Chapter 11: Problem 1
Explain how to plot the point (3,-2,1) in \(\mathrm{R}^{3}\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Question: Explain the steps involved in plotting the point (3, -2, 1) in three-dimensional space.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Point's Coordinates
The given point is (3, -2, 1), which means its coordinates in 3-dimensional space are \((x, y, z) = (3, -2, 1)\). These coordinates represent the position of the point in the \(\mathrm{R}^{3}\) space.
02
Setting Up the Axes
When plotting a point in \(\mathrm{R}^{3}\), we need to set up three axes: the x-axis, the y-axis, and the z-axis. These axes are mutually perpendicular to each other and form the basis of the 3D space. Set up the axes in such a way that the x-axis represents the horizontal direction, the y-axis represents the vertical direction, and the z-axis represents the depth direction.
03
Plot the x-coordinate
Starting from the origin (0, 0, 0), move 3 units along the positive x-axis. The x-coordinate of the given point is 3, so we need to move in the positive direction of the x-axis.
04
Plot the y-coordinate
Next, we need to plot the y-coordinate, which is -2. From the current position, move 2 units in the negative direction of the y-axis. This will finalise the position in the xy-plane.
05
Plot the z-coordinate
Finally, we need to plot the z-coordinate, which is 1. From the current position in the xy-plane, move 1 unit in the positive direction of the z-axis. This will place us at the point (3, -2, 1) in \(\mathrm{R}^{3}\).
06
Mark the Point
Once you have reached the position specified by the coordinates (3, -2, 1) in the \(\mathrm{R}^{3}\) space, draw a small dot or mark to represent the point in the 3D space.
Now, the point (3, -2, 1) is successfully plotted in \(\mathrm{R}^{3}\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Plotting Points in 3D Space
When plotting points in a 3D coordinate system like \(R^{3}\), you're essentially locating a specific spot in a three-dimensional environment. Think of it as marking the exact whereabouts of something within a box. In this context, each point is represented by a set of three numbers or coordinates: \(x, y, z\).
For example, the point \(3, -2, 1\) suggests:
For example, the point \(3, -2, 1\) suggests:
- Move to 3 units parallel to the x-axis.
- Then, shift downwards 2 units along the y-axis, indicating a negative direction.
- Lastly, adjust vertically upwards 1 unit parallel to the z-axis.
Understanding the 3D Axes
Visualizing a three-dimensional space begins with understanding the 3D axes. These three perpendicular lines are the essential framework of \(R^{3}\). Imagine the axes as three directions that stretch out infinitely, guiding us where to plot points. Here's each axis explained:
- The **x-axis** runs horizontally from left to right, establishing the width direction.
- The **y-axis** moves vertically, akin to height, going up and down.
- The **z-axis**, often trickier to grasp, represents depth, extending forward and backward.
Exploring Cartesian Coordinates in 3D
The Cartesian coordinate system is a numerical framework used to pinpoint locations in 3D space. Named after René Descartes, this system deploys three numbers: \(x, y, z\), known as Cartesian coordinates, to specify exact places along the orthogonal axes.
Here's how it works:
Here's how it works:
- The **x-coordinate** defines horizontal placement, tethered to the x-axis.
- The **y-coordinate** outlines vertical position along the y-axis.
- The **z-coordinate** depicts depth, securing alignment with the z-axis.