Distance from a point to a plane

In summary, the distance from a point to a plane is the shortest distance between the point and any point on the plane, measured along a line perpendicular to the plane. It can be calculated using the formula d = |ax<sub>0</sub> + by<sub>0</sub> + cz<sub>0</sub> + d| / √(a² + b² + c²), where (x<sub>0</sub>, y<sub>0</sub>, z<sub>0</sub>) is the coordinates of the point and ax + by + cz + d = 0 is the equation of the plane. This distance is always positive and is equivalent to the distance from the
  • #1
Sewoon
2
0
I am trying to show that the point in the plane ax+by+cz=d closest to the origin is
P(ad/D^2, bd/D^2, cd/D^2) where D^2=a^2 + b^2 + c^2. How do I approach this? I tried using partial derivatives but got too complex after a while. Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The vector (a,b,c) is perpendicular to the plane. Therefore the line given by parametric form (at,bt,ct) passes through the origin and intersects the plane at the point closest to the origin. Simply calculate the distance after finding t.
 

What is the definition of "distance from a point to a plane"?

The distance from a point to a plane is the shortest distance between the point and any point on the plane. It is measured along a line perpendicular to the plane, also known as the normal vector.

How is the distance from a point to a plane calculated?

The distance from a point to a plane can be calculated using the formula d = |ax0 + by0 + cz0 + d| / √(a² + b² + c²), where (x0, y0, z0) is the coordinates of the point and ax + by + cz + d = 0 is the equation of the plane.

What is the relationship between the distance from a point to a plane and a line perpendicular to the plane?

The distance from a point to a plane is the same as the distance from the point to any point on the line perpendicular to the plane. This is because the line perpendicular to the plane is the shortest path between the point and the plane.

Can the distance from a point to a plane be negative?

No, the distance from a point to a plane is always a positive number. It represents the magnitude of the shortest distance between the point and the plane.

How is the distance from a point to a plane used in real-world applications?

The distance from a point to a plane is used in various fields such as engineering, physics, and computer graphics. It is used to calculate the shortest distance between a point and a surface, which is important in designing structures, analyzing motion, and creating 3D models.

Similar threads

  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
696
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
937
Replies
5
Views
386
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
522
Replies
8
Views
176
  • Calculus
Replies
17
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
350
Back
Top