1. Not finding help here? Sign up for a free 30min tutor trial with Chegg Tutors
    Dismiss Notice
Dismiss Notice
Join Physics Forums Today!
The friendliest, high quality science and math community on the planet! Everyone who loves science is here!

Determining the equation of a curve

  1. Aug 30, 2008 #1

    Craig is Lege

    User Avatar

    1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

    A curve is traced by a point P (x,y) which moves such that its distance from the point A (-1,1) is three times its distance from the point B (2,-1). Determine the equation.

    2. Relevant equations



    3. The attempt at a solution

    used distance formulas to find A is the squareroot of 13 away from B.

    how do i find the curve
     
    Craig is Lege, Aug 30, 2008
  2. jcsd
    Phys.org - latest science and technology news stories on Phys.org
  3. Aug 30, 2008 #2

    Hitman2-2

    User Avatar

    I would try to translate what the problem says in words into equations.

    You're told that the distance from point A to point P is always 3 times the distance from point B to point P.

    So it seems to me that the way to proceed is to write down an expression for the distance from A to P and set it equal to the expression for the distance from B to P multiplied by 3.
     
    Hitman2-2, Aug 30, 2008
  4. Aug 30, 2008 #3

    symbolipoint

    User Avatar
    Homework Helper
    Education Advisor
    Gold Member

    You should try applying the distance formula for the problem as you described it. That should help you to start.
     
    symbolipoint, Aug 30, 2008
Know someone interested in this topic? Share this thread via Reddit, Google+, Twitter, or Facebook




Similar Discussions: Determining the equation of a curve

  1. Equations of curves and lines question (Replies: 15)

  2. Help with curve equation (Replies: 8)

  3. Determine the equation of the conic section (Replies: 3)

  4. Determining the equation of a curve. (Replies: 4)

  5. Equation of reflected curve (Replies: 1)

Loading...