Intersecting Planes: Is It Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the intersection of two 3D planes represented by linear equations. Participants explore the mathematical conditions and methods for determining the line of intersection, including vector and parametric forms. The conversation includes theoretical considerations rather than practical applications or homework-related queries.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that setting the equations of the two planes equal leads to another plane, which could represent the intersection.
  • Another participant proposes using the exterior product of the normal vectors of the planes to find the direction vector of the intersection line, indicating the need for a common point to establish the parametric equation.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that the intersection could be empty, a line, or the entire plane, depending on the relationship between the two planes, and cautions against simply equating the two plane equations as it may lose necessary conditions.
  • One participant argues that equating the left-hand sides of the plane equations alters the solution set, suggesting that it leads to points equidistant from both planes rather than the intersection.
  • A technical inquiry is made regarding the correctness of a specific exterior product calculation related to the intersection of the planes.
  • A subsequent response confirms the correctness of the exterior product and suggests further steps in the calculation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the method for finding the intersection of the planes, with some agreeing on the use of exterior products while others contest the approach of setting the equations equal. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method to determine the intersection.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in the approach of equating the plane equations, noting that it may not yield the true intersection and could misrepresent the solution set. There is also a lack of consensus on the implications of the exterior product calculation.

Philosophaie
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I have two 3D planes: A1*x + B1*y + C1*z + D1 = 0 and A2*x + B2*y + C2*z + D2 = 0.

If you set them equal to each other it should be at the intersection.

This leads to another Plane: (A1 - A2)*x + (B1 - B2)*y + (C1 - C2)*z + (D1-D2) = 0.

What I want is the line of intersection in vector and parametric form.

This is not a homework problem. It is for personal knowledge.

Is this Possible?
 
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Yes, you can consider the vector perpendicular to your plane ##(A_{1}-A_{2},B_{1}-B_{2},C_{1}-C_{2})## and the vector perpendicular to the other plane that you want the intersection line, for example the first ##(A_{1},B_{1},C_{1})##. Doing the exterior product ##(A_{1}-A_{2},B_{1}-B_{2},C_{1}-C_{2})\wedge (A_{1},B_{1},C_{1})## you will find the vector of the parametric equation of the intersection line. Now you need only a common point in order to find the parametric equation of the line.

Ssnow
 
Philosophaie said:
I have two 3D planes: A1*x + B1*y + C1*z + D1 = 0 and A2*x + B2*y + C2*z + D2 = 0.

If you set them equal to each other it should be at the intersection.

This leads to another Plane: (A1 - A2)*x + (B1 - B2)*y + (C1 - C2)*z + (D1-D2) = 0.

What I want is the line of intersection in vector and parametric form.

This is not a homework problem. It is for personal knowledge.

Is this Possible?
Yes, but the outcome can be empty, a line or the entire plane if your input equations happen to describe the same plane. You also cannot simply set them equal the way you did, because that means you lose an entire condition: they both have to be true, simultaneously. This means the use of one equation as a substitute in the other has to eliminate one of the parameters, coordinates.
 
Philosophaie said:
I have two 3D planes: A1*x + B1*y + C1*z + D1 = 0 and A2*x + B2*y + C2*z + D2 = 0.

If you set them equal to each other it should be at the intersection.
If you set the left hand sides equal to one another you change the solution set. Instead of getting all points which satisfy equation 1 and all points which satisfy equation 2, you get all points which are equidistant (in some appropriately weighted sense) from plane 1 and plane 2.
 
##(A_{1}-A_{2},B_{1}-B_{2},C_{1}-C_{2})\wedge (A_{1},B_{1},C_{1})##
##=((A_{1}-A_{2})*B_{1}-(B_{1}-B_{2})*A_{1})*(\hat x \wedge \hat y) + ((C_{1}-C_{2})*A_{1}-(A_{1}-A_{2})*C_{1})*(\hat z \wedge \hat x) + ((B_{1}-B_{2})*C_{1}-(C_{1}-C_{2})*B_{1})*(\hat y \wedge \hat z)##
7ca675fa6ef18e41c4ed35385f6378f5f372f9b8

Is this the correct exterior product?
 
Philosophaie said:
... Is this the correct exterior product?

yes now you must continue ##\hat{x}\wedge \hat{y}=\hat{z}## and so on ...
Ssnow
 

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