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The perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining P(1, 4) and Q(k, 3) has y-intercept -4. Then what is the possible value of k ?

The perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining P(1, 4) and Q(k, 3) has y-intercept -4. Then what is the possible value of k ?

Grade:12

1 Answers

ronit bhatiya
14 Points
14 years ago

Let the equation of perpendicular bisector is y = mx + c
c = -4
So, y = mx - 4 .............(i)


Center point between P(1, 4) and Q(k, 3) will be ((1+k)/2, 7/2)
In equation (i) passes thru ((1+k)/2, 7/2)
So, 7/2 = m((1+k)/2) - 4
7 = m + mk - 8
m + mk - 15 = 0 .................(ii)


m = gradient of the perpendiculat line
m = - (gradient of PQ) = -(1-k)/(4-3) = k - 1

Replace value of m in equation (ii)
k - 1 + k(k - 1) - 15 = 0
k2 = 16
k = ±4

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