Question

given the points (2,-1,3) and (1,4,-3) what will be the vector?
should I solve it with vector= (x2-x1, y2-y1, z2-z1)

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

(2,-1,3)
- (1,4,-3)
----------
works too

Answer 3

but at http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/Classes/CalcII/EqnsOfLines.aspx in example 1 the author has taken found the vector v totally differently

Answer 4

according to him the vector = <1,-5, 6>

Answer 5

you asked should you, not; how many ways are there to acheive the same thing tho

Answer 6

"proper" vectors begin with a positive x component

Answer 7

if the direction is given, then by all means; end - start = vector

Answer 8

but between 2 random points its usually "proper" to deign it with a positive x component

Answer 9

I didn't get you

Answer 10

<-1,5,-6> is not proper vector writing ..... x is a negative number

<1,-5,6> is "proper"

Answer 11

so if two points are given then we will have to consider the lower value of x as x1 and the bigger value of x as x2?

Answer 12

if the question asks; what IS the vector from A to B; then you MUST do B-A to get the vector

Answer 13

why not? I mean we can draw it in three dimension, isn't?

Answer 14

OK if he says through points A and B then we will have to use the logic and for our own ease we will pick the bigger valued x as x2

Answer 15

am I right?

Answer 16

this is FROM A ... TO B

but if no direction is stated then you pick the vector notation such that x is positive

Answer 17

@mattfuery we can get more work accomplished of the site doesnt freeze up on posting :/

Answer 18

@mattfeury and get an easier name to spell please :)

Answer 19

sorry, who is mattfeury?

Answer 20

hes a programmer for the site along with @shadowfiend and others, they run the site like @darthsid

Answer 21

the @ sign pings them to see if theyll come fix stuff .... hopefully :)

Answer 22

ok

Answer 23

So please tell me am I right what I said above?

Answer 24

but yes, if they just ask for a vector between A and B, just subtract one point from the other; and if x is negative; swap out all the signs

Answer 25

gr8 thanks a tonne bro

Answer 26

<-1,5,-6> is not "proper" notation for a vector between A and B

<1,-5,6> IS the proper notation

Answer 27

thanks bro