How to Find λ in a Triangle with Given Vectors OA, OB, P, and Q?

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To find λ in the triangle defined by vectors OA, OB, P, and Q, the discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships between these vectors, particularly the angles and lengths involved. The user has derived several vector expressions, including AB, BQ, OQ, and BP, but initially struggled to connect them to find λ. It is clarified that the value of λ can be determined through simultaneous equations derived from the relationships between the vectors. The final value of λ is identified as 2/5, and the discussion concludes with a suggestion to use elimination to solve the equations. This approach effectively aids in finding the desired value of λ.
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Homework Statement


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Given that:
OA = 5s
OB = 10 t
P is on the middle of OA and AQ = 3 QB

Find λ if BG = λ BP


Homework Equations


basic vector


The Attempt at a Solution


I have found AB, BQ, OQ, BP; all in terms of s and t. How to find λ? I've tried but always came back to equation BP = BP or 0 = 0. Please give me hint to start

Thanks
 
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If you have found AB then you must have some information you have not given here.
The length AB depends not only on the lengths of OA and OB but also on the angle between them.

(There is no "B" in your picture. I assume it is the third vertex of the triangle.
 


HallsofIvy said:
If you have found AB then you must have some information you have not given here.
The length AB depends not only on the lengths of OA and OB but also on the angle between them.

(There is no "B" in your picture. I assume it is the third vertex of the triangle.

Yes, the third vertex is B. This is my work:
AB = AO + OB = -5 s + 10 t

Sorry I didn't explain it clearly. I didn't find the length but I found the vector.

BQ = 1/4 BA = 1/4 (5s - 10t)

OQ = OA + AQ = 5 s + 3/4 (10t - 5s) = 5/4 (6t + s)

BP = BO + OP = -10t + 5/2 s

By the way, the value of λ should be 2/5. Thanks
 


songoku said:
Yes, the third vertex is B. This is my work:
AB = AO + OB = -5 s + 10 t

Sorry I didn't explain it clearly. I didn't find the length but I found the vector.

BQ = 1/4 BA = 1/4 (5s - 10t)

OQ = OA + AQ = 5 s + 3/4 (10t - 5s) = 5/4 (6t + s)

BP = BO + OP = -10t + 5/2 s

By the way, the value of λ should be 2/5. Thanks

That looks to be a good start. Now, let OG=μ OQ, then OQ = OA + AQ and after some algebra work. OQ = 5/4 s + 30/4 t

BG = λ [5/2 s - 10t ]

OG + GB = OB
5/4 μs + 30/4 μt + 10 λt - 5/2 λs = 10t and by comparing...

30/4 μ + 10 λ = 10 --- 1
5/4 μ -5/2 λ =0 ---2

Now you are left to solve the simultaneous equations. :smile:Hope that helps.
 


Ah damn, didn't think about elimination.

Thanks. That helps a lot
 
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