Math Problem Statement

Find the angle between the lines x-2y+10=0and 3x-y-4=0

Solution

To find the angle between two lines given by their equations, we can use the following formula:

tanθ=m1m21+m1m2\tan \theta = \left| \frac{m_1 - m_2}{1 + m_1 m_2} \right|

where m1m_1 and m2m_2 are the slopes of the two lines.

Step 1: Find the slopes m1m_1 and m2m_2 of the lines.

The equation of a line in the form ax+by+c=0ax + by + c = 0 has a slope m=abm = -\frac{a}{b}.

Line 1: x2y+10=0x - 2y + 10 = 0

  • Rewrite as 2y=x+102y = x + 10 or y=12x+5y = \frac{1}{2}x + 5.
  • Thus, the slope m1=12m_1 = \frac{1}{2}.

Line 2: 3xy4=03x - y - 4 = 0

  • Rewrite as y=3x4y = 3x - 4.
  • Thus, the slope m2=3m_2 = 3.

Step 2: Substitute m1m_1 and m2m_2 into the formula.

tanθ=1231+123=1621+32=5252=1\tan \theta = \left| \frac{\frac{1}{2} - 3}{1 + \frac{1}{2} \cdot 3} \right| = \left| \frac{\frac{1 - 6}{2}}{1 + \frac{3}{2}} \right| = \left| \frac{-\frac{5}{2}}{\frac{5}{2}} \right| = 1

Step 3: Find θ\theta by taking the arctangent.

θ=arctan(1)=45\theta = \arctan(1) = 45^\circ

Therefore, the angle between the two lines is 4545^\circ.

Would you like a more detailed explanation or have any questions?


Related Questions:

  1. How would the calculation change if one of the slopes was zero?
  2. Can we find the angle between two lines if their equations are given in a different form, like slope-intercept?
  3. How does this method apply to parallel lines?
  4. What if the two lines were perpendicular? How would we determine the angle?
  5. Can this method be used for finding angles between lines in three-dimensional space?

Tip: When using trigonometric functions, ensure your calculator is set to the correct angle mode (degrees or radians) based on the problem requirements.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Analytical Geometry
Linear Equations
Angle Between Lines

Formulas

\( \tan \theta = \left| \frac{m_1 - m_2}{1 + m_1 m_2} \right| \)

Theorems

Slope-Intercept Form of a Line
Angle Between Two Lines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11