Chapter 4: Problem 6
Let \(A, B,\) and \(C\) denote the three vertice of a triangle. a. If \(E\) is the midpoint of side \(B C\), show that $$ \overrightarrow{A E}=\frac{1}{2}(\overrightarrow{A B}+\overrightarrow{A C}) $$ b. If \(F\) is the midpoint of side \(A C\), show that $$ \overrightarrow{F E}=\frac{1}{2} \overrightarrow{A B} $$
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Midpoint Formula for Part a
Defining Midpoint E in Vector Terms
Transforming Vector Expressions
Simplifying Vector Expression for AE
Understanding the Midpoint Formula for Part b
Defining Midpoint F in Vector Terms
Expressing and Simplifying FE
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Midpoint Formula
- This translates to finding the average of the vectors \(\overrightarrow{B}\) and \(\overrightarrow{C}\).
- The logic is simple: the midpoint is equidistant from both endpoints.
Vector Addition
- To add vectors, simply add their corresponding components. For instance, to add vectors \(\overrightarrow{A} = (x_1, y_1)\) and \(\overrightarrow{B} = (x_2, y_2)\), the sum is \(\overrightarrow{A} + \overrightarrow{B} = (x_1 + x_2, y_1 + y_2)\).
- The result represents a new vector, termed as the resultant vector, pointing from the initial position to the terminal position.
Triangle Vertices
- The vertices, labeled as \(A\), \(B\), and \(C\), make up the triangle. Their position vectors are usually given as \(\overrightarrow{A}\), \(\overrightarrow{B}\), and \(\overrightarrow{C}\) respectively.
- Understanding these base points lets us calculate side vectors like \(\overrightarrow{AB} = \overrightarrow{B} - \overrightarrow{A}\) and \(\overrightarrow{AC} = \overrightarrow{C} - \overrightarrow{A}\) with ease, which are crucial for solving complex geometrical problems.