Find a point in a line closest to another point

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Homework Statement


Given p(4,2,3), Q(5,3,1), R(3,-5,5) and let L be a line that passes through P and Q
Find the coordinates of that point of the line L which is closest to the point R.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I found the equation of the line L= (x=4+t, y=2+t, z=3-2t) then i am unsure on how to find the coordinates closest to R.
Any hints on solving this will be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance
 
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the vector from the closest point of the line to the point will be perpindicular to the line (why?)
 
lanedance said:
the vector from the closest point of the line to the point will be perpindicular to the line (why?)
(
I think i got it now...

So if we let A(x,y,z) be the closest point from L to R. This condition must be satisfy: RA dot PQ= 0. SO RA = (3-x,-5-y,5-z).
And from the dot product, i get x+y-2z=-12. So, i sub in the L into the equation I just got and solve for t, and equal t=-2, yields x=2
y=0,z=7. So A is (2,0,7)?
Can someone correct me if i am wrong

Thanks
 
Last edited:
if vectors a & b are perpindicular then:
a x b is a non-zero vector
a . b is zero...
 
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