NVAMediumJEE 2023Equation of Line in 3D

JEE Mathematics 2023 Question with Solution

If the lines x12=y33=z3α\frac{x-1}{2} = \frac{y-3}{-3} = \frac{z-3}{\alpha} and x45=y12=zβ\frac{x-4}{5} = \frac{y-1}{2} = \frac{z}{\beta} intersect, then the magnitude of the minimum value of 8αβ8\alpha\beta is :

Answer

Correct answer:18

Step-by-step solution

Standard Method

Given: The lines are x12=y33=z3α\frac{x-1}{2} = \frac{y-3}{-3} = \frac{z-3}{\alpha} and x45=y12=zβ\frac{x-4}{5} = \frac{y-1}{2} = \frac{z}{\beta}.

Find: The magnitude of the minimum value of 8αβ8\alpha\beta.

The given lines are in symmetric form. Two lines intersect if the coplanarity condition of their direction vectors and the vector joining points on them is satisfied.

Using the determinant condition:

23α52β411303=0\begin{vmatrix} 2 & -3 & \alpha \\ 5 & 2 & \beta \\ 4-1 & 1-3 & 0-3 \end{vmatrix} = 0

Determinant Expansion

Expanding the determinant as shown:

2(2(3)β(2))(3)(5(3)β3)+α(5(2)23)=02\left(2\cdot(-3)-\beta\cdot(-2)\right)-(-3)\left(5\cdot(-3)-\beta\cdot3\right)+\alpha\left(5\cdot(-2)-2\cdot3\right)=0

From the solution, this gives a relation between α\alpha and β\beta. Using optimization, the minimum value of 8αβ8\alpha\beta is obtained as 1818.

Therefore, the magnitude of the minimum value is 1818.

Common mistakes

  • Using the wrong joining vector in the coplanarity determinant. The vector must be formed from one point on the first line to one point on the second line. A wrong sign changes the relation between α\alpha and β\beta. Use coordinates carefully before expanding the determinant.

  • Assuming that intersecting lines only need proportional direction ratios. That condition is for parallel lines, not intersecting skew-check problems. Here, use the determinant condition for coplanarity together with the given symmetric forms.

  • Minimizing αβ\alpha\beta without using the relation obtained from the intersection condition. The optimization step is valid only after expressing one variable in terms of the other from the determinant equation.

Practice more Equation of Line in 3D questions

Get unlimited AI-adaptive practice, mastery tracking, and an AI tutor that explains every step — free to start.

Related questions