SOLUTION: P and Q are the points of intersection of the line x/a +y/b = 1 ( a > 0 , b > 0),with the x and y axes respectively. The distance PQ is 10 and the gradient of PQ is -2. Find the

Question 1178030: P and Q are the points of intersection of the line x/a +y/b = 1 ( a > 0 ,
b > 0),with the x and y axes respectively. The distance PQ is 10 and the
gradient of PQ is -2. Find the value of a and of b.
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20056) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Instead of doing it for you, I'll change the numbers and do one exactly
step-by-step like yours.  Here's the one I'll do:

P and Q are the points of intersection of the line x/a +y/b = 1
(a > 0, b > 0), with the x and y axes respectively. The distance PQ is 20
and the gradient of PQ is -3. Find the value of a and of b.




We use the gradient formula:






We use the distance formula:





Substitute 3a for b




  <--positive square root since a > 0







Now do yours the exact same way.

Edwin

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