Chapters

3D Geometry

Class 11 Maths • Chapter 11 • Comprehensive Interactive Notes

1. Coordinates in Space

In 3D geometry, the position of a point is defined by three coordinates \( (x, y, z) \). The three axes (X, Y, Z) divide space into 8 parts called Octants.

Octant Oracle

Input coordinates to find the Octant and position.

Octant X Y Z
I + + +
II - + +
III - - +
IV + - +
V + + -
VI - + -
VII - - -
VIII + - -

📐 Points on Axes & Planes

Location Coordinates Form
X-axis (x, 0, 0)
Y-axis (0, y, 0)
Z-axis (0, 0, z)
XY-plane (x, y, 0)
YZ-plane (0, y, z)
XZ-plane (x, 0, z)

Exam Note:
These are frequently tested in MCQs and short answers.

2. Distance Between Two Points

The distance between \( P(x_1, y_1, z_1) \) and \( Q(x_2, y_2, z_2) \) is:

\( PQ = \sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2 + (y_2-y_1)^2 + (z_2-z_1)^2} \)

3D Distance Droid

Point P (x1, y1, z1)

Point Q (x2, y2, z2)

📍 Distance from Origin (Special Case)

If a point is \( P(x, y, z) \), then distance from origin \( O(0,0,0) \) is:

\[ OP = \sqrt{x^2 + y^2 + z^2} \]

CBSE Tip:
Often asked as a 1–2 mark direct question.

3. Section Formula

Coordinates of point R dividing PQ in ratio \( m:n \):

Internal Division

\( \left( \frac{mx_2 + nx_1}{m+n}, \frac{my_2 + ny_1}{m+n}, \frac{mz_2 + nz_1}{m+n} \right) \)

Ratio m : n

(Uses P & Q points from above)

4. Centroid of a Triangle

The centroid of a triangle with vertices \( (x_1,y_1,z_1), (x_2,y_2,z_2), (x_3,y_3,z_3) \) is:

\( G = \left( \frac{x_1+x_2+x_3}{3}, \frac{y_1+y_2+y_3}{3}, \frac{z_1+z_2+z_3}{3} \right) \)

Centroid Seeker

Input 3 vertices to find the centroid.

Concept Mastery Quiz

1. Point (-2, 4, -7) lies in which octant?


2. Distance of point (3, 4, 5) from origin is:


3. The xy-plane has equation:


4. A point on the x-axis has coordinates of the form:


5. Midpoint of (2,3,4) and (4,1,-2) is:

🧠 One-Page Revision Checklist

  • ✔ Meaning of coordinate axes understood
  • ✔ Signs of all 8 octants revised
  • ✔ Distance formula memorised
  • ✔ Distance from origin formula revised
  • ✔ Section formula (internal & external) clear
  • ✔ Centroid formula memorised
  • ✔ Points on axes & planes remembered

Self-Test:

  • ❓ Which octant does (–3, 4, –5) lie in?
  • ❓ Distance of (1, 2, 2) from origin?
  • ❓ Coordinates of point on XZ-plane?