Let a be a non-zero constant. If the straight line L1:ax+2y+8=0, L2:4x+(a+2)y-6=0 and L3:y=0 cannot form a triangle, find the value of a
in Word Problem Answers by
edited

Your answer

Your name to display (optional):
Privacy: Your email address will only be used for sending these notifications.
Anti-spam verification:
To avoid this verification in future, please log in or register.

2 Answers

Given ax+2y+8=0, 4x+(a+2)y-6=0 and y=0
The value of a=2
Which is non-zore and the doesn't make triangle


Click for image

Algebra Word Problems - http://math.tutorcircle.com/algebra/algebra-word-problems.html

by Level 8 User (30.1k points)

L1: ax+2y+8=0, L2: 4x+(a+2)y-6=0, L3: y=0

If a=-2, three lines can be rewritten: L1: y=x-4, L2: x=3/2, L2: y=0   These 3 lines have different slopes, and form a triangle.   Therefore, a≠0 and three lines can be rewritten as follows:

L1: y=-ax/2 - 4, L2: y=-4x/(a+2) + 6/(a+2), L3: y=0

Since a≠0 and a≠-2, L1 and L2 are not parallel to L3.   Thus, L1 and L2 must be parallel to each other not to form a triangle.   So, the slopes of L1 and L2 must be identical.  

That is: -a/2=-4/(a+2)   Simplify the equation, getting (a+4)(a-2)=0   We have: a=-4, or a=2

CK: Plug the values of a into the equations of L1 and L2.  

If a=-4, L1: y=2x - 4, L2: y=2x - 3/2, so L1 and L2 are parallel to each other.

If a=2, L1: y=-x - 4, L2: y=-x + 3/2, so L1 and L2 are parallel to each other.   CKD.

Therefore, the answer is: a=-4, or a=2

by

Related questions

2 answers
2 answers
2 answers
asked Sep 9, 2011 in Pre-Algebra Answers by anonymous | 1.2k views
Welcome to MathHomeworkAnswers.org, where students, teachers and math enthusiasts can ask and answer any math question. Get help and answers to any math problem including algebra, trigonometry, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, fractions, solving expression, simplifying expressions and more. Get answers to math questions. Help is always 100% free!
87,516 questions
100,279 answers
2,420 comments
732,272 users