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

2624 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Write (1+2i) /(2-i) in form x+iy


How do I construct a proof by induction?


Use induction to prove that for all positive integers n, f(n)=2^(3n+1)+3x5^(2n+1) is divisible by 17.


The ODE mx'' + cx' + kx = 0 is used to model a damped mass-spring system, where m is the mass, c is the damping constant and k is the spring constant. Describe and explain the behaviour of the system for the cases: (a) c^2>4mk; (b) c^2=4mk; (c) c^2<4mk.


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