Unit – 2: Solid Geometry

Prerequisites:
Direction Cosines
Let any line 𝐿 or its parallel 𝑂𝑃, make angles 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 with 𝑂𝑋, 𝑂𝑌 & 𝑂𝑍
respectively, then 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜶, 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜷, 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝜸 are called the direction cosines of this line
which are usually denoted by 𝒍, 𝒎, 𝒏. If 𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 are direction cosines of a vector
𝑅, then 𝑖) 𝑅̂ = 𝑙𝐼 + 𝑚𝐽 + 𝑛𝐾 𝑖𝑖) 𝑙 2 + 𝑚2 + 𝑛2 = 1.
(𝐼, 𝐽, 𝐾 are unit vectors)

If the direction cosines of a line, be proportional to 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 then these are called

proportional direction cosines or direction ratios of the line.
If the direction cosines be 𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 then
𝑙 𝑚 𝑛 √𝑙 2 + 𝑚2 + 𝑛2 1
= = = =
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 √𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
Thus 𝑙 = ,𝑚 = ,𝑛 = are the required direction
√𝑎2 +𝑏2 +𝑐 2 √𝑎2 +𝑏2 +𝑐 2 √𝑎2 +𝑏2 +𝑐 2

cosines.
Symmetric Form
Equation of the line through the point (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) and having direction ratios
𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 are
𝑥 − 𝑥0 𝑦 − 𝑦0 𝑧 − 𝑧0
= =
𝑙 𝑚 𝑛
 Perpendicular Distance of the Point
Perpendicular distance of the point 𝑃(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 ) from the plane
𝑎𝑥1 +𝑏𝑦1 +𝑐𝑧1 +𝑑
𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 is .
√𝑎2 +𝑏2 +𝑐 2

Note:
1. For the plane 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 the direction ratio of its normal is 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐.
2. Let 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 be the plane.
a) if the line is parallel to the plane 𝑎𝑙 + 𝑏𝑚 + 𝑐𝑛 = 0.
b) if the line is perpendicular to the plane, it will be parallel to its normal.
𝑙 𝑚 𝑛
= =
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
3. The plane parallel to 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 is 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑘 = 0 where
𝑘 is constant.

Projection of the Line Joining Two Points

Projection of the line joining two points (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 ) & (𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , 𝑧2 ) on a line whose
direction cosines are 𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 is given by
𝑙(𝑥2 − 𝑥1 ) + 𝑚(𝑦2 − 𝑦1 ) + 𝑛(𝑧2 − 𝑧1 ).

Angle between Two Lines

The angle between two lines whose direction ratios are 𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 and 𝑙 ′ , 𝑚′ , 𝑛′ is
𝑙𝑙 ′ +𝑚𝑚′ +𝑛𝑛′
given by 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 = .
√𝑙 2 +𝑚2 +𝑛2 √𝑙 ′2 +𝑚′2 +𝑛′2
 SPHERE
A sphere is the locus of a point which remains at a constant distance from a fixed
point. The fixed point is called the centre and the constant distance is the radius
of the sphere.
1. The equation of the sphere whose centre is (𝒂, 𝒃, 𝒄) and radius 𝒓 is given
by (𝒙 − 𝒂)𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝒃)𝟐 + (𝒛 − 𝒄)𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐
2. Equation of the sphere whose centre is the origin and radius 𝒓 is given by
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 = 𝒓𝟐
3. General Equation:
The equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑢𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑦 + 2𝑤𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 represents a sphere
whose centre is at (−𝒖, −𝒗, −𝒘) and radius 𝒓 = √𝒖𝟐 + 𝒗𝟐 + 𝒘𝟐 − 𝒅.

Thus, the general equation of a sphere is such that

i) It is the second-degree equation in 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧.
ii) The coefficient of 𝑥 2 , 𝑦 2 , 𝑧 2 are equal.
iii) There are no terms containing 𝑦𝑧, 𝑧𝑥, 𝑥𝑦.

