Introduction

We have already learned the basic concepts of vectors.  In this topic we will use the concepts of vector algebra to the three dimensional geometry.  In the three dimensional geometry, we deal with direction cosines, direction ratios, equations of line in space, equation of plane in space etc.

Direction Cosines

If a directed line L’ passing through the origin makes angles α, β and γ with x, y and z axes respectively then cosine of these angles namely,

cosα, cosβ and cosγ are called direction cosines of the directed line L’.

Usually the direction cosines are denoted by l, m and n

l=cosα, m=cosβ and n=cosγ

Relation between the direction cosines of a line

If l, m and n are the direction cosines of a line then l²+m²+n²=1

Also, cos²α+cos²β+cos²γ=1

Direction cosines of a line passing through two points

Let P(x₁, y₁, z₁) and Q(x₂, y₂, z₂) be two points on a line L, then

PQ = √((x₂-x₁)²+(y₂-y₁)²+(z₂-z₁)²)

Direction cosines of the line L is given by, 
                            

Direction Ratios of a line

Any three numbers which are proportional to the direction cosines of a line are called direction ratios of the line.  If l, m and n are direction cosines abd a, b and c are direction ratios of a line then a=λl, b=λm and c=λn.

It can also be written as

If P(x₁, y₁, z₁) and Q(x₂, y₂, z₂) are any two points the direction ratios of PQ is given by <x₂-x₁, y₂-y₁, z₂-z₁>

Direction cosines of x, y and z-axis

X-axis makes angles 0˚, 90˚ and 90˚ with itself, so the direction cosines are cos0˚, cos90˚ and cos90˚ = <1, 0, 0>

Y-axis makes angles 90˚, 0˚ and 90˚ with itself, so the direction cosines are cos90˚, cos0˚ and cos90˚ = <0, 1, 0>

Z-axis makes angles 90˚, 90˚ and 0˚ with itself, so the direction cosines are cos90˚, cos90˚ and cos0˚ = <0, 0, 1>

Condition for collinearity

If a₁, b₁, c₁ and a₂, b₂, c₂ are the direction cosines of line joining two points then the points are said to be collinear

if
                                                          

Example: Find the direction cosines of a line which makes equal angles with the coordinate axes.

Solution: Given α = β = γ, so cosα = cosβ = cosγ

l=m=n

l²+m²+n²=1

l²+l²+l²=1

3l²=1

l²=1/3

l=±1/√3

l=m=n=±1/√3

Hence direction cosines are <±1/√3, ±1/√3, ±1/√3>

Now try it yourself!  Should you still need any help, click here to schedule live online session with e Tutor!

About eAge Tutoring:

eAgeTutor.com is the premium online tutoring provider.  Using materials developed by highly qualified educators and leading content developers, a team of top-notch software experts, and a group of passionate educators, eAgeTutor works to ensure the success and satisfaction of all of its students.

Contact us today to learn more about our tutoring programs and discuss how we can help make the dreams of the student in your life come true!

Reference Links:-

•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direction_cosine
•     http://www.solitaryroad.com/c400.html
•     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-dimensional_space