Math Problem Statement

The segment joining (-4, 7), (5,-2) is divided into two, one of which is five times as long as the other. Find the points of division

Solution

We are given two points, A(4,7)A(-4, 7) and B(5,2)B(5, -2), and the segment joining these points is divided in a ratio where one part is five times as long as the other. This means the ratio of division is 5:15:1.

To find the point of division, we can use the section formula, which provides the coordinates of a point dividing a line segment in the ratio m:nm:n.

Section Formula:

If a point P(x1,y1)P(x_1, y_1) divides the line joining A(x1,y1)A(x_1, y_1) and B(x2,y2)B(x_2, y_2) in the ratio m:nm:n, then the coordinates of the point of division P(x,y)P(x, y) are given by: x=mx2+nx1m+n,y=my2+ny1m+nx = \frac{mx_2 + nx_1}{m + n}, \quad y = \frac{my_2 + ny_1}{m + n}

Given:

  • A(4,7)A(-4, 7) and B(5,2)B(5, -2)
  • Ratio of division = 5:15:1 (i.e., m=5m = 5 and n=1n = 1)

Step-by-step Calculation:

  1. For the x-coordinate: x=5(5)+1(4)5+1=2546=216=3.5x = \frac{5(5) + 1(-4)}{5 + 1} = \frac{25 - 4}{6} = \frac{21}{6} = 3.5

  2. For the y-coordinate: y=5(2)+1(7)5+1=10+76=36=0.5y = \frac{5(-2) + 1(7)}{5 + 1} = \frac{-10 + 7}{6} = \frac{-3}{6} = -0.5

Thus, the point dividing the line in the ratio 5:15:1 is (3.5,0.5)\left( 3.5, -0.5 \right).

Final Answer:

The point dividing the segment joining (4,7)(-4, 7) and (5,2)(5, -2) in the ratio 5:1 is (3.5,0.5)\left( 3.5, -0.5 \right).

Would you like more details on this process or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. How does the section formula apply when the ratio is reversed (e.g., 1:51:5)?
  2. What happens when a segment is divided externally instead of internally?
  3. Can you use the section formula for three-dimensional points?
  4. What is the geometric significance of the ratio in dividing a line segment?
  5. How would the midpoint of the segment be calculated?

Tip: Always double-check your ratio and point placements when using the section formula for accuracy!

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Section Formula
Ratios

Formulas

Section formula: x = (mx2 + nx1) / (m + n), y = (my2 + ny1) / (m + n)

Theorems

Section Formula Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12