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Three-Dimensional Geometry for JEE Main & Advanced — formulas, what is asked, and traps

JEEGenie estimates about 5% of JEE Main marks come from Three-Dimensional Geometry. This page covers 24 formula entries, each with when to use it, what JEE asks and the traps. A common slip: Direction cosines are always for a directed line; reversing the direction changes signs of all three.

Key points to know

  • Direction Cosines (DC) of a Line. Direction cosines are the cosines of the angles a line makes with the positive x, y, and z axes. They are denoted by l, m, n and satisfy l² + m² + n² = 1.
  • Direction Ratios (DR) of a Line. Direction ratios are any three numbers proportional to the direction cosines. If a line has DRs a, b, c, then its DCs are ±(a/√(a²+b²+c²), b/√(...), c/√(...)).
  • Equation of a Line in Space: Vector Form. A line through a point with position vector a and parallel to vector b is given by r = a + λb, where λ is a scalar parameter.
  • Equation of a Line in Space: Cartesian Form (Symmetric). If a line passes through (x₁,y₁,z₁) and has DRs a,b,c, its symmetric equation is (x-x₁)/a = (y-y₁)/b = (z-z₁)/c = λ.
  • Equation of a Plane: General Form. A plane in 3D is given by ax + by + cz + d = 0, where (a,b,c) are the direction ratios of the normal to the plane.
  • Equation of a Plane: Intercept Form. If a plane cuts the x, y, z axes at a, b, c respectively, its equation is x/a + y/b + z/c = 1.
  • Equation of a Plane: Normal Form. A plane at distance p from origin with unit normal vector (l,m,n) is lx + my + nz = p.
  • Equation of a Plane Through a Given Point and Parallel to Two Lines. A plane through point (x₁,y₁,z₁) and parallel to lines with DRs (a₁,b₁,c₁) and (a₂,b₂,c₂) has normal vector perpendicular to both DRs, found via cross product.

Formula sheet

NameFormulaWhen to use
Direction Cosines (DC) of a Linel=cos⁡α, m=cos⁡β, n=cos⁡γUse when you need the actual angles a line makes with axes or to find the line's orientation uniquely.
Direction Ratios (DR) of a LineDRs: a,b,c⇒(l,m,n)=±(a, b, c)a2+b2+c2 (one common sign for all three)Use when you have a vector along the line (e.g., from two points) and need to find DCs or check parallelism.
Angle Between Two Lines (using DCs/DRs)cos⁡θ=∣l1l2+m1m2+n1n2∣=∣a1a2+b1b2+c1c2∣a12+b12+c12a22+b22+c22Use to find the angle between any two lines given their DCs or DRs.
Condition for Perpendicular and Parallel LinesPerpendicular: a1a2+b1b2+c1c2=0Parallel: a1a2=b1b2=c1c2Use to quickly check geometric relationships between lines in 3D.
Equation of a Line in Space: Vector Formr⃗=a⃗+λb⃗Use when you know a point on the line and its direction (e.g., from a parallel vector).
Equation of a Line in Space: Cartesian Form (Symmetric)x−x1a=y−y1b=z−z1c=λUse when coordinates of a point and direction ratios are known; common in JEE problems.
Equation of Line Through Two Pointsx−x1x2−x1=y−y1y2−y1=z−z1z2−z1Use when two points on the line are given.
Equation of a Plane: General Formax+by+cz+d=0Use as the standard form to represent any plane; often used to find distance from a point.
Equation of a Plane: Intercept Formxa+yb+zc=1Use when the intercepts on axes are given or easily found.
Equation of a Plane: Normal Formlx+my+nz=pUse to find the perpendicular distance from origin to a plane.
Angle Between Two Planescos⁡θ=∣a1a2+b1b2+c1c2∣a12+b12+c12a22+b22+c22Use to find the dihedral angle between two planes.
Condition for Perpendicular and Parallel PlanesPerpendicular: a1a2+b1b2+c1c2=0Parallel: a1a2=b1b2=c1c2Use to check geometric relationships between planes.
Distance of a Point from a PlaneDistance=∣ax1+by1+cz1+d∣a2+b2+c2Use to find the shortest distance from a point to a plane.
Distance Between Two Parallel PlanesDistance=∣d1−d2∣a2+b2+c2Use when given two parallel planes.
Equation of a Plane Through a Given Point and Parallel to Two Lines∣x−x1y−y1z−z1a1b1c1a2b2c2∣=0Use when a plane is defined by a point and two direction vectors (e.g., containing two lines).
Equation of a Plane Through Three Points∣x−x1y−y1z−z1x2−x1y2−y1z2−z1x3−x1y3−y1z3−z1∣=0Use when three points on the plane are given.
Angle Between a Line and a Planesin⁡ϕ=∣aA+bB+cC∣a2+b2+c2A2+B2+C2Use to find the angle at which a line meets a plane.
Condition for a Line to Lie in a PlaneLine: x−x1a=y−y1b=z−z1c, Plane: Ax+By+Cz+D=0Conditions: aA+bB+cC=0 and Ax1+By1+Cz1+D=0Use to check if a given line is contained in a plane.
Shortest Distance Between Two Skew LinesSD=∣(a⃗2−a⃗1)⋅(b⃗1×b⃗2)∣∣b⃗1×b⃗2∣Use to find the shortest distance between two lines that are not parallel and do not intersect.
Shortest Distance Between Two Parallel LinesDistance=∣(a⃗2−a⃗1)×b⃗∣∣b⃗∣Use when two lines are parallel (DRs proportional).
Intersection of a Line and a PlaneLine: x−x1a=y−y1b=z−z1c=λPlane: Ax+By+Cz+D=0⇒A(x1+λa)+B(y1+λb)+C(z1+λc)+D=0Use to find the point where a line meets a plane.
Foot of Perpendicular from a Point to a Planet=ax1+by1+cz1+da2+b2+c2Foot: (x1−at, y1−bt, z1−ct)Use to find the projection of a point onto a plane.
Image of a Point in a PlaneImage: (x1−2at, y1−2bt, z1−2ct) with t=ax1+by1+cz1+da2+b2+c2Use to find the mirror image of a point across a plane.
Coplanarity of Two LinesLines: r⃗=a⃗1+λb⃗1, r⃗=a⃗2+μb⃗2Coplanar if (a⃗2−a⃗1)⋅(b⃗1×b⃗2)=0Use to check if two given lines lie in the same plane.

