Find the shortest distance between the lines r = (1, 5, 6) + y(-2, -1, 0) and r = (1, 7, -3) + z(2, 0, 4)

Vector joining the two lines = (1, 5, 6) - (1, 7, -3) = (0, -2, 9)Normal vector to the two lines = (-2, -1, 0) x (2, 0, 4) = (-4, 8, 2) = 2(-2, 4, 1)Hence, using the dot product, shortest distance = (0, -2, 9) "dot" (-2, 4, 1) / sqrt(22 + 42 + 12) = -8 + 9 / sqrt(4 + 16 + 1) = 1/sqrt(21)

AH
Answered by Abhinav H. Further Mathematics tutor

2473 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Define tanh(t) in terms of exponentials


Show that the matrix A is non-singular for all real values of a


Simplify (2x^3+8x^2+17x+18)/(x+2)


A block of mass 50kg resting on a rough surface with a coefficient of friction equal to 1/3. Find the maximum angle at which the surface can be inclined to the horizontal without the block slipping. Give your answer to 3 significant figures


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning