IB Mathematics SL 3.6 sites, vertices, edges, cells AI HL Paper 1- Exam Style Questions- New Syllabus
Question

(ii) Given that the length of the segment \(BX\) is \(\sqrt{n}\), determine the value of \(n\).
(ii) Calculate the exact value of \(b\).
Most-appropriate topic codes:
• SL 3.5: Equations of perpendicular bisectors — part (b-ii)
▶️ Answer/Explanation
(a)
(i) From the diagram, \(X\) is the intersection of the edges separating cells \(B\), \(C\), and \(F\).
Coordinates: \((8, 4)\).
(ii) Calculate the distance \(BX\) using \(B(10, 5)\) and \(X(8, 4)\).
\(BX = \sqrt{(10-8)^2 + (5-4)^2} = \sqrt{2^2 + 1^2} = \sqrt{4+1} = \sqrt{5}\).
Thus, \(n = 5\).
(b)
(i) Vertex \(Y\) is the intersection of cells \(B\), \(D\), and \(F\). From the diagram, \(a = 8\).
(ii) \(Y\) lies on the perpendicular bisector of \(B(10, 5)\) and \(D(5, 9)\).
Midpoint \(M_{BD} = (\frac{10+5}{2}, \frac{5+9}{2}) = (7.5, 7)\).
Gradient \(m_{BD} = \frac{9-5}{5-10} = \frac{4}{-5}\).
Gradient of perpendicular \(m_{\perp} = \frac{5}{4}\).
Equation: \(y – 7 = \frac{5}{4}(x – 7.5)\).
Since \(a=8\), substitute \(x=8\):
\(y – 7 = \frac{5}{4}(8 – 7.5) = \frac{5}{4}(0.5) = 0.625\).
\(y = 7 + 0.625 = 7.625\).
Value of \(b = \frac{61}{8}\) or \(7.625\).
