Finding the standard equation for a plane orthogonal to two other planes

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the standard equation for a plane ζ that is orthogonal to two given planes in R3, defined by the equations x + 5y - z = 20 and 2x + 5y + 2z = 20. The normal vectors for these planes are identified as (1, 5, -1) and (2, 5, 2). The standard equation of the desired plane ζ is established as ax + by + cz = 0, since it must pass through the origin. The solution involves utilizing the normal vectors to derive the coefficients a, b, and c for the equation of plane ζ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector mathematics, specifically normal vectors.
  • Knowledge of plane equations in three-dimensional space.
  • Familiarity with the concept of orthogonality in geometry.
  • Ability to manipulate linear equations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study how to derive the normal vector from plane equations in R3.
  • Learn about the cross product to find a vector orthogonal to two given vectors.
  • Explore the implications of planes passing through the origin in three-dimensional space.
  • Investigate the geometric interpretation of orthogonal planes and their intersections.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, particularly those focusing on three-dimensional space, as well as educators and tutors looking for examples of orthogonality in plane equations.

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Homework Statement


let p1 and p2 be planes in R3, with respective equations:

x+5y-z=20 and 2x+5y+2z=20

These planes are not parallel. Find the standard equation for the plane that is orthogonal to both of these planes and contains the origin.

The Attempt at a Solution



I have only managed to garner a few facts from the problem, however I don't know how to use them. Here they are:

Since the plane, we'll call it ζ that we are looking for is orthogonal to both of these planes, ζ must contain the normal vectors of both of these planes. These normal vectors, for p1 and p2 respectively, are (1,5,-1) and (2,5,2). Also, the standard equation of ζ must be equal to 0, as ζ contains the origin, ie:

ax+by+cz=0, since the origin is (x,y,z)=(0,0,0)

That's as far as I got. The information is there, I just have no clue how to use it.
 
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Well, you've said that your plane must contain the normal vectors (x,y,z) = (1,5,-1) and (2,5,2) and looks like ax+by+cz = 0. Maybe you could put those vectors into the formula for the plane and come up with some equations...
 
Oh wow. Thanks a bunch, can't believe I didn't see that XD
 

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