Find the image of the point (3, 8) with respect to the line x + 3y = 7 assuming the line to be a plane mirror.
Solution
Let the image of P(3, 8) and P’(a, b)
Let the point of intersection be O
Slope of x + 3y = 7 is `-1/3`
Slope of PP’ = 3 ...(perpendicular)
Equation of PP’ is
y – y1 = m(x – x1)
y – 8 = 3(x – 3)
y – 8 = 3x – 9
– 8 + 9 = 3x – y
∴ 3x – y = 1 ...(1)
The two line meet at 0
x + 3y = 7 ...(2)
(1) × 3 ⇒ 9x – 3y = 3 ...(3)
(2) × 1 ⇒ x + 3y = 7 ...(4)
Adding (1) and (2) ⇒ 10x = 10
x = `10/10` = 1
Substitute the value of x = 1 in (1)
3 – y = 1
3 – 1 = y
2 = y
The point O is (1, 2)
Mid point of pp’ = `((x_1 + x_2)/2, (y_1 + y_2)/2)`
(1, 2) = `((3 + "a")/2, (8 + "b")/2)`
∴ `(3 + "a")/2` = 1
⇒ 3 + a = 2
a = 2 – 3 = – 1
`(8 + "b")/2` = 2
8 + b = 4
b = 4 – 8 = – 4
The point P’ is (– 1, – 4)