Question:medium

The point on the line \( 4x - y - 2 = 0 \) which is equidistant from the points \( (-5, 6) \) and \( (3, 2) \) is

Show Hint

To find equidistant points from two given locations, solve the system of equations formed by the distance formula and any other relevant conditions, like the line equation.
Updated On: Mar 28, 2026
  • \( (2, 6) \)
  • \( (4, 14) \)
  • \( (1, 2) \)
  • \( (3, 10) \)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The provided line equation is \( 4x - y - 2 = 0 \). Point \( P \) is equidistant from \( A(-5, 6) \) and \( B(3, 2) \), meaning \( PA = PB \). This implies \( PA^2 = PB^2 \). Step 1: Apply the distance formula. The distance from \( P(a, b) \) to \( A(-5, 6) \) is \( \sqrt{(a + 5)^2 + (b - 6)^2} \), and to \( B(3, 2) \) is \( \sqrt{(a - 3)^2 + (b - 2)^2} \). Setting these equal and squaring both sides yields: \[ (a + 5)^2 + (b - 6)^2 = (a - 3)^2 + (b - 2)^2. \] Expanding and simplifying: \[ a^2 + 10a + 25 + b^2 - 12b + 36 = a^2 - 6a + 9 + b^2 - 4b + 4. \] Combining like terms results in: \[ 16a - 8b + 48 = 0. \] Step 2: Solve the system of equations. From the line equation \( 4x - y - 2 = 0 \), we express \( b \) in terms of \( a \) as \( b = 4a - 2 \). Substituting this into the simplified distance equation: \[ 16a - 8(4a - 2) + 48 = 0. \] Simplifying this equation: \[ 16a - 32a + 16 + 48 = 0, \] \[ -16a + 64 = 0. \] Solving for \( a \), we get \( a = 4 \). Substituting \( a = 4 \) back into the equation for \( b \): \[ b = 4(4) - 2 = 14. \] Final Answer: The coordinates of point \( P \) are: \[ \boxed{(4, 14)}. \]
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