Question

Find the coordinates of the point which divides the join of (-1,7) and (4,-3) internally in the ratio 2:3.

Answer 1

Let P(x,y) be the point which divides the line segment internally.

Using the section formula for the internal division, i.e.

Here, m₁ = 2, m₂ = 3

(x₁, y₁) = (-1, 7) and (x₂, y₂) = (4, -3)

Putting the above values in the above formula, we get

⇒ x = 1, y = 3

Hence, (1,3) is the point which divides the line segment internally.