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If a plane contains a variable point $P$ with position vector ${\bf r}$, and if ${\bf n}$ is a unit vector perpendicular to the plane, then consider the right angled triangle $OPN$, where $N$ is the foot of the perpendicular from the origin $O$ to the plane and $ON=d$ is the perpendicular distance from the origin to the plane. Then $ON = OP \cos \angle PON$ which is given by the scalar product $ {\bf r.n}$ so the equation of the plane is given by ${\bf r.n}= d$.

In Cartesian form ${\bf r}=(x,y,z)$ and ${\bf n} = (a,b,c)$ so ${\bf r.n}= d$ translates to $ax+by+cz=d$.

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Quaternions and Reflections

See how 4 dimensional quaternions involve vectors in 3-space and how the quaternion function F(v) = nvn gives a simple algebraic method of working with reflections in planes in 3-space.

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The NRICH Project aims to enrich the mathematical experiences of all learners. To support this aim, members of the NRICH team work in a wide range of capacities, including providing professional development for teachers wishing to embed rich mathematical tasks into everyday classroom practice.

NRICH is part of the family of activities in the Millennium Mathematics Project.

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