Basis for Plane Perpendicular to a Line

In summary, to find a basis for the plane perpendicular to a line in R^3 spanned by v1=(1,1,1), you can cross v1 with another vector not parallel to it to get a vector v2 perpendicular to v1. You can also solve the equation 1x + 1y + 1z = 0 to get a two-dimensional solution from which you can read off two basis vectors. This will result in a basis (v1, v2, v3) for R^3.
  • #1
veritaserum20
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Homework Statement


Let L be the line in R^3 spanned by v1=(1,1,1)

Find a basis (v2,v3) for the plane perpendicular to L, and verify that B=(v1,v2,v3) is a basis for R^3.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I know that if two vectors are perpendicular or orthogonal that their dot product is equal to zero. However, I am not sure how to find a plane that is perpendicular to a vector.
 
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  • #2
Hint: If you cross v1 with anything not parallel to it you will get a vector v2 perpendicular to v1. What direction will v2 cross v1 have?
 
  • #3
You could also solve the equation

[tex]\begin{pmatrix}1 & 1 & 1\end{pmatrix}\begin{pmatrix}x \\ y \\ z\end{pmatrix} = 0[/tex]

You'll get a two-dimensional solution from which you can read off two basis vectors.
 

Related to Basis for Plane Perpendicular to a Line

1. What is the basis for a plane perpendicular to a line?

The basis for a plane perpendicular to a line is the fact that a plane and a line are considered perpendicular if they intersect at a 90-degree angle. This means that the direction of the plane's normal vector is perpendicular to the direction of the line.

2. How do you find the normal vector of a plane perpendicular to a line?

To find the normal vector of a plane perpendicular to a line, you can use the cross product of any two non-parallel vectors that lie on the plane. Another method is to use the direction vector of the line and any other vector that is perpendicular to it.

3. Can a plane be perpendicular to more than one line?

Yes, a plane can be perpendicular to more than one line. This occurs when the lines are parallel to each other and lie on the same plane. In this case, the normal vector of the plane will be perpendicular to both lines.

4. Is a plane perpendicular to a line always parallel to another line?

No, a plane perpendicular to a line is not always parallel to another line. The only case where this is true is when the two lines are parallel to each other. In all other cases, the plane and the line will intersect at a 90-degree angle, but they will not be parallel.

5. How can you use the concept of a plane perpendicular to a line in real life?

The concept of a plane perpendicular to a line is used in many real-life applications, such as architecture and engineering. It is used to create right angles and ensure structural stability in buildings and other structures. It is also used in the design of roads, bridges, and other transportation systems to ensure safe and efficient travel.

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