Calculus, 10th Edition (Anton)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 0-47064-772-8
ISBN 13: 978-0-47064-772-1

Chapter 11 - Three-Dimensional Space; Vectors - 11.6 Planes in 3-Space - Exercises Set 11.6 - Page 820: 33

Answer

$x+2y+4z = \frac{29}{2}$.

Work Step by Step

Let $\overrightarrow{PQ}=\langle 3,1,5\rangle - \langle 2,-1,1\rangle = \langle 1,2,4\rangle$ be a normal vector to the plane passing through points $P(2,-1,1)$ and $Q(3,1,5)$. Let $\vec{n}=\langle 1,2,4\rangle$ be the normal vector to the plane, and let $\vec{r}_0=\left(\frac{5}{2},0,3\right)$ be the midpoint of $P$ and $Q$. Then, the equation of the plane can be written in point-normal form as: \begin{align*} \vec{n}\cdot(\vec{r}-\vec{r}_0) &= 0 \\ \langle 1,2,4\rangle \cdot \left(\langle x,y,z\rangle - \left\langle \frac{5}{2},0,3\right\rangle\right) &= 0 \\ \left(x-\frac{5}{2}\right)+2y+4\left(z-3\right) &= 0 \\ x+2y+4z &= \frac{29}{2}. \end{align*} Therefore, the equation of the plane whose points are equidistant from $P$ and $Q$ is $x+2y+4z = \frac{29}{2}$.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.