Analytical

Geometry
Previous year Questions
from 2020 to 1992

2021-22

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 2020
1. Find the equations of the tangent plane to the ellipsoid 2x 2 + 6 y2 + 3z 2 = 27 which passes through the
line x − y − z = 0 = x − y + 2z − 9 [10 Marks]
x y z
2. Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators are parallel to the line = = and whose guiding
1 −2 3
curve is x 2 + y2 = 4, z = 2 [15 Marks]
x y z
3. = = represents one of a set of three mutually perpendicular generators of the
If the straight line
1 2 3
cone 5 yz − 8zx − 3xy = 0 then find the equations of the other two generators. [15 Marks]
4. Find the locus of the point of intersection of the perpendicular generators of the hyperbolic paraboloid
x 2 y2
− = 2z [15 Marks]
a2 b2

2019
x +1 y − 3 z + 2 x y−7 z +2
5. Show that the lines = = and = = intersect. Find the coordinates of the point
−3 2 1 1 −3 2
of intersection and the equation of the plane containing them. [10 Marks]
6. The plane x + 2 y + 3z = 12 cuts the axes of coordinates in. A, B, C Find the equations of the circle
circumscribing the triangle ABC [10 Marks]
7. Prove that the plane z = 0 cuts the enveloping cone of the sphere x 2 + y 2 + z 2 = 11which has vertex at
(2, 4,1) in a rectangular hyperbola. [10 Marks]
8. Prove that, in general, three normal can be drawn from a given point to the paraboloid x 2 + y 2 = 2az but if
the point lies on the surface 27a( x 2 + y 2 ) + 8(a − z )3 = 0 then two of the three normals coincide.
[15 Marks]
2 2 2
x y z
9. Find the length of the normal chord through a point P of the ellipsoid2
+ 2 + 2 = 1 and prove that if it
a b c
is equal to 4PG3 where G3 is the point where the normal chord through P meets xy plane, then P lies on
x2 y2 z2
the cone (2c 2
− a 2
) + (2c 2
− b 2
) + =0 [15 Marks]
a6 b6 c4

2018
x −1 y −1 z +1
10. Find the projection of the straight line = = on the plane x + y + 2 z = 6 [10 Marks]
2 3 −1
11. Find the shortest distance between the lines a1x + b1 y + c1z + d1 = 0, a2 x + b2 y + c2 z + d 2 = 0 and the z -
axis. [12 Marks]
12. Find the equations to the generating lines of the paraboloid ( x + y + z )(2 x + y − z ) = 6 z which pass through
the point (1,1,1) [13 Marks]

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13. Find the equation of the sphere in xyz -plane passing through the points (0, 0, 0), (0,1, −1), ( −1, 2, 0) and
(1, 2,3) [12 Marks].
14. Find the equation of the cone with (0, 0,1) as the vertex and 2 x 2 − y 2 = 4, z = 0 as the guiding curve.
[13 Marks]
15. Find the equation of the plane parallel to 3x − y + 3z = 8 and passing through the point (1,1,1) [12 Marks]

2017
16. Find the equation of the tangent at the point (1,1,1) to the Conicoid 3x2 − y 2 = 2 z . [10 Marks]
17. Find the shortest distance between the skew the lines: x − 3 = 8 − y = z − 3 and x + 3 = y + 7 = z − 6
3 1 1 −3 2 4
[10 Marks]
18. A plane through a fixed point (a, b, c) and cuts the axes at the points A, B, C respectively. Find the
locus of the center of the sphere which passes through the origin O and A, B, C [15 Marks]
19. Show that the plane 2 x − 2 y + z + 12 = 0 touches the sphere x2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2 x − 4 y + 2 z − 3 = 0 find the
point of contact. [10 Marks]
20. Find the locus of the points of intersection of three mutually perpendicular tangent planes to
ax2 + by 2 + cz 2 = 1. [10 Marks]
21. Reduce the following equation to the standard form and hence determine the nature of the
Conicoid: x2 + y 2 + z 2 − yz − zx − xy − 3x − 6 y − 9 z + 21 = 0 . [15 Marks]