Example 1: Find the equation of the sphere whose centre is (𝟑, −𝟏, 𝟒) and
which passes through the point (𝟏, −𝟐, 𝟎).
Solution: Given, 𝐶 = (3, −1,4).
Hence the sphere equation is (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2 + (𝑧 − 4)2 = 𝑟 2
The sphere passes through the point (1, −2, 0) (𝑖. 𝑒. , (𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) = (1, −2, 0))
(1 − 3)2 + (−2 + 1)2 + (0 − 4)2 = 𝑟 2
⟹ 𝑟 = √21
Thus the required equation is (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2 + (𝑧 − 4)2 = 21.
 Section of a Sphere by a Plane
Section of a sphere by a plane is a circle and the section of a sphere by a plane
through its centre is called a great circle.

Thus the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑢𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑦 + 2𝑤𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 (Sphere) and

𝐴𝑥 + 𝐵𝑦 + 𝐶𝑧 + 𝐷 = 0 (plane) taken together represents a circle having centre
at 𝐿 and radius 𝐿𝐴 = √𝑟 2 − 𝑝2 .

Example 2: Obtain the equation of the sphere which passes through the
points (𝟏, 𝟎, 𝟎), (𝟎, 𝟏, 𝟎), (𝟎, 𝟎, 𝟏) and which has its centre on the plane
𝒙 + 𝒚 + 𝒛 = 𝟔.
Solution. Let 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑢𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑦 + 2𝑤𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 be the required
sphere equation.
Since it passes through the given points (1,0,0), (0,1,0), (0,0,1), we have
1 + 2𝑢 + 𝑑 = 0, 1 + 2𝑣 + 𝑑 = 0, 1 + 2𝑤 + 𝑑 = 0
On solving the above equations, we get
1
𝑢 = 𝑣 = 𝑤 = − (𝑑 + 1) (1)
2

It is given that the sphere has its centre on the plane 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 6.

 −𝑢 − 𝑣 − 𝑤 = 6
⟹ 𝑢 + 𝑣 + 𝑤 = −6
⟹𝑑=3 [From (1)]
Hence, the required equation is
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 4𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 4𝑧 + 3 = 0.
Example : Find the centre, radius and the area of the circle formed by the
intersection of the plane 𝒙 + 𝟐𝒚 + 𝟐𝒛 = 𝟏𝟓 with the sphere 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 +
𝟑𝒙 − 𝟐𝒚 − 𝟒𝒛 = 𝟏𝟏.
Solution: The centre and radius of the given sphere 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 −
3
4𝑧 − 11 = 0 is 𝐶 = (− , 1, 2) and 𝑟 = √73/2.
2

Let 𝑝 = 𝐶𝐿 is perpendicular to the plane 𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 2𝑧.

3
𝑎𝑥1 +𝑏𝑦1 +𝑐𝑧1 +𝑑 − +2+4−15 7
2
Thus, 𝑝 = 𝐶𝐿 = | |=| |=2
√𝑎2 +𝑏2 +𝑐 2 √1+4+4

73 49
Let the radius of the required circle is 𝒓′ = √𝑟 2 − 𝑝2 = √ − = √𝟔
4 4

The area of the required circle is 𝑨 = 𝝅𝒓′𝟐 = 𝟔𝝅

The direction ratio of 𝐶𝐿 is 1, 2, 2.
Hence, the symmetric form of 𝐶𝐿 is given by
𝑥 + 3/2 𝑦 − 1 𝑧 − 2
= = = 𝑘 (𝑠𝑎𝑦)
1 2 2
 3
The centre of the circle is obtained as 𝐿 = (𝒙 = 𝑘 − , 𝒚 = 2𝑘 + 1, 𝒛 = 2𝑘 + 2)
2

As the centre of the circle 𝐿 lies on the plane 𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 = 15, we get

