Find tangent plane when going through two points at the same time

multivariable-calculus

Determine the equations for all planes tangential to the surface

$$x^2 + 2y^2 + 3z^2 = 6$$

and containing the points $(6,0,0)$ and $(0,3,0).$

I know how to find the tangent plane of this when it's only one point. But how do I do if it has to go through two points?

Best Answer

The equation of the tangent plane to the ellipsoid $x^2 + 2y^2 + 3z^2 = 6$ at the point $(x_0,y_0,z_0)$ can be written as $xx_0+2yy_0+3zz_0=6$. Hence it remains to solve the system $$\begin{cases} x_0^2 + 2y_0^2 + 3z_0^2 = 6\\ 6x_0+2\cdot 0y_0+3\cdot 0z_0=6\\ 0x_0+2\cdot 3y_0+3\cdot 0z_0=6 \end{cases}.$$ Can you take it from here?