How this equation represent the equation of line?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the representation of lines and planes in three-dimensional space, specifically focusing on the equations given in the problem. Participants explore how a specific equation can represent a line and how the intersection of planes can lead to a line, as well as the implications of parameterization in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how the equation 5x + 2y - 6z - 5 = 0 represents a line, noting that it is part of a system of equations.
  • Another participant suggests that any two independent linear equations can define a line, as each linear equation represents a plane, and their intersection forms a line.
  • It is proposed that for any fixed value of K, the equation 5x + 2y - 6z - 5 + K(4x + 6y + 7z - 8) = 0 describes a plane that includes the line represented by equation b.
  • A later reply explains that the compound equation (x-2)/3 = (y-6)/9 = (z-9)/5 can be decomposed into two equations representing planes, and their intersection yields a line.
  • Participants provide parametric equations derived from the compound equation, indicating that these equations also describe a line.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on how lines and planes relate to each other through their equations. There is no consensus on a singular explanation, as multiple interpretations and approaches are presented.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference specific assumptions about the independence of equations and the nature of their intersections, but these assumptions are not universally accepted or clarified.

Hyperspace2
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Hello people. In my textbooks the question is asked as following
1. Find the S.D(short distance)between the lines
a) x-2/3=y-6/9=z-9/5
b) 5x + 2y-6z-5 = 0 = 4x+6y+7z-8
My problem is not about of solution.

Solution is preety well given in book. But
My main question is
how equation b represent the equation of line


Further,it states

5x + 2y-6z-5 + K(4x+6y+7z-8) = 0 represents the equation of plane which consist line.
How could this be?
 
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Hello Hyperspace2! :smile:
Hyperspace2 said:
b) 5x + 2y-6z-5 = 0 = 4x+6y+7z-8

My main question is
how equation b represent the equation of line

For example, x = y = 0 is obviously a line (the z-axis).

Similarly, any two independent linear equations make a line.

This is because anyone linear equation makes a plane, so two together makes all the points on both planes, ie the intersection, which is a line! :wink:
5x + 2y-6z-5 + K(4x+6y+7z-8) = 0 represents the equation of plane which consist line.
How could this be?

It means that, for any fixed value of K, that is the equation of a plane which includes line b.

It's true because if you put any point on line b into that equation, it becomes 0 + K0 = 0 … which is obviously true! :smile:
 
tiny-tim said:
For example, x = y = 0 is obviously a line (the z-axis).


tiny-tim said:
.

This is because anyone linear equation makes a plane, so two together makes all the points on both planes, ie the intersection, which is a line! :wink:


It means that, for any fixed value of K, that is the equation of a plane which includes line b. :
tiny-tim said:
.
It's true because if you put any point on line b into that equation, it becomes 0 + K0 = 0 … which is obviously true! :smile:

Thanks I never thought of that . I am crystal clear now.
 
Another way of looking at it is this:
The "compound" equation (x-2)/3= (y-6)/9= (z-9)/5 (I presume you intended those parentheses) can be broken into two equations, (x- 2)/3= (y- 6)/9 and (y- 6)/9= (z- 9)/5 which are the equations of two planes. The two equations, together, are satisfied by points that lie on the intersection of the two planes, a line.

Finally, Since those three fractions are equal to one another, set them all equal to "t":
(x- 2)/3= t so x- 2= 3t and x= 3t+ 2,
(y- 6)/9= t so y- 6= 9t and y= 9t+ 6
(z- 9)/6= t so z- 9= 6t and z= 6t+ 9

Those are three linear parametric equations and so are parametric equations of a line.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Another way of looking at it is this:
The "compound" equation (x-2)/3= (y-6)/9= (z-9)/5 (I presume you intended those parentheses) can be broken into two equations, (x- 2)/3= (y- 6)/9 and (y- 6)/9= (z- 9)/5 which are the equations of two planes. The two equations, together, are satisfied by points that lie on the intersection of the two planes, a line.

Finally, Since those three fractions are equal to one another, set them all equal to "t":
(x- 2)/3= t so x- 2= 3t and x= 3t+ 2,
(y- 6)/9= t so y- 6= 9t and y= 9t+ 6
(z- 9)/6= t so z- 9= 6t and z= 6t+ 9

Those are three linear parametric equations and so are parametric equations of a line.

Thanks sir for making a more clear explanation.
 

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