Find Equations for Point #3 on a Line in 3D Space

In summary: Since we are only interested in the line, not the order of the points, we can take either one. The solution is t= |d|/2 and the points are (1+ |d|/2, |d|, 1+ |d|/2).In summary, the conversation discusses finding the coordinates of a point on a line in 3D space with a known distance from another point. The equations for a line and distance between two points in 3D space are provided as well as an example of how to solve for the coordinates using a parametric equation.
  • #1
ronatu
1
0
I have a simple question.

Assume we have 2 points in 3D space with known coordinates:
#1 (x1,y1,z1)
and
#2 (x2,y2,z2)
How to find coordinates of point #3 (x,y,z) belongs to the same line with known distance D from point#1?
Equation for transformation will be helpful...

Thanks in advance.
 
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  • #2
A line in 3d space can be written as two functions that goes through the origin has two equations:

y = mx

and

z/(y^2 + x^2)^1/2 = +- C

Where C is a constant.

Finally the distance between two points in 3d space is given by

(x^2 + y^2 + z^2)^1/2

Work around that...
 
Last edited:
  • #3
For example, find the points on the line through (1, 0, 1) and (2, 2, 2) that are a distance d from (1, 0, 1). The vector from (1, 0, 1) to (2, 2, 2) is (2-1)i+ (2-0)j+ (2-1)k= i+ 2j+ k so parametric equations of the line are x= t+ 1, y= 2t, z= t+ 1. The distance from any point (x, y, z) to (1, 0, 1) is [itex]\sqrt{(x-1)^2+ y^2+ (z-1)^2}[/itex]. Replace x, y, z with their expressions in terms of the parameter t, set equal to d and solve for t:
[tex]\sqrt{(t+1-1)^2+ (2t)^2+ (t+1-1)^2}= \sqrt{4t^2}= 2|t|= d[/itex]
There are two solutions because there are two such points, one on either side of (1, 0, 1).
 

1. How do you find the equation for point #3 on a line in 3D space?

The equation for point #3 on a line in 3D space can be found by using the formula y - y1 = m(x - x1) for a 2D plane, or z - z1 = m(x - x1) + (y - y1) for a 3D space. You will need the coordinates of two other points on the line and the slope of the line.

2. What is the importance of finding equations for points on a line in 3D space?

Finding equations for points on a line in 3D space is important for various reasons, such as determining the movement and position of objects, creating 3D models, and solving problems in physics and engineering.

3. Can you use the same method to find equations for points on a line in both 2D and 3D space?

Yes, the method for finding equations for points on a line in 2D and 3D space is essentially the same. The only difference is that in 3D space, you will have an additional variable for the z-coordinate.

4. Are there any other methods for finding equations for points on a line in 3D space?

Yes, there are other methods for finding equations for points on a line in 3D space, such as using vectors or using the distance formula. However, the method of using the slope formula is the most commonly used and easiest to understand.

5. Can equations for points on a line in 3D space be used to find the distance between two points?

Yes, equations for points on a line in 3D space can be used to find the distance between two points. This can be done by plugging in the coordinates of the two points into the distance formula, which uses the Pythagorean theorem to find the distance between two points in a 3D space.

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