Question

The line segment joining \(\mathrm{A}(-7, 2)\) and \(\mathrm{B}(3, -8)\) is divided by the x-axis in the ratio: 

Options

• 1 : 4

• 3 : 7

• 4 : 1

• 7 : 3

Answer 1

1 : 4

Explanation:

Let the ratio be \(k : 1\); the point of division has y-coordinate 0:

$$\frac{k(-8) + 1(2)}{k + 1} = 0$$

$$\Rightarrow 2 - 8k = 0$$

$$\Rightarrow k = \frac{1}{4}$$

Hence the ratio is 1 : 4.