Math Help - Calc III Vector Problems

1. Calc III Vector Problems

Determine an equation of the plane containing the following points: (2,0,2), (4,3,1), and (0,1,3).

Do I set up a cross-product?

2. Originally Posted by riverjib
Determine an equation of the plane containing the following points: (2,0,2), (4,3,1), and (0,1,3).

Do I set up a cross-product?

RonL

3. Hello, riverjib!

Determine an equation of the plane containing the points: . $A(2,0,2),\;B(4,3,1),\;C(0,1,3)$
Yes, we need a cross-product . . . but are you just guessing?
. . Do you have any idea why?

To write the equation of a plane, we need a point on the plane, $(x_1,y_1,z_1)$
. . (we have 3 to choose from), and the normal vector of the plane, $\vec n \,=\,\langle a,b,c\rangle$.
Then substitute into: . $a(x-x_1) + b(y - y_1) + c(z-z_1) \:=\:0$

We have: . $AB \:=\:\langle2,3,-1\rangle,\;\;AC \:=\:\langle -2,1,1\rangle$

. . Then: . $\vec n \;=\;\begin{vmatrix}i & j & k \\ 2 & 3 & \text{-}1 \\ \text{-}2 & 1 & 1 \end{vmatrix} \;=\;i(3+1) -j(2-2) + k(2+6) \;=\;4i + 8k$

Hence: . $\vec n \;=\;\langle4,0,8\rangle \;=\;\langle1,0,2\rangle$

Can you finish the problem now?