Vector Plane Problem: Find Parametric Eq. of Intersection Line

In summary, the planes 3y-4x-4z = -18 and 3x-2y+3z = 14 are not parallel and will intersect along a line that is common to both of them. The vector parametric equation for this line can be determined by solving the system of equations simultaneously or using an augmented matrix. The solution set will be a line with one free variable.
  • #1
Loppyfoot
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Homework Statement



The planes 3y-4x-4z = -18 and 3x-2y+3z = 14 are not parallel, so they must intersect along a line that is common to both of them. The vector parametric equation for this line is: L(t)= ?

Homework Equations



Cross Product Seems like it would be relevant here, but how would I find the intersection point to plug into the result of the cross product?
 
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  • #2
Loppyfoot said:

Homework Statement



The planes 3y-4x-4z = -18 and 3x-2y+3z = 14 are not parallel, so they must intersect along a line that is common to both of them. The vector parametric equation for this line is: L(t)= ?

Homework Equations



Cross Product Seems like it would be relevant here, but how would I find the intersection point to plug into the result of the cross product?
You might be able to do it this way, but it's sort of the long way around. The cross product will give you a vector in the direction of the intersecting line, but you'll still need to find a point that is on the line.

A shorter way would be to solve the system of equations simultaneously. Since there are two equations in three unknowns, there will be an infinite number of solutions. Another way to say this is that the system will have one free variable, which is what you would expect for the solution set to be a line.

You can solve the system simulataneously or you can write the system using an augmented matrix (2 x 4), and use row reduction. When the augmented matrix is row-reduced, write x in terms of z, y in terms of z, and z equaling itself.
 

1. What is a vector plane problem?

A vector plane problem involves finding the intersection point or line between two or more planes in three-dimensional space using vector equations.

2. How do you find the parametric equations of an intersection line?

To find the parametric equations of an intersection line, you first need to find the direction vector of the line. This can be done by taking the cross product of the normal vectors of the two intersecting planes. Then, choose a point on the line and use the direction vector to create the parametric equations.

3. What information do you need to solve a vector plane problem?

You need the equations of the planes involved and the methods for finding the intersection point or line, such as the cross product method or the Gaussian elimination method.

4. Are there any special cases in vector plane problems?

Yes, there are special cases where the planes may be parallel or coincident, resulting in no intersection or infinite solutions. These cases require special consideration and may not have a unique solution.

5. Can vector plane problems be solved by hand or do you need software?

Vector plane problems can be solved by hand using basic algebra and vector operations. However, for more complex problems or multiple planes, software such as MATLAB or Wolfram Alpha may be helpful for faster and more accurate solutions.

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