Help: Dividing line with ratio

A segment \(PQ\) with \(2.1\) in length divided by point \(X\) so that \( \dfrac{PX}{XQ} = \dfrac{4}{3}\) and by point \(Y\) so that \(\dfrac{PY}{YQ} = -\dfrac{4}{3}\). Find \(XY\).

#Geometry

Note by Jason Chrysoprase
4 years, 10 months ago

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Comments

We use the formulae for internal and external division of a line segment in a ratio:

If the division is mn\frac {m}{n} of segment ABAB and the internal point is CC and the external point is DD, the internal length BCBC is nm+nAB\frac {n}{m+n} AB and the external length BDBD is nmn\frac {n}{m-n}.

Try to prove these formulae. We have

QX=34+3PQQX=0.9QX=\frac {3}{4+3} PQ \Rightarrow QX = 0.9

QY=343PQQY=6.3QY = \frac {3}{4-3} PQ \Rightarrow QY = 6.3

Thus, QX+QY=XY=7.2QX+QY=XY=7.2.

Sharky Kesa - 4 years, 10 months ago
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