Points P and Q have position vectors (2/b) and (8/13) respectively. Given that |PQ| = 10, calculate the values of b.

Mathematics
Points P and Q have position vectors (2/b) and (8/13) respectively. Given that |PQ| = 10, calculate the values of b.

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Answer

2±352 \pm 3\sqrt{5}

Step 1: Position vectors (in m)
OP=(12),OQ=(3b)\vec{OP} = \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}, \quad \vec{OQ} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ b \end{pmatrix}

Step 2: Vector PQ\vec{PQ} (in m)
Formula: PQ=OQOP\vec{PQ} = \vec{OQ} - \vec{OP}
Substitute: PQ=(3b)(12)\vec{PQ} = \begin{pmatrix} 3 \\ b \end{pmatrix} - \begin{pmatrix} 1 \\ 2 \end{pmatrix}
Simplify: PQ=(2b2)\vec{PQ} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ b-2 \end{pmatrix}

Step 3: Magnitude PQ=7|\vec{PQ}| = 7 m
Formula: PQ=(2)2+(b2)2|\vec{PQ}| = \sqrt{ (2)^2 + (b-2)^2 }
Given: 4+(b2)2=7\sqrt{ 4 + (b-2)^2 } = 7

Step 4: Square both sides
Formula: (4+(b2)2)2=72\left( \sqrt{ 4 + (b-2)^2 } \right)^2 = 7^2
Substitute: 4+(b2)2=494 + (b-2)^2 = 49
Simplify: (b2)2=45(b-2)^2 = 45

Step 5: Solve for bb (in m)
Formula: b2=±45b-2 = \pm \sqrt{45}
Substitute: 45=9×5=35\sqrt{45} = \sqrt{9 \times 5} = 3\sqrt{5}
Simplify: b=2±35b = 2 \pm 3\sqrt{5}

b=2±35m\mathbf{b = 2 \pm 3\sqrt{5} \, m}
2±35\boxed{2 \pm 3\sqrt{5}}

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Position vectors (in m) OP = 1 \\ 2 , OQ = 3 \\ b Step 2: Vector PQ (in m) Formula: PQ = OQ - OP Substitute: PQ = 3 \\ b - 1 \\ 2 Simplify: PQ = 2 \\ b-2 Step 3: Magnitude |PQ| = 7 m Formula: |PQ| = sqrt( (2)^2 + (b-2)^2 ) Given: sqrt( 4 + (b-2)^2 ) =…

Points P and Q have position vectors (2/b) and (8/13) respectively. Given that |PQ| = 10, calculate the values of b.
Mathematics

This mathematics problem involves applying core mathematical principles and formulas. Below you will find a complete step-by-step solution with detailed explanations for each step, helping you understand not just the answer but the method behind it.

ScanSolve AI Answer
Step 1: Position vectors (in m) OP = 1 \\ 2 , OQ = 3 \\ b Step 2: Vector PQ (in m) Formula: PQ = OQ - OP Substitute: PQ = 3 \\ b - 1 \\ 2 Simplify: PQ = 2 \\ b-2 Step 3: Magnitude |PQ| = 7 m Formula: |PQ| = sqrt( (2)^2 + (b-2)^2 ) Given: sqrt( 4 + (b-2)^2 ) = 7 Step 4: Square both sides Formula: ( sqrt( 4 + (b-2)^2 ) )^2 = 7^2 Substitute: 4 + (b-2)^2 = 49 Simplify: (b-2)^2 = 45 Step 5: Solve for b (in m) Formula: b-2 = ± sqrt(45) Substitute: sqrt(45) = sqrt(9 × 5) = 3sqrt(5) Simplify: b = 2 ± 3sqrt(5) b = 2 ± 3sqrt(5) \, m 2 ± 3sqrt(5)