Finding the Equation of a Parallel Plane: How Do I Use Vectors to Solve This?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter ineedhelpnow
  • Start date
In summary, the equation of the plane through the point (1,-1,-1) and parallel to the plane 5x-y-z=6 is 5x-y-z=d, where d is a constant that can be found by plugging in the given point. The vector (5,-1,-1) is a normal vector to the given plane, but any scalar multiple of this vector can also be used as a normal vector.
  • #1
ineedhelpnow
651
0
find the equation of the plane through the point (1,-1,-1) and parallel to the plane 5x-y-z=6.

$v= \left\langle -5,1,1 \right\rangle$ can someone explain this step? why do the signs need to be changed. how is this vector parallel to the given line?

$-5(x-1)+1(y+1)+1(z+1)=0$

$-5x+5+y+1+z+1=0$

$-5x+y+z=-7$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
ineedhelpnow said:
find the equation of the plane through the point (1,-1,-1) and parallel to the plane 5x-y-z=6.

$v= \left\langle -5,1,1 \right\rangle$ can someone explain this step? why do the signs need to be changed. how is this vector parallel to the given line?

This vector is NOT parallel to the given line. What you were given was not even a line, it was a plane.

A plane has the same coefficients as its normal vector. So a vector normal to the plane is (5, -1, -1). But any scalar multiple of this is also a vector normal to the plane, including (-5, 1, 1).

But this isn't even the approach I would use. The plane you are looking for is essentially the same as the plane you are given, just translated by a certain amount.

That means the plane you want will be of the form 5x - y - z = d, where d is some constant.

You know the point (1, -1, -1) lies on the plane, so if you plug in the point (1, -1, -1) as x, y, z, you will be able to find d.
 
  • #3
But is the way I did it right?
 

FAQ: Finding the Equation of a Parallel Plane: How Do I Use Vectors to Solve This?

What is the "Equation of Something"?

The "Equation of Something" is a mathematical expression that describes a relationship between different variables or quantities. It is used to represent a rule or pattern that is observed in a particular system or process.

How do you write an "Equation of Something"?

To write an "Equation of Something", you need to identify the variables involved in the system or process and determine how they are related to each other. Then, you can use mathematical symbols and operations to express this relationship in the form of an equation.

What is the purpose of an "Equation of Something"?

The purpose of an "Equation of Something" is to provide a concise and precise representation of a relationship between variables. It allows scientists to make predictions, analyze data, and understand the behavior of a system or process.

Can an "Equation of Something" be used in different fields of science?

Yes, an "Equation of Something" can be used in various fields of science, such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering. It is a fundamental tool for understanding and describing natural phenomena.

How can an "Equation of Something" be solved?

The process of solving an "Equation of Something" involves manipulating the equation using algebraic techniques to isolate the variable of interest. This allows us to find the value of the variable that satisfies the equation and represents the relationship between the other variables in the system or process.

Back
Top