Question

On a coordinate plane, a line is drawn from point J to point K. Point J is at (negative 6, negative 2) and point K is at point (8, negative 9).
What is the x-coordinate of the point that divides the directed line segment from J to K into a ratio of 2:5?

x = (StartFraction m Over m + n EndFraction) (x 2 minus x 1) + x 1

–4
–2
2
4

Answer 1

Use x = x1 + (m/(m+n))(x2 − x1) with J = (−6,−2) as x1 and K = (8,−9) as x2, m:n = 2:5.

x = −6 + (2/7)(8 − (−6)) = −6 + (2/7)(14) = −6 + 4 = −2.

Answer: −2.