Open the Three-Dimensional Geometry formula page

What JEE asks

  • Direction Cosines (DC) of a Line. JEE often asks to find DCs from a given vector or to verify l²+m²+n²=1 in multiple-choice questions.
  • Direction Ratios (DR) of a Line. JEE frequently tests conversion between DRs and DCs, especially in problems involving angles between lines.
  • Angle Between Two Lines (using DCs/DRs). JEE often asks for the angle between lines given in symmetric form or vector form, sometimes combined with condition for perpendicularity (cosθ=0).
  • Condition for Perpendicular and Parallel Lines. JEE often tests these conditions in problems involving shortest distance or finding a line perpendicular to two given lines.
  • Equation of a Line in Space: Vector Form. JEE often gives lines in vector form and asks for intersection or distance problems.
  • Equation of a Line in Space: Cartesian Form (Symmetric). JEE often asks to convert between vector and Cartesian forms, or to find the line through two points.
  • Equation of Line Through Two Points. JEE often tests this as a direct formula application or in problems involving intersection with a plane.
  • Equation of a Plane: General Form. JEE frequently asks to find the equation of a plane given conditions like passing through three points or perpendicular to a line.
  • Equation of a Plane: Intercept Form. JEE often asks to convert general form to intercept form to find intercepts quickly.
  • Equation of a Plane: Normal Form. JEE often tests conversion from general form to normal form to find p.
  • Angle Between Two Planes. JEE often asks for the angle between planes given in general form, or condition for perpendicularity (cosθ=0).
  • Condition for Perpendicular and Parallel Planes. JEE often tests these in problems involving distance between parallel planes or finding a plane perpendicular to two given planes.
  • Distance of a Point from a Plane. JEE often asks this directly or in problems involving spheres or loci.
  • Distance Between Two Parallel Planes. JEE often tests this as a quick formula application.
  • Equation of a Plane Through a Given Point and Parallel to Two Lines. JEE often asks to find the plane containing two intersecting or parallel lines.
  • Equation of a Plane Through Three Points. JEE often tests this as a direct method or in problems involving intersection of lines.
  • Angle Between a Line and a Plane. JEE often asks this in problems involving line-plane intersection or shortest distance.
  • Condition for a Line to Lie in a Plane. JEE often tests this in problems involving intersection of line and plane or finding the plane containing a line.
  • Shortest Distance Between Two Skew Lines. JEE often asks for the shortest distance between skew lines given in vector or Cartesian form.
  • Shortest Distance Between Two Parallel Lines. JEE often tests this as a simpler variant of the skew line problem.
  • Intersection of a Line and a Plane. JEE often asks this in problems involving foot of perpendicular or reflection.
  • Foot of Perpendicular from a Point to a Plane. JEE often tests this in problems involving reflection of a point across a plane.
  • Image of a Point in a Plane. JEE often asks for the image of a point or a line in a plane.
  • Coplanarity of Two Lines. JEE often tests this in problems involving finding the plane containing two lines.

