Find normal lines which pass via origin

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding points P_{0} on the surface defined by the equation z = 2 − xy where the normal line at these points passes through the origin. The normal vector at any point (x_0, y_0, z_0) is given by the gradient ∇f = y_0i + x_0j + k. By establishing the relationship between the normal vector and the position vector, the solution identifies two valid points: (1, 1, 1) and (-1, -1, 1) where the normal lines intersect the origin.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of multivariable calculus, specifically gradients and normal lines.
  • Familiarity with surface equations and their representations.
  • Knowledge of vector mathematics, including position and direction vectors.
  • Ability to solve systems of equations involving multiple variables.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of gradients in multivariable calculus.
  • Learn about normal lines and their geometric interpretations.
  • Explore the implications of surface equations in three-dimensional space.
  • Investigate systems of equations and methods for solving them, such as substitution and elimination.
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying calculus and vector analysis, as well as anyone interested in understanding the geometric properties of surfaces and their normals.

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Homework Statement


1. Find all the points [itex]P_{0}[/itex] on the surface z = 2 − xy at which the normal line passes
through the origin.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


See the photo.
It seems as long as I can find a,b and c, then the question is done.
However I don't know how to do that
 

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Yes, writing the surface as [itex]f(x,y,z)= z+xy= 2[/itex] gives the normal at any point [itex](x_0, y_0, z_0)[/itex] as [itex]\nabla f= y_0\vec{i}+ x_0\vec{j}+ \vec{k}[/itex]. In order to give a line that passes through the origin, that vector must be parallel to the "position" vector of the point: [itex]x_0\vec{i}+ y_0\vec{j}+ z_0\vec{k}[/itex] and so must satisfy [itex]y_0= x_0t[/itex], [itex]x_0= y_0t[/itex], and [itex]z_0= t[/itex] for some t. The two equations [itex]y_0= x_0t[/itex] and [itex]x_0= y_0t[/itex] give [itex]x_0^2= y_0^2[/itex] so that [itex]y_0=\pm x_0[/itex]. With the last, [itex]z_0= t[/itex] we must have [itex]t= z_0[/itex] and so [itex]y_0= x_0t= x_0z_0[/itex]. Putting those together, [itex]y_0= x_0= x_0z_0[/itex] would give [itex]z_0= 1[/itex] so that [itex]1= 2- x_0y_0[/itex] [itex]x_0y_0= 1[/itex] so that [itex]x_0= y_0= 1[/itex] or [itex]x_0= y_0= -1[/itex]. That is, two such points are (1, 1, 1) and (-1, -1, 1). Or [itex]y_0= -x_0= x_0z_0[/itex] so we must have [itex]z_0= -1[/itex] and then [itex]x_0y_0= 3[/itex] which is not possible since [itex]x_0[/itex] and [itex]y_0[/itex] are of different signs.
 

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