Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.

Muhammad Amin
The Sphere
Definition: The set of all points in space that are equidistant from a fixed point is called a sphere. The constant
distance is called the radius of the sphere and the fixed point is called the centre of the sphere.

Example#36: Find the centre and radius of the sphere 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 − 𝟒𝐱 + 𝟐𝐲 − 𝟔𝐳 − 𝟏𝟏 = 𝟎.

Solution: Given equation of sphere is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 4x + 2y − 6z − 11 = 0

x 2 − 4x + y 2 + 2y + z 2 − 6z − 11 = 0

x 2 − 2 2 x + (2)2 + y 2 + 2 1 y + 1 2
+ z2 − 2 3 z + 3 2
− 11 = (2)2 + (1)2 + 3 2

2 2 2
x−2 + y+1 + z−3 = 4 + 1 + 9 + 11
2 2 2
x−2 + y+1 + z−3 = 25

Which represents the equation of a sphere with centre 2, −1,3 and radius = 25 = 5

Example#37:Find an equation of the sphere with centre at 𝐌 𝟒, 𝟏, −𝟔 and tangent to the plane
𝟐𝐱 − 𝟑𝐲 + 𝟐𝐳 − 𝟏𝟎 = 𝟎.
Solution:Given equation of the plane 2x − 3y + 2z − 10 = 0 and centre of sphere Is at M 4,1, −6 .

According to given condition , Given plane is tangent to the sphere , So

radius of the sphere = Distance from plane to the Centre

2 4 −3 1 +2 −6 −10 8−3−12−10 −17 17
r= ⇒r= ⇒r= ⇒ r= ⇒ r = 17
22 + −3 2 +22 4+9+4 17 17

Hence, equation of the sphere with centre 4,1, −6 and radius 17 will become
2
2 2 2
x−4 + y−1 + z+6 = 17

x 2 + 16 − 8x + y 2 + 1 − 2y + z 2 + 36 + 12z = 17

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 8x − 2y + 12z + 36 + 17 = 17

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 8x − 2y + 12z + 36 = 0 required eq. of sphere

Example#38: Find an equation of the tangent plane to the sphere

𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 − 𝟒𝐱 + 𝟐𝐲 − 𝟔𝐳 = 𝟎 at the point 𝟑, 𝟐, 𝟓 .
Solution: Given equation of the sphere

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 4x + 2y − 6z = 0 at the point 3,2,5

Hence Centre of given sphere is −f, −g, −h = 2, −1,3

Given point on the tangent plane is P 3,2,5

Hence CP is the normal vector of required plane

CP = OP − OC ⇒ CP = 3,2,5 − 2, −1,3 ⇒ CP = i + 3j + 2k

CP = i + 3j + 2k here a = 1, b = 3, c = 2 are direction ratios of normal vector of the plane

Now equation of the tangent at the point 3,2,5 with direction ratios a, b& 𝑐 of the normal vector of the plane.

a x − x1 + b y − y1 + c z − z1 = 0 ⇒ 1 x−3 +3 y−2 +2 z−5 =0

⇒ x − 3 + 3y − 6 + 2z − 10 = 0 ⇒ x + 3y + 2z − 19 = 0 required eq. of the plane

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Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin

Exercise #8.11

Question#1: Show that 𝛒 = 𝐜 is an equation of a sphere of radius c and Centre at (0,0,0).

Solution: Given ρ = c

As we know that ρ = x2 + y2 + z2

⇒ x2 + y2 + z2 = c

Now squaring on both sides

⇒ x2 + y2 + z2 = c2

⇒ (x − 0)2 + y − 0 2 + (z − 0)2 = c 2
This equation shows that radius r = c & Centre is (0,0,0)

Question#2: Find an equation of the sphere whose Centre is on the y-axis and which passes through the points
(0,2,2) & (4,0,0).
Solutoin:

Consider a sphere whose Centre C (0,b,0) which passes through the points A(0,2,2) & B (4,0,0) as shown

in the figure.

from figure , we can see that

CA = CB ∵ radius = CA = CB

(0 − 0)2 + b − 2 2 + (0 − 2)2 = (0 − 4)2 + b − 0 2 + (0 − 0)2

Squaring on both sides

⇒ 0 + b2 − 4b + 4 + 4 = 16 + b2 + 0 ⇒ −4b + 8 = 16 ⇒ 4b = −8 ⇒ 𝑏 = −2
Thus the co-ordinates of the Centere of sphere are C(0,-2,0)

