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Triangle FGH has vertices F (-3,1), G (1,5), and H (6,4). What are the coordinates of the point of the Orthocenter?

a) (-1,2)
b) (2,3)
c) (3,2)
d) (4,1)

User Bertrand P
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

To find the coordinates of the orthocenter, we need to find the equation of each altitude of the triangle. The equation of the line passing through F and G is y = x + 4, the equation of the line passing through G and H is y = -1/5x + 26/5, and the equation of the line passing through H and F is y = 1/3x + 2. Solving the system of equations gives the coordinates of the orthocenter as (3,2).

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the coordinates of the orthocenter, we need to find the altitude of each side of the triangle and determine where they intersect. The altitude of a side of a triangle is a line segment that is perpendicular to that side and passes through the opposite vertex. Let's find the equation of each altitude:

First, find the slope of the line passing through F (-3,1) and G (1,5). The slope is (5-1)/(1-(-3)) = 4/4 = 1. The equation of the line is y - 1 = 1(x - (-3)) => y - 1 = x + 3 => y = x + 4.

Next, find the slope of the line passing through G (1,5) and H (6,4). The slope is (4-5)/(6-1) = -1/5. The equation of the line is y - 5 = -1/5(x - 1) => y - 5 = -1/5x + 1/5 => y = -1/5x + 26/5.

Lastly, find the slope of the line passing through H (6,4) and F (-3,1). The slope is (1-4)/(-3-6) = -3/-9 = 1/3. The equation of the line is y - 4 = 1/3(x - 6) => y - 4 = 1/3x - 2 => y = 1/3x + 2.

To find the coordinates of the orthocenter, solve the system of equations formed by the three altitude lines. The solution is (3,2), so the coordinates of the orthocenter are (3,2).

User SHAKIR SHABBIR
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