Solving implicit equation of a plane

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    Implicit Plane
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving an implicit equation of a plane in a 2D space, specifically examining the relationship between a point and the plane defined by a normal vector and a point on the plane. Participants are exploring how to determine whether a given point lies on the positive side, negative side, or on the plane itself.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents an equation 0 = n (p - p0) and seeks validation on its correctness for determining the position of point p relative to the plane.
  • Another participant points out a typo in the equation and questions the meaning of "positive or negative side of the plane," suggesting that all points are in the plane.
  • A participant acknowledges the typo and provides an example with specific values for n and p0, asking if the revised equation correctly determines the position of various points relative to the plane.
  • Another participant expresses confusion over the concept of positive and negative sides, stating that the dot product yields a definite value and questions the necessity of determining sides when p, p0, and n are known.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretation of "positive" and "negative" sides of the plane, and there is ongoing confusion regarding the implications of the dot product in this context.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions about the definitions of "positive" and "negative" sides of the plane, as well as the implications of the dot product in determining the relationship between points and the plane.

kouma
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Hello,

Can someone tell me if what I am doing is correct. I am trying to solve this equation of 0 = n ( p - p0 ) where n, p, and p0 are points on the plane. Assume this is a 2D dimension (x,y). Is this the correct way of calculating this equation.

0 = nx (px - p0x) + ny (py + p0y)

Purpose: I am trying to find if point p resides on the positive or negative side of the plane.

Only help if you know the answer please.

Thanks
 
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kouma said:
Hello,

Can someone tell me if what I am doing is correct. I am trying to solve this equation of 0 = n ( p - p0 ) where n, p, and p0 are points on the plane. Assume this is a 2D dimension (x,y). Is this the correct way of calculating this equation.

0 = nx (px - p0x) + ny (py + p0y)

Purpose: I am trying to find if point p resides on the positive or negative side of the plane.

Only help if you know the answer please.

Thanks
You do have a typo (should be py - p0y).

Your question is vague. What do you mean by positive or negative side of the plane? All your points are in the plane.
 
You are right about the typo, my bad. Thanks.

To clarify my question with an example, assume i have n and p0 given as n= (1,1) and p0=(2, 3). Now, say I have the following set of p {(1,3), (2,4), (1,5), (0,1), (2,3), (3,1)}. I would like to know where does each of the elements in the p set reside with respect to the plane. That is, it is on the positive side of the plane, zero, or negative? solving the equation should give me that answer.

Is this the correct way to solve this equation:

0 = nx (px - p0x) + ny (py - p0y)

Thanks
 
I still don't know what you mean by positive side or negative side? If n, p0, and all the p's are given, the dot product you wrote has a definite value in each case. To = 0, p-p0 is perpendicular to n-(0,0).
 

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