Basis for Plane Perpendicular to a Line

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding a basis for the plane perpendicular to the line L in R^3, which is spanned by the vector v1=(1,1,1). To determine the perpendicular plane, participants suggest using the cross product of v1 with another vector that is not parallel to it to obtain a vector v2. Additionally, solving the equation involving the dot product confirms the existence of two basis vectors v2 and v3 that, along with v1, form a basis for R^3.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically cross products
  • Knowledge of dot products and orthogonality in R^3
  • Familiarity with basis and dimension concepts in linear algebra
  • Ability to solve linear equations in multiple variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of the cross product in vector algebra
  • Learn how to determine orthogonal vectors in R^3
  • Explore the concept of vector spaces and bases in linear algebra
  • Practice solving systems of linear equations to find basis vectors
USEFUL FOR

Students studying linear algebra, educators teaching vector spaces, and anyone interested in understanding the geometric interpretation of vectors and planes in three-dimensional space.

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Homework Statement


Let L be the line in R^3 spanned by v1=(1,1,1)

Find a basis (v2,v3) for the plane perpendicular to L, and verify that B=(v1,v2,v3) is a basis for R^3.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that if two vectors are perpendicular or orthogonal that their dot product is equal to zero. However, I am not sure how to find a plane that is perpendicular to a vector.
 
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Hint: If you cross v1 with anything not parallel to it you will get a vector v2 perpendicular to v1. What direction will v2 cross v1 have?
 
You could also solve the equation

\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1 & 1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}x \\ y \\ z\end{pmatrix} = 0

You'll get a two-dimensional solution from which you can read off two basis vectors.
 

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