Find the coordinates of the foot of the perpendicular drawn from the origin to the plane 2x – 3y + 4z – 6 = 0.
Let point P = (0, 0, 0) and Q be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from P to the plane 2x – 3y + 4z – 6 = 0.
Direction ratios of PQ are proportional to 2, –3, 4 as PQ is normal to the plane.
Recall the equation of the line passing through (x1, y1, z1) and having direction ratios proportional to l, m, n is given by
Here, (x1, y1, z1) = (0, 0, 0) and (l, m, n) = (2, –3, 4)
Hence, the equation of PQ is
⇒ x = 2α, y = –3α, z = 4α
Let Q = (2α, –3α, 4α).
This point lies on the given plane, which means this point satisfies the plane equation.
⇒ 2(2α) – 3(–3α) + 4(4α) – 6 = 0
⇒ 4α + 9α + 16α – 6 = 0
⇒ 29α = 6
We have Q = (2α, –3α, 4α)
Thus, the required foot of perpendicular is.