Question 57 of 68intermediate🔧 ApplyLong Answer4 marks

Show that the points A (1, −2, −8)A\,(1,\,-2,\,-8), B (5, 0, −2)B\,(5,\,0,\,-2) and C (11, 3, 7)C\,(11,\,3,\,7) are collinear, and find the ratio in which BB divides ACAC.

Correct Answer

The points AA, BB, and CC are collinear. BB divides ACAC in the ratio 2:32:3.

Step 1: Find position vectors

Position vector of A=i^−2j^−8k^A = \hat{i} - 2\hat{j} - 8\hat{k}

Position vector of B=5i^+0j^−2k^B = 5\hat{i} + 0\hat{j} - 2\hat{k}

Position vector of C=11i^+3j^+7k^C = 11\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 7\hat{k}

Step 2: Find vectors AB, BC, and AC

AB⃗=(5−1)i^+(0+2)j^+(−2+8)k^=4i^+2j^+6k^\vec{AB} = (5-1)\hat{i} + (0+2)\hat{j} + (-2+8)\hat{k} = 4\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} + 6\hat{k} BC⃗=(11−5)i^+(3−0)j^+(7+2)k^=6i^+3j^+9k^\vec{BC} = (11-5)\hat{i} + (3-0)\hat{j} + (7+2)\hat{k} = 6\hat{i} + 3\hat{j} + 9\hat{k} AC⃗=(11−1)i^+(3+2)j^+(7+8)k^=10i^+5j^+15k^\vec{AC} = (11-1)\hat{i} + (3+2)\hat{j} + (7+8)\hat{k} = 10\hat{i} + 5\hat{j} + 15\hat{k}

Step 3: Calculate magnitudes

∣AB⃗∣=16+4+36=56=214|\vec{AB}| = \sqrt{16+4+36} = \sqrt{56} = 2\sqrt{14} ∣BC⃗∣=36+9+81=126=314|\vec{BC}| = \sqrt{36+9+81} = \sqrt{126} = 3\sqrt{14} ∣AC⃗∣=100+25+225=350=514|\vec{AC}| = \sqrt{100+25+225} = \sqrt{350} = 5\sqrt{14}

Step 4: Verify collinearity

∣AC⃗∣=514=214+314=∣AB⃗∣+∣BC⃗∣|\vec{AC}| = 5\sqrt{14} = 2\sqrt{14} + 3\sqrt{14} = |\vec{AB}| + |\vec{BC}|

Since ∣AC⃗∣=∣AB⃗∣+∣BC⃗∣|\vec{AC}| = |\vec{AB}| + |\vec{BC}|, the points AA, BB, and CC are collinear.

Step 5: Find the ratio

∣AB⃗∣:∣BC⃗∣=214:314=2:3|\vec{AB}| : |\vec{BC}| = 2\sqrt{14} : 3\sqrt{14} = \textbf{2:3}

∴ BB divides ACAC in the ratio 2:3.

Exercise: MISCELLANEOUS EXERCISE ON CHAPTER 10 | Q: 8 | (Page 35)
For More Understanding

Explanation

This question tests understanding of collinearity using vector magnitudes. The key insight from the textbook context is that when ∣AC⃗∣=∣AB⃗∣+∣BC⃗∣|\vec{AC}| = |\vec{AB}| + |\vec{BC}|, the equality condition of the triangle inequality holds, proving collinearity. The ratio is found by comparing the distances ABAB and BCBC directly from their magnitudes.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Express position vectors of AA, BB, CC in component form

  2. Step 2: Calculate vectors AB⃗\vec{AB}, BC⃗\vec{BC}, and AC⃗\vec{AC} using subtraction

  3. Step 3: Find magnitudes of all three vectors

  4. Step 4: Verify ∣AC⃗∣=∣AB⃗∣+∣BC⃗∣|\vec{AC}| = |\vec{AB}| + |\vec{BC}| to prove collinearity

  5. Step 5: Determine ratio AB:BCAB:BC from their magnitudes