## Parametrization question for my Intro. to Higher Math Class..

Two objects A and B are traveling in opposite direction on a straight line. At t=0 A and B are at positions P(A)=(-40, -20) and P(B)=(190, 980), respectively. If additionally, their paths are parameterized by directions V(A)=(3,5) and V(B)=(-24, -40), respectively. Then,

a) find the point where these two object intersect.

b) how long does it take these two objects to intersect?
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 Recognitions: Science Advisor Have you tried unwrapping the definitions? I'm not sure I understand your layout; what do P(A)=(-40,-20), and V(A)=(3,5) mean, given that movement is along a line?
 Blog Entries: 27 Recognitions: Gold Member Homework Help Science Advisor hi vanitymdl! show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help!

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## Parametrization question for my Intro. to Higher Math Class..

I, for one, am not certain what you mean by "parameterized by directions V(A)=(3,5) and V(B)=(-24, -40)".

I imagine you mean that A contains the point (-40, -20) and extends parallel to the vector 3i+ 5j but there are still and infinite number of parameterizations. The most "natural" would be to take t= 0 at point (-40, -20) and t=1 at (-40+ 3, -20+ 5)= (-37, -15). That would be given by x= -40+ 3t, y= -20+ 5t. But, as I said, there are an infinite number of parameterizations giving that same line.
 I attached a picture of the problem, it's number six. How should I even attempt to start this problem? Attached Thumbnails
 I know that my parameters for A are: x = -40 + 3t y = -20 +5t and for B are: x = 190 -24t y = 980 -40t now how can I find where the two intersect?
 Recognitions: Science Advisor O.K, so, at time t=0: A is at (-40,-20) B is at (190,980) At time t=1: A is at (-40+30,-20+5)=(-10,-15) , B is at ( 166,948),etc. Now, by intersecting we mean that A,B must have the same x- and y- coords. How do we figure out when the coords. are trhe same?
 I was plugging in different values of t from 1-12 but I noticed that the points weren't getting any nearer to eachother. Is there another way then trying to plug in different values for t
 Recognitions: Science Advisor Well, how can you tell if/when A,B have the same x- and the same y- values? You know how their respective x-, y- values are defined. When do the curves y=t^2 and y=t meet? How can you tell? Sorry, I need to leave know.
 well if y=t^2 and y=t then they meet at the origin (0,0) but I don't see how that's going to help me?
 Recognitions: Science Advisor Can you see how to formally figure out? What if we had y=t-1 and y=t^2-4 ? I don't mean to be obtuse about this; I am just trying to lead you to the answer and not just give it to you. You want : 190-24t= ? 980-40t=?
 No no I appreciate what you are trying to do, thank you. Well no wonder why I wasn't getting anything near it... but I got (45.375, -995) for that intersection

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 Quote by vanitymdl I know that my parameters for A are: x = -40 + 3t y = -20 +5t and for B are: x = 190 -24t y = 980 -40t now how can I find where the two intersect?
First, recognize that while x and y are coordinates in the plane, the "t" in each set of equations simply mark points on the line and are NOT necessarily the same in both sets. So that you don't confuse them, call the parameter in the second set "s" rather than "t".

So we have x= -40+ 3t and y= -20+ 5t for one line and x= 190- 24s, y= 980- 40s for the other. They will intersect where the x and y values on one line are the same as on the other line: x= -40+ 3t= 190- 24s and y= -20+ 5t= 980- 40t, two equations to solve for t and s. Once you have found them, put either into the appropriate x, y equations to find the coordinates of the point of intersection.

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