Find the mirror image of this line

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I have a homework assignment that I just can't solve.

The point (3.4) is reflected on the line $y = 2x +1$. Which coordinates are the mirror image.

I know that I have to use the following formula $y = kx+m$ but do not know how.

Thanks!!

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2 Answers

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Actually, you have to draw a perpendicular line to the original line which includes $P(3,4)$. The condition for perpendicular lines is $k_1\cdot k_2=-1$. Therefore, perpendicular line should be:

$$y=\frac{-1}{2}x+m$$

You can find $m=\frac{11}{2}$ by putting $P(3,4)$.

Now you have to find the intersection point $P(x_c,y_c)$ by calculating:

$$2x_c+1=\frac{-1}{2}x_c+\frac{11}{2}$$

Then $P(x_c,y_c)$ will be the center of your mirror. You can find the reflection with the middle point formulas:

$$x_c=\frac{x_2+x_1}{2} \;\;\;\; y_c=\frac{y_2+y_1}{2}$$

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There are 3 paralel lines here. Sketch or plot line parallel to given line through given point. i.e.,solve for unknown c in y = 2 x + c. Observe y-intercepts and see how the intercept of given line can be made exactly in between c of this line and c of the required line.

By this procedure, y = 2 x - 2 contains given point (3,4), y = 2 x + 4 is the required line mirrored by given line y = 2 x + 1. Their y- intercepts (-2,1,4) are in arithmetic progression.

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