If a line has direction ratios proportional to 2, -1, -2, then what are its direction consines?
Given, the direction ratios of the line are proportional to (2, -1,-2)
Therefore, consider the direction ratios of the give line can be
a = 2 × k, b = (-1) × k, c = (-2) × k
[where k is some proportionality constant]
Now the direction ratios of the line are
a = 2k, b = -k, c = -2k
As we know the direction cosine ae given by
cos α = l , cos β = m
, cos γ = n
Where α, β and γ are the angles formed by the line with the three axes.
By using the above formula:
l = cos α =
Therefore cos α
m =cos β =
cos β
n = cos γ =
cos γ
Therefore, the direction cosines are