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7.1 Q-11

Question Statement

Given that ABβƒ—=CDβƒ—A \vec{B} = C \vec{D}, find the coordinates of point AA when the coordinates of points B(1,2)B(1, 2), C(βˆ’2,5)C(-2, 5), and D(4,11)D(4, 11) are known.


Background and Explanation

In this problem, we are given the relationship AB⃗=CD⃗A \vec{B} = C \vec{D}, meaning the vector from point AA to point BB is equal to the vector from point CC to point DD.

To solve for the coordinates of point AA, we use the vector equation: AB⃗=CD⃗A \vec{B} = C \vec{D}

The vector ABβƒ—A \vec{B} is simply the difference between the coordinates of BB and A(x,y)A(x, y), and similarly, the vector CDβƒ—C \vec{D} is the difference between the coordinates of D(4,11)D(4, 11) and C(βˆ’2,5)C(-2, 5).

We can then equate the components of these vectors and solve for xx and yy.


Solution

Step 1: Set up the vector equation

We are given that ABβƒ—=CDβƒ—A \vec{B} = C \vec{D}. This means: (1,2)βˆ’(x,y)=(4,11)βˆ’(βˆ’2,5)(1, 2) - (x, y) = (4, 11) - (-2, 5)

This gives us the equation to solve for AA.

Step 2: Simplify the equation

  1. Subtract the coordinates:
    • For ABβƒ—A \vec{B}, we subtract (x,y)(x, y) from (1,2)(1, 2), so: (1βˆ’x,2βˆ’y)(1 - x, 2 - y)

    • For CDβƒ—C \vec{D}, we subtract (βˆ’2,5)(-2, 5) from (4,11)(4, 11), so: (4+2,11βˆ’5)=(6,6)(4 + 2, 11 - 5) = (6, 6)

So, we now have the equation: (1βˆ’x,2βˆ’y)=(6,6)(1 - x, 2 - y) = (6, 6)

Step 3: Solve for xx and yy

By comparing the components:

  • 1βˆ’x=61 - x = 6 gives x=βˆ’5x = -5
  • 2βˆ’y=62 - y = 6 gives y=βˆ’4y = -4

Thus, the coordinates of point AA are (βˆ’5,βˆ’4)(-5, -4).


Key Formulas or Methods Used

  • Vector between two points:
    The vector from point P(x1,y1)P(x_1, y_1) to point Q(x2,y2)Q(x_2, y_2) is given by:
    PQβƒ—=(x2βˆ’x1,y2βˆ’y1)P \vec{Q} = (x_2 - x_1, y_2 - y_1)

  • Equating vectors:
    If AB⃗=CD⃗A \vec{B} = C \vec{D}, then the components of the vectors must be equal, which allows us to set up equations for xx and yy.


Summary of Steps

  1. Write the equation AB⃗=CD⃗A \vec{B} = C \vec{D} using the given coordinates.
  2. Subtract the coordinates to express the vectors AB⃗A \vec{B} and CD⃗C \vec{D}.
  3. Equate the components of the vectors to solve for xx and yy.
  4. The coordinates of point AA are (βˆ’5,βˆ’4)(-5, -4).