Problem : Consider a family of straight lines $(x+y) +\lambda ( 2x-y +1) =0$.
Find the equation of the straight line belonging to this family that is farthest from $(1,-3)$.
Solution:
Let the point of intersection of the family of lines be P. If solve :
$$\left\{\begin{matrix}
x+y=0 & \\
2x-y+1=0 &
\end{matrix}\right.$$
We get the point of intersection which is $P \left(-\dfrac{1}{3}, \dfrac{1}{3} \right)$
Now let us denote the point $(1,-3)$ as $Q$. So, now how to find $\lambda$ so that this will be fartheset from $Q$.
If we see the slope of $PQ = m_{PQ} = -\dfrac{5}{2}$
Any line perpendicular to $PQ$ will have slope $\dfrac{2}{5}$ Please suggest further.. thanks.
Best Answer
HINT:
We can rewrite the equation as $$x(1+2\lambda)+y(1-\lambda)+\lambda=0$$
If $d$ is the perpendicular distance from $(1,-3)$
$$d^2=\frac{\{1(1+2\lambda)+(-3)(1-\lambda)+\lambda\}^2}{(1+2\lambda)^2+(1-\lambda)^2}$$
We need to maximize this which can be done using the pattern described here or here