/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 52 The plane passes through the poi... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

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The plane passes through the points \((4,2,1)\) and \((-3,5,7)\) and is parallel to the \(z\) -axis.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The equation of the plane is \( y = 2 \).

Step by step solution

01

Determine the Direction Vector

First, calculate the direction vector of the two given points, which is formed by the differences in x, y and z coordinates. So the direction vector \( \vec{AB} \) joining the points A(4,2,1) and B(-3,5,7) is defined as B - A = (-3-4, 5-2, 7-1) = (-7, 3, 6).
02

Identify the Normal Vector

Since the plane is stated to be parallel to the z-axis, its normal vector should be either parallel to the x-axis or the y- axis. Choose the y-axis for simplicity implying normal vector is (0,1,0).
03

Apply the Plane Equation

Using the point-normal form of the plane equation, which is \( (r - a) \cdot n = 0 \), where \( r \) is a point on the plane, \( a \) is a known point on the plane and \( n \) is the normal vector to the plane, and plugging in the known values, we find the equation of the plane to be \( y = 2 \).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Direction Vector
A direction vector is essential in understanding how a line or a segment is oriented in space. It gives us the direction from one point to another. When we talk about two points, such as A(4,2,1) and B(-3,5,7), we find the direction vector, \( \vec{AB} \), by subtracting the coordinates of point A from point B.
  • For the x-component, subtract: \(-3 - 4 = -7\)
  • For the y-component, subtract: \(5 - 2 = 3\)
  • For the z-component, subtract: \(7 - 1 = 6\)
Thus, the direction vector \( \vec{AB} \) is \((-7, 3, 6)\).
This vector shows us the direction from point A to point B, across the x, y, and z axes. Knowing this helps in many geometric and algebraic operations, including computing the equation of planes, lines, and other geometric constructs.
Normal Vector
The normal vector is a vector that's perpendicular to a surface or a plane. It's significant because it helps define the orientation of the plane. In this specific problem, our plane is parallel to the z-axis, meaning its normal vector is within the x-y plane.
To simplify, we opted for a normal vector parallel to the y-axis: \( (0,1,0) \). This choice implies no inclination along the x or z axes, simplifying computations.
  • A normal vector perpendicular to the plane will have no influence from the z component in this scenario.
  • This normal vector dictates that any change in the y direction will affect the plane equation.
Choosing a specific normal vector is crucial in determining the plane's equation. It is like choosing the engine of a car—it affects how the plane or line will behave in 3D space.
Plane Equation
The plane equation forms the fundamental description of a plane in 3D geometry. Here, we use the point-normal form of the plane equation: \((r - a) \cdot n = 0\).
In this formula:
  • \(r\) is the position vector of any arbitrary point on the plane, expressed as \((x, y, z)\).
  • \(a\) is the vector of a specific known point on the plane, such as (4,2,1).
  • \(n\) is the normal vector, which we determined as \((0,1,0)\).
To derive the plane's equation:- Use point \(A (4, 2, 1)\) and normal vector \(n (0, 1, 0)\).- Plug these vectors into the point-normal form: \((r - a) \cdot n = 0\), yielding the simplified equation \( y = 2 \).
This equation, \(y = 2\), represents a plane parallel to the z-axis. It indicates that for every point on this plane, the y-value remains constant at 2, showcasing the role of the normal vector in defining the plane's orientation in space.

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