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I don't like the way this problem is worded because the letters $x$ and $y$ are used in two different ways. When the problem states that $B(x;y)$ is one of the vertices of a triangle then $x$ and $y$ represent two fixed but unknown numbers. When the equation of the line is written $y = 5x - 9$ the letters $x$ and $y$ represent variables that are the first and second coordinates of any point on the line. I want to reword the problem to say
Since $B(d;e)$ is a point on the line $BC$ its coordinated satisfy the equation of the line and hence \[e = 5d - 9.\] If you knew something else about the triangle you may be able to write a second equation involving $d$ and $e$ and then solve the two equations for $d$ and $e.$ Do you know anything else about the triangle? Harley |
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Math Central is supported by the University of Regina and The Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences. |