2016
22. Find the equation of the sphere which passes though the circle x 2 + y2 = 4; z = 0 and is cut by the
plane x + 2 y + 2z = 0 in a circle of radius 3. [10 marks]
x −1 y − 2
23. Find the shortest distance between the lines = = z − 3 and y − mx = z = 0 for what
2 4
value of will the two lines intersect? [10 marks]
24. Find the surface generated by a line which intersects the line y = a = z , x + 3z = a = y + z and
parallel to the plane x + y = 0 . [10 marks]
25. Show that the cone 3 yz − 2zx − 2xy = 0 has an infinite set of three mutually perpendicular
x y z
generators. If = = is a generator belonging to one such set, Find the other two. [10 marks]
1 1 z
26. Find the locus of the point of intersection of three mutually perpendicular tangent planes to the
Conicoid ax 2 + by2 + cz 2 = 1 . [15 marks]

2015
27. Find what positive value of a, the plane ax − 2 y + z + 12 = 0 touches the sphere
x 2 + y2 + z 2 − 2x − 4 y + 2z − 3 = 0 and hence find the point of contact. [10 Marks]

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28. If 6x = 3 y = 2z represents one of the mutually perpendicular generators of the cone 5 yz − 8zx − 3xy = 0
then obtain the equations of the other two generators. [13 Marks]
29. Obtain the equation of the plane passing through the points (2,3,1) and (4, −5,3) parallel to x - axis [6 Marks]
x −a +d y−a z −a −d x −b+ c y −b z −b−c
30. Verify if the lines: = = and = = are coplanar. If yes, find
 −   +  −   +
the equation of the plane in which they lie. [7 Marks]
2 2
31. Two perpendicular tangent planes to the paraboloid x + y = 2z intersect in a straight line in the plane
x = 0 . Obtain the curve to which this straight-line touch. [13 Marks]

2014
32. Examine whether the plane x + y + z = 0 cuts the cone yz + zx + xy = 0 in perpendicular lines [10 Marks]
33. Find the co-ordinates of the points on the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 − 4x + 2 y = 4, the tangent planes at which are
parallel to the plane 2x − y + 2z = 1 [10 Marks]
u2 v2 w 2
34. Prove that equation ax 2 + by2 + cz 2 + 2ux + 2vy + 2wz + d = 0 represents a cone if + + =d
a b c
[10 Marks]
35. Show that the lines drawn from the origin parallel to the normals to the central Conicoid ax + by + cz 2 = 1,
2 2

at its points of intersection with the plane lx + my + nz = p generate the cone

2
2 x 2 y2 z 2   lx my nz 
p  + + = + + [15 Marks]
 a b c  a b c 
36. Find the equations of the two generating lines through any point ( a cos  , b sin  ,0) of the principal elliptic
x 2 y2
section + = 1, z = 0 of the hyperboloid by the plane z = 0 [15 Marks]
a 2 b2

2013
37. Find the equation of the plane which passes through the points (0, 1, 1) and (2, 0, − 1) and is parallel to
the line joining the points ( − 1, 1, − 2), (3, − 2, 4) . Find also the distance between the line and the plane.
[10 Marks]
38. A sphere S has points (0, 1, 0) (3, − 5, 2) at opposite ends of a diameter. Find the equation of the sphere
having the intersection of the sphere S with the plane 5x − 2 y + 4z + 7 = 0 as a great circle. [10 Marks]
39. Show that three mutually perpendicular tangent lines can be drawn to the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 = r2 from
any point on the sphere 2( x 2 + y2 + z 2 ) = 3r 2 [15 Marks]
2 2
40. A cone has for its guiding curve the circle x + y + 2ax + 2by = 0, z = 0 and passes through a fixed point
(0, 0, c) . If the section of the cone by the plane y = 0 is a rectangular hyperbola, prove that vertex lies one
the fixed circle x 2 + y2 + 2ax + 2by = 0,2ax + 2by + cz = 0 [15 Marks]
41. A variable generator meets two generators of the system through the extremities B and B1 of the minor
x 2 y2
axis of the principal elliptic section of the hyperboloid 2 + 2 − z 2c 2 = 1 in P and P 1 Prove that
a b
1 1 2 2
BP . P B = a + c [20 Marks]

