# Parametric Equations for a Line

• February 18th 2013, 06:47 AM
Civy71
Parametric Equations for a Line
Given that a, b, and c are not all zero, find parametric equations
for a line in R3 that passes through the point (x0, y0, z0)
and is perpendicular to the line
x = x0 + at, y = y0 + bt, z = z0 + ct
• February 18th 2013, 06:56 AM
Plato
Re: Parametric Equations for a Line
Quote:

Originally Posted by Civy71
Given that a, b, and c are not all zero, find parametric equations
for a line in R3 that passes through the point (x0, y0, z0)
and is perpendicular to the line
x = x0 + at, y = y0 + bt, z = z0 + ct

Find any vector $<\alpha,\beta.\gamma>$ such that $a\cdot\alpha+b\cdot\beta+c\cdot\gamma=0$.

Then the line is $+t<\alpha,\beta.\gamma>$.
• February 18th 2013, 10:54 AM
Hartlw
Re: Parametric Equations for a Line
Quote:

Originally Posted by Plato
Find any vector $<\alpha,\beta.\gamma>$ such that $a\cdot\alpha+b\cdot\beta+c\cdot\gamma=0$.

Then the line is $+t<\alpha,\beta.\gamma>$.

such a vector is (0,0,1)X(a,b,c), which is perpendicular to (a,b,c)