What is the orthocenter of a triangle with corners at #(4 ,3 )#, #(7 ,4 )#, and (2 ,8 )#?

1 Answer
Jul 11, 2016

The Orthocentre is #(64/17,46/17).#

Explanation:

Let us name the corners of the triangle as #A(4,3), B(7,4) & C(2,8).#

From Geometry , we know that the altitudes of a trangle are concurrent at a point called the Orthocentre of the triangle.

Let pt. #H# be the orthocentre of #DeltaABC,# and, let three altds. be #AD, BE, and CF,# where the pts. #D,E,F# are the feet of these altds. on sides #BC, CA, and, AB,# respectively.

So, to obtain #H#, we should find the eqns. of any two altds. and solve them. We select to find the eqns. of #AD and CF.#

Eqn. of Altd. AD :-

#AD# is perp. to #BC#, & slope of #BC# is #(8-4)/(2-7)=-4/5,# so, slope of #AD# has to be #5/4#, with #A(4,3)# on #AD#.

Hence, eqn. of #AD : y-3=5/4(x-4),# i.e., #y=3+5/4(x-4)..........(1)#

Eqn. of Altd. CF :-

Proceeding as above, we get , eqn. of #CF : y=8-3(x-2)........(2)#

Solving #(1) & (2), 3+5/4(x-4)=8-3(x-2)#
#rArr 12+5x-20=32-12x+24 rArr 17x=64 rArr x=64/17#
BY #(2)#, then, #y=8-3*30/17=46/17.#

Hence, the Ortho centre #H=H(64/17,46/17).#

Hope, you enjoyed this! Enjoy Maths.!