U2A1:

Equations of Lines in 2-Space

Saturday, October 23, 2021 10:05 PM

Review - The Scalar Equation of a Line in 2-Space

Example: Determine an equation of the line through the point A(-1,3) with
slope 2.

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Example: Determine an equation of the line with slope and passing
"
through the point (-1, 2).

The Vector Equation of a Line in 2 Space

In order to determine a straight line it is enough to specify a point on the line and a vector
parallel to the line. The vector is called a direction vector for the line.

Every point in the Cartesian plane is associated with an ordered pair of numbers called the
coordinates. A vector drawn from the origin to the point at the head of the vector is called a
position vector.

Example:
Determine a vector equation for the line through 𝐴(−1,2) with direction
vector 𝑚
))⃗ = (3, 1).

Example:
Why is it possible to have many different vector equations for this line?

Example:
Determine a vector equation for the line through 𝑃# = (2, −1) with
direction vector 𝑚
))⃗ = (4, 3).

Example:
Determine three points on the line 𝑟⃗ = (2, −1) + 𝑡(4, 3).

The Parametric Equations of a Line in 2-Space

Example:
Determine parametric equaJons for the line 𝑟⃗ = (−1, 3) + 𝑡(1, 2).

Example:
Determine the vector and parametric equations for the line through the
points A(1, -3) and B(4,1).

Example:
What are the parametric equations for the line with vector equation 𝑟⃗ =
(2, −1) + 𝑡(4, 3)?

Making Connections between the Scalar and Vector Equations of a Line

You can use the vector or parametric equations to find two points on the
line.

Example:
Find a scalar equation for the line with vector equation 𝑟⃗ = (2, −1) +
𝑡(4, 3).

The scalar equation can also be determined from the parametric equations
by solving each equation for t.

Example:
Find a scalar equation for the line with parametric equations x = 1 – 2t, y =
2 + 3t.

The scalar equation can also be determined by using a vector that is

perpendicular to the line.

Example:
Find a scalar equation for the line with vector equation 𝑟⃗ = (2, −1) +
𝑡(4, 3).

Example:
Determine a scalar equation for the line through 𝑃# = (−1, 2) and parallel
to the line with equations x = 1 + 2t, y = 2 – 3t.

Example:
Determine a scalar equation for the line with vector equation 𝑟⃗ = (2, 5) +
𝑡(3, −1).

Example:
Find a vector equation for the line with scalar equation 3x – 2y + 6 = 0.

Example:
A scalar equation of a line is 2x – 3y + 12 = 0. Determine a vector equation
for this line.