Finding where the plane intersects the x,y,z axes

  • Thread starter Thread starter VooDoo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Axes Plane
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the intersection points of the plane defined by the equation x + 2y + 3z = 12 with the x, y, and z axes. The solution involves rewriting the plane equation in intercept form, specifically x/a + y/b + z/c = 1, where (a, 0, 0), (0, b, 0), and (0, 0, c) represent the intercepts on the respective axes. The hint provided suggests dividing the equation by 12 to facilitate finding these intercepts. The point P(4, 6, 8) is noted to be outside the plane, indicating that the plane is not parallel to the line through point P.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear equations in three dimensions
  • Familiarity with the concept of intercepts on axes
  • Knowledge of the intercept form of a plane equation
  • Basic algebraic manipulation skills
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to derive the intercept form of a plane equation
  • Study the geometric interpretation of planes in three-dimensional space
  • Explore the relationship between points and planes in vector calculus
  • Practice solving similar problems involving planes and points in 3D
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, particularly those tackling problems related to planes and their intersections in three-dimensional space, as well as educators looking for examples to illustrate these concepts.

VooDoo
Messages
58
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


The plane defined by x + 2y + 3z = 12 and the point P(4,6,8)
Find where the plane intersects the x,y and z axes

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I don't know where to start, I can vaugely remember that the variable t is brought into the equation, but I am really stuck. Your help is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If a point (x,y,z) is on, e.g. the x-axis, what are y and z?
 
Oh, yeah, and your point P is NOT on the plane. Do you want the plane parallel to the given one and passing through P? Reread the question.
 
You can try to get the equation in the intercept form x/a+y/b+z/c=1 where (a,0,0) (0,b,0) and (0,0,c) are the intercepts on the x, y, and z axes. HINT: Divide by 12.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K