Question

Please help me with a part of the following problem. I am asked to find parametric equations for the line through P1 and P2 and also for the line segment joining those points.

P1(3,-2) P2(5,1)

I found the parametric equations for the line through P1 and P2 to be:

x=2t+3 y=3t-2

but I do not know how to find a parametric equation for the line segment joining those points.

Answer 1

I think its the same answer you have written but with, t being bounded. So that the line will not go further than the point P1 and P2

Answer 2

is the parametric equations that u found in first place right?

Answer 3

no, i just realized i typed it wrong

Answer 4

ok i changed it

Answer 5

we must bound t

Answer 6

the parametric equation for the line segment from P1 to P2 is
x = 3+2t
y = -2 +2t
I agree with BAdhi, they are same.

Answer 7

I'm still not sure how to 'bound t'

Answer 8

How do I determine which values bound t?

Answer 9

starting with your solution
x=2t+3
y=3t-2

when t=0 you get x=3, y= -2 (3,-2) = P1
when t= 1 you get x=5, y=1 (5,1) = P2
so I would limit t:
0 ≤ t ≤ 1
if you only want the line segment between P1 and P2 inclusive