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


1