Find the reflection of the point (1, 2, –1) in the plane 3x – 5y + 4z = 5.
Let point P = (1, 2, –1) and M be the image of P in the plane 3x – 5y + 4z = 5.
Direction ratios of PM are proportional to 3, –5, 4 as PM 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
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Here, (x1, y1, z1) = (1, 2, –1) and (l, m, n) = (3, –5, 4)
Hence, the equation of PM is
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⇒ x = 3α + 1, y = –5α + 2, z = 4α – 1
Let M = (3α + 1, –5α + 2, 4α – 1).
As M is the image of P in the given plane, the midpoint of PM lies on the plane.
Using the midpoint formula, we have
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This point lies on the given plane, which means this point satisfies the plane equation.
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We have M = (3α + 1, –5α + 2, 4α – 1)
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Thus, the image of (1, 2, –1) in the plane 3x – 5y + 4z = 5 is
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