Rays, points and line segments

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion on rays, points, and line segments, the main focus is proving that if point D is not on the ray from A to B (denoted as ##\vec{AB}##), then the intersection of the ray from A to D (##\vec{AD}##) and the ray from A to B (##\vec{AB}##) contains only point A. One participant suggests that if Z is a point on ##\vec{AD}##, it cannot be on ##\vec{AB}##, leading to the conclusion that A is the only point in the intersection. However, another participant challenges this reasoning, indicating that the assumption may be circular and questioning the clarity of the problem statement. The conversation highlights the need for precise definitions and logical reasoning in geometric proofs.
Lee33
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Homework Statement



Let A, B and D be points. If ##D\notin \vec{AB}## in a metric geometry, prove that ##\vec{AD}\cap\vec{AB} = \{A\}.##2. Relevant definitions

Ray: If A and B are distinct points then the ray from A toward B is the set ##\vec{AB} = \overline{AB}
\cup \{ C \in P \ | \ A-B-C\},## where ##A-B-C## means B is between A and C.

Line segment: If A and B are distinct points in a metric geometry then the line segment from A to B is the set ##\overline{AB} = \{C\in P\ | \ A-C-B \ \text{or} \ C=A \ \text{or} \ C = B\}.##

The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure how to go about proving this.

If I let ##Z## be a point where ##Z\in\vec{AD}## then ##Z\notin\vec{AB}## since ##Z## was arbitrary then there are no points in ##\vec{AD}## that lie in ##\vec{AB}##. So ##A## is the only point in ##\vec{AD}\cap\vec{AB}##.
 
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Hi Lee33! :smile:
Lee33 said:
If I let ##Z## be a point where ##Z\in\vec{AD}## then ##Z\notin\vec{AB}## since ##Z## was arbitrary then there are no points in ##\vec{AD}## that lie in ##\vec{AB}##. So ##A## is the only point in ##\vec{AD}\cap\vec{AB}##.

Haven't you just assumed exactly what you have to prove? :confused:

And don't say "Z is arbitrary", it's almost meaningless … say "if Z ≠ A then A – Z – D"

(However, I don't understand the question … why can't D be along the extended line AB, the other side of B ??)
 
Well the question is asking if the point D is not in the ray ##\vec{AB}## then I must prove that ##\vec{AB}\cap\vec{AD}## equals the set {A}.
 
Last edited:
but there's no C in the question :confused:
Lee33 said:
Let A, B and D be points. If ##D\notin \vec{AB}## in a metric geometry, prove that ##\vec{AD}\cap\vec{AB} = \{A\}.##
 
Opps. I meant A instead of C. I have edited the post. Sorry about that.
 
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