I can't seem to figure out how to calculate this given a line as a parametric equation. The parametrized equation for the line is x= 2t + 1, y = t, z = 3t - 1 with point of interest at origin (0,0,0). Looking for shortest distance between the two.

If you guys can't figure that out, could you at least tell me how you can convert a parametric line into ax+by+cz+d = 0 ?

12/13/2005 12:54:27 PM

t=y -- eliminate t

x = 2y + 1
z = 3y - 1

x + z = 5y

x - 5y + z + 0 = 0

12/13/2005 1:30:45 PM

in general..

solve one of the expressions for the parameter.

substitute into the other 2.

add them together.

12/13/2005 1:33:38 PM