Common traps

  • Direction cosines are always for a directed line; reversing the direction changes signs of all three. Direction Cosines (DC) of a Line
  • Direction ratios are not unique; any scalar multiple gives the same line. Direction Ratios (DR) of a Line
  • For acute angle, take absolute value; for obtuse, use negative sign. Angle Between Two Lines (using DCs/DRs)
  • For perpendicular, use the dot product of DRs (not DCs) directly; no absolute value needed. Condition for Perpendicular and Parallel Lines
  • The direction vector b must be non-zero; λ is any real number. Equation of a Line in Space: Vector Form
  • If any DR is zero (e.g., a=0), the equation becomes x = x₁ (constant), and the other ratios still hold. Equation of a Line in Space: Cartesian Form (Symmetric)
  • If any coordinate difference is zero, treat that numerator as zero (e.g., x = x₁). Equation of Line Through Two Points
  • The coefficients a,b,c are not unique; multiplying by a constant gives the same plane. Equation of a Plane: General Form
  • Intercepts can be negative if the plane cuts the negative axes. Equation of a Plane: Intercept Form
  • The normal vector must be a unit vector; otherwise, divide by its magnitude. Equation of a Plane: Normal Form
  • Take absolute value for acute angle; for obtuse, use negative. Angle Between Two Planes
  • For parallel planes, the constant term d may differ; that gives distinct parallel planes. Condition for Perpendicular and Parallel Planes
  • Use absolute value; distance is always non-negative. Distance of a Point from a Plane
  • The planes must have the same normal coefficients (a,b,c); otherwise, they are not parallel. Distance Between Two Parallel Planes

Topics in Three-Dimensional Geometry

  • Direction Cosines and Ratios
  • Line in Space
  • Plane in Space
  • Angle Between Lines and Planes
  • Shortest Distance
  • Coplanarity

Previous-year questions on Three-Dimensional Geometry

JEEGenie has 498 previous-year questions on Three-Dimensional Geometry. A few worked examples follow.

YearQuestions
202629
202535
202447
202373
202249
202154
202019
201958
201813
201711
201611
201511
201410
201310
201211
20112
20106
20095
20086
20076
20064
20057
200410
20038
20022
19851

Question 1 medium

If the point of intersection of the lines x+13=y+a5=z+b+17 and x−21=y−b4=z−2a7 lies on xy-plane, then the value of a+b is:
  1. 2
  2. 5
  3. 7
  4. 9

Answer: C

Explanation. Let the first line be x+13=y+a5=z+b+17=t so x=3t−1,y=5t−a,z=7t−b−1. Let the second line be x−21=y−b4=z−2a7=s so x=s+2,y=4s+b,z=7s+2a. At intersection, equate coordinates: 3t−1=s+2  ⟹  s=3t−3, 5t−a=4s+b  ⟹  5t−a=4(3t−3)+b=12t−12+b, 7t−b−1=7s+2a=7(3t−3)+2a=21t−21+2a. From the y-equation: 5t−a=12t−12+b  ⟹  −7t−a−b=−12  ⟹  7t+a+b=12.(1) From the z-equation: 7t−b−1=21t−21+2a  ⟹  −14t−2a−b=−20  ⟹  14t+2a+b=20.(2) Subtract (1) from (2): (14t+2a+b)−(7t+a+b)=20−12  ⟹  7t+a=8.(3) From (1) and (3): Subtract (3) from (1): (7t+a+b)−(7t+a)=12−8  ⟹  b=4. Now the intersection lies on the xy-plane, so z=0: 7t−b−1=0  ⟹  7t−4−1=0  ⟹  7t=5  ⟹  t=57. From (3): 7(57)+a=8  ⟹  5+a=8  ⟹  a=3. Thus a+b=3+4=7. C

From NTA/IIT papers: JEE Main 2026 · 2 Apr Shift 1

Question 2 hard

Line L1 passes through the point (1,2,3) and is parallel to z-axis. Line L2 passes through the point (λ,5,6) and is parallel to y-axis. Let for λ=λ1,λ2,λ2<λ1, the shortest distance between the two lines be 3 . Then the square of the distance of the point (λ1,λ2,7) from the line L1 is
  1. 25
  2. 32
  3. 40
  4. 37

Answer: A

Explanation. L1: through (1,2,3), parallel to z-axis, so direction (0,0,1). L2: through (λ,5,6), parallel to y-axis, so direction (0,1,0). Shortest distance between skew lines: Vector between points: (λ−1,3,3). Cross product of directions: (0,0,1)×(0,1,0)=(−1,0,0), magnitude 1. Distance = ∣(λ−1,3,3)⋅(−1,0,0)∣1=∣λ−1∣. Given ∣λ−1∣=3, so λ=4 or λ=−2. Thus λ1=4, λ2=−2. Point P=(4,−2,7). Distance from P to L1: L1 passes through (1,2,3), direction (0,0,1). Vector from point on L1 to P: (3,−4,4). Project onto direction: (0,0,4). Perpendicular component: (3,−4,0). Distance = 32+(−4)2=5. Square = 25. Answer is option A.

