Question

Find the co-ordinates of point P which divides the line segment joining A(–2, –7) and B(6, 1) in the ratio 5 : 3.

Answer 1

Here $$m : n = 5 : 3$$, $$A(x_1,y_1) = (-2, -7)$$ and $$B(x_2, y_2) = (6, 1)$$.

$$x=\frac{5 \times 6 + 3 \times (-2)}{5 + 3}$$

$$=\frac{30 - 6}{8}$$

$$=\frac{24}{8}$$

$$=3$$

$$y=\frac{5\times 1 + 3\times (-7)}{5 + 3}$$

$$=\frac{5 - 21}{8}$$

$$=\frac{-16}{8}$$

$$=-2$$

Hence the co-ordinates of P are $$P(3,-2)$$.