Question:

If the area of \( \triangle ABC \) 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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When solving for variables using area, never forget to use the modulus sign. Area is always positive, which leads to two possible geometric configurations and hence two values for the variable.
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: \[ \text{Area}=\frac{1}{2}\left|x_1(y_2-y_3)+x_2(y_3-y_1)+x_3(y_1-y_2)\right| \] 
Step 1: Substitute the given coordinates
Given \(A(3,1)\), \(B(-2,1)\), \(C(0,k)\), and area \(=5\): \[ 5=\frac{1}{2}\left|3(1-k)+(-2)(k-1)+0(1-1)\right| \] \[ 10=\left|3-3k-2k+2\right| \] 
Step 2: Simplify the equation
\[ 10=|5-5k| \] Dividing both sides by \(5\): \[ 2=|1-k| \] 
Step 3: Solve the absolute value equation
For \( |1-k|=2 \), we have two cases:

Case 1: \[ 1-k=2 \] \[ k=-1 \] Case 2: \[ 1-k=-2 \] \[ k=3 \] 
Final Answer:
Therefore, the possible values of \(k\) are: \[ \boxed{k=-1,\ 3} \]

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