3
(𝑘 − ) + 2(2𝑘 + 1) + 2(2𝑘 + 2) = 15
2
9 7
⇒ 9𝑘 + = 15 ⇒ 𝑘 =
2 6
𝟏 𝟏𝟎 𝟏𝟑
Hence, 𝑳 = (− , , )
𝟑 𝟑 𝟑
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
[Link] the equation of the sphere through the points
(0, 0, 0), (0, 1, −1), (−1, 2, 0), (1, 2, 3). Locate its centre and find the radius.
15 25 11
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 𝑥− 𝑦− 𝑧 = 0.
7 7 7
15 25 11 √ 971
𝐶=( , , ) and 𝑟 = .
14 14 14 14
4. The equation of the sphere which has (𝒙𝟏 , 𝒚𝟏 , 𝒛𝟏 ) and (𝒙𝟐 , 𝒚𝟐 , 𝒛𝟐 ) as the
extremities of a diameter.
Solution: Consider a point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) on the sphere S having the points
𝐴(𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 ) and 𝐵(𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , 𝑧2 ) as the extremities of a diameter.
Then 𝐴𝑃 and 𝐵𝑃 are at right angles. The direction ratios of 𝐴𝑃 are
𝑥 − 𝑥1 , 𝑦 − 𝑦1 , 𝑧 − 𝑧1 and those of 𝐵𝑃 are 𝑥 − 𝑥2 , 𝑦 − 𝑦2 , 𝑧 − 𝑧2 .

∴ (𝑥 − 𝑥1 )(𝑥 − 𝑥2 ) + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )(𝑦 − 𝑦2 ) + (𝑧 − 𝑧1 )(𝑧 − 𝑧2 ) = 0 is the

required equation of the sphere.

Example 1: Find the equation of the sphere having the points (𝟐, −𝟏, 𝟒)
and (−𝟐, 𝟐, −𝟐) as the ends of the diameter. Find its centre and radius.
Solution: The general equation of the sphere when the two extremities of a
diameter is known is
(𝑥 − 𝑥1 )(𝑥 − 𝑥2 ) + (𝑦 − 𝑦1 )(𝑦 − 𝑦2 ) + (𝑧 − 𝑧1 )(𝑧 − 𝑧2 ) = 0
(𝑥 − 2)(𝑥 + 2) + (𝑦 + 1)(𝑦 − 2) + (𝑧 − 4)(𝑧 + 2) = 0
⟹ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 14 = 0
1 61
Here, 𝐶 = (0, , 1) and 𝑟 = √ .
2 4
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Find the equation of the sphere having the points (2, −1, 4) and (−2, 2, −2)
as the ends of the diameter. Find the area of the circle in which the sphere is
intersected by the plane 2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧 = 3.
317𝜋
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 𝑦 − 2𝑧 − 14 = 0 and Area is 𝐴 = .
24

2. Find the equation of the sphere having the points (2, 1, −3) and (1, −2, 4)
as the ends of a diameter. Find its centre and radius.
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 3𝑥 + 𝑦 − 𝑧 − 12 = 0
3 −1 1 √59
𝐶=( , , ) &𝑟 = .
2 2 2 2
 Intersection of a Plane and a Sphere
The equation of a sphere that passes through the circle of intersection of the
sphere 𝑆 = 0 and the plane 𝑇 = 0 is given by 𝑆 + 𝑘𝑇 = 0.

Example 1: Find the equation of the sphere that passes through the circle
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟑𝒚 + 𝟒𝒛 + 𝟖 = 𝟎 , 𝒙 − 𝟐𝒚 + 𝒛 − 𝟖 = 𝟎 and has its
centre on the plane 𝟒𝒙 − 𝟓𝒚 − 𝒛 − 𝟑 = 𝟎.
Solution: Equation of the required sphere is 𝑆 + 𝑘𝑇 = 0
i.e., 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 + 8 + 𝑘(𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 − 8) = 0
𝑘 3 𝑘
Here, 𝐶 = (−𝑢, −𝑣, −𝑤) = (1 − , + 𝑘, −2 − )
2 2 2

Since the centre lies on the plane 4𝑥 − 5𝑦 − 𝑧 − 3 = 0, we have

𝑘 3 𝑘
4 (1 − ) − 5 ( + 𝑘) − (−2 − ) − 3 = 0
2 2 2
−9
⟹𝑘 =
13

Thus 13(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 + 8) − 9(𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 − 8) = 0.

