Write the parametric equation of the line

  • Thread starter Thread starter Whiz
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Line Parametric
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding values for a, b, and c such that the point (a, b, c) lies on a line defined by two points, (3, -4, 0) and (2, -2, 3), while also satisfying the equation a + b + c = 7.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the interpretation of the problem, with some suggesting the need to clarify whether the equation represents a plane or a line. There are questions about substituting points into the equation and how to derive parametric equations for the line.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and offering hints about how to approach the parametric equations. There is no explicit consensus on the correct interpretation yet.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note potential confusion regarding the equation format and whether it pertains to a line or a plane, highlighting the need for clarity in the problem statement.

Whiz
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Given a + b + c = 7, find a, b and c such that the point (a,b,c) lies on the line passing through the points (3,-4,0) and (2,-2,3)

a =
b =
c =

Homework Equations



None

The Attempt at a Solution



My instructor didn't go through this portion and I was wondering if I could get a little help.
The way I understand the question is that there is a point between (3,-4,0) and (2,-2,3), such that they equal 7. I'm not sure how to go about this question.

Any hints?

Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


If you meant ax+by+cz=7 and you want to find a,b,c such that (3,-4,0) and (2,-2,3) lie on this plane, then what would happen if you substituted a point (x0,y0,z0) which lies on the plane, into the equation of the plane?
 


rock.freak667 said:
If you meant ax+by+cz=7 and you want to find a,b,c such that (3,-4,0) and (2,-2,3) lie on this plane, then what would happen if you substituted a point (x0,y0,z0) which lies on the plane, into the equation of the plane?

Hmm but I typed the question exactly the way it is.

And I'm not sure what you mean by substituting (x0,y0,z0)
into the equation of the plane.
 


Write the parametric equation of the line, so you have expressions for x, y, and z in terms of t. Then set x + y + z = 7, figure out t and hence the required point.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
13K