Question

Find the coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining the points (–2, 3, 5) and (1, –4, 6) in the ratio (i) 2:3 internally, (ii) 2:3 externally.

Answer 1

(i) The coordinates of point R that divides the line segment joining points P (x₁, y₁, z₁) and Q (x₂, y₂, z^₂) internally in the ratio m: n are

Let R (x, y, z) be the point that divides the line segment joining points (–2, 3, 5) and (1, –4, 6) internally in the ratio 2:3

(ii) The coordinates of point R that divides the line segment joining points P (x₁, y₁, z₁) and Q (x₂, y₂, z₂) externally in the ratio m: n are

Let R (x, y, z) be the point that divides the line segment joining points (–2, 3, 5) and (1, –4, 6) externally in the ratio 2:3