Calculate Angles Between Planes in 3D Space

In summary, to calculate the angle between the intersection of the planes 2x+y-3z+7=0 and 4x-y+7z+5=0, you will need to find the normal vectors for each plane and then use the formula to find the angle between the two vectors. The angle between the two normal vectors will also be the angle between the planes. The general equation for a plane is a(x-x_0)+b(y-y_0)+c(z-z_0)=0, where <a,b,c> is the normal vector. You can find the values of a, b, and c from the given equations of the planes."
  • #1
blimkie
111
0
calculate the angles bewteen of the intersection of the planes:
2x+y-3z+7=0 and 4x-y+7z+5=0

any takers? i just need an idea of where to start

thanks
 
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  • #2
Do you know how to find the normal vectors for the two planes?
Do you know how to find the angle between two vectors?

Do you see why the angle between the two vectors is the angle between the planes?
(Oh, and there is only one angle, not "angles".)
 
  • #3
Well there is always the supplementary angle too of course, but if you have one, the difference between pi and that angle is the other one.
 
  • #4
Just to add:

[tex]a(x-x_0)+b(y-y_0)+c(z-z_0)=0[/tex]

is the general equation of a plane. The vector <a,b,c> is the normal vector to that plane. Can you see where to get a, b, and c from your original planes?

Alex
 

1. How do I calculate the angle between two planes in 3D space?

To calculate the angle between two planes in 3D space, you will need to find the normal vectors of each plane. Then, use the dot product formula: θ = cos^-1 (n1 · n2), where n1 and n2 are the normal vectors of the two planes. This will give you the angle in radians, which you can convert to degrees if needed.

2. What is the significance of calculating the angle between planes in 3D space?

Calculating the angle between planes in 3D space can be useful in various applications, such as engineering, architecture, and computer graphics. It can help determine the orientation and intersection of two planes, which can be important in designing structures or creating 3D models.

3. Can the angle between planes in 3D space be negative?

No, the angle between planes in 3D space cannot be negative. Since the dot product formula for calculating the angle uses the arccosine function, the resulting angle will always be between 0 and 180 degrees, or 0 and π radians.

4. Is there a different method for calculating the angle between skewed planes?

Yes, the dot product formula is only applicable for calculating the angle between two planes that are parallel or perpendicular to each other. For skewed planes, you will need to use the cross product formula: sinθ = ||n1 x n2|| / (||n1|| * ||n2||), where n1 and n2 are the normal vectors of the two planes. This will also give you the angle in radians.

5. Can the angle between planes in 3D space be greater than 180 degrees?

No, the angle between planes in 3D space cannot be greater than 180 degrees. This is because the dot product formula only considers the acute angle between the two planes. However, if you are using the cross product formula for skewed planes, the resulting angle can be greater than 180 degrees, as it takes into account the direction of the angle.

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