Line of intersection of Two Planes

In summary, the conversation discusses finding the line of intersection between two planes and writing parametric equations for this line. The person first tries to solve the equation by taking the cross product of the normal vectors, but realizes there is an error. They then demonstrate how to solve the equation by subtracting and substituting, and provide the correct parametric equations for the line of intersection.
  • #1
ChiralWaltz
161
5

Homework Statement

Please disregard, sign error corrected in the cross product

Determiner the line of intersection of the following two planes. Write the parametric equations for this line.

2x+y-2z=5
3x-6y-2z=15

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


First I crossed my normal vectors from the given equations: (2,1,-2)cross(3,-6,-2)= (-14,-2,15)

Then I solved my simultaneous equations starting with y=0, which gave me x=10 and z= (15/2).

To get into the parametric equation I took the point (10,0,15/2) + t(-14,-2,15), which gave me
x=10-14t
y=-2t
z=15t+(15/2)

Viewing this data in calcplot 3d shows that my line of intersection is no where near my planes.
 
Last edited:
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  • #2
Error found in cross product (-14,-2,-15). Problem solved.
 
  • #3
I'm not sure why you took the cross product of the normal vectors. Simply subtracting the first equation from the second eliminates z and gives x- 7y= 5.
That is, x= 7y+ 5 and putting that back into the first equation, 2x+y-2z= 2(7y+ 5)+ y- 2z= 15y+ 10- 2z= 5. 2z= 15y+ 5.

Parametric equations for the line of intersection are x= 7t+ 5, y= t, z= (15t+ 5)/2.
 

FAQ: Line of intersection of Two Planes

What is the line of intersection of two planes?

The line of intersection of two planes is the line where the two planes intersect or cross each other. This line is formed by the points that are common to both planes.

How is the line of intersection of two planes calculated?

The line of intersection of two planes can be calculated by finding the point of intersection, which is the solution to the system of equations formed by the two planes. This point can then be used to find the direction vector of the line, which is the vector that points in the direction of the line.

Can two planes intersect at more than one point?

No, two planes can only intersect at one point. This is because two planes cannot be parallel and intersect at the same time. If two planes are parallel, they will never intersect, and if they are not parallel, they will intersect at only one point.

What does it mean if two planes do not intersect?

If two planes do not intersect, it means that they are either parallel or they are skew (non-intersecting and non-parallel). Parallel planes have the same slope (or direction) and will never intersect, while skew planes do not have a common point of intersection.

How is the line of intersection of two planes used in real life?

The line of intersection of two planes has various applications in real life, such as in engineering, architecture, and aviation. For example, it can be used to determine the angle of intersection between two roads, the intersection point of two walls in a building, or the intersection of two runways at an airport.

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