Question

Three vertices of a parallelogram are located at (-4, 3), (1, -2), and (-1,4). What are two possible locations of the fourth vertex? Explain your reasoning.

Answer 1

(4, -1) and (-6, 9).

Explanation:

To find the fourth vertex of a parallelogram, we need to find the vector that represents the displacement from one of the given vertices to another, and then add that vector to the third given vertex. Since parallelograms have opposite sides that are equal in length and parallel, adding the same displacement vector to two of the given vertices will give us the coordinates of the other two vertices.

One possible displacement vector is the difference between the first and second given vertices, or (1 - (-4), -2 - 3) = (5, -5). Adding this vector to the third given vertex, (-1, 4), gives us the fourth vertex at (4, -1).

Another possible displacement vector is the difference between the second and third given vertices, or (-1 - 1, 4 - (-2)) = (-2, 6). Adding this vector to the first given vertex, (-4, 3), gives us the fourth vertex at (-6, 9).

So the two possible locations of the fourth vertex are (4, -1) and (-6, 9).