Math Problem Statement

Find parametric equations of the line through (-1, -2, 2) that is parallel to 3i - 4j + k.

Solution

To find the parametric equations of a line that passes through a point (1,2,2)(-1, -2, 2) and is parallel to the vector v=3i^4j^+k^\vec{v} = 3\hat{i} - 4\hat{j} + \hat{k}, we can follow this method:

Parametric Form of a Line:

The parametric equations of a line through a point (x0,y0,z0)(x_0, y_0, z_0) and parallel to a direction vector (a,b,c)(a, b, c) are given by:

x(t)=x0+atx(t) = x_0 + at y(t)=y0+bty(t) = y_0 + bt z(t)=z0+ctz(t) = z_0 + ct

Here:

  • The point (1,2,2)(-1, -2, 2) gives x0=1x_0 = -1, y0=2y_0 = -2, and z0=2z_0 = 2.
  • The direction vector v=3i^4j^+k^\vec{v} = 3\hat{i} - 4\hat{j} + \hat{k} gives a=3a = 3, b=4b = -4, and c=1c = 1.

Parametric Equations:

Using these values, the parametric equations for the line are:

x(t)=1+3tx(t) = -1 + 3t y(t)=24ty(t) = -2 - 4t z(t)=2+tz(t) = 2 + t

Final Answer:

x(t)=1+3tx(t) = -1 + 3t y(t)=24ty(t) = -2 - 4t z(t)=2+tz(t) = 2 + t

Would you like further details or have any questions?


Here are 5 questions to explore this topic further:

  1. What are the general steps to find parametric equations for a line given a point and a direction vector?
  2. How do we derive a vector from two points on a line?
  3. Can you explain how to convert parametric equations to symmetric form?
  4. How does changing the direction vector affect the parametric equations of a line?
  5. What is the difference between a parametric equation and a vector equation of a line?

Tip: Always check if the direction vector is a scalar multiple of another vector to ensure lines are truly parallel or perpendicular.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Parametric Equations
Vector Algebra
Lines in 3D Space

Formulas

x(t) = x_0 + at
y(t) = y_0 + bt
z(t) = z_0 + ct

Theorems

Parametric equations of lines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12