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P is a point on the line segment joining the points (3,2,−1 ) and (6,2,−2) . If x - coordinate of P is 5, then its y - coordinate is

A. 2
B. 1
C. −1
D. −2

User Zpete
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1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

To find the y-coordinate of point P, we need to find the equation of the line passing through the given points. Using the formula for the equation of a line in three-dimensional space, we can determine the slope and the y-coordinate of point P by plugging in the given x-coordinate and we get the y-coordinate of P is 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the y-coordinate of point P, we need to find the equation of the line passing through the points (3, 2, -1) and (6, 2, -2). We can use the formula for the equation of a line in three-dimensional space: y = mx + b. First, let's find the slope (m).

m = (change in y) / (change in x) = (-2 - (-1)) / (6 - 3) = -1/3

Now, let's plug in the x-coordinate of P (which is 5) and solve for y:

y = (-1/3)(5) + b

Since we know that the y-coordinate of P is a whole number, we can test the answer choices. When we plug in y = 2, we get:

2 = (-1/3)(5) + b

b = 2 + 5/3 = 11/3

Therefore, the y-coordinate of P is 2. Answer: A. 2

User Shifatul
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