Area of Triangle ABC: Calculating with Points A,B,C

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Petrus
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Area Triangle
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The area of triangle ABC, formed by points A, B, and C derived from the intersection of lines l1 and l2 with the plane π, is calculated using the cross product method. Point A is determined as A=(17/3, -7/3, -8/3), point B as B=(3, -1, -1), and point C as C=(0, -1, 2). The area is computed as Area = (1/2) |AB x AC|, resulting in an area of √45881/19. The calculation of the cross product AB x AC yields (76/9, 197/9, 4), which is essential for confirming the area.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector mathematics and cross products
  • Familiarity with parametric equations of lines
  • Knowledge of plane equations in three-dimensional space
  • Proficiency in using LaTeX for mathematical expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector cross product calculations in three dimensions
  • Learn about parametric equations and their applications in geometry
  • Explore methods for calculating areas of polygons in 3D space
  • Review LaTeX formatting for mathematical expressions and its applications
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, physics students, and anyone involved in computational geometry or vector analysis will benefit from this discussion.

Petrus
Messages
702
Reaction score
0
Hello MHB,
I am working with an old exam that I don't get same answer.
Line $$l_1(x,y,z)=(1,0,1)+t(2,-1,-2)$$ and $$l_2(x,y,z)=(2,-5,0)+s(-1,2,1)$$ intercept on point A also interpect on plane $$\pi:-x+2y-z+4=0$$ in point B and C, decide area of triangle ABC

Progress:
Point A:
If we equal them we get $$t=\frac{7}{3}$$ and $$s=-\frac{11}{3}$$ that means $$A=(\frac{17}{3},-\frac{7}{3},-\frac{8}{3})$$
Point B:
We replace $$x,y,z$$ in the plane with $$l_1$$ and get $$t=1$$
so $$B=(3,-1,-1)$$
Point C:
We replace $$x,y,z$$ in the plane with $$l_2$$ and get $$s=2$$ that means $$C=(0,-1,2)$$
Remember area of a triangle is half of the area of paralellogram that means
$$\text{Area}=\frac{1}{2}\left|\textbf{AB}\times \textbf{AC} \right|$$
and $$AB=(-\frac{8}{3},\frac{4}{3},-\frac{5}{3})$$
$$AC=(-\frac{17}{3},\frac{4}{3},\frac{14}{3})$$
so the area is $$\frac{\sqrt{45881}}{19}$$ which does not agree with the facit, what I am doing wrong?
edit: I forgot to say that cross product of AB x AC is $$(\frac{76}{9}, \frac{197}{9}, 4)$$

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
To denote the area with vectors and their cross, I would use the $\LaTeX$ code:

$$\text{Area}=\frac{1}{2}\left|\textbf{AB}\times \textbf{AC} \right|$$

to get:

$$\text{Area}=\frac{1}{2}\left|\textbf{AB}\times \textbf{AC} \right|$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K