the coordinates of the endpoints of EF are E(-16,-12) and F(-4,0) point G is on EF and divides it such that EG:FG is 3:1

what are the coordinates of G
Write your answers as integers or decimals

1 answer

To find the coordinates of point G, which divides the line segment EF in the ratio \( EG:FG = 3:1 \), we can use the section formula.

The section formula states that if a point \( G \) divides the line segment joining points \( E(x_1, y_1) \) and \( F(x_2, y_2) \) in the ratio \( m:n \), then the coordinates of point \( G(x, y) \) can be found using the formulas:

\[ x = \frac{mx_2 + nx_1}{m+n} \] \[ y = \frac{my_2 + ny_1}{m+n} \]

In this case, we have:

  • \( E(-16, -12) \) → \( x_1 = -16, y_1 = -12 \)
  • \( F(-4, 0) \) → \( x_2 = -4, y_2 = 0 \)
  • Ratio \( EG:FG = 3:1 \) → \( m = 3, n = 1 \)

Now we can plug the values into the formulas.

Calculate the x-coordinate:

\[ x = \frac{3(-4) + 1(-16)}{3+1} = \frac{-12 - 16}{4} = \frac{-28}{4} = -7 \]

Calculate the y-coordinate:

\[ y = \frac{3(0) + 1(-12)}{3+1} = \frac{0 - 12}{4} = \frac{-12}{4} = -3 \]

Thus, the coordinates of point G are: \[ G(-7, -3) \]

So, the coordinates of G are \((-7, -3)\).