9 PLANE

PMAT 32332

UPEKSHA PERERA
9.1 Plane
• A plane is a geometric object having two dimensions. The equation of a plane
can be expressed in different forms depending upon what is known about the
plane.

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 9.2 General equation of first degree

The most general equation of the first degree in 𝑥, 𝑦, 𝑧 is of the form

𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0
where 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐, 𝑑 are constants and 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are not all zero represents a plane.
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2 ≠ 0

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 9.3 Plane equations
• 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 is known as the general equation of a plane.
• It can be written as
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
𝑥+ 𝑦+ 𝑧+1=0.
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑
Therefore, there are three arbitrary constants in the general equation of a plane.

• 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 = 0 represents a plane passing through the origin.

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• 𝑎 𝑥 − 𝑥1 + 𝑏 𝑦 − 𝑦1 + 𝑐 𝑧 − 𝑧1 = 0 represents a plane passing through 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 .

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 9.3.1 Equation of a Plane in the Intercept Form

• Equation of a plane which meets the co-ordinate axes at 𝛼, 0,0 , 0, 𝛽, 0 , 0,0, 𝛾 is

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
+ + =1.
𝛼 𝛽 𝛾

• It is known as the equation of a plane in the intercept form, 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 are the intercepts made by
the plane on the 𝑥, 𝑦 and 𝑧 axis, respectively.

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 Example 01:

• Find the equation of the plane which makes intercepts 2,3, −4 on the axis.

• Solution:

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
• The equation of the plane is + − = 1.
2 3 4

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 Example 02:

• Find the intercepts made by the plane 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 18 = 0 on the axes.

• Solution:

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧
• The equation of the plane can be written as + + = 1.
18 −9 6

• Therefore on the x,y and z axes are 18,-9,6 respectively.

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9.3.2 Equation of a Plane Passing through Three Points
Equation of a plane passing through 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 , 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , 𝑧2 and 𝑥3 , 𝑦3 , 𝑧3 is

𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 1
𝑥1 𝑦1 𝑧1 1
=0
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑧2 1
𝑥3 𝑦3 𝑧3 1

The necessary and sufficient condition that four points 𝑥𝑖 , 𝑦𝑖 , 𝑧𝑖 , 𝑖 = 1,2,3,4 are coplanar is
𝑥1 𝑦1 𝑧1 1
𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑧2 1
=0
𝑥3 𝑦3 𝑧3 1
𝑥4 𝑦4 𝑧4 1
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 Example 03:
Find the equation of the plane passing through 0,2,4 , 3,1,1 and 2,0, −1 .
Solution:
The equation of the plane is
𝑥 𝑦 𝑧 1
0 2 4 1
= 0.
3 1 1 1
2 0 −1 1
2 4 1 0 4 1 0 2 1 0 2 4
𝑥 1 1 1 −𝑦 3 1 1 +𝑧 3 1 1 − 3 1 1 =0
0 −1 1 2 −1 1 2 0 1 2 0 −1
𝑥 − 9𝑦 + 4𝑧 + 2 = 0 .
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 9.3.3 Equation of the Plane in the Normal Form
• Equation of the plane with direction cosines 𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 and 𝑝 is the distance from the origin is
𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 = 𝑝

𝑝 = perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane . It is always positive.

𝑙, 𝑚, 𝑛 are the direction cosines of the normal to the plane.

• If the normal makes angles 𝛼, 𝛽, 𝛾 with the co-ordinate axes then the equation to the plane is
𝑥 cos 𝛼 + 𝑦 cos 𝛽 + 𝑧 cos 𝛾 = 𝑝

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9.3.3.1 Reduction of 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 in the Normal Form
The normal form of the general equation is

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑑
𝑥+ 𝑦+ 𝑧=∓
𝑎2 + 𝑏2 + 𝑐2 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 + 𝑐2 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 + 𝑐2 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2

according as 𝑑 is positive or negative. https://www.desmos.com/3d/mpzjsb56ep

𝑑
• Perpendicular distance from the origin to 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 is ± according as 𝑑 is positive or negative.
𝑎2 +𝑏2 +𝑐 2

• The direction cosines of the normal to the plane 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 are

𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
∓ , ,
𝑎2 + 𝑏2 + 𝑐2 𝑎2 + 𝑏2 + 𝑐2 𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2
according as 𝑑 is positive or negative. 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 are the direction ratios of the normal to the plane.

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 Example 04
• Express the equation of the plane 2𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 3𝑧 + 5 = 0 in the normal form and hence obtain
the perpendicular distance from the origin in upon the plane.

• Solution:

• Here 22 + 62 + −3 2 = 7 and the constant term is 5.

• Dividing each term of the given equation by −7 , the required normal form is
2 6 3 5
− 𝑥− 𝑦+ 𝑧=
7 7 7 7
5
• Perpendicular distance from the origin is .
7
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Example 05
Find the equation of the plane through the point 1,2, −3 and normal to the
line joining the points −1,3,4 and 5,2, −1 .

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Deductions
• Equations of the Co-ordinate Planes

• The 𝑋𝑂𝑌 planes passes through the origin and 𝑧 −axis normal to the plane. The direction
cosines of 𝑧 −axis are 0,0,1. Hence the equation of the 𝑋𝑂𝑌 plane is 𝑧 = 0.
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• Similarly, the equations of 𝑌𝑂𝑍 and 𝑍𝑂𝑋 planes are 𝑥 = 0 and 𝑦 = 0.

• Equations of Planes Parallel to the axes

• If a plane is parallel to 𝑧 −axis , then the normal to the plane is perpendicular to 𝑧 −axis.
Therefore, the 𝑧 −direction cosine of this normal is zero. Hence the equation of this
plane is 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑑 = 0.

• Similarly, the equations of the planes parallel to 𝑥 and 𝑦 axes are 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 and
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 Example 06
Find the equations of three planes through the points (3,1,1), (1, −2,3) parallel to the co-ordinate
axes.
(i) Let the given equation of the plane parallel to x-axis is 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0. If it passes through given points, then we have
𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0 and −2𝑏 + 3𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0.
2 3
From these relations, we get 𝑏 = − 𝑑 and 𝑐 = − 𝑑.
5 5

Therefore, the required equation is 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 5 = 0.

(ii) Let the given equation of the plane parallel to y-axis is 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0. If it passes through given points, then we have
3𝑎 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0 and 𝑎 + 3𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0.
1 1
From these relations, we get 𝑎 = − 𝑑 and 𝑐 = − 𝑑.
4 4

Therefore, the required equation is 𝑥 + 𝑧 − 4 = 0.

(iii) Let the given equation of the plane parallel to z-axis is 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑑 = 0. If it passes through given points, then we have
3𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0 and 𝑎 + 3𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0.
3 2
From these relations, we get 𝑎 = − 𝑑 and 𝑐 = 𝑑.
7 7

Therefore, the required equation is 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 7 = 0.

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9.4 Two Sides of a Plane
The two points 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 and 𝑥2 , 𝑦2 , 𝑧2 lie on the same or different sides of the plane
according as the expressions

𝑎𝑥1 + 𝑏𝑦1 + 𝑐𝑧1 + 𝑑 and 𝑎𝑥2 + 𝑏𝑦2 + 𝑐𝑧2 + 𝑑

are of the same or different signs. https://www.desmos.com/3d/ayy9cdceaa

If 𝑑 is positive, the point 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 is

• on the origin side of the plane, if 𝑎𝑥1 + 𝑏𝑦1 + 𝑐𝑧1 + 𝑑 is positive and
• on the non-origin side of the plane, if 𝑎𝑥1 + 𝑏𝑦1 + 𝑐𝑧1 + 𝑑 is negative.

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Example 07
Show that the points 2,3, −5 and 3,4,7 lie on the opposite sides of the
plane 𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 9.

