IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 1

IAS
PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021-1983)
SEGMENT-WISE
3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
2021 2019
 Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators  Show that the lines
y z x +1 y − 3 z + 2 x y−7 z+7
are parallel to the line x = − = and whose = = and = =
2 3 −3 2 1 1 −3 2
guiding curve is x2 + 2y2 = 1, z = 0. [10] intersect. Find the coordinates of the point
 Show that the planes, which cut the cone ax2 + by2 of intersection and the equation of the plane
+ cz2 = 0 in perpendicular generators, touch the containing them. (10)
x2 y2 z2  (i) The plane x + 2y + 3z = 12 cuts the axes of
cone + + =0. [20] co-ordinates in A, B, C. Find the equations of
b+c c+a a+ b
the circle circumscribing the triangle ABC.
 A sphere of constant radius r passes through the (10)
origin O and cuts the axes at the points A, B and (ii) Prove that the plane z = 0 cuts the enveloping
C. Find, the locus of the foot of the perpendicular cone of the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = 11 which
drawn from O to the plane ABC. [15] has the vertex at (2, 4, 1) in a rectangular
 Find equation of the plane containing the lines hyperbola. (10)
x +1 y +3 z+5  Prove that, in general, three normals can be drawn
= = ,
3 5 7 from a given point to the paraboloid x2 + y2 = 2az,
but if the point lies on the surface
x −2 y −4 z−6
= = . 27a(x2 + y2) + 8 (a – z)3 = 0 then
1 3 5 two of the three normals coincide. (15)
Also find the point of intersection of the given  Find the length of the normal chord through a point
lines. [15] P of the ellipsoid
2020 x 2 y2 z2
+ + =1
 Find the equation of the tangent plane to the a 2 b2 c2
ellipsoid 2x2 + 6y2 + 3z2 = 27 which passes through
the line x – y – z = 0 = x – y + 2z – 9. [10] and prove that if it is equal to 4PG3, where G3 is
the point where the normal chord through P meets
 Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators the xy-plane, then P lies on the cone.
x2 y2 z2
6 (
are parallel to the line
x
=
y z
= and whose 2c 2 − a 2 ) + 6 ( 2c 2 − b 2 ) + 4 = 0 [15]
1 −2 3 a b c

guiding curve is x2 + y2 = 4, z = 2. [15] 2018

x y z  Find the projection of the straight line
 If the straight line = = represents one of a
1 2 3 x 1 y 1 z 1
 
set of three mutually perpendicular generators of 2 3 1
the cone 2yz – 8zx – 3xy = 0, the find the equations
on the plane x  y  2z  6. (10)
of the other two generators. [15]
 Find the locus of the point intersection of the  Find the shortest distance from the point (1,0) to
perpendicular generators of the hyperbolic the parabola y2 = 4x. (13)
x 2 y2 x 2 y2
paraboloid 2 − 2 = 2z . [15]  The ellipse   1 revolves about the x-axis.
a b a 2 b2
Find the volume of the solid of revolution. (13)
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2 / 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983)
 Find the surface generated by a line which intersects
 Find the shortest distance between the lines
the lines y = a = z, x + 3z = a = y + z and parallel
a1x  b1y  c1z  d1  0
to the plane x + y = 0. (10)
 Show that the cone 3yz – 2zy – 2xy = 0 has an
a 2 x  b2y  c 2 z  d2  0 infinite set of three mutually perpendicular
x y z
and the z-axis. (12) generators. If = = is a generator belonging
1 1 2
 Find the equations to the generating lines of the
paraboloid (x + y + z)(2x + y – z) = 6z which pass to one such set, find the other two. (10)
through the point (1,1,1). (13)  Find the locus of the point of intersection of three
 Find the equation of the sphere in xyz-plane passing mutually perpendicular tangent planes to the
through the points (0, 0, 0), (0, 1, –1), (–1, 2, 0) and conicoid ax2 + by2 + cz2 = 1. (15)
(1, 2, 3). (12)
 Find the equation of the cone with (0,0,1) as the 2015
vertex and 2x2–y2 = 4, z = 0 as the guiding curve.  For what positive value of a, the plane
(13) ax–2y+z+12=0
 Find the equation of the plane parallel to 3x–y+3z=8 touches the sphere x2+y2+z2–2x–4y+2z–3=0 and
and passing through the point (1,1,1). (12) hence find the point of contact. (10)
 If 6x=3y=2z represents one of the three mutually
2017 perpendicular generators of the cone
 Find the equation of the tangent plane at point 5yz–8zx–3xy=0 then obtain the equations of the
other two generators. (13)
(1,1,1) to the conicoid 3x2 – y2 = 2z.. (10)
 Obtain the equation of the plane passing through
 Find the shortest distance between the skew
the points (2,3,1) and (4,–5,3) parallel to x-axis.
lines: (10)
(06)
x3 8 y z 3 x3 y7 z 6
  and   .  Verify if the lines:
3 1 1 3 2 4
xad ya zad
  and
 A plane passes through a fixed point (a, b, c) and     
cuts the axes at the points A,B, C respectively. Find
the locus of the centre of the sphere which passes xbc y b z bc
through the origin O and A,B,C. (15)  
    
 Show that the plane 2x–2y+z+12=0 touches the
sphere x2+y2+z2–2x–4y+2z–3=0. Find the point of are coplanar. If yes, then find the equation of the
contact. (10) plane in which they lie. (07)
 Find the locus of the point of intersection of three  Two perpendicular tangent planes to the paraboloid
mutually perpendicular tangent planes to x2+y2=2z intersect in a straight line in the plane
ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1. (10) x=0. Obtain the curve to which this straight line
touches. (13)
 Reduce the following equation to the standard form
and hence determine the nature of the conicoid: 2014
x2+y2+z2–yz–zx–xy–3x–6y–9z+21=0. (15)  Examine whether the plane x+y+z=0 cuts the cone
yz+zx+xy=0 in perpendicular lines. (10)
 Find the co-ordinates of the points on the sphere
2016
x2+y2+z2–4x+2y=4, the tangent planes at which are
 Find the equation of the sphere which passes
parallel to the plane 2x–y+2z=1. (10)
through the circle x2 + y2 = 4; z = 0 and is cut by
the plane x + 2y + 2z = 0 in a circle of radius 3.  Prove that the equation
(10) ax2+by2+cz2+2ux+2vy+2wz+d=0,
 Find the shortest distance between the lines u 2 v 2 w2
represents a cone if    d. (10)
x −1 y − 2 a b c
= = z − 3 and y – mx = z = 0. For what
2 4
 Show that the lines drawn from the origin parallel to
value of m will the two lines intersect ? (10) the normals to the central conicoid ax2+by2+cz2=1,
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IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 3

at its points of intersection with the plane lx+my+nz and meets the axes in A, B, C respectively. Prove
= p generate the cone that the circle ABC lies on the cone
 x 2 y 2 z 2   lx my nz 
2 b c c a a b
yz     zx     xy     0
p2        (15) c b a c b a
 a b c  a b c 
(20)
 Find the equations of the two generating lines
 Show that the locus of a point from which the three
through any point (a cos θ, b sin θ, 0), of the
mutually perpendicular tangent lines can be drawn
x2 y 2
principal elliptic section 2  2  1, z  0, t o t h e p a r a b o l o i d x  y  2z  0 i s
2 2

a b
x2  y 2  4z  1 (20)
of the hyperboloid by the plane z=0. (15)

