Example 3.  Use the determinant method to find the line through the points  (1,4) and (5,4).

Solution 3.

The matrix  A  for the system of equations is:

 

[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_22.gif]

Enter the points (1,4) and (5,4) and put them into rows 2 and 3 of the matrix A:

[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_23.gif]


[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_24.gif]

Form the equation for the line by setting the determinant of  A  equal to zero.

[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_25.gif]


[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_26.gif]

Then graph the line.

[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_27.gif]


[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_28.gif]

[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_29.gif]

[Graphics:../Images/ConicFitMod_gr_30.gif]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c) John H. Mathews 2004