- #1
thornear
- 7
- 0
Homework Statement
The vector from the origin, O, to point P has magnitude 60 m and has equal direction angles with the x, y, and z axes. Find the shortest distance from point P to the plane containing points A, B, and C.
A (12,0,0)
B (0,16,0)
C (0,0,9)
Homework Equations
N/A
The Attempt at a Solution
My initial thoughts were that the angle w/ respect to the x, y, and z axes must each be 45 degrees (in order to have equal direction angles).I tried solving by taking point P to have coordinates (42.43, 42.43, 42.43) because 60*cos(45) and 60*sin(45) equal 42.43 then taking x = 42.43t, y = 42.43t, and z = 42.43t as parametric equations and the equation of the plane as 12x+16y+9z=144 but t came out unfathomably low (around 3.5).
I don't think this is that difficult but I find myself confused.
Edit: I apologize if this doesn't warrant placement in the physics sub-forum, it's a review question I have for Statics so I had it in my head it's physics. I realize it may be more geometry than anything else.