Solve Perpendicular Lines: A(1,2), B(4,0), C(k,2), D(1,-3)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining a constant real number k such that the lines AB and CD, defined by points A(1,2), B(4,0), C(k,2), and D(1,-3), are perpendicular. The problem involves understanding the relationship between the slopes of the lines and their perpendicularity.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the calculation of slopes for lines AB and CD and set the product of these slopes to -1 to find the value of k. There is also a mention of a potential error in the original poster's calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have confirmed the correctness of the k value derived by the original poster, while others have suggested verifying the calculations through alternate methods. There is an acknowledgment of a possible textbook error that could affect the understanding of the problem.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses difficulty with LaTeX formatting in their post, indicating a concern about the presentation of their mathematical expressions.

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Determine a constant real number k such that the lines AB and CD are perpendicular.
A(1,2), B(4,0), C(k,2), D(1,-3). (answer given is k=-3/2)

If two lines are perpendicular the product of their slopes is -1.

The slope of AB is [tex]\frac{0-2}{4-1}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{-2}{3}[/tex]

The slope of CD is [tex]\frac{-3-2}{1-k}[/tex] = [tex]\frac{-5}{1-k}[/tex]
I set the product of these slopes equal to -1 and solve for k.

[tex]\frac{-2}{3}[/tex] x [tex]\frac{-5}{1-k}[/tex]=-1
10=3(k-1)
10=3k-3
13=3k
13/3=k
This is not the answer given and I am not seeing my error. Any help would be appreciated.
Latex question. The = sign and x symbol don't line up well with the rest of the equations in the first half of my post. How can I correct that?
 
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Your k value is correct ...

[tex]\frac{0-2}{4-1}=\frac{-2}{3}[/tex]

Check my LaTeX ...
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the help.
 
Verified using an alternate method (direction cosines and perpendicularity) to confirm that your answer is correct.
 
You are 100% correct, reporting the textbook error might be helpful for the rest using the same book...
 

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