Problem 210
Write the equations of the bisector planes of the dihedral…
Write the equations of the bisector planes of the dihedral angle formed by the planes $x=0$ and $z=0$.
Explanation of Method
The bisector planes of the dihedral angles formed by the planes yOz and xOy.
Step 1: Solution
A bisector plane is the set of points equidistant from the two planes: $\frac{|x|}{1}=\frac{|z|}{1}\ \Longrightarrow\ x=\pm z$.
\[x-z=0\qquad\text{and}\qquad x+z=0\]
Both contain the common line $Oy$, are perpendicular to each other, and make $45^\circ$ with each given plane. For example, $\cos\varphi=\tfrac{|\{1,0,0\}\cdot\{1,0,-1\}|}{\sqrt2}=\tfrac1{\sqrt2}$.
- $x-z=0$ bisects the angles where $x$ and $z$ have the same sign.
- $x+z=0$ bisects the angles where they have opposite signs.
$x-z=0$
$x+z=0$
$45^\circ$
$z=0$
$x=0$
$Oy$
Result
\[\boxed{\,x-z=0\qquad\text{and}\qquad x+z=0\,}\]