Finding Equations of Parallel Planes and Containing Lines | Vectors and Planes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding equations of planes in vector geometry, specifically focusing on planes that are parallel to given planes and contain specified lines. Participants are exploring the relationships between normal vectors, points on lines, and the equations of planes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to derive the equation of a plane from a known plane and a line. Some participants question how to extract normal vectors from plane equations and how to construct plane equations from points and normal vectors. Others suggest methods for finding points on lines and using cross products to determine normal vectors from two lines.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing guidance on identifying normal vectors and formulating plane equations. Several approaches are being explored, including the use of specific points and vector relationships, but no consensus has been reached on the methods to be employed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating through the complexities of vector geometry, with some expressing uncertainty about the initial steps required to solve the problems. There is a focus on understanding the implications of perpendicular vectors and the relationships between lines and planes.

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I need to find the equation of a plane that is parallel to the plane [itex]2x + 4y + 8z = 17[/itex] and contains the line [itex]{ x = 3 +2t , y=t , z=8-t }[/itex].

Not quite sure how or where to begin. Something having to do with a perpendicular vector maybe?

Also, in a different problem, I need to find the equation of a plane that contains the lines:
[itex]\vec{r} = <1,1,0>+t<1,-1,2>[/itex]
[itex]\vec{r} = <2,0,2>+s<-1,1,0>[/itex]

Don't quite know where to begin this one either.
 
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Do you know how to extract the normal vector form the equation of a plane?

Do you know how to construct the equation of a a plane from a normal vector and a point? Do you know how to find a point on a line? (Hint: [itex]\vec{n} \cdot (\vec{r} - \vec{r_o}) = 0[/itex])

Can you find the normal vector somehow (one of the products, maybe) from two vectors that you know are perpendicular to it?

--J
 
You can find one point, which belongs to plane. For example when t=0.

And You have perpendicular vector from 2x+4y+8z=17 (2, 4, 8)

So, if You have point P (x1, y1, z1) and perpendicular vector n=(A, B, C), then
A(x-x1)+B(y-y1)+C(z-z1)=0 is your equation of plane
 
For the second problem, you can read off two vectors that lie in the plane (a lot like "slope"). Once you know that, the cross product gives you the normal to the plane and it's easy to find a point in the plane. (Since the given lines are in the plane, taking any value of t in either equation gives a point on that line and so in the plane.)
 

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