2011
2013
 Find the equations of the straight line through
 Find the equation of the plane which passes through the point (3,1,2) to intersect the straight line
the points (0,1,1) and(2,0,–1) and is parallel to the x+4=y+1=2(z-2) and parallel to the plane
line joining the points (–1,1,–2), (3,–2,4). Find also 4x+y+5z=0. (10)
the distance between the line and the plane. (10)  Show that the equation of the sphere which touches
 A sphere S has points (0, 1, 0), (3, –5, 2) at opposite the sphere
ends of a diameter. Find the equation of the sphere 4( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  10 x  25 y  2 z  0 at the point
having the intersection of the sphere S with the (1,2,-2) and passes through the point (-1,0,0) is
plane 5x – 2y + 4z + 7 = 0 as a great circle. (10) x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  6 y  1  0. (10)
 Show that three mutually perpendicular tangent
lines can be drawn to the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 = r2  Three points P,Q,R are taken on the ellipsoid
from any point on the sphere 2(x2+y2+z2)=3r2. x2 y 2 z 2
   1 so that the lines joining P,Q,R
(15) a 2 b2 c2
 A cone has for its guiding curve the circle to the origin are mutually perpendicular. Prove that
x2+y2+2ax+2by = 0, z = 0 the plane PQR touches a fixed sphere. (20)
and passes through a fixed point (0, 0, c). If the  Show that the cone yz+zx+xy=0 cuts the sphere
section of the cone by the plane y=0 is a rectangular x 2  y 2  z 2  a 2 in two equal circles, and find their
hyperbola, prove that the vertex lies on the fixed circle
x2+y2+z2+2ax+2by = 0 area. (20)
2ax+2by+cz=0. (15)  Show that the generators through any one of the
 A variable generator meets two generators of the ends of an equiconjugate diameter of the principal
system through the extremities B and B’ of the x2 y 2 z 2
elliptic section of the hyperboloid 2  2  2  1
minor axis of the principal elliptic section of the a b c
x2 y 2
hyperboloid 2  2  z c  1 in P and P’. Prove are inclined to each other at an angle of 600 if
2 2

a b
a 2  b 2  6c 2 . Find also the condition for the
that BP.B’P’=a2+c2. (20)
generators to be perpendicular to each other. (20)

2012 2010
 Prove that two of the straight lines represented by  Show that the plane x+y-2z=3 cuts the sphere
the equation x 2 + y2 + z 2 − x + y = 2 in a circle of radius 1 and
x 3  bx 2 y  cxy 2  y 3  0
find the equation of the sphere which has this circle
as a great circle. (12)
will be at right angles, if b  c  2. (12)
5
 Show that the plane 3 x  4 y  7 z   0 touches
 A variable plane is parallel to the plane 2
the paraboloid 3 x  4 y  10 z and find the point
2 2
x y z
   0 of contact. (20)
a b c
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4 / 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983)
 Show that every sphere through the circle perpendicular to z-axis meet the plane z=0 in
x 2  y 2  2ax  r 2  0, z  0 cuts orthogonally parabolas. (20)
every sphere through the circle x  z  r , y  0.
2 2 2
2007
(20)  Find the locus of the point which moves so that its
distance from the plane x +y – z = 1 is twice its
 Find the vertices of the skew quadrilateral formed distance from the line x = - y = z. (12)
by the four generators of the hyperboloid  Find the equation of the sphere inscribed in the
x2 tetrahedron whose faces are x = 0 , y = 0 , z = 0
 y 2  z 2  49 passing through (10, 5, 1) and and 2x + 3y + 6z = 6. (12)
4
 Show that the spheres x  y  z  x  z  2  0
2 2 2

(14, 2, -2). (20)

and 3 x  3 y  3 z  8 x  10 y  8 z  14  0 cut
2 2 2
2009
 A line is drawn through a variable point on the orthogonally. Find the centre and radius of their
x2 y 2 common circle. (15)
ellipse 2  2  1, z  0 to meet two fixed lines
a b  A line with direction ratios 2, 7, -5 is drawn to
y = mx, z = c and y = -mx, z = -c. Find the locus X Y 1 Z  2
intersect the lines   and
of the line. (12) 3 2 4
 Find the equation of the sphere having its centre X − 11 Y − 5 Z
on the plane 4x – 5y – z = 3, and passing through = = . Find the coordinates of the
3 1 1
t h e c i r c l e x  y  z  12 x  3 y  4 z  8  0,
2 2 2

points of intersection and the length intercepted on

3x + 4y – 5z + 3 = 0. (12)
it. (15)
 Prove that the normals from the point (α, β, γ) to
 Show that the plane 2x – y + 2z = 0 cuts the cone
x2 y 2 xy + yz + zx = 0 in perpendicular lines. (15)
the paraboloid 2  2  2 z lie on the cone
a b  Show that the feet of the normals from the point
P(α, β, γ) , β ≠ 0 on the paraboloid x  y  4 z
2 2
  a 2  b2
   0. (20)
x  y   z  lie on the sphere
2  ( x 2  y 2  z 2 )  ( 2   2 ) y  2  (2  y ) z  0
2008
 The plane x – 2y + 3z = 0 is rotated through a right (15)
angle about its line of intersection with the plane 2006
2x + 3y – 4z – 5 = 0 ; find the equation of the plane  A pair of tangents to the conic ax  by  1
2 2

in its new position. (12)

intercepts a constant distance 2k on the y – axis.
 Find the equations ( in Symmetric form ) of the
Prove that the locus of their point of intersection is
tangent line to the circle
the conic ax (ax  by  1)  bk (ax  1) . (12)
2 2 2 2 2 2

x 2  y 2  z 2  5 x  7 y  2 z  8  0,
 Show that the length of the shortest distance
3x – 2y + 4z + 3 = 0 at the point (-3,5,4). (12) between the line z  X tan  , y  0 and any tangent
 A sphere S has points (0,1,0),(3,-5,2) at opposite
to the ellipse X sin   Y  a , Z=0 is
2 2 2 2

ends of a diameter. Find the equation of the sphere

having the intersection of the sphere S with the constant. (12)
plane 5x-2y+4z+7=0 as a great circle. (20)  If PSP’ and QSQ’ are the two perpendicular focal
x y z l
 If = = represent one of a set of three chords of a conic  1  e cos  , prove that
1 2 3 r

mutually perpendicular generators of the cone 1 1 2  e2

(i )   2 (constan t )
5yz-8zx-3xy=0,find the equations of the other two. SP.SP  SQ.SQ  l
(20)
1 1 2  e2
 Show that the enveloping cylinders of the (ii )  
PP  QQ  2l
ellipsoid ax2 + by2 + cz2 = 1 with generators

