Find the equation of the plane passing through the point (– 1, 3, 2) and perpendicular to each of planes x + 2y + 3x = 5 and 3x + 3y + z = 0.

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 (– 1,3,2), so the equation of plane is


a(x + 1) + b(y – 3) + c(z – 2) = 0


ax + by + cz = 3b + 2c – a …… (1)


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


x + 2y + 3z = 5 and 3x + 3y + z = 0


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 + 3c = 0 …… (b)


3a + 3b + c = 0 …… (c)


Solving (b) and (c) we get,





a = – 7λ, b = 8λ, c = – 3λ


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


(– )x + (8λ)y + (– 3λ)z = 3(8λ) + 2(– 3λ) + 7λ


– 7λx + 8λy – 3λz = 24λ – 6λ + 7λ


– 7λx + 8λy – 3λz = 25λ


Dividing both sides by (– λ) we get


7x – 8y + 3z – 25 = 0


So, the equation of required planes is 7x – 8y + 3z – 25 = 0


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