Class CBSE Class 12 Mathematics Three Dimensional Geometry Q #825
KNOWLEDGE BASED
APPLY
1 Marks 2023 MCQ SINGLE
If the direction cosines of a line are $(\frac{1}{a}, \frac{1}{a}, \frac{1}{a})$ then:
(A) $0
(B) $a>2$
(C) $a>0$
(D) $a=\pm\sqrt{3}$
Correct Answer: D

AI Tutor Explanation

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Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Since $(\frac{1}{a}, \frac{1}{a}, \frac{1}{a})$ are the direction cosines of a line, the sum of their squares must be equal to 1.
  2. Therefore, $(\frac{1}{a})^2 + (\frac{1}{a})^2 + (\frac{1}{a})^2 = 1$.
  3. This simplifies to $\frac{1}{a^2} + \frac{1}{a^2} + \frac{1}{a^2} = 1$, which further simplifies to $\frac{3}{a^2} = 1$.
  4. Multiplying both sides by $a^2$ gives $3 = a^2$.
  5. Taking the square root of both sides gives $a = \pm\sqrt{3}$.

Correct Answer: $a=\pm\sqrt{3}$

AI Suggestion: Option D

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Pedagogical Audit
Bloom's Analysis: This is an APPLY question because the student needs to apply the concept of direction cosines and their relationship to solve for the value of 'a'.
Knowledge Dimension: CONCEPTUAL
Justification: The question requires understanding the conceptual relationship between direction cosines and their property that the sum of their squares equals 1.
Syllabus Audit: In the context of CBSE Class 12, this is classified as KNOWLEDGE. The question directly tests the student's understanding of a specific concept (direction cosines) from the textbook.