Vectors - vector equations
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Vectors - vector equationsOkay, I'm a bit confused here, hoping someone can help clear this up.
The question is "Points A, B and C have co-ords (0, 5), (9, 8) and (4, 3) respectively.
a) Find the vector equation for the line joining A and B.
b) Show that the perpendicular distance from C to line AB is 101/2 "
I understand the vector equation = a + t(b - a), which works out for me as:
(0, 5) + t(9, 3)
But the answer at the back of the book says (0, 5) + t(3, 1)
I'll be able to answer b) once I know how it works out at the above answer.
Any help is appreciated
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Re: Vectors - vector equations(Original post by Nagillum)
Okay, I'm a bit confused here, hoping someone can help clear this up.
The question is "Points A, B and C have co-ords (0, 5), (9, 8) and (4, 3) respectively.
a) Find the vector equation for the line joining A and B.
b) Show that the perpendicular distance from C to line AB is 101/2 "
I understand the vector equation = a + t(b - a), which works out for me as:
(0, 5) + t(9, 3)
But the answer at the back of the book says (0, 5) + t(3, 1)
I'll be able to answer b) once I know how it works out at the above answer.
Any help is appreciated
is the direction vector, it can be simplified as 
It is similar to the gradient, if gradient
, this means moving 6 units in the x-direction and 4 units in the y-direction, this is similar to saying move 3 units in the x-direction and 2 units in the y-direction, i.e. Gradient 
Hence both vectors are parallel, any of them can be used.
If you are still confused, then plot a point on a graph paper, and then use the vector to get another point on the line, you will see that both represent the same direction.
Hope it makes sense. -
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Re: Vectors - vector equationsI read the first sentence and went "OOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" and now I feel stupid for not seeing that! Yeah I get it, thanks a lot man, 20 to midnight probably isn't the best time to be doing maths, eh :P(Original post by raheem94)
is the direction vector, it can be simplified as
It is similar to the gradient, if gradient, this means moving 6 units in the x-direction and 4 units in the y-direction, this is similar to saying move 3 units in the x-direction and 2 units in the y-direction, i.e. Gradient
Hence both vectors are parallel, any of them can be used.
If you are still confused, then plot a point on a graph paper, and then use the vector to get another point on the line, you will see that both represent the same direction.
Hope it makes sense. -
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Re: Vectors - vector equationsJust to confirm something say I had the vector equation:(Original post by RockEater)
Your answer to the first part is the same as the one in the book, as the vectors (3,1) and (9,3) point in the same direction. [ (9,3) = 3*(3,1) ]
(4, 12) + t(9, 3)
I WOULD be able to cancel down the (9, 3) as it is a direction vector but I WOULD NOT be able to do this to the (4, 12) because it is a position vector...? -
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Re: Vectors - vector equationsYes, you can simplify the direction vector but not the position vector.(Original post by Nagillum)
Just to confirm something say I had the vector equation:
(4, 12) + t(9, 3)
I WOULD be able to cancel down the (9, 3) as it is a direction vector but I WOULD NOT be able to do this to the (4, 12) because it is a position vector...?
