Answer :
We have the following triangle,
Let the vertices of the triangle be A(1,-3), B(4,p) and C(-9,7) be denoted by A(x1,y1), B(x2,y2) and C(x3,y3).
Area of the triangle where the vertices are given is,
Area = 1/2 [x1(y2 – y3) + x2(y3 – y1) + x3(y1 – y2)]
And Area is given as 15 sq. units.
So,
1/2 [x1(y2 – y3) + x2(y3 – y1) + x3(y1 – y2)] = �15
⇒ [x1(y2 – y3) + x2(y3 – y1) + x3(y1 – y2)] = �30
Substituting corresponding values in the equation, we get
[1(p – 7) + 4(7 – (-3)) + (-9)(-3 – p) = �30
⇒ [p – 7 + 40 + 27 + 9p = �30
⇒ 60 + 10p = �30
⇒ 10p = �30 – 60
⇒ p = ( �30 – 60)/10
So we have two solution, lets explore them.
I case: p = (30 – 60)/10
⇒ p = -30/10
⇒ p = -3
II case: p = (-30 – 60)/10
⇒ p = -90/10
⇒ p = -9
Hence, p has two values, they are -3 and -9.
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