Example 2: Find the equation of the sphere having the circle 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 +

𝟏𝟎𝒚 − 𝟒𝒛 − 𝟖 = 𝟎, 𝒙 + 𝒚 + 𝒛 = 𝟑 as a great circle.
Solution: The equation of the sphere passing through the given circle is
(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 10𝑦 − 4𝑧 − 8) + 𝑘(𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 − 3) = 0
−𝑘 𝑘 𝑘
Centre of the sphere is ( , −5 − , 2 − ).
2 2 2
The given circle is a great circle of this sphere if the centre of the sphere lies in
the plane 𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 3.
−𝑘 𝑘 𝑘
i.e., −5− +2− =3
2 2 2

⟹ 𝑘 = −4
Thus the required equation of the sphere is
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 4𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 8𝑧 + 4 = 0.

Example 3: Find the equation of the smallest sphere which contains the circle
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 + 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟔𝒚 + 𝟒𝒛 − 𝟏𝟏 = 𝟎 and 𝟐𝒙 + 𝟐𝒚 + 𝒛 + 𝟏 = 𝟎.
Solution: The equation of the sphere containing the given circle is

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 4𝑧 − 11 + k(2𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 𝑧 + 1) = 0 (1)
𝑘
𝐶 = (−(1 + 𝑘), −(3 + 𝑘), − (2 + ))
2

The radius is given by

𝑘 2
√ 2 2
𝑟 = (1 + 𝑘) + (3 + 𝑘) + (2 + ) − (𝑘 − 11)
2

2 2 2
𝑘 2
𝑟 = (1 + 𝑘) + (3 + 𝑘) + (2 + ) − (𝑘 − 11)
2
9 9 64
𝑟 2 = 𝑘 2 + 9𝑘 + 25 = [(𝑘 + 2)2 + ]
4 4 9
Here, 𝑟 2 has the least value when 𝑘 = −2.
On substituting 𝑘 = −2 in equation (1), we get
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑍 2 − 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 2𝑧 − 13 = 0 which is the required smallest sphere.
 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
[Link] the equation of the sphere passing through the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑥 +
3𝑦 + 6 = 0, 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 4𝑧 = 9 and the centre of the sphere 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 2𝑥 +
4𝑦 − 6𝑧 + 5 = 0.
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 7𝑦 − 8𝑧 + 24 = 0.
2. Find the equation of the sphere for which the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 −
2𝑧 − 5 = 0, 5𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 4𝑧 + 7 = 0 is a great circle.
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2(𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 + 1) = 0.

Equation of the Tangent Plane

1. The equation of a tangent plane at any point (𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 ) of the sphere
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 𝑎2 is 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑧𝑧1 = 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 𝑎2 .
2. Similarly to the sphere 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑢𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑦 + 2𝑤𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 is
𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑧𝑧1 + 𝑢(𝑥 + 𝑥1 ) + 𝑣(𝑦 + 𝑦1 ) + 𝑤(𝑧 + 𝑧1 ) + 𝑑 = 0.
Note: The condition for a plane or a line to touch a sphere is that the perpendicular
distance of the centre from the plane is equal to the radius.

Example 1: Find the equation of the tangent plane at a point (𝟏, 𝟐, −𝟐) to
the sphere 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 − 𝟐𝒙 − 𝟔𝒚 = 𝟎.
Solution: Here, (𝑢, 𝑣, 𝑤) = (−1, −3, 0) and 𝑑 = 0.
Equation of the tangent plane is
𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 + 𝑧𝑧1 + 𝑢(𝑥 + 𝑥1 ) + 𝑣(𝑦 + 𝑦1 ) + 𝑤(𝑧 + 𝑧1 ) + 𝑑 = 0.
⇒ 𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 − (𝑥 + 1) − 3(𝑦 + 2) = 0
⇒ 𝑦 + 2𝑧 + 7 = 0.
Example 2: Find the equations of the spheres passing through the circle 𝒙𝟐 +
𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 − 𝟔𝒙 − 𝟐𝒛 + 𝟓 = 𝟎, 𝒚 = 𝟎 and touching the plane 𝟑𝒚 + 𝟒𝒛 + 𝟓 = 𝟎.
Solution: The equation of the sphere is 𝑆 + 𝑘𝑇 = 0
i.e., 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 6𝑥 − 2𝑧 + 5 + 𝑘𝑦 = 0 (1)
The centre 𝐶 and radius 𝑟 is
𝑘 𝑘2
𝐶 = (3, − , 1) and 𝑟 = √5 +
2 4

