What is the third condition for finding the symmetric point of a line?

In summary, the conversation revolved around finding the coordinates of the symmetric point of the point M(2,1,3) on a given line and then finding a point equidistant from two other given points on a different line. The individual worked through the solution using various equations and conditions and ultimately found the point (664/77, -43/11, -15/77), which differed from the textbook's answer of (2,-3,5). They asked for confirmation on their approach.
  • #1
Physicsissuef
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Homework Statement



Find the coordinates of the symmetric point of the point M(2,1,3) of the line

[tex]\frac{x+2}{1}=\frac{y+1}{2}=\frac{z-1}{-1}[/tex]


Homework Equations




The Attempt at a Solution




Out from here:

[tex]\frac{x-x_1}{x_2-x_1}=\frac{y-y_1}{y_2-y_1}=\frac{z-z_1}{z_2-z_1}[/tex]

[tex]M_1(x_1,y_1,z_1)[/tex]

[tex]M_1(-2,-1,1) ; M_2(-1,1,0)[/tex]

I got two conditions

lets say that the point we need to find is N.

M_1N=MM_1

and

M_2N=MM_2

How will I find the 3-rd condition? I tried also with normal distance from M to the line to be equal with the normal distance of N to the line... Please help... Thank you.
 
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  • #2
Ok I solved this, using the 3-rd condition MN=2*distance from the point to line... But I have another task:

Find point at equal distance from the points A(3,11,4) and B(-5,-13,-2) at the line
[tex]\left\{\begin{matrix}
x+2y-z-1=0 & \\
3x-y+4z-29=0 &
\end{matrix}\right.[/tex]

I find the line using x=0.

The equation of the line is:

[tex]\frac{x}{7}=\frac{y-\frac{33}{7}}{-7}=\frac{z-\frac{59}{7}}{-7}[/tex]

Also I got:

[tex]\sqrt{(x-3)^2+(y-11)^2+(z-4)^2}=\sqrt{(x+5)^2+(y+13)^2+(z+2)^2}[/tex]

And I put the conditions in one system:
[tex]\left\{\begin{matrix}
\sqrt{(x-3)^2+(y-11)^2+(z-4)^2}=\sqrt{(x+5)^2+(y+13)^2+(z+2)^2} & \\
\frac{x}{7}=\frac{y-\frac{33}{7}}{-7}=\frac{z-\frac{59}{7}}{-7} &
\end{matrix}\right.
[/tex]

I get that point [tex](\frac{664}{77} ; \frac{-43}{11} ; \frac{-15}{77}[/tex]

And in my textbook they got: [tex](2,-3,5[/tex]

Is my way correct?
 
  • #3
tiny-tim, HallsofIvy, can you confirm me?
 

FAQ: What is the third condition for finding the symmetric point of a line?

What is a symmetric point of a line?

A symmetric point of a line is a point that lies on the opposite side of the line from another point, with respect to the line's mid-point. In other words, if you were to fold the line in half at its mid-point, the two points would be reflections of each other.

How do you find the symmetric point of a line?

To find the symmetric point of a line, you can use the mid-point formula. First, find the mid-point of the line by averaging the x-coordinates and the y-coordinates of the two given points. Then, use the mid-point and the given point to find the symmetric point by reflecting the given point across the mid-point.

What is the formula for finding the mid-point of a line?

The formula for finding the mid-point of a line is: [(x1 + x2) / 2, (y1 + y2) / 2]. This formula takes the average of the x-coordinates and the y-coordinates of the two given points.

Can a line have more than one symmetric point?

No, a line can only have one symmetric point with respect to a given point. This is because the symmetric point is unique and is determined by the mid-point of the line. However, a line can have multiple symmetric points with respect to different points.

Why is finding symmetric points important in mathematics and science?

Finding symmetric points is important in mathematics and science because it allows us to find the mirror image of a given point or object. This concept is used in various fields such as geometry, physics, and computer science. It also helps in visualizing and understanding symmetry in patterns and shapes.

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