Are These Two Lines in Space Parallel?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the conditions under which the two lines defined by the parametric equations r = i + 2j + t(i - k) and r = k + s(-i + k) are parallel in ℝ^3. The key conclusion is that two lines are parallel if their direction vectors are scalar multiples of each other. The direction vectors for the given lines are (1, 2, 1) and (-1, 0, 1), respectively. By analyzing these vectors, one can confirm the parallelism condition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametric vector equations of a line
  • Knowledge of vector operations in ℝ^3
  • Familiarity with scalar multiplication of vectors
  • Basic concepts of linear algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of direction vectors in vector calculus
  • Learn about the conditions for coplanarity of lines in three-dimensional space
  • Explore the concept of vector cross products to determine orthogonality
  • Investigate the implications of vector projections in determining line relationships
USEFUL FOR

Students studying vector calculus, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the relationships between lines in three-dimensional space.

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Homework Statement


How are the two lines
r = i + 2j + t(i - k), and r = k + s(-i + k)
parallel?
t,s∈ℝ

Homework Equations


parametric vector equation of a line
r-r_0=tv

The Attempt at a Solution


Tried to find the conditions for lines to be parallel in ℝ^3.
 
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Suppose you have the equation as a constant vector ##\vec a## plus some parameter mutiplied by a second constant vector ##\vec b##. What scalar and vector operations can you do to it that would produce parallel lines?
 
A line in space can be written as \vec{r}= \vec{r_0}+ \vec{D}t where \vec{r_0} is the "position vector" of a single point on the line (the point where t= 0) and \vec{D} is the "direction vector" pointing in the direction of the line. Two lines are parallel if and only if one direction vector is a multiple of the other.

Edit: Some text removed by a mentor.
 
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