Equations Involving Vectorssss

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a vector equation and parametric equations for a line that passes through the point (1,0,6) and is perpendicular to the plane defined by the equation x + 3y + z = 5. Participants are exploring the relationship between the line and the plane, particularly focusing on the implications of the plane's coefficients.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest recalling the significance of the coefficients of the plane equation to determine the normal vector. Others discuss the necessary components for forming the parametric equations, emphasizing the need for a point and a directional vector.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, offering guidance on how to derive the necessary equations. There is a focus on understanding the relationship between the line and the plane's normal vector, with multiple interpretations of how to approach the problem being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the need for clarity regarding the direction ratios and direction cosines, as well as the understanding of the plane's normal vector derived from its equation. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the starting point for the problem.

ziddy83
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Equations Involving Vectorssss...

hey guys...stuck on a homework problem here... very simple but...im not sure how to start...

Here is the question: Find a vector equation and parametric equations for:

The line through the point (1,0,6) and perpendicular to the plane x + 3y +z =5
can i just..use that equation to find parametric equations and then find vector equations from that :confused: ? Thanks for any help...
 
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do you remember what the meaning of the co-efficients of the plane are? I suggest you look that up, and then remember that all you need to make the equation of a line is a directional vector and a point. That's the absolute simplest way to do it. The parametric equations come straight from that.
 
ziddy83 said:
hey guys...stuck on a homework problem here... very simple but...im not sure how to start...

Here is the question: Find a vector equation and parametric equations for:

The line through the point (1,0,6) and perpendicular to the plane x + 3y +z =5
can i just..use that equation to find parametric equations and then find vector equations from that :confused: ? Thanks for any help...
try here:
http://www.usd.edu/~jflores/MultiCalc02/WebBook/Chapter_13/Graphics/Chapter13_5/DemoHtml13_5/13.5%20LinesAndPlanes.htm
the first equation indicates the vector equation of a line thru point r0 (which is given to be <1,0,6> here) and parallel to vector v. if the line is normal to the plane given above, then this line is parallel to the plane's normal vector (which will be used for v). scroll down the page of the above URL to determine a vector v normal to the plane (which can be determined from the coefficients of the plane equation given above). the parametric line equation can easily be found from the vector equation.
 
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The line through the point (1,0,6) and perpendicular to the plane x + 3y +z =5

What do you need for the parametric equation of a line? , You need one point on it and the direction cosines of the line.Now because the line is prependicular to the above given plane.So the direction ratios of the line will be same as direction ratios of a normal vector to the plane.From the equation of the plane , you can make out that the vector prependicular to the plane given is a vector: i + 3j + k , So the direction ratios of the required line are 1,3,1 and it passes through point 1,0,6 . Find the direction cosines from the direction ratios and form the parametric equation of the line.

BJ
 

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