Plane equation perpendicular to line

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the equation of a plane that contains the line defined by the parametric equations (x,y,z)=(5+4t, -5-3t,2) and is perpendicular to another line given by (x,y,z)=(2-3t,3-4t,5+7t). The normal vector to the plane is determined using the cross product of the direction vectors (4,-3,0) and (-3,-4,7), resulting in the normal vector <-3, -4, 7>. The equation of the plane is derived by using a point on the line and the normal vector, leading to the equation -3(x-9)-4(y+8)+7(z-2)=0.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector operations, specifically cross product and dot product.
  • Familiarity with parametric equations of lines in three-dimensional space.
  • Knowledge of the equation of a plane in the form Ax + By + Cz = D.
  • Basic skills in solving linear equations and manipulating algebraic expressions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties and applications of the cross product in three-dimensional geometry.
  • Learn how to derive the equation of a plane from a point and a normal vector.
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of dot products in relation to angles between vectors.
  • Practice solving problems involving lines and planes in three-dimensional space.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying vector calculus, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone looking to understand the relationship between lines and planes in three-dimensional space.

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1. Find the equation of the plane containing the line (x,y,z)=(5+4t, -5-3t,2) and perpendicular to the line (x,y,z)=(2-3t,3-4t,5+7t).



Homework Equations


Cross product? Dot product? Ax+By+Cz=D?



The Attempt at a Solution



I'm really new with this material and any aid would be greatly appreciated. The only thing I can think of to do would be the cross product of (4,-3,0) and (-3, -4, 7).
 
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A normal to the plane is <-3, -4, 7>, which I got from the equation of the perpendicular line. You're given that the plane contains the line (x, y, z) = (5 + 4t, -5 - 3t, 2), so it should be a simple matter to find a point on this line, which I will call (x0, y0, z0). Once you have a point on a plane and a normal to the plane, the equation of the plane can be gotten by dotting the vector (x - x0, y - y0, z - z0) with the plane's normal vector.
 
Why do I need to dot the vector? Is this correct?

@ t=1, a point on the line l1=(9,-8,2)

(x-9,y+8,z-2) (dot) (-3,-4,7)=-3(x-9)-4(y+8)+7(z-2)=0
 

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