Find the equation of the perpendicular drawn from the point (1,-2,3) to the plane 2x - 3y + 4z +9 = 0. Also find the co-ordinates of the

foot of the perpendicular.

the direction ratios of the line perpendicular to the plane 2x-3y+4z+9=0.....(1) is 2,-3,4
equation of a line passing through the point (1,-2,3) and perpendicular to plane (1) is;
x-12=y+2-3=z-34 ..........(2)
coordinates of any point on the line (2) is given by:
x-12=y+2-3=z-34=rx=2r+1, y=-3r-2,z=4r+3
the foot of the perpendicular is the intersection point of the plane (1) and line (2):
therefore
2*(2r+1)-3*(-3r-2)+4*(4r+3)+9=04r+2+9r+6+16r+12+9=029r+29=0r=-1
thus the coordinates of the foot of perpendicular is (-2+1,3-2,-4+3) i.e. (-1,1,-1)

hope this helps you
 

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