The sphere will touch the plane 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 + 5 = 0 if perpendicular distance of

𝑘
the centre 𝐶 = (3, − , 1) from the plane is equal to radius.
2
𝑘
(0+3(− )+4(1)+5) 𝑘2
i.e., 2
= √5 +
√0+32 +4 2 4

⇒ 4𝑘 2 + 27𝑘 + 44 = 0
11
⇒𝑘=− , −4
4

Put 𝑘 in equation (1), we get

11
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 6𝑥 − 𝑦 − 2𝑧 + 5 = 0 and
4

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 6𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 2𝑧 + 5 = 0

EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Find the equation of the sphere which touches the plane 𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 7 at
the point 𝐿(3, −1, −1) and passes through the point 𝑀(1, 1, −3).
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 10𝑦 − 10𝑧 − 31 = 0.
2. Find the tangent planes to the sphere 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 6𝑧 + 5 = 0
which are parallel to the plane 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 = 0.
Solution: 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 10 = 0 and 2𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 − 8 = 0
 Orthogonal Spheres
Two spheres are said to cut orthogonally if the tangent planes at a point of
intersection are at right angles.

The radii of such spheres through their point of intersection 𝑃, being

perpendicular to the tangent planes at 𝑃 are also at right angles. Thus, two spheres
cut orthogonally, if the square of the distance between their centre is equal to
𝟐
sum of squares of their radii. i.e., 𝑪𝑪′ = 𝒓𝟐 + 𝒓′𝟐 .

Example 1: Show that the condition for spheres

𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 + 𝟐𝒖𝒙 + 𝟐𝒗𝒚 + 𝟐𝒘𝒛 + 𝒅 = 𝟎 and
𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 + 𝟐𝒖′𝒙 + 𝟐𝒗′𝒚 + 𝟐𝒘′𝒛 + 𝒅′ = 𝟎 to cut orthogonally is
𝟐𝒖𝒖′ + 𝟐𝒗𝒗′ + 𝟐𝒘𝒘′ = 𝒅 + 𝒅′ .
Proof: Let 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑢𝑥 + 2𝑣𝑦 + 2𝑤𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 (1)
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑢′𝑥 + 2𝑣′𝑦 + 2𝑤′𝑧 + 𝑑′ = 0 (2)
The centre and radii of the spheres are
𝐶 = (−𝑢, −𝑣, −𝑤)&𝑟 = √𝑢2 + 𝑣 2 + 𝑤 2 − 𝑑 and
𝐶 ′ = (−𝑢′ , −𝑣 ′ , −𝑤 ′ ) & 𝑟 ′ = √𝑢′2 + 𝑣 ′2 + 𝑤 ′2 − 𝑑′ for (1) and (2)
respectively.
The spheres (1) and (2) will cut orthogonally if 𝐶𝐶 ′ = 𝑟 2 + 𝑟 ′2
i.e., (−𝑢′ + 𝑢)2 + (−𝑣 ′ + 𝑣)2 + (−𝑤 ′ + 𝑤)2 = (𝑢2 + 𝑣 2 + 𝑤 2 − 𝑑) + (𝑢′2 +
𝑣 ′2 + 𝑤 ′2 − 𝑑 ′2 )
⇒ 2𝑢𝑢′ + 2𝑣𝑣 ′ + 2𝑤𝑤 ′ = 𝑑 + 𝑑 ′
Example 2: Find the equation of the sphere which touches the plane 𝟑𝒙 +
𝟐𝒚 − 𝒛 + 𝟐 = 𝟎 at the point (𝟏, −𝟐, 𝟏) and cuts the sphere 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 −
𝟒𝒙 + 𝟔𝒚 + 𝟒 = 𝟎 orthogonally.
Solution: The given plane 3𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 2 = 0 (1)
touches the required sphere at 𝐴 = (1, −2, 1) if its centre lies on the normal to
the plane at 𝐴.
The equation of the normal to the plane (1) at 𝐴 is
𝑥−1 𝑦+2 𝑧−1
= = = 𝑘 (𝑠𝑎𝑦)
3 2 −1

