Equations Involving Vectorssss

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In summary, the vector equation of a line thru point r0 (which is given to be <1,0,6> here) and parallel to vector v. can be found from the coefficients of the plane equation given above. The line through the point (1,0,6) and perpendicular to the plane x + 3y +z =5 can be found from the equation of the plane. The direction cosines of the line are found from the direction ratios and the parametric equation of the line is formed.
  • #1
ziddy83
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Equations Involving Vectorssss...

hey guys...stuck on a homework problem here... very simple but...im not sure how to start...

Here is the question: Find a vector equation and parametric equations for:

The line through the point (1,0,6) and perpendicular to the plane x + 3y +z =5
can i just..use that equation to find parametric equations and then find vector equations from that :confused: ? Thanks for any help...
 
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  • #2
do you remember what the meaning of the co-efficients of the plane are? I suggest you look that up, and then remember that all you need to make the equation of a line is a directional vector and a point. That's the absolute simplest way to do it. The parametric equations come straight from that.
 
  • #3
ziddy83 said:
hey guys...stuck on a homework problem here... very simple but...im not sure how to start...

Here is the question: Find a vector equation and parametric equations for:

The line through the point (1,0,6) and perpendicular to the plane x + 3y +z =5
can i just..use that equation to find parametric equations and then find vector equations from that :confused: ? Thanks for any help...
try here:
http://www.usd.edu/~jflores/MultiCalc02/WebBook/Chapter_13/Graphics/Chapter13_5/DemoHtml13_5/13.5%20LinesAndPlanes.htm
the first equation indicates the vector equation of a line thru point r0 (which is given to be <1,0,6> here) and parallel to vector v. if the line is normal to the plane given above, then this line is parallel to the plane's normal vector (which will be used for v). scroll down the page of the above URL to determine a vector v normal to the plane (which can be determined from the coefficients of the plane equation given above). the parametric line equation can easily be found from the vector equation.
 
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  • #4
The line through the point (1,0,6) and perpendicular to the plane x + 3y +z =5

What do you need for the parametric equation of a line? , You need one point on it and the direction cosines of the line.Now because the line is prependicular to the above given plane.So the direction ratios of the line will be same as direction ratios of a normal vector to the plane.From the equation of the plane , you can make out that the vector prependicular to the plane given is a vector: i + 3j + k , So the direction ratios of the required line are 1,3,1 and it passes through point 1,0,6 . Find the direction cosines from the direction ratios and form the parametric equation of the line.

BJ
 

1. What are vectors and how are they different from regular numbers?

Vectors are mathematical quantities that have both magnitude and direction. They are represented by an arrow pointing in a specific direction, with the length of the arrow representing the magnitude. Vectors are different from regular numbers because they not only have a value, but also a direction.

2. How are equations involving vectors solved?

Equations involving vectors are solved using vector operations such as addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication. The equations are simplified by combining like terms and using properties of vector operations. The solution is typically a vector that satisfies the equation.

3. Can vectors be added or subtracted if they have different dimensions?

No, vectors can only be added or subtracted if they have the same dimensions. This means that they must have the same number of components and be in the same direction. If the vectors have different dimensions, they cannot be combined using vector operations.

4. How are dot products and cross products used in equations involving vectors?

Dot products and cross products are two types of vector operations used in equations involving vectors. The dot product is used to find the angle between two vectors, while the cross product is used to find the area of a parallelogram formed by two vectors. Both operations are useful in solving equations involving vectors.

5. Can vectors be used to represent physical quantities?

Yes, vectors are commonly used to represent physical quantities such as velocity, acceleration, and force. This is because these quantities have both magnitude and direction, which can be represented by vectors. Vectors are also used in physics equations to describe the relationship between these physical quantities.

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