Math Problem Statement
Find the distance the point P(8,-5,0) is to the line through the two points Q(4,-3,2), and R(6,-6,3).
Solution
To find the distance from the point to the line through points and , we need to use the formula for the distance between a point and a line in 3D space.
Step-by-Step Solution:
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Find the direction vector of the line:
The direction vector of the line through points and is given by:
Substituting the coordinates of and :
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Find the vector from point to point :
The vector from point to point is:
Substituting the coordinates of and :
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Compute the cross product of and :
The cross product is:
\begin{vmatrix} \mathbf{i} & \mathbf{j} & \mathbf{k} \\ 4 & -2 & -2 \\ 2 & -3 & 1 \end{vmatrix}$$ Calculating the determinant: $$\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{v} = \mathbf{i} \left( (-2)(1) - (-2)(-3) \right) - \mathbf{j} \left( (4)(1) - (-2)(2) \right) + \mathbf{k} \left( (4)(-3) - (-2)(2) \right)$$ Simplifying: $$\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{v} = \mathbf{i} \left( -2 - 6 \right) - \mathbf{j} \left( 4 + 4 \right) + \mathbf{k} \left( -12 + 4 \right)$$ $$\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{v} = \mathbf{i} (-8) - \mathbf{j} (8) + \mathbf{k} (-8)$$ $$\mathbf{u} \times \mathbf{v} = (-8, -8, -8)$$ -
Find the magnitude of the cross product:
The magnitude of is:
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Find the magnitude of the direction vector :
The magnitude of is:
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Compute the distance from point to the line:
The distance from point to the line is given by:
Substituting the values:
Simplify by rationalizing the denominator:
Final Answer:
The distance from point to the line through points and is:
Would you like more details on any step, or do you have any questions?
Related Questions:
- How do you compute the cross product of two vectors?
- What is the formula for finding the distance from a point to a line in 3D space?
- How do you find the direction vector of a line given two points?
- What are some practical applications of finding the distance from a point to a line?
- How can the cross product be used in physics and engineering?
Tip: When solving distance problems, understanding vector operations like dot and cross products is essential.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vector Geometry
Distance in 3D Space
Cross Product
Formulas
Distance from a point to a line in 3D: d = |u × v| / |v|
Direction vector formula: v = (Rx - Qx, Ry - Qy, Rz - Qz)
Cross product of two vectors
Magnitude of a vector: |v| = √(x^2 + y^2 + z^2)
Theorems
Cross Product Theorem
Vector Magnitude Theorem
Suitable Grade Level
Grade 11-12, College Level
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