Find the equation of plane if it passes through a point (2, 3, - 4) and is perpendicular to the line with direction ratios (2,3, -1) .
2x + 3y - z = 17
Out of all the forms we have seen to write the equation of plane it is wise to use the point normal form here as we know the coordinates of a point and also the direction cosines of the perpendicular (normal). Equation of plane in point normal form is
a(x−x1)+b(y−y1)+c(z−z1)=0
Where a, b, c are the direction ratios of normal and (x1,y1,z1) are the coordinates of the point given.
So the equation will be -
2(x - 2) + 3(y -3) -1(z + 4) = 0
Or 2x + 3y - z = 17