Vectors:

Determine the value for x such that the points A(-1, 3, 4), B(-2, 3, -1), and C(-5, 6, x) all lie on a plane that contains the origin.

answer: x=-7

How do you solve this? Especially since it says it should contain the origin..

Question

Vectors:

Determine the value for x such that the points A(-1, 3, 4), B(-2, 3, -1), and C(-5, 6, x) all lie on a plane that contains the origin.

answer: x=-7

How do you solve this? Especially since it says it should contain the origin..

anonymous · Answer

There is some equation in three variables that they all fit: 
Aw + By + Cz = D 
Since it includes the origin, then D = 0

anonymous · Answer

sorry, A, B, and C have nothing to do with the point names in your problem statement!

anonymous · Answer

-1w +3y +4z = 0
-2w + 3y -1z = 0
-5w +6y -xz = 0
hmm... four vars and three eq's...

he66666 · Answer

I don't think our teacher does it think way. She uses linear combinations to solve these questions :S 
so (-5, 6, x) = a(-1, 3, 4) + b(-2, 3, -1)

he66666 · Answer

this*