The square of the distance of the point (-2,-8,6) from the line 1x−1=2y−1=−1z along the line 1x+5=−1y+5=2z is equal to:
(A)3
(B)6✓ Correct
(C)8
(D)12
Answer: (B)
Solution
The measuring line through A(−2,−8,6) with direction (1,−1,2) is (t−2,−t−8,2t+6). Setting this equal to a point (s+1,2s+1,−s) of the target line 1x−1=2y−1=−1z gives t−2=s+1, −t−8=2s+1, 2t+6=−s, solved by t=−1, s=−4. The point of meeting is B=(−3,−7,4), and the squared distance is AB2=(−1)2+12+(−2)2=6.
JEE Main · 2026 · 04 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · Single correct option