How can I find the equation of a line perpendicular to a plane in 3D?

  • Thread starter Cpt Qwark
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In summary, to find the equation of a line that passes through a point and is perpendicular to a line defined by two other points in three-dimensional space, you can find the equation of the plane containing all three points and then find the line that passes through the first point and is parallel to the normal of the plane. Alternatively, you can find a normal vector to the plane by using cross-products.
  • #1
Cpt Qwark
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Homework Statement


How would I find the equation of a line which passes through A(x1, y1, z1) and is perpendicular to A(x1, y1, z1) B(x2, y2, z2), C(x3, y3, z3)

Homework Equations


Cartesian form of a line in [tex]\mathbb{R}^3[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


Not sure if this is right but would finding the equation of the plane which contains all three points and then finding the equation of the line that passes through A and that plane be correct?
 
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  • #2
Yes, but your line needs to be [as you say] perpendicular to the plane, which is equivalent to being parallel to the normal to the plane.

If you don't really care about the plane, you have enough information for find a normal-vector to the plane... by using cross-products.
 

Related to How can I find the equation of a line perpendicular to a plane in 3D?

What is the equation of a line in 3D?

The equation of a line in 3D is typically written in the form of ax + by + cz = d, where a, b, and c are the coefficients of the variables x, y, and z, and d is a constant.

How do you find the equation of a line in 3D?

To find the equation of a line in 3D, you need to have at least two points on the line. Then, you can use the slope formula m = (y2 - y1)/(x2 - x1) to find the slope of the line. Next, choose one of the points and plug its coordinates into the equation y - y1 = m(x - x1). Finally, substitute the slope and either of the two points into the equation to find the final equation of the line.

What is the importance of the equation of a line in 3D?

The equation of a line in 3D is important because it allows you to describe and analyze the behavior of lines in three-dimensional space. It is also a fundamental concept in many fields of science, including physics, chemistry, and engineering.

What are the variables in the equation of a line in 3D?

The variables in the equation of a line in 3D are x, y, and z. These represent the coordinates of a point on the line and can be used to graph the line in three-dimensional space.

Can the equation of a line in 3D be written in different forms?

Yes, the equation of a line in 3D can be written in different forms depending on the context and application. Some common forms include parametric form (x = x0 + at, y = y0 + bt, z = z0 + ct), vector form (r = r0 + tv), and symmetric form ((x - x0)/a = (y - y0)/b = (z - z0)/c). Each form has its own advantages and may be more useful in certain situations.

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