The vertices B and C of a Δ A B C lie on the line, x + 2 3 = y - 1 0 = z 4 such that B C = 5 units.…

The vertices B and C of a ΔABC lie on the line, x+23=y-10=z4 such that BC=5 units. Then the area (in sq. units) of this triangle, given the point A1,-1,2, is
  1. 6
  2. 234
  3. 34
  4. 517

Solution

The points B and C lie on the line x+23=y-10=z4.

Draw perpendicular AD on the line BC.


Clearly area of ΔABC=12ADBC

To find a point on the line, let x+23=y-10=z4=r

x+2=3r, y-1=0, z=4r

x=3r-2, y=1, z=4r

Thus, the point D3r-2, 1, 4r

The direction ratios of a line joining two points x1, y1, z1 and x2, y2, z2 are <x2-x1, y2-y1, z2-z1>

Thus, the direction ratios of AD are <3r-2-1, 1+1, 4r-2>=<3r-3, 2, 4r-2>

Since AD is perpendicular to given line, hence the dot product of their direction ratios is zero.

3·3r-3+0·2+4·4r-2=0

9r-9+16r-8=0

25r-17=0

r=1725

D3×1725-2, 1, 4×1725=125, 1, 6825

The distance between the points x1, y1, z1 & x2, y2, z2 is x1-x22+y1-y22+z1-z22

AD=125-12+1+12+6825-22

AD=576625+4+324625

AD=13625

AD=2534 units

Hence, the area of ΔABC=1225345=34 sq units.

Asked in: JEE Main 2019 (09 Apr Shift 2)

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