Solution:
Perpendicular distances of the plane from the points 2,3, −5 and 3,4,7 are
Solution:
2+2∙3−2∙ −5 −9 9 3+2∙4−2∙7−9 −12
The equation of a =
plane = 3
through theand
line of intersection =
of the = −4.
12 +22 +22 3 12 +22 +22 3 given planes can be
written
Since theseasare of opposite signs the points lie on the opposite sides of the plane.
𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 4 + 𝜆 2𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 + 2 = 0
Or 1 + 2𝜆 𝑥 + 2 + 𝜆 𝑦 + 3 + 𝜆 𝑧 + 2𝜆 − 4 = 0, where 𝜆 is an arbitrary
constant.
Since it is perpendicular to 𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1 = 0,
2
1 + 2𝜆 ∙ 1 + 2 + 𝜆 ∙ 2 + 3 + 𝜆 ∙ −1 = 0 or 𝜆 = − 3 .
The required equation is 𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 7𝑧 + 16 = 0.
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9.5 Perpendicular Distance of a Point from a Plane
Perpendicular distance from the point 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 to the plane 𝑙𝑥 + 𝑚𝑦 + 𝑛𝑧 = 𝑝 is
𝑙𝑥1 + 𝑚𝑦1 + 𝑛𝑧1 − 𝑝

Let 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 be the equation of the plane and 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 be a given point.

The required distance is

𝑎𝑥1 + 𝑏𝑦1 + 𝑐𝑧1 + 𝑑
±
𝑎2 + 𝑏 2 + 𝑐 2
according as 𝑑 is positive or negative.

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 Example 08
Find the distances of 2,3,4 from the planes 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 5𝑧 + 7 = 0 and 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 5𝑧 − 8 = 0.

Solution:

The distance of 2,3,4 from 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 5𝑧 + 7 = 0 is

3∙2+4∙3+5∙4+7 45 9
= = =6.3639.
32 +4 2 +52 50 2

The distance of 2,3,4 from 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 5𝑧 − 8 = 0 is

2∙2−3∙3+5∙4−8 7
= .
22 +32 +52 38

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 9.6 Angle between Two Planes
• Angle between two planes is defined as the angle between the normal to the planes drawn
through a point.

• If 𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 𝑧 + 𝑑1 = 0 and 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 𝑧 + 𝑑2 = 0 be the two planes and if 𝜃 is the

angle between them, then
𝑎1 𝑎2 + 𝑏1 𝑏2 + 𝑐1 𝑐2
cos 𝜃 =
𝑎12 + 𝑏12 + 𝑐12 𝑎22 + 𝑏22 + 𝑐22

• Condition for perpendicular planes is 𝑎1 𝑎2 + 𝑏1 𝑏2 + 𝑐1 𝑐2 = 0.

𝑎1 𝑏1 𝑐1
• Condition for parallel planes is = =
𝑎2 𝑏2 𝑐2

• 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 = 0 is parallel to 𝑎𝑥 + 𝑏𝑦 + 𝑐𝑧 + 𝑑 ′ = 0.
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 Example 09
Find the angle between the planes
2𝑥 − 𝑦 + 3𝑧 + 7 = 0

and
𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 3𝑧 + 8 = 0

Solution:

2∙1+ −1 ∙ −2 +3∙ −3 5
Angle between the planes = cos −1 = cos −1 − =
22 + −1 2 +32 12 + −2 2+ −3 2 14

cos −1 (0.357).

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9.7 Planes Bisecting the Angle between Two Planes
• Let the equations of the planes be

𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 𝑧 + 𝑑1 = 0

and
𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 𝑧 + 𝑑2 = 0

• The equations of the two bisecting planes are

𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 𝑧 + 𝑑1 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 𝑧 + 𝑑2
=±
𝑎12 + 𝑏12 + 𝑐12 𝑎22 + 𝑏22 + 𝑐22

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 Example 10
Find the equation of the planes which bisects the angles between the planes 2𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2𝑧 = 4
and 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 6𝑧 + 2 = 0.

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9.8 System of Planes
The equation

𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 𝑧 + 𝑑1 + 𝜆 𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 𝑧 + 𝑑2 = 0

represents the system of planes through the line of intersection of the planes

𝑎1 𝑥 + 𝑏1 𝑦 + 𝑐1 𝑧 + 𝑑1 = 0

𝑎2 𝑥 + 𝑏2 𝑦 + 𝑐2 𝑧 + 𝑑2 = 0

𝜆 being the parameter.

