Solve Vector Problems with Co-ordinates - Maths Higher Exam Prep

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a vector problem involving points and coordinates in three-dimensional space. The original poster seeks assistance in finding the coordinates of point Q, which divides the line segment between points P and R in a specific ratio.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the relationship between points and vectors, with some emphasizing the importance of vector representation in solving the problem. There are attempts to derive equations based on the given ratio and coordinates.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different interpretations of the problem and the mathematical concepts involved. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of vectors, but no consensus has been reached on the best approach to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a sense of urgency as the original poster prepares for an upcoming exam. Participants are navigating the definitions of points versus vectors, which may influence their problem-solving strategies.

KaNe
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I have the biggest exam of my life tomorrow -_-

and i need to know how to do these questions :

The point Q divides the line joining P(-1, -1, 0) to R(5, 2, -3) in the ratio 2:1. Find the co-ordinates of Q

Vectors.

The answer is (3, 1, -2)

Help is appreciated.
 
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KaNe said:
I have the biggest exam of my life tomorrow -_-

and i need to know how to do these questions :

The point Q divides the line joining P(-1, -1, 0) to R(5, 2, -3) in the ratio 2:1. Find the co-ordinates of Q

Vectors.

The answer is (3, 1, -2)

Help is appreciated.
[tex]\mbox{Let }\vec{Q}\ =\ (a,\ b,\ c)[/tex]
[tex]\vec{Q}\ -\ \vec{P}\ =\ 2(\vec{R}\ -\ \vec{Q})[/tex]
[tex](a,\ b,\ c)\ -\ (-1,\ -1,\ 0)\ =\ 2[(5,\ 2,\ -3)\ -\ (a,\ b,\ c)][/tex]
[tex]a\ +\ 1\ =\ 10\ -\ 2a[/tex]

From here, you should be able to figure out two more equations, and should find them very easy to solve, giving you a, b, and c, the co-ordinates of Q.
 
Disagree with the symbol of AKG, remember POIN is a non-direction Quantity, so that u can't use the VECTOR symbol . And your answer is right. When u take Q-P u will get the vector(PQ) , and the same with R-Q :)
 
VLHN said:
Disagree with the symbol of AKG, remember POIN is a non-direction Quantity, so that u can't use the VECTOR symbol . And your answer is right. When u take Q-P u will get the vector(PQ) , and the same with R-Q :)
Every point in [itex]\mathbb R^3[/itex] has a vector representation. The point [itex]Q(a, b, c)[/itex] has a representation [itex]\vec Q = (a, b, c) = a\mathbf i + b\mathbf j + c\mathbf k[/itex]. It made more sense to work with the vectors than to work with the points.
 
I think
1/If we get Q(a,b,c) >> a,b,c are the co-ordinate of the POIN Q
2/If we get vector(Q(a,b,c)) >> a,b,c are the co-ordinate of vector(OQ), with O(0,0,0)

It made more sense to work with the vectors than to work with the points
I agree with you 100% in this kind, may be i understand Q = POINT, but u want to mean Q = vector in your solving :)
 

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