How to convert Parametric equation to Cartesian form

DMEM picture DMEM · Mar 25, 2014 · Viewed 40.7k times · Source

I need to convert a plane's equation from Parametric form to Cartesian form. For example:

(1, 2, -1) + s(1, -2, 3) + t(1, 2, 3)

to:

ax+yb+cz+d=0

So basically, my question is: how do I find the a, b, c and d, and what's the logic behind the conversion.

Answer

MBo picture MBo · Mar 25, 2014

Calculate normal vector to this plane :
N = s x t (vector product of two vectors belonging to plane)
Now you have coefficients a, b, c:

N = (a, b, c)

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then substitute base point (in general - any point in the plane)
(1, 2, -1) to equation ax+yb+cz+d=0

a+2b-c+d=0

and find d