Finding Equations of Parallel Planes and Containing Lines | Vectors and Planes

In summary, to find the equation of a plane parallel to 2x + 4y + 8z = 17 and containing the line { x = 3 +2t , y=t , z=8-t }, you can use the formula A(x-x1)+B(y-y1)+C(z-z1)=0, where A, B, and C are the coefficients of the equation and (x1, y1, z1) is a point on the line. For the second problem, you can find the normal vector by taking the cross product of two vectors in the plane and use that to find a point on the plane.
  • #1
tandoorichicken
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I need to find the equation of a plane that is parallel to the plane [itex]2x + 4y + 8z = 17 [/itex] and contains the line [itex] { x = 3 +2t , y=t , z=8-t } [/itex].

Not quite sure how or where to begin. Something having to do with a perpendicular vector maybe?

Also, in a different problem, I need to find the equation of a plane that contains the lines:
[itex] \vec{r} = <1,1,0>+t<1,-1,2>[/itex]
[itex] \vec{r} = <2,0,2>+s<-1,1,0>[/itex]

Don't quite know where to begin this one either.
 
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  • #2
Do you know how to extract the normal vector form the equation of a plane?

Do you know how to construct the equation of a a plane from a normal vector and a point? Do you know how to find a point on a line? (Hint: [itex] \vec{n} \cdot (\vec{r} - \vec{r_o}) = 0 [/itex])

Can you find the normal vector somehow (one of the products, maybe) from two vectors that you know are perpendicular to it?

--J
 
  • #3
You can find one point, which belongs to plane. For example when t=0.

And You have perpendicular vector from 2x+4y+8z=17 (2, 4, 8)

So, if You have point P (x1, y1, z1) and perpendicular vector n=(A, B, C), then
A(x-x1)+B(y-y1)+C(z-z1)=0 is your equation of plane
 
  • #4
For the second problem, you can read off two vectors that lie in the plane (a lot like "slope"). Once you know that, the cross product gives you the normal to the plane and it's easy to find a point in the plane. (Since the given lines are in the plane, taking any value of t in either equation gives a point on that line and so in the plane.)
 

FAQ: Finding Equations of Parallel Planes and Containing Lines | Vectors and Planes

What is the definition of parallel planes?

Parallel planes are two or more planes that do not intersect and have the same slope or direction.

How do you find the equation of a plane parallel to a given plane?

To find the equation of a plane parallel to a given plane, you can use the normal vector of the given plane and any point on the given plane. The equation will have the same normal vector but a different point.

What is the relationship between parallel planes and containing lines?

If two planes are parallel, any line contained in one of the planes will also be contained in the other plane. This is because parallel planes have the same direction and do not intersect.

Can you have more than one line parallel to a given plane?

Yes, you can have an infinite number of lines that are parallel to a given plane. This is because the normal vector of the given plane can be multiplied by any scalar value to create a different but still parallel normal vector, resulting in a different line.

How do you determine if two planes are parallel using their equations?

If the normal vectors of two planes are parallel, then the planes are also parallel. You can compare the coefficients of the x, y, and z terms in the equations of the planes to determine if the normal vectors are parallel.

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