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Example 11
Find the equation of the plane passing through the point −1,0,1 and the line of intersection
of the planes 4𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 1 = 0 and 𝑦 − 4𝑧 + 13 = 0.

The equation of a plane passing through the line of intersection of the two planes can
be written as 4𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 1 + 𝜆 𝑦 − 4𝑧 + 13 = 0, where 𝜆 is a constant.
1
As it passes through −1,0,1 , 4 −1 − 3 ∙ 0 + 1 + 𝜆 0 − 4 ∙ 1 + 13 = 0 or 𝜆 = 3 .
The required equation is
1
4𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 1 + 3 𝑦 − 4𝑧 + 13 = 0
Or 12𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 4𝑧 + 16 = 0,
Or 3𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 4 = 0.

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Example 12
Find the equation of the plane which is perpendicular to the plane
𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1 = 0 and which contains the line of intersection of the
planes 𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 4 = 0 and 2𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 + 2 = 0.
Solution:
The equation of a plane through the line of intersection of the given planes can be
written as
𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 4 + 𝜆 2𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 + 2 = 0
Or 1 + 2𝜆 𝑥 + 2 + 𝜆 𝑦 + 3 + 𝜆 𝑧 + 2𝜆 − 4 = 0, where 𝜆 is an arbitrary
constant.
Since it is perpendicular to 𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1 = 0,
2
1 + 2𝜆 ∙ 1 + 2 + 𝜆 ∙ 2 + 3 + 𝜆 ∙ −1 = 0 or 𝜆 = − 3 .
The required equation is 𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 7𝑧 + 16 = 0.
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Example 13
Find the equation of the plane passing through the point 2,5, −8
and perpendicular to each of the planes 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 4𝑧 + 1 = 0 and
4𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2𝑧 + 6 = 0.
Solution:
Solution:
LetThe
theequation
equationof through
a plane 2,5, −8 be
through the𝑎line𝑥 −of2intersection
+ 𝑏 𝑦 − 5 of +the
𝑐 𝑧given
+ 8 planes
= 0. can be
Since it is perpendicular
written as to each of the given planes, we have
2𝑎𝑥−+3𝑏 2𝑦++4𝑐3𝑧=−04and+ 𝜆 2𝑥 +4𝑎𝑦+ + 𝑧𝑏 +
− 22𝑐 ==00.
𝑎 𝑏 𝑐 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
ByOr
cross-multiplication,
1 + 2𝜆 𝑥 + 22=+20 𝜆=𝑦+ 3i.e.
+ 𝜆 =
𝑧 + =
2𝜆 − .4 = 0, where 𝜆 is an arbitrary
14 1 10 07
constant.
∴ the equation of the plane is
1 𝑥Since
− 2 it+is10perpendicular
𝑦 − 5 + 7 𝑧to+𝑥8+ = 2𝑦0− or 𝑧 +𝑥1+=10𝑦 0, + 7𝑧 + 4 = 0.
2
1 + 2𝜆 ∙ 1 + 2 + 𝜆 ∙ 2 + 3 + 𝜆 ∙ −1 = 0 or 𝜆 = − 3 .
The required equation is 𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 7𝑧 + 16 = 0.
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Example 14
Find the equation of the plane which bisects the line joining the points 1,2,3
and 3,4,5 at right angles and show that it makes equal intercepts on the
axes. Solution:
The direction ratios of the line are 2,2,2.
Solution:
The equation of a plane through 2,3,4 can be written as
The equation of a plane through the line of intersection of the given planes can be
𝑎 𝑥 − 2 + 𝑏 𝑦 − 3 + 𝑐 𝑧 − 4 = 0.
written as 𝑎 𝑏 𝑐
If it𝑥is+perpendicular to the line of direction
2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 4 + 𝜆 2𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 + 2 = 0 ratios 2,2,2 , then = = .
2 2 2
∴ theOr equation 1+of2𝜆
the𝑥plane
+ 2 is+ 𝑥𝜆 +
𝑦𝑦++3𝑧+=𝜆9.𝑧 + 2𝜆 − 4 = 0, where 𝜆 is an arbitrary
Obviously,
constant. the plane makes equal intercepts on the axes and each of them is
equal to it
Since 9.is perpendicular to 𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1 = 0,
2
1 + 2𝜆 ∙ 1 + 2 + 𝜆 ∙ 2 + 3 + 𝜆 ∙ −1 = 0 or 𝜆 = − 3 .
The required equation is 𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 7𝑧 + 16 = 0.
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Example 15
The plane 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 4 = 0 is rotated through a right angle about its line of
intersection with the plane 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 4𝑧 − 5 = 0. Find the equation of the
plane in its new position.
Solution:
The plane 𝑥 − 2𝑦 +Solution:
3𝑧 − 4 = 0 when rotated through a right angle about the line of intersection with 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 4𝑧 − 5 = 0
The equation of atoplane
is the plane which is perpendicular through
the plane the line
through theof intersection
line of theofgiven
of intersection planes
(1) and (2). can be
The equation of thewritten as
plane through the line of intersection of (1) and (2) is
𝑥 + 2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − 4 + 𝜆 𝑥2𝑥 −+ 2𝑦𝑦 +
+3𝑧
𝑧 +−24 + = 𝜆0 2𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 4𝑧 − 5 = 0
Or 1 + 2𝜆 𝑥 + 𝑦 −2 Or+ 3𝜆 +1 3 +−2𝜆4𝜆𝑥 𝑧++2 −4+ 𝜆−𝑦5𝜆+ 3=+0.𝜆 𝑧 + 2𝜆 − 4 = 0, where 𝜆 is an arbitrary
constant. 7
Since it is perpendicular to (1), 1 + 2𝜆 − 2 −2 + 3𝜆 + 3 3 − 4𝜆 = 0 i.e 𝜆 = 8.
Since it is perpendicular to 𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 𝑧 + 1 = 0,
Therefore, the required equation is 2
7
1 +21
2𝜆 ∙ 1 + 2 + 𝜆7
∙ 2 + 3 + 𝜆
35
∙ −1 = 0 or 𝜆 = − .
3
1+4 𝑥+ −2 𝑦+
The 8required 3 − 2 is
equation 𝑧− 4 𝑥+− 4𝑦 = 0 or 22𝑥 + 5𝑦 − 4𝑧 − 67 = 0.
8 − 7𝑧 + 16 = 0.

