Quick shpere intersection question?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the intersection of a sphere with the yz-plane. The original poster presents a sphere defined by its center and radius, seeking to find the equation representing the intersection with the yz-plane.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to derive the intersection equation by simplifying the sphere's equation to the yz-plane context but encounters difficulties. Some participants suggest considering the implications of the sphere's center and radius in relation to the yz-plane.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring the nature of the intersection, with one noting that the intersection is a circle and discussing the relationship between the sphere's radius and the distance from the center to the yz-plane. There is an acknowledgment of the need to adjust the radius based on this distance.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses uncertainty about the formula and its application, indicating a potential gap in understanding the geometric implications of the intersection. There is a mention of the distance between the sphere's center and the yz-plane, which is relevant to the problem.

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quick shpere intersection question??

Homework Statement



Use the given info to answer the following questions

a. find an equation of the sphere with the give center and radius.

center (1,-11,3) radius 5

answer is (x-1)^2 + (y+11)^2 + (z-3)^2 = 25

where I am stuck is the next question

b. what is the intersection of this sphere with the yz-plane? (they want an equation)


i know a^2 + b^2 + c^2 = R^2
but now we are cutting down the plane so I am stuck from here



The Attempt at a Solution



i figured the yz plane would only have the y and z portion of the equation from part a. so i did that and got (y+11)^2 + (z-3)^2 = 25
that is wrong. I am sure it is a simple formula but could not find it online.
so any help would be great!

thanks

**smell that?? oh... that is the smell of a new semester. (aka death!)**
 
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While I am not well versed in 3d spheres and such. On the yz plane, I believe x=0 so you'd have an extra term (-1)2. But your answer would be a circle in y and z since if you look from an above view of the yz plane, you'd see...well a circle.
 


The intersection is circle, but its radius is not equal to 5.

Since the circle is lying on the yz plane so that the center of the circle is equal to (0,-11,3)

The equation of the circle will be (y+11)^2+(z-3)^2=r^2

Now the distance between the centers is 1. And the radius of the sphere R=5.

Using Pythagorean theorem r^2=5^2-1^2=24

I guess the final equation would be (y+11)^2+(z-3)^2=24

Regards.
 


ok... that makes sense. forgot a circle gets smaller haha
thanks a lot
 

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