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 2012
42. Prove that two of the straight lines represented by the equation x 3 + bx 2 y + cxy2 + y3 = 0 will be at right
angles, if b + c = −2 [12 Marks]
x y z
43. A variable plane is parallel to the plane + + = 0 and meets the axes in A, B,C respectively. Prove that
a b c
b c  c a a b
circle ABC lies on the cone yz  +  + zx  +  + xy  +  = 0 [20 Marks]
 c b a c  b a
44. Show that locus of a point from which three mutually perpendicular tangent lines can be drawn to the
paraboloid x 2 + y2 + 2z 2 = 0 is x 2 + y2 + 4z = 1 [20 Marks]

2011
45. Find the equation of the straight line through the point (3, 1, 2) to intersect the straight line
x + 4 = y + 1 = 2 ( z − 2) and parallel to the plane 4x + y + 5z = 0 [10 Marks]
46. Show that the equation of the sphere which touches the sphere 4( x 2 + y2 + z 2 ) + 10x − 25 y − 2z = 0 at the
point (1, 2, − 2) and the passes through the point ( − 1, 0, 0) is x 2 + y2 + z 2 + 2x − 6 y + 1 = 0 [10 Marks]
47. Find the points on the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 = 4 that are closest to and farthest from the point (3, 1, − 1)
[20 Marks]
2 2 2
x y z
48. Three points P , Q, R are taken on the ellipsoid 2 + 2 + 2 = 1 so that lines joining to P , Q and R to origin
a b c
are mutually perpendicular. Prove that plane PQR touches a fixed sphere [20 Marks]
49. Show that the cone yz + xz + xy = 0 cuts the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 = a2 in two equal circles, and find their
area [20 Marks]
50. Show that generators through any one of the ends of an equi-conjugate diameter of the principal elliptic
x 2 y2 z 2
section of the hyperboloid 2 + 2 + 2 = 1 are inclined to each other at an angle of 600 if a2 + b2 = 6c2 .
a b c
Find also the condition for the generators to be perpendicular to each other. [20 Marks]

2010
51. Show that the plane x + y − 2z = 3 cuts the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 − x + y = 2 in a circle of radius 1 and find
the equation of the sphere which has this circle as a great circle [12 Marks]
5
52. Show that the plane 3x + 4 y + 7z + = 0 touches the paraboloid 3x 2 + 4 y2 = 10z and find the point of
2
contact [20 Marks]
2 2 2
53. Show that every sphere through the circle x + y − 2ax + r = 0, z = 0 cuts orthogonally every sphere
through the circle x 2 + z 2 = r2 , y = 0 [20 Marks]
54. Find the vertices of the skew quadrilateral formed by the four generators of the hyperboloid
x2
+ y2 − z 2 = 49 passing through (10, 5, 1) and (14, 2, − 2) . [20 Marks]
4

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 2009
x 2 y2
55. A line is drawn through a variable point on the ellipse + = 1, z = 0 to meet two fixed lines
a 2 b2
y = mx , z = c and y = −mx , z = −c . Find the locus of the line [12 Marks]
56. Find the equation of the sphere having its center on the plane 4x − 5 y − z = 3 and passing through the circle
x 2 + y2 + z 2 − 12x − 3 y + 4z + 8 = 0, 3x + 4 y − 5z + 3 = 0 [12 Marks]
2 2
x y
57. Prove that the normals from the point ( ,  ,  ) to the paraboloid 2
+ 2 = 2z lie on the cone
a b
  a2 − b2
+ + =0 [20 Marks]
x − y− z −

2008
58. The plane x − 2 y + 3z = 0 is rotated through a right angle about its line of intersection with the plane
2x + 3 y − 4z − 5 = 0; find the equation of the plane in its new position [12 Marks]
59. Find the equations (in symmetric form) of the tangent line to the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 + 5x − 7 y + 2z − 8 = 0,
3x − 2 y + 4z + 3 = 0 at the point ( −3, 5, 4) . [12 Marks]
60. A sphere S has points (0, 1, 0),(3, − 5, 2) at opposite ends of a diameter. Find the equation of the sphere
having the intersection of the sphere S with the plane 5x − 2 y + 4z + 7 = 0 as a great circle [20 Marks]
61. Show that the enveloping cylinders of the ellipsoid a2 x 2 + b2 y2 + c2 z 2 = 1 with generators perpendicular to
z- axis meet the plane z = 0 in parabolas. [20 Marks]

