Multivariable Calculus · free preview

Equations for Planes and Distance Problems

Planes through a point with a normal vector, general linear equations, planes from three points, and distances from points to planes and lines.

1. A plane is fixed by one point and one normal direction

A plane is fixed by one point and one normal direction

2. Three points determine a plane through two cross products

Three points determine a plane through two cross products

3. Distance from a point to a plane divides by the length of the normal

Distance from a point to a plane divides by the length of the normal

4. Distance from a point to a line uses the cross product

Distance from a point to a line uses the cross product

5. Building a plane from a point and a normal

A plane passes through P0(1,2,3)P_0(1, 2, 3) and has normal vector n=(2,−1,4)\mathbf{n} = (2, -1, 4). Which equation describes the plane?

6. A normal from three points

A plane passes through P(1,0,0)P(1, 0, 0), Q(0,2,0)Q(0, 2, 0) and R(0,0,3)R(0, 0, 3). Which vector is normal to the plane?

7. Distance from a point to a plane

How far is the point Q(3,1,2)Q(3, 1, 2) from the plane 2x−y+4z=122x - y + 4z = 12?

8. Distance between parallel planes

The planes 2x−y+4z=122x - y + 4z = 12 and 2x−y+4z=22x - y + 4z = 2 are parallel. What is the distance between them?

9. Distance from a point to a line

A line passes through (1,1,0)(1, 1, 0) with direction v=(0,1,2)\mathbf{v} = (0, 1, 2), and Q(3,1,−2)Q(3, 1, -2) is off the line. Give the exact distance, written in the form (a*sqrt(b))/c with integers, like 2*sqrt(3)/5.

10. Where a parametrized line meets a plane

A line is parametrized by (x,y,z)=(1,2,0)+t(1,0,1)(x, y, z) = (1, 2, 0) + t(1, 0, 1) and a plane has equation x+y+z=6x + y + z = 6. Give the value of the parameter tt at the point where the line crosses the plane, as a fraction like 3/2.

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