Q60 / 90 · JEE Main 2019 (09 Apr Shift 2) · Mathematics

If a unit vector a→ makes angles π3 with i^, π4 with j^ and θ∈0,π with k^, then a value of θ is:

  • A
    5π6
  • B
    5π12
  • C
    π4
  • Correct answer
    D
    2π3

Solution

The unit vector a→ makes angle π3, π4 and θ with i^, j^ & k^ respectively.

Hence, the direction cosines of the vector a→ are cosα=cosπ3=12, cosβ=cosπ4=12 and cosγ=cosθ

For a line having direction cosines as cosα, cosβ, cosγ

⇒cos2α+cos2β+cos2γ=1

⇒14+12+cos2θ=1

⇒cos2θ=1-34=14

⇒cos2θ=±12

⇒θ=π3 or 2π3.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.

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