Shortest distance from one point to a line segment

S_100

New member
Joined
Sep 27, 2019
Messages
27
2019-11-05.png
Question is as inserted in image.
It asks to find shortest distance from A to line segment PC.

I know that this line must be perpedicular to PC, however, how can I deduce, by looking at the question intially, that the perpedicular line from A to PC will be on a point halfway of PC, (bisects PC)?
 

Attachments

  • 2019-11-05.png
    2019-11-05.png
    178.3 KB · Views: 8
Last edited:
How do you know it will be halfway? If it is, then you need to prove it and then find that point.
Do you know the equation of line PC (first you will need to state where the origin is or some other point). Do you know where point A is?
You have 15 posts so you know that you have to show us your work. Just making some conjecture is not enough. Come on, give it a try. At least anwser the questions I posed.
 
2019-11-05.png
Question is as inserted in image.
It asks to find shortest distance from A to line segment PC.

I know that this line must be perpendicular to PC, however, how can I deduce, by looking at the question intially, that the perpedicular line from A to PC will be on a point halfway of PC, (bisects PC)?
1573146064277.png Are you familiar with vector cross-product?
 
Top