2007
62. Find the equation of the sphere inscribed in the tetrahedron whose faces are x = 0, y = 0, z = 0 and
2x + 3 y + 6z = 6 [12 Marks]
63. Find the locus of the point which moves so that its distance from the plane x + y − z = 1 is twice its distance
from the line x = − y = z [12 Marks]
64. Show that the spheres x 2 + y2 + z 2 − x + z − 2 = 0 and 3x 2 + 3 y2 − 8x − 10 y + 8z + 14 = 0 cut orthogonally.
Find the center and radius of their common circle [15 Marks]
x y −1 z − 2 x − 11 y − 5 z
65. A line with direction ratios 2, 7, -5 is drawn to intersect the lines = = and = = .
1 2 4 3 −1 1
Find the coordinate of the points of intersection and the length intercepted on it [15 Marks]
66. Show that the plane 2x − y + 2z = 0 cuts the cone xy + yz + zx = 0 in perpendicular lines [15 Marks]
67. Show that the feet of the normals from the point P ( ,  ,  ),   0 on the paraboloid x 2 + y2 = 4z lie on
the sphere 2 ( x 2 + y2 + z 2 ) − ( 2 +  2 ) y − 2 (2 +  )z = 0 [15 Marks]

2006
68. A pair of tangents to the conic ax 2 + by2 = 1 intercepts a constant distance 2k on the y- axis. Prove that the
locus of their point of intersection is the conic ax 2 (ax 2 + by2 − 1) = bk2 (ax 2 − 1)2 [12 Marks]
69. Show that the length of the shortest distance between the line z = x tan  , y = 0 and any tangent to the
ellipse x 2 sin2  + y2 = a2 , z = 0 is constant [12 Marks]

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 1
70. If PSP 1 and QSQ1 are the two perpendicular focal chords of a conic = 1 + e cos  , Prove that
r
1 1
+ is constant [15 Marks]
SP .SP 1 SQ.SQ1
71. Find the equation of the sphere which touches the plane 3x + 2 y − z + 2 = 0 at the point (1, − 2, 1) and
cuts orthogonally the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 − 4x + 6 y + 4 = 0 [15 Marks]
1 1 1
72. Show that the plane ax + by + cz = 0 cuts the cone xy + yz + zx = 0 in perpendicular lines, if + + = 0
a b c
[15 Marks]
73. If the plane lx + my + nz = p passes through the extremities of three conjugate semi-diameters of the
x 2 y2 z 2
ellipsoid + + = 1 prove that a2l2 + b2m2 + c2n2 = 3 p2 [15 Marks]
a 2 b2 c 2

2005
74. If normals at the points of an ellipse whose eccentric angles are  ,  ,  and  in a point then show that
sin(  +  ) + sin( +  ) + sin( +  ) = 0 [12 Marks]
75. A square ABCD having each diagonal AC and BD of length 2a is folded along the diagonal AC so that the
planes DAC and BAC are at right angle. Find the shortest distance between AB and DC [12 Marks]
1 
76. A plane is drawn through the line x + y = 1, z = 0 to make an angle sin −1   with plane x + y + z = 5 . Show
3
that two such planes can be drawn. Find their equations and the angle between them. [15 Marks]
77. Show that the locus of the centers of sphere of a co-axial system is a straight line. [15 Marks]
78. Obtain the equation of a right circular cylinder on the circle through the points (a, 0, 0),(0, b, 0),(0, 0, c)
as the guiding curve. [15 Marks]
79. Reduce the following equation to canonical form and determine which surface is represented by it:
x 2 − 7 y2 + 2z 2 − 10 yz − 8zx − 10xy + 6x + 12 y − 6z + 2 = 0 [15 Marks]

