# Math Help - sketching planes?

1. ## sketching planes?

Sketch the plane given by 2x+y+3z=6

How is this done?

Note: I have the answer for this and can see it is a traingle shaped guy in a 3d...
I have no clue how to do these without a calculator or answer key in front of me.
Please advise.
Thanks!

2. Originally Posted by orendacl
Sketch the plane given by 2x+y+3z=6

How is this done?

Note: I have the answer for this and can see it is a traingle shaped guy in a 3d...
I have no clue how to do these without a calculator or answer key in front of me.
Please advise.
Thanks!
This is one possible method:

1. Calculate the coordinates of the points of intersection between the plane and the coordinate axes. For instance: The x-axis crosses the plane if y = 0 and z = 0, thus $P_x(3,0,0)$, etc.

2. Draw the 3 axes and the intersection points. You'll get a triangle which defines the plane in 3D. The sides of the triangle are the intersections between the given plane and the coordinate planes.

(Remark: I used isometric paper whose axes include an angle of 120°)