Chapter 12: Problem 3
Give a geometric description of the set of points in space whose coordinates satisfy the given pairs of equations. $$y=0, \quad z=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The set of points is the x-axis in three-dimensional space.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the First Equation
The given exercise is made of two equations. The first equation is \( y = 0 \). This equation implies that the y-coordinate of every point in the set is zero, meaning that all the points lie on the plane where \( y = 0 \). This is the xz-plane in three-dimensional space.
02
Analyze the Second Equation
The second equation is \( z = 0 \). This means that the z-coordinate of every point is zero. Thus, all points satisfying this equation lie on the plane where \( z = 0 \), which is the xy-plane in three-dimensional space.
03
Combine Both Conditions
To satisfy both equations \( y = 0 \) and \( z = 0 \), a point must lie at the intersection of the planes \( y = 0 \) and \( z = 0 \). The intersection of these two planes is a line.
04
Describe the Intersection
The line of intersection is where both \( y \) and \( z \) equal zero, focusing solely on the x-axis. Thus, every point on this line has coordinates \( (x, 0, 0) \), for any real number \( x \).
05
Geometric Description
The geometric description of the set of points is the x-axis itself, as all points (x, 0, 0) lie precisely there.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Planes in 3D Geometry
In three-dimensional space, a plane is a flat, two-dimensional surface that extends infinitely. Each plane can be defined by an equation, like in our original equations: \( y = 0 \) and \( z = 0 \). When you see \( y = 0 \), it means every point on this plane has a zero in their y-coordinate, forming what we call the **xz-plane**.
- This implies that you can move anywhere along the x and z axes while staying on this plane, but you won't move in the y direction.
- Similarly, the equation \( z = 0 \) signifies all points that lie within the **xy-plane**, where the z-coordinate is zero.
- Here, you can move freely along the x and y axes, but the z component remains static.
Lines of Intersection in 3D Space
When two planes intersect, they form a line. To visualize this, imagine two pieces of paper placed at an angle, touching along a shared edge.
- For the equations we considered, \( y = 0 \) and \( z = 0 \), the planes intersect where both of these conditions are met.
- Geometrically, their intersection is a line where both the y and z coordinates are zero, which maps to our x-axis in this case.
- This line, noted as \( (x, 0, 0) \), shows that regardless of the x value, both y and z will remain zero on the intersection.
Role of Coordinate Axes in Geometry
The coordinate axes in three-dimensional space form the foundation for locating points and directions. These axes are the x, y, and z axes. Here, they play distinct roles:
- The **x-axis** runs horizontally, providing a basis of reference for points where both y and z coordinates are zero.
- In this problem, the intersection of the planes \( y = 0 \) and \( z = 0 \) aligns perfectly along this x-axis.
- The significance here is in how these axes can define not just points but entire lines or segments in space, aiding in visualizing how multiple geometrical elements integrate.