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IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 5
 Find the equation of the sphere which touches the  Find the locus of the middle points of the chords
plane 3x +2y –z + 2 = 0 at the point (1, -2, 1) and of the rectangular hyperbola x  y  a which
2 2 2

cuts orthogonally the sphere

touch the parabola y = 4ax. (15)
2

x2  y 2  z 2  4x  6 y  4  0 (15)
 Prove that the locus of a line which meets the lines
 Show that the plane ax + by +cz = 0 cuts the cone y   mx, z  c and the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 , z  0 is
xy + yz + zx = 0 in perpendicular lines, if
c 2 m 2  cy  mzx   c 2  yz  cmx   a 2 m 2  z 2  c 2  .
2 2 2
1 1 1
   0. (15)
a b c
(15/1991)
 If the plane lx + my + nz = p passes through the  Prove that the lines of intersection of pairs of
extremities of three conjugate semidiameters of the tangent planes to ax  by  cz  0 which touch
2 2 2

x2 y 2 z 2 along perpendicular generators lie on the cone

ellipsoid 2  2  2  1 ,
a b c a 2  b  c  x 2  b 2  c  a  y 2  c 2  a  b  z 2  0 .(15)
Prove that a l  b m  c n  3 p . (15)
2 2 2 2 2 2 2

 Tangent planes are drawn to the ellipsoid

x2 y 2 z 2
2005    1 through the point (α, β, γ). Prove
a 2 b2 c2
 If normals at the points of an ellipse whose ecentric
angels are α, β, γ and δ meet in a point, then show that the perpendiculars to them through the origin
that sin(    )  sin(   )  sin(   )  0. (12) generate the cone
( x   y   z ) 2  a 2 x 2  b 2 y 2  c 2 z 2 (15)
 A square ABCD having each diagonal AC and BD
of length, 2a, is folded along the diagonal AC so 2003
that the planes DAC and BAC are at right angle.
 A variable plane remains at a constant distance
Find the shortest distance between AB and DC.
unity from the point (1, 0, 0) and cuts the co –
(12)
ordinate axes at A, B, and C. Find the locus of the
 A plane is drawn through the line x+y=1 , z = 0 to centre of the sphere passing through the origin and
1  1  the points A, B, and C. (12)
make angle sin   with the plane x + y + z = 5.
3  Find the equation of the two straight lines through
Show the two such planes can be drawn. Find their the point (1, 1, 1) that intersect the line x – 4 = 2
equations and the angle between them. (y – 4)= 2(z-1) at an angle of 600 (12)
(15)  Find the volume of the tetrahedron formed by the
 Show that the locus of the centres of spheres of a four planes lx+my+nz=p , lx+my=0 , my+nz=0 and
co – axial system is a straight line. (15) nz+lx=0. (15)
 Obtain the equation of a right circular cylinder on  A sphere of constant radius r passes through the
the circle through the points (a, 0, 0) , (0, b, 0) and origin O and cuts the co – ordinates axes at A, B &
(0, 0, c) as the guiding curve. (15) C. Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular
 Reduce the following equation to canonical form from O to the plane ABC. (15)
and determine which surface is represented by it :  Find the equations of the lines of intersection of
2 x 2  7 y 2  2 z 2  10 yz  8 zx  10 xy  6 x  12 y  6 z  2  0 the plane x+7y-5z and the cone 3yz+14zx-30xy=0
(15)  Find the equations of the line of shortest distance
2004 between the lines x+z=1, x=0 and x-z=1, y=0 as
the intersection of two planes. (15)
 Prove that the locus of the foot of the perpendicular
drawn from the vertex on a tangent to the parabola
2002
y2 = 4ax is (x + a) y2 + x3 = 0. (12)  Show that the equation
 Find the equations of tangent planes to the sphere 9 x 2  16 y 2  18 x  32 y  151  0 r e p r e s e n t s a
x2  y 2  z 2  4x  2 y  6z  5  0 w h i c h a r e
hyperbola. Obtain its eccentricity and foci.
parallel to the plane 2x+y-z=4. (12) (12/2001)

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6 / 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983)
 If TP, TQ and T’ P’ , T’ Q’ be the tangents to an
 Find the co – ordinates of the centre of the sphere
ellipse, then prove that the six points T, P, Q,
inscribed in the tetrahedron formed by the planes
T’,P’,Q’ all lie on a conic. (15)
x = 0, y=0, z = 0, and x+y+z=a. (12)
 Tangents are drawn from any point on the ellipse
x2 y 2 2000
 2  1 to the circle x 2  y 2  r 2 . Show that  Find the equations of the planes bisecting the angles
a 2
b
b/w the planes 2x- y-2z-3=0 and 3x+4y+1=0 and
chords of contact are tangents to the ellipse specify the one which bisects the acute angle.
a 2 x2  b2 y 2  r 4 . (15) (12)
 Consider a rectangular parallelopiped with edges  Find the equation to the common conjugate
a, b, c. Obtain shortest distance between one of its diameters of the conics x  4 xy  6 y  1 and
2 2

diagonals and an edge which does not intersect this 6 x 2  6 xy  9 y 2  1 (12)

diagonal. (15)
 Show that the feet of six normals drawn from any  If the mth derivative of r w. r. t ‘s’ is given by
x2 y 2 z 2 r    am t  bm n  cm b prove the reduction
m
point (α, β, γ) to the ellipsoid 2  2  2  1 lie
a b c
on the cone Formulae : am 1  am  kbm
a b  c 
2 2 2
b c  a  
2 2 2
c a  b 
2 2 2

