b0 = 5, b1 = 2, b2 = 7 a. determine whether the plane slopes upward, slopes downward, or is horizontal in the x2 axis direction, when x1 is fixed at a specified value. b. find the equation of the plane.

a.

The y-intercept and partial slopes of the plane are respectively b0=5, b1=2, b2=7.

Direction of the slope of a plane:

If the sign of a partial slope is positive, the plane slopes upward with respect to that axis; if the sign of a partial slope is negative, the plane slopes upward with respect to that axis; if the sign of a partial slope is zero, the plane remains horizontal with respect to that axis.

The partial slope corresponding to x2 is 7, which has a positive sign.

Thus, the plane slopes upward in the x2 axis direction, when x1 is fixed at a specified value.