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

2867 Views

See similar Further Mathematics A Level tutors

Related Further Mathematics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Let A, B and C be nxn matrices such that A=BC-CB. Show that the trace of A (denoted Tr(A)) is 0, where the trace of an nxn matrix is defined as the sum of the entries along the leading diagonal.


Prove e^(ix) = cos (x) + isin(x)


How do I solve x^2 + x - 6 > 0 ?


Further Maths: How do you find the inverse of a 2 x 2 matrix?


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