Need Vector Help? Find Angle Between Planes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle between two planes defined by the equations x+y+z=1 and x+2y+3z=6. The original poster seeks assistance with vector concepts related to the normals of these planes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss methods to find normal vectors for each plane by selecting points on the planes and forming vectors. There is also mention of using the dot product to find the angle between the normals.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided insights into calculating normal vectors and the relationship between the planes. The original poster expresses appreciation for the guidance received, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on understanding the geometric interpretation of planes and their normals, as well as the mathematical relationships involved in finding angles between them. The discussion includes a general formula for normal vectors from plane equations.

moca915
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Hi :smile:

I need a reminder on how to do this vector stuff... Here's the problem, please help:

(Planes)
Find the angle between x+y+z=1 and x+2y+3z=6.

So there are two planes, and I need to find the angle between the normals of these planes.

Any hints will help. Thanks! :biggrin:

Peace, Love, & Happiness,

Monica :wink:
 
Last edited:
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bump :rolleyes:
 
[tex] \begin{multline*}<br /> \begin{split}<br /> &For\ plane\ 1:\ x+y+z=1:\\<br /> &Choose\ any\ 3\ points\ on\ the\ plane \ to\ find\ 2\ vectors\ on\ the\ plane.\\<br /> &A(0,0,1);\ B(0,1,0);\ C(1,0,0)\\<br /> &\vec{a}=\hat{k};\ \vec{b}=\hat{j}; \ \vec{c}=\hat{i}\\<br /> &\vec{d}=\vec{b}-\vec{a}=\vec{j}-\hat{k}: The\ first\ vector\\<br /> &\vec{e}=\vec{c}-\vec{a}=\vec{i}-\hat{k}: The\ second\ vector\\<br /> &\vec{f}=\vec{d}\times\vec{e}=-\hat{i}-\hat{j}-\hat{k}: Normal\ vector\ to\ plane\ 1.\\<br /> <br /> &For\ plane\ 2:\ x+2y+3z=6:\\<br /> &Choose\ any\ 3\ points\ on\ the\ plane \ to\ find\ 2\ vectors\ on\ the\ plane.\\<br /> &G(0,0,2);\ H(6,0,0);\ M(0,3,0)\\<br /> &\vec{g}=2\hat{k};\ \vec{h}=6\hat{i}\; \ \vec{m}=3\hat{j}\\<br /> &\vec{n}=\vec{h}-\vec{g}=6\vec{i}-2\hat{k}: The\ first\ vector\\<br /> &\vec{p}=\vec{m}-\vec{g}=3\vec{j}-2\hat{k}: The\ second\ vector\\<br /> &\vec{q}=\vec{n}\times\vec{p}=6\hat{i}+12\hat{j}+18\hat{k}: Normal\ vector\ to\ plane\\<br /> &\vec{r}=\vec{q}/6=\hat{i}+2\hat{j}+3\hat{k}: Another\ normal\ vector\ to\ plane\\<br /> &\vec{f}\bullet \vec{r}=frcos\ \theta; \ \theta=158^0<br /> \end{split}<br /> \end{multline*}[/tex]
 
Last edited:
Thanks! That helped a lot :)
 
Or more generally: if a plane has the equation ax + by + cz + d = 0, then a normal vector to that plane is (a, b, c).
 

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