   0. am 1  am  kam   cm
x y z
 A variable plane parallel to the plane cm 1  cm   bm
x y z
   0 meets the co – ordinates axes at A,
a b c where symbols have their usual meaning. (15)
 Find the equation of the sphere through the circle
B, and C. Show that the circle ABC lie on the conic
x 2  y 2  z 2  4, x  2 y  z  2 and the point (1, -1, 1).
b c c a a b
yz     zx     xy     0. (15)
c b a c b a (15)
 A variable straight line always intersects the lines
2001 x = c , y = 0 ; y = c , z = 0 ; z = c , x = 0. Find the
 Show that the equation equations to its locus. (15)
x 2  5 xy  y 2  8 x  20 y  15  0  Show that the locus of mid – points of chords of
the cone ax  by  cz  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy  0
2 2 2
represents a hyperbola. Find the co – ordinates of
its centre and the length of its real semi axes. x y z
drawn parallel to the line = = is the plane
(12) l m n
 Find the S – D between the axis of z and the line
(al + hm + gn) x + (hl + bm +fn)y +(gl+fm+cn)z=0.
ax  by  cz  d  0, a x  by  cz  d   0. (12)
(15)
 Find the equation of the circle circumscribing
triangle formed by the points (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0), (0, 1999
0, c). Obtain also the co – ordinates of the centre  Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators
touch the sphere x  y  z  9 and are
2 2 2
of the circle. (15)
 Find the locus of equal conjugate diameters of perpendicular to the plane x – y – 3z = 5.
x2 y 2 z 2
ellipsoid 2  2  2  1. (15)
a b c 1998
 Prove that  Show that the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 divides
5 x 2  5 y 2  8 z 2  8 yz  8 zx  2 xy  12 x  12 y  6  0 the join of P1 ( x1 , y1 , z1 ), P2 ( x2 , y2 , z2 ) in the ratio

represents a cylinder whose cross – section is an ax1  by1  cz1  d

 . Hence show that the planes
1 ax2  by2  cz2  d
ellipse of eccentricity (15)
2 U  ax  by  cz  d  0  a x  by  cz  d   V ,

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IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 7

U  V  0 and U  V  0 divide any transversal  Find the equation of the sphere which passes
harmonically. through the points (1, 0, 0,), (0, 1, 0),(0, 0, 1) and
 Find the smallest sphere (i. e, the sphere of smallest has the smallest possible radius.
x5 y 2 z 5  The generators through a point P on the hyperboloid
radius) which touches the lines   x2 y 2 z 2
2 1 1    1 meet the principal elliptic section
x4 y5 z 4 a 2 b2 c2
and   .
3 6 4 in two points such that the eccentric angle of one
 Find the co – ordinates of the point of intersection of double that of the other. Show that P lies on the
x y x y z curve
of the generators   2  0    and
a b a b  a (1  3t 2 ) bt (3  t 2 )
x ,y , z  ct. .
x y x y z 1 t 2
1 t2
  2    of the surface
a b a b 
 A curve is drawn on a right circular cone, semi
x2 y 2 vertical angle α , so as to cut all the generators at
  2 z . Hence show that the locus of the
a 2 b2 the same angle β. Show that its projection on a plane
at right angles to the axis is an equiangular spiral.
points of intersection of perpendicular generators
Find expressions for its curvature and torsion.
is the curve of intersection of the surface with the
plane 2 z  (a  b )  0.
2 2

1995
 Let P  x, y , z   lie on the ellipsoid
 Through a point P  x, y , z   a plane is drawn at
x2 y 2 z 2
   1 . If the length of the normal chord
a 2 b2 c2 right angles to OP to meet the co – ordinate axes
in A, B, C. Prove that the area of the triangle ABC
through P is equal to 4PG,where G is the intersection
r5
of the normal with the z-plane, then show that P is , where r is the measure of OP.
lies on the cone 2 x′y ′z ′
x2 y2 z2  Two spheres of radii r1 cut r2 orthogonally. Prove
a6
 2 c 2
 a 2
 
b6
 2c 2
 b 2
 
c4
0.
r 2 r 2
that the area of the common circle is 2 1 2 2
r1  r2
1997  Show that a plane through one member of the λ–
 Find the reflection of the plane x + y + z -1= 0 in system and one member of µ– system is tangent
the plane 3x + 4z +1=0.
plane to the hyperboloid at the point of intersection
 Show that the point of intersection of three mutually
of the two generators.
perpendicular tangent planes to the ellipsoid
x2 y 2 z 2  Prove that the parallels through the origin to the
  1 l i e s o n t h e s p h e r e binormals of the helix
a 2 b2 c2
x  a cos  , y  a sin  , z  k lie upon the right
x2  y 2  z 2  a 2  b2  c2 .
cone a  x  y   k z
2 2 2 2 2

 Find the equations of the spheres which pass

through the circle
1994
x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  y  3 z  12  0,
 A variable plane is at a constant distance P from
2x + 3y – 7z = 10 the origin O and meets the axes in A, B & C show
and touch the plane x – 2y +2z = 1. that the locus of the centroid of the tetrahedron
1 1 1 16
OABC is 2  2  2  2
1996 x y z P
 A variable plane is at a constant distance ‘P’ from  Find the equations to the generators of hyperboloid
the origin and meets the axes in A, B,& C. Through x2 y 2 z 2
A, B, C the planes are drawn parallel to the co –    1, through any point of the
a 2 b2 c2
ordinate planes. Show that the locus of their point
of intersection is given by x  y  z  P
2 2 2 2 x2 y 2 z 2
principal elliptic section    1, z  0.
a 2 b2 c2
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8 / 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983)
 Planes are drawn through a fixed point so that their c 2 m 2 (cy  mxz ) 2  c 2 ( yz  cmx) 2  a 2 m 2 ( z 2  c 2 ) 2
sections of the paraboloid ax  by  2 z are
2 2

(2004)
rectangular hyperbolas. Prove that they touch the
x 2
y z2
2

x  
2
y
2
z  
2
 Four generators of the hyperboloid  2  2 1
cone    0. a 2
b c
b a ab
form a skew quadrilateral whose vertices are the
 Find so that the curve p o i n t s  a cos i sec i , b sin i sec i , c tan i  ;
x  a cos  , y  a sin  , z  f ( )
i = 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 . P r o v e t h a t 1  3   2   4 ,
determines a plane curve 1  3  2  4 .
1993
 A line makes angels α, β, γ, δ with the diagonals 1990
of a cube. Prove that  What is meant by the direction cosines of a line in
4 3 – space? Show that the equation of any line can
cos 2   cos 2   cos 2   cos 2   .
3 x  y   z  
be written in the form   ,
 Prove that the centres of the spheres which touch l m n
the lines y = mx , z = c ;y=-mx, z = -c lie upon the explaining the meaning of the parameters involved.
conicoid mxy  cz (1  m )  0
2
x  y    z   
 If   is another line which
 Find the locus of the point of intersection of l m n
perpendicular generators of a hyperboloid of one
is skew to (that in the above problem (1)) , find the
sheet.
length of their common perpendicular, without
1992 knowing that the two lines are skew, how will you
 A straight line , always parallel to the plane of yz, determine whether they are coplanar?
passes through the curves x  y  a , z  0 and
2 2 2

