Chapter 10: Problem 35
Determine the area of \(\triangle A B C\) if \(A=(2,1), B=(5,3)\) and \(C\) is the reflection of \(B\) across the \(x\) axis.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The area of \(\triangle ABC\) is 9 square units.
Step by step solution
01
Determine Point C
The point C is the reflection of point B across the x-axis. To reflect a point across the x-axis, we change the sign of its y-coordinate. Since B is at (5, 3), the reflected point C will be at (5, -3).
02
Use the Formula for Area of a Triangle
The formula for the area of a triangle formed by points \(A(x_1, y_1), B(x_2, y_2), C(x_3, y_3)\) is \[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \left| x_1(y_2-y_3) + x_2(y_3-y_1) + x_3(y_1-y_2) \right| \].
03
Insert the Coordinates into the Formula
Using the coordinates A(2, 1), B(5, 3), and C(5, -3), we insert them into the formula. This gives us \[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \left| 2(3 + 3) + 5(-3 - 1) + 5(1 - 3) \right| \].
04
Calculate the Expression Inside Absolute Value
Calculate the expression: \((2 \times 6) + (5 \times -4) + (5 \times -2) = 12 - 20 - 10 = -18\).
05
Calculate the Absolute Value and Area
Take the absolute value of the expression: \| -18 | = 18\. Then, compute the area: \( \frac{1}{2} \times 18 = 9 \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Triangle Area
To find the area of a triangle, especially when working with points on a coordinate plane, a specific formula comes in handy. This is not the standard base times height over two formula but a more flexible one that utilizes coordinates directly. Imagine three points: \(A(x_1, y_1)\), \(B(x_2, y_2)\), and \(C(x_3, y_3)\).
\[\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \left| x_1(y_2-y_3) + x_2(y_3-y_1) + x_3(y_1-y_2) \right|\]
This formula is a powerful tool in coordinate geometry. It allows you to determine the area by plugging in the x and y values directly, making it extremely convenient.
\[\text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \left| x_1(y_2-y_3) + x_2(y_3-y_1) + x_3(y_1-y_2) \right|\]
This formula is a powerful tool in coordinate geometry. It allows you to determine the area by plugging in the x and y values directly, making it extremely convenient.
- Calculate the differences in y-coordinates for each pair of points.
- Multiply each x-coordinate by the respective y-pair difference.
- Add these calculated values together.
- Take the absolute value to ensure the area is positive.
- Divide the result by 2 to get the final area.
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate Geometry provides a way to describe geometric figures using an algebraic approach. It establishes a link between algebra and geometry through the Cartesian coordinate system, where every point is defined by an \(x\) (horizontal position) and a \(y\) (vertical position).
- Each point on the coordinate plane is expressed as \((x, y)\).
- Vertical and horizontal distances can be calculated directly from these coordinates.
- Equations of lines and shapes can be easily formed using the coordinates.
Reflection across Axes
Reflection across an axis is a fundamental transformation in geometry, particularly coordinate geometry. It involves flipping a point, line, or shape over either the x-axis or the y-axis. When reflecting a point such as \((x, y)\):
The reflection concept applies to any point or object on the coordinate plane, and it helps in visualizing symmetrical properties and simplifying geometric problems that involve symmetry.
- Over the \(x\)-axis: change \(y\) to \(-y\). Thus, \((x, y)\) becomes \((x, -y)\).
- Over the \(y\)-axis: change \(x\) to \(-x\). Thus, \((x, y)\) becomes \((-x, y)\).
The reflection concept applies to any point or object on the coordinate plane, and it helps in visualizing symmetrical properties and simplifying geometric problems that involve symmetry.