Question:

If the area of \( \Delta ABC \) with vertices \( A(3, 1), B(-2, 1) \) and \( C(0, k) \) is \( 5 \) sq. units, then values of \( k \) are :

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Never forget the "absolute value" in the area formula; area problems with a given value usually result in two possible answers.
You can also use a determinant to calculate the area for higher accuracy in complex problems.
Updated On: Sep 10, 2026
  • \( 3, 1 \)
  • \( -1, 3 \)
  • \( -1, 2 \)
  • \( 0, 2 \)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
The area of a triangle with vertices \((x_1,y_1)\), \((x_2,y_2)\), and \((x_3,y_3)\) is given by: \[ \text{Area}=\frac{1}{2}\left|x_1(y_2-y_3)+x_2(y_3-y_1)+x_3(y_1-y_2)\right| \] Since area is always positive, we use the absolute value.
Step 1: Substitute the given coordinates
Given: \[ (x_1,y_1)=(3,1),\quad (x_2,y_2)=(-2,1),\quad (x_3,y_3)=(0,k) \] The area of the triangle is \(5\), so: \[ 5=\frac{1}{2}\left|3(1-k)+(-2)(k-1)+0(1-1)\right| \] \[ 10=\left|3-3k-2k+2\right| \] \[ 10=|5-5k| \]
Step 2: Solve the first case
For the first case: \[ 5-5k=10 \] \[ -5k=5 \] \[ k=-1 \]
Step 3: Solve the second case
For the second case: \[ 5-5k=-10 \] \[ -5k=-15 \] \[ k=3 \]
Final Answer:
Therefore, the possible values of \(k\) are: \[ \boxed{k=-1,\ 3} \] Hence, the correct answer is Option (B).
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