From NTA/IIT papers: JEE Main 2025 · 3 Apr Shift 1

Question 3 easy

The shortest distance between the lines x−32=y+15−7=z−95 and x+12=y−11=z−9−3 is
  1. 83
  2. 63
  3. 53
  4. 43

Answer: D

Explanation. Line 1 passes through A=(3,−15,9) with direction b1⃗=(2,−7,5). Line 2 passes through B=(−1,1,9) with direction b2⃗=(2,1,−3). Step 1: Compute b1⃗×b2⃗. b1⃗×b2⃗=∣i⃗j⃗k⃗2−7521−3∣=i⃗[(−7)(−3)−(5)(1)]−j⃗[(2)(−3)−(5)(2)]+k⃗[(2)(1)−(−7)(2)]=i⃗[21−5]−j⃗[−6−10]+k⃗[2+14]=(16,16,16) Step 2: Magnitude of b1⃗×b2⃗. ∣b1⃗×b2⃗∣=162+162+162=163 Step 3: Compute AB⃗=B−A=(−1−3, 1−(−15), 9−9)=(−4,16,0). Step 4: Shortest distance formula: d=∣AB⃗⋅(b1⃗×b2⃗)∣∣b1⃗×b2⃗∣AB⃗⋅(16,16,16)=(−4)(16)+(16)(16)+(0)(16)=−64+256+0=192d=∣192∣163=192163=123=1233=43 The shortest distance is 43.

From NTA/IIT papers: JEE Main 2024 · 6 Apr Shift 1

Question 4 medium

If the equation of the plane passing through the line of intersection of the planes 2x−y+z=3,4x−3y+5z+9=0 and parallel to the line x+1−2=y+34=z−25 is ax+by+cz+6=0, then a+b+c is equal to :
  1. 13
  2. 15
  3. 14
  4. 12

Answer: C

Explanation. Let the required plane pass through the line of intersection of the planes 2x−y+z−3=0 and 4x−3y+5z+9=0. Any plane through their line of intersection is of the form (2x−y+z−3)+λ(4x−3y+5z+9)=0. Simplifying, (2+4λ)x+(−1−3λ)y+(1+5λ)z+(−3+9λ)=0. This plane is parallel to the line x+1−2=y+34=z−25, whose direction ratios are (−2,4,5). For the plane to be parallel to the line, the normal to the plane must be perpendicular to the line’s direction vector. Hence, (2+4λ)(−2)+(−1−3λ)(4)+(1+5λ)(5)=0. Compute: −4−8λ−4−12λ+5+25λ=0 (−4−4+5)+(−8λ−12λ+25λ)=0 −3+5λ=0 λ=35. Substitute λ=35 into the plane equation: Coefficient of x: 2+4⋅35=2+125=225. Coefficient of y: −1−3⋅35=−1−95=−145. Coefficient of z: 1+5⋅35=1+3=4=205. Constant term: −3+9⋅35=−3+275=−15+275=125. So the plane is 225x−145y+4z+125=0. Multiply through by 5: 22x−14y+20z+12=0. Divide by 2: 11x−7y+10z+6=0. Comparing with ax+by+cz+6=0, we get a=11,b=−7,c=10. Thus, a+b+c=11−7+10=14. Answer: (C)

From NTA/IIT papers: JEE Main 2023 · 6 Apr Shift 1

Frequently asked questions

How much of JEE Main comes from Three-Dimensional Geometry?
JEEGenie estimates about 5% of JEE Main marks come from Three-Dimensional Geometry, based on recent papers. The share varies from year to year.
Which formulas matter most in Three-Dimensional Geometry?
The Three-Dimensional Geometry sheet on this page has 24 formula entries, starting with Direction Cosines (DC) of a Line, Direction Ratios (DR) of a Line, Angle Between Two Lines (using DCs/DRs), Condition for Perpendicular and Parallel Lines, Equation of a Line in Space: Vector Form. Each one comes with when to use it and the trap to avoid.
What topics does Three-Dimensional Geometry cover for JEE?
Three-Dimensional Geometry covers Direction Cosines and Ratios, Line in Space, Plane in Space, Angle Between Lines and Planes, Shortest Distance, Coplanarity.
How should I revise Three-Dimensional Geometry before the exam?
Learn each formula together with its condition of use, read the trap listed beside it, then practise questions and review every mistake. The practice link on this page opens Three-Dimensional Geometry questions on JEEGenie.
How many previous-year questions are there on Three-Dimensional Geometry?
JEEGenie has 498 previous-year questions on Three-Dimensional Geometry, and this page shows a few with worked explanations.
Is practice on Three-Dimensional Geometry free on JEEGenie?
Sign-up is free and includes a 7-day Pro trial. After the trial, free accounts keep a limited daily quota.