Now radius = CA = (0 − 0)2 + (2 − (−2))2 + (2 − 0)2

= (0 − 0)2 + 2 + 2 2 + 2−0 2

= 0 + 16 + 4

⇒ radius = 20

Now the equation of sphere having Centere (0,−2,0) and radius 20

2
⇒ (x − 0)2 + y + 2 2
+ z−0 2
= 20

⇒ x 2 + y 2 + 4 + 4y + z 2 = 20

⇒ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 4y − 16 = 0

This is required equation of the sphere

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#3: Show that an equation of the sphere having the straight line joining the points 𝐱𝟏 , 𝐲𝟏 , 𝐳𝟏 and
𝐱𝟐 , 𝐲𝟐 , 𝐳𝟐 as a diameter is 𝐱 − 𝐱𝟏 𝐱 − 𝐱𝟐 + 𝐲 − 𝐲𝟏 𝐲 − 𝐲𝟐 + 𝐳 − 𝐳𝟏 𝐳 − 𝐳𝟐 = 𝟎.
Solution:Consider a sphere having the straight line joining the points A x1 , y1 , z1 and B x2 , y2 , z2 as diameter.

Consider a point P on the sphere and meet A and B.

From figure AP is perpendicular to BP

Now direction ratios of line AP are x − x1 , y − y1 , z − z1

& 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐵𝑃 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑥 − x2 , y − y2 , z − z2

Therefore AP = x − x1 i + y − y1 j + z − z1 k & BP = x − x2 i + y − y2 j + z − z2 k

From figure AP ⊥ BP then AP. BP = 0

⇒ x − x1 i + y − y1 j + z − z1 k . x − x2 i + y − y2 j + z − z2 k = 0

⇒ x − x1 x − x2 + y − y1 y − y2 + z − z1 z − z2 = 0 is required equation of sphere.

Question#4: Find an equation of the sphere which passes through the points 𝐀 −𝟑, 𝟔, 𝟎 , 𝐁 −𝟐, −𝟓, −𝟏
𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂 𝟏, 𝟒, 𝟐 and whose centre lies on the hypotenuse of the right triangle 𝐀𝐁𝐂.
Solution: Given points are A −3,6,0 , B −2, −5, −1 & 𝐶 1,4,2

For required proof wehve to find

AB = (−2 + 3)2 + (−5 − 6)2 + (−1 − 0)2 = (1)2 + −11 2 + −1 2 ⇒ AB = 123

BC = (1 + 2)2 + 4 + 5 2 + 2+1 2 = (3)2 + 9 2 + 3 2 ⇒ BC = 99

CA = (−3 − 1)2 + (6 − 4)2 + (0 − 2)2 = (−4)2 + 2 2 + −2 2 ⇒ CA = 24

2 2 2
From above equations its clear that AB = BC + CA

So by Pethagoras theorem , AB is the hypotenuse of ∆ABC.

So AB act as a diameter of sphere.The mid point of AB is M called Centre of sphere.

−2−3 −5+6 0−1 −5 1 −1
M= 2
, 2 , 2 = , ,
2 2 2

−5 2 1 2 −1 2 1 121 1 123
Now radius of sphere = AM = 2
+3 + 2
−6 + 2
−0 = 4
+ 4
+4 = 4

−5 1 −1 123
Hence equation of sphere with Centre M = , ,
2 2 2
radius= AM = 4
.

2
2 2 2 2 2 2
−5 1 −1 123 5 1 1 123
x− + y− + z− = ⇒ x+ + y− + z+ =
2 2 2 4 2 2 2 4

25 1 1 123
x2 + + 5x + y 2 + − y + z 2 + + z =
4 4 4 4
123 25 1 1
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 5x − y + z = − − −
4 4 4 4
94
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 5x − y + z = ⇒ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 5x − y + z = 24
4
⇒ x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 5x − y + z − 24 = 0 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞.

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#5: Prove that each of the following equation represents a sphere. Find the centre and radius of each:
(i) 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 − 𝟔𝐱 + 𝟒𝐳 = 𝟎
Solution: Given equation of sphere is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 6x + 4z = 0

x 2 − 6x + y 2 + z 2 + 4z = 0

x 2 − 2 x 3 + (3)2 + (y − 0)2 + z 2 + 2 z 2 + (2)2 = (3)2 + (2)2

2 2 2
x−3 + y−0 + z+2 = 13

2 2 2 2
x−3 + y−0 + z − (−2) = 13

Which represents the equation of a sphere with centre 3,0, −2 and radius 13.

(ii) 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 + 𝟐𝐱 − 𝟒𝐲 − 𝟔𝐳 + 𝟓 = 𝟎
Solution: Given equation of sphere is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2x − 4y − 6z + 5 = 0

x 2 + 2x + y 2 − 4y + z 2 − 6z + 5 = 0

x2 + 2 x 1 + 1 2
+ y2 − 2 y 2 + 2 2
+ z2 − 2 z 3 + 3 2
+5= 1 2
+ 2 2
+ 3 2

(x + 1)2 + (y − 2)2 + (z − 3)2 = 1 + 4 + 9 − 5

(x − (−1))2 + (y − 2)2 + (z − 3)2 = 9

(x − (−1))2 + (y − 2)2 + (z − 3)2 = 3 2

Which represents the equation of a sphere with centre −1,2,3 and radius 3 .

