Question

In the following example find the co-ordinate of point A which divides segment PQ in the ratio a : b.

P(2, 6), Q(–4, 1), a : b = 1 : 2

Answer 1

Let the coordinates of point A be (x, y).

 P(2, 6), Q(–4, 1), a : b = 1 : 2
Using section formula

\[x = \frac{1 \times \left( - 4 \right) + 2 \times 2}{1 + 2} = \frac{- 4 + 4}{3} = 0\]

\[y = \frac{1 \times 1 + 2 \times 6}{1 + 2} = \frac{1 + 12}{3} = \frac{13}{3}\]

\[\left( x, y \right) = \left( 0, \frac{13}{3} \right)\]