Calculus (3rd Edition)

Published by W. H. Freeman
ISBN 10: 1464125260
ISBN 13: 978-1-46412-526-3

Chapter 13 - Vector Geometry - 13.5 Planes in 3-Space - Exercises - Page 685: 61

Answer

An equation of the plane is $ax + by + \frac{1}{4}\left( {3a + b} \right)z = d$

Work Step by Step

By definition, the angle between two planes is the angle between their normal vectors. The normal vector of the plane $3x + y - 4z = 2$ is ${{\bf{n}}_1} = \left( {3,1, - 4} \right)$. Let ${{\bf{n}}_2} = \left( {a,b,c} \right)$ denote the normal vector of the plane required. Since ${{\bf{n}}_2}$ makes an angle $\frac{\pi }{2}$ with ${{\bf{n}}_1}$, their dot product vanishes, that is ${{\bf{n}}_1}\cdot{{\bf{n}}_2} = 0$. So, $\left( {3,1, - 4} \right)\cdot\left( {a,b,c} \right) = 0$ $3a + b - 4c = 0$ $c = \frac{1}{4}\left( {3a + b} \right)$ So, ${{\bf{n}}_2} = \left( {a,b,\frac{1}{4}\left( {3a + b} \right)} \right)$. The equation of the plane required is ${{\bf{n}}_2}\cdot\left( {x,y,z} \right) = d$ $\left( {a,b,\frac{1}{4}\left( {3a + b} \right)} \right)\cdot\left( {x,y,z} \right) = d$ $ax + by + \frac{1}{4}\left( {3a + b} \right)z = d$ Note that there are infinitely many such planes that make an angle of $\frac{\pi }{2}$ with the plane $3x+y-4z=2$, corresponding to the values of $a$, $b$ and $d$.
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.