Question

The ratio in which the Y-axis divides the line segment joining the points (2, 1) and (−3, −5) is ______.

Options

• 2 : 3

• 3 : 1

• 1 : 5

• 5 : 1

Answer 1

The ratio in which the Y-axis divides the line segment joining the points (2, 1) and (−3, −5) is 2 : 3.

Explanation:

The y-axis intersects the segment AB [A (2, 1), B (−3, −5)] at x = 0,

Parametrically,

x = 2 − 5t = 0

t = `2/5`

So, AP : PB = `2/5 : 3/5`

∴ AP : PB = 2 : 3

Hence, the y-axis divides the segment internally in the ratio 2 : 3.