How do I find a plane that contains two given lines?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding a plane that contains two given lines in three-dimensional space. The original poster presents the equations of the lines and seeks to determine both the intersection point and the plane's equation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to find the intersection point of the lines and then derive the equation of the plane using the cross product of the direction vectors. Participants suggest verifying the calculations related to the cross product.

Discussion Status

The discussion has highlighted an arithmetic error in the calculation of the cross product, which the original poster acknowledges. Participants have provided feedback that seems to guide the poster towards recognizing the mistake without reaching a final resolution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses frustration over the arithmetic error and reflects on the difficulty of identifying mistakes after repeated attempts. There is an implication of homework constraints, as the poster is working within a specific assignment framework.

Mauve
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Homework Statement


a. Find a point at where these lines intersect
b. Find the equation of a plane that contains the two lines.

Homework Equations


r[/B] = <1,3,0> + t<3,-3,2>
r = <4,0,2> + s<-3,3,0>

The Attempt at a Solution


I correctly found the point of intersection to be (4,0,2) for part a, but for some reason, I can't find the equation of the plane. I solved the cross product for <3,-3,2> and <-3,3,0> to get <-6,-6,18> and used that to find -6(x – 4) - 6y + 18(z – 2) = 0 as my equation, but that was marked incorrect. Is this an arithmetic issue or did I approach the problem the wrong way? I've gone over it numerous times and can't find the error.
 
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Double check your cross product.
 
Orodruin said:
Double check your cross product.
So apparently 9 - 9 = 0 and not 18 and also I am a raging imbecile. Thank you very much for your input. It really did help
 
Mauve said:
So apparently 9 - 9 = 0 and not 18 and also I am a raging imbecile.
Arithmetic error happens to everyone and when your brain has told you one thing once it may be difficult to find it until someone points it out.
 
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