Can Cross Product Methods Yield Different Cartesian Equations for a Plane?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies that while the cross product of two vectors can yield the components of the normal vector (A, B, C) for a plane in vector form, it is insufficient for deriving the Cartesian equation (Ax + By + Cz + D = 0) alone. The correct approach involves taking the dot product of the normal vector with a position vector from a reference point on the plane to an arbitrary point (x, y, z). This ensures that the resulting equations account for the infinite number of parallel planes, leading to consistent results across different methods, such as substitution/elimination.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically cross product and dot product.
  • Familiarity with the concept of normal vectors in three-dimensional space.
  • Knowledge of Cartesian equations of planes.
  • Basic skills in algebraic manipulation, including substitution and elimination methods.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of cross products and their applications in vector mathematics.
  • Learn how to derive Cartesian equations from normal vectors using dot products.
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of planes and their normal vectors in 3D space.
  • Investigate methods for solving systems of equations, particularly substitution and elimination techniques.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, particularly those studying vector calculus and analytic geometry, as well as educators seeking to clarify the relationship between vector and Cartesian representations of planes.

choob
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this is just a simple question

For a plane in vector form, can the cartesian equation (Ax+By+Cz+D=0) be found by finding the cross product of the two vectors? My understanding is that A, B and C are the components of the normal of the plane, which can be found by doing the cross product. However, upon comparing my answers to those of a classmate, I discovered our answers were different, he used a method of substitution/elimination.
 
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Getting the normal to the plane isn't enough since any vector is normal to an infinite number of parallel planes. You must take the dot product of the plane normal vector with the position vector from a reference point on the plane to an arbitrary point on the plane (x,y,z) to get the equation. Your two answers should be the same, except that his may differ from yours by a multiple of the plane equation.
 

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