Determining the equation of a 3d sphere

  • Thread starter shemer77
  • Start date
  • Tags
    3d Sphere
In summary, the surface described by the given equation is a combination of three quadratic equations in the variables x, y, and z. To solve the equation, the method of completing the squares can be used, by factoring out the leading coefficient and then completing the square inside the parentheses.
  • #1
shemer77
97
0

Homework Statement


The question is describe the surface whose equation is given
2x^2 +2y^2 + 2z^2 - 2x -3y +5z -2 = 0
now I know it needs to be grouped like this
(2x^2-2x) + (2y^2-3y) + (2z^2+5z)=2,
however from here I feel like I am forgetting some kind of basic algebra or something on how to factor this. Kind of stupid I know :/ Can someone please point me in the right direction?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Complete the squares on all three variables.
 
  • #3
thats what I thought but how would it work in this situation, especially since you have the coefficients out on the first term?
 
  • #4
If you have something like 3x2+5x - 1, it is best to factor out the leading coefficient before completing the square:

[tex]3x^2 +5x -1 = 3(x^2+\frac 5 3 x - \frac 1 3)[/tex]

and complete the square inside the parentheses:

[tex]3\left((x^2 +\frac 5 3 x + \frac {35}{36} + (-\frac 1 3 - \frac {35}{36})\right)
=3\left((x+\frac 5 6)^2-\frac{47}{36}\right)[/tex]
 

FAQ: Determining the equation of a 3d sphere

How do you determine the equation of a 3d sphere?

The equation of a 3d sphere can be determined by using the formula: (x-a)^2 + (y-b)^2 + (z-c)^2 = r^2, where (a,b,c) represents the center of the sphere and r represents the radius.

What is the significance of determining the equation of a 3d sphere?

Determining the equation of a 3d sphere is important in various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. It allows for precise calculations and modeling of spherical objects in these fields.

Can the equation of a 3d sphere be determined if only the radius is known?

Yes, the equation can still be determined if only the radius is known. However, at least one point on the sphere's surface must also be known in order to determine the center coordinates (a,b,c) of the sphere.

Is the equation of a 3d sphere dependent on the orientation of the sphere?

No, the equation of a 3d sphere is independent of its orientation. This means that the same equation can be used to describe a sphere regardless of its position or rotation in 3d space.

Are there any other methods for determining the equation of a 3d sphere?

Yes, there are other methods such as using the parametric equation of a sphere: x = a + r*cos(u)*cos(v), y = b + r*cos(u)*sin(v), z = c + r*sin(u), where (a,b,c) represents the center and r represents the radius. This method is often used in computer graphics to create 3d spherical objects.

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Back
Top