Maple Approximating Line Intersection Equation with Maple

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a geometric problem involving three points in 3D space, specifically points C, D, and A. The user, Steven, is attempting to derive a compact equation for the coordinates Ai and Aj of point A, given the distances from points C and D to A (constC and constD), along with the coordinates of points C and D and the variable x. Steven initially formulated two equations based on the distances and used Maple software to solve them, resulting in complex RootOf expressions. Although Maple provided correct solutions when real numbers were input, Steven seeks a more manageable equation suitable for Excel. After further effort, he successfully created a lengthy formula exceeding 4000 characters, which functions effectively despite its complexity. The discussion highlights the challenges of deriving a simplified equation for 3D distance problems and the learning curve associated with using mathematical software.
Verox
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I'm having a hard time creating a tidy equation to solve this seemingly simple problem.

I have two points in standard 3D cordinate space, we'll call them C and D to be consistent with my work. The location of these points is given by (Ci,Cj,Ck) and (Di,Dj,Dk).

I then have a third point, A, given by (Ai, Aj, (Ak-x)). The distance between point C and A is equal to constC, and the distance between D and A is equal to constD.

Given C, D, constC, constD, x, and Ak, I need to solve for Ai and Aj.

Well the first thing I did was create two equations that set the magnitude of AC and AD equal to constC and constD. Using Maple to solve for Ai and Aj gives me an entire screen of numbers full of RootOf expressions. If I give Maple some real numbers for the given variables then it quickly outputs the two possible solutions for Ai and Aj, which I've verified to be correct.

Here is my Maple code.

C_i:=C_i:
Cj:=Cj:
Ck:=Ck:
Di:=Di:
Dj:=Dj:
Dk:=Dk:
Ak:=Ak:
x:=x:
constC:=constC:
constD:=constD:

solve({(sqrt((Ai-C_i)^2+(Aj-Cj)^2+((Ak+x)-Ck)^2))=constC,(sqrt((Ai-Di)^2+(Aj-Dj)^2+((Ak+x)-Dk)^2))=constD},{Ai,Aj});



I'm looking for a compact equation (that I can insert into my excel spreadsheet) that approximates Ai and Aj. I am still learning Maple and my math skills are somewhat limited. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
- Steven
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Any ideas? If someone could just point me in the right direction that would be great.

What type of equation would this be called? I've tried to find similar problems, but no luck.
 
Well, I was able to solve this equation. It ended up being a 4000+ character formula in excel. Just a bunch of brute force algebra. Works like a charm!
 
Back
Top