1989
x 2 az
= = , y 0, prove that the equation of the  Prove that the planes
ny  mz   , lz  nx   , mx  ly  
surface generated is x y   x  az   a  x  .
2
4 2 2 2 2

have a common line if l   m  n  0 . Show

 Tangent planes are drawn to the ellipsoid
also that the distance of the line from the origin is
x2 y 2 z 2
   1 through the point  ,  ,   . 1
a 2 b2 c2  2  2   2  2
 2 2 
.
 l m n 
2
Prove that the perpendiculars to them from the
origin generate the cone  Show that if all the plane sections of a surface ,
 x   y   z 
2
 a x b y c z .
2 2 2 2 2 2
(2004) which has equation of second degree, are circles ,
the surface must be a sphere.
 Show that the locus of the foot of the perpendicular  Show that the locus of the point of intersection of
from the centre to the plane through the extremities three mutually perpendicular tangent planes to the
paraboloid ax  by  2 z is a plane perpendicular
2 2
of three conjugate semi – diameters of the ellipsoid
x2 y 2 z 2
   1 is to the axis of the paraboloid.
a 2 b2 c2
 Find the locus of the perpendiculars from the origin
a 2 x 2  b 2 y 2  c 2 z 2  3( x 2  y 2  z 2 ). on the tangent planes to the ellipsoid
x 2 y2 z2
 2  2  1 , which cut off from the axes
1991 a2 b c
 Prove that the locus of a line which meets the lines intercepts, the sum of whose reciprocals is equal
y = mx, z = c and y = –mx, z = –c and also meets to a constant 1/K.
the circle x  y  a , z  0 is
2 2 2

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IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 9
with the line through the origin with direction
1988
cosines l, m, n.
 A sphere of constant radius K passes through the
 Any three mutually orthogonal lines drawn through
origin and meets the axes in A, B, C. prove that the
a point C(0, 1, -1) meet the quadric
centroid of the triangle ABC lies on the sphere
2 x 2  3 y 2  5 z 2  1 in points
9  x2  y 2  z 2   4K 2 .

( P1 , P2 ) , (Q1 , Q2 ) & ( R1 , R2 )
 Prove that, in general, from a point (α, β, γ) five
normals can be drawn to the paraboloid respectively. Show that
x2 y 2 1 1 1
  2 z and that these normals lie on the + + constant t
a 2 b2 CP1 . CP2 CQ1 . CQ2 CR1 . CR2
  a 2  b2
cone   0
x  y   z 
1985
 Show that the locus of the equal conjugate semi-  Prove that the perpendicular distance of the point
x2 y 2 z 2 ( x1 , y1 , z1 ) from the plane ax  by  cz  d  0 is
diameters of the ellipsoid 2  2  2  1 is
a b c
ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d
(b 2  c 2  2a 2 ) 2 (c 2  a 2  2b 2 ) 2
x  y a 2 + b2 + c2
a2 2 b2
(a  b  2c ) 2
2 2
 A plane passes through a fixed point (a, b, c) and
 z 0
c2 cuts the axes in A, B, C. show that the locus of the
centre of the sphere OABC , where O is the origin
 Find the locus of the points of intersection of
a b c
perpendicular generators of the hyperboloid is    2 .
x y z
x2 y 2 z 2
   1.
a 2 b2 c2  Find the equation of the cone whose vertex (1, 1, 1)
and the base circle x  y  4, z = 2.
2 2

1987
 Find the locus of a point which is equidistant from
1984
the lines y  mx , z  c ; y  mx , z  c.
 Find the condition that the plane lx  my  nz  p
 The direction cosines (l, m, n) of a line are
connected by the relations should touch the conicoid ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1
2l  2m  n  0, 3l 2  5m 2  5n 2 . show that two Hence find locus of the point of intersection of three
such lines are possible and that they are mutually perpendicular tangent planes to a central
perpendicular to each other. conicoid.
 A sphere through the origin cuts the co – ordinate  Show that the sum of the squares of the reciprocals
axes in the points A, B, C and the plane through A,
of any three diameters of an ellipsoid which are
B, C contains the point (1, -2, -3). Show that the
mutually at right angles is constant.
1 2 3
locus of the centre of the sphere is    2  Show that the locus of the line of intersection of
x y z
tangent planes to the cone ax  by  cz  0
2 2 2

1986 which touch along perpendicular generators is the

 Find the equation of the plane passing through the cone a (b  c) x  b (c  a ) y  c (a  b) z  0
2 2 2 2 2 2

x y z
line   and perpendicular to the plane
2 3 1
x y z x y z 1983
containing the lines   and   .  Find the locus of the line which intersects the three
3 1 2 1 2 3
lines y – z =1, x = 0; z – x = 1, y = 0; x – y = 1,
 Find an expression for the product of distances from z = 0.
the origin to the points of intersection of the quadric  Prove that the locus of points from which three
ax 2  by 2  cz 2  2 fyz  2 gzx  2hxy mutually perpendicular planes can be drawn to
2ux  2vy  2 wz  d  0

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Nagar, Delhi-9. BRANCH OFFICE(HYDERBAD): H.No. 1-10-237, 2nd Floor, Room No. 202 R.K’S-Kancham’s Blue Sapphire Ashok Nagar Hyd-20. (M) 09652351152, 09652661152
IAS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–1983) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 10

x 2 y2
touch the ellipse   1, z = 0 is the sphere
a 2 b2
x2  y 2  z 2  a 2  b2

 Prove that the feet of the six normals drawn to the

x 2 y2 z2
ellipsoid    1 from any point (α, β, γ)
a 2 b2 c2
be on the curve of intersection of the ellipsoid and
the cone.
a 2 (b 2  c 2 )  b 2 (c 2  a 2 )  c 2 (a 2  b 2 ) 
  0
x y z

vvv

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IFoS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–2000) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 11

