Math Problem Statement

The straight line L has equation x - y = 3. The curve C has equation 3x^2 - y^2 + xy = 9. L and C intersect at the points P and Q. Find the coordinates of the midpoint of PQ. Show clear algebraic working.

Solution

Let's solve the problem step-by-step.


Given Information:

  1. Equation of the line LL: xy=3x - y = 3
  2. Equation of the curve CC: 3x2y2+xy=93x^2 - y^2 + xy = 9

The line LL and the curve CC intersect at two points PP and QQ. We need to:

  1. Find the coordinates of points PP and QQ.
  2. Calculate the midpoint of PQPQ.

Step 1: Express yy in Terms of xx from the Line Equation

The line equation is: xy=3x - y = 3 Rearrange to express yy in terms of xx: y=x3y = x - 3

Step 2: Substitute y=x3y = x - 3 into the Curve Equation

Now substitute y=x3y = x - 3 into the curve equation: 3x2y2+xy=93x^2 - y^2 + xy = 9 Substitute y=x3y = x - 3: 3x2(x3)2+x(x3)=93x^2 - (x - 3)^2 + x(x - 3) = 9

Step 3: Simplify the Equation

Expanding (x3)2(x - 3)^2: (x3)2=x26x+9(x - 3)^2 = x^2 - 6x + 9 So, 3x2(x26x+9)+x(x3)=93x^2 - (x^2 - 6x + 9) + x(x - 3) = 9 3x2x2+6x9+x23x=93x^2 - x^2 + 6x - 9 + x^2 - 3x = 9 Combine like terms: 3x2x2+x2+6x3x9=93x^2 - x^2 + x^2 + 6x - 3x - 9 = 9

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Coordinate Geometry
Intersection of Line and Curve
Midpoint Formula

Formulas

Line equation: x - y = 3
Curve equation: 3x^2 - y^2 + xy = 9
Midpoint formula: ( (x1 + x2) / 2, (y1 + y2) / 2 )

Theorems

Quadratic equation solving
System of equations

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12