Linear Algebra - Finding the equation of a plane from 3 points

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the equation of a plane defined by three points: P (-3, -1, 3), Q (-5, -4, 2), and R (-6, 0, 0). The correct approach involves calculating the vectors PQ and PR, followed by their cross product to determine the normal vector of the plane. The user initially computed the cross product incorrectly, resulting in the wrong equation of the plane, which should be 10x - 3y - 11z = -54 after substituting point P to solve for D.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically cross products
  • Familiarity with the geometric interpretation of planes in three-dimensional space
  • Knowledge of how to derive equations from points and vectors
  • Basic algebra skills for solving linear equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of cross products in vector calculus
  • Learn how to derive equations of planes from points and vectors in 3D geometry
  • Practice solving problems involving multiple points and their corresponding plane equations
  • Explore advanced topics in linear algebra, such as matrix representations of linear transformations
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Students studying linear algebra, particularly those learning about vector operations and plane equations, as well as educators looking for examples to illustrate these concepts.

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Homework Statement



Find the equation of the plane which contains the points (−3 −1 3), (−5 −4 2) and (−6 0 0).
Write the equation in the form Ax+By+Cz=D

Homework Equations



none

The Attempt at a Solution



P (-3 -1 3)
Q (-5 -4 2)
R (-6 0 0)

Alright so first i found the vectors PQ and PR to be (-2 -3 -1) and (-3 1 -3)
Then I found the cross product PQ x PR to be (8 -3 -11) and put that into the equation to get 8x-3y-11z=D

and then subbed point P into that equation to solve for D and finished with:
8x-3y-11z=-54

This answer was marked wrong, I've checked everything over and over and can't figure out how to do it.
 
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Check your cross product! I got (-2, -3, -1) cross (-3, 1, -3) = (10, -3, -11)
 
I'm still new with cross products and I swear I checked it like 10 times. I messed up when subtracting (-1) from 9, instead I subtracted (+1) from 9 to get 8 rather than 10. Geeze.

Thanks a lot!
 

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