(iii) 𝟒𝐱 𝟐 + 𝟒𝐲 𝟐 + 𝟒𝐳 𝟐 − 𝟒𝐱 + 𝟖𝐲 + 𝟐𝟒𝐳 + 𝟏 = 𝟎
Solution: Given equation of sphere is

4x 2 + 4y 2 + 4z 2 − 4x + 8y + 24z + 1 = 0

Now dividing both sides by 4

1
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − x + 2y + 6z + 4 = 0

1
x 2 − x + y 2 + 2y + z 2 + 6z + 4 = 0

2 2
1 1 1 1
x2 − 2 x + + y 2 + 2 y 1 + (1)2 + z 2 + 2 z 3 + 3 2
+ = + (1)2 + 3 2
2 2 4 2
2
1 2 2
1 1
x− + y+1 + z+3 = +1+9−
2 4 4
1 2 2 2
x−2 + y − −1 + z − (−3 = 10

1 2 2 2 2
x−2 + y − −1 + z − (−3 = 10

1
Which represents the equation of a sphere with centre 2
, −1, −3 and radius 10.

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#6: find an equation of the sphere through the points 𝟎, 𝟎, 𝟎 , 𝟎, 𝟏, −𝟏 , (−𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟎) and 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑 . Also
find its centre and radius.
Solution: Let equation of the sphere is x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2fx + 2gy + 2hz + c = 0

It passes through the points

0,0,0 ; 0+0+0+0+0+0+c=0 ⇒𝐜=𝟎

0,1, −1 ; 0 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 2g + 2h −1 + 0 = 0 ⇒ 2g − 2h = −2 ⇒ g − h = −1 −−− 1

−1,2,0 ; 1 + 4 + 0 − 2f + 4g + 0 + 0 = 0 ⇒ −2f + 4g = −5 −−− 2

1,2,3 ; 1 + 4 + 9 + 2f + 4g + 6h + 0 = 0 ⇒ 2f + 4g + 6h = −14 ⇒ f + 2g + 3h = −7 − − − 3

From equation (1) ⇒ g =h−1 −−− 4

Now putting the value of g in equation (2)

1
−2f + 4 h − 1 = −5 ⇒ −2f + 4h − 4 = −5 ⇒ 4h + 1 = 2f ⇒f= 4h + 1 −−− 5
2

Now using equations (4) and (5) in equation (3)

1 1
4h + 1 + 2 h − 1 + 3h = −7 ⇒ 2h + + 2h − 2 + 3h = −7
2 2
1 3 −11 −𝟏𝟏
7h = −7 − + 2 ⇒ 7h = −7 + ⇒ 7h = ⇒𝐡=
2 2 2 𝟏𝟒
Putting the value of h in eq (5)
1 −11 1 −44 1 −30 𝟏𝟓
f=2 4 14
+1 ⇒f=2 14
+1 ⇒f=2 14
⇒ 𝐟 = − 𝟏𝟒

Putting value of h in eq . (1)

11 11 11 𝟐𝟓
⇒ g— = −1 ⇒ g + = −1 ⇒ g = −1 − ⇒𝐠=−
14 14 14 𝟏𝟒
Put values of f , g ,h in eq, (A)

15 25 11
x2 + y2 + z2 + 2 − x+2 − y+2 − z+0=0
14 14 14
14x 2 + 14y 2 + 14z 2 − 30x − 50y − 22z = 0

7x 2 + 7y 2 + 7z 2 − 15x − 25y − 11z = 0 is required equation

Dividing both sides by 7

15 25 11
x2 + y2 + z2 − x− y− z=0
7 7 7
15 25 11
Its centre is − 7(−2) , − 7 −2
,−7 −2

15 25 11
centre = , ,
14 14 14

15 2 25 2 11 2 225 625 121 225+625+121

Now radius is = 14
+ 14
+ 14
−0= 196
+ 196 + 196 = 196

971
radius =
14

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#7: Find an equation of the sphere passing through the points 𝟎, −𝟐, −𝟒 , (𝟐, −𝟏, −𝟏) and having its
centre on the straight line 𝟐𝐱 − 𝟑𝐲 = 𝟎 = 𝟓𝐲 + 𝟐𝐳.
Solution: Let the general equation of sphere is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2fx + 2gy + 2hz + c = 0 −−− A

Here (−f, −g, −h) is a Centre of equation (A)

The Centre of the sphere passing through this line

2x − 3y = 0 , 5y + 2z = 0

2x − 3y = 0 ⇒ 2 −f − 3 −g = 0 −2f + 3g = 0 −−− 1

5y + 2z = 0 ⇒ 5 −g + 2 −h = 0 ⇒ −5g − 2h = 0 ⇒ 5g + 2h = 0 −−− 2

Now equation of the sphere passing through the points 0, −2, −4 , (2, −1, −1).

