How do I find the angle between a vector and a plane in cartesian form?

First of all, you should find the angle between the vector and the normal of the plane using the rule cosX=a.b/modamodb. The normal can be found easily from the cartesian equation of the plane. For example, the cartesian plane 2x+5y-3z=6 has normal (2  5  -3). 

The angle that you find using this method is the angle between the vector and the normal. Since we wish to find the angle between the vector and the plane, we must therefore subtract our result from 90 degrees to find the correct one.

ES
Answered by Esme S. Maths tutor

4311 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Integrate x^2 + 2x + 5x^-1


If I have a ball thrown horizontally with a speed u off a building of height h , how do I calculate its speed when it hits the ground?


The equation of a line is y=e(^2x)-9 and the line has points at (0,a) and (b,0). Find the values of a and b.


How can I find all the solutions to cos(3x) = sqrt(2)/2 for 0<=x<=2pi ?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning