Finding cartesian equation of plane

In summary, to determine the Cartesian equation of a plane passing through the points (3,0,1) and (0,1,-1) and perpendicular to the plane with equation x-y-z+1 = 0, you can use the knowledge that the normal of the plane (a,b,c) dotted with (1,-1,-1) must equal 0. This gives the condition that a-b-c=0. From there, you can use the fact that the equation must satisfy the condition of the given points being on the plane, resulting in simultaneous equations. The final equation will be of the form a(x-3)+b(y-0)+c(z-1)=0, with the values of a and b being
  • #1
thatoneguy6531
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0

Homework Statement


determine the Cartesian equation of the plane through the points (3,0,1) and (0,1,-1) and perpendicular to the plane with equation x-y-z+1 = 0



Homework Equations






The Attempt at a Solution


Well I know the normal of the plane (a,b,c) dotted with (1,-1,-1) = 0 which gives me a-b-c=0
but other than that I am stuck
 
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  • #2
You need to write out the description in terms of the maths.
You know the standard form for the cartesian equation of the plane (or the vetor form - whichever you are most comfortable with). So write it out.

That equation has to satisfy some conditions - write out what those mean.

i.e. point (3,0,1) is on the plane - so if you put x=3, y=0, z=1 into the equation, how does it come out?

The rest is simultaneous equations.
 
  • #3
(a, b, c).(0, 1,-1)= b- c= 0 so you know b= c. The equation must be of the form a(x- 3)+ by+ b(z- 1)= 0 and you know that x= 0, y= 1, z= -1 must satisfy that: -3a+ b- 2b= 0. Of course, any multiple of (a, b, c) will give the same plane so you can take either a or b to be whatever you like.
 
  • #4
Ok, thanks
 
  • #5
Lucky person you - HoI does not normally do people's homework for them...
 

1. What is a cartesian equation of a plane?

A cartesian equation of a plane is a mathematical representation of a plane in three-dimensional space using the variables x, y, and z. It is in the form of ax + by + cz + d = 0, where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the variables and d is a constant.

2. How do you find the cartesian equation of a plane?

To find the cartesian equation of a plane, you need to have three points on the plane or the normal vector of the plane. If you have three points, you can use the formula ax + by + cz + d = 0 and substitute the coordinates of the points to find the values of a, b, c, and d. If you have the normal vector, you can use the formula a(x-x0) + b(y-y0) + c(z-z0) = 0, where (x0, y0, z0) is a point on the plane.

3. How are the coefficients of a cartesian equation of a plane related to the normal vector?

The coefficients a, b, and c of a cartesian equation of a plane are the components of the normal vector of the plane. The normal vector is perpendicular to the plane, and its direction is determined by the coefficients. For example, if the normal vector is (a, b, c), then the plane is perpendicular to the vector and its direction is determined by the ratio of the coefficients.

4. Can you have multiple cartesian equations for the same plane?

Yes, a plane can have infinitely many cartesian equations. This is because the cartesian equation is not unique and depends on the choice of variables and constants. However, all of these equations represent the same plane in three-dimensional space.

5. What is the significance of finding the cartesian equation of a plane?

Finding the cartesian equation of a plane is important in many areas of mathematics and science, such as geometry, physics, and engineering. It allows us to represent and visualize planes in three-dimensional space and use them in various calculations and applications. It is also a fundamental concept in linear algebra and vector calculus.

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