# Scalar Equations!

1. Mar 25, 2004

Scalar equations such as y=2x+3 actually generate POINTS which are collinear. A vector equation, as the name implies, generates VECTORS, and these vectors are definitely NOT COLLINEAR.

How then can we say that an equation such as
r = (2,1,3) + t(1,2,4) is the "equation of a line"?

Also, why is it not possible to produce a scalar equation for a line in 3-D?

2. Mar 25, 2004

### pmb_phy

Consider the physical meaning of the vector r. That is called the position vector. It represents a spatial displacement from a point called the origin. The tip of the vector defines a point and it is that point we are refering to as the position.

Since r is the position vector which traces out a line, i.e. the tip of the vector traces out a line, the its called the equation of a line. Likewise the tip of the vector

$$\mathbf{r} = cos \theta \mathbf{i} + sin \theta \mathbf{j}$$

traces out a circle. Therefore one can say that this is the equation of a circle.

3. Mar 26, 2004

### matt grime

It is possible to produce a set of scalar equations that generate a line in R^3

eg the line (1,2,3) + t(2,3,1) is also described as

(x- 1)/2 = (y-2)/3 = z-3

just as the original scalar equation you gave is expressible as a vector equation:

L = (0,3) +t(1,2)

Last edited: Mar 26, 2004
4. Mar 26, 2004