In what ratio does the x–axis divide the line segment joining the points (– 4, – 6) and (–1, 7)? Find the coordinates of the point of division.
Solution.
Let the point on x-axis (x, 0) when divides the given points (–4, –6) and (–1, 7) in the ration k : 1.
(x1, y1) =A (-4, -6) (x2, y2) = B(-1, 7)
m1 = k, m2 = 1
Using section formula, we have
By comparing the left-hand side and the right-hand side we get
7k-6 = 0
The required ratio is 6: 7.