1 Positions in space around an aerodrome are modelled by a coordinate system with a point on the runway as the origin, O . The \(x\)-axis is east, the \(y\)-axis is north and the \(z\)-axis is vertically upwards. Units of distance are kilometres. Units of time are hours.
At time \(t = 0\), an aeroplane, P , is at \(( 3,4,8 )\) and is travelling in a direction \(\left( \begin{array} { l } 2
1
0 \end{array} \right)\) at a constant speed of
\(900 \mathrm { kmh } ^ { - 1 }\).

1. Find the least distance of the path of P from the point O . At time \(t = 0\), a second aeroplane, Q , is at \(( 80,40,10 )\). It is travelling in a straight line towards the point O . Its speed is constant at \(270 \mathrm { kmh } ^ { - 1 }\).
2. Show that the shortest distance between the paths of the two aeroplanes is 2.24 km correct to three significant figures.
3. By finding the points on the paths where the shortest distance occurs and the times at which the aeroplanes are at these points, show that in fact the aeroplanes are never this close.
4. A third aeroplane, R , is at position \(( 29,19,5.5 )\) at time \(t = 0\) and is travelling at \(285 \mathrm {~km} \mathrm {~h} ^ { - 1 }\) in a direction \(\left( \begin{array} { c } 18
   6
   1 \end{array} \right)\). Given that Q is in the process of landing and cannot change course, show that R needs to be instructed to alter course or change speed.