Maths problem.. (1 Viewer)

epicFAILx

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2010
Messages
307
Location
Australia
Gender
Female
HSC
2012
Can someone help me understand this problem:

Find the equation of the line which passes through the point P(1,-2) and the point of intersection of y= x and y= 2-x


Where do i begin?!!

HELP
 

SpiralFlex

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
6,960
Gender
Female
HSC
N/A
Firstly! Find the point of intersection.









Point of intersection is .

Now this question is rather an odd one, usually we would find the gradient then use the 2 points formula. However in this case, we can inspect what the equation is. The reason we cannot use the gradient formula is because the denominator will be equal to zero. (which is undefined)

Plot and on your graph. Draw a straight line through both, you will see the equation of the straight line is
 

SpiralFlex

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2010
Messages
6,960
Gender
Female
HSC
N/A
..actually.. how come the y was changed too x??
You gave me two equations, and

See how they are both equal to ?

If they are both equal to , we can say that they are equal to each other.

 

Drongoski

Well-Known Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
4,255
Gender
Male
HSC
N/A
This happens to be a simple case. In general if L1 = 0 and L2 = 0 are equations of the 2 intersecting lines in General Form, then any line thru their intersection is of form: L1 + kL2 = 0 for some constant k.

Here the general form of line thru their intersection is: (x+y-2) + k(x-2) = 0
Since (1,-2) lies on this line: (1-2-2) + k(1+2) = 0 ==> k = 1

.: (x+y-2) + 1(x-y ) = 0

i.e. x = 1

In general this method is easier. Perversely, it seems harder for this question.
 
Last edited:

cutemouse

Account Closed
Joined
Apr 23, 2007
Messages
2,250
Gender
Undisclosed
HSC
N/A
This happens to be a simple case. In general if L1 = 0 and L2 = 0 are equations of the 2 intersecting lines in General Form, then any line thru their intersection is of form: L1 + kL2 = 0 for some constant k.

Here the general form of line thru their intersection is: (x+y-2) + k(x-2) = 0
Since (1,-2) lies on this line: (1-2-2) + k(1+2) = 0 ==> k = 1

.: (x+y-2) + 1(x-y ) = 0

i.e. x = 1

In general this method is easier. Perversely, it seems harder for this question.
This guy speaks the truth.
 

funnytomato

Active Member
Joined
Jan 21, 2011
Messages
848
Gender
Male
HSC
2010
This happens to be a simple case. In general if L1 = 0 and L2 = 0 are equations of the 2 intersecting lines in General Form, then any line thru their intersection is of form: L1 + kL2 = 0 for some constant k.

Here the general form of line thru their intersection is: (x+y-2) + k(x-2) = 0
Since (1,-2) lies on this line: (1-2-2) + k(1+2) = 0 ==> k = 1

.: (x+y-2) + 1(x-y ) = 0

i.e. x = 1

In general this method is easier. Perversely, it seems harder for this question.
nice, but the HSC doesn't test this as often , which they should since it's in the syllabus AND taught at school
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 0, Guests: 1)

Top