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Question #41657

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Let AA be a 3×33 \times 3 matrix with real entries such that: A(100)=(110),A(110)=(121),A(111)=(032)A \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 0 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix}, \quad A \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix}, \quad A \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 1 \\ 1 \end{pmatrix} = \begin{pmatrix} 0 \\ 3 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix} Let P1P_1 and P2P_2 be two planes passing through the origin. The normal vector to P1P_1 is parallel to the first row vector of AA, and the normal vector to P2P_2 is parallel to the first column vector of adj(A)\text{adj}(A). Let n⃗1\vec{n}_1 and n⃗2\vec{n}_2 be the normal vectors of P1P_1 and P2P_2 respectively, such that their k^\hat{k} components are strictly positive and they both have a magnitude of 2\sqrt{2}. If θ\theta is the angle between the vectors n⃗1\vec{n}_1 and n⃗2\vec{n}_2, what is the value of cos⁡θ\cos \theta?

Options

  • A.

    12\frac{1}{2}

  • B.

    −12-\frac{1}{2}

  • C.

    12\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

  • D.

    −12-\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Bridge

Practice problems that bridge the gap between foundational theory and advanced practical application.

Concepts Behind This Question

Angle between two planes|System of Linear Equations (Cramer/Inverse)|Inversion and Determinant Product

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

This problem tests the geometric interpretation of matrix rows and adjoint columns, specifically integrating the property A⋅adj(A)=det⁡(A)IA \cdot \text{adj}(A) = \det(A)I.

A common trap is blindly using the identity r⃗1⋅c⃗1=det⁡(A)=−1\vec{r}_1 \cdot \vec{c}_1 = \det(A) = -1 to conclude cos⁡θ=−1/2\cos \theta = -1/2.

However, the problem imposes a strict orientation constraint (positive k^\hat{k} component) on the normal vectors.

Since the first row of AA has a negative k^\hat{k} component, its direction must be reversed to form n⃗1\vec{n}_1, flipping the sign of the dot product and resulting in cos⁡θ=1/2\cos \theta = 1/2.

This punishes rote formula application and rewards deep geometric tracking of vector orientations.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectMathematics
ChapterThree-Dimensional Geometry - Class 12
ConceptAngle between two planes
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load7
Target Solve Time160 sec
AccessFree