Question

If the point C(–1, 2) divides internally the line segment joining A(2, 5) and B(x, y) in the ratio 3 : 4, find the coordinates of B.

Answer 1

By using section formula,

`-1 = (mx_2 + nx_1)/(m + n)`

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

= `(3x + 8)/7`

⇒ 3x + 8 = –7

⇒ 3x = –15

⇒ x = –5

And `2 = (my_2 + ny_1)/(m + n)`

= `(3 xx y + 4 xx 5)/(3 + 4)`

= `(3y + 20)/7`

⇒ 3y + 20 = 14

⇒ 3y = 14 – 20

⇒ 3y = – 6

⇒ y = –2

Hence, the coordinates of B(x, y) is (–5, –2).