- #1
Acut
- 226
- 0
Homework Statement
What is the easiest way of finding the symmetrical of a point relative to an arbitrary line?
(I was asked on an exam to find the symmetrical of a point relative to the line y = x, but that's rather trivial - just switch the coordinates. How can I do it for any arbitrary line ax + by = c?)
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I found a way, but it's rather messy. Given the line s and the point P, find the line t that is perpendicular to s and passes through P. Calculate the distance d between P and s. Find the point on the line t that is also at a distance d from s.
This sounds awfully complicated and messy for me. Is there a quicker way?