I have no idea how to start

[xbox360gamer]

Let Q(a, b, c) be a point on the line L, x+1=5-y=z+3. Find a, b and c such that the line L and the line that passes through P(2, 3, 6) and q are perpendicular. Hence find the shortest distance between the P and the line L.

 

[lex]

Here's a nice video giving 3 methods. Perhaps method 2 at 7:00 minutes is easiest to understand?

 

[Chaosdrag]

Would be great if someone could help me out with this question. I really have no clue on how to solve it

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Would be great if someone could help me out with this question. I really have no clue on how to solve it

Since you cannot even begin to solve - let us start with some relevant definitions.

Is this a 2-D problem or 3-D problem?

 

[Chaosdrag]

Since you cannot even begin to solve - let us start with some relevant definitions.

Is this a 2-D problem or 3-D problem?View attachment 25686

it's a 2D problem

 

[Deleted member 4993]

it's a 2D problem

How do you know that ?

 

[Dr.Peterson]

Would be great if someone could help me out with this question. I really have no clue on how to solve it

What tools do you have available? Have you learned anything about vectors? Can you find some vectors here and make them perpendicular?

 

[lex]

Someone seems to have already posted this here:
Shortest distance of vector

 

[Deleted member 4993]

Someone seems to have already posted this here:
Shortest distance of vector

I moved the posts and merged those here.

 

[Chaosdrag]

this is the solution i got but I'm not sure if I'm right

 

[lex]

@Chaosdrag
Nicely done. Perfect!

(Shortest distance between P and the line L (rather than Q). For the sake of it, just because it asked you to find a, b and c, I would explicitly state a=, b=, c= at some point.
The surd at the end simplifies to [MATH]\frac{\sqrt{258}}{3}[/MATH], which is 5.35 to 2 d.p.)