Problem Solving: No Idea Where to Start? Hints Here

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Yazan975
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Problem solving
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a mathematical problem involving two lines, $l_1$ and $l_2$, where $l_1$ is defined by the equation px + py + r = 0. Participants express confusion over the lack of information regarding $l_2$ and the definition of point M, which is crucial for solving the problem. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing incomplete information in problem statements and emphasizes the need for clarity in mathematical communication.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear equations, specifically the form px + py + r = 0.
  • Knowledge of geometric concepts related to lines and points in a Cartesian plane.
  • Familiarity with the concept of perpendicular lines and distance calculations.
  • Basic problem-solving skills in mathematics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of linear equations and their graphical representations.
  • Study the concept of distance from a point to a line in coordinate geometry.
  • Explore the significance of problem clarity and completeness in mathematical problem-solving.
  • Learn about perpendicular lines and their equations in a two-dimensional space.
USEFUL FOR

Students in mathematics, educators teaching geometry, and anyone involved in problem-solving that requires clarity and precision in mathematical communication.

Yazan975
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
View attachment 8417

No idea where to start.
Any hints?
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2018-09-17 at 9.02.16 PM-min.png
    Screen Shot 2018-09-17 at 9.02.16 PM-min.png
    30.7 KB · Views: 146
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Yazan975 said:
No idea where to start.
WHY were you given the problem then?

Did you miss math classes?
 
Wilmer said:
WHY were you given the problem then?

Did you miss math classes?

It is supposed to test us
 
Yazan975 said:
It is supposed to test us
I had a look at your 1st post; you do not seem ready for this...
 
Perhaps the purpose is to test whether you can recognize non-sense when you see it! The problem refers to two lines, $l_1$ and $l_2$, tells us that $l_1$ is given by px+ py+ r= 0 but nothing at all is said about $l_2$. And the problem asks for the distance from the origin to point M but what in the world is M?

Are we to assume that $l_2$ is the line through the origin perpendicular to $l_2$ and M is the point or intersection? In that case the given solution is correct but why aren't we told that?
 

Similar threads

MHB Solve Floor Equation 7: x^2=2x-1
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
MHB Solving a Primary Math Problem: Find the Areas of A & C
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
MHB Prove the minimum is greater than or equal to 8
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
MHB Find the amount of sand in each bag
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
MHB Can You Find the Angle in This Isosceles Triangle Problem?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
MHB Problem Chinese remainder Theorem
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
MHB Clock Word Problem: Solve in 2 Steps w/ Hints
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
16K
Graduate Difficult to understand the solution provided in the video (travelling salesman problem)
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
MHB Show Metric Proves All Points Inside Circle Have Same Center
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
MHB How to Convert Miles to Kilometers with a Conversion Chain
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K