Find point where line intersects plane

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the intersection point of a line and a plane using algebraic methods. The line is defined by the equations x = y - 1 = 2z, and the plane is given by the equation 4x - y + 3z = 8. The solution involves substituting the line's parametric equations into the plane's equation to create a system of equations, which can then be solved for the intersection point. The relevant section from the James Stewart Calculus book is section 13.5 #45.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of parametric equations for lines
  • Knowledge of plane equations in the form Ax + By + Cz + D = 0
  • Ability to solve simultaneous equations
  • Familiarity with the concepts of intersection in geometry
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of substituting parametric equations into plane equations
  • Learn about solving systems of equations in three dimensions
  • Explore the concepts of line and plane intersections in vector calculus
  • Review section 13.5 of the James Stewart Calculus book for additional examples
USEFUL FOR

Students studying calculus, particularly those focusing on multivariable calculus and geometry, as well as educators looking for teaching resources on line-plane intersections.

jdj333
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Homework Statement



Find the point as which the line intersects the given plane.


Homework Equations



Line: x = y - 1 = 2z
Plane: 4x - y + 3z = 8

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to use the cross product, dot product, and find intercepts. This problem is in section 13.5 #45 of the James Stewart Calculus book. I understand the idea but need some help in solving the problem. Thanks!
 
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line:

[tex]\frac{x-x_1}{a_1}=\frac{y-y_1}{a_2}=\frac{z-z_1}{a_3}[/tex]

plane:

[tex]Ax+By+Cz+D=0[/tex]

line:

[tex]x=x_1+ta_1 ; y=y_1+ta_2 ; z=z_1 + ta_3[/tex]

Now we substitute the coordinates of the line (x,y,z) in the plane:

[tex]A(x_1+ta_1)+B(y_1+ta_2)+C(z_1+ta_3)+D=0[/tex]

[tex](Aa_1+Ba_2+Ca_3)t+Ax_1+By_1+Cz_1+D=0[/tex]

Now let [tex]a=Aa_1+Ba_2+Ca_3[/tex] and

[tex]b=Ax_1+By_1+Cz_1+D[/tex].

we got [tex]at+b=0[/tex]

If a≠0, t=-b/a

So the point where the line intersects the plane is:

[tex]M(x_1 - \frac{b}{a}a_1 , y_1 - \frac{b}{a}a_2 , z_1 - \frac{b}{a}a_3)[/tex]

Regards.
 
Last edited:
Welcome to PF!

jdj333 said:

Homework Statement



Find the point as which the line intersects the given plane.


Homework Equations



Line: x = y - 1 = 2z
Plane: 4x - y + 3z = 8

The Attempt at a Solution



I understand how to use the cross product, dot product, and find intercepts. This problem is in section 13.5 #45 of the James Stewart Calculus book. I understand the idea but need some help in solving the problem. Thanks!

Hi jdj333! Welcome to PF! :smile:

You don't need cross and dot products for this! :wink:

Hint: finding an intersection is just a simultaneous equations problem …

just substitute the line equation into the plane equation (to make it all y, say), and solve. :smile:
 

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