Math Problem Statement

Given the points A(- 5, 3) and B(10, 0), find the coordinates of the point P that divides AB externally in the ratio 6:3.

Solution

To find the coordinates of the point PP that divides the line segment ABAB externally in the ratio 6:36:3, we can use the section formula for external division. The formula is given by:

P(x,y)=(m1x2m2x1m1m2,m1y2m2y1m1m2)P(x, y) = \left( \frac{m_1 x_2 - m_2 x_1}{m_1 - m_2}, \frac{m_1 y_2 - m_2 y_1}{m_1 - m_2} \right)

where:

  • (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) are the coordinates of points AA and BB, respectively,
  • m1:m2m_1:m_2 is the given ratio (in this case, 6:3).

Here, A(5,3)A(-5, 3), B(10,0)B(10, 0), and the ratio is 6:36:3. Let's plug the values into the formula.

Step 1: Apply the coordinates and the ratio.

  • x1=5x_1 = -5, y1=3y_1 = 3
  • x2=10x_2 = 10, y2=0y_2 = 0
  • m1=6m_1 = 6, m2=3m_2 = 3

Step 2: Use the section formula for external division.

P(x)=6103(5)63=60+153=753=25P(x) = \frac{6 \cdot 10 - 3 \cdot (-5)}{6 - 3} = \frac{60 + 15}{3} = \frac{75}{3} = 25

P(y)=603363=093=93=3P(y) = \frac{6 \cdot 0 - 3 \cdot 3}{6 - 3} = \frac{0 - 9}{3} = \frac{-9}{3} = -3

Thus, the coordinates of the point PP are (25,3)(25, -3).

Final Answer:

The point PP that divides the line ABAB externally in the ratio 6:36:3 is P(25,3)P(25, -3).

Would you like further details on how the section formula works or have any other questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might consider:

  1. How is the section formula different for internal division?
  2. Can the section formula be extended to 3D coordinates?
  3. What is the geometric interpretation of dividing a line externally?
  4. How would you find the midpoint of a line segment?
  5. How does the ratio affect the location of the dividing point?

Tip: Always pay attention to whether a problem asks for internal or external division, as the formulas are slightly different!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Section Formula
Ratios

Formulas

Section formula for external division: P(x, y) = ((m1 * x2 - m2 * x1) / (m1 - m2), (m1 * y2 - m2 * y1) / (m1 - m2))

Theorems

Section formula theorem for dividing a line externally

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11