1.

Find the direction cosines of a line that makes equal angles with the co-ordinates axes.

Answer»

We know that the direction cosines of a line making \(\alpha\)\(\beta\) and \(\gamma\) angles with x, y and z-axes, respectively are l = cos \(\alpha\) ,m = cos \(\beta\) and n = cos \(\gamma\)

Now, given that a line makes equal angles with the co-ordinates axes.

i.e.,  \(\alpha\) = \(\beta\) = \(\gamma\).

Therefore, the direction cosines of given line are l = cos \(\alpha\) , m = cos \(\alpha\) and n = cos\(\alpha\)

We also know that the sum of squares of direction cosines is equal to 1. i.e., l2 + m2 + n2 = 1. 

Therefore, cos2 \(\alpha\) + cos2 \(\alpha\) + cos2 \(\alpha\) = 1 

⇒ 3 cos2 \(\alpha\) = 1 

⇒ cos2 \(\alpha\) = \(\frac{1}{3}\)

⇒ cos = ± \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\).

Therefore, the direction cosines of given line are l = ±\(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\),m = ±\(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\) and n = ±\(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\).



Discussion

No Comment Found

Related InterviewSolutions