Find the scalar equation for a plane perpendicular to another plane

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The scalar equation of a plane that contains the point P(4,9,-3) and is perpendicular to the plane defined by 3x - 5z + 3 = 0 can be derived using the normal vector of the given plane, which is (3, 0, -5). To find the scalar equation, one must recognize that the normal vectors of perpendicular planes must satisfy the condition of being orthogonal. This can be verified by calculating the dot product of the normal vectors, which should equal zero. Additionally, there are infinitely many planes that can be formed under these conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of scalar equations of planes
  • Knowledge of normal vectors in three-dimensional geometry
  • Familiarity with the dot product and cross product of vectors
  • Basic concepts of linear algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of scalar equations for planes in three-dimensional space
  • Learn about the properties of normal vectors and their applications in geometry
  • Explore vector operations, specifically the dot product and cross product
  • Investigate the concept of infinite planes and their geometric implications
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone studying linear algebra or three-dimensional vector spaces will benefit from this discussion.

vybear
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Find the scalar equation of a plane that contains the point P(4,9,-3) and is perpendicular to the plane 3x - 5z + 3 = 0

I know that the normal vector of the given plane is 3,0,-5. I also know that in order for two planes to be perpendicular, their normal vectors must also be perpendicular. I think i should use the normal vector (3,0,-5) and the point to make a line but I don't know where to go from there.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think you are right, you need to form a line on the new plane and find another vector,
and if you do the cross product with these two vectors, you will find the vector normal to the new plane.

you can check your answer by doing the dot product between the two normal vectors and see if you get zero.

I think this is how its done.
 
vybear said:
Find the scalar equation of a plane that contains the point P(4,9,-3) and is perpendicular to the plane 3x - 5z + 3 = 0

I know that the normal vector of the given plane is 3,0,-5. I also know that in order for two planes to be perpendicular, their normal vectors must also be perpendicular. I think i should use the normal vector (3,0,-5) and the point to make a line but I don't know where to go from there.
Notice that the problem asks for "a plane" and not "the plane." If you think about this awhile, you should realize that there are an infinite number of planes that are perpendicular to the plane 3x - 5z + 3 = 0. There are even an infinite number of planes that pass through (4, 9, -3) that are perpendicular to the given plane.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
5K