Question 13985
the quoted line has gradient 1/2.


the line through (3,0) to this first line will have a gradient of -2 (look at my Lesson on straight lines, for the reason).


So, the second line equation is y=-2x+c... need to find c:


0 = -2(3) + c
0 = -6 + c
--> c = 6


--> equation is y=-2x+6


Right, we need to know the coordinates of th epoint where the 2 points cross...ie where the 2 lines are EQUAL...


so, we have y = (1/2)x + 1 = -2x + 6
(1/2)x = -2x + 5
x = -4x + 10
5x = 10
--> x = 2.


so from y = -2x + 6, we get
y = -2(2) + 6
y = -4 + 6
y = +2


so, point of intersection is (2,2).


So now you have 2 points (3,0) and (2,2)...find the length of that line...you do that :-)


jon.