Finding The Equidistant of 2 Points

AI Thread Summary
To find the coordinates of the point on the y-axis equidistant from the points (3,0) and (3,6), first determine the midpoint, which is (3,3). The perpendicular bisector of the vertical line segment between these points is a horizontal line at y=3. The solution involves finding where this line intersects the y-axis, which is straightforward since the x-coordinate is zero. The key takeaway is that the y-coordinate of the midpoint directly provides the answer. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of the perpendicular bisector in this context.
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Homework Statement



I need the formula for finding the coordinates of the point on the y-axis that are equildistant from two other pair of points (3,0) and
(3,6).

Homework Equations


i don't know, but these might have something to do with it.

\sqrt{} (y2-y1)2+(x2-x1)2

(x2+x1/2, y2+y1/2)

The Attempt at a Solution


I found the midpoint of (3,0)-(3,6), and found the distance between the midpoint to the endpoints, but i don't know were to got from there. I also tried writing random scribbles on my graph papers, crying, begging God to take me out of IB extended math, and finally, posting on Physics Forums for help.
 
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Hint: Points equidistant from your two points would be on the perpendicular bisector of the line joining them. Draw a sketch.
 
LCKurtz said:
Hint: Points equidistant from your two points would be on the perpendicular bisector of the line joining them. Draw a sketch.

Ah Yes, but that would be too easy!:wink: I need to find the anwser using an equation.
 
Sure. Solve for the mid-point between your points. Write the equation of the perpendicular bisector. Solve for where it hits the y axis. The picture was just to lead the way.
 
ohhhhhhhhhhh...

Probably should have looked up "perpendicular bisector". I knew what perpendicular meant, but you threw me off at bisector.

Anyway, thanks for the information. Saved me hours of going over "attempt at solution" again
 
This is particularly simple because it is a vertical line. Any line perpendicular to it is a horizontal line and has the equation "y= constant". But the problem is finding that constant. To do that you need to know the y-component of the midpoint, which was what the original question asked!

It should be obvious what the x-component is. What point is half way between 0 and 6 on the number line?
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
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