Point-Plane Relationships

Point-Plane Relationships

For \(\pi:(\mathbf r-\mathbf a)\cdot\mathbf n=0\), substitute \(\mathbf r=\mathbf p\) to test whether \(P\) lies on the plane.

Foot on a plane

Foot and distance

\[\mathbf n_P=\mathbf p-\lambda\mathbf n,\qquad (\mathbf n_P-\mathbf a)\cdot\mathbf n=0,\qquad \operatorname{dist}(P,\pi)=\frac{|(\mathbf p-\mathbf a)\cdot\mathbf n|}{|\mathbf n|}.\]

For \(ax+by+cz=d\), this becomes \(\displaystyle\frac{|ap_1+bp_2+cp_3-d|}{\sqrt{a^2+b^2+c^2}}\).

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