How to Find the Equation of a Plane Through Three Given Points

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SUMMARY

The equation of a plane through the points (0, 0, 0), (1, 1, 1), and (2, 3, 4) can be derived using the general form ax + by + cz = d. By substituting the three points into the equation, the values of A, B, and C can be determined. The correct plane equation is x - 2y + z = 0, where A = 1, B = -2, and C = 1. The initial confusion arose from incorrectly evaluating the coefficients, leading to the assumption that A, B, and C were all zero.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear algebra concepts, specifically planes in three-dimensional space.
  • Familiarity with solving systems of linear equations.
  • Knowledge of the general equation of a plane: ax + by + cz = d.
  • Basic skills in algebraic manipulation and substitution.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study methods for solving systems of linear equations using substitution and elimination techniques.
  • Learn about vector representation of planes and their geometric interpretations.
  • Explore applications of plane equations in computer graphics and 3D modeling.
  • Investigate the use of software tools like MATLAB or Python for visualizing planes in three-dimensional space.
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, engineering, and computer science who need to understand the geometric representation of planes and their equations.

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An equation for the plane that contains the three points $${(0, 0, 0)}$$, $${(1, 1, 1)}$$ and $${(2, 3, 4)}$$.

A$${x}$$ - B$${y}$$ +C $${z}$$ =0

Now I evaluated it, C comes out to be eual to A and B=2A. But that just means that A=B=C=0 which is just wrong.

Then I used the http://www.ehow.com/how_8072475_equations-planes.html
and evaluated A,B,C to be 1, 2, 1 respectively. But where was I making a mistake initially?
 
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plane equation is :ax+by+cz=d
we substitute 3 points (0,0,0), (1,1,1) and (2,3,4) in the plane equation, therefore:
(0,0,0) -> 0=d (1)
(1,1,1) -> a+b+c=d (2)
(2,3,4) -> 2a+3b+4c=d (3)

by solving equations (1), (2) and (3) relative to a we have:
d=0
b=-2a
c=a

therefore the plane eq. is : ax-2ay+az=0 ->

plane equation is: " x-2y+z=0"
 
I don't think you got what I was asking. I arrived at the same equation you got
ax-2ay+az=0 but how do we find a=1?
 

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