Distance between Point & Plane in Vector Calculus

AI Thread Summary
To find the distance between a point (x,y,z) and a plane defined by Ax+By+Cz=D, one must first determine the normal vector (N) of the plane, which is given by the coefficients (A, B, C). The distance can then be calculated using the formula that involves the normal vector and the point's coordinates. A line perpendicular to the plane can be established by using the normal vector and the point in question. The equation N·P - D=0 can help in understanding the relationship between the point and the plane. This discussion highlights the importance of vector calculus concepts in solving geometric problems.
fanizza2
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I have a point in (x,y,z) and a plane in the form Ax+By+Cz=D and I need to find the distance between the point and the plane. I tried using parametrics and cross products, but I couldn't figure it out. Thanks
 
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Can you find a vector that is perpendicular to the plane?
Once you have that, can you find a line that is perpendicular to the plane, and goes through the point?
 
the plane equation N.P-D=0 may be more usefull to you where N is the normal of the play. and D=N.P0, p0 a point given on the plane. Think how you'd get N from the equation you gave.
 
how exactly is this a vector calculus tutorial?
 
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