Find the equation of a plane passing through the point (– 1, – 1, 2) and perpendicular to the planes 3x + 2y – 3z = 1 and 5x – 4y + z = 5.

We know that solution of a plane passing through (x1,y1,z1) is given as -


a(x – x1) + b(y – y1) + c(z – z1) = 0


The required plane passes through (– 1, – 1,2), so the equation of plane is


a(x + 1) + b(y + 1) + c(z – 2) = 0


ax + by + cz = 2c – a – b …… (1)


Now, the required plane is also perpendicular to the planes,


3x + 2y – 3z = 1 and 5x – 4y + z = 5


We know that planes a1x + b1y + c1z + d1 = 0 and a2x + b2y + c2z + d2 = 0 are at right angles if,


a1a2 + b1b2 + c1c2 = 0 …… (a)


Using (a) we have,


3a + 2b – 3c = 0 …… (b)


5a – 4b + c = 0 …… (c)


Solving (b) and (c) we get,





a = – 10λ, b = – 18λ, c = – 22λ


Putting values of a,b,c in equation (1) we get,


(– 10λ)x + (– 18λ)y + (– 22λ)z = 2(– 22 – (– 10λ) – (– 18λ)


– 10λx – 18λy – 22λz = – 44λ + 10λ + 18λ


– 10λx – 18λy – 22λz = – 16λ


Dividing both sides by (– 2λ) we get


5x + 9y + 11z = 8


So, the equation of the required planes is 5x + 9y + 11z = 8


5