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Maths a level vectors

Hi TSR,

I am stuck on this vector question:

The vertices of a triangle MNP have coordinates:
M (-2, 0, 5)
N (8, -5, 1)
P (k, -2, -6)
Given that triangle MNP is isosceles and k is positive integer, find the value of k.

Also, how do you know which sides are the same? (How do you know that MN = MP and why can’t MN = NP)

Thanks for your help
Reply 1
Work out (MP)^2 (MN)^2 and (NP)^2.

Try equating pairs, you should see contradictions and only (MP)^2 = (NP)^2 is solvable for k as a positive integer.

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