Find P2 on Plane Given P1 & Dist. 3 Units

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a point P2 on a specified plane given a point P1 and a distance of 3 units between them. The context includes geometric considerations involving planes and distances in three-dimensional space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states the plane is defined by the equation (x,y,z) = (2,3,0) + s(4,1,5) + t(1,2,6) and seeks to find a point P2 given P1 = (2,3,0) and a distance of 3 units.
  • Another participant notes that the locus of points 3 units from P1 forms a sphere, which intersects the plane in a circle, indicating that additional information is needed to specify P2.
  • A later post introduces a new point P3 = (16.25, 0, 0) and states that the line segment P1P2 is perpendicular to P1 and P3.
  • Another participant suggests that with the known points P1 and P3, along with the unknowns s and t, one could substitute these into equations to find s and t, and subsequently determine P2.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to approach the problem, with some emphasizing the need for additional information while others suggest a method to find P2 using the known points.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on the geometric relationships between the points and the plane, as well as the need for clarity on the conditions of perpendicularity and the specific constraints on P2.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in geometric problems involving planes, distances in three-dimensional space, and the relationships between points may find this discussion relevant.

Evien
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If you are given a plane, (x,y,z) = (2,3,0) + s(4,1,5) + t(1,2,6), and you have a point, let's say P1= (2,3,0). How would you find another point on the plane if you know the distance between P1 and the second point is 3 units?
 
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The locus of all points 3 units from a given one is a sphere.

This intersects the given plane in a circle.

So you need additional information to specify the second point you require.
 


Sorry forgot to mention that P1P2 is perpendicular to P1 and P3 (16.25, 0, 0).
 


So do you not now have two unknowns, s and t, and two known points P1 and P3, that you can use to substitute into find s and t and thence P2?
 

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