Question

In what ratio is the line segment joining A(2, –3) and B(5, 6) divided by the x-axis? Also, find the coordinates of the point of division.

Answer 1

Let AB be divided by the x-axis in the ratio k : 1 at the point P.

Then, by section formula the coordination of P are

`p = ((5k+2)/(k+1),(6k-3)/(k+1))`

But P lies on the x-axis; so, its ordinate is 0.

Therefore , `(6k-3)/(k+1) = 0`

`⇒ 6k -3=0 ⇒ 6k =3 ⇒k = 3/6 ⇒ k = 1/2`

Therefore, the required ratio is `1/2:1 `, which is same as 1 : 2

Thus, the x-axis divides the line AB li the ratio 1 : 2 at the point P.

Applying `k=1/2` we get the coordinates of point.

`p((5k+1)/(k+1) , 0)`

`=p((5xx1/2+2)/(1/2+1),0)`

`= p (((5+4)/2)/((5+2)/2),0)`

`= p (9/3,0)`

= p (3,0)

Hence, the point of intersection of AB and the x-axis is P( 3,0).