0, −2, −4 ; 0 + 4 + 16 + 0 − 4g − 8h + c = 0 ⇒ −4g − 8h + c = −20 −−− 3

2, −1, −1 ; 4 + 1 + 1 + 4f − 2g − 2h + c = 0 ⇒ 4f − 2g − 2h + c = −6 −−− 4

Now subtracting eq(3) & eq(4) −4f − 2g − 6h = −14

Dividing by ‘’−2’’ above 2f + g + 3h = 7 −−−− 5

Now using eq(1) & eq(2)

3
from 1 3g = 2f ⇒f= g −−− 6
2
−5
from 2 2h = −5g ⇒h= g −−− 7
2
Using equ(6) & equ(7) in equation (5)
3 −5 15 15 8 − 15
2 g +g+3 g = 7 ⇒ 3g + g − g = 7 ⇒ 4g − =7 ⇒g =7
2 2 2 2 2
−7
g =7 ⇒ 𝐠 = −𝟐
2
3
eq 6 becomes f= −2 ⇒𝐟=𝟑
2
−5 10
eq 7 becomes h= −2 = ⇒𝐡=𝟓
2 2
Putting these values in eq(3)

−4 −2 − 8 5 + c = −20 ⇒ c = −20 + 40 − 8 ⇒ 𝐜 = 𝟏𝟐

Now equation (A) becomes

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2 −3 x + 2 −2 y + 2 5 z + +12 = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 6x − 4y + 10z + +12 = 0

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#8: Find an equation of the sphere which passes through the circle
𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 = 𝟗, 𝟐𝐱 + 𝟑𝐲 + 𝟒𝐳 = 𝟓, and the point 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑
𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐭: 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 − 𝟗 + 𝐤 𝟐𝐱 + 𝟑𝐲 + 𝟒𝐳 − 𝟓 = 𝟎 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐤𝛜𝐑.
Solution: Let equation of the sphere passes through the circle is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 + k 2x + 3y + 4z − 5 = 0 −−− 1

This equation of the sphere passes through the point 1,2,3 .

𝟏
1 + 4 + 9 − 9 + k 2 + 6 + 12 − 5 = 0 ⇒ 5 + 15k = 0 ⇒ 5 = −15k ⇒ 𝐤 = −
𝟑

Using the value of k in equation (1)

1
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 − 3 2x + 3y + 4z − 5 = 0

3x 2 + 3y 2 + 3z 2 − 27 − 2x − 3y − 4z + 5 = 0

3x 2 + 3y 2 + 3z 2 − 2x − 3y − 4z − 22 = 0

Question#9: Find an equation of the sphere through the circle 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 = 𝟏, 𝟐𝐱 + 𝟒𝐲 + 𝟓𝐳 − 𝟔 = 𝟎 and

touching the plane 𝐳 = 𝟎.
Solution: Let equation of the sphere passes through the circle is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 1 + k 2x + 4y + 5z − 6 = 0 −−− 1

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 1 + 2kx + 4ky + 5kz − 6k = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2kx + 4ky + 5kz + − 1 + 6k =0

5
Here the Centre of this equation is – k, −2k, − 2 k & center of the g. eq is – f, −g, −h

And radius is r = f 2 + g 2 + h2 − c

5 2 25k 2 4k 2 +16k 2 +25k 2 +4+24k

r= −k 2 + −2k 2 + − k — 1 + 6k = k 2 + 4k 2 + + 1 + 6k =
2 4 4

45k 2 + 24k + 4
r=
4

As the sphere touches the plane z = 0 , So Radius of the sphere = Distance between plane & Centre
5k 5k
45k 2 +24k+4 0+0− 45k 2 +24k+4 − 45k 2 +24k+4 5k
= 2
⇒ = 2
⇒ =
4 02 +02 +12 4 1 4 2

Now squaring on both sides

45k 2 +24k+4 25k 2
4
= 4
⇒ 45k 2 + 24k + 4 = 25k 2 ⇒ 45k 2 − 25k 2 + 24k + 4 = 0 ⇒ 20k 2 + 24k + 4 = 0

dividing by 4 ⇒ 5k 2 + 6k + 1 = 0 ⇒ 5k 2 + 6k + 1 = 0 ⇒ 5k 2 + 5k + k + 1 = 0
𝟏
5k k + 1 + k + 1 = 0 ⇒ 5k + 1 k + 1 = 0 ⇒ 5k + 1 = 0, k + 1 = 0 ⇒ 𝐤 = −𝟏, − 𝟓

