Writing an alternate vector Equation for a line.

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
3 replies · 3K views
Physics345
Messages
250
Reaction score
23

Homework Statement


Write an alternate vector equation for the following line. Change both the point and the direction vector:
w⃗ =(4,−1,3)+t(−2,1,7)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Did I write a proper alternate vector equation here? I'm still new to vectors in 3-space any tips or ways to confirm the answers to these types of questions would be greatly appreciated

i5juqOM.png
 

Attachments

  • i5juqOM.png
    i5juqOM.png
    11.1 KB · Views: 1,464
Physics news on Phys.org
basically a trial and error method correct for example:
=(-4,-1,3)+3(-2,1,7)
=(-4,-1,3)+(-6,3,21)
=(-10,2,24)

=(2,0,10)+3(-4,2,14)
=(2,0,10)+(-12,6,42)
and keep going till they match?
Am I on the right track here?
 
Last edited:
For a given t you should be able to write down an equation for s to get to the same point. You do not have to select a particular t, you can solve it generally.

This is also a faster way to solve the problem. Choose a new curve parameter ##s## such that ##t = ks + m## for some non-zero constants ##k\neq 1## and ##m##.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: scottdave