Vector Equation of a Line

Rarely Tested

Vector Equation of a Line

A line passing through a point with position vector $$\vec a$$ and having direction vector $$\vec d$$ is:

$$\vec r=\vec a+\lambda\vec d$$

Terminology

- $$\vec r$$: Position vector of a variable point on the line.

- $$\vec a$$: Position vector of a fixed point on the line.

- $$\vec d$$: Direction vector.

- $$\lambda$$: Scalar parameter.

Usage

- Standard vector form of a straight line in 3D.

Question 1

Let $$L$$ be the straight line joining the points $$P(1,2,-1)$$ and $$Q(2,3,1)$$. Let $$S$$ be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the point $$R(4,-1,5)$$ to the line $$L$$. Another line passing through $$R$$ intersects $$L$$ at a point $$T$$ such that the point $$S$$ divides the line segment $$PT$$ internally in the ratio $$|PS|:|ST|=1:2$$, where $$|PS|$$ and $$|ST|$$ are the lengths of the line segments $$PS$$ and $$ST$$, respectively.

Then which of the following statements is (are) TRUE?

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