Prove that the paraboloids have a common tangent planes

In summary, the paraboloids \frac{x^2}{a_1^2}+\frac{y^2}{b_1^2}=\frac{2z}{c_1}, \frac{x^2}{a_2^2}+\frac{y^2}{b_2^2}=\frac{2z}{c_2}, and \frac{x^2}{a_3^2}+\frac{y^2}{b_3^2}=\frac{2z}{c_3} have a common tangent plane if the determinant of the matrix \begin{bmatrix}a_1^2 & a_2^2 & a_3^2\\ b
  • #1
debrajr
4
0
Prove that the paraboloids:
\(\displaystyle \frac{x^2}{a_1^2}+\frac{y^2}{b_1^2}=\frac{2z}{c_1}\);

\(\displaystyle \frac{x^2}{a_2^2}+\frac{y^2}{b_2^2}=\frac{2z}{c_2}\);

\(\displaystyle \frac{x^2}{a_3^2}+\frac{y^2}{b_3^2}=\frac{2z}{c_3}\)

Have a common tangent plane if:
\(\displaystyle \begin{bmatrix}a_1^2 & a_2^2 & a_3^2\\ b_1^2 & b_2^2 & b_3^2\\ c_1 & c_2 & c_3\end{bmatrix}=0\)
Here
\(\displaystyle a_i, b_i, c_i \in \Bbb{R} \left\{0\right\}\)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hello debrajr and welcome to MHB! :D

We ask that our users show their progress (work thus far or thoughts on how to begin) when posting questions. This way our helpers can see where you are stuck or may be going astray and will be able to post the best help possible without potentially making a suggestion which you have already tried, which would waste your time and that of the helper.

Can you post what you have done so far?
 

FAQ: Prove that the paraboloids have a common tangent planes

What is a paraboloid?

A paraboloid is a three-dimensional shape that resembles a bowl or a curved dish. It is formed by rotating a parabola around its axis.

How can you prove that two paraboloids have a common tangent plane?

To prove that two paraboloids have a common tangent plane, you can show that the two paraboloids have the same slope at the point of intersection. This means that the tangent lines at that point are parallel, making them part of the same plane.

Why is it important to prove that paraboloids have a common tangent plane?

Proving that paraboloids have a common tangent plane can help us find the point of tangency between the two surfaces. This is useful in many applications, such as optimizing the shape of a satellite dish or determining the intersection of two curved surfaces in engineering designs.

Are there any special cases where paraboloids do not have a common tangent plane?

Yes, there are special cases where paraboloids do not have a common tangent plane. One example is when the paraboloids have different orientations or curvatures at the point of intersection. In such cases, the tangent lines at the point of intersection will not be parallel, and therefore, there will not be a common tangent plane.

Can the concept of common tangent plane be extended to other shapes besides paraboloids?

Yes, the concept of common tangent plane can be extended to other shapes besides paraboloids. It can be applied to any two surfaces that intersect at a point, as long as the tangent lines at that point are parallel. This can include spheres, cones, and other curved surfaces.

Similar threads

Back
Top