Question

If `P(a/3, 4)` is the mid-point of the line segment joining the points Q(–6, 5) and R(–2, 3), then the value of 'a' is ______.

Answer 1

If `P(a/3, 4)` is the mid-point of the line segment joining the points Q(–6, 5) and R(–2, 3), then the value of 'a' is –12.

Explanation:

Midpoint of Q(–6, 5) and R(–2, 3) is `((-6 + (-2))/2, (5 + 3)/2) = (-4, 4)`.

Since `P(a/3, 4)` is that midpoint,

`a/3 = -4`

⇒ a = –12