Proving the vector OA is normal to the plane OBC

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To prove that vector OA is normal to the plane OBC, it is established that OA is perpendicular to OB. The normal vector to the plane OBC is calculated as n = BO x BC, resulting in n = (5, 10, -5). To confirm OA's normality to the plane, one can demonstrate that the cross product of OA with the normal vector n equals zero. Alternatively, it can be noted that OA is a scalar multiple of the normal vector n, further supporting the conclusion. Thus, OA is indeed normal to the plane OBC.
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Homework Statement



Given position vectors: OA ( i + 2j - k) ; OB ( -i + 2j +3k); OC ( 2i + j + 4k)

Given that OA is perpendicular to OB.

The Question : Show that OA is normal to the plane OBC.

Homework Equations


r . n = d

To find the normal of the plane OBC, I used n = BO x BC

d = OB . n

The Attempt at a Solution



Equation of plane OBC:

BO = -OB = i - 2j - 3k

BC = OC - OB = (2,1,4) - (-1,2,3) = (3,-1,1)

n = BO x BC = (5,10,-5)

d = OB . n = (-1,2,3) . (5,10,-5) = 0

∴ Equation of plane OBC = r. (5,10,-5) = 0


How do I show that OA is normal to the plane? I know that it is related to the statement - 'OA is perpendicular to OB'. However, I do not know how can it be applied into the question.
I hope someone can help me out.

Thank you for your time! :smile:
 
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I agree with the normal vector to the plane OBC, that is \vec{n} = 5\vec{i} +10\vec{j} -5\vec{k}.
You are given that OA is perpendicular to OB, which you can easily verify.
To show that OA is normal to the plane, show that the cross product of OA with \vec{n} is 0.
 
CAF123 said:
I agree with the normal vector to the plane OBC, that is \vec{n} = 5\vec{i} +10\vec{j} -5\vec{k}.
You are given that OA is perpendicular to OB, which you can easily verify.
To show that OA is normal to the plane, show that the cross product of OA with \vec{n} is 0.
Thank you very much for your help! :smile:
 
CAF123 said:
I agree with the normal vector to the plane OBC, that is \vec{n} = 5\vec{i} +10\vec{j} -5\vec{k}.
You are given that OA is perpendicular to OB, which you can easily verify.
To show that OA is normal to the plane, show that the cross product of OA with \vec{n} is 0.

Or even easier, observe that OA is a scalar multiple of ##\vec n##.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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