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Mathematics20273 marksShort answerThree-dimensional GeometryTool: 3D geometry and vectors calculator
Solve the following.
A vector n⃗ of magnitude 8 units is inclined to x-axis at 45°, y-axis at 60° and at an acute angle…
A vector $\vec{n}$ of magnitude 8 units is inclined to x-axis at $45^\circ$, y-axis at $60^\circ$ and at an acute angle with z-axis. A plane through the point $(\sqrt{2}, -1, 1)$ is normal to $\vec{n}$.
Find the equation of the plane in vector form.
Answer
Answer
Official answer keyDirection cosines of $\vec{n}$: $l = \cos 45^\circ = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$, $m = \cos 60^\circ = \frac{1}{2}$, $n = \cos\gamma$. From $l^2 + m^2 + n^2 = 1$: $n^2 = \frac{1}{4}$, and since $\gamma$ is acute, $n = \frac{1}{2}$.
$\vec{n} = 8\left(\frac{\hat{i}}{\sqrt{2}} + \frac{\hat{j}}{2} + \frac{\hat{k}}{2}\right) = 4\sqrt{2}\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}$.
The plane passes through $\vec{a} = \sqrt{2}\hat{i} - \hat{j} + \hat{k}$, so $(\vec{r} - \vec{a})\cdot\vec{n} = 0$, giving $\vec{r}\cdot\left(4\sqrt{2}\hat{i} + 4\hat{j} + 4\hat{k}\right) = 8$.
Equation of the plane: $\vec{r}\cdot\left(\sqrt{2}\hat{i} + \hat{j} + \hat{k}\right) = 2$