Google Classroom
GeoGebraClasse GeoGebra

Vector equations of lines in R3

This applet shows a line in ℝ3 and the vector form of its equation.  A vector equation for a line has the form r = r0 + tv, t ∈ ℝ where r0 is the position vector of a point on the line, and v is a vector parallel to the line.  You can click and drag r0 and v to adjust the line.  Try modifying both r0 and v in turn, to see what the resulting lines have in common. By default you can only move the points horizontally (parallel to the xy-plane); if you wish to switch between moving the points horizontally or vertically, click on the point a second time. If you select the "Constrain points to line" checkbox, the line will be locked in place, and r0 and v will only be able to be moved along the line. This allows you to see that the same line can have many possible vector equations.