⇒ 𝑥 = 3𝑘 + 1, 𝑦 = 2𝑘 − 2, 𝑧 = −𝑘 + 1 this represents centre 𝐶

for some value of 𝑘.
Here, AC is the radius of the sphere and is given by
𝑟 = 𝐴𝐶 = √(3𝑘 + 1 − 1)2 + (2𝑘 − 2 + 2)2 + (−𝑘 + 1 − 1)2
𝑟 = 𝑘√14
Since the required sphere cuts the given sphere
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 4𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 4 = 0 orthogonally, whose centre and radius
are 𝐶′ = (2, −3, 0) and 𝑟′ = 3, we get
(𝐶𝐶 ′ )2 = 𝑟 2 + 𝑟 ′ 2 (By the condition of orthogonality)
2 2 2
⇒ ((3𝑘 + 1) − 2) + ((2𝑘 − 2) + 3) + ((−𝑘 + 1) + 0) = 14𝑘 2 + 9
3
⇒𝑘=−
2
7 5 3
Thus, 𝐶 = (− , −5, ) and radius 𝑟 = √14.
2 2 2

Hence, the required sphere is

7 2 2
5 2 3 2
(𝑥 + ) + (𝑦 + 5) + (𝑧 − ) = ( √14)
2 2 2
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 7𝑥 + 10𝑦 − 5𝑧 + 12 = 0.
 Cone
It is a surface generated by a straight line which passes through a fixed point and
it may intersect a given curve called the guiding curve. The fixed point is called
vertex and the straight line in any position is called a generator.

Example 1: Find the equation of the cone whose vertex is (𝟑, 𝟏, 𝟐) and base
the circle 𝟐𝒙𝟐 + 𝟑𝒚𝟐 = 𝟏, 𝒛 = 𝟏.
Solution: Any line through (3, 1, 2) is
𝑥−3 𝑦−1 𝑧−2
= = (1)
𝑙 𝑚 𝑛

It meets 𝑧 = 1, where
𝑥−3 𝑦−1 −1
= =
𝑙 𝑚 𝑛
𝑙 𝑚
⇒ 𝑥 = 3 − ,𝑦 = 1 − .
𝑛 𝑛

Substituting these values of 𝑥 and 𝑦 in 2𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 = 1

𝑙 2 𝑚 2
2 (3 − ) + 3 (1 − ) = 1 (2)
𝑛 𝑛
𝑙 𝑥−3 𝑚 𝑦−1
From (1) = , =
𝑚 𝑧−2 𝑛 𝑧−2

𝑥−3 2 𝑦−1 2
Equation (2) ⇒ 2 (3 − ) + 3 (1 − 𝑧−2 ) = 1
𝑧−2

2𝑥 2 + 3𝑦 2 + 21𝑧 2 − 12𝑥𝑧 − 6𝑦𝑧 + 12𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 42𝑧 + 20 = 0.

Note:
1. The general equation of the cone of second degree having vertex at the origin
is of the form 𝑎𝑥 2 + 𝑏𝑦 2 + 𝑐𝑧 2 + 2𝑓𝑦𝑧 + 2𝑔𝑧𝑥 + 2ℎ𝑥𝑦 = 0.
2. The general equation of the cone of second degree which passes through the
axes is of the form 𝑓𝑦𝑧 + 𝑔𝑧𝑥 + ℎ𝑥𝑦 = 0.
 Right Circular Cone
A right circular cone is a surface generated by a straight line which passes through
a fixed point (vertex) and makes a constant angle with a fixed line.

The constant angle is called its semi-vertical angle and the fixed line is axis. The
section of a right circular cone by a plane perpendicular to its axis is circle.
Let (𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) be the coordinates of the vertex 𝑉 and (𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛) be
the direction ratios of the axis. Consider any point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) on the cone.

