Problem 59
Question
In oblique coordinates, the equation \(y=m x+c\) represents a straight line which is inclined at an angle $$ \tan ^{-1}\left(\frac{m \sin w}{1+m \cos w}\right) $$ to the \(x\)-axis, where \(w\) is the angle between the axes. If \(\theta\) be the angle between two lines \(y=m_{1} x+c_{1}\) and \(y=m_{2} x\) \(+c_{2}, w\) be the angle between the axes, then $$ \tan \theta=\frac{\left(m_{1}-m_{2}\right) \sin w}{1+\left(m_{1}+m_{2}\right) \cos w+m_{1} m_{2}} $$ The two given lines are parallel if \(m_{1}=m_{2}\). The two lines are perpendicular if \(1+\left(m_{1}+m_{2}\right) \cos w+\) \(m_{1} m_{2}=0\) If the straight lines \(y=m_{1} x+c_{1}\) and \(y=m_{2} x+c_{2}\) make equal angles with the axis of \(x\) and be not parallel to one another, then \(m_{1}+m_{2}+k m_{1} m_{2} \cos w=0\) where \(k=\) (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) \(-1\) (D) \(-2\)
Step-by-Step Solution
VerifiedKey Concepts
Equation of a Straight Line
In oblique coordinates, the axes are not necessarily perpendicular. Thus, the slope \(m\) not only indicates how steep a line is but also how it relates to the non-right angle between axes. The line's equation helps in determining other properties like the angle with the x-axis, which is especially important when solving problems involving multiple lines and their interactions.
Angle Between Lines
- In oblique coordinates, the expression for the tangent of the angle is \( \tan \theta = \frac{(m_{1} - m_{2}) \sin w}{1 + (m_{1} + m_{2}) \cos w + m_{1}m_{2}} \), where \(w\) is the angle between the axes.
Trigonometric Identities
Key identities that might be useful include:
- \( \tan^{-1} \left(\frac{m \sin w}{1 + m \cos w} \right) \) for the inclination of a line with the x-axis.
- Using symmetry and properties of tangent and sine functions to equate angles, such as \( \frac{m_1 \sin w}{1 + m_1 \cos w} = \frac{m_2 \sin w}{1 + m_2 \cos w} \).
Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
- For parallel lines, the slopes \(m_1\) and \(m_2\) must be equal, \(m_1 = m_2\), regardless of the inclination angle \(w\).
- Perpendicular lines feature a more complex condition: \(1 + (m_1 + m_2) \cos w + m_1 m_2 = 0\). This criterion is distinct from the orthogonal geometry condition \(m_1 m_2 = -1\) due to the role \(w\) plays in the deviation from perpendicularity.