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 is ), we can follow these steps:
-
Determine the normal vector to the plane: A plane in 3D can be expressed as: The vector is normal (perpendicular) to the plane. To find , we compute the cross product of two vectors formed by the given points.
-
Find two vectors on the plane: Using the three given points , , and , we can form two vectors:
-
Compute the cross product: The cross product of and will give us a normal vector . Using the determinant formula: Simplifying each component:
-
Adjust the normal vector: The normal vector we obtained is . Since we need the coefficient of to be , this normal vector is already appropriately scaled.
-
Write the equation of the plane: Using the normal vector and the general form , we substitute the point to solve for . Substituting , , and into the equation:
Thus, the equation of the plane is:
The equation of the plane is .
Would you like to see more details or clarifications?
Here are 5 related questions to further your understanding:
- How do you compute the cross product of two vectors in 3D?
- What is the significance of a plane's normal vector?
- Can a plane be defined by more than three points?
- How do you find the distance from a point to a plane?
- 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!
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
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
Related Recommendation
Find the Equation of a Plane Through Three Points
Find the Equation of a Plane through Three Points
Find the Equation of a Plane through Three Points (4, 3, 5), (1, 2, 0), (1, 0, 2)
Find the Plane Equation Containing Points with x Coefficient -6
Find the Equation of a Plane through Three Points using Cross Product