Then the direction ratios of the generator 𝑉𝑃 are (𝑥 − 𝑥0 , 𝑦 − 𝑦0 , 𝑧 − 𝑧0 )

and
𝒍(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 ) + 𝒎(𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 ) + 𝒏(𝒛 − 𝒛𝟎 )
𝒄𝒐𝒔 𝜽 =
√(𝒍𝟐 + 𝒎𝟐 + 𝒏𝟐 )√(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 )𝟐 + (𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 )𝟐 + (𝒛 − 𝒛𝟎 )𝟐
⇒ {𝒍(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 ) + 𝒎(𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 ) + 𝒏(𝒛 − 𝒛𝟎 )}𝟐 = (𝒍𝟐 + 𝒎𝟐 + 𝒏𝟐 ){(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟎 )𝟐 +
(𝒚 − 𝒚𝟎 )𝟐 + (𝒛 − 𝒛𝟎 )𝟐 } 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝟐 𝜽
This is the equation of the right circular cone holds for any point 𝑃 on the cone.
Note: A right circular cone’s axis is perpendicular to its base.
Example 1: Find the equation of the right circular cone whose vertex is the
𝒙 𝒚 𝒛
origin whose axis is the line = = and which has semi vertical angle of
𝟏 𝟐 𝟑

𝟑𝟎𝟎 .
Solution: Given the vertex is at origin i.e., 𝑉(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) = (0, 0, 0) and the axis
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
is the line = = whose direction ratios are 𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 = 1, 2, 3 and θ = 300 .
1 2 3

Then the required equation is

(𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 3𝑧)2 = (12 + 22 + 32 ){𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 }(𝑐𝑜𝑠300 )2
3
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 + 9𝑧 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 12𝑦𝑧 + 6𝑥𝑧 = 14(𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 )
4

⇒ 19𝑥 2 + 13𝑦 2 + 3𝑧 2 − 8𝑥𝑦 − 24𝑦𝑧 − 12𝑥𝑧 = 0. .

Example 2: Find the equation of the right circular cone generated when the
straight line 𝟐𝒚 + 𝟑𝒛 = 𝟔, 𝒙 = 𝟎 revolves about 𝒛-axis.
Solution: Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) be any point on the cone. The vertex is the point of
intersection of the line 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 6, 𝑥 = 0 and the 𝑧 − axis.

Therefore, the vertex is V (0, 0, 2).

Direction ratios of the generator is (0, 3, −2)
𝑦 𝑧−2
[i. e. , 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 = 6 ⇒ 2𝑦 = 6 − 3𝑧 ⇒ = ]
3 −2

and that of 𝑧 - axis is (0, 0, 1).

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧−2
A generator of the cone is = = .
0 3 −2

The semi vertical angle 𝜃 is given by

 −2
𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 =
√0+32 +(−2)2 √1
−2
⇒ 𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 =
√13

Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) be any point on the cone so that the direction ratios of 𝑉𝑃 are
(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 − 2). Since 𝑉𝑃 makes an angle 𝜃 with 𝐴𝑍, we have
𝑥. 0 + 𝑦. 0 + (𝑧 − 2).1
𝑐𝑜𝑠 𝜃 =
√𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + (𝑧 − 2)2
4 (𝑧−2)2
⟹ =
13 𝑥 2 +𝑦 2 +(𝑧−2)2

⟹ 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑦 2 − 9𝑧 2 + 36𝑧 − 36 = 0
which is the required equation of the cone.

EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Find the equation of the right circular cone generated by revolving the line
2𝑥 + 3𝑦 = 5, 𝑧 = 0 about the 𝑦-axis.
Solution: 4𝑥 2 + 4𝑧 2 − 9𝑦 2 + 30𝑦 − 25 = 0.
2. Find the equation of the right circular cone generated by rotating the line
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
= = about the line = = .
1 2 3 −1 1 2

Solution: 5𝑥 2 + 5𝑦 2 − 𝑧 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 − 8𝑦𝑧 + 8𝑥𝑧 = 0.

