Graph Problem

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September 17th 2011, 01:06 PM
PseudoThesis

Graph Problem

I'm having trouble determining what format my answer is supposed to take in the following problem:

The point P(x,y) satisfies the condition that is equidistant from the points A(4,1) and B (-3,5). Find and simplify an equation relating x and y. By simplify, we mean that you should re-write your equation so there are no square roots or fractional exponents present.

I know that one possible location for P is (0.5,3), which is also the midpoint of AB. They apparently want me to create an equation that equals zero. I tried y-6x, but was told that is incorrect.

What do they mean by "an equation relating x and y"?
September 17th 2011, 01:11 PM
Plato

Re: Graph Problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by PseudoThesis

I'm having trouble determining what format my answer is supposed to take in the following problem:

The point P(x,y) satisfies the condition that is equidistant from the points A(4,1) and B (-3,5). Find and simplify an equation relating x and y. By simplify, we mean that you should re-write your equation so there are no square roots or fractional exponents present.

Write the equation of the line perpendicular to the line segment at the midpoint.
September 17th 2011, 01:48 PM
PseudoThesis

Re: Graph Problem

I'm sorry, but I don't understand how to do that. Wouldn't a perpendicular line fall on C(-4,1) and D(3,5)? If so, how do I write an equation for this?
September 17th 2011, 01:53 PM
Plato

Re: Graph Problem

Quote:

Originally Posted by PseudoThesis

I'm sorry, but I don't understand how to do that. Wouldn't a perpendicular line fall on C(-4,1) and D(3,5)? If so, how do I write an equation for this?

You know the midpoint $(-0.5,3)$ .
The slope of $\overleftrightarrow {CD}$ is $\frac{4}{7}$ .
So the slope of the perpendicular is $\frac{-7}{4}$ .
Write the equation.