Solving Rational Operations Questions

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter ber8
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    Operations Rational
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving problems related to rational operations, specifically focusing on proving that certain geometric figures (a line through two rational points and a circle with a rational center and radius) have equations with rational coefficients. The scope includes mathematical reasoning and problem-solving techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents two questions regarding rational points and their geometric representations.
  • Another participant encourages sharing attempted solutions to facilitate assistance.
  • A participant provides an equation for the line through two rational points but expresses uncertainty about proving the coefficients are rational.
  • Another participant suggests expressing rational numbers in terms of integers to demonstrate that the coefficients are rational.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants appear to be collaborating on the problems, with some providing suggestions and others expressing uncertainty. No consensus is reached on the proof of the coefficients being rational.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the initial assumptions about the rationality of the points and the need for further clarification on the proof steps regarding the coefficients.

ber8
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Hi guys, I'm having trouble solving the following questions.

1) Show that the line through two rational points has an equation with rational coefficients

2) show that a circle whose center is a rational point and whose radius is rational has an equation with rational coefficient.

Cheers
 
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welcome to pf!

hi ber8! welcome to pf! :wink:

you need to find the equations …

show us what you've tried, and where you're stuck, and then we'll know how to help! :smile:
 
this is what i did for (1)

If two points have rational coefficients (a,b) and (c,d), the line between them has equation:

x(b-d) - y(a-c) = (bc - ad)

this is where I'm stuck. I'm not sure how to proof the coefficients of the equation are rational
 
easy! :smile:

just write a = p/q (where p and q are integers) etc :wink:
 
Wow. I didn't think of that! Thanks very much :D
 

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