Is There an Equation for a Rectangular Prism in Cartesian Coordinates?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter michael pranit
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Prism Rectangular
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mathematical representation of a rectangular prism in Cartesian coordinates. Unlike smooth surfaces such as ellipsoids, a rectangular prism is defined by the intersection of six planes, making it impossible to represent as a single differentiable function. The participants emphasize the need to understand the equations for planes to accurately describe the geometry of a rectangular prism.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of solid geometry concepts, including shapes like spheres and cubes.
  • Familiarity with Cartesian coordinates and their applications in geometry.
  • Knowledge of plane equations in three-dimensional space.
  • Basic understanding of differentiable functions and their properties.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equations for defining planes in three-dimensional space.
  • Study the properties of polyhedra and their geometric representations.
  • Explore the differences between smooth surfaces and polyhedral shapes in geometry.
  • Learn about the mathematical implications of non-differentiable functions in solid geometry.
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in mathematics, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the geometric representation of three-dimensional shapes.

michael pranit
Messages
5
Reaction score
0
Hello,
I am trying to understand the concept of solid geometry(spheres, cubes, polyhedra etc) as a function of their co-ordinates.
for example, the general ellipsoid, is a quadratic surface which is given in Cartesian coordinates by:
(x^2/a^2)+(y^2/b^2)+(z^2/c^2)=1
a,b,c being the semi axis.
-Is there an equation to a rectangular prism as a function of the x,y,z coordinates like the ellipsoid?
Could someone clarify/explain.
Any help will be appreciated.
Thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The rectangular prism is the the sum of 6 planes. Do you know the equations for planes?
 
Because a "rectangular prism" is not smooth (it has edges and corners) you cannot give it as one differentiable function. You can, as Matterwave suggests, write equations for each of the six planes.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K