7. The equations below define a line L in R3

x + y = 1

x + z = 1

Which of the following equations defines a plane that is perpendicular to L?

 

A. x + y = 1

B. x + z = 1

C. y – z = 0

D. 2x + y + z = 2

E. x – y – z = 0

 

Solution: The answer is E

 

Rewrite the equations that define a line L in R3 in parametric form, as follows:

Better yet, write them in vector form as

Now, this line will be a normal to the required plane. Moreover, the plane
ax + by + cz = d has a normal <a, b, c>. The only plane in the selections above that has a normal <1, -1, -1>. is the one in E.