Math Problem Statement

Solve this Please

What's the locus of P(x, y)?

Solution

The problem asks to find the "locus of P(x, y)" based on the geometric setup in the image. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

Description of the Diagram:

  • The diagram shows a right triangle, with the point P(x,y)P(x, y) being a movable point on the hypotenuse.
  • The horizontal distance is labeled aa, and the vertical distance is labeled bb.
  • The hypotenuse has a length mm, connecting the origin (0,0)(0, 0) to P(x,y)P(x, y).

Interpretation and Problem Objective:

The problem seems to be asking for the equation or locus of the point P(x,y)P(x, y), given the constraints of the triangle.

Since P(x,y)P(x, y) lies on the hypotenuse, we can apply the Pythagorean Theorem. The equation that relates the sides of the right triangle is:

a2+b2=m2a^2 + b^2 = m^2

This suggests that the point P(x,y)P(x, y) lies on a circle centered at the origin with radius mm.

Conclusion:

The locus of P(x,y)P(x, y) is the set of all points at a constant distance mm from the origin. This is the equation of a circle. Therefore, the equation of the locus is:

x2+y2=m2x^2 + y^2 = m^2

This is the equation of a circle with radius mm and center at (0,0)(0, 0).

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Related Questions:

  1. How can we derive the equation of the locus geometrically?
  2. What if P(x,y)P(x, y) were on another line, how would the locus change?
  3. What are the parametric equations for this circle?
  4. How can we verify that the point P(x,y)P(x, y) lies on the circle?
  5. Can this problem be extended to higher dimensions?

Tip:

Always remember that when a point moves while maintaining a constant distance from another fixed point, its locus is typically a circle (in 2D geometry).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Analytic Geometry
Locus of a Point
Equation of a Circle

Formulas

a^2 + b^2 = m^2
x^2 + y^2 = m^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12