Centre of mass of of an isosceles Triangle

AI Thread Summary
The problem involves finding the coordinates of the vertices of an isosceles triangle with a given vertex at (2,1) and an axis of symmetry along y=4. The center of mass (COM) is located at (-3, 4), which is crucial for determining the other two vertices. One vertex will be the reflection of (2,1) across the line y=4, while the third vertex will lie on this line. Participants suggest starting with a sketch to visualize the triangle and its symmetry. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between the vertices and the center of mass to solve the problem effectively.
aurao2003
Messages
122
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Hi
I am really stuck on this problem. It reads as such:
A uniform triangular lamina is isocceles and has the line y= 4 as its axis of symmetry. One of the vertices of the triangle is the point (2,1). Given that the x-co-ordinate of the centre of mass of the lamina is -3, find the co-ordinates of the other two vertices.

I am not sure where to begin. Any hints or guides please?



Homework Equations


Centre of mass = (X1 +x2+X3/3, Y1+Y2+Y3/2)



The Attempt at a Solution

 
Physics news on Phys.org
Try starting with a sketch.
 
vela said:
Try starting with a sketch.
Thanks. I will commence ze sketch!
 
the Y-coordinate of COM will be 4, as it will lie on y=4, the axis of symmetry. now proceed. one of the vertices will be the reflection of (2,1) on y=4. the third one will lie on y=4, just find the x coordinate of that.
 
supratim1 said:
the Y-coordinate of COM will be 4, as it will lie on y=4, the axis of symmetry. now proceed. one of the vertices will be the reflection of (2,1) on y=4. the third one will lie on y=4, just find the x coordinate of that.
Let me try it. Thanks!
 
aurao2003 said:
Let me try it. Thanks!

welcome...so did it work?
 
supratim1 said:
welcome...so did it work?
Sorry! I will let you know tonight. I have 5 exams between now and monday. All A2! Cheers!
 
ok..all the best!
 

Similar threads

Find the third coordinate of a vertex of an equilateral triangle
Replies
11
Views
10K
Triangle formed by tangents to a parabola
Replies
3
Views
3K
To find the weight of a hemisphere
Replies
13
Views
2K
Comp Sci Computing the Length & Area of a 3D Triangle
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the R^3 in Kepler's 3rd Law?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Unable to crack this image enhancement code -- Matlab is throwing errors
Replies
1
Views
2K
What is the Center of Mass of a Modified Triangle with a Semicircle Cutout?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Comp Sci C++ Reading Data File: Calculating Distances and Finding Closest Point
Replies
14
Views
3K
Java Draw circles at end Point of Line with End Points as Centre
Replies
2
Views
2K
Unstable equilibrium, centre of mass problem
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top