SOLUTION: Find orthocentre of triangle with vertices (-2,-1),(6,-1),(2,5)

Algebra.Com
Question 1091708: Find orthocentre of triangle with vertices (-2,-1),(6,-1),(2,5)
Found 2 solutions by htmentor, ikleyn:
Answer by htmentor(1343)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
By inspection, we see that the base of the triangle formed by the vertices (-2,-1) and (6,-1) is symmetric about the line x=2,
so this altitude goes through the point (2,-1), and we know the x coordinate of the orthocentre is 2.
To find the y coordinate, we use the fact that an altitude will be perpendicular
to the line formed by any two vertices, and will pass through the 3rd vertex.
Using (6,-1) and (2,5), the line is
y + 1 = ((5+1)/(2-6)(x - 6) -> y = -3/2x + 8
And, since perpendicular lines have negative reciprocal slope, the line for the altitude is
y + 1 = 2/3(x + 2) -> y = 2/3x + 1/3
The intersection point of x = 2 and y = 2/3x + 1/3 gives the orthocentre
y = 2/3*2 + 1/3 = 5/3
Ans: (2,5/3)

Answer by ikleyn(52794)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Find orthocentre of triangle with vertices (-2,-1),(6,-1),(2,5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The orthocenter is the point where all three altitudes of the triangle intersect. 


Notice that the side of the triangle, connecting the vertices (-2,-1) and (6,-1), is horizontal line parallel to x-axis.

Therefore, the altitude drawn to this side is vertical line x = const, and since it passes through the point (2,5), this constant is equal to 2,
and the equation of this altitude is x = 2.


We will find the orthocenter as the intersection point of this altitude with the other altitude drawn from the vertex (6,-1).

This altitude is perpendicular to the side of the triangle connecting two other points, (-2,-1) and (2,5).

The slope of this side/segment is m =  =  =  = .


Since the altitude from the point (6,-1) is perpendicular to this side, it has the slope .
And since it passes through the point (6,-1), its equation is

y - (-1) = ,   or    

y + 1 = ,   or   y = .


Its intersection with the line x = 2 has y-coordinate  y =  =  .


Thus the orthocenter is the point (x,y) = (,).


RELATED QUESTIONS

Please help me solve the problem two vertices of a triangle(5,-1) and (-2,3) and if the... (answered by Theo)
Determine the coordinates of the orthocentre of triangle DEF with vertices at D (-3,4) E... (answered by MathLover1)
Find the perimeter of the triangle with the vertices at (1, 2), (-6, 5), and (-6,... (answered by NotAnotherSecret,Alan3354,MathTherapy)
Points A(1,1), B(6,2), C(8,5) form the vertices of a triangle. find the... (answered by CubeyThePenguin)
The sides of a triangle lie along the straight line with equations y=1; x+y=6 and... (answered by KMST)
Find the coordinates of the centroid, orthocenter, and circumcenter of a triangle with... (answered by solver91311,richard1234)
Find the area of the triangle with vertices (0, 0), (5, 3) and (2,... (answered by Fombitz)
find the area of a triangle with vertices are... (answered by solver91311)
Use 2 methods to show triangle with vertices A (-6, 5), B (2, 1), C (-2, -6) is a right... (answered by Alan3354)