How can I visualize the plane y=z?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Cankur
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Plane
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on visualizing the plane defined by the equation y=z. Participants explain that this plane can be conceptualized as a 45-degree line in the y-z coordinate plane, extending infinitely along the x-axis. The plane includes all points of the form (x, a, a) for any real numbers x and a, and can be represented as the span of the vectors (1,0,0) and (0,1,1). Understanding this plane involves recognizing its orientation relative to the x-axis and its intersection with the y-z plane.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 3D coordinate systems
  • Familiarity with vector representation in mathematics
  • Basic knowledge of linear algebra concepts
  • Ability to visualize geometric planes and lines
NEXT STEPS
  • Explore vector spaces and their spans in linear algebra
  • Learn about geometric interpretations of equations in three dimensions
  • Study the properties of planes and lines in 3D space
  • Investigate the relationship between different coordinate planes in 3D geometry
USEFUL FOR

Students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying geometry and linear algebra, as well as anyone interested in visualizing and understanding 3D planes and their properties.

Cankur
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
Hello

I am trying to solve a problem that involves "the plane y=z". How exactly should I think of this plane? It's obviously one of three planes that can be formed between the three diffirent axes, but which one? What is the intuition behind "y=z"?

A really basic question to some of you, I bet. Any help would be appreciated. The understanding behind it all is what I really want to achieve (not just the right answer).

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
In the y-z plane draw a line of 45 degrees. This line should be the cross section of the plane you want to imagine.
 
As Anshuman said, first draw a yz-coordinate plane and draw the line y= z (through the origin, at 45 degrees to the axes. Now imagine the x-axis coming out of the paper toward you and the plane being that line coming straight out.
For example, the plane contains the points (x, a, a) for any x or a.
 
another way to think of this plane, is that it consists of all vectors of the form:

x(1,0,0) + y(0,1,1), for any real numbers x,y.

that is, P = span({(1,0,0), (0,1,1)}).

this plane intersects the "x-axis" (the line x(1,0,0)) and the line y = z. (if we are looking perpendicular to the x-axis (from the "negative part" where x < 0, so the positive numbers are ahead of us) at the yz-plane, we would see our plane "tilted" 45 degrees to the left. if we were on the "positive side" of the x-axis, perpendicluar to it and looking towards the origin, we would see our plane as titled 45 degrees to the right).

driving up our plane parallel to the y-axis it's a rather steep grade, but if we make a left or right turn, and go parallel to the x-axis, it's perfectly flat (unless it's icy, in which case we'll slip down it sideways).
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
635
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
4K