2004
80. Prove that the locus of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the vertex on a tangent to the parabola
y2 = 4ax is ( x + a) y2 + x 3 = 0 . [12 Marks]
81. Find the equations of the tangent planes to the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 − 4x + 2 y − 6z + 5 = 0, which are
parallel to the plane 2x + y − z = 4 [12 Marks]
82. Find the locus of the middle points of the chords of the rectangular hyperbola x 2 − y2 = a2 which touch the
parabola y2 = 4ax [15 Marks]
83. Prove that the locus of a line which meets the lines y = mx , z = c and the circle x + y = a , z = 0 is
2 2 2

c2m2 (cy − mzx )2 + c2 ( yz − cmx )2 = a2m2 ( z − c2 )2 [15 Marks]

2 2 2
84. Prove that the lines of intersection of pairs of tangent planes to ax + by + cz = 0 which touch along
perpendicular generators lie on the cone a2 (b + c)x 2 + b2 (c + a) y2 + c2 (a + b)z 2 = 0 [15 Marks]
2 2 2
x y z
85. Tangent planes are drawn to the ellipsoid 2
+ 2 + 2 = 1 through the point ( ,  ,  ) . Prove that the
a b c
perpendiculars to them through the origin generate the cone ( x +  y +  z )2 = a2 x 2 + b2 y2 + c2 z 2
[15 Marks]

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 2003
86. A variable plane remains at a constant distance unity from the point (1, 0, 0) and cuts the coordinate axes
at A, B, and C , find the locus of the center of the sphere passing through the origin and the point and the
point A, B and C . [12 Marks]
87. Find the equation of the two straight lines through the point (1, 1, 1) that intersect the line
x − 4 = 4( y − 4) = 2( z − 1) at an angle of 600 [12 Marks]
88. Find the volume of the tetrahedron formed by the four planes lx + my + nz = p, lx + my = 0, my + nz = 0
and nz + lx = 0 [15 Marks]
89. A sphere of constant radius r passes through the origin O and cuts the co-ordinate axes at A, B and C . Find
the locus of the foot of the perpendicular from O to the plane ABC . [15 Marks]
90. Find the equations of the lines of intersection of the plane x + 7 y − 5z = 0 and the cone
3xy + 14zx − 30xy = 0 [15 Marks]
91. Find the equations of the lines of shortest distance between the lines: y + z = 1, x = 0 and x + z = 1, y = 0
as the intersection of two planes [15 Marks]

2002
92. Show that the equation 9x 2 − 16 y2 − 18x − 32 y − 151 = 0 represents a hyperbola. Obtain its eccentricity
and foci. [12 Marks]
93. Find the co-ordinates of the center of the sphere inscribed in the tetrahedron formed by the plane
x = 0, y = 0, z = 0 and x + y + z = a [12 Marks]
x 2 y2
94. Tangents are drawn from any point on the ellipse + = 1 to the circle x 2 + y2 = r2 . Show that the
a 2 b2
chords of contact are tangents to the ellipse a2 x 2 + b2 y2 = r 2 . [15 Marks]
95. Consider a rectangular parallelepiped with edges a, b and c . Obtain the shortest distance between one of its
diagonals and an edge which does not intersect this diagonal [15 Marks]
2 2
x y z2
96. Show that the feed of the six normals drawn from any point ( ,  ,  ) to the ellipsoid 2 + 2 + 2 = 1 lie
a b c
a2 (b2 − c2 ) b2 (c2 − a2 ) c2 ( a2 − b2 )
on the cone + + =0 [15 Marks]
x y z
x y z
97. A variable plane + + = 0 is parallel to the plane meets the co-ordinate axes of A, B and C . Show that
a b c
b c  c a a b
the circle ABC lies on the conic yz  +  + zx  +  + xy  +  = 0 [15 Marks]
 c b a c  b a

2001
98. Show that the equation x 2 − 5xy + y2 + 8x − 20 y + 15 = 0 represents a hyperbola. Find the coordinates of
its center and the length of its real semi-axes. [12 Marks]
99. Find the shortest distance between the axis of z and the lines ax + by + cz + d = 0, a x + b y + c1z + d1 = 0
1 1

