Coordinate Geometry Q: Intersecting Lines & Parallelogram

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a mathematical problem involving the intersection of a line and a curve, specifically showing conditions for the slope m of the line and deriving relationships for the coordinates of intersection points. The participants explore the implications of the conditions m > -1/2 and m ≠ 0, as well as the equations for the sums of x and y coordinates of the intersection points. The challenge arises in determining the locus of point T in the context of the parallelogram OPTQ, with attempts to derive the equation y^2 + 4y = 4x. The conversation highlights the complexity of the problem, particularly in manipulating the variables to achieve the desired result. The discussion emphasizes the importance of vector relationships in understanding the geometry of the situation.
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Question Statement
The straight line y=mx -2 intersects the curve y^2=4x at the two points P(x1,y1) and Q(x2,y2). Show that
1) m>-1/2, m not equal to 0.
2) x1 + x2 = 4(m+1)/m^2
3) y1 + y2 = 4/m

If the point O is the origin and the point T is a point such that OPTQ is a parallelogram, show that, when m changes, the equation of the locus of T is y^2 + 4y = 4x

My attempt:

The first part of the question is pretty straightforward, but the second part of the question (regarding the parallelogram) is a bit confusing.

My solution so far:
Let T be (x,y)
Gradient of OP = gradient of TQ

y1/x1 = y-y2 / x-x2
xy1 - x2y1 = yx1 - xy2
yx1 = xy1 + xy2 - x2y1...(1)

Similarly, Gradient of PT = gradient of OQ

yx2 = xy2 -xy2 + x2y1...(2)

(1) + (2)
(x1 + x2)y = (y1 + y2)x
4y(m+1)/ m^2 = 4x/m
y(m+1)/m = x

But I can't get rid of the m afterward :frown:
 
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If your parellogram is in the form OPTQ this means simply T is the sum of the vectors P and Q
From this we conclude T=(x1+x2,y1+y2)
and from the first part you know the values
just try the equation given to you whether T is on that or not
 
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