Q. If the position vectors of the vertices of $\mathrm{\Delta}\ ABC$ are $3\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 2\widehat{\mathbf{k}},\ \ \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 7\widehat{\mathbf{k}}$ and $- 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + 3\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 5\widehat{\mathbf{k}},$ then the triangle $ABC$ is

A) Right angled and isosceles
B) Right angled, but not isosceles
C) Isosceles but not right angled
D) Equilateral
Explanation

(d)
Given vertices are
$A\left( 3\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 2\widehat{\mathbf{k}} \right),\ B\left( \ \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 7\widehat{\mathbf{k}} \right)andC\left( - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + 3\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 5\widehat{\mathbf{k}} \right).$
Now, $\overrightarrow{\mathbf{AB}} = \left( \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 7\widehat{\mathbf{k}} \right) - \left( 3\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} + \widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 2\widehat{\mathbf{k}} \right)$
$= - 2\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{i}}} - 3\widehat{\dot{\mathbf{j}}} + 5\widehat{\mathbf{k}}$
$\therefore\ \left| \overrightarrow{\mathbf{AB}} \right| = \sqrt{4 + 9 + 25} = \sqrt{38}$
Similarly, $\left| \overrightarrow{\mathbf{BC}} \right| = \left| \overrightarrow{\mathbf{CA}} \right| = \sqrt{38}$
$\therefore\ \left| \overrightarrow{\mathbf{AB}} \right| = \left| \overrightarrow{\mathbf{BC}} \right| = \left| \overrightarrow{\mathbf{CA}} \right| = \sqrt{38}$
$\therefore\ \$Hence, triangle is an equilateral triangle.

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

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

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