Question:hard

The value of \(x\) so that the volume of the parallelopiped formed by the vectors \(\hat{i}+x\hat{j}+\hat{k}\), \(\hat{j}+x\hat{k}\) and \(x\hat{i}+\hat{k}\) is minimum, is

Show Hint

The volume is the absolute scalar triple product; minimise the cubic 1 + x^3 - x.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(-3\)
  • \(3\)
  • \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\)
  • \(\sqrt{3}\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Triple Product:
Compute $\vec a\cdot(\vec b\times\vec c)$ for $\vec a=(1,x,1)$, $\vec b=(0,1,x)$, $\vec c=(x,0,1)$. $\vec b\times\vec c=(1,\,x^2,\,-x)$. Dot with $\vec a$: $1+x^3-x$.

Step 2: Calculus:
Derivative $3x^2-1$ is zero at $x=\pm1/\sqrt3$, and changes sign from negative to positive at $+1/\sqrt3$, so it is a local minimum of the volume expression.

Step 3: Decide:
Of the listed values, $1/\sqrt3$ corresponds to the minimum point and gives the smallest volume (about 0.615). Option (C).

Final Answer:
Option (C). \[ \boxed{\text{(C) } \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}} \]
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