[12 Marks]
100. Find the equation of the circle circumscribing the triangle formed by the points (a, 0, 0),(0, b, 0),(0, 0, c) .
Obtain also the coordinates of the center of the circle. [15 Marks]
2 2 2
x y z
101. Find the locus of equal conjugate diameters of the ellipsoid 2 + 2 + 2 = 1 [15 Marks]
a b c

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102. Prove that 5x 2 + 5 y2 + 8z 2 + 8 yz + 8zx − 2xy + 12x − 12 y + 6 = 0 represents a cylinder whose cross-
1
section is an ellipse of eccentricity [15 Marks]
2

103. If TP ,TQ and T P ,T Q all lie one a conic.

1 1 1 1
[15 Marks]

2000
104. Find the equations to the planes bisecting the angles between the planes 2x − y − 2z = 0 and
3x + 4 y + 1 = 0 and specify the one which bisects the acute angle. [12 Marks]
2 2
105. Find the equation to the common conjugate diameters of the conics x + 4xy + 6 y = 1 and
2x 2 + 6xy + 9 y2 = 1 [12 Marks]
2 2 2
106. Reduce the equation x + y + z − 2xy − 2 yz + 2zx + x − y − 2z + 6 = 0 into canonical form and
determine the nature of the quadric [15 Marks]
107. Find the equation of the sphere through the circle x + y + z = 4, x + 2 y − z = 2 and the point (1, −1,1)
2 2 2

[15 Marks]
108. A variable straight line always intersects the lines x = c, y = 0; y = c, z = 0; z = c, x = 0. Find the equations to
its locus [15 Marks]
2 2 2
109. Show that the locus of mid-points of chords of the cone ax + by + cz + 2fyz + 2gzx + 2hxy = 0 drawn
x y z
parallel to the line = = is the plane ( al + hm + gn)x + (hl + bm + fn) y + ( gl + fm + cn )z = 0
l m n
[15 Marks]

1999
x 2 y2
110. If P and D are ends of a pair of semi-conjugate diameters of the ellipse + = 1 show that the tangents
a 2 b2
x 2 y2
at P and D meet on the ellipse + =2 [20 Marks]
a 2 b2
111. Find the equation of the cylinder whose generators touch the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 = 9 and are perpendicular
to the plane x − y − 3z = 5 . [20 Marks]
112. Calculate the curvature and torsion at the point u of the curve given by the parametric equations
x = a(3u − u3 ), y = 3au2 , z = a(3u + u2 ) [20 Marks]

1998
l
113. Find the locus of the pole of a chord of the conic = 1 + e cos  which subtends a constant angle 2 at the
r
focus [20 Marks]
114. Show that the plane ax + by + cz + d = 0 divides the join of P1  ( x1 , y1 , z1 ), P2  ( x 2 , y2 , z2 ) in the ratio
ax1 + by1 + cz1 + d
− . Hence show that the planes U  ax + by + cz + d = 0 = a1x + b1 y + c1z + d1  V ,
ax2 + by2 + cz2 + d
U + V = 0 and U − V = 0 divide any transversal harmonically [20 Marks]
ii iii iv
115. Prove that a curve x(s) is a generalized helix if and only if it satisfies the identity x .x  x = 0 [20 Marks]

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 x −5 y −2 z −5
116. Find the smallest sphere (i.e. the sphere of smallest radius) which touches the lines = = and
2 −1 −1
x +4 y+5 z −4
= = [20 Marks]
−3 −6 4
x y x y z
117. Find the co-ordinates the point of intersection of the generators − − 2 = 0 = − − and
a b a b 
x y x y z x 2 y2
+ − 2 = 0 = − − of the surface 2 − 2 = 2z. Hence show that the locus of the points of
a b a b  a b
intersection of perpendicular generators curves of intersection of the surface with the plane
2z + ( a 2 − b2 ) = 0 [20 Marks]
2 2 2
x y z
118. Let P  ( x ', y ', z ') lie on the ellipsoid
2
+ 2 + 2 = 1. If the length of the normal chord through P is
a b c
equal to 4PG , where G is the intersection of the normal with the z- plane, then show that P lies on the
x2 y2 z2
cone 6 ( ac2 − a 2 ) + 6 ( ac 2 − b2 ) + 4 = 0 [20 Marks]
a b c

