Vector Equation of Plane w/ (-2,2,1) & Parallels (1,1,2) and (2,1,-1)

  • Thread starter Thread starter kent davidge
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Plane Vector
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The vector equation of a plane containing the point (-2,2,1) and parallel to the vectors (1,1,2) and (2,1,-1) is derived using the cross product of the two vectors, resulting in the normal vector (-3,5,-1). The plane equation is established as -3(x+2)+5(y-2)-(z-1) = 0. An arbitrary point in the plane is expressed as P(t,u) = (t,u,-3t+5u-15), confirming that it satisfies the plane equation. This method effectively validates the plane's equation and representation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector equations and their components
  • Knowledge of cross product calculations
  • Familiarity with plane equations in three-dimensional space
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector equations of planes in 3D geometry
  • Learn about the properties and applications of the cross product
  • Explore the derivation of plane equations from points and normal vectors
  • Investigate parametric equations in vector calculus
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, particularly those focused on vector calculus and three-dimensional space, as well as educators looking for examples of plane equations and their derivations.

kent davidge
Messages
931
Reaction score
56

Homework Statement



What's the vector equation for a plane which contains the point ##(-2,2,1)## and whose vectors ##(1,1,2)## and ##(2,1,-1)## are parallel to it?

Homework Equations



I think the relevant here is

- The plane equation.

The Attempt at a Solution


[/B]
We can go through demanding that a vector on it can always be expressed as ##(-2,2,1) + a(1,1,2) + b(2,1,-1)## but I did in a different manner.

I first took the vector product of the two given vectors, which is ##(-3,5,-1)## and then constructed the equation of the plane, passing on the given initial point ##(-2,2,1)##. It is ##-3(x+2)+5(y-2)-(z-1) = 0##. Then I considered an arbitrary point in the plane having "coordinates" ##(a,b,c)## and I substituted these components into the equation above. Calling the "point" (vector) ##P## I ended up with ##P(t,u) = (t,u,-3t+5u-15)## with ##\{t,u \} \in \mathbb{R}##.

It seems to satisfy the plane equation as it's constructed to satisfy it. Never the less, I would like to know whether this is a valid answer or not.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You can check this by expressing a and b in terms of t and u using two of the components or vice versa. If the third component is then also the same it is the same plane.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: kent davidge

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K