Question 1308

Vectors II: Lines and Planes
2008 Paper 1 Question 11 Variant

Question

The equations of three planes p1,{p_1, } p2,{p_2, } p3{p_3 } are
−7x + 3y + 8z=7,5x +  − 10z=−5,−6x + λy − z=μ, \begin{alignat*}{6} - 7 x & \,+\, & 3 y & \,+\, & 8 z & = 7, \\ 5 x & \,+\, & & \,-\, & 10 z & = - 5, \\ - 6 x & \,+\, & \lambda y & \,-\, & z & = \mu, \end{alignat*}
respectively, where λ{\lambda} and μ{\mu} are constants.
When λ=17{\lambda=17} and μ=44.5,{\mu = 44.5,} find the coordinates of the point at which the three planes meet.
[2]
The planes p1{p_1} and p2{p_2} intersect in a line l.{l.}
(i)
Find a vector equation of l.{l.}
[4]
(ii)
Given that l{l} lies in p3,{p_3,} find λ{\lambda} and μ.{\mu.}
[3]
(iii)
Given instead that l{l} and p3{p_3} have no point in common, what can be said about the values of λ{\lambda} and μ.{\mu.}
[2]
(iv)
Find the cartesian equation of the plane which contains l{l} and the point (1,5,4).{\left( 1, 5, 4 \right).}
[4]

Answer