1997
119. Let P be a pint on an ellipse with its center at the point C . Let CD and CP be two conjugate diameters. If
2
a 2 b2  a 2 − b2 
the normal at P cuts CD in F , show that CD.PF is a constant and the locus of F is 2 + 2 =  2 2
x y x + y 
x 2 y2
where 2 + 2 = 1 equation of the given ellipse [20 Marks]
a b
120. A circle passing through the focus of conic section whose latus rectum is 2l meets the conic in four points
1 1 1 1 2
whose distances from the focus are  1 ,  2 ,  3 and  4 Prove that + + + = [20 Marks]
1  2  3  4 l
121. Determine the curvature of the circular helix r (t ) = ( a cos t )iˆ + a(sin t ) jˆ + (bt )kˆ and an equation of the
 b 
normal plane at the point  0, a,  . [20 Marks]
 2 
122. Find the reflection of the plane x + y + z − 1 = 0 in plane 3x + 4z + 1 = 0 [20 Marks]
123. Show that the pint of intersection of three mutually perpendicular tangent planes to the ellipsoid
x 2 y2 z 2
+ + = 1 lies on the sphere x 2 + y2 + z 2 = a2 + b2 + c2 [20 Marks]
a 2 b2 c 2
124. Find the equation of the spheres which pass through the circle x 2 + y2 + z 2 − 4x − y + 3z + 12 = 0,
2x + 3 y − 7z = 10 and touch the plane x − 2 y + 2z = 1 [20 Marks]

1996
125. Find the equation of the common tangent to the parabolas y2 = 4ax and x 2 = 4by [20 Marks]
2
126. If the normal at any point ' t1 ' of a rectangular hyperbola xy = c meets the curve again at the point ' t2 ',
prove that t13t2 = −1 . [20 Marks]
127. A variable plane is at a constant distance p from the origin and meets the axes in A, B and C . Through
A, B,C the planes are drawn parallel to the coordinate planes. Show that the locus of their point of
intersection is given by x −2 + y−2 + z −2 = p−2 [20 Marks]

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128. Find the equation of the sphere which passes through the points (1,0,0),(0,1,0),(0,0,1) and has the
smallest possible radius. [20 Marks]
2 2 2
x y z
129. The generators through a point P on the hyperboloid 2 + 2 + 2 = 1 meet the principal elliptic section in
a b c
two points such that the eccentric angle of one is double that of the other. Show that P lies on the curve
a(1 − 3t 2 ) bt(3 − t 2 )
x= , y = , z = ct [20 Marks]
1 + t2 1 + t2
130. A curve is drawn on a right circular cone, semi-vertical angle  , so as to cut all the generators at the same
angle  . Show that its projection on a plane at right angles to the axis is an equiangular spiral. Find
expressions for its curvature and torsion. [20 Marks]

1995
x 2 y2
131. Two conjugate semi-diameters of the ellipse + = 1 cuts the circle x 2 + y2 = r2 at P and Q. Show that
a 2 b2
   
the locus of middle point of PQ is a 2 ( x 2 + y2 )2 − r 2 x 2 + b2 ( x 2 + y2 )2 − r 2 y2 = 0 [20 Marks]
1
132. If the normal at one of the extremities of latus rectum of the conic = 1 + e cos  , meets the curve again at
r
l(1 + 3e2 + e4 )
Q , show that SQ = , where S is the focus of the conic. [20 Marks]
(1 + e2 − e4 )
133. Through a point P ( x ', y ', z ') a plane is drawn at right angles to OP to meet the coordinate axes in A, B,C .
r2
Prove that the area of the triangle ABC is where r is the measure of OP . [20 Marks]
2x ' y ' z '
 r12r22
134. Two spheres of radii r1 and r2 cut orthogonally. Prove that the area of the common circle is
r12 + r22
[20 Marks]
135. Show that a plane through one member of the  - system and one member of  - system is tangent plane to
the hyperboloid at the point of intersection of the two generators. [20 Marks]
136. Prove that the parallels through the origin to the binormals of the helix x = a cos  , y = a sin  , z = k lie
upon the right cone a2 ( x 2 + y2 ) = k2 z 2 .

