- 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.
Solution:
(i) The coordinates of point R that divides the line segment joining points P (x1, y1, z1) and Q (x2, y2, z2) internally in the ratio m: n are
i.e., x = –4/5 , y = 1/5 and z = 27/5
Thus the coordinates of the required point are (-4/5 , 1/5, 27/5)
(ii) The coordinates of point R that divides the line seqment joining P(x1, y1 , z1) and Q(x2, y2 , z2) externally in the ratio m:n are
i.e., x = -8 , y =17 and z =3
Thus the coordinates of the required point are (-8, 17, 3)
- Given that P (3, 2, – 4), Q (5, 4, –6) and R (9, 8, –10) are collinear. Find the ratio in which Q divides PR.
Solution:
Let point Q (5, 4, –6) divide the line segment joining points P (3, 2, –4) and R (9, 8, –10) in the ratio k:1. Therefore, by section formula,
9k+3 = 5k + 5
4k = 2
k = 2/4 = 1/2
Thus point divides PR in the ratio 1:2
- Find the ratio in which the YZ-plane divides the line segment formed by joining the points (–2, 4, 7) and (3, –5, 8).
Solution:
Let the YZ plane divide the line segment joining points (–2, 4, 7) and (3, –5, 8) in the ratio k:1.
Hence, by section formula, the coordinates of point of intersection are given by
3k – 2 = 0
k = 2/3
Thus, the YZ plane divides the line segment formed by joining the given points in the ratio 2:3.
- Using section formula, show that the points A (2, –3, 4), B (–1, 2, 1) and C (0, 1/3, 2)are collinear.
Solution:
The given points are A (2, –3, 4), B (–1, 2, 1), and C (0, 1/3, 2).
Let P be a point that divides AB in the ratio k:1.
Hence, by section formula, the coordinates of P are given by
we obtain k = 2.
For k = 2, the coordinates of point P are (0, 1/3, 2).
i.e., C (0, 1/3, 2) is a point that divides AB externally in the ratio 2:1 and is the same as point P.
Hence, points A, B, and C are collinear.
- Find the coordinates of the points which trisect the line segment joining the points P (4, 2, –6) and Q (10, –16, 6).
Solution:
Let A and B be the points that trisect the line segment joining points P (4, 2, –6) and Q(10, –16, 6)
Point A divides PQ in the ratio 1:2. Therefore, by section formula, the coordinates of point A are given by
Thus, (6, –4, –2) and (8, –10, 2) are the points that trisect the line segment joining points P (4, 2, –6) and Q (10, –16, 6).