If the lines y = 3x +1 and 2y = x + 3 are equally inclined to the line y = mx + 4, find the value of m.
The equation of the given lines are
y = 3x +1 ------------ (1)
2y = x + 3 ------------- (2)
y = mx + 4 ------------- (3)
Slope of line (1), m1 = 3
Slope of line (2), m2 =
Slope of line (3), m3 = m
It is given that lines (1) and (2) are equally inclined to line (3).
So, the angle between lines (1) and (3) equals between lines (2) and (3).
Thus,
or
Now, if , we get,
(3 – m)(m +2) = (1 – 2m)(1 +3m)
⇒ -m2 + m + 6 = 1 + m – 6m2
⇒ 5m2 + 5 = 0
⇒ (m + 1) = 0
⇒ m = , which is not real
If , then
(3 – m)(m +2) = - (1 – 2m) (1 +3m)
⇒ -m2 + m + 6 = -(1 + m – 6m2)
⇒ 7m2 + 2m - 7 = 0
⇒ m =
⇒ m =
⇒ m =
Therefore, the required value of m is.