Parallel Tangent Planes on a Given Surface

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves finding points on the surface defined by the equation 2x² + y² - z² = 64 where the tangent plane is parallel to a given plane represented by the equation 12x + y - 3z = 0. The context is related to multivariable calculus and the concept of tangent planes to surfaces.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between the normal vectors of the tangent plane and the given plane, with some exploring the use of cross products to determine parallelism. Others suggest a different approach using scalar multiples of the normal vectors.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes attempts to derive the conditions for parallelism between the tangent plane and the given plane. Some participants express uncertainty about their calculations, while others offer alternative methods to approach the problem, indicating a productive exchange of ideas without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that this problem is part of a review for a final exam rather than a traditional homework assignment, which may influence the level of detail and exploration in the discussion.

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Homework Statement



A surface is given by the equation

2x2+y2-z2=64

Find all points p on the surface where the tangent plane is parallel to the plane 12x+y-3z=0.

Homework Equations



I know the equation of a plane tangent to a surface at point (x0,y0,z0) is given by the equation

z-z0= (partialz/partialx)(x0-y0)+(partialz/partialy)(x0-y0)

The Attempt at a Solution



I can use the above equation to find the tangent plane at any certain point p, but I don't know how to find which ones are parallel to a certain plane.
 
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By the way, this is on a review for my final exam. It's not homework, I just know that something similar will be on the final.
 
Two planes are parallel iff their normal vectors are scalar multiples, and this happens just when the cross product of their normal vectors is 0. Combine this knowledge with that formula you have.
 
*sigh* I did all the work but it came out wrong :(

The normal vector of a plane ax+by+cz+d=0 is specified by [a b c], so the normal vector for 12x+y-3z = 0 is [12 1 -3].

The normal vector of a surface f(x,y,z) at point (x0,y0,z0) is [fx fy fz], so the normal vector for 2x2+y2-z2=64 is [4x0 2y0 -2z0]

[12 1 -3] X [4x0 2y0 -2z0] = 0

<((1*-2z0)-(-3*2y0)), ((-3*4x0)-(-12*-2z0)),((12*2y0)-(1*4x0))>=0

-2z0+6y0=0
-12x0+24z0=0
12y0-4x0=0

I don't know where I went wrong.
 
You don't have to use cross product for this. You have [tex]k(12,1,-3)^T = (4x,2y,-2z)^T[/tex] The k is the scalar multiple. Just solve x,y,z in terms of k and put it into the equation of the surface to solve for k. Then you have the answer.
 

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