Question

Find the ratio in which the line segment joining P ( 4, -6) and Q ( -3, 8) is divided by the line y = 0. 

Answer 1

Given PQ is divided by the line Y = O i.e. x-axis. 

Let S (x, O) be the pcint on line Y = 0, which divides the line segment PQ in the ratio k : 1.

Coordinates of S are 

x = `(-3"k" + 4)/("k" + 1) ,   0 = (8"k" - 6)/("k" + 1)`

⇒ 8 k = 6

⇒ k = `3/4`

Hence, the required ratio is 3: 4.