Find point where line intersects plane

In summary, to find the point where the line intersects the given plane, you can substitute the equation of the line into the equation of the plane and solve for the variable of the plane. This problem can be solved by using simple algebraic techniques and does not require the use of cross or dot products.
  • #1
jdj333
2
0

Homework Statement



Find the point as which the line intersects the given plane.


Homework Equations



Line: x = y - 1 = 2z
Plane: 4x - y + 3z = 8

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to use the cross product, dot product, and find intercepts. This problem is in section 13.5 #45 of the James Stewart Calculus book. I understand the idea but need some help in solving the problem. Thanks!
 
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  • #2
line:

[tex]\frac{x-x_1}{a_1}=\frac{y-y_1}{a_2}=\frac{z-z_1}{a_3}[/tex]

plane:

[tex]Ax+By+Cz+D=0[/tex]

line:

[tex]x=x_1+ta_1 ; y=y_1+ta_2 ; z=z_1 + ta_3[/tex]

Now we substitute the coordinates of the line (x,y,z) in the plane:

[tex]A(x_1+ta_1)+B(y_1+ta_2)+C(z_1+ta_3)+D=0[/tex]

[tex](Aa_1+Ba_2+Ca_3)t+Ax_1+By_1+Cz_1+D=0[/tex]

Now let [tex]a=Aa_1+Ba_2+Ca_3[/tex] and

[tex]b=Ax_1+By_1+Cz_1+D[/tex].

we got [tex]at+b=0[/tex]

If a≠0, t=-b/a

So the point where the line intersects the plane is:

[tex]M(x_1 - \frac{b}{a}a_1 , y_1 - \frac{b}{a}a_2 , z_1 - \frac{b}{a}a_3)[/tex]

Regards.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Welcome to PF!

jdj333 said:

Homework Statement



Find the point as which the line intersects the given plane.


Homework Equations



Line: x = y - 1 = 2z
Plane: 4x - y + 3z = 8

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to use the cross product, dot product, and find intercepts. This problem is in section 13.5 #45 of the James Stewart Calculus book. I understand the idea but need some help in solving the problem. Thanks!

Hi jdj333! Welcome to PF! :smile:

You don't need cross and dot products for this! :wink:

Hint: finding an intersection is just a simultaneous equations problem …

just substitute the line equation into the plane equation (to make it all y, say), and solve. :smile:
 

1. What is the formula for finding the point where a line intersects a plane?

The formula for finding the point where a line intersects a plane is called the "line-plane intersection formula." It involves using the coordinates of a point on the line and the equation of the plane to find the point of intersection.

2. How do I determine if a line intersects a plane?

A line will intersect a plane if it lies in the same plane or if it intersects the plane at a single point. This can be determined by solving the equation of the line and the equation of the plane to see if they have a common point of intersection.

3. What is the difference between a line and a plane?

A line is a one-dimensional figure that extends infinitely in both directions, while a plane is a two-dimensional figure that extends infinitely in all directions. A line can intersect a plane at various points, but a plane cannot intersect a line at multiple points.

4. Can a line intersect a plane at more than one point?

No, a line can only intersect a plane at one point. This is because a line is a one-dimensional figure and a plane is a two-dimensional figure, so they can only intersect at a single point.

5. What is the significance of finding the point where a line intersects a plane?

Finding the point where a line intersects a plane can be useful in many applications, such as in geometry, engineering, and physics. It allows us to determine the location where two objects intersect in space, which can help us solve problems and make calculations.

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