IFoS
PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021-2000)
SEGMENT-WISE
3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY
(ACCORDING TO THE NEW SYLLABUS PATTERN) PAPER - I

cone made by the plane z = 0 is a rectangular

2021
hyperbola, then find the locus of P. [10]
 Find the equation of the plane passing through the
points (1, –1, 1) and (–2, 1, –1) and perpendicular
to the plane 2x + y + z + 5 = 0. [8] 2019
 Find the equation of the cone whose vertex is  If the coordinates of the points A and B are
(1, 2, 1) and which passes through the circle respectively (b cos α, b sin α) and (a cos β, a sin
x2 + y2 + z2 = 5, x + y – z = 1. [15] β) and if the line joining A and B is produced to
 Show that the straight lines whose direction cosines the point M(x, y) so that AM : MB = b : a, then
are given by the equations al + bm + cn = 0 and ul2  
show that x cos  y sin  0 . (08)
+ vm2 + wn2 = 0 (where a, b, c, u, v, w are constants) 2 2

a2 b2 c2  A line makes angles α, β, γ, δ with the four

are parallel if + + = 0 and perpendicular diagonals of a cube. Show that
u v w
4
if a2(v + w) + b2(w + u) + c2(u + v) = 0. [15] cos2   cos2   cos2   cos2   . (15)
3
 Find the equation of the sphere passing through the
points (1, 1, 2), (1, –1, 2) and having centre on the  Show that the shortest distance between the straight
line x + y – z – 1 = 0 = 2x + y – z – 2. [10] lines
x 3 y 8 z 3 x 3 y 7 z 6
  and  
2020 3 1 1 3 2 4
 If the straight lines, joining the origin to the points
of intersection of the curve 3x2 – xy + 3y2 + 2x – 3y is 3 30 . Find also the equation of the line of
+ 4 = 0 and the straight line 2x + 3y + k = 0, are at
shortest distance. (15)
right angles, then show that 6k2 + 5k + 52 = 0
 A variable plane is parallel to the plane
[08]
x y z
 Prove that the angle between two straight lines    0 and meets the axes at the points,
whose direction cosines are given by l + m + n = a b c
π 1 1 1 A, B and C. Prove that the circle ABC lies on the
0 and fmn + gnl + hlm = 0 is , if + + = 0 .
3 f g h cone
b c c a a b
[15] yz     zx     xy     0
x y z  c b a c  b a
 A point P moves on the plane + + = 1 , which
a b c (15)
is fixed. The plane through P and perpendicular to 2018
OP meets the axes in A, B, C respectively. The
 Find the equations of the tangent planes to the
planes through A, B, C parallel to yz, zx, and xy
planes respectively intersect at Q. Prove that the ellipsoid 2x2 + 6y2 + 3z2 = 27 which pass through
1 1 1 1 1 1 the line x – y – z = 0 = x – y + 2z – 9. (08)
locus of Q is 2 + 2 + 2 = + + . [15]  Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators
x y z ax by cz
x y z
 Let P the vertex of the enveloping cone of the are parallel to the line = = and whose
1 −2 3
x 2 y2 z2 guiding curve is x2 + y2 = 4, z = 2. (10)
ellipsoid 2 + 2 + 2 = 1 . If the section of this
a b c
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12 / 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY IFoS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–2000)
 Find the equation of the tangent plane that can be drawn  Obtain the equation of the sphere on which the
to the sphere x2 + y2 + z2 – 2x + 6y + 2z + 8 = 0, through intersection of the plane 5x – 2y + 4z + 7 = 0 with
the straight line 3x – 4y – 8 = 0 = y – 3z + 2. (10) the sphere which has (0, 1, 0) and (3, – 5, 2) as the
 Find the equations of the straight lines in which the end points of its diameter is a great circle. (10)
plane 2x + y – z = 0 cuts the cone 4x2 – y2 + 3z2 = 0.
x y z
Find the angle between the two straight lines.  A plane    1 cuts the coordinate plane
(10) a b c
 Find the locus of the point of intersection of the at A, B, C. Find the equation of the cone with vertex
perpendicular generators of the hyperbolic at origin and guiding curve as the circle passing
x2 y 2 through A, B, C. (10)
paraboloid 2 − 2 = 2 z. (10)
a b
2015
2017  The tangent at (a cosθ, b sinθ) on the ellipse
 Find the equations of the planes parallel to the plane x2 y 2
3x – 2y + 6z + 8 = 0 and at a distance 2 from it.   1 meets the auxiliary circle in two
a 2 b2
(10)
points. The chord joining them subtends a right
 Show that the angles between the planes given by
angle at the centre. Find the eccentricity of the
the equation 2x2 – y2 + 3z2 – xy + 7zx + 2yz = 0 is
ellipse. (8)
50
tan −1 . (10)  Find the equation of the plane containing the
4 straight line y + z = 1, x = 0 and parallel to the
 Find the angle between the lines whose direction straight line
cosines are given by the relations l + m + n = 0 and x – z = 1, y = 0. (10)
2lm + 2ln – mn = 0. (10)  Find the locus of the poles of chords which are
 Find the equation of the right circular cone with normal to the parabola y2 = 4ax. (10)
vertex at the origin and whose axis makes equal 2014
angles with the coordinate axes and the generator  Prove that the locus of a variable line which
is the line passing through the origin with direction intersects the three lines
y = mx, z = c; y = –mx, z = –c; y = z, mx = –c
ratios (1, –2, 2). (10)
is the surface y2 – m2x2 = z2 – c2. (8)
 Find the shortest distance and the equation of the
line of the shortest distance between the lines and  Prove that every sphere passing through the circle
x2 + y2 – 2ax + r2 = 0, z = 0
x 3 y 8 z 3
  and cut orthogonally every sphere through the circle
3 1 1
x2 + z2 = r2, y = 0. (10)
x 3 y7 z6  A moving plane passes through a fixed point
  (10)
3 2 4 (2, 2, 2) and meets the coordinate axes at the points
A,B,C, all away from the origin O. Find the locus of
2016 the centre of the sphere passing through the points
 If the point (2, 3) is the mid-point of a chord of the O, A,B,C,. (10)
parabola y2 = 4x, then obtain the equation of the  Prove that the equation
chord. (8) 4 x 2  y 2  z 2  3 yz  2 xy  12 x  11 y  6 z  4  0
 A perpendicular is drawn from the centre of ellipse
represents a cone with vertex at (–1, –2, –3). (10)
x 2 y2
  1 to any tangent. Prove that the locus  Prove that the plane ax+by+cz=0 cuts the cone
a 2 b2 yz+zx+xy=0 in perpendicular lines if
of the foot of the perpendicular is given by 1 1 1
   0. (10)
(x2 + y2)2 = a2x2 + b2y2. (10) a b c
 Using mean value theorem, find a point on the curve
y  x  2 , defined on [2, 3], where the tangent 2013
 Find the surface generated by the straight line which
is parallel to the chord joining the end points of the
intersects the lines y = z = a and x + 3z = a = y + z
curve. (10)
and is parallel to the plane x + y = 0. (8)
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IFoS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–2000) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 13
 Reduce the following equation to its canonical form  A plane makes equal intercepts on the positive parts
and determine the nature of the conic of the axes and touches the ellipsoid
4x2 + 4xy + y2 – 12x – 6y + 5 = 0. (10) x 2  4 y 2  9 z 2  36. Find its equation. (10)
 Find the equations to the tangent planes to the
surface 7x2 – 3y2 – z2 + 21 = 0, which pass through
the line 7x – 6y + 9 = 0, z = 3. (10) 2011
 Find the magnitude and the equations of the line  A variable plane is at a constant distance p from
of shortest distance between the lines (10) the origin and meets the axes at A, B, C. Prove that
x  8 y  9 z  10 the locus of the centroid of the tetrahedron OABC
  1 1 1 16
3 16 7 is 2  2  2  2 . (10)
x y z p
x  15 y  29 z  10
   Find the equation of the right circular cylinder of
3 8 5
radius 2 Whose axis is the line
2012 x 1 y  2 z  3
  . (10)
 Find the equations to the lines in which the plane 2 1 2
2 x  y  z  0 cuts the cone
 Find the tangent planes to the ellipsoid
4 x 2  y 2  3 z 2  0. (8) x2 y 2 z 2
   1 Which are parallel to the plane
 Find the equations of the tangent plane to the a 2 b2 c2
ellipsoid 2 x  6 y  3 z  27 which passes lx  my  nz  0.
2 2 2
(10)
through the line  Prove that the semi-latus rectum of any conic is a
x  y  z  0  x  y  2 z  9. (10) harmonic mean between the segments of any focal
chord. (8)
 Show that there are three real values of λ for which
 Tangent planes at two points P and Q or a paraboloid
the equations:
meet in the line RS. Show that the plane through
(a   ) x  by  cz  0, bx  (c   ) y  az  0, RS and middle point of PQ is parallel to the axis
cx  ay  (b   ) z  0 are simultaneously true and of the paraboloid. (12)
that the product of these values of λ is
ab c 2010
D= b c a (10)  If a plane cuts the axes in A,B, C and (a, b, c) are
the coordinates of the centroid of the triangle ABC,
c a b
then show that the equation of the plane is
 If 2C is the shortest distance between the lines x y z
   3. (8)
x z a b c
  1, y  0
l n  Find the equations of the spheres passing through
y z the circle x  y  z  6 x  2 z  5  0, y  0
2 2 2
and   1, x  0
m n
and touching the plane 3 y  4 z  5  0. (8)
then show that
1 1 1 1  Prove that the second degree equation
 2  2  2. (10) x 2  2 y 2  3z 2  5 yz  6 zx  4 xy  8 x  19 y  2 z  20  0
l 2
m n c
 Show that all the spheres, that can be drawn through represents a cone whose vertex is (1, –2, 3). (10)
the origin and each set of points where planes  If the feet of three normals drawn from a point P
x y z x2 y 2 z 2
parallel to the plane    0 cut the to the ellipsoid 2  2  2  1 lie in the plane
a b c a b c
x y z
co-ordinate axes, form a system of spheres which    1 , prove that the feet of the other three
a b c
are cut orthogonally by the sphere
x 2  y 2  2 fx  2 gy  2hz  0 x y z
normals lie in the plane    1  0 . (10)
if af  bg  ch  0. (10) a b c

