Formula of shortest distance between two skewed lines

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the formula for the shortest distance between two skewed lines, specifically addressing confusion regarding the expressions |AC| = |AB| cos(θ) and |AB| = |AB| cos(θ). Participants clarify that the yellow-highlighted part of the problem statement is misinterpreted and emphasize the importance of correctly applying vector relationships. There is a reminder about the guidelines for posting, particularly the drawbacks of using images instead of text for clarity. The conversation highlights the need for precise notation and understanding in vector geometry. Overall, the thread aims to resolve misunderstandings related to the mathematical expressions involved.
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Homework Statement


kindly refer to the yellow highlighted part,
why is
IE4YzJD.jpg
but not
euFPWN9.jpg
?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 

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? The "yellowed part" says precisely the second: |AC|= |AB| cos(\theta)
 
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HallsofIvy said:
? The "yellowed part" says precisely the second: |AC|= |AB| cos(\theta)
please refer to the lower part , it states that |AB|= |AB| cos(\theta)... after eliminate |vector b1 x vector b2|
 
No, there is nowhere, in what you posted, that says that.
 
From https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/guidelines-for-students-and-helpers.686783/
5. Do not simply post images of the problem statement or your work. While posting images may be convenient for you, it's actually one of the most effective ways of getting your request for help ignored. Images are often too big, too small, rotated, upside down, out of focus, dimly lit, or of otherwise poor quality, and your handwriting probably isn't as easy to read as you think it is. Images are a hindrance to the helpers as portions of the problem statement or your work can't easily be quoted. Using images also doesn't qualify as filling out the homework template, so your post may be deleted.
 
gxc9800 said:
please refer to the lower part , it states that |AB|= |AB| cos(\theta)... after eliminate |vector b1 x vector b2|
At the bottom of the third image you have |AC| = |AB|cos(##\theta##)
 
I tried to combine those 2 formulas but it didn't work. I tried using another case where there are 2 red balls and 2 blue balls only so when combining the formula I got ##\frac{(4-1)!}{2!2!}=\frac{3}{2}## which does not make sense. Is there any formula to calculate cyclic permutation of identical objects or I have to do it by listing all the possibilities? Thanks
Essentially I just have this problem that I'm stuck on, on a sheet about complex numbers: Show that, for ##|r|<1,## $$1+r\cos(x)+r^2\cos(2x)+r^3\cos(3x)...=\frac{1-r\cos(x)}{1-2r\cos(x)+r^2}$$ My first thought was to express it as a geometric series, where the real part of the sum of the series would be the series you see above: $$1+re^{ix}+r^2e^{2ix}+r^3e^{3ix}...$$ The sum of this series is just: $$\frac{(re^{ix})^n-1}{re^{ix} - 1}$$ I'm having some trouble trying to figure out what to...
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