The orthonormal reference

In our three-dimensional universe, all objects are

represented
in geometry by an infinite set of distinct points.
Each point has coordinates with values [x,y,z].
These make it possible to locate it in space by
moving x, y and z units in three distinct
directionsfrom a reference point called "origin".
These directions are materialized by axes oriented
and graduated secants at the point of origin. The set
made up of the axes, their graduation and the point of
origin constitutes a Cartesian reference point. It will
be called "orthonormal" if the axes are orthogonal
and graduated on the same scale.
* introduction to vectors

Definition of a vector

A vector is an object that has both a magnitude and a

direction but not position. Geometrically, we can picture a vector
as a directed line segment, whose length is the magnitude of
the vector and with an arrow indicating the direction. The
direction of the vector is from its tail to its head.
Two vectors are the same if they have the same magnitude
and direction. This means that if we take a vector and
translate it to a new position (without rotating it),

A vector in 3D space can be written in component form: ( x , 𝑦 , 𝑧 ) ,

or in terms of its fundamental unit vectors: 𝑥 ⃑ 𝑖 + 𝑦 ⃑ 𝑗 + 𝑧 ⃑ 𝑘 . To
add or subtract two vectors, we add or subtract their corresponding
components.

U(3,2,5)

v(4,2,-1)

Operations on vectors

We can define a number of operations on vectors

geometrically without reference to any coordinate system. Here
we define addition, subtraction, and multiplication by a scalar.
Addition of vectors
Given two vectors u and v, we form their sum w = u + v, as
follows. We translate the vector v until its tail coincides with
the head of u. (Recall such translation does not change a
vector.) Then, the directed line segment from the tail of u to
the head of v is the vector w.

U(3,2,5)

w(7,4,4)

v(4,2,-1)

Addition of vectors satisfies two important properties.

1. The commutative law, which states the order of addition

doesn't matter:
w=u+v=v+v
This law is also called the parallelogram law, as illustrated in
the below image. Two of the edges of the parallelogram
 define u + v, and the other pair of edges define v + u But,
both sums are equal to the same diagonal of the
parallelogram.

2. The associative law, which states that the sum of three

vectors does not depend on which pair of vectors is added
first:
(a+b)+c=a+(b+c).

Vector subtraction
Before we define subtraction, we define the vector −a, which is the
opposite of a. The vector −a is the vector with the same magnitude
as a but that is pointed in the opposite direction.

We define subtraction as addition with the opposite of a vector:

b−a=b+(−a).
This is equivalent to turning vector a around in the applying the
above rules for addition. Can you see how the vector x in the below
figure is equal to b−a? Notice how this is the same as stating
that a+x=b, just like with subtraction of scalar numbers.
Why are they important?

Because vectors are used in practically everything, we see around

us.

Vectors are used in many different areas including weather

forecasting, GPS tracking, radio transmissions, video games,
computer Assisted drawing, and vectors are instrumental in the
measurement of force, velocity, acceleration, and speed.

The role that vectors play in our everyday lives is immense.

Therefore, it’s incumbent upon us to understand and value the use
of vectors in 3D space.

2) Parametric equation of the line in space

Agreement:
Throughout this chapter of analytical geometry in
space, we will work in space R3, provided with a
marker direct orthonormal.

Definition
Parametric equation of a line in the space.

A line is defined by one of its points and by a vector

director giving direction to the right.

Let the line d passing through the point A(a1; a2; a3)
and vector director.
—————
𝑣1
v =(𝑣2)
𝑣3

SO

M(x; y; z) ∈ d ⇔ AM = k ⋅ v k ∈ IR

⇔ O M = OA + k ⋅ v
Vector equation of a straight line in space.
 - Parametric equation of a line in the space.

𝑥 𝑎1 𝑣1
(𝑦) = (𝑎2) + k (𝑣2)
𝑧 𝑎3 𝑣3

- System of parametric equations of a straight line

in space.
x = a1 + kv1
y = a2 + kv2
z = a3 + kv3

Exemple Let the line (d):

x 3k 1
y 2k
z 5k 2


Give two different parametric equations of this

line (d).

𝑥 1 3
1) (𝑦) = (0) + k (2)
𝑧 2 5
Exercise 1
Consider the point A(2; 0; 3).
Give a system of equations parametric of the
following lines:

a) (d1) passing through A and B(1; 4; 5).

b) (d2) passing through A and parallel to the line (g):
x = 2k −1
y = 3k
z = 5k + 2
c) (d3) passing through A and parallel to the axis Oy.

a) the directing vector of (d1) is the vector :

1−2 −1
AB (4 − 0) = ( 4 )
5−3 2
2
And (d1) passing through the point A(0)
3
Then the system of equations parametric of (d1) is :

x = -k + 2
y = 4k
z = 2k + 3

b) the directing vector of (g) is the vector :

 2
AB (3) is the same that (d2) and (d2) passing
5
through the point A.

Then the system of equations parametric of (d2) is :

x = 2k + 2
y = 3k
z = 5k + 3

c) the directing vector of (d3) is the vector :

0
j (1) and (d3) passing through the point A.
0

Then the system of equations parametric of (d3) is :

x=2
2 2
y=k B(1) OR B(4)
3 3
z=3
 B
A