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Question #41290

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Let a⃗,b⃗,c⃗\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c} be three mutually orthogonal vectors forming a left-handed system. Consider three lines L1,L2,L3L_1, L_2, L_3 defined as: L1:r⃗=a⃗×b⃗+λ(b⃗×c⃗)L_1: \vec{r} = \vec{a} \times \vec{b} + \lambda (\vec{b} \times \vec{c}) L2:r⃗=b⃗×c⃗+μ(c⃗×a⃗)L_2: \vec{r} = \vec{b} \times \vec{c} + \mu (\vec{c} \times \vec{a}) L3:r⃗=c⃗×a⃗+γ(a⃗×b⃗)L_3: \vec{r} = \vec{c} \times \vec{a} + \gamma (\vec{a} \times \vec{b}) If the shortest distances between the pairs of lines (L1,L2)(L_1, L_2), (L2,L3)(L_2, L_3), and (L3,L1)(L_3, L_1) are 22, 33, and 66 respectively, find the value of [a⃗′+b⃗′,b⃗′+c⃗′,c⃗′+a⃗′][\vec{a}' + \vec{b}', \vec{b}' + \vec{c}', \vec{c}' + \vec{a}'], where a⃗′,b⃗′,c⃗′\vec{a}', \vec{b}', \vec{c}' represent the reciprocal system of vectors for a⃗,b⃗,c⃗\vec{a}, \vec{b}, \vec{c}.

Options

  • A.

    −13-\frac{1}{3}

  • B.

    13\frac{1}{3}

  • C.

    −16-\frac{1}{6}

  • D.

    16\frac{1}{6}

Check Your Answer

Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Monster

Ultra-high difficulty questions designed to test your limit, stamina, and deep conceptual understanding.

Concepts Behind This Question

Determinant as Geometric Area/Volume|Reciprocal System of Vectors|Shortest distance between skew lines|Modulus Function Symmetry

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This question tests the synthesis of the shortest distance formula, scalar triple product (STP) properties, and reciprocal basis vectors.

The primary trap lies in the Modulus Function Symmetry within the shortest distance formula; students frequently drop the absolute value, leading to sign confusion.

Furthermore, the problem explicitly defines a 'left-handed system', requiring the student to assign a negative sign to the STP (V=−6V = -6 instead of 66).

Failing to account for this orientation flips the sign of the final reciprocal system volume, leading to the incorrect option of 1/3.

It rigorously evaluates attention to vector orientation and algebraic precision.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectMathematics
ChapterDeterminants - Class 12
ConceptDeterminant as Geometric Area/Volume
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree