Finding the intersection points of the two lines in space

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the intersection points of two lines in three-dimensional space, represented parametrically. Participants explore methods to determine if the lines intersect and, if so, to find the coordinates of the intersection point.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the parametric equations of the lines L1 and L2 and asks how to find their intersection.
  • Another participant suggests setting the x-coordinates equal to each other to solve for either parameter t or s, then substituting back to find the coordinates.
  • A different approach is proposed, where both x and y coordinates are set equal to each other to create a system of equations for t and s, followed by checking if the z-coordinates yield the same value to confirm intersection.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the responses received, indicating engagement with the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple methods for solving the problem, indicating that there is no single agreed-upon approach. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific intersection point, as the methods proposed have not been fully executed or verified.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not clarify the conditions under which the lines may be skew or intersect, nor does it resolve the mathematical steps necessary to confirm the intersection point.

macaulay
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
given the lines in space

L1 : x = 2t + 1, y = 3t + 2, z = 4t + 3
L2 : x = s + 2, y = 2s + 4, z = -4s – 1
Find the point of intersection of L1 and L2.
How do i solve this?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
set the x's equal to each other and solve for either t or s, then plug into the other variables to get the coordinates
 
Another method ....
Set the x's and y's equal to each other
2t+1 = s+2
3t+2 = 2s+4
solve the system for t and s
Plug the resulting values for t and s into
z=4t+3 and z = -4s-1
to be sure they give the same value for z
If they do not, the lines are skew
If they do, then the values for t and s give the
coordinates of the intersection point for x,y and z
 
thank u very much mr. paulfr and woopydalan...i appreciate your replies to my question.. thank u very much =)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K