# [SOLVED] Vector Proof - Parallelogram and Triangle

• May 28th 2009, 10:12 PM
Enedrox
[SOLVED] Vector Proof - Parallelogram and Triangle
http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...1&d=1243576670

The quadrilateral OABC is a parallelogram, and $\vec{OC} = 3\vec{CD}$

Now, let $\vec{AE} = m \times \vec{OA}$ and $\vec{BE} = n \times \vec{DB}$, where $m, n \in R^+$. Find the value of $m$ and $n$.

I can't seem to find how to calculate $m$ and $n$, anyone know how to?
• May 28th 2009, 11:14 PM
Similar Triangles
Hello Enedrox

Welcome to Math Help Forum!
Quote:

Originally Posted by Enedrox
http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...1&d=1243576670

The quadrilateral OABC is a parallelogram, and $\vec{OC} = 3\vec{CD}$

Now, let $\vec{AE} = m \times \vec{OA}$ and $\vec{BE} = n \times \vec{DB}$, where $m, n \in R^+$. Find the value of $m$ and $n$.

I can't seem to find how to calculate $m$ and $n$, anyone know how to?

Note that triangles DCB, BAE and DOE are all similar, because of the parallel lines.

So $\vec{DO} = 4\vec{DC} \Rightarrow \vec{DE}=4\vec{DB}$

$\Rightarrow \vec{BE}=3\vec{DB}$

$\Rightarrow n = 3$

and $\vec{EO}=4\vec{BC}=4\vec{AO}$

$\Rightarrow \vec{AE} = 3\vec{OA}$

$\Rightarrow m = 3$