Math Problem Statement
equation of a plane perpendicular to both of given two planes
Solution
To find the equation of a plane that is perpendicular to two given planes, we can follow a clear step-by-step approach using the normal vectors of the given planes.
Steps:
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Understand the equation of a plane: The general form of a plane equation is: where is the normal vector of the plane.
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Find the normal vectors of the given planes: If two planes have equations: their normal vectors are and .
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Cross product of normal vectors: To find the plane that is perpendicular to both planes, we need to find a normal vector to the new plane. The normal vector of the new plane will be the cross product of and .
The cross product of two vectors and is given by:
\begin{vmatrix} \hat{i} & \hat{j} & \hat{k} \\ a_1 & b_1 & c_1 \\ a_2 & b_2 & c_2 \end{vmatrix}$$ which results in: $$\vec{n} = \left( (b_1c_2 - b_2c_1), (c_1a_2 - c_2a_1), (a_1b_2 - a_2b_1) \right)$$ -
Construct the equation of the new plane: Using the components of the cross product, , the equation of the plane will be: where is a constant that can be determined if a point on the plane is known. If no specific point is given, the equation can be left in terms of .
Example:
Suppose the two planes are: The normal vectors are: The cross product of and is: Thus, the equation of the plane perpendicular to both is: where is a constant depending on a specific point, or can be left undetermined.
Would you like further details or have any specific questions?
Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:
- How do you find the intersection line of two planes?
- What is the condition for two planes to be parallel?
- How do you find the angle between two planes?
- Can a plane be perpendicular to only one plane and not another? If so, how?
- How can you determine the distance between a point and a plane?
Tip: The cross product of two vectors is always perpendicular to both original vectors!
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vector Algebra
Plane Geometry
Cross Product
Formulas
Equation of a plane: ax + by + cz = d
Normal vector of a plane: (a, b, c)
Cross product of two vectors: n1 × n2 = (b1c2 - b2c1, c1a2 - c2a1, a1b2 - a2b1)
Theorems
Cross product theorem for perpendicularity
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 11-12 or Early College
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