Analyzing the Setup
We are given the equations of the sides of triangle ABC:
AB:2x+y=0
BC:x+py=21a
CA:x−y=3
The centroid of the triangle is given as P(2,a). Our objective is to determine the value of (BC)2.
Locating the Anchor Point
Vertex A is the intersection of lines AB and CA. We solve the system:
2x+y=0
x−y=3
From the first equation, we have
y=−2x. Substituting this into the second equation:
x−(−2x)=3
3x=3⇒x=1
Substituting x=1 back into y=−2x, we find y=−2. Thus, the vertex A is located at (1,−2).
The Art of Parameterization
We define the coordinates of vertices B and C based on the lines they lie upon. Since B lies on AB (2x+y=0), we parameterize it as B(α,−2α).
Since C lies on CA (x−y=3), we parameterize it as C(β,β−3). This transformation reduces the complexity of the vertices to two variables, α and β.
The Centroid Connection
The centroid
P(2,a) is the arithmetic mean of the vertices
A(1,−2),
B(α,−2α), and
C(β,β−3). Using the centroid formula for the
x-coordinate:
31+α+β=2⇒α+β=5
Using the centroid formula for the
y-coordinate:
3−2−2α+β−3=a⇒β−2α−5=3a
The Final Convergence
Both
B and
C must satisfy the equation of line
BC:
x+py=21a. Substituting
B(α,−2α):
α−2pα=21a⇒α(1−2p)=21a
Substituting
C(β,β−3):
β+p(β−3)=21a
By solving this system of equations, we determine the relationship a=−α. Solving the system yields the coordinates B(−3,6) and C(8,5).
Final Calculation
To find
(BC)2, we apply the distance formula between
B(−3,6) and
C(8,5):
(BC)2=(8−(−3))2+(5−6)2
(BC)2=(11)2+(−1)2
(BC)2=121+1
The final result is:
(BC)2=122