Find the values of a and b in the given straight line equation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on finding the values of a and b in a straight line equation. The initial approach involves determining coordinates based on x and y intercepts, leading to the equation -3 = (b-0)/(0-a), resulting in b = 3a. Further calculations yield a = 2√10 and b = 6√10. Participants confirm the correctness of these values and express similar methods in their approaches. The conversation concludes with a friendly exchange, maintaining a collaborative tone.
chwala
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Homework Statement
see attached
Relevant Equations
straight lines
Find the problem below;
1640819951710.png


My approach,
if##x=0##, then ##y=b## and if ##y=0##, then ##x=a##, therefore our co-ordinates are ##(a,0)## and ##(0,b)##. The gradient will give us,
$$-3=\frac {b-0}{0-a}$$
It follows that, ##b=3a##, therefore
$$20=\sqrt {(3a-0)^2+(0-a)^2}$$
$$400=9a^2+a^2$$
##a=2\sqrt 10## and ##b=6\sqrt 10##

Any other approach on this.
 
Last edited:
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chwala said:
##a=2\sqrt 10## and ##y=6\sqrt 10##

Any other approach on this?

I'm pretty sure you mean the ##b=6\sqrt{10}## .

My approach was about the same as yours.
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
I'm pretty sure you mean the ##b=6\sqrt{10}## .

My approach was about the same as yours.
Sammy happy new year 2022 Mate!Let me amend it, sure.
 
Since ##px^9+q## is the factor, then ##x^9=\frac{-q}{p}## will be one of the roots. Let ##f(x)=27x^{18}+bx^9+70##, then: $$27\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)^2+b\left(\frac{-q}{p}\right)+70=0$$ $$b=27 \frac{q}{p}+70 \frac{p}{q}$$ $$b=\frac{27q^2+70p^2}{pq}$$ From this expression, it looks like there is no greatest value of ##b## because increasing the value of ##p## and ##q## will also increase the value of ##b##. How to find the greatest value of ##b##? Thanks
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