How Do You Solve a Skew Lines Distance Problem in Vector Geometry?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a skew lines distance problem in vector geometry involving two lines defined by parametric equations. Line1 is represented as (x,y,z)=(2,1,-1) + t(-1,0,2) and Line2 as (x,y,z)=(1,1,3) + s(5,-6,-7). The goal is to find points Q and R on these lines such that the distance ||QR|| equals 2. The initial attempts indicate that the closest distance calculated is sqrt(16/21), which is less than 2, suggesting multiple points exist at that distance.

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Homework Statement


Given
Line1: (x,y,x)=(2,1,-1) + t(-1,0,2)
Line2: (x,y,x)=(1,1,3) + s(5,-6,-7)

The lines L1 and L2 are skew; determine points Q and R on lines L1 and L2 respectively such that ||QR|| = 2

2. The attempt at a solution
I have no idea how to even approach this question! Can someone give me a clue? Please

Thank you
 
Last edited:
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Do you know how to find the closest distance between the two lines? I attempted to do it and get sqrt(16/21) which is less than 2. This means, if you imagine the geometry, that there are immensely many points on the two lines that are distance 2 apart. Are there any two in particular that you are interested in?
 

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