Jon P.

asked • 01/07/15

The parametric equations x = x1 + (x2 - x1)t, y = y1 + (y2 - y1)t where 0 = t = 1 describe the line segment that joins the points P1(x1, y1)...

(problem continued)..."and P2(x2,y2). Draw the triangle with vertices A(1, 1), B(4, 3), C(1, 7). Find the parametrization, including endpoints, and sketch to check. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list of equations. Let x and y be in terms of t.)"
1)A to B
2)B to C
3)A to C
I don't know where to start on this problem, I do not know what is asking me to find either. I get parametric equations and how they work but this question confuses me.

1 Expert Answer

By:

Jon P.

I apologize the second half of the explanation/problem didn't copy here it is..
"and P2(x2,y2). Draw the triangle with vertices A(1, 1), B(4, 3), C(1, 7). Find the parametrization, including endpoints, and sketch to check. (Enter your answers as a comma-separated list of equations. Let x and y be in terms of t.)"
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01/07/15

Jim S.

tutor
Jon,
        Ok now i see what's required. You were give the parametric equation for a line between two points: x=x1+(x2-x1)*t and y=y1+(y2-y1)*t where t>=0 and <=1. This is a general form for any two points (x1,y1) and (x2,y2). To construct specific equation for the line going from A to B you let x1=1,y1=1 and x2=4, y2=3 and substitute in the general equation. So the answer to 1. is x=1+3*t, y=1+2*t. You can see when t=0 x=1 and y=1 i.e. A and when t=1 x=4 and y=3 which is point B. 
      You try doing B to C and  A to C
Good luck
Jim
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01/08/15

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