The lines l and m have vector equations
\(\mathbf{r} = \mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{k} + s(2\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + 3\mathbf{k})\)
and
\(\mathbf{r} = 6\mathbf{i} - 5\mathbf{j} + 4\mathbf{k} + t(\mathbf{i} - 2\mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k})\)
respectively.
Show that l and m intersect, and find the position vector of their point of intersection.
Solution
Express the general points on lines l and m in component form:
Line l: \((1 + 2s, s, -2 + 3s)\)
Line m: \((6 + t, -5 - 2t, 4 + t)\)
Equate the components to find \(s\) and \(t\):
1. \(1 + 2s = 6 + t\)
2. \(s = -5 - 2t\)
3. \(-2 + 3s = 4 + t\)
From equation (1):
\(t = 2s - 5\)
Substitute \(t = 2s - 5\) into equation (2):
\(s = -5 - 2(2s - 5)\)
\(s = -5 - 4s + 10\)
\(5s = 5\)
\(s = 1\)
Substitute \(s = 1\) into \(t = 2s - 5\):
\(t = 2(1) - 5 = -3\)
Verify with equation (3):
\(-2 + 3(1) = 4 + (-3)\)
\(1 = 1\)
All equations are satisfied. The position vector of the intersection point is:
\(3\mathbf{i} + \mathbf{j} + \mathbf{k}\)
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