The vector equation of the plane passing through the intersection of the planes r.(i+j+k)=1 and r.(i−2j)=−2, and the point (1, 0, 2) is :
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Solution
Here's a clear, educational, and well-structured solution to the problem:
1. Key Concepts and Formulas
Equation of a Plane Passing Through the Intersection of Two Planes: If the equations of two planes are given in vector form as r⋅n1=d1 and r⋅n2=d2, then the equation of any plane passing through their line of intersection is given by:
(r⋅n1−d1)+λ(r⋅n2−d2)=0
Here, λ is a scalar parameter (an arbitrary constant). This equation represents a family of planes, all sharing the same line of intersection. A specific value of λ defines a unique plane in this family.
Vector Form of a Plane: The general vector equation of a plane is r⋅n=d, where r is the position vector of any point on the plane, n is a normal vector to the plane, and d is a constant.
Dot Product: For two vectors A=Axi+Ayj+Azk and B=Bxi+Byj+Bzk, their dot product is A⋅B=AxBx+AyBy+AzBz.
2. Step-by-Step Solution
Step 1: Identify the Given Planes and the Point
We are given two planes and a point through which the required plane passes.
Plane 1 (P1): r⋅(i+j+k)=1
To use the formula, we rewrite this as r⋅(i+j+k)−1=0.
Here, n1=i+j+k and d1=1.
Plane 2 (P2): r⋅(i−2j)=−2
We rewrite this as r⋅(i−2j)+2=0.
Here, n2=i−2j and d2=−2.
The required plane passes through the point (1,0,2). The position vector of this point is a=i+0j+2k=i+2k.
Step 2: Formulate the Equation of the Family of Planes
Using the key concept for the equation of a plane passing through the intersection of two planes (P1+λP2=0), we write:
[r⋅(i+j+k)−1]+λ[r⋅(i−2j)+2]=0(∗)Explanation: This equation represents all possible planes that contain the line formed by the intersection of P1 and P2. The parameter λ helps us select the specific plane that also satisfies the additional condition (passing through the given point).
Step 3: Use the Given Point to Determine the Value of λ
Since the required plane passes through the point (1,0,2), its position vector a=i+2k must satisfy the equation of the plane. We substitute r=i+2k into equation (∗):
[(i+2k)⋅(i+j+k)−1]+λ[(i+2k)⋅(i−2j)+2]=0Explanation: Any point lying on a plane must satisfy its equation. By substituting the coordinates of the given point, we can solve for the unique value of λ that identifies our specific plane.
Step 4: Calculate Dot Products and Solve for λ
Let's evaluate the dot products:
First term's dot product:
(i+2k)⋅(i+j+k)=(1)(1)+(0)(1)+(2)(1)=1+0+2=3
Second term's dot product:
(i+2k)⋅(i−2j)=(1)(1)+(0)(−2)+(2)(0)=1+0+0=1
Now, substitute these values back into the equation from Step 3:
[3−1]+λ[1+2]=02+λ(3)=03λ=−2λ=−32Explanation: We perform the scalar (dot) products carefully. The dot product of orthogonal unit vectors (e.g., i⋅j) is zero, and that of identical unit vectors (e.g., i⋅i) is one. After computing these, we solve the resulting linear equation for λ.
Step 5: Substitute the Value of λ Back into the Family of Planes Equation
Now that we have found λ=−32, we substitute it back into equation (∗) to get the specific equation of the plane:
[r⋅(i+j+k)−1]+(−32)[r⋅(i−2j)+2]=0Explanation: This step finalizes the equation for the unique plane that satisfies all given conditions.
Step 6: Simplify the Equation into Standard Vector Form
To simplify and remove the fraction, multiply the entire equation by 3:
3[r⋅(i+j+k)−1]−2[r⋅(i−2j)+2]=0
Distribute the constants:
3(r⋅(i+j+k))−3−2(r⋅(i−2j))−4=0
Group the terms involving r and the constant terms:
r⋅[3(i+j+k)−2(i−2j)]−3−4=0
Simplify the normal vector inside the brackets:
3(i+j+k)−2(i−2j)=(3i+3j+3k)+(−2i+4j)=(3−2)i+(3+4)j+3k=i+7j+3k
Simplify the constant term:
−3−4=−7
Substitute these back into the plane equation:
r⋅(i+7j+3k)−7=0
Finally, move the constant term to the right side to get the standard vector form:
r⋅(i+7j+3k)=7Explanation: This involves algebraic manipulation. We use properties of dot products like k(r⋅A)=r⋅(kA) and r⋅A+r⋅B=r⋅(A+B) to combine the normal vectors and simplify the equation to the standard form r⋅n=d.
3. Common Mistakes & Tips
Sign Errors: Pay close attention to signs when rewriting plane equations (e.g., r⋅n=d becomes r⋅n−d=0) and when distributing negative signs.
Dot Product Accuracy: Ensure accurate calculation of dot products, especially when components are zero or negative. Remember (i⋅i=1,i⋅j=0).
Algebraic Simplification: Double-check distribution and combining like terms for both scalar and vector components. A small arithmetic error can lead to an incorrect final answer.
4. Summary
To find the equation of a plane passing through the intersection of two given planes and a specific point, we first form the general equation of the family of planes through their intersection, which involves a scalar parameter λ. Then, we use the coordinates of the given point to substitute into this general equation. This allows us to solve for the unique value of λ. Finally, we substitute this value of λ back into the family equation and simplify it to obtain the required plane's equation in standard vector form. Following these steps, the calculation yields r⋅(i+7j+3k)=7.
5. Final Answer
The vector equation of the plane is r⋅(i+7j+3k)=7.
Comparing this with the given options, it matches option (B).