Question:hard

Determine graphically, the coordinates of vertices of a triangle whose equations are $2x - 3y + 6 = 0$; $2x + 3y - 18 = 0$ and $x = 0$. Also, find the area of this triangle.

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To double-check your graphical intersection points, solve the equations algebraically.
Add the two equations:
\[ (2x - 3y + 6) + (2x + 3y - 18) = 0 \implies 4x - 12 = 0 \implies x = 3 \]
Substitute $x = 3$ in the first equation:
\[ 2(3) - 3y + 6 = 0 \implies 12 = 3y \implies y = 4 \]
This confirms that the intersection vertex is exactly $(3, 4)$.
Updated On: Jul 7, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Find the vertices by solving the equations algebraically, and find the area with the coordinate area formula, instead of reading the graph and using base times height.
Plotting points is one way to find where the lines meet, but we can get the exact same vertices faster by solving pairs of equations directly, and then use a formula that works for any triangle once we know its three corners.

Step 2: Find vertex A, the intersection of the two slanted lines.
The two lines are:
\[ 2x - 3y + 6 = 0 \quad \text{...(i)} \]
\[ 2x + 3y - 18 = 0 \quad \text{...(ii)} \]
Add equations (i) and (ii) together. The $y$ terms cancel because they have opposite signs:
\[ (2x - 3y + 6) + (2x + 3y - 18) = 0 \]
\[ 4x - 12 = 0 \implies x = 3 \]
Substitute $x = 3$ back into equation (i):
\[ 2(3) - 3y + 6 = 0 \implies 12 - 3y = 0 \implies y = 4 \]
So vertex $A = (3, 4)$.

Step 3: Find vertex B, where the first line meets the third line $x = 0$.
Substitute $x = 0$ into equation (i):
\[ 2(0) - 3y + 6 = 0 \implies -3y = -6 \implies y = 2 \]
So vertex $B = (0, 2)$.

Step 4: Find vertex C, where the second line meets $x = 0$.
Substitute $x = 0$ into equation (ii):
\[ 2(0) + 3y - 18 = 0 \implies 3y = 18 \implies y = 6 \]
So vertex $C = (0, 6)$.

Step 5: Apply the coordinate area formula to the three vertices.
For a triangle with vertices $(x_1,y_1)$, $(x_2,y_2)$, $(x_3,y_3)$:
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \left| x_1(y_2 - y_3) + x_2(y_3 - y_1) + x_3(y_1 - y_2) \right| \]
Using $A(3,4)$, $B(0,2)$, $C(0,6)$:
\[ \text{Area} = \frac{1}{2} \left| 3(2 - 6) + 0(6 - 4) + 0(4 - 2) \right| \]
\[ = \frac{1}{2} \left| 3(-4) + 0 + 0 \right| = \frac{1}{2} \left| -12 \right| = \frac{1}{2} \times 12 = 6 \]

Step 6: Final answer.
The vertices are $A(3,4)$, $B(0,2)$, $C(0,6)$, and the area of the triangle is $6$ square units.
\[ \boxed{\text{Area} = 6 \text{ sq. units}} \]
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