Math Is Fun Forum

juantheron

Member

Registered: 2011-10-19

Posts: 312

minimum distance

A family of lines in parameters

and

given by

represents rivers flowing in the

plane. A man at origin is thirsty and wants to drink from the closest river. What is the minimum distance he has to travel?

sameer mishra

Member

Registered: 2010-08-27

Posts: 64

Re: minimum distance

if any faimly of line f(x)+tF(x)=0 is given then minimum distance friom origin is (constant term)/[coef. of(x^2)+coef. of(y^2)]

since ans of above ques. =t^2 +2t +4

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: minimum distance

Hi sameer mishra;

if any faimly of line f(x)+tF(x)=0 is given then minimum distance friom origin is (constant term)/[coef. of(x^2)+coef. of(y^2)]

I am not following you here, what coefficient of x^2 and y^2? Please provide a little more explanation.

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.