $Y$-axis and $Z$-axis respectively, then the…

If a line makes angles $\frac{\pi}{4}$ and $\frac{\pi}{3}$ with $Y$-axis and $Z$-axis respectively, then the obtuse angle made by that line with $X$-axis is
  1. $\frac{\pi}{3}$
  2. $\frac{2 \pi}{3}$
  3. $\frac{\pi}{6}$
  4. $\frac{5 \pi}{6}$

Solution

Let line makes angle $\alpha$ with $X$-axis then, direction cosine of the line are $ l=\cos \alpha, m=\cos \frac{\pi}{4}, n=\cos \frac{\pi}{3} $ But $ l^2+m^2+n^2=1 $ $ \begin{gathered} l^2+\left(\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}\right)^2+\left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2=1 \\ l^2+\frac{1}{2}+\frac{1}{4}=1 \\ l^2=\frac{1}{4} \Rightarrow l= \pm \frac{1}{2} \end{gathered} $ $\Rightarrow \cos \alpha=-\frac{1}{2}(\alpha$ is obtuse angle $)$ $ \Rightarrow \alpha=\pi-\pi / 3=2 \pi / 3 . $

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2018 (24 Apr Shift 1)

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