Question

Find the ratio in which the line segment joining A (1, − 5) and B (− 4, 5) is divided by the x-axis. Also find the coordinates of the point of division.

Answer 1

Let the ratio in which the line segment joining A (1, −5) and B (−4, 5) is divided by x-axis be K : 1

Therefore, the coordinates of the point of division is

`((-4k+1)/(k+1),(5k-5)/(k+1))`

We know that y-coordinate of any point on x-axis is 0.

`:.(5k-5)/(k+1) =1`

k =1

Therefore, x-axis divides it in the ratio 1:1.

Division point = `((-4(1)+1)/(1+1), (5(1)-5)/(1+1)) = ((-4+1)/2, (5-5)/2) =((-3)/2, 0)`