 Right Circular Cylinder
A right circular cylinder is a surface generated by a straight line which is parallel
to a straight line (fixed line) and is at a constant distance from it. The constant
distance is called the radius of the cylinder.
Let (𝒍, 𝒎, 𝒏) be the direction cosines of the axis and 𝐴(𝑥0 , 𝑦0 , 𝑧0 ) be any point
on the axis. Consider an arbitrary point 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) on the cylinder. Draw 𝑃𝑀
perpendicular to the axis 𝐴𝑀. Then 𝑃𝑀 is the radius of the cylinder. Here, 𝐴𝑀
is the projection of 𝐴𝑃 on 𝐴𝑀 (axis).

Thus, 𝐴𝑀 = 𝑙(𝑥 − 𝑥0 ) + 𝑚(𝑦 − 𝑦0 ) + 𝑛(𝑧 − 𝑧0 ) and

𝐴𝑃2 = (𝑥 − 𝑥0 )2 + (𝑦 − 𝑦0 )2 + (𝑧 − 𝑧0 )2
From the right angle triangle 𝐴𝑃2 = 𝐴𝑀2 + 𝑃𝑀2 which is the required equation
of the cylinder.

Example 1: The radius of a normal section of a right circular cylinder

𝒙−𝟏 𝒚+𝟑 𝒛−𝟐
is 2 units, the axis lies along the straight line = = . Find its
𝟐 −𝟏 𝟓

equation.
Solution: A point on the axis of the cylinder is 𝐴(1, −3, 2) and its direction
2 1 5
ratios are 2, −1, 5. Its direction cosines are ,− , .
√30 √30 √30

𝐴𝑀 = Projection of 𝐴𝑃 on 𝐴𝑀(axis)
2 −1 5
𝐴𝑀 = (𝑥 − 1) + (𝑦 + 3) + (𝑧 − 2)
√30 √30 √30
2𝑥−𝑦+5𝑧−15
=
√30
Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) be an arbitrary point on the cylinder. Draw 𝑃𝑀 perpendicular to
the axis 𝐴𝑀. Then 𝑃𝑀 = 2 is the radius of the cylinder.

We have from the right-angle triangle 𝐴𝑃2 = 𝐴𝑀2 + 𝑃𝑀2

1
⇒ (𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 + 3)2 + (𝑧 − 2)2 = (2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 5𝑧 − 15)2 + 22
30
⇒ 26𝑥 2 + 29𝑦 2 + 5𝑧 2 + 4𝑥𝑦 + 10𝑦𝑧 − 20𝑧𝑥 + 150𝑦 + 30𝑧 + 75 = 0
which is the required equation of the cylinder.

Example 2: Find the equation of the right circular cylinder whose axis is
the line 𝒙 = 𝟐𝒚 = −𝒛 and radius 4.
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
Solution: Given, 𝑥 = 2𝑦 = −𝑧 ⇒ = 1 = and radius 4 i.e., (𝑃𝑀 = 4).
1 −1
2

1
The point on the axis is 𝐴(0, 0, 0) and its direction ratios are 1, , −1.
2
2 1 2
The direction cosines are , , − .
3 3 3

𝐴𝑀 = Projection of 𝐴𝑃 on 𝐴𝑀(axis)
2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2𝑧
𝐴𝑀 =
3
Now 𝐴𝑃2 = 𝐴𝑀2 + 𝑃𝑀2
2𝑥+𝑦−2𝑧 2
⇒ 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 = ( ) + 42
3

⇒ 5𝑥 2 + 8𝑦 2 + 5𝑧 2 − 4𝑥𝑦 + 4𝑦𝑧 + 8𝑧𝑥 − 144 = 0.

 EXERCISE PROBLEMS
1. Find the equation of the circular cylinder having its base the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 +
𝑧 2 = 9, 𝑥 − 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 3.
Solution: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 𝑥𝑦 + 𝑦𝑧 − 𝑧𝑥 − 9 = 0.
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
Hint: Axis of the cylinder is = = .
1 −1 1

The perpendicular distance 𝑂𝐿 = √3. 𝑂𝑀 =Projection of 𝑂𝑃

[Link] the equation of the enveloping cylinder of the sphere 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 9

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
having generator parallel to the line = = .
3 2 1

Solution: 5𝑥 2 + 10𝑦 2 + 13𝑧 2 − 12𝑥𝑦 − 4𝑦𝑧 − 6𝑧𝑥 − 126 = 0.