Creating a perpendicular plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation of a plane that is perpendicular to the line of intersection of two other planes, utilizing the normal vector concept. The equation of a plane is represented as α: ax + by + cz + d = 0, where (a, b, c) is the normal vector. To find this normal vector, participants suggest taking two points from the intersecting line, subtracting their coordinates to form a new vector. The unknown variable d can be determined by substituting the coordinates of a known point on the desired plane.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts, particularly planes and their equations.
  • Familiarity with normal vectors and their role in defining planes.
  • Knowledge of vector subtraction to find direction vectors.
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations to solve for unknowns.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of normal vectors in three-dimensional geometry.
  • Learn how to derive the equations of intersecting planes.
  • Explore vector operations, specifically vector subtraction and its applications in geometry.
  • Investigate the concept of perpendicularity in the context of planes and lines.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in geometry, mathematicians focusing on three-dimensional space, and anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of plane equations and their intersections.

samako
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I've been having trouble with lots of basic geometry, including a lot of things regarding planes and intersection of planes.

My question is, how would I get the equation of a plane (given a point on the plane), which is perpendicular to the line of intersection of two other planes?

I am not only interested in the answer, but more into the reasoning and things... because I do get quite a few questions like these, and I think that it would be better for me to actually understand what I'm working with. So the more detailed, and informative explanation (with perpendicular and parallel planes), the better.
 
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Hint: a plane [itex]\alpha :ax + by + cz + d = 0[/itex] has a normal vector which is perpendicular to the plane given by (a,b,c).
 
samako said:
I've been having trouble with lots of basic geometry, including a lot of things regarding planes and intersection of planes.
My question is, how would I get the equation of a plane (given a point on the plane), which is perpendicular to the line of intersection of two other planes?
I am not only interested in the answer, but more into the reasoning and things... because I do get quite a few questions like these, and I think that it would be better for me to actually understand what I'm working with. So the more detailed, and informative explanation (with perpendicular and parallel planes), the better.

Take two points of the intersecting line and subtract their coordinates. You get a new vector (a,b,c) that denotes the direction of that line. Use the new vector as the normal vector in the plane equation, just like TD pointed out. There is still one unkown (d) in [itex]\alpha :ax + by + cz + d = 0[/itex]. You can find this d by plugging in the given coordinates of a point that belongs to the plane you are looking for

marlon
 

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