Find the equation of the plane passing through the origin and perpendicular to each of the planes x + 2y – z = 1 and 3x – 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 (0,0,0), so the equation of plane is


a(x – 0) + b(y – 0) + c(z – 0) = 0


ax + by + cz = 0 …… (1)


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


x + 2y – z = 1 and 3x – 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,


a + 2b – c = 0 …… (b)


3a – 4b + c = 0 …… (c)


Solving (b) and (c) we get,





a = – 2λ, b = – 4λ, c = – 10λ


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


(– )x + (– 4λ)y + (– 10λ)z = 0


Dividing both sides by (– 2λ) we get


x + 2y + 5z = 0


So, the equation of the required planes is x + 2y + 5z = 0


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