The figure shows the point P0 and the ridge formed by the two intersecting planes. The shortest distance between P0 and the ridge would be the radius of the sphere that is centered at P0 and to which the ridge is a tangent. Push the play button on figure 1. The animation shows a spherical balloon that expands gradually, until it just touches the ridge.
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Figure 3 shows three vectors originating at P; two of these are the normal vectors to the two planes, and the third is normal to the sphere.
Respond to the following on the worksheet.
Play the animation in figure 3 manually, by moving the slider
gradually to the right. As the figure rotates, you are better able to
observe how the three vectors are oriented relative to one another.
Respond to the following on the worksheet.
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