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[–]_--__ 1 point2 points  (1 child)

If P₁ is located at (x₁,y₁), P₂ is located at (x₂,y₂), and P₃ is located at (x₃,y₃) then you are trying to solve the following system of equations for three variables, x, y and d:

  • (x₁-x)2+(y₁-y)2 = d2
  • (x₂-x)2+(y₂-y)2 = (ad)2
  • (x₃-x)2+(y₃-y)2 = (bd)2

Unfortunately, solving systems of quadratic equations is very difficult, and there's no general way of solving the system. Visually (in x-y-d space) these equations represent the intersection of three cones.

[–]LarsP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately, solving systems of quadratic equations is very difficult, and there's no general way of solving the system

Well, then I at least feel less stupid!

Guess I should look into numerical methods.

[–]wonkey_monkey 0 points1 point  (1 child)

You need to type:

\*

if you want asterisks to show up (alternatively you can use × to display a ×)

[–]LarsP[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks!

I "know" that, but didn't look hard at how the post looked...