[Math] Plane – Linear Algebra

linear algebra

  • Background Information: I am studying Linear Algebra, and I want to understand the difference between two equations regarding planes, and when exactly to use each equation in the right place.

  • Question:

    1. What is the difference between $a(x-x_0) + b(y-y_0) + c(z-z_0) = 0$ and $x = x_0 + tv_1 + tv_2$?

    2. How should I know when to use each of them?

Syntax Clarification: $a, b,$ and $c$ are the values of the normal vector to the plane $n = (a, b, c)$, and $v_1$ and $v_2$ are the vectors that are parallel to the plane.

Best Answer

One of those equations is a condition on $x$, $y$ and $z$ that determines whether the triple $(x,y,z)$ is on the plane. The other is an equation that tells you all the points on the plane as $t_1$ and $t_2$ vary.

(I think you have typos in the second one: you want $$ v = v_0 + t_1v_1 + t_2v_2. $$ )

Here's the analog in two dimensions. You can describe the line through $(1,0)$ and $(2,1)$ either as the set of pairs $(x,y)$ that satisfy $$ x - y -1 = 0 $$ or as the set $$ \{ (1,0) + t(1,1) \ | \ t \in \mathbb{R}\}. $$

You use whichever representation helps you solve the particular problem you are trying to solve.

Related Question