Are these two lines intersecting?

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  • Thread starter Thread starter totototo
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    Intersection Lines
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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around determining whether two lines in three-dimensional space intersect. Participants explore the mathematical approach to finding intersections using parametric equations.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a problem involving two lines L1 and L2 defined by their endpoints in 3D space and asks how to determine if they intersect.
  • Another participant provides a link to a resource that may contain relevant information about line-line intersection in three dimensions.
  • A third participant outlines the parametric equations for both lines and suggests setting the equations equal to derive a system of equations for the parameters s and t, which can be solved to check for intersection.
  • A later reply expresses gratitude for the information provided.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not express disagreement, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific method to determine intersection and whether the proposed approach is sufficient.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify any assumptions regarding the conditions under which the lines may or may not intersect, nor does it address potential limitations of the proposed method.

totototo
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Hi;
First i you read my problem and feel that it does not belong to this forum please inform me which one is the right one.

I have 2 lines L1,L2 in 3-dimensions
L1 has (x1,y1,z1) (x2,y2,z2)
L2 has (x3,y3,z3) (x4,y4,z4)
How can I know that these two lines are intersected?

Thanks
toto
 
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Parametric equations for a line through (x1,y1,z1) and (x2,y2,z2) is
x= x1+ (x2-x1)t, y= y1+ (y2-y1)t, z= z1+ (z2-z1)t

Parametric equations for a line through (x3,y3,z3) and (x4,y4,z4) is
x= x3+ (x4-x3)s, y= y3+(y4- y3)s, z= z3+ (z4-z3)s

Set x= x, y= y, z= z to get three equations for s and t. Solve two of the equations for s and t and then see if those values satisfy the third.
 
Thanks a lot
 

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