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If $\left(2\alpha + 1, \alpha^2 - 3\alpha, \frac{\alpha - 1}{2}\right)$ is the image of $(\alpha, 2\alpha, 1)$ in the line $\frac{x - 2}{3} = \frac{y - 1}{2} = \frac{z}{1}$, then the possible value(s) of $\alpha$ is (are)

The correct answer is
Only 3

To find the possible values of \( \alpha \), we need to use the concept of reflection in a line in 3D geometry. The coordinates given are the image of the point through reflection in the line represented by \(\frac{x - 2}{3} = \frac{y - 1}{2} = \frac{z}{1}\).

First, identify the parametric equations of the line:

  • The line in vector form is: \(\mathbf{r} = \begin{bmatrix} 2 \\ 1 \\ 0 \end{bmatrix} + t \begin{bmatrix} 3 \\ 2 \\ 1 \end{bmatrix}\)

Given point: \((\alpha, 2\alpha, 1)\) and its image: \( (2\alpha + 1, \alpha^2 - 3\alpha, \frac{\alpha - 1}{2})\).

To obtain the reflection of a point in a line, determine the midpoint of the segment joining the point and its image and ensure it lies on the line.

Calculate the midpoint of the segment:

  • Midpoint \((x_m, y_m, z_m)\) between a point \((x_1, y_1, z_1)\) and its image \((x_2, y_2, z_2)\) is: \((\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1+y_2}{2}, \frac{z_1+z_2}{2})\).

Using this formula, the midpoint for our points is:

  • \(x_m = \frac{\alpha + (2\alpha + 1)}{2} = \frac{3\alpha + 1}{2}\)
  • \(y_m = \frac{2\alpha + (\alpha^2 - 3\alpha)}{2} = \frac{\alpha^2 - \alpha}{2}\)
  • \(z_m = \frac{1 + \frac{\alpha - 1}{2}}{2} = \frac{2 + \alpha - 1}{4} = \frac{\alpha + 1}{4}\)

Since the midpoint lies on the line, it should satisfy the line's parametric equation:

  • \(\frac{3\alpha + 1}{2} = 2 + 3t\)
  • \(\frac{\alpha^2 - \alpha}{2} = 1 + 2t\)
  • \(\frac{\alpha + 1}{4} = t\)

Solve the above three equations to determine the values of \( \alpha \):

  1. From the third equation: \( t = \frac{\alpha + 1}{4} \)
  2. Substitute \( t \) into the first equation:
    \( \frac{3\alpha + 1}{2} = 2 + 3\left(\frac{\alpha + 1}{4}\right) \) simplifies to \( \alpha = 3 \).
    (Checking this yields consistent solutions for all equations).

After checking these equations, only \( \alpha = 3 \) satisfies all conditions simultaneously. Thus, the possible value of \( \alpha \) is indeed Only 3.

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Important Questions from Vectors and 3D Geometry

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