What is the proof of the formula L1 +pL2=0?

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Homework Help Overview

This discussion revolves around the proof of the formula L1 + pL2 = 0, which relates to coordinate geometry and the equations of intersecting lines. The original poster expresses confusion regarding the derivation of this formula and its implications for lines passing through a common point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how the equation represents all lines passing through the intersection of two lines. They question the validity of the proof provided in their book and seek a clearer derivation.
  • Some participants explain that if a point P lies on both lines L1 and L2, it must also satisfy the equation Lp, but the original poster seeks further clarification on the generality of this representation.
  • Others suggest that adding or subtracting the equations of intersecting lines results in a concurrent line, prompting questions about the relationship between slopes and intercepts.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing insights into the nature of the equation and its implications. However, there is no explicit consensus on a definitive proof, and the original poster continues to seek clarity on the derivation of the formula.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of coordinate geometry, particularly regarding the definitions and properties of lines and their intersections. There is an emphasis on understanding the implications of the formula in the context of intersecting lines and the conditions under which it holds true.

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Homework Statement


This related to coordinate geometry.
According to my book it says if there are two intersecting lines L1(a1x+b1y+c1=0) and L2(a2x+b2y+c2=0)
Then equation of any line passing through their point of intersection is
L1 +p L2 =0
or (a1x+b1y+c1=0) +p(a2x+b2y+c2=0)=0
where p is some constant
my problem is that i don't understand what is the proof of this formula.Book also says that (a1x+b1y+c1=0) +p(a2x+b2y+c2=0)=0 represents a Family of lines , and i don't understand what it means too.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


i tried to use some arbitrary line equations and tried to simultaneously solve the equations
and get its point of intersection and find the line's equation but i can't relate these 2 methods
If k is such that it a1-p.a2=0 how does this proove these lines are concurrent and it equation is (a1x+b1y+c1=0) +p(a2x+b2y+c2=0)=0
book gives the proof as since this line satisfies some P(a,b) hence when we put it into the equation it will yield 0
But that comes only after i have proved this is the equation of all lines passing through common point ,how can this be a proof?

Could you please give me a proof of how this formula is derived?
Thank you.
 
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You have a line Lp defined by, (a1x+b1y+c1) +p(a2x+b2y+c2)=0. Say that lines L1, L2 intersect at a point P, then P is both on L1 and on L2, thus a1*Px+b1*Py+c1 = 0 and a2*Px+b2*Py+c2 = 0. 0+p*0 = 0 so P is also on Lp. That's all there is to it.

A family of lines means that Lp is not any specific line. It could represent many different lines, if different values of p are used.
 
hamsterman said:
You have a line Lp defined by, (a1x+b1y+c1) +p(a2x+b2y+c2)=0. Say that lines L1, L2 intersect at a point P, then P is both on L1 and on L2, thus a1*Px+b1*Py+c1 = 0 and a2*Px+b2*Py+c2 = 0. 0+p*0 = 0 so P is also on Lp. That's all there is to it.

I already know if P satisfies L1 and L2 it is on line L1 and L2 because basically equation of line L1 and L2 is a condition & when we graph it we get a line.But what i am asking is HOW DO WE KNOW EQUATION OF LINES PASSING THROUGH A POINT CAN BE GIVEN BY (a1x+b1y+c1=0) +p(a2x+b2y+c2=0)=0
I WANT THE PROOF .

One more thing i found was if we add or subtract the equations of two intersecting lines the resultant line will be concurrent to the other two lines
And if it is correct(which i hope it is(!):redface:) then how can find if they are concurrent from their equations when the slope and the y-intercept always remains the same no matter which point on line we take.
 
In the line equation ax + by + c = 0, (a, b) is a normal of the line. Another way to write the same equation is <(a, b), (x, y)> = -c, where < , > is the scalar product. It follows from properties of < , > that if <p, q> = w then if you take any vector n, orthogonal to p, <p, q+n> is also = w.

Or was that not what you were asking again?
What I gave you is a valid proof that if L1 and L2 both contain P, then so does L1+p*L2. It is not necessary to derive a thing to prove it.
 
I don't understand!
 
You'll have to be more specific. Do you know what a normal is? A scalar product? That <a, b> = 0 if a and b are perpendicular? That <a+b, c> = (ax+bx)*cx + (ay+by)*cy = ax*cx + ay*cy + bx*cx + by*cy = <a, c> + <b, c>?
 

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