Equation of Normal: M(2,3,1) to Line l

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of the normal from a point M(2,3,1) to a given line defined by the symmetric equations. Participants express uncertainty about the relationship between the line and the normal, as well as the steps needed to find the normal vector and the plane it defines.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to calculate a plane normal to the line that passes through the point M(2,3,1) and the process of finding the intersection point between the line and the plane. There is also exploration of the direction vector of the line and its relationship to the normal vector.

Discussion Status

Several participants are seeking clarification on how to find the normal vector and the equation of the plane. Guidance has been offered regarding the relationship between the normal vector and the direction vector of the line, but there is no explicit consensus on the next steps or methods to be used.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of needing to find both the normal vector and the point of intersection, with some expressing confusion about the direction vector of the line and how it relates to the normal vector of the plane.

chmate
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Write equation of normal from point [tex]M(2,3,1)[/tex] into line:[tex]l: \frac{x+1}{2}=\frac{y-0}{-1}=\frac{z-2}{3}[/tex].

I just have no idea about this problem. Any hint?

Thank you.
 
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What is the relationship between the line and the normal?
 
Calculate the plane normal to the given line and that passes through 2,3,1

Then calculate the point where the given line and the plane intersect.

This point will enable you, together with the (2,3,1), to calculate the direction of the normal to the given line

marlon
 
marlon said:
Calculate the plane normal to the given line and that passes through 2,3,1

Then calculate the point where the given line and the plane intersect.

This point will enable you, together with the (2,3,1), to calculate the direction of the normal to the given line

marlon

Let me understand this. I have to create a plane which passes through that point. Another point is point of intersection. But to find that point i must have a direction vector of that plane and I don't have so can you help me with point of intersection. How can i find it?

So, when I have that point I have to create a vector which passes through point (2,3,1) and point of intesection and cross product of vector direction of line and vector I created will create a normal vector of plane. Am I right?

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
chmate said:
Let me understand this. I have to create a plane which passes through that point. Another point is point of intersection. But to find that point i must have a direction vector of that plane and I don't have so can you help me with point of intersection. How can i find it?

So, when I have that point I have to create a vector which passes through point (2,3,1) and point of intesection and cross product of vector direction of line and vector I created will create a normal vector of plane. Am I right?

Thank you.

Let's take this one step at the time :

First you need to find a plane that contains the point (2,3,1) and that is normal to the given line (your first equation).

Let's start with that.

Do you know how to do this ?

marlon
 
No, can you help me with this and line of intersection?

Thank you.
 
chmate said:
No, can you help me with this and line of intersection?

Thank you.

let's say that the plane has equatiuon ux+vy+wz+t=0 where (u,v,w) is the normal vector of the plane and t is a constant. We need to find u,v,w and t.

A) find u,v,w
B) find t

For A) i say that (u,v,w) denotes the same direction vector as the line.
Do you know why and if so, what's the direction vector of the line ?

If you have u,v,w then you can use the fact that (2,3,1) lies on the plane to find t

marlon
 
So the normal vector has the same direction as line. So how to find that vector and t?
 
chmate said:
So the normal vector has the same direction as line. So how to find that vector and t?

Well, you know the normal vector (u,v,w) and you know one point on the plane

Substitute these two variables in the ux+vy+wz+t=0 and solve for t

marlon
 

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