Worked solution
Construct a line equidistant from two perpendicular planes
A=(0,2,0), B=(1,0,2), and plane π1 is .
(i) Find a vector equation of AB. marks
(ii) Show AB lies in π1. mark
(iii) Plane π2 contains AB and is perpendicular to π1. Show its equation is . marks
(iv) P=(p,0,0) is equidistant from π1,π2. Calculate p. marks
(v) Hence write down a line equidistant from π1,π2 which does not intersect either plane. marks
[2016/MJC/Promo/9]
CJC · Review problems · Question 10
Answer
; π2:; p=1/2; required line .
(i) Parameterise AB using either endpoint
. Thus , or , λ real.
(ii) Method 1: substitute the entire line
, so every point on AB lies in π1.
(ii) Method 2: use a contained point and parallel direction
, so A lies in π1; also . Thus the line is parallel to the plane and shares A with it, proving containment. The source repeats the label Method 1 for this second method.
(iii) Form the required plane normal
Cross AB’s direction with π1’s normal:. Through A, π2:, as required.
(iv) Equate perpendicular distances
. Both normals have magnitude 3. Equal distances require , hence . One branch gives , so p=1/2. The other gives , which has no solution.
(v) Keep a constant distance along a common direction
Take the line through P parallel to AB:, μ real. Its direction is perpendicular to both normals, so each plane-distance is constant. At P both distances equal 1, nonzero; the whole line is therefore equidistant and meets neither plane.
Common mistakes
Equal distances require absolute values. Verify the common distance is nonzero to exclude a line contained in both planes.
Solution notes
All 5 asks, both line representations, both containment methods and both absolute-value branches retained. Source duplicate method numbering is explained. No diagrams.