Finding distance of "P" from a plane OQR using vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the distance from a point P to a plane defined by points O, Q, and R using vector methods. The point P is given as (3, -2, -1), and the plane is determined by the origin O(0, 0, 0), Q(1, 3, 4), and R(2, 1, -2). Participants explore the relationship between the point and the plane through vector projections and normal vectors.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the derivation of the plane's equation using the triple product and the concept of coplanarity. There is confusion regarding the vector PS and how it relates to the coordinates of points P and S. Questions arise about finding the unit normal vector of the plane and the projection of vector OP onto this normal vector. Some participants express uncertainty about the need for angles in the projection calculation and the implications of using different vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the calculation of the normal vector and the projection of vector OP. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the scalar product for determining the distance from point P to the plane. However, there is still a lack of consensus on the best approach to take, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of the problem, particularly in relation to the coordinates of point S and the angles involved in the projection calculations. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the definitions and relationships between the vectors involved.

LeitHunt

Homework Statement


Find th distance of point P to the plane OQR, O being the origin.
"PS" is perpendicular to plane "OQR"
P(3,-2,-1)
S(x,y,z)

O(0,0,0)
Q(1,3,4)
R(2,1,-2)

Homework Equations


A) The equation in terms of (x,y,z) obtain by triple product of OS,OQ & OR.
OS.(OQXOR)=0... [all being co-planar therefore =0]
we get,
-10x+10y-5z=0

B)The Equation on which I'm stuck.I didn't get how PS vector is obtained from coordinates of P & S ;PS=(3-x)i+(-2-y)j+(-1-z)k

Then direction ratio is used to get
x+y=1
y+2z=-4

Now we have 3 equations & 3 Unknowns

The Attempt at a Solution


I understood how first equation is obtained that means by using theorem :- three vector being co-planar then
A.(BXC)=0... (as we get volume from this, being co-planar means no volume)
So equation 1 is obtained that way

Now in Second equation
Vector cross product is done OQ X OR= -10i + 10j -5k
Then,
Where I'm stuck:-
Vector PS is given by (3-X)i + (-2-Y)j+(-1-Z)k,
How? Vector PS is obtained by coordinate of P & S?
Next two equations are simple it just uses the direction ratio.
Solving 3 equation I'll get x,y& z.
Then find vector PS from above and find magnitude of PS that means it's length.
For reference please check below image :-
https://m.imgur.com/a/dEXAT
 
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LeitHunt said:

Homework Statement


Find th distance of point P to the plane OQR, O being the origin.
"PS" is perpendicular to plane "OQR"
P(3,-2,-1)
S(x,y,z)

O(0,0,0)
Q(1,3,4)
R(2,1,-2)

Homework Equations


A) The equation in terms of (x,y,z) obtain by triple product of OS,OQ & OR.
OS.(OQXOR)=0... [all being co-planar therefore =0]
we get,
-10x+10y-5z=0

B)The Equation on which I'm stuck.I didn't get how PS vector is obtained from coordinates of P & S ;PS=(3-x)i+(-2-y)j+(-1-z)k

Then direction ratio is used to get
x+y=1
y+2z=-4

Now we have 3 equations & 3 Unknowns

The Attempt at a Solution


I understood how first equation is obtained that means by using theorem :- three vector being co-planar then
A.(BXC)=0... (as we get volume from this, being co-planar means no volume)
So equation 1 is obtained that way

Now in Second equation
Vector cross product is done OQ X OR= -10i + 10j -5k
Then,
Where I'm stuck:-
Vector PS is given by (3-X)i + (-2-Y)j+(-1-Z)k,
How? Vector PS is obtained by coordinate of P & S?

##\vec {PS} = \vec {PO} - \vec {SO}##
LeitHunt said:
Next two equations are simple it just uses the direction ratio.
Solving 3 equation I'll get x,y& z.
Then find vector PS from above and find magnitude of PS that means it's length.
For reference please check below image :-
https://m.imgur.com/a/dEXAT
You make it too complicated. Finding the normal unit vector ##\vec n##
of the plane OQR, the distance of point P from the plane is the projection of ##\vec{PO}## onto ##\vec n ##.
 
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ehild said:
##\vec {PS} = \vec {PO} - \vec {SO}##

You make it too complicated. Finding the normal unit vector ##\vec n##
of the plane OQR, the distance of point P from the plane is the projection of ##\vec{PO}## onto ##\vec n ##.

I understood now about PS :).

1.But how to find a unit vector of plane in this case?2.Also to find projection of OP I'll need angle POS but "S" co-ordinates are not known. I'm struggling to understand/imagine which angle will be needed for finding component of OP :(

3.[Edit:- I think I get this one,here P is defined from origin O not from S so vector PS is not (3i-2j-k) it's vector OP.]----->I know this is wrong but I have some confusion :-
Why can't I just use vector SP obtained from p(3,-2,-1) find it's magnitude which will be equal to distance of P from plane.Why it's wrong?

Thank you :) for helping
 
Last edited by a moderator:
LeitHunt said:
I understood now about PS :).

1.But how to find a unit vector of plane in this case?
You need the unit normal vector of the plane OQR. You get a normal vector as the cross product of vectors OQ and OR, and dividing it by the norm, it is the normal unit vector pf the plane.

LeitHunt said:
2.Also to find projection of OP I'll need angle POS but "S" co-ordinates are not known. I'm struggling to understand/imagine which angle will be needed for finding component of OP :(
The angle POS is the same as the angle the vector ##\vec{OP}## encloses with the normal vector ##\vec n##, see picture.

LeitHunt said:
3.[Edit:- I think I get this one,here P is defined from origin O not from S so vector PS is not (3i-2j-k) it's vector OP.]----->I know this is wrong but I have some confusion :-
Why can't I just use vector SP obtained from p(3,-2,-1) find it's magnitude which will be equal to distance of P from plane.Why it's wrong?

Thank you :) for helping
It is not wrong, but complicated.
Point P defines the position vector ##\vec {OP} = 3i -2j -k##
The scalar product ##\vec {OP} \cdot \vec n= |OP| |n| \cos(\theta) = |OP| \cos(\theta)## , is the projection of ##\vec {OP} ## on the direction of the normal vector, and it is the distance of point P from the plane OQR.
upload_2017-10-20_12-45-29.png
 

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ehild said:
You need the unit normal vector of the plane OQR. You get a normal vector as the cross product of vectors OQ and OR, and dividing it by the norm, it is the normal unit vector pf the plane.The angle POS is the same as the angle the vector ##\vec{OP}## encloses with the normal vector ##\vec n##, see picture.It is not wrong, but complicated.
Point P defines the position vector ##\vec {OP} = 3i -2j -k##
The scalar product ##\vec {OP} \cdot \vec n= |OP| |n| \cos(\theta) = |OP| \cos(\theta)## , is the projection of ##\vec {OP} ## on the direction of the normal vector, and it is the distance of point P from the plane OQR.View attachment 213409
Ok now everything is clear. Thanks
 

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