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