Q. If the lines $ax + ky + 10 = 0,\ bx + (k + 1)y + 10 = 0$ and $cx + (k + 2)y + 10 = 0$ are concurrent, then

A) $a,b,c\$are in GP
B) $a,b,c$ are in HP
C) $a,b,c\$are in AP
D) $({a + b)}^{2} = c$
Explanation

(c)
Since, the given lines are concurrent.
$\therefore\left| \begin{matrix}
a & k & 10 \\
b & k + 1 & 10 \\
c & k + 2 & 10
\end{matrix} \right| = 0 \Rightarrow 10\left| \begin{matrix}
a & k & 1 \\
b & k + 1 & 1 \\
c & k + 2 & 1
\end{matrix} \right| = 0$
Applying $R_{2} \rightarrow R_{2} - R_{1}\ and\ R_{3} \rightarrow R_{3} - R_{1}$
$\Rightarrow \ 10\left| \begin{matrix}
a & k & 1 \\
b - a & 1 & 0 \\
c - a & 2 & 0
\end{matrix} \right| = 0$
$\Rightarrow \ 10\left\lbrack 1(2b - 2a - c + a) \right\rbrack = 0$
$\Rightarrow \ 2b = a + c$
Hence, $a,b$ and $c$ are in AP

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.