# Homework Help: Area of a plane enclosed within a cube

1. Oct 6, 2013

### ViolentCorpse

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Find the area of the plane y=3x enclosed within the cube formed by the planes x=y=z= $\pm$ 5

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

Using the equation y=3x, I found two points (x,y)=(5,1.66) and (x,y)=(-5,-1.66), then by plugging these points in the distance formula, I got the magnitude of one dimension equal to 10.54. I feel that the size of the other dimension must also be 10.54, so the area should be 111.09. But the answer given in my book is 105.4. I've been visualizing and thinking for hours on end about this, but I can't pin down what mistake I'm making.
It's such a simple problem, and I'm really very disappointed at my inability to think clearly. :/

2. Oct 6, 2013

### haruspex

You've done the hard part! In the z direction, the plane is vertical, so what is the extent of the plane within the cube?

3. Oct 6, 2013

### ViolentCorpse

Hello haruspex,

Since the plane given is the xy plane, I think the extent of the plane in the z direction should be 0?

4. Oct 6, 2013

### Dick

I think you mean the two intersection points in the x-y plane are (x,y)=(5/3,5) and (x,y)=(-5/3,-5). Your intersection surface is a rectangle, so yes, one side is approximately 10.54. I don't know how you are visualizing the other side to be the same. Try again. So far, every thing is just in the x-y plane. z goes from -5 to 5. So??

5. Oct 7, 2013

### ViolentCorpse

I think this is the core misunderstanding from my part. The way I see it, the y=3x plane is just a tilted version of the bottom/top face of the cube (these faces have no z direction, do they?). So, I imagine a horizontal plane inside the cube, and this is why I think there should be no z involved...

I am wrong, I just need you to help me see why.

Thank you so much!

6. Oct 7, 2013

### haruspex

A plane defined by y=3x takes all z values independently of x and y. It is the line y=3x in the xy plane extended vertically through all z values.

7. Oct 7, 2013

### ViolentCorpse

Ohhh! Wow, I feel so stupid now. It makes perfect sense.

Thank you so much, haruspex! I REALLY appreciate your valuable help! Thanks a ton!