1
Put k = −1, − 5in Equation (1)

1
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 1 − 1 2x + 4y + 5z − 6 = 0 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 1 − 5 2x + 4y + 5z − 6 = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 1 − 2x − 4y − 5z + 6 = 0 5x 2 + 5y 2 + 5z 2 − 5 − 2x − 4y − 5z + 6 = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2x − 4y − 5z + 5 = 0 5x 2 + 5y 2 + 5z 2 − 2x − 4y − 5z + 1 = 0

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#10: Show that the two circles 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 = 𝟗, 𝐱 − 𝟐𝐲 + 𝟒𝐳 − 𝟏𝟑 = 𝟎 and 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 + 𝟔𝐲 − 𝟔𝐳 +
𝟐𝟏 = 𝟎, 𝐱 + 𝐲 + 𝐳 + 𝟐 = 𝟎 lie on the same sphere. Also find its equation.
Solution: Let equation of the sphere passes through the first circle is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 + k x − 2y + 4z − 13 = 0 −−− A

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + kx − 2ky + 4kz − 9 + 13k = 0 − − − (1)

x2 + y2 + z2 + 6y − 6z + 21 + h x + y + z + 2 = 0 − − − (B)

x2 + y2 + z2 + hx + h + 6 y + h − 6 z + 2h + 21 = 0 − −(2)

The given circles lie on the same sphere then eq.(1) & eq.(2) must be identical.
Comparing co-efficients of x, y, z & constants in (1) & (2)

k=h −−− i

−2k = h + 6 − − − ii

4k = h − 6 − − − iii

− 9 + 13k = 2h + 21 − − − (iv)

From i k = h put in ii

−2h = h + 6 ⇒ −3h = 6 ⇒ 𝐡 = −𝟐 & also 𝐤 = −𝟐

Putting these values in (iii) & (iv)

We see that eqs. (iii) & (iv) are satisfied.

Values of k & h shows that the both circles lie on the same sphere and equation of the sphere is obtained by putting

k = −2 in (A) or in (B).

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 − 2 x − 2y + 4z − 13 = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 9 − 2x + 4y − 8z + 26 = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2x + 4y − 8z + 17 = 0

Question#11: Find an equation of the sphere for which the circle 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 + 𝟕𝐲 − 𝟐𝐳 + 𝟐 = 𝟎 ,

𝟐𝐱 + 𝟑𝐲 − 𝟒𝐳 − 𝟖 = 𝟎 is a great circle.
𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐭 ∶ 𝐀 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞
Solution: Let equation of the sphere passes through a given circle is

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 7y − 2z + 2 + k 2x + 3y + 4z − 8 = 0 −−− 1

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 7y − 2z + 2 + 2kx + 3ky + 4kz − 8k = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 2kx + 3k + 7 y + 4k − 2 z + 2 − 8k = 0
3k+7
Now Centre of this sphere is – f, −g, −h = – k, − 2
,1 − 2k

According to given condition that the given circle is a great circle.

Then we know that plane of the circle passes through Centre of the sphere.
3k+7
Then 2 −k + 3 − 2
+ 4 1 − 2k − 8 = 0

3
⇒ −2k − 2 3k + 7 + 4 1 − 2k − 8 = 0

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Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
⇒ −4k − 3 3k + 7 + 8 − 16k − 16 = 0

⇒ −4k − 9k − 21 + 8 − 16k − 16 = 0

⇒ −29k − 29 = 0 ⇒k+1=0 ⇒ 𝐤 = −𝟏

Using value of k in eq.(1)

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 7y − 2z + 2 − 1 2x + 3y + 4z − 8 = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 7y − 2z + 2 − 2x − 3y − 4z + 8 = 0

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2x + 4y − 6z + 10 = 0 required equation pf sphere

Question#12: Find an equation of the sphere with centre 𝟐, −𝟏, −𝟏 and tangent to the plane 𝐱 − 𝟐𝐲 + 𝐳 + 𝟕 = 𝟎.
Solution:

Given equation of the plane x − 2y + z + 7 = 0 and centre of sphere is 2, −1, −1 .

According to given condition , Given plane is tangent to the sphere

So radius of the sphere = Distance from plane to the Centre

2−2 −1 + −1 +7
r=
12 + −2 2 +12

2+2−1+7
r= 1+4+1

10
r= 6

10
r=
6
10
Hence equation of the sphere with centre 2, −1, −1 and radius 6
will become

2 2 2 10 2
x−2 + y+1 + z+1 =
6

100
x 2 + 4 − 4x + y 2 + 1 + 2y + z 2 + 1 + 2z =
6
50
x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 4x + 2y + 2z + 6 = 3

3 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 4x + 2y + 2z + 6 = 50

3x 2 + 3y 2 + 3z 2 − 12x + 6y + 6z + 18 = 50

3x 2 + 3y 2 + 3z 2 − 12x + 6y + 6z − 32 = 0 is required eq. of sphere

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#13: Find an equation of the plane tangent to the sphere
𝟑 𝐱 𝟐 + 𝐲 𝟐 + 𝐳 𝟐 − 𝟐𝐱 − 𝟑𝐲 − 𝟒𝐳 − 𝟐𝟐 = 𝟎 at the point 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑 .
Solution: Given equation of the sphere

