Chapter 9: Problem 10
Describe and sketch the surface represented by the given equation. $$y=-1$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The surface is an infinite plane parallel to the xz-plane at y = -1.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Type of Surface
The equation given is in the form \( y = -1 \), which indicates that \( y \) is constant for any value of \( x \) and \( z \). This suggests the equation represents a plane parallel to the \( xz \)-plane.
02
Understand the Orientation
Since \( y = -1 \) is constant, the surface is a plane parallel to the \( xz \)-plane and perpendicular to the \( y \)-axis. Every point on this plane has a \( y \)-coordinate of -1, and it extends infinitely along the \( x \) and \( z \) directions.
03
Sketch the Surface
To sketch the surface, draw the \( xzy \)-coordinate system. Plot the plane where \( y = -1 \), which translates to a horizontal line one unit below the origin along the \( y \)-axis. Extend this plane parallel to both the \( x \)-axis and \( z \)-axis. Remember that it expands infinitely in these directions.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Equations of Planes
In three-dimensional geometry, planes are flat, two-dimensional surfaces that extend infinitely in all directions. Equations of planes commonly appear in the form \( Ax + By + Cz = D \). Here, \( A \), \( B \), and \( C \) are constants that define the orientation of the plane, and \( D \) is a constant that affects the plane's position relative to the origin.
When an equation of a plane is simplified, we can infer several details about its geometry. For instance, in the equation \( y = -1 \), the term \( By \) tells us that the plane is "fixed" at a constant \( y \)-value across the entire surface. This signifies a parallel alignment with the other two coordinate axes, making orientation deduction straightforward.
Such equations provide a powerful way to describe flat surfaces in three-dimensional space, serving as a foundational concept in geometry, engineering, and computer graphics.
When an equation of a plane is simplified, we can infer several details about its geometry. For instance, in the equation \( y = -1 \), the term \( By \) tells us that the plane is "fixed" at a constant \( y \)-value across the entire surface. This signifies a parallel alignment with the other two coordinate axes, making orientation deduction straightforward.
Such equations provide a powerful way to describe flat surfaces in three-dimensional space, serving as a foundational concept in geometry, engineering, and computer graphics.
Coordinate Systems
Understanding coordinate systems is crucial when working with three-dimensional equations. The Cartesian coordinate system, often used for such purposes, consists of three axes: the \( x \)-axis, \( y \)-axis, and \( z \)-axis. Together, they define the position of a point or surface in three-dimensional space.
For the plane described in the equation \( y = -1 \), each point on this plane will share the same \( y \)-coordinate of -1, while the \( x \) and \( z \) coordinates can vary.
For the plane described in the equation \( y = -1 \), each point on this plane will share the same \( y \)-coordinate of -1, while the \( x \) and \( z \) coordinates can vary.
- The \( xz \)-plane, parallel to the described equation’s plane, has points defined by \( y = 0 \). Our plane, therefore, lies parallel to this reference.
- The direction concerning the \( y \)-axis indicates a perpendicular orientation, displaying how planes are oriented parallel and perpendicular relative to specific axes.
3D Geometry
Three-dimensional geometry explores objects that have depth in addition to height and width. This branch of geometry extends the principles from two-dimensional space into three dimensions, such as with coordinate planes and lines.
In the graphical representation of the equation \( y = -1 \), we recognize this plane as a construct in 3D Geometry.
In the graphical representation of the equation \( y = -1 \), we recognize this plane as a construct in 3D Geometry.
- Being parallel to the \( xz \)-plane means it extends infinitely in both \( x \) and \( z \) directions, offering a strong concept of surfaces that thrive in infinite space.
- This plane’s orientation exemplifies how objects can occupy fixed dimensional proportions while allowing infinite extension along other axes, emphasizing its balance between constraint and freedom.