How to Find the Equation of a Plane with Three Given Points?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the equation of a plane defined by three points: A(-1,2,1), B(0,2,3), and C(4,-1,2). The correct approach involves calculating vectors AB and AC, followed by using the cross product to determine the normal vector. The scalar equation of the plane can then be expressed in the form Ax + By + Cz + D = 0. The participants emphasize the importance of using the cross product correctly to derive the normal vector.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically vector subtraction
  • Knowledge of the cross product and its application in finding normal vectors
  • Familiarity with parametric and symmetric equations of a plane
  • Basic concepts of scalar equations in three-dimensional space
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to calculate the cross product of two vectors
  • Study the derivation of parametric and symmetric equations of a plane
  • Explore examples of finding the equation of a plane using different sets of points
  • Review textbooks or resources on three-dimensional geometry and vector calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying geometry and vector calculus, as well as anyone needing to understand the equations of planes in three-dimensional space.

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hi all I am struggling to on these types of questions ill post here

1. find the equation of the plane containing the points A(-1,2,1) B(0,2,3) and C(4,-1,2)

i tried to plot this on a x,y,z and maybe i rearranged to get formula n=CA * CB but its wrong heh no idea how to do this anyone can help me out thanks heapsss!
 
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use A and B to find vector AB and then find vector AC (AB = B - A and AC = C - A)

now the vector equation is in this form

(x,y,z) = ( a1, a2, a3 ) + s( ab1, ab2, ab3, ) + t(ac1, ac2, ac3)

from here you can find you parametric and symetric equations and further you can do find the cross product to find the normal vectors and find the scalar eqatuin in the form of Ax + By + cz + D = 0

look in the textbook
 
I presume you meant n= CA X CB where X is the cross product.

Show us what you did: what CA and CB are and how you did the cross product.
 

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