Find the equation of the line in vector and in Cartesian form that passes through the point with position vector $2\hat{i}-\hat{j}+4\hat{k}$ and is in the direction $\hat{i}+2\hat{j}-\hat{k}$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) The line passes through the point with position vector $\vec{a} = 2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 4\hat{k}$.
The direction of the line is given by the vector $\vec{b} = \hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k}$.
The vector equation of a line passing through a point $\vec{a}$ and parallel to a vector $\vec{b}$ is given by $\vec{r} = \vec{a} + \lambda\vec{b}$,where $\lambda$ is a scalar.
Substituting the values,we get the vector equation:
$\vec{r} = (2\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 4\hat{k}) + \lambda(\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - \hat{k})$.
For the Cartesian form,let $\vec{r} = x\hat{i} + y\hat{j} + z\hat{k}$.
Then $x\hat{i} + y\hat{j} + z\hat{k} = (2 + \lambda)\hat{i} + (-1 + 2\lambda)\hat{j} + (4 - \lambda)\hat{k}$.
Comparing the components,we have:
$x = 2 + \lambda \Rightarrow \lambda = x - 2$
$y = -1 + 2\lambda \Rightarrow \lambda = \frac{y + 1}{2}$
$z = 4 - \lambda \Rightarrow \lambda = 4 - z = \frac{z - 4}{-1}$
Equating the values of $\lambda$,we get the Cartesian equation:
$\frac{x - 2}{1} = \frac{y + 1}{2} = \frac{z - 4}{-1}$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

If lines $\frac{x-1}{-3}=\frac{y-2}{2k}=\frac{z-3}{2}$ and $\frac{x-1}{3k}=\frac{y-5}{1}=\frac{z-6}{-5}$ are mutually perpendicular,then $k$ is equal to

The coordinates of the point where the line joining the points $(3, 5, -7)$ and $(-2, 1, 8)$ is intersected by the $yz$-plane are given by:

Find the shortest distance between the lines $l_{1}$ and $l_{2}$ whose vector equations are
$\vec{r}=\hat{i}+\hat{j}+\lambda(2 \hat{i}-\hat{j}+\hat{k})$ $(1)$
and $\vec{r}=2 \hat{i}+\hat{j}-\hat{k}+\mu(3 \hat{i}-5 \hat{j}+2 \hat{k})$ $(2)$

Find the shortest distance between the lines $\vec{r} = (4\hat{i} - \hat{j}) + \lambda(\hat{i} + 2\hat{j} - 3\hat{k})$ and $\vec{r} = (\hat{i} - \hat{j} + 2\hat{k}) + \mu(2\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} - 5\hat{k})$.

Find the vector equation of the line which is parallel to the vector $3 \hat{i}-2 \hat{j}+6 \hat{k}$ and which passes through the point $(1, -2, 3)$.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo