Collinear Vector Help: Finding the Value of p for Collinearity | Origin O

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To determine the value of p for collinearity of points A, B, and C, the position vectors are assigned coordinates based on their definitions. The condition for collinearity requires that the gradients between any two points remain constant. The discussion also introduces additional vector problems, including expressing vector OA as a column vector and finding the unit vector in the direction of vector AB. Participants are encouraged to show their work and apply their knowledge of unit vectors and magnitudes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding vector relationships in coordinate geometry.
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The position vectors of A, B and C relative to an origin O are -I+pj, 5i+9j & 6i+8j respectively. Determine the value of p for which A, B & C are collinear.
 
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Have you learned any coordinate geometry at school?
 
Yes I have.
 
So you may instead assign the coordinates (-1,p) to the position vector -i + pj, (5,9) to the position vector 5i + 9j and (6,8) to the position vector 6i + 8j.

If three points are collinear, this means that the gradient between any two points of the three is the same.
 
Thank you!
 
One more question.
a) The vector \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OA} has magnitude 100 and has the same direction as \displaystyle \left(\begin{array}{cc}7\\24\end{array}\right). Express \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OA} as a column vector.
b) The vector \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OB} is \displaystyle \left(\begin{array}{cc}24\\99\end{array}\right). Obtain the unit vector in the direction of \displaystyle \overrightarrow{AB}.
 
omicron said:
One more question.
a) The vector \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OA} has magnitude 100 and has the same direction as \displaystyle \left(\begin{array}{cc}7\\24\end{array}\right). Express \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OA} as a column vector.
b) The vector \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OB} is \displaystyle \left(\begin{array}{cc}24\\99\end{array}\right). Obtain the unit vector in the direction of \displaystyle \overrightarrow{AB}.

You need to show evidence of some work. Do you know what unit vectors are?
 
Yes I do know.
 
Then you should be able to solve both of those problems..
 
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If I did, I wouldn't have posted them. :bugeye:
 
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  • #11
omicron said:
One more question.
a) The vector \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OA} has magnitude 100 and has the same direction as \displaystyle \left(\begin{array}{cc}7\\24\end{array}\right). Express \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OA} as a column vector.

First of all, find the magnitude of the vector \displaystyle \left(\begin{array}{cc}7\\24\end{array}\right). What is it?

b) The vector \displaystyle \overrightarrow{OB} is \displaystyle \left(\begin{array}{cc}24\\99\end{array}\right). Obtain the unit vector in the direction of \displaystyle \overrightarrow{AB}.

Do you know how to calculate the vector \displaystyle \overrightarrow{AB}? (Hint: use information from a)
 
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