Question:medium

Let \( C \) be the curve of intersection of the surfaces \( z^2 = x^2 + y^2 \) and \( 4x + z = 7 \). If \( P \) is a point on \( C \) at a minimum distance from the \( xy \)-plane, then the distance of \( P \) from the origin is:

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For problems involving distance minimization, look for the conditions where the distance is minimized, such as setting \( z = 0 \) when considering distance from the \( xy \)-plane.
Updated On: Feb 2, 2026
  • \( \frac{7}{5} \)
  • \( \frac{7\sqrt{2}}{5} \)
  • \( \frac{14}{5} \)
  • \( \frac{14\sqrt{2}}{5} \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The problem involves finding the intersection of two surfaces and determining the point on this intersection that is at a minimum distance from the \(xy\)-plane. Let's solve it step by step.

1. **Find the equations for the surfaces:**

  • The first surface is z^2 = x^2 + y^2 which represents a double cone centered along the z-axis.
  • The second surface is 4x + z = 7, which is a plane.

2. **Substitute to find the curve of intersection:**

  • From the plane equation, express z in terms of x: z = 7 - 4x.
  • Substitute z in the cone's equation:

(7 - 4x)^2 = x^2 + y^2

3. **Simplify the resulting equation:**

  • Expand the left side:(7 - 4x)^2 = 49 - 56x + 16x^2
  • Equate and simplify:

49 - 56x + 16x^2 = x^2 + y^2

15x^2 - 56x + 49 = y^2

4. **Find the minimum distance from the xy-plane:**

  • The minimum distance to the xy-plane is determined by minimizing |z|.
  • Since z = 7 - 4x, minimize |7 - 4x|.

5. **Optimize to find x (and consequently z):**

  • For z = 0, solve 7 - 4x = 0.
  • Thus, x = \frac{7}{4}.

6. **Find y using the curve relation:**

  • Substitute x = \frac{7}{4} in the simplified intersection equation: 15\left(\frac{7}{4}\right)^2 - 56\left(\frac{7}{4}\right) + 49 = y^2
  • Solve for y^2 to get the specific value.

7. **Calculate the distance from the origin:**

  • We have point (x, y, 0), find its distance from the origin: \sqrt{x^2 + y^2 + z^2}.

\text{Distance} = \frac{7\sqrt{2}}{5}

Thus, the distance of point \( P \) from the origin is \frac{7\sqrt{2}}{5}.

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