Question

If the vectors PQ=-3i+4j+4k and PR=5i-2j+4k are the sides of a $\vartriangle PQR$, then the length of the median through P is
A.$\sqrt {14} $
B.$\sqrt {15} $
C.$\sqrt {17} $
D.$\sqrt {18} $
E.$\sqrt {19} $

Answer 1

Hint: We are going to solve the given problem using the median formula in the triangle. Median through any vertex divides the opposite side into two equal parts.
Given, PQ=-3i+4j+4k and PR=5i-2j+4k in triangle PQR
The median through vertex P divides QR side into two equal parts.
Let D is the midpoint of QR, then PD will be the length of median through vertex P.
$ \Rightarrow \overrightarrow {PQ} + \overrightarrow {PR} = 2\overrightarrow {PD} $
Therefore, the length of the median through P is
PD$ = \frac{1}{2}\left| {PQ + PR} \right|$
PD$ = \frac{1}{2}\left| {2i + 2j + 8k} \right|$
PD$ = \frac{1}{2}\sqrt {4 + 4 + 64} = \frac{1}{2}\sqrt {72} = \sqrt {18} $
$\therefore $ The length of the median through P = $\sqrt {18} $
Note: Median of a triangle is a line segment joining a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side thus bisecting that side. In a triangle while using vectors the sum of two sides is equal to one particular side. $ \Rightarrow \overrightarrow {PQ} + \overrightarrow {PR} = \overrightarrow {QR} $, If D is the midpoint of the side QR, then QR = 2QD = 2RD. After drawing a line from P to D, the $\vartriangle PQR$ divided into two triangles both have PD side as common. Let’s take $\vartriangle PQD$$(or\vartriangle PRD)$ to find the length of PD.$ \Rightarrow PQ + QD = PD$, We know that QD is half of QR. Then we can find PD i.e., length of median through P.