Finding Perpendicular Line & Area with Vector Method

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a perpendicular line to a tangent plane defined by the surface equation z=x^2+y^2 at a specific point, as well as demonstrating the area relationships within a geometric configuration involving a square and midpoints using vector methods. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and conceptual clarification related to vector operations and geometric properties.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests finding the parametric equation of a line perpendicular to the tangent plane by using the gradient (del) of the surface and substituting the point into it.
  • Another participant raises a question about demonstrating the area relationship involving areas AMP, BMQN, and CNR equating to area DPQR using vector methods and properties of vector addition and subtraction.
  • A participant provides a link to a resource on tangent planes and normal lines, indicating it may be helpful for the first question.
  • Another participant proposes considering vector products, hinting that one method may relate to the area of geometric shapes, which could assist in proving the area equality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple viewpoints and approaches regarding the mathematical problems presented. There is no consensus on the methods to be used or the correctness of the proposed solutions.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the assumptions or steps necessary for the area demonstration, and the dependence on specific vector properties remains unclear.

Kenji Liew
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1) If given a surface with the equation z=x^2+ y^2 and we need to find the parametric equation of line perpendicular to the tangent plane at the point (a, b, a^2+b^2).
We can find the del (x,y,z) and then substitute the point to the del and finally we write it into the parametric form of line(a+t(b)) ?

2) If ABCD is a square, M and N be the midpoint of AB and BC respectively. Lines AN and DM intersect at P, lines AN and CM intersect at Q, lines CM and DN intersect at R.
how we are going to show that the [area AMP+ area BMQN + area of CNR ]=area DPQR if we using vector method? Using the properties of addition and subtraction of vector?
 
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Thanks for your helpful tip for the first question .
 
I could be off base here, but try thinking about this. Have you learned about how to take the product of vectors? How many ways to do it are there? Have you been taught that one of them gives an area of a certain geometric shape? You might be able to use this fact to show the areas are equal.
 

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