Find all points where surface normal is perpendicular to plane

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding points on a surface where the surface normal is perpendicular to a given plane. The surface is defined by the equation \(z = x^2 + y^2\), and the plane is represented by \(2x + 3y - z = 135\). Participants are exploring the relationship between the gradients of the surface and the plane to identify these points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the method of using the dot product of the normals of the surface and the plane, questioning the normalization of the vectors. There is mention of finding two vectors within the surface and ensuring their dot product with the plane normal equals zero. Some participants express uncertainty about the correct approach and recall a simpler method that they cannot fully articulate.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants sharing their thoughts on different methods to solve the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the relationship between the gradients, but there is no explicit consensus on the best approach yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the complexity of the equations involved and the potential for simpler solutions. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the conditions under which the gradients are parallel or perpendicular, but the specifics remain under discussion.

Addez123
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Homework Statement
Given function surface:
$$z = x^2 + y^2$$
a. Find tangent plane in point (1, -1)
b. Find all points where the tangentplane of the surface is parallel to the plane:
$$2x + 3y - z = 135$$
Relevant Equations
Math and stuff.
a. I solved a but I don't fully understand how it works.
$$z = f_x'(1, -1)(x -1) + f_y'(1, -1)(y+1) = 2(x-1) + 3(y+1)$$

Eitherway it's b that's my issue.
I can find the gradient of both plane and surface, but trying to do "dot-product of both normals = 1" will give an equation involving two complex square roots and I rather just not. Because I remember there was an easier way!

I don't completely remember what it was, but my solution would be find two vectors within the surface and the dot-product of each of them with the plane normal must equal 0. But how would I find two vectors in the surface without doing excrusiating many equations? I suppose it has something to do with the answer in a, but I just can't think of anything!

Basically, I know this can be solved in a single equation given by normal vector and the function surface (or its gradient), I just don't remember which. Can someone give me a hand?
 
Last edited:
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Addez123 said:
do "dot-product of both normals = 1"
This will work only if you normalize the normal vectors. Your other method of finding two vectors parallel to the surface would also work. It is just a matter of picking two such vectors.
 
Addez123 said:
Homework Statement:: Given function surface:
$$z = x^2 + y^2$$
a. Find tangent plane in point (1, -1)
b. Find all points where the tangentplane of the surface is parallel to the plane:
$$2x + 3y - z = 135$$
Relevant Equations:: Math and stuff.

Basically, I know this can be solved in a single equation given by normal vector and the function surface (or its gradient), I just don't remember which. Can someone give me a hand?
What is the condition on the gradient for the plane to be parallel to the surface?
 
The gradient has to be perpendicular to any vector in the plane.
Picking two points in the plane and then calculating their vector is a giant waste of time, I am certain there was a better way.

For one, I tried to set the equation of the surface to equal the plane:
$$2x(x-1) + 3y^2(y + 1) - z = 2x + 3y - z - 135$$

But this does not give me the correct answer (which is the points (1,1) and (1, -1))
 
Addez123 said:
Homework Statement:: Given function surface:
$$z = x^2 + y^2$$
a. Find tangent plane in point (1, -1)
b. Find all points where the tangentplane of the surface is parallel to the plane:
$$2x + 3y - z = 135$$
Relevant Equations:: Math and stuff.

a. I solved a but I don't fully understand how it works.
$z = f_x'(1, -1)(x -1) + f_y'(1, -1)(y+1) = 2(x-1) + 3(y+1)$$

Eitherway it's b that's my issue.
I can find the gradient of both plane and surface, but trying to do "dot-product of both normals = 1" will give an equation involving two complex square roots and I rather just not. Because I remember there was an easier way!

I don't completely remember what it was, but my solution would be find two vectors within the surface and the dot-product of each of them with the plane normal must equal 0. But how would I find two vectors in the surface without doing excrusiating many equations? I suppose it has something to do with the answer in a, but I just can't think of anything!

Basically, I know this can be solved in a single equation given by normal vector and the function surface (or its gradient), I just don't remember which. Can someone give me a hand?
for b, you could try finding the point(s) where the gradient of the plane is equal to the gradient of the surface?
 

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