Finding the direction vector with only direction angles

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the symmetric equations of a line given its direction angles of 60, 45, and 60 degrees, and a point (-2, 1, 3) through which the line passes. The direction cosines are calculated as cos(60) = 1/2, cos(45) = √2/2, leading to the unit vector represented as (1/2)i + (√2/2)j + (1/2)k. The parametric equations for the line are established as x = (1/2)t - 2, y = (√2/2)t + 2, and z = (1/2)t + 3.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of direction angles and direction cosines
  • Familiarity with vector representation in three-dimensional space
  • Knowledge of parametric equations of a line
  • Basic trigonometric functions and their values
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of direction cosines from direction angles
  • Learn how to convert parametric equations to symmetric equations of a line
  • Explore applications of direction vectors in physics and engineering
  • Investigate the geometric interpretation of lines in three-dimensional space
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who need to understand line equations in three-dimensional space, particularly those working with vector analysis and geometric interpretations.

nicole
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Hey everybody! Thanks for any help!

If I am told a line has direction angles of 60, 45 and 60 and passes through the point (-2, 1, 3). How would I go about figuring out the symmetric equations of the line..

Relatively simple question but I am a tad confused. HELP!
THANKS AGAIN!
 
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If [tex]\theta[/tex], [tex]\phi[/tex], and [tex]\psi[/tex] are the "direction angles", then [tex]cos(\theta)[/tex], [tex]cos(\phi)[/tex], and [tex]cos(\psi)[/tex], the "direction cosines", form a unit vector in that direction.
cos(60)= 1/2, cos(45)= [tex]\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}[/tex] so a unit vector in the direction with direction angles 60, 45, 60 (degrees- it would be good idea to say that explicitely!) is [tex]\frac{1}{2}i+ \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}j+ \frac{1}{2}k[/tex] and parametric equations for a line in that direction, passing through (-2, 1, 3) would be [tex]x= \frac{1}{2}t- 2[/tex], [tex]y= \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}t+ 2[/tex], [tex]z= \frac{1}{2}t+ 3[/tex].
 

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