Question

Find the coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining (–1, 3) and (4, –7) internally in the ratio 3 : 4.

Answer 1

We have A (−1, 3) and B (4, −7) be two points. Let a point P(x, y) divide the line segment joining the points A and B in the ratio 3 : 4 internally.

Now according to the section formula if point a point P divides a line segment joining `A(x_1, y_1)` and B`(x_2, y_2)` in the ratio m : n internally then,

`P(x, y) = ((nx_1 + mx_2)/(m + n), (ny_1 + my_2)/(m + n))`

`= (8/7, -9/7)`

Therefore, co-ordinates of point P is `(8/7, -9/7)`.