\(A\) and \(B\) are fixed points in the \(x\)-\(y\) plane. The position vectors of \(A\) and \(B\) are \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\) respectively.
State, with reference to points \(A\) and \(B\), the geometrical significance of
- the quantity \(|\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}|\), [1]
- the vector \(\frac{1}{2}(\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b})\). [1]
The circle \(P\) is the set of points with position vector \(\mathbf{p}\) in the \(x\)-\(y\) plane which satisfy
$$\left|\mathbf{p} - \frac{1}{2}(\mathbf{a} + \mathbf{b})\right| = \frac{1}{2}|\mathbf{a} - \mathbf{b}|.$$
- State, in terms of \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\),
- the position vector of the centre of \(P\), [1]
- the radius of \(P\). [1]
It is now given that \(\mathbf{a} = \begin{pmatrix} 2 \\ -1 \end{pmatrix}\), \(\mathbf{b} = \begin{pmatrix} 4 \\ 5 \end{pmatrix}\) and \(\mathbf{p} = \begin{pmatrix} x \\ y \end{pmatrix}\).
- Find a cartesian equation of \(P\). [4]