Math Problem Statement

We have A\left(4,2\right)\text{ and B}\left(-2,5\right)\text{. There is point C}\left(5,\text{ k}\right)\text{, where k is unknown. Find the coordinates to C so that } $$$$ \overrightarrow{AC}\text{ is orthogonal to } $$$$ \overrightarrow{AB}

Solution

To find the coordinates of point C(5,k)C(5, k) such that the vector AC\overrightarrow{AC} is orthogonal to the vector AB\overrightarrow{AB}, we can use the property that two vectors are orthogonal if and only if their dot product is zero.

Step 1: Find the components of the vectors

We are given:

  • Point A(4,2)A(4, 2)
  • Point B(2,5)B(-2, 5)
  • Point C(5,k)C(5, k)

We need to find the vectors AC\overrightarrow{AC} and AB\overrightarrow{AB}.

  • The vector AC\overrightarrow{AC} is given by the difference of the coordinates of points CC and AA: AC=(54,k2)=(1,k2)\overrightarrow{AC} = (5 - 4, k - 2) = (1, k - 2)

  • The vector AB\overrightarrow{AB} is given by the difference of the coordinates of points BB and AA: AB=(24,52)=(6,3)\overrightarrow{AB} = (-2 - 4, 5 - 2) = (-6, 3)

Step 2: Use the condition for orthogonality

For the vectors AC\overrightarrow{AC} and AB\overrightarrow{AB} to be orthogonal, their dot product must be zero. The dot product of two vectors (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is given by: ACAB=x1x2+y1y2\overrightarrow{AC} \cdot \overrightarrow{AB} = x_1 x_2 + y_1 y_2

Substitute the components of AC\overrightarrow{AC} and AB\overrightarrow{AB} into this formula: (1,k2)(6,3)=1×(6)+(k2)×3(1, k - 2) \cdot (-6, 3) = 1 \times (-6) + (k - 2) \times 3 =6+3(k2)= -6 + 3(k - 2) Simplifying: 6+3(k2)=6+3k6=3k12-6 + 3(k - 2) = -6 + 3k - 6 = 3k - 12

Step 3: Set the dot product equal to zero

For orthogonality, we set the dot product equal to zero: 3k12=03k - 12 = 0

Step 4: Solve for kk

Solve the equation: 3k=123k = 12 k=4k = 4

Final Answer:

The coordinates of point CC are (5,4)(5, 4).

Let me know if you would like further details or clarification! Here are some related questions for practice:

  1. What does the geometric interpretation of orthogonality mean for two vectors?
  2. How would you calculate the distance between points AA and CC?
  3. How can you prove that two vectors are parallel?
  4. How do you find the angle between two vectors?
  5. How does the concept of dot product relate to work in physics?

Tip: When working with vectors, always remember that the dot product is zero when the vectors are orthogonal (perpendicular), which is key to many geometric problems!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Dot Product
Orthogonality

Formulas

Dot product of two vectors: (x1, y1) · (x2, y2) = x1 * x2 + y1 * y2
Condition for orthogonality: dot product = 0

Theorems

Orthogonality of vectors

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12