MHB Finding the equation of vertex of right angle triangle

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The discussion focuses on finding the equation relating the coordinates (x, y) of the vertex of a right-angled triangle, where the hypotenuse endpoints are at (6,0) and (0,8). The gradient of the hypotenuse is calculated as 4/3, leading to a perpendicular gradient of -3/4 for the line through the vertex. The midpoint of the hypotenuse is identified as (3,4), and substituting this into the line equation yields y = -3/4 x + 25/4. Additionally, the locus of all possible vertices forms a circle with a center at (3,4) and a radius of 5, resulting in the equation (x-3)² + (y-4)² = 25. This comprehensive approach effectively determines the relationship between x and y for the triangle's vertex.
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Points (6,0) and (O,8) are the endpoints of the hypotenuse of a
right-angled triangle, whose other vertex is at (x,y). What equation relates x
and y?Attempt at solution:

So What I am thinking is that the line will be perpendicular to the line with end points 6,0 and 0,8.

So The gradient of this line is 4/3, hence the gradient of the other line perpendicular to this one will be -3/4

So the equation relating X and y is y = -3/4 x + c ?

Now can I assume that given line is a perpendicular bisector to the hypotenuse and so interesects it at 3,4 (mid point) and hence substitue for c - which i get to 25/4

So y = -3/4 x + 25/4 , This kinda feels wrong and I would appreciate input.

Thanks.
 
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hb2325 said:
Points A(6,0) and B(O,8) are the endpoints of the hypotenuse of a
right-angled triangle, whose other vertex is at (x,y). What equation relates x
and y?Attempt at solution:

So What I am thinking is that the line will be perpendicular to the line with end points 6,0 and 0,8.

So The gradient of this line is 4/3, hence the gradient of the other line perpendicular to this one will be -3/4

So the equation relating X and y is y = -3/4 x + c ?

Now can I assume that given line is a perpendicular bisector to the hypotenuse and so interesects it at 3,4 (mid point) and hence substitue for c - which i get to 25/4

So y = -3/4 x + 25/4 , This kinda feels wrong and I would appreciate input.

Thanks.


The locus of all vertices of the right angle is a circle whose diameter is the line segment AB.

1. Midpoint of \overline{AB}~\implies~M_{AB}(3,4)

2. Length of the radius. Use Pythagorean theorem to determine the diameter:

2r = \sqrt{8^2+6^2}=10~\implies~r = 5

3. Equation of the circle is:

(x-3)^2+(y-4)^2 = 25

EDIT: See following post, please!
 

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Last edited:
hb2325 said:
Points A(6,0) and B(O,8) are the endpoints of the hypotenuse of a
right-angled triangle, whose other vertex is at (x,y). What equation relates x
and y?Attempt at solution:

So What I am thinking is that the line will be perpendicular to the line with end points 6,0 and 0,8.

So The gradient of this line is 4/3, hence the gradient of the other line perpendicular to this one will be -3/4

So the equation relating X and y is y = -3/4 x + c ?

Now can I assume that given line is a perpendicular bisector to the hypotenuse and so interesects it at 3,4 (mid point) and hence substitue for c - which i get to 25/4

So y = -3/4 x + 25/4 , This kinda feels wrong and I would appreciate input.

Thanks.


1. Draw a right triangle with AB as hypotenuse. The vertex of the right angle has the coordinates (x, y). |\overline{AB}| = 10

2. Use Pythagorean theorem to calculate the lengthes of the legs k and j of the right triangle:

k^2 = p^2+q^2 = x^2+(8-y)^2

j^2=s^2+t^2 = y^2+(x-6)^2

3. Since

k^2+j^2=100 ... you'll get

x^2+(8-y)^2 + y^2+(x-6)^2 = 100 ... expand the brackets:

x^2+64-16y+y^2 + y^2+x^2-12x+36 = 100

2x^2-12x+ 2y^2-16y = 0

x^2-6x+ y^2-8y = 0 ... complete the squares:

x^2-6x \color{red}{+ 9}+ y^2-8y\color{red}{+ 16} = 0\color{red}{+9+16}

(x-3)^2+(y-4)^2=5^2

This is the equation of a circle around (3,4) with radius r = 5
 

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I have been insisting to my statistics students that for probabilities, the rule is the number of significant figures is the number of digits past the leading zeros or leading nines. For example to give 4 significant figures for a probability: 0.000001234 and 0.99999991234 are the correct number of decimal places. That way the complementary probability can also be given to the same significant figures ( 0.999998766 and 0.00000008766 respectively). More generally if you have a value that...

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