Interactive Visualization for Adding/Subtracting Planes

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    Planes Visualization
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the visualization and understanding of the intersection of two planes represented by Cartesian equations. Participants explore the implications of adding and subtracting these equations, particularly focusing on how eliminating a variable affects the resulting line and its geometric interpretation in three-dimensional space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks interactive visual resources to better understand the intersection of two planes defined by specific Cartesian equations.
  • Another participant asserts that the line resulting from the subtraction of the two equations represents the intersection of the two planes.
  • A participant questions the reasoning behind this assertion and asks about the implications of eliminating different variables (x, y, or z) in the equations.
  • It is noted that subtraction of the equations is valid only if both equations hold true simultaneously, implying an intersection.
  • Another participant raises the possibility that subtracting the equations could yield a solution of zero, suggesting that the planes might be parallel and thus not intersecting.
  • There is a request for clarification on the mathematical concepts involved, specifically the type of math being discussed and the challenges of visualizing planes in three-dimensional space.
  • A later reply identifies the relevant mathematical field as linear algebra and mentions the method of elimination as pertinent to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of subtracting the equations, particularly regarding the conditions under which the planes intersect or remain parallel. The discussion remains unresolved as to the clarity of these concepts and the best methods for visualization.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the visualization of planes in three-dimensional space and the mathematical principles involved in their intersection and subtraction. There are mentions of potential limitations in understanding due to the complexity of the concepts.

starlightx
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Does anyone know of any interactive/good visual website for the adding and subtracting of planes? I'm doing the intersection of 2 planes right now, and I was just wondering if you had 2 cartesian eq'ns say 5x+2y+7z+1=0 and 5x-6y+8z-1=0, if you minus the 2 equations you'll have eliminated x, and you'll get a line equation with only y and z as the variables. I'm just trying to get a visual idea of what's going on when you eliminate a variable from 2 cartesian equations. So originally you had two different planes, now that you subtracted one from the other, what does the new line represent? If anyone can help explain it/provide visual that would be greatly appreciated.
 
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The line represents where the two planes intersect.
 
John Creighto said:
The line represents where the two planes intersect.

That's what my friend was saying too, but how do you know that?
Whats the difference between eliminating, x or y or z in 2 cartesian equations and the line it creates?
 
starlightx said:
That's what my friend was saying too, but how do you know that?
Whats the difference between eliminating, x or y or z in 2 cartesian equations and the line it creates?

You can only subtract if both equations are true. The only way both equations are true is if they intersect.
 
John Creighto said:
You can only subtract if both equations are true. The only way both equations are true is if they intersect.

But you can still subtract them and get a solution of 0, which means they don't intersect (the 2 planes are parallel)?

Do you know what this type of math is called? I just can't seem to get my head wrapped around the subtraction of planes...maybe an animation/diagram would help? I mean, I understand 2 functions adding/subtracting because you can see the product visually and how its dependent on the 2 equations. With planes, it's harder to visualize since it's in 3d :(

Thanks for you help though!
 
starlightx said:
But you can still subtract them and get a solution of 0, which means they don't intersect (the 2 planes are parallel)?

Do you know what this type of math is called? I just can't seem to get my head wrapped around the subtraction of planes...maybe an animation/diagram would help? I mean, I understand 2 functions adding/subtracting because you can see the product visually and how its dependent on the 2 equations. With planes, it's harder to visualize since it's in 3d :(

Thanks for you help though!

If you subtract the two planes and get zero then they are parallel. Parallel planes don't need to intersect but in that case you won't get zero, you'll get something that doesn't make scene like 0=1. The type of math is called linear algebra. The type method is called elimination.
 

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