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14 / 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY IFoS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–2000)

x y z 2008
 If = = represents one of the three mutually
1 2 3  Find the distance of the point (–2, 3, –4) from the
perpendicular generators of the cone line
5 yz  8 zx  3 xy  0, find the equations of the other x  2 2 y  3 3z  4
  measured parallel to the
two. (10) 3 4 5

 Prove that the locus of the point of intersection of plane 4 x  12 y  3 z  1  0. (10)

three tangent planes to the ellipsoid  Derive the equations to the planes that touch the
x2 y 2 z 2
   1 , Which are parallel to the surface 4 x  5 y  7 z  13  0 and are parallel to
2 2 2

a 2 b2 c2
conjugate diametral planes of the ellipsoid the plane 4 x  20 y  21z  0. Also determine the
x2 y 2 z 2
   1 is coordinates of the points of contact. (10)
2 2  2

x2 y 2 z 2 a 2 b2 c2 2007
     . (10)
2 2  2 2 2  2  If the three concurrent lines whose direction cosines
a r e  l1 , m1 , n1  ,  l2 , m2 , n2  ,  l3 , m3 , n3  a r e
2009
l1 m1 n1
 Show that the plane x  2 y  z  4 cuts the sphere
coplanar, prove that l2 m2 n2 = 0 (10)
2 2 2
x  y  z  x  z  2 in a circle of radius unity l3 m3 n3

and find the equation of the sphere Which has this  Find the equations of the three planes through the
circle as one of its great circles. (10) x 1 y  2 z  3
line   parallel to the axes.
 Obtain the equations of the planes which pass 2 3 4
through the point (3, 0, 3), touch the sphere (10)
x 2  y 2  z 2  9 and are parallel to the line  Prove that the shortest distance between the line
x  2 y  z (10) z  x tan  , y  0 and any tangent to the ellipse

 The section of a cone whose vertex is P and x 2 sin 2   y 2  a 2 , z  0 is constant in ength.

x2 y 2 (10)
guiding curve is the ellipse 2  2  1 , z  0 by x y z
a b  The plane    1 cuts the axes in A, B, C.
the plane x = 0 is rectangular hyperbola. a b c
Find the equation of the cone whose vertex is origin
x2 y 2  z 2
Show that the locus of P is   1. and the guiding curve is the circle ABC. (10)
a2 b2
(10)  Find the equation of the cylinder generated by the
 Prove that the locus of the poles of the tangent x y z
lines parallel to the line = = the guiding
planes of the conicoid ax  by  cz  1 with
2 2 2
1 2 3
curve being the conic
respect to the conicoid  x   y   z  1 is the
2 2 2

z  2 , 3 x 2  4 xy  5 y 2  1. (10)
 x  y
2 2
 z 2 2 2 2
conicoid    1. (10)
a b c
2006
 Show that the lines drawn from the origin parallel  Prove that the locus of a line which meets the two
to the normals to the central conicoid l i n e s y   mx, z  c a n d t h e c i r c l e
ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1 at its points of intersection with
x 2  y 2  a 2 , z  0 is
the planes lx   my  nz  p generate the cone

