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  -   -   Simple Vector question. (http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=554289)
  
   arianabedi Nov27-11 12:22 AM
  
  Simple Vector question.
  
  1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
  This is a "exam style" question for A-Level mathematics regarding vectors. The question is as followed:
  
  Relative to a fixed origin O, the points A and B have position vectors 4i+3j-k and i+4j+4k respectively.
  
  (a) Find the vector equation of the line l1 which passes through A and B.
  
  The line l2 has equation r=22i+aj+4k+μ(bi-j+2k), where μ is scalar parameter and a and b are constants.
  The lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular and intersect. Find:
  
  (b) the values of a and b
  
  (c) the position vector of the point of intersection of l1 and l2
  
  2. Relevant equations
  Vector equation of a strait line through two points C and D:
  
  r=c+t(d-c)
  
  if there is any other ones, I am unfortunately unaware of
  
  3. The attempt at a solution
  
  Sadly I've been given no knowledge of how to do this question since vectors is not a part of my course. Therefore there are no attempts made
  
  4.Conclusion
  This question is really getting into my head and any help would be greatly appreciated.
  
  Regards,
  -A
  
   Mark44 Nov27-11 12:49 AM
  
  Re: Simple Vector question.
  
  Quote:
   Quote by arianabedi (Post 3636538) 1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data This is a "exam style" question for A-Level mathematics regarding vectors. The question is as followed: Relative to a fixed origin O, the points A and B have position vectors 4i+3j-k and i+4j+4k respectively. (a) Find the vector equation of the line l1 which passes through A and B. The line l2 has equation r=22i+aj+4k+μ(bi-j+2k), where μ is scalar parameter and a and b are constants. The lines l1 and l2 are perpendicular and intersect. Find: (b) the values of a and b (c) the position vector of the point of intersection of l1 and l2 2. Relevant equations Vector equation of a strait line through two points C and D: r=c+t(d-c) if there is any other ones, I am unfortunately unaware of 3. The attempt at a solution Sadly I've been given no knowledge of how to do this question since vectors is not a part of my course. Therefore there are no attempts made
  Then why don't you wait until vectors are presented in your course, or when you take a course where vectors are presented?
  Quote:
   Quote by arianabedi (Post 3636538) 4.Conclusion This question is really getting into my head and any help would be greatly appreciated. Regards, -A
  
   arianabedi Nov27-11 12:52 AM
  
  Re: Simple Vector question.
  
  Quote:
   Quote by Mark44 (Post 3636557) Then why don't you wait until vectors are presented in your course, or when you take a course where vectors are presented?
  Well the reason is that I've been told by my tutor that I will not be studying vectors.
  
   Mark44 Nov27-11 12:55 AM
  
  Re: Simple Vector question.
  
  Then how do you expect to be able to solve problems that involve vectors?
  
   HallsofIvy Nov27-11 05:59 AM
  
  Re: Simple Vector question.
  
  For this problem, all you really need to know is that a point with position vector ai+ bj+ ck has coordinates (a, b, c).
  
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