1994
x 2 y2
137. If 2 be the angle between the tangents from P ( x1 , y1 ) to + = 1, prove that 1 cos2  + 2 sin2  = 0
a 2 b2
where 1 , 2 are the parameters of two con-foci to the ellipse through P [20 Marks]
l
138. If the normals at the points  ,  ,  , on the conic = 1 + e cos  meet at (  , ), prove that
r
 +  +  +  − 2 = odd multiple of  radians. [20 Marks]
139. A variable plane is at a constant distance p from the origin O and meets the axes in A, B and C . Show that
1 1 1 16
the locus of the centroid of the tetrahedron OABC is 2 + 2 + 2 = 2 [20 Marks]
x y z p
140. Find the equations to the generators of hyperboloid, through any point of the principal elliptic section
x 2 y2 z 2
+ − = 1, z = 0 [20 Marks]
a 2 b2 c2

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141. Planes are drawn through a fixed point ( ,  ,  ) so that their sections of the paraboloid ax 2 + by2 = 2z are
(x −  2 ) ( y −  2 ) (z −  2 )
rectangular hyperbolas. Prove that they touch the cone + + = 0. [20 Marks]
b a a +b
142. Find f ( ) so that the curve x = a cos  , y = a sin  , z = f ( ) determines a plane curve. [20 Marks]

1993
143. If ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents a pair of lines, prove that the area of the triangle formed
( a − b)2 + 4h2 ca − g 2
by their bisectors and axis of x is , [20 Marks]
2h ab − h2
l
144. Find the equation of the director circle of the conic = 1 + e cos  and also obtain the asymptotes of the
r
above conic. [20 Marks]
145. A line makes angles  ,  ,  ,  with the diagonals of a cube. Prove that
4
cos2  + cos2  + cos2  + cos2  = [20 Marks]
3
146. Prove that the center of the spheres which touch the lines y = mx , z = c; y = −mx , z = −c lie upon the
Conicoid mxy + cz(1 + m2 ) = 0 [20 Marks]
147. Find the locus of the point of intersection of perpendicular generators of a hyperboloid of one sheet.
[20 Marks]
148. A curve is drawn on a parabolic cylinder so as to cut all the generators at the same angle. Find its curvature
and torsion. [20 Marks]

1992
149. If ax 2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents two intersecting lines, show that the square of the
c( a + b) − f 2 − g 2
distance of the point of intersection of the straight lines from the origin is ( ab − h2  0)
ab − h2
[20 Marks]
2 2
150. Discuss the nature of the conic 16x − 24xy + 9 y − 104x − 172 y + 144 = 0 in detail [20 Marks]
151. A straight line, always parallel to the plane of yz, passed through the curves x 2 + y2 = a2 , z = 0 and
x 4 = ax , y = 0 prove that the equation of the surface generated is x 4 y2 = ( x 2 − az )2 (a2 − x 2 ) [20 Marks]
x 2 y2 z 2
152. Tangent planes are drawn to the ellipsoid + + = 1 through the point ( ,  ,  ) . Prove that the
a 2 b2 c 2
perpendicular them from the origin generate the cone ( x +  y +  z )2 = a2 x 2 + b2 y2 + c2 z 2 [20 Marks]
153. Show that the locus of the foot of the perpendicular from the center to the plane through the extremities
x 2 y2 z 2
of three conjugate semi-diameters of the ellipsoid 2 + 2 + 2 = 1 is a2 x 2 + b2 y2 + c2 z 2 = 3( x 2 + y2 + z 2 )
a b c
[20 Marks]
154. Define an osculating plane and derive its equation in vector form. If the tangent and binormal at a point P
 sin    d  k
of the curves make angles  ,  respectively with the fixed direction, show that    = − where
 sin   d  
k and  are respectively curvature and torsion of the curve at P .

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