Distance from a point to tangent plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the distance from a point to a tangent plane defined by the surface equation f(x, y, z) = -x² + sin(y) - 2z² = 0. The user initially attempts to find the normal line at the point P0(2π, 0, 3/2) and later realizes that P0 does not lie on the surface. The equations for the normal line and tangent plane are provided, but the user struggles with the distance formula due to the complexity of the normal vector's magnitude.

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  • Understanding of multivariable calculus concepts, specifically tangent planes and normal lines.
  • Familiarity with vector projections and dot products.
  • Knowledge of surface equations and their implications in three-dimensional space.
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Students and professionals in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and geometry, as well as anyone involved in computational geometry or physics applications requiring surface analysis.

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f(x, y, z) = x2 + sin(y) - 2z2 = 0 defines a surface in 3 dimensions. First I need to find the equation of the normal line to the surface at point P0(2pi, 0, 3/2). Then, I need to find the point which is at a distance of 4 from the tangent plane at the point P0

Equation for the normal line at a point P0 is given by:
x = x0 + fx(Po)t
y = y0 + fy(Po)t
z = z0 + fz(Po)t

Equation for the tangent plane is given by:
fx(P0)(x-xo) + fy(P0)(y-yo) + fz(P0)(z-zo)

I used the first equation to find the normal line at P0 and the answer I got is:
x = 2pi-4pi*t
y= t
z = 3/2 - 6t
I know that the distance between a point P0 on a plane with normal n and a point P is given by the dot product of the vector projection of P0P and n/|n|. I get the equation for normal n from first part. But, |n| =sqrt(x2 + y 2 + z2) gives very complicated result. Then, I am not sure how to use the distance formula to find the point. Or, there is some other way to solve this problem.

I hope someone could guide me on how to approach this problem. This is the first time I am posting to this forum. So, please correct me if I made any mistake

Thanks!
 
Last edited:
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The point P0 isn't on the surface. Are you sure you copied the problem down correctly?
 
I am sorry, but yes there is a little mistake, the function that defines the surface is:

f(x, y, z) = -x2 + sin(y) - 2z2 = 0

I missed the minus sign before x2
 
f(P0) still won't equal 0, so P0 doesn't lie on the surface.
 

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