Math Problem Statement

Find an equation of a plane containing the three points (0, -5, 4), (4, -9, 2), (4, -8, 4) in which the coefficient of x is -6.

Solution

To find the equation of a plane that contains three points and has a specific condition (the coefficient of xx is 6-6), we can follow these steps:

  1. Determine the normal vector to the plane: A plane in 3D can be expressed as: Ax+By+Cz=DAx + By + Cz = D The vector n=(A,B,C)\mathbf{n} = (A, B, C) is normal (perpendicular) to the plane. To find n\mathbf{n}, we compute the cross product of two vectors formed by the given points.

  2. Find two vectors on the plane: Using the three given points P1=(0,5,4)P_1 = (0, -5, 4), P2=(4,9,2)P_2 = (4, -9, 2), and P3=(4,8,4)P_3 = (4, -8, 4), we can form two vectors: v1=P2P1=(40,9(5),24)=(4,4,2)\mathbf{v_1} = P_2 - P_1 = (4 - 0, -9 - (-5), 2 - 4) = (4, -4, -2) v2=P3P1=(40,8(5),44)=(4,3,0)\mathbf{v_2} = P_3 - P_1 = (4 - 0, -8 - (-5), 4 - 4) = (4, -3, 0)

  3. Compute the cross product: The cross product of v1=(4,4,2)\mathbf{v_1} = (4, -4, -2) and v2=(4,3,0)\mathbf{v_2} = (4, -3, 0) will give us a normal vector n\mathbf{n}. n=v1×v2=ijk442430\mathbf{n} = \mathbf{v_1} \times \mathbf{v_2} = \begin{vmatrix} \mathbf{i} & \mathbf{j} & \mathbf{k} \\ 4 & -4 & -2 \\ 4 & -3 & 0 \end{vmatrix} Using the determinant formula: n=i((4)(0)(2)(3))j((4)(0)(2)(4))+k((4)(3)(4)(4))\mathbf{n} = \mathbf{i} \left( (-4)(0) - (-2)(-3) \right) - \mathbf{j} \left( (4)(0) - (-2)(4) \right) + \mathbf{k} \left( (4)(-3) - (4)(-4) \right) Simplifying each component: n=i(06)j(0+8)+k(12+16)\mathbf{n} = \mathbf{i} (0 - 6) - \mathbf{j} (0 + 8) + \mathbf{k} (-12 + 16) n=(6,8,4)\mathbf{n} = (-6, -8, 4)

  4. Adjust the normal vector: The normal vector we obtained is n=(6,8,4)\mathbf{n} = (-6, -8, 4). Since we need the coefficient of xx to be 6-6, this normal vector is already appropriately scaled.

  5. Write the equation of the plane: Using the normal vector (6,8,4)(-6, -8, 4) and the general form Ax+By+Cz=DAx + By + Cz = D, we substitute the point P1(0,5,4)P_1(0, -5, 4) to solve for DD. Substituting x=0x = 0, y=5y = -5, and z=4z = 4 into the equation: 6(0)8(5)+4(4)=D-6(0) - 8(-5) + 4(4) = D 0+40+16=DD=560 + 40 + 16 = D \quad \Rightarrow \quad D = 56

    Thus, the equation of the plane is: 6x8y+4z=56-6x - 8y + 4z = 56

The equation of the plane is 6x8y+4z=56-6x - 8y + 4z = 56.

Would you like to see more details or clarifications?


Here are 5 related questions to further your understanding:

  1. How do you compute the cross product of two vectors in 3D?
  2. What is the significance of a plane's normal vector?
  3. Can a plane be defined by more than three points?
  4. How do you find the distance from a point to a plane?
  5. What is the geometric interpretation of the coefficients in a plane equation?

Tip: The cross product of two vectors results in a vector perpendicular to both, which is very useful in geometry problems!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Analytic Geometry
Planes in 3D
Vectors
Cross Product

Formulas

Equation of a plane: Ax + By + Cz = D
Cross product of vectors: a × b = |i j k| |x1 y1 z1| |x2 y2 z2|

Theorems

Cross Product Theorem
Equation of a Plane Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12 or early college