The shortest distance between the lines and is

We have,


(1)


(2)


We know that line (1) passes through the point (3, 8, 3) and has direction ratios proportional to 3, -1, 1.


It’s vector equation is –


, where and


Also, line (2) passes through the point (-3, -7, 6) and has direction ratios proportional to -3, 2, 4.


It’s vector equation is –


, where and


Now,









= 36 + 225 + 9


= 270


The shortest distance between the lines, and is given by,


d




1