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Example 16
The sum of the squares of the distances of a point from the plane
𝑥 + 𝑦 + 𝑧 = 0 and 𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 𝑧 = 0 is equal to the square of the
distance from the plane 𝑥 − 𝑧 = 0. Find the locus of the point.
Solution:
Solution:
The planes areof𝑥a+plane
The equation 𝑦 + 𝑧through
= 0, 𝑥 − 2𝑦line
the 0 and 𝑥 − 𝑧 of
+ 𝑧of=intersection = the
0. given planes can be
Let the point
written as be 𝑥1 , 𝑦1 , 𝑧1 .
The
𝑥 + distances
2𝑦 + 3𝑧 − of
4 the
+ 𝜆 planes
2𝑥 + 𝑦 from
+ 𝑧 +this
2 point
= 0 are
𝑥1 + 𝑦1 +𝑧1 𝑥1 −2𝑦1 +𝑧1 𝑥1 −𝑧1
,
Or1+1+1 1 +1+4+1 and
2𝜆 𝑥 + 2 +1+1 𝜆 𝑦.+ 3 + 𝜆 𝑧 + 2𝜆 − 4 = 0, where 𝜆 is an arbitrary
constant.
By the given conditions, we have
Since
𝑥1 + 𝑦1it+𝑧is
1 perpendicular
2 𝑥1 −2𝑦1 +𝑧to
1 𝑥 + 2𝑦
2 −1𝑧 2+ 1 = 0,2
𝑥1 −𝑧
+ = or 𝑦1 + 2𝑧1 𝑥22= 0.
1+ 1+1+1
2𝜆 ∙ 1 + 2 + 1+4+1 𝜆 ∙ 2 + 32+ 𝜆1+1 ∙ −1 = 0 or 𝜆 = − 3 .
Hence the required locus is 𝑦 + 2𝑧𝑥 = 0.
The required equation is 𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 7𝑧 + 16 = 0.
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