Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to find the area of the intersection of two geometric objects in 3D space.
- $S_1$ is a set of points in $R^3$ defined by an inequality.
- $S_2$ is a 2-dimensional subspace of $R^3$.
Step 2: Geometric Interpretation:
- Interpreting S$_1$: The condition is $x^T x \le 16$. Let $x = (x_1, x_2, x_3)$. Then $x^T x = x_1^2 + x_2^2 + x_3^2$. So the inequality is $x_1^2 + x_2^2 + x_3^2 \le 4^2$. This is the equation of a solid sphere (a ball) centered at the origin (0,0,0) with a radius of $r=4$.
- Interpreting S$_2$: A 2-dimensional subspace of $R^3$ is, by definition, a plane that passes through the origin.
Step 3: Finding the Intersection:
We are looking for the area of the region formed by the intersection of a solid sphere (centered at the origin) and a plane that passes through the origin.
When a plane cuts through a sphere, the intersection is a circle. Since the plane passes through the center of the sphere, the intersection will be a "great circle" of the sphere. The resulting shape within the solid sphere is a circular disk.
The radius of this intersection disk is the largest possible radius, which is equal to the radius of the sphere itself.
- Radius of the sphere = 4.
- Radius of the intersection disk = 4.
Now, we calculate the area of this circular disk.
\[ \text{Area} = \pi \times (\text{radius})^2 \]
\[ \text{Area} = \pi \times (4)^2 = 16\pi \]
Step 4: Final Answer:
The area of the intersection $S_1 \cap S_2$ is $16\pi$.