Math Problem Statement

Use vectors to decide whether the triangle with vertices P( 1, -3, -2) , Q (2, 0, -4), and R( 6, -2, -5) is right-angled.

Solution

To determine if the triangle with vertices P(1,3,2)P(1, -3, -2), Q(2,0,4)Q(2, 0, -4), and R(6,2,5)R(6, -2, -5) is right-angled, we can use the concept of vectors and the dot product.

Steps:

  1. Find the vectors representing the sides of the triangle:

    • Vector PQ\overrightarrow{PQ} from PP to QQ: PQ=QP=(21,0+3,4+2)=(1,3,2)\overrightarrow{PQ} = Q - P = (2 - 1, 0 + 3, -4 + 2) = (1, 3, -2)
    • Vector PR\overrightarrow{PR} from PP to RR: PR=RP=(61,2+3,5+2)=(5,1,3)\overrightarrow{PR} = R - P = (6 - 1, -2 + 3, -5 + 2) = (5, 1, -3)
    • Vector QR\overrightarrow{QR} from QQ to RR: QR=RQ=(62,20,5+4)=(4,2,1)\overrightarrow{QR} = R - Q = (6 - 2, -2 - 0, -5 + 4) = (4, -2, -1)
  2. Check if any pair of these vectors are perpendicular by calculating their dot products:

    • The dot product of PQ\overrightarrow{PQ} and PR\overrightarrow{PR}: PQPR=(1)(5)+(3)(1)+(2)(3)=5+3+6=14\overrightarrow{PQ} \cdot \overrightarrow{PR} = (1)(5) + (3)(1) + (-2)(-3) = 5 + 3 + 6 = 14
    • The dot product of PQ\overrightarrow{PQ} and QR\overrightarrow{QR}: PQQR=(1)(4)+(3)(2)+(2)(1)=46+2=0\overrightarrow{PQ} \cdot \overrightarrow{QR} = (1)(4) + (3)(-2) + (-2)(-1) = 4 - 6 + 2 = 0
    • The dot product of PR\overrightarrow{PR} and QR\overrightarrow{QR}: PRQR=(5)(4)+(1)(2)+(3)(1)=202+3=21\overrightarrow{PR} \cdot \overrightarrow{QR} = (5)(4) + (1)(-2) + (-3)(-1) = 20 - 2 + 3 = 21

Conclusion:

The dot product PQQR=0\overrightarrow{PQ} \cdot \overrightarrow{QR} = 0, which indicates that vectors PQ\overrightarrow{PQ} and QR\overrightarrow{QR} are perpendicular. Since two sides of the triangle are perpendicular, the triangle is right-angled.

Would you like further details or have any questions about this solution?

Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. How can the magnitude of the vectors be calculated, and how is it relevant to the problem?
  2. What if the triangle was in a different plane? Would the method change?
  3. Can the same process be applied to check for obtuse angles in the triangle?
  4. How would the method differ if the vertices were given in 2D?
  5. Can you find the area of this triangle using vector methods?

Tip: The dot product of two vectors is a quick way to determine if they are perpendicular. If the result is zero, the vectors are orthogonal.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Dot Product
Perpendicular Vectors
Right Triangle

Formulas

Dot product formula

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

High School