3 x 2 + y 2 + z 2 − 2x − 3y − 4z − 22 = 0 at the point 1,2,3

Dividing by 3 on both sides

2 4 22
x2 + y2 + z2 − x − y − z − =0
3 3 3
1 1 2
Hence Centre of given sphere is −f, −g, −h = , ,
3 2 3

Given points on the tangent plane are P 1,2,3

Hence CP is the normal vector of required plane

1 1 2
CP = OP − OC ⇒ CP = 1,2,3 − , ,
3 2 3
2 3 7 2 3 7
CP = 3
i +2j+3k Here a = 3 , b = 2 , c = 3 are direction ratios of normal vector of the plane

Now equation of the tangent at the point 1,2,3 with direction ratios a, b& c of the normal vector of the plane.

a x − x1 + b y − y1 + c z − z1 = 0
2 3 7
x−1 + y−2 + z−3 =0
3 2 3

Multiplying both sides by 6

4 x − 1 + 9 y − 2 + 14 z − 3 = 0

4x − 4 + 9y − 18 + 14z − 42 = 0

4x + 9y + 14z − 64 = 0 required eq. of the plane

Question#14: Find an equation of the sphere with centre at the point (−𝟐, 𝟒, −𝟔) and tangent to the
𝐚 𝐱𝐲 − 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 (𝐛) 𝐲𝐳 − 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 (𝐜)𝐳𝐱 − 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞
Solution (a):

Equation of xy − plane is z = 0

As xy − plane is tangent to the required sphere with centre at the point P(−2,4, −6)

So radius of the sphere = Distance between centre of sphere and plane

0x + 0y + −6 z + 0
radius =
0+0+1
−6
radius = ⇒ radius = 6
1
Now equation of the sphere with centre (−2,4, −6) and radius 6 will become
2 2 2 2
x+2 + y−4 + z+6 = 6

x 2 + 4 + 4x + y 2 + 16 − 8y + z 2 + 36 + 12z = 36

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 4x − 8y + 12z + 20 = 0

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Solution(b): Equation of yz − plane is x = 0

As yz − plane is tangent to the required sphere with centre at the point P(−2,4, −6)

So radius of the sphere = Distance between centre of sphere and plane

(−2)x+0y+0z+0 −2
radius = ⇒ radius = ⇒ radius = 2
1+0+0 1

Now equation of the sphere with centre (−2,4, −6) and radius 2 will become
2 2 2 2
x+2 + y−4 + z+6 = 2

x 2 + 4 + 4x + y 2 + 16 − 8y + z 2 + 36 + 12z = 4

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 4x − 8y + 12z + 52 = 0

Solution(c): Equation of zx − plane is y = 0

As zx − plane is tangent to the required sphere with centre at the point P(−2,4, −6)

So radius of the sphere = Distance between centre of sphere and plane

0x+(4)y+0z+0 4
radius = ⇒ radius = 1
⇒ radius = 4
0+1+0

Now equation of the sphere with centre (−2,4, −6) and radius 4 will become
2 2 2 2
x+2 + y−4 + z+6 = 4

x 2 + 4 + 4x + y 2 + 16 − 8y + z 2 + 36 + 12z = 16

x 2 + y 2 + z 2 + 4x − 8y + 12z + 40 = 0

Question#15: Find an equation of the surface whose points are equidistant from 𝐏(𝟕, 𝟖, 𝟐) and 𝐐 𝟓, 𝟐, −𝟔 .

Solution: Given points are P 7,8,2 and Q 5,2, −6

Let R(x, y, z) be a point on the required surface then by given condition

RP = PQ

7−x 2 + 8−y 2 + 2−z 2 = 5−x 2 + 2−y 2 + −6 − z 2

Taking square on both sides

2 2 2 2 2 2
7−x + 8−y + 2−z = 5−x + 2−y + −6 − z

2 2 2 2 2 2
7−x + 8−y + 2−z = 5−x + 2−y + − 6+z
2 2 2 2 2 2
7−x + 8−y + 2−z = 5−x + 2−y + 6+z

49 − 14x + x 2 + 64 − 16y + y 2 + 4 − 4z + z 2 = 25 + x 2 − 10x + 4 − 4y + y 2 + 36 + z 2 + 12z

117 − 14x − 16y − 4z − 65 + 10x + 4y − 12z = 0

⇒ −4x − 12y − 16z + 52 = 0

⇒ −4 x + 3y + 4z + 13 = 0

⇒ x + 3y + 4z + 13 = 0

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#16: A point 𝐏 moves such that the square of its distance from the origin is proportional to its distance
from a fixed plane. Show that P always lie on a sphere.
Solution: Let equation of the fixed plane is 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 = 𝑝 − − − 1

Where 𝑙, 𝑚 &𝑛 are the direction cosines of the normal vector of the plane (1)

Let 𝑃(𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧) be any point on the locus then according to given condition
2
𝑂𝑃 ∝ 𝑃𝑅
2
𝑂𝑃 = 𝑘 𝑃𝑅 where k is constant.

