Find the ratio in which the line 2x + 3y – 5 = 0 divides the line segment joining the points (8, –9) and (2, 1). Also find the coordinates of the point of division.
Solution
Let point p(x, y) divides the line segment joining the points A(8, –9) and B(2, 1) in ratio k : 1.
(x1, y1) = (8, -9) (x2, y2) = (2, 1)
m1 : m2 = k:1
using section formula we have
Given equation is 2x + 3y – 5 = 0 …(2)
Put values of x and y in eqn. (2)
2(2k + 3) + 3(k – 9) – 5(k + 1) = 0
4k + 16 + 3k – 27 – 5k – 5 = 0
2k – 16 = 0
k = 8
Hence, p divides the line in ration 8 : 1.
Put k = 5 in eqn. (1)
Required point is