Vector problem - need help!

zhang

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Mar 13, 2016
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some directed line segments are given by:

attachment.php


if a,b,c,d,f,g are given (integers), what method should i use to find h and k? Anyone can help? thanks!!
 

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The problem can basically be restated by saying that you have three given vectors that define three sides of a quadrilateral, and you need to find a vector that defines the fourth side. This is a perfect example of when to use vector addition and subtraction. For convenience, place point O at the origin (0,0) and draw a vector, doesn't matter what vector. Stop at some point A, and draw another vector with point A as your base. Stop at a third point B. Note that you've drawn two sides of a triangle. So, how would you find the third side of the triangle, the vector OB? Now, can you extend this principle to a quadrilateral? As a hint, any quadrilateral can be divided into two triangles.
 
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