What is the ratio in which the line ( y …

Mathematics Questions

Determine the ratio in which the line [tex]( y = 2 + 3x )[/tex] divides the line segment [tex]( AB )[/tex] joining the points [tex]( A(-3, 9) )[/tex] and [tex]( B(4, 2) )[/tex].

Short Answer

The answer outlines the steps to find a point P that divides line segment AB, defined by endpoints A(-3, 9) and B(4, 2), in a specific ratio. It details the use of formulas for calculating coordinates based on the ratio and demonstrates how to derive the final division ratio of m:n = 4:3.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Define Points

Identify the coordinates of points A and B which are the endpoints of the line segment. This is essential as it forms the basis of your calculation. The points are as follows:

  • Point A has coordinates (-3, 9).
  • Point B has coordinates (4, 2).

Step 2: Use a Parameter for Division

Let point P(x, y) be the point on line segment AB that divides it in the ratio of m:n. Use the following formulas to calculate the coordinates of P based on the division ratio:

  • x can be expressed as: x = (m * xB + n * xA) / (m + n).
  • y can be expressed as: y = (m * yB + n * yA) / (m + n).

Step 3: Substitute and Solve for Ratio

Substitute the values of y from the line equation into the calculated expressions for y. This allows you to set up an equation that can be simplified:

  • Equate the derived expression for y with y = 2 + 3x.
  • Simplify the equation to isolate m and n: 16n = 12m.
  • Thus, the final ratio of division is m:n = 4:3.

Related Concepts

Points

Coordinates that define the location of points a and b on a cartesian plane, represented as (x, y).

Division Ratio

A mathematical expression that indicates the relative sizes of two or more parts into which a quantity is divided, typically represented as m:n.

Parametric Equations

Equations that express the coordinates of a point as functions of a variable, allowing for the calculation of the points along a line segment based on a given ratio.

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