2 2 2
𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 − 𝑝
𝑥−0 + 𝑦−0 + 𝑧−0 =𝑘
𝑙 2 + 𝑚2 + 𝑛2
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 𝑘 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 − 𝑝 ∵ 𝑙 2 + 𝑚2 + 𝑛2 = 1

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 𝑘 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 − 𝑝 = 0

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 𝑘𝑙𝑥 − 𝑘𝑚𝑦 − 𝑘𝑛𝑧 + 𝑘𝑝 = 0

Which is clearly the equation of a sphere .

Hence proved that the point 𝑃 always lies on a sphere.

Question#17: A sphere of radius 𝒌 passes through the origin and meets the axes in 𝑨, 𝑩, 𝑪. Prove that the
centroid of the triangle 𝑨𝑩𝑪 lies on the sphere 𝟗 𝒙𝟐 + 𝒚𝟐 + 𝒛𝟐 = 𝟒𝒌𝟐 .
Solution: Let equation of the sphere passes through the origin is

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑓𝑥 + 2𝑔𝑦 + 2𝑕𝑧 = 0

Centre of sphere is – 𝑓, −𝑔, −𝑕 . & radius is 𝑟 = 𝑓 2 + 𝑔2 + 𝑕2

Given radius 𝑟 = 𝑘 𝑡𝑕𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑠

𝑘= 𝑓 2 + 𝑔2 + 𝑕2 ⇒ 𝑘 2 = 𝑓 2 + 𝑔2 + 𝑕2 −−− 1

As the sphere cuts axes in point’s 𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶.So the co-ordinates of the points 𝐴, 𝐵& 𝐶 are

𝐴 −2𝑓, 0,0 , 𝐵 0, −2𝑔, 0 & 𝐶 0,0, −2𝑕 .

𝑥 1 +𝑥 2 +𝑥 3 𝑦1 +𝑦2 +𝑦3 𝑧1 +𝑧+𝑧3
As we know that centroid of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 is 3
, 3
, 3 .

−2𝑓 −2𝑔 −2𝑕

Now Centroid of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶 is 3
, 3 , 3 .

−2𝑓 −2𝑔 −2𝑕

Here 𝑥 = 3
,𝑦 = 3
,𝑧 = 3

Putting in given equation 9 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 4𝑘 2

4𝑓 2 4𝑔 2 4𝑕 2
9 9
+ 9
+ 9
= 4𝑘 2

9
4𝑓 2 + 4𝑔2 + 4𝑕2 = 4𝑘 2
9
4 𝑓 2 + 𝑔2 + 𝑕2 = 4𝑘 2

⇒ 4𝑘 2 = 4𝑘 2 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑒𝑞. (1)

As this equation is satisfied

So the centroid of the triangle 𝐴𝐵𝐶 lies on the sphere 9 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 = 4𝑘 2 .

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Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
𝒙 𝒚 𝒛
Question#18: The plane + + = 𝟏meets the axes in 𝑨, 𝑩, 𝑪. Find an equation of the circumcircle of the
𝒂 𝒃 𝒄
triangle 𝑨𝑩𝑪. Also find the co-ordinates of the centre of the circle.
Solution: The required circle is the intersection of the given plane by a sphere through origin O and points
𝐴, 𝐵 & 𝐶Now given equation of the plane is
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
𝑎
+𝑏 +𝑐 =1 −−− 1

As this plane cuts co-ordinate axes in points A.B & C.

So co-ordinates of these points are 𝐴 𝑎, 0,0 , 𝐵 0, 𝑏, 0 , 𝐶 0,0, 𝑐 & 𝑂 0,0,0

Now equation of the sphere OABC is

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 − 𝑎𝑥 − 𝑏𝑦 − 𝑐𝑧 = 0 −−− 2

The eq.(1) and eq.(2) are the equations of required circumcircle

Now centre of the circle is the foot of perpendicular from the centre of sphere (1) to plane (2).
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
Here centre of sphere (2) is 𝐺 , ,
2 2 2

1 1 1
Now direction ratios of line perpendicular to plane (2) are 𝑎 , 𝑏 , 𝑐

So equation of line PG is
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
𝑥− 𝑦− 𝑧−
1
2
= 1
2
= 1
2
=𝑡
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
𝑎 𝑡
𝑥= +
2 𝑎
𝑏 𝑡
𝑦= +
2 𝑏
𝑐 𝑡
𝑧= +
2 𝑐
𝑎 𝑡 𝑏 𝑡 𝑐 𝑡
So co-ordinates of point P are 𝑃 2
+ 𝑎 ,2 + 𝑏 ,2 +𝑐

