equation of line parallel to plane and intersaction with other line

Theofilius

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Hello!

I have one problem which seems not so difficult:

-Find the equation of line which passes throught the point M(1,0,7), parallel of the plane 3x-y+2z-15=0 and it intersects the line [tex]\frac{x-1}{4}=\frac{y-3}{2}=\frac{z}{1}[/tex]

2. Relevant equations



3. The attempt at a solution

The equation of the line will be: [tex]\frac{x-1}{a_1}=\frac{y}{a_2}=\frac{z-7}{a_3}[/tex]

So we need to find [tex]\vec{a}(a_1,a_2,a_3)[/tex] and we need three conditions in the system.

The first condition is [tex]\vec{a} \circ \vec{n}=0[/tex] or [tex](a_1,a_2,a_3)(3,-1,2)=0[/tex] or [tex]3a_1-a_2+2a_3=0[/tex].

The second condition is the intersection of two lines, and it is:

[tex]-17a_1+28a_2+12a_3=0[/tex]

What about the third condition?

HallsofIvy

There is no third condition. You cannot determine a₁, a₂, and a₃ uniquely. Any multiple of a given a₁, a₂, and a₃ will also determine the same line. From the two equations you have you can solve for two of the numbers as functions of the third. Choose that third as you please, say equal to 1, and solve for the other 2.

rootX

Other way (I think it is very similar to what you did):
r = (1,3,0) + t (4,2,1)
P = (1,0,7)
find direction vector: r - P
and you know n.(r-P) = 0

So, only one condition .. (and only one unknown)

Physicsissuef

rootX what is r, and what is P?

rootX

r is (1,3,0) + t (4,2,1) ... a line
P is (1,0,7) .. a point



Should work, shouldn't it?

Physicsissuef

It wouldn't work, since by your opinion you will find point, product of the intersection of line and plane... And we'll need to find parallel vector to the line which satisfies the above conditions...