It is given that the lines intersect. Find the value of a.

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In summary, the equations of the lines l1 and l2 are given, and it is known that they intersect. To find the value of a, we can set the i, j, and k components equal to each other and solve the resulting system of equations. This will provide the values of r and t, which can then be used to determine a in the k equation.
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Punch
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The equation of the lines l1 and l2 are are r=(4+t)i + (a+3t)j + (2-3t)k and r=(1-2s)i + (1-s)j + (1+s)k respectively, where t and s are real parameters. It is given that the lines intersect. Find the value of a.
 
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Punch said:
The equation of the lines l1 and l2 are are r=(4+t)i + (a+3t)j + (2-3t)k and r=(1-2s)i + (1-s)j + (1+s)k respectively, where t and s are real parameters. It is given that the lines intersect. Find the value of a.

Since the lines intersect, there must be some point where the i, j and k components are all equal. So set them equal to each other and try to solve the system.
 
  • #3
Notice that you will have three equations in only two variables. Solve the i and j equations for r and t, then put those values into the k equation to determine a.
 

FAQ: It is given that the lines intersect. Find the value of a.

1. What does it mean for lines to intersect?

When two lines intersect, it means that they cross or meet at a single point. This point is known as the intersection point and is the solution to the equations of the two lines.

2. How can you tell if lines intersect?

Lines intersect if they have different slopes. If two lines have the same slope, they are parallel and will never intersect. Additionally, if the lines have the same y-intercept, they will also never intersect.

3. What is the significance of finding the value of a when lines intersect?

The value of a represents the x-coordinate of the intersection point. It is important because it gives us the exact location where the two lines intersect and allows us to solve for the y-coordinate as well.

4. How do you find the value of a when lines intersect?

The value of a can be found by setting the equations of the two lines equal to each other and solving for x. This will give us the x-coordinate of the intersection point, which is the value of a.

5. Can two lines intersect at more than one point?

No, two lines can only intersect at one point. If they intersect at more than one point, then they are not considered distinct lines and are actually the same line.

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