# Vector equation of a plane

1. May 25, 2014

### kelvin macks

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
for this question (photo 1), i am not sure whether this is type 1 (as the type in photo 2) or type 2 ( as in photo 3 ). the question didnt provide a diagram, this is making me confused. so i did it another way on the right , (using pencil ). is my working acceptable ?

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

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2. May 26, 2014

### haruspex

The vector equation can be in parametric or non-parametric form. In the third picture, the first vector form is the parametric one, while the second form, with a normal vector and a distance, is the non-parametric form. So I would guess (a) is asking for the n, d form.

3. May 26, 2014

### ehild

You are supposed to draw a picture to your solution!
Sorry I can not decipher your pencilled note.

The parametric form of a plane uses two vectors in the plane ($\vec b$ and $\vec c$) , and a point of the plane (A, its position vector is $\vec a$). The position vector $\vec r$ of an arbitrary point R of the plane is obtained as the sum $$\vec r = \vec a +μ \vec b + λ \vec c$$
In the problem, A, B, C mean points of the plane, with position vectors (1,1,4), (3,0,-1) and (2,-2,0). Vectors connecting A to B and A to C $, \vec b=\vec{AB}$ and $\vec c=\vec{AC}$, lie in the plane. You have to add their linear combination to the vector $\vec a = (1,1,4)$

The solution in photo 1 is like in photo 2, only Q stands for B and P stands for C.

ehild

Last edited: May 26, 2014
4. May 26, 2014

### kelvin macks

how do we know that a is connected to b and b is connected to c ? or a is connected to b and a is connected to c? in photo 3 , a is connected to b and b is connected to c.. that's why i'm wondering whether i can apply the same concept for the question in photo 1.

5. May 26, 2014

### kelvin macks

sorry , for photo 2, i cant understand how can the plane is parallel to vector b and vector c .. can you draw me a better diagram. i cant imagine

6. May 27, 2014

### ehild

b and c are vectors lying in the plane. A vector is parallel with a plane if all its points are at the same distance from the plane. It the line lies in the plane, all points are at zero distance of the plane. So the line is parallel with the plane.

ehild