- #1
poloshermanos
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Homework Statement
Hi!
I'm reading a great book by Paul Nahin, 'Chases & Pursuits', and during one derivation he skips a few steps in rearranging a formula. I'm struggling to see exactly how it was arranged and it's really bugging me.. it can't be too difficult, I think I'm just missing a key step in the process.
If someone would be kind enough as to give me a clue it would be much appreciated!
Thanks in advance,
Gus
Homework Equations
[itex]\frac{\sqrt{(x-a)^{2}+y^{2}}}{\sqrt{(x-b)^{2}+y^{2}}}=k^{2}[/itex]
where [itex]a[/itex], [itex]b[/itex] and [itex]k[/itex] are constants.
The Attempt at a Solution
(or 'What it should be rearranged to')
[itex]\left [ x-\frac{k^{2}b-a}{k^2-1}\right ]^{2}+y^{2}=\left [\frac{k(a-b)}{1-k^{2}}\right ]^{2}[/itex]
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