As the point P lies on the plane (2)

1 𝑎 𝑡 1 𝑏 𝑡 1 𝑐 𝑡
So + + + + + =1
𝑎 2 𝑎 𝑏 2 𝑏 𝑐 2 𝑐
1 𝑡 1 𝑡 1 𝑡
+ + + + + =1
2 𝑎2 2 𝑏2 2 𝑐2
3 1 1 1
+𝑡 + + =1
2 𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑐2
1 1 1 1
𝑡 + + =−
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑐2 2
−1
𝑡= 1 1 1
2 + +
𝑎 2 𝑏 2 𝑐2

By putting this value of t in eq.(A) we get co-ordinates of centre of circle.

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 Mathematics Calculus With Analytic Geometry by SM. Yusaf & Prof.Muhammad Amin
Question#19: A plane passes through a fixed point (𝒂, 𝒃, 𝒄) and cuts the axes of coordinates in 𝑨, 𝑩 , 𝑪.Find the
locus of the centre of the sphere 𝑶𝑨𝑩𝑪 for different positons of the planes, O being the origin.
Solution: Let equation of the fixed plane is 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 = 𝑝 −−− 1

As this plane passes through a point (𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐) , so 𝑙𝑎 + 𝑚𝑏 + 𝑛𝑐 = 𝑝 −−− 2

𝑝 𝑝 𝑝
Equation(1) cuts at 𝐴, 𝐵 & 𝐶 Then 𝐴 − 𝑙 , 0,0 , 𝐵 0, − 𝑚 , 0 & 𝐶 0,0, − 𝑛
𝑝 𝑝 𝑝
Thus equation of sphere OABC will be 𝑥2 + 𝑦2 + 𝑧2 − 𝑙 𝑥 − 𝑚 𝑦 − 𝑛 𝑧 = 0

𝑝 𝑝 𝑝
Hence centre of sphere will be −𝑓, −𝑔, −𝑕 = , ,
2𝑙 2𝑚 2𝑛
𝑝 𝑝 𝑝
Let 𝑥1 = 2𝑙 , 𝑦1 = 2𝑚 , 𝑧1 = 2𝑛

𝑝 𝑝 𝑝
⇒𝑙= , 𝑚= , 𝑛=
2𝑥1 2𝑦1 2𝑧1

Using these values in 𝑒𝑞. 2

𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 1 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
⇒ 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐=𝑝 ⇒ + + =1⇒ + + =1⇒ + + =2 This is the required
2𝑥 1 2𝑦1 2𝑧1 2𝑥 1 2𝑦1 2𝑧1 2 𝑥1 𝑦1 𝑧1 𝑥1 𝑦1 𝑧1
equation.

Question#20: Find an equation of the sphere circumscribing the tetrahedron whose faces are
𝒙 = 𝟎, 𝒚 = 𝟎, 𝒛 = 𝟎 and 𝒍𝒙 + 𝒎𝒚 + 𝒏𝒛 + 𝒑 = 𝟎.
Solution: Let equation of the sphere is

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝑧 2 + 2𝑓𝑥 + 2𝑔𝑦 + 2𝑕𝑧 + 𝑐 = 0 − − − (1)

Given equation of the plane is 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 + 𝑝 = 0

Let equation of the sphere passes through the vertices of tetrahedron OABC.

𝑂 0,0,0 ; 𝑐=0
−𝑝 𝑝2 2𝑓𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 𝑝
𝐴 𝑙
, 0,0 : 𝑙2
− 𝑙
=0 ⇒ 𝑙 𝑙
− 2𝑓 ⇒ 𝑙
= 2𝑓 ⇒ 𝑓 = 2𝑙

−𝑝 𝑝2 2𝑔𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 𝑝 p
𝐵 0, 𝑚
,0 : 𝑚2
− 𝑚
=0 ⇒𝑚 𝑚
− 2𝑔 ⇒ 𝑚 = 2𝑔 ⇒ g = 2m

−p p2 2hp p p p p
C 0,0, : − =0 ⇒ − 2h ⇒ = 2h ⇒h=
n n2 n n n n 2n
p p p
Using In equation (1), we get x2 + y2 + z2 + l x + m y + n z = 0

Checked by: Sir Hameed ullah ( hameedmath2017 @ gmail.com)

Specially thanks to my Respected Teachers

Prof. Muhammad Ali Malik (M.phill physics and Publisher of www.Houseofphy.blogspot.com)

Muhammad Umar Asghar sb (MSc Mathematics)

Hameed Ullah sb ( MSc Mathematics)

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