Question

Calculate the co-ordinates of the point P which divides the line segment joining: A (–4, 6) and B (3, –5) in the ratio 3 : 2

Answer 1

Let the co-ordinates of the point P be (x, y).

`x = (m_1x_2 + m_2x_1)/(m_1 + m_2)`

= `(3 xx 3 + 2 xx (-4))/(3 + 2)`

= `1/5`

`y = (m_1y_2 + m_2y_1)/(m_1 + m_2)`

= `(3 xx (-5) + 2 xx 6)/(3 + 2)`

= `(-3)/5`

Thus, the co-ordinates of point P are `(1/5, (-3)/5)`