Parametric/vector equations

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In summary, the task is to find the vector and parametric equations for a line passing through point A(3, -1, 2) and parallel to the x-axis. After some discussion, it is determined that the direction of the line must be <1, 0, 0> or a scalar multiple of this vector.
  • #1
spoc21
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Homework Statement

Find the vector/ and parametric equations for the line that passes through A(3, -1, 2) and parallel to the x-axis.

Homework Equations

N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to find the vector and parametric equations of a line, when given two points. I am just confused on what they mean by parallel to the x-axis. Would we assume the second point is (0,1,1), since it is parallel to the x-axis.. any help is appreciated.. thank you!N
 
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  • #2
To me that would mean the z-value is constant and also the y value. You can pick any point for x
 
  • #3
so would the (0,1,1) work?
 
  • #4
bump..anyone?
 
  • #5
I don't believe so. Again the y and z terms would be constant.
So any value for {n} can be chosen. Your point would be (n,-1,2)
 
  • #6
spoc21 said:
so would the (0,1,1) work?
No. If you call this point B, the vector AB is not parallel to the x-axis. A vector parallel to the x-axis has a non-zero x-coordinate, and the other two coordinates are zero.
 
  • #7
Mark44 said:
No. If you call this point B, the vector AB is not parallel to the x-axis. A vector parallel to the x-axis has a non-zero x-coordinate, and the other two coordinates are zero.

ok, so something like (1,0,0) would work? your point makes sense, just want to confirm..
 
  • #8
Yes, the direction of the line has to be <1, 0, 0> or some scalar multiple of this vector.
 

What are parametric/vector equations?

Parametric and vector equations are mathematical descriptions of curves, surfaces, and other geometric objects that use parameters or vectors to define their coordinates. They are often used in physics and engineering to model real-world phenomena.

What is the difference between a parametric equation and a vector equation?

A parametric equation uses parameters (usually represented by variables) to define the coordinates of a point on a curve or surface. A vector equation, on the other hand, uses vectors (which have both magnitude and direction) to define the coordinates of a point. Parametric equations are often used to describe curves, while vector equations are used for surfaces and higher-dimensional objects.

How do you convert a parametric equation to a vector equation?

To convert a parametric equation to a vector equation, you can first rewrite the parametric equations in terms of a single variable, usually t. Then, you can use the coefficients of t to create vectors that represent the x, y, and z coordinates. For example, the parametric equation x = 2t, y = 3t, z = 4t would be converted to the vector equation 2, 3, 4 * t.

What are some common applications of parametric/vector equations?

Parametric and vector equations are used in a variety of fields, including physics, engineering, computer graphics, and robotics. They are often used to model the motion of objects, such as projectiles or planets, and to create 3D graphics in video games and animations.

How do parametric/vector equations relate to the Cartesian coordinate system?

Parametric and vector equations are an alternative way of representing points in space, and they can be converted to Cartesian coordinates. For example, a point (x, y, z) in Cartesian coordinates can be represented as a parametric equation x = x, y = y, z = z or a vector equation x, y, z. However, parametric and vector equations have the advantage of being able to describe more complex curves and surfaces that are not easily represented in Cartesian coordinates.

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