Parallelogram diagonal and line equation

CAT 2020 Slot 3 · Quantitative Ability · Easy · Coordinate Geometry

The points (2,1)(2, 1) and (−3,−4)(-3, -4) are opposite vertices of a parallelogram. If the other two vertices lie on the line x+9y+c=0x + 9y + c = 0, then cc is

  1. A.

    15

  2. B.

    13

  3. C.

    14

  4. D.

    12

Answer

C

Explanation

The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other. Midpoint of the given opposite vertices (2,1)(2,1) and (−3,−4)(-3,-4) is: M = (2−32,1−42)=(−12,−32)\left(\frac{2 - 3}{2}, \frac{1 - 4}{2}\right) = \left(-\frac{1}{2}, -\frac{3}{2}\right).

The other two vertices also form a diagonal whose midpoint is M. Hence, the line containing the other two vertices must pass through M.

Substitute (−12,−32)\left(-\frac{1}{2}, -\frac{3}{2}\right) into x+9y+c=0x + 9y + c = 0: −12+9(−32)+c=0  ⟹  −282+c=0  ⟹  −14+c=0  ⟹  c=14-\frac{1}{2} + 9\left(-\frac{3}{2}\right) + c = 0 \implies -\frac{28}{2} + c = 0 \implies -14 + c = 0 \implies c = 14.

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