c 2 m 2  cy  mzx   c 2  yz  cmx   a 2 m 2 z 2  c 2 . 
2 2 2
2
 x 2 y 2 z 2   lx my nz 
2
p        . (10)
 a b c  a b c  (10)
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IFoS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–2000) 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY / 15
 Two straight lines  Show that the enveloping cylinder of the conicoid
x  1 y  1 z   1 x   2 y   2 z   2 ax 2  by 2  cz 2  1 with generators perpendicular
  ;  
l1 m1 n1 l2 m2 n2 to z–axis meets the plane z = 0 in parabolas. (10)
are cut by a third line whose direction consines are
λ, µ and n. Show that the length d intercepted on 2004
the third line is given by.  Find the equation of the sphere for which the circle
l1 m1 n1 1   2 1   2  1   2 x 2  y 2  z 2  2 x  4 y  5  0 , x  2 y  3z  1  0
d l2 m2 n2  l1 m1 n1 .
is a great circle. (40)
   l2 m2 n2
 A variable plane is at a constant distance p from the
Deduce the length of the shortest distance between origin and meets the axes at A,B and C. Through
the first two lines. (16) A, B and C, the planes are drawn
 Find the condition that the plane lx  my  nz  0 parallel to the coordinates planes. Find the locus
of their point of intersection. (10)
be a tangent plane to the cone
 Find the equation of the sphere which touches the
ax 2 + by 2 + cz 2 + 2 fyz + 2 gzx  2hxy  0 (12) plane 3 x  2 y  z  2  0 at the point (1,–2,1) and
cuts orthogonally the sphere
 Prove that the locus of the pole of the plane
lx  my  nz  p with respect to system of x 2  y 2  z 2  4 x  6 y  4  0. (2008)(10)

x2 y2 z2  Find the equation of the right circular cone

conicoids    1. Where k is
a 2  k b2  k c2  k generated by straight lines drawn from the origin
a parameter, is a straight line perpendicular to the to cut the circle through the three points
given plane. (12) 1, 2, 2  ,  2,1, 2  and  2, 2,1 . (2008)(10)

2005  Find the equations of the tangent planes to the

 Find the equations of to the generators the ellipsoid 7 x  5 y  3 z  60 which pass through
2 2 2

x2 y 2 z 2
hyperboloid 2  2  2  1 through any point the line 7 x  10 y  30  0. , 5y – 3z = 0. (10)
a b c
of the principal elliptic section
2003
x2 y 2 z 2  A line makes angles  ,  ,  ,  with the four
  1 ; z  0. (10)
a 2 b2 c2
diagonals of a cube. Show that
 A variable plane is at a constant distance p from the 4
cos 2   cos 2   cos 2   cos 2   . (10)
origin and meets the axes in A, B and C. Show that 3
the locus of the centroid of the tetrahedron OABC is
 Show that the equation fx  gy  hz  0
1 1 1 16
 2 2  2 (10) represents a cone that touches the co-ordinate
x 2
y z p
planes and that the equation to its reciprocal cone
 Find the locus of the point of intersection of
perpendicular generators of a hyperboloid of one is fyz  gzx  hxy  0. (10)
sheet. (10)
 Show that any two generators belonging to
 Planes are drawn through a fixed point  ,  ,  
the different system of generating lines of a
so that their sections of the paraboloid hyperboloid of one sheet intersect. (10)
ax 2  by 2  2 z are rectangular hyperbolas. Prove  Show that the locus of a point from which three
mutually perpendicular tangent lines can be drawn
that they touch the cone
t o t h e p a r a b o l o i d ax  by  2 z  0 i s
2 2

x   y z  
2 2 2

   0. (10)
b a ab  
ab x 2  y 2  2  a  b  z  1. (10)

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16 / 3 DIMENSIONAL GEOMETRY IFoS - PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTIONS (2021–2000)
 Show that the enveloping cylinder of the ellipsoid  If the section of the enveloping cone of the ellipsoid
x2 y 2 z 2 x2 y 2 z 2
   1 whose generators are parallel to    1, whose vertex is P, by the plane
a 2 b2 c2 a 2 b2 c2
x y z z = 0 is a rectanagular hyperbola, prove that the
the line   meet the plane z = 0
0  a b 2 2 c x2  y 2 z 2
locus of P is 2   1. (2008)(14)
in circles. (10) a  b2 c2
2002
2000
 Show that any two circular sections of an ellipsoid
of opposite systems lie on a sphere. (10)  A plane passes through a fixed point  2 p, 2q, 2r 
 Prove that the locus of the line of intersection of and cuts the axes in A,B,C. Show that the locus of
perpendicular tangent planes to the cone the centre of the sphere OABC is
ax 2  by 2  cz 2  0 is the cone p q r
   1. (10)
a  b  c  x 2  b  c  a  y 2  c  a  b  z 2  0. (10) x y z
 A straight line AB of fixed length moves so that
 Prove that two normals to the ellipsoid its extremities A,B lie on two fixed straight lines
x2 y 2 z 2 OP,OQ inclined to each other at an angle w. Prove
   1, lie in the plane x  2 y  3 z  0,
4 3 2 that the locus of the circumcentre of ∆OAB is
and the line joining their feet has direction consines a circle. Find the locus of the lines which move
proportional to 12, -9,2. (10) parallel to the zx-plane and meet the curves.
 Prove that the shortest distances between the xy c=
= 2
, z 0.
diagonals of a rectangular parallelepiped and edges
not meeting them are =y 2 4=
cz , x 0. (20)
bc ca ab  Two cones with a common vertex pass through the
, and
b +c
2 2
c +a
2 2
a + b2
2
curves
Where a,b ,c are lengths of the edges of a =y 0=
, z 2 4ax.
parallelopiped. (10) =x 0=
, z 2 4by.
 Find the equation of the enveloping cylinder of the
2 2 2
The plane z = 0 meets them in two conics which
sphere x + y + z 2 y  4 z  1 having its intersect in four concyclic points. Show that vertex
x 2=
generator parallel to the line = y 2 z. (10) lies on the surface
x y
z 2     4 x2  y 2
a b
 
2001
 Prove that the polar of one limiting point of a Find the radii of curvature and torsion at any point
coaxial system of circles with respect to any circle of the curve x  y  a , x  y  az.
2 2 2 2 2
(20)
of the system passes through the other limiting
point. (10)
 CP and CD are conjugate diameters of an ellipse
x2 y 2 
  1. Prove that the locus of the orthocentre
a 2 b2
of the triangle CPD is the curve
   a  b y 
3 2
2 b2 y 2  a 2 x2 2
 b2 2 2
 a 2 x 2 . (13)

x y z
 If = = represents one of the that mutually
1 2 3
perpendicular generators of the cone
5 yz  8 zx  3 xy  0, Find the equations of the other
two. (IAS-2008)(13)
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