## distance between a point and a line in space

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Find the distance between (2,5,1) and the line 2i − 3j + 6k.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solutionI can't find a formula to figure this (or one that makes any sense)...

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 Quote by lockedup ... and the line 2i − 3j +6k.
It's a plane.

Mentor
 Quote by Gunthi It's a plane.
No, it isn't.

Mentor

## distance between a point and a line in space

 Quote by lockedup 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data Find the distance between (2,5,1) and the line 2i − 3j + 6k.
2i - 3j + 6k isn't a line -- it's a vector. It has a certain length, while a line has infinite length. The problem is probably something more like this:
Find the distance between (2,5,1) and the line whose direction is given by the vector 2i − 3j + 6k.
 Quote by lockedup 2. Relevant equations 3. The attempt at a solutionI can't find a formula to figure this (or one that makes any sense)...
Just as well. Given that you can't find a formula, how would you approach this problem? According to the forum rules, you have to give it a good shot before anyone can give you any help.

 Gunthi, I believe you are asking how to find the distance between a point in space, and a vector? If so, start by looking at line-distance formulas and vector math. I hope this gives you a jumping-off point.

 Quote by Mark44 2i - 3j + 6k isn't a line -- it's a vector. It has a certain length, while a line has infinite length. The problem is probably something more like this:Find the distance between (2,5,1) and the line whose direction is given by the vector 2i − 3j + 6k. Just as well. Given that you can't find a formula, how would you approach this problem? According to the forum rules, you have to give it a good shot before anyone can give you any help.
My assignment sheet says line...

Does 20 or so google searches count? I've clicked on numerous links, some from here, and none of it makes any sense.

The formula in my Calculus book states:

$$D = \frac{||PQ \times u||}{||u||}$$

P is a point on the line, Q is the point in space, and u is the direction vector. Since I'm only given a vector and as opposed to a line, can I use (0, 0, 0) for P so that PQ is just Q?

 Mentor Sure, give your formula a shot. And no, Google searches don't count...

 Quote by Mark44 No, it isn't.
You're right, I confused notation, sorry lockedup.

 Quote by pootette Gunthi, I believe you are asking how to find the distance between a point in space, and a vector? If so, start by looking at line-distance formulas and vector math. I hope this gives you a jumping-off point.
That was not my question.

 Mentor Gunthi, If it were 2x - 3y + 6z = 0, you would be right

 Quote by Mark44 Gunthi, If it were 2x - 3y + 6z = 0, you would be right
Yes, that was what I thought initialy.
I'm just not accostumed to working with i,j,k.

 The formula wants you to multiply the scalar (point) by a unit vector and cross multiply with the given vector. Take the magnitude of the resultant vector. Then divide by magnitude of the unit vector (just a step that has to be done - balances things out :)). This will give a scalar quantity of distance.