Line–plane intersection
The cutting-plane method, step by step – the first real positional problem.
Orbit the space
Theory
You cannot simply “see” where a line pierces a plane on the drawing – both have views, but the piercing point does not fall out of them directly. Hence the cutting-plane method.
The idea is simple: through the line p we pass a helper plane – usually a projecting plane perpendicular to π₁, because then its plan collapses onto p₁. This covering plane cuts the given plane ρ in a line m.
Now p and m lie in one plane, so they meet – and their intersection R is both on p and in ρ. That is exactly the piercing point. Check: R₁ must lie on p₁, R₂ on p₂, and both on a shared ordinate.
Step-by-step construction
Practice
Build the construction yourself
What is the next step?
1 / 5Choose the step that comes next. The drawing only advances on a correct choice.
Check your understanding
What is the covering (helper) plane for?
Why is the projecting plane of p chosen as the covering plane?
How do you check that the piercing point R is right?
Exercises for this lesson
Practise in the Sandbox or the 3D Lab – your solution is checked automatically.
Line meets plane
Level 3SandboxPositionalLine and triangle, visibility
Level 3SandboxPositionalThe covering line (classical)
Level 3SandboxPositionalclassicalIntersection of two planes
Level 3SandboxPositionalIntersection from the traces
Level 3SandboxPositionalclassicalParallel to a plane and to π₁
Level 3SandboxPositionalNormal plane and its meet
Level 3SandboxPositionalMeeting a projecting plane
Level 3SandboxPositionalLine meets plane
Level 33D LabTwo intersecting triangles
Level 5SandboxPositionalTransversal through a point
Level 5SandboxPositional
Downloadable material
A PDF for this lesson is in preparation.
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