Vector Equations for Perpendicular Lines: Finding Intersection Point

  • Thread starter arianabedi
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Vector
In summary, this conversation is about a question for A-Level mathematics regarding vectors. The question asks for the vector equation of a line passing through two points with given position vectors, as well as finding the values of constants and the position vector of the point of intersection of two perpendicular lines. The person asking for help has not been taught about vectors and is struggling with the question. They have been told they will not be studying vectors, but they need help with this specific problem.
  • #1
arianabedi
38
0

Homework Statement


This is a "exam style" question for A-Level mathematics regarding vectors. The question is as followed:

Relative to a fixed origin O, the points A and B have position vectors 4i+3j-k and i+4j+4k respectively.

(a) Find the vector equation of the line l1 which passes through A and B.

The line l2 has equation r=22i+aj+4k+μ(bi-j+2k), where μ is scalar parameter and a and b are constants.
The lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular and intersect. Find:

(b) the values of a and b

(c) the position vector of the point of intersection of l1 and l2

Homework Equations


Vector equation of a strait line through two points C and D:

r=c+t(d-c)

if there is any other ones, I am unfortunately unaware of

The Attempt at a Solution



Sadly I've been given no knowledge of how to do this question since vectors is not a part of my course. Therefore there are no attempts made4.Conclusion
This question is really getting into my head and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
-A
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
arianabedi said:

Homework Statement


This is a "exam style" question for A-Level mathematics regarding vectors. The question is as followed:

Relative to a fixed origin O, the points A and B have position vectors 4i+3j-k and i+4j+4k respectively.

(a) Find the vector equation of the line l1 which passes through A and B.

The line l2 has equation r=22i+aj+4k+μ(bi-j+2k), where μ is scalar parameter and a and b are constants.
The lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular and intersect. Find:

(b) the values of a and b

(c) the position vector of the point of intersection of l1 and l2

Homework Equations


Vector equation of a strait line through two points C and D:

r=c+t(d-c)

if there is any other ones, I am unfortunately unaware of

The Attempt at a Solution



Sadly I've been given no knowledge of how to do this question since vectors is not a part of my course. Therefore there are no attempts made
Then why don't you wait until vectors are presented in your course, or when you take a course where vectors are presented?
arianabedi said:
4.Conclusion
This question is really getting into my head and any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
-A
 
  • #3
Mark44 said:
Then why don't you wait until vectors are presented in your course, or when you take a course where vectors are presented?

Well the reason is that I've been told by my tutor that I will not be studying vectors.
 
  • #4
Then how do you expect to be able to solve problems that involve vectors?
 
  • #5
For this problem, all you really need to know is that a point with position vector ai+ bj+ ck has coordinates (a, b, c).
 

FAQ: Vector Equations for Perpendicular Lines: Finding Intersection Point

What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical representation of a quantity that has both magnitude and direction. It is typically represented by an arrow, with the length of the arrow representing the magnitude and the direction of the arrow representing the direction.

How is a vector different from a scalar?

A scalar only has magnitude, while a vector has both magnitude and direction. This means that a scalar can be represented by a single number, while a vector requires both a magnitude and a direction to be fully described.

What operations can be performed on vectors?

Vectors can be added, subtracted, multiplied by a scalar, and compared in terms of magnitude and direction. They can also be used in various mathematical operations such as dot product and cross product.

How are vectors used in science?

Vectors are used in many areas of science, including physics, engineering, and computer science. They are used to represent physical quantities such as force, velocity, and acceleration, and to solve mathematical problems involving direction and magnitude.

Can vectors be represented in different coordinate systems?

Yes, vectors can be represented in different coordinate systems such as Cartesian, polar, or cylindrical coordinates. Each system has its own way of representing vectors, and the choice of coordinate system depends on the problem at hand.

Back
Top