Plane and Line Equations for Points and Perpendicular Planes

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a plane through two points and determining the line equation between those points. The context involves concepts from vector geometry and the properties of perpendicular planes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore how to find a plane through points P1 and P2 that is perpendicular to a given plane, questioning the implications of normal vectors and their relationships. They also discuss the formulation of the line equation between two points and whether both endpoints can be used interchangeably in the equation.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the relationships between normal vectors and the planes involved. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct approach to finding the normal vector for the desired plane and the formulation of the line equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the information they can share or the methods they can use. There are discussions about assumptions regarding the properties of lines and planes in three-dimensional space.

custer
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I've encountered this question but I do not know how to solve it? Help anyone? I need some clues.

Find a plane through the points P1 (1,2,3) and P2(3,2,1) and perpendicular to the plane 4x - y + 2z = 7

Another question, When given point A (1,2,3) and B (3,2,1) , I'm asked to find the line equation.
So If I got the direction of the line using B - A, I get the direction as (2,0,-2)
I should write the line equation as (1, 2, 3) + t (2, 0, -2). My question is, instead, can I write the equation as (3, 2, 1) + t (2, 0, -2) although (3, 2, 1) is the endpoint of the line?
 
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custer said:
Another question, When given point A (1,2,3) and B (3,2,1) , I'm asked to find the line equation.
So If I got the direction of the line using B - A, I get the direction as (2,0,-2)
I should write the line equation as (1, 2, 3) + t (2, 0, -2). My question is, instead, can I write the equation as (3, 2, 1) + t (2, 0, -2) although (3, 2, 1) is the endpoint of the line?


Yes, both are correct.

custer said:
I've encountered this question but I do not know how to solve it? Help anyone? I need some clues.

Find a plane through the points P1 (1,2,3) and P2(3,2,1) and perpendicular to the plane 4x - y + 2z = 7

For the plane 4x-y+2z=7, what is the equation of the normal,N?

If you visualize this plane being perpendicular to the one you want, what does it imply about N and the plane?
 
I know that for 4x-y+2z=7 has normal vector (4,-1,2). I also know that 4x-y+2x=7 is perpendicular to the plane containing the P1 and P2, and thus the normal vector is parallel to the line P1P2. Therefore I should find P1P2 and cross with the normal vector (4,-1,2) and get a normal to the plane containing P1P2. After that I should substitute either P1P2 into the equation obtained to find d. then I got my answer? correct?
 
custer said:
I know that for 4x-y+2z=7 has normal vector (4,-1,2). I also know that 4x-y+2x=7 is perpendicular to the plane containing the P1 and P2, and thus the normal vector is parallel to the line P1P2. Therefore I should find P1P2 and cross with the normal vector (4,-1,2) and get a normal to the plane containing P1P2. After that I should substitute either P1P2 into the equation obtained to find d. then I got my answer? correct?

yes so do that and you will get the normal n of the plane you want.

then use the definition of the plane r.n=0 where r=(x,y,z) i.e. (x,y,z).n=0
 

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