# Thread: Determining whether the lines are parallel, intersect, or skew

1. ## Determining whether the lines are parallel, intersect, or skew

I have a problem where i don't have the solution to since i like to practice odd problems.
I am not sure if i have done this correctly.

Determine whether the lines

L1: $1 + t, y = 2 + 3t, z = 3 + t$

L2: $1 + t, y = 3 + 4t, z = 4 + 2t$

are parallel, intersecting, or skew. If they intersect find the point of intersection.

Attempt: Take L2 and re-write it using t=s to make it simpler
L2: $1 + s, y = 3 + 4s, z = 4 + 2s$

Make them parametric:

(1) $1+t = 1+ s$
(2) $2+3t = 3+4s$
(3) $3+t = 4+2s$

Solve (1) for t

$1+t = 1+ s$
$t = s$

Solve(2) for s
$2+3t = 3+4t$
$s = -1$

so, $t = -1$ and $s = -1$

Solve (3) by subbing in t and s

$3+(-1) = 4+2(-1)$
$2 = 2$

Therefore, two lines intersect. Not parallel.

To find the point of intersection:

Solve L1 for $t = -1$

L1: $1 + (-1), y = 2 + 3(-1), z = 3 + (-1)$

point: (0, -1, 2)

Is this correct? Or did i do this completely wrong?
Thank you

2. ## Re: Determining whether the lines are parallel, intersect, or skew

Hey icelated.

Confirming you answers with Octave, we get:

>> >> A = [1, -1, 0; 4, -3, -1; 2, -1, -1]
A =

1 -1 0
4 -3 -1
2 -1 -1

>> rref(A)
ans =

1 0 -1
0 1 -1
0 0 0

This confirms your results as correct.

3. ## Re: Determining whether the lines are parallel, intersect, or skew

Thank you so much for responding.