Equations of Planes

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The Vector equation of a plane

To find the vector equation of a
plane a point on the plane and two
different direction vectors are
required. The equation is defined
as:
where a is the point on the plane and
b and c are the vectors.

This equation can then be written as:

The Cartesian equation of a plane

The cartesian equation of the plane is easier to use. The equation is
defined as:

One of the advantages to writing the equation in cartesian form is

that we can easily find the normal (perpendicular) vector to the
plane. It will be:

A proof of this is shown

next.

The Cartesian equation of a plane and its

normal

Look at the diagram. It shows a plane

with the vector AB and a normal to
the plane, n.
AB is perpendicular to n, so:

So the vector n passes through these two points on the plane. This
can be applied to any other point on the plane.

Finding the cartesian equation of the plane - 1

Method 1: Given a point on the plane and the
planes normal.
Find the cartesian equation of the plane containing the point
(2,3,-1) and with
normal vector

Cartesian equation is
ax+by+cz=d
The normal to the plane is

Equation is 5x-y+2z=d
Substitute the point in to find d:

5xy+2z=5

5(2)-(3)+2(-1)=5

Finding the cartesian equation of the plane - 2

Method 2: Given 3 points on a
plane.
Find the cartesian equation of
The cross product:
the plane containing the
points A(2,3,-1), B(4,0,5), and
C(5,2,3).
Remember the
work on the
cross product:

Find two vectors, in this case AB

and AC, then calculate the cross
product. This will give us the
normal vector to the plane.

Normal vector to plane will be

.
Plane has the equation
-6x+10y+7z=d.
Substitute the point in to
find d:
-6(2)+10(3)+7(-1)=11

6x+10y+7z=11