MHB Problem Solving: No Idea Where to Start? Hints Here

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The discussion revolves around confusion regarding a mathematical problem involving two lines, l1 and l2, where essential information about l2 is missing. Participants question the rationale behind the problem's design, suggesting it may be intended to test the ability to identify nonsensical elements in the question. The lack of clarity about point M and its relationship to the lines adds to the frustration. Some contributors imply that the problem may not be suitable for those unprepared for such challenges. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the importance of clear problem statements in mathematical contexts.
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View attachment 8417

No idea where to start.
Any hints?
 

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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?
 

Thread 'Trigonometry problem of interest'

Seemingly by some mathematical coincidence, a hexagon of sides 2,2,7,7, 11, and 11 can be inscribed in a circle of radius 7. The other day I saw a math problem on line, which they said came from a Polish Olympiad, where you compute the length x of the 3rd side which is the same as the radius, so that the sides of length 2,x, and 11 are inscribed on the arc of a semi-circle. The law of cosines applied twice gives the answer for x of exactly 7, but the arithmetic is so complex that the...
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