Writing an alternate vector Equation for a line.

In summary: Substitute this expression for ##t## into your original equation for ##w## and then adjust ##s## and ##m## until you get the desired point.In summary, the conversation discusses finding an alternate vector equation for a given line in 3-space by changing the point and direction vector. The suggested method is to find a new point on the line and then solve for the parameter t to reach that point. Another method is to choose a new curve parameter and substitute it into the original equation, adjusting it until the desired point is reached.
  • #1
Physics345
250
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: 1,348
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That's one way to do it. One way to check yourself is to find a new point on one of the lines (using another value of s, for example) then see if you can find a value for t which gets on that same point.
 
  • Like
Likes Physics345
  • #3
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:
  • #4
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 scottdave

Related to Writing an alternate vector Equation for a line.

1. What is an alternate vector equation for a line?

An alternate vector equation for a line is a way to represent a line using vector notation. It is typically written in the form r = r0 + tv, where r0 is the position vector of a point on the line and v is a vector parallel to the line.

2. How is an alternate vector equation different from a standard equation for a line?

Unlike a standard equation for a line, which is typically written in the form y = mx + b, an alternate vector equation represents a line using vector notation. It is more general and can be used to represent lines in any dimension, not just in the x-y plane.

3. What are the advantages of using an alternate vector equation for a line?

An alternate vector equation for a line can be useful in certain situations, such as when working in higher dimensions or when dealing with lines that are not necessarily parallel to the x-y plane. It can also be helpful in vector calculus and physics, where vector notation is commonly used.

4. How do you convert a standard equation for a line into an alternate vector equation?

To convert a standard equation for a line into an alternate vector equation, you first need to find a point on the line and a vector parallel to the line. You can then use these values to fill in the appropriate variables in the alternate vector equation r = r0 + tv.

5. Can an alternate vector equation be used to represent any line?

Yes, an alternate vector equation can be used to represent any line, as long as you have a point on the line and a vector parallel to the line. It is a more general form of representing a line compared to a standard equation, which is limited to lines in the x-y plane.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
968
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
491
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
2
Replies
35
Views
501
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
933
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
11
Views
2K
Back
Top