Points in 3D space (Related to Calculus)

In summary, the equation for the number of possible connections between n points on a 3D plane is n*(n-1)/2.
  • #1
Vodkacannon
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The equation for the number of possible connections between n points on a 2D plane is (n-1)*(n/2).
What is the equation for the number of possible connections between n points on a 3D plane?
Is it the intregal of (n-1)*(n/2)?
 
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  • #2
Hey Vodkacannon and welcome to the forums.

What do you mean by a connection?
 
  • #3
Hi. I hope to add good questions and discussions to this web site.

What I mean by "how many connections" is the maximum possible number of straight line paths between two different points.

Essentially you are creating a network of points.

For example, given 4 points on a plane p (that do not lie directly on top of each other by the way), the number of straight lines that can connect from one point to another is 6.
(4-1)*(4/2) = 6

(I'm sorry this probably is in the wrong forum after all.)
 
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  • #4
Well this is a standard combinatoric problem: you have n things in total and want to find the number of ways you can choose 2 things from those n.

Combinations do not care about order (i.e {1,2} is the same as {2,1}) which is the property required for your lines (you don't care about the start and end points, just the connection itself) and this is given by nC2 or

nC2
= n!/2!(n-2)!
= n(n-1)(n-2)!/2!*(n-2)!
= n*(n-1)/2
 
  • #5
Vodkacannon said:
The equation for the number of possible connections between n points on a 2D plane is (n-1)*(n/2).
What is the equation for the number of possible connections between n points on a 3D plane?
What do you mean by a "3D plane"? A plane is a two-dimensional object. You can have a plane in three-dimensional space, but it is still a plane.
 

Related to Points in 3D space (Related to Calculus)

1. What is the difference between a point in 3D space and a vector?

A point in 3D space is a specific location in the Cartesian coordinate system, represented by three coordinates (x, y, z). A vector, on the other hand, is a mathematical object that has both magnitude and direction. It can be used to represent movement or change in position from one point to another. Unlike a point, a vector does not have a fixed location in space.

2. How do you find the distance between two points in 3D space?

To find the distance between two points in 3D space, you can use the distance formula, which is derived from the Pythagorean theorem. The formula is: d = √((x2-x1)^2 + (y2-y1)^2 + (z2-z1)^2) Where (x1, y1, z1) and (x2, y2, z2) are the coordinates of the two points.

3. Can you use calculus to find the coordinates of a point in 3D space?

Yes, you can use multivariable calculus to find the coordinates of a point in 3D space. This involves taking partial derivatives of a function with respect to each variable (x, y, z) and solving a set of equations to find the coordinates of the point.

4. What is a parametric equation for a line in 3D space?

A parametric equation for a line in 3D space is a set of equations that describe the coordinates of points along the line in terms of a parameter t. For example, the parametric equations for a line passing through points (x1,y1,z1) and (x2,y2,z2) are: x = x1 + (x2-x1)t, y = y1 + (y2-y1)t, z = z1 + (z2-z1)t. By varying the value of t, you can find the coordinates of any point on the line.

5. How is calculus used in computer graphics to plot points in 3D space?

Calculus is used in computer graphics to calculate the slopes of curves and surfaces, which are essential in creating smooth and realistic 3D images. This is done through techniques such as parametric curves and surfaces, Bezier curves, and vector calculus. Calculus is also used to determine the shading and lighting of objects in 3D space, making them appear more lifelike.

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