Definition:Inclination/Straight Line to Plane

Definition

 * InclinationOfLineToPlane.png

Let $P$ be a plane.

Let $L$ be a straight line which intersects $P$ at the point $A$.

Let $Q$ be the perpendicular from a point $B$ on $L$.

Let $C$ be the point where $Q$ intersects $P$.

The inclination of $L$ to $P$ is defined as the angle $BAC$.

In the above diagram, this has been marked as $\theta$.

Also known as
The inclination of a line to a plane can be variously described as:
 * the inclination of a line with a plane
 * the inclination of a plane with a line
 * the inclination of a plane to a line
 * the inclination between a plane and a line

and so on.

Some sources refer to an inclination as an angle. However, this lacks precision and can cause confusion.