MATH 1160 (M15A) - Introductory Applied Mathematics I

Assignment #5
Vector Geometry
Dr. K. Rahaman

Note
• To be submitted by 12 p.m. on Wednesday 13th October 2010 in the Department of
Mathematics & Statistics.
• There are two MATH 1160 boxes available, you may submit your script in either one.

• Please submit your script by deadline, late scripts will not be accepted.

• On your script, please include the following: the course code, assignment #, your name,
your ID #.

1. Find the vector equation, (in the form, r = a + λd ), of the line passing through the
points X and Y with position vectors, x = 4î − 5ĵ + k̂ and y = 2î − 3ĵ − 2k̂
respectively. What is the shortest distance of the point P(1, 2, 3) from the line?

2. One line passes through the points A(− 1, 2, − 3) and B(− 16, 6, 4) , and another passes
through the points C(1, − 1, 3) and D(4, 9, 7 ) . Determine if the lines intersect, (give
reasons if they do or do not). If they do not, what is the shortest distance between
them?

3. Find the vector equation of the line, (in the form, r = a + λd ), that passes through the
point (1, 0, − 2) and perpendicular to the plane x + 4 y − 6z + 3 = 0 .

4. A plane contains three points with position vectors,

a = î + ĵ + 2k̂, b = 2 î − ĵ + k̂ and c = −î + 2ĵ − k̂ .
Find the vector equation of this plane in scalar product form and hence find the
distance of the plane from the origin.

5. Find a unit vector parallel to the line of intersection of the planes with equations,
x − 2 y + z = 3 and x + 6y = 5z. Find also the angle between the planes.

6. P and Q are points with position vectors, p = 3 î − ĵ + 2k̂ and q = î − 2ĵ − 4k̂
respectively.

(a) Find the Cartesian equation for the plane passing through Q and perpendicular
to the line PQ.

(b) What is the shortest distance of the point A(− 1, 1, 1) from the plane?