I found a linear algebra problem asking to determine if different structures form subspaces.
In one of the examples, it gives a parametric equation of a plane.
It has one constant vector followed by the two parameters, something like this:
Plane: $(x,y,z)= (2,3,4) + t_1(1,1,1) + t_2(1,2,3)$
The answer at the back says that this is a subspace.
This equation does satisfy the condition with $t_1=-1$ and $t_2=-1$, to contain the zero vector, which is the first condition of a subspace.
But I know a theorem or corollary that says that planes of the Cartesian form:
$Ax+By+Cz=0$, go through the origin and are subspaces.
So if I convert my above parametric equation to Cartesian form, I have doubt that
it will be this form, due to the constant.
(NOTE: I put one constraint on this problem, you can't use Cross Product to find the
Normal vector.)
So I guess my question is, if a parametric equation of a plane has the constant vector
$(2,3,4)$ does that imply that it has a constant $D$ in the Cartesian form:
$Ax+By+Cz + D =0$. (which means it does not pass through the origin)
But I can find parameters to make the zero vector.
So what is the relationship between $D$ and the constant vector, if there is any.
Best Answer
But the plane does go through the origin! Take $t_1=t_2=-1$. Yes, $D=0$.