11 Section Formula

INTRODUCTION

in this chapter, we shall stucdy section formula i.e. we shall find the coordinates of the point
wchich divides (internally) the line segment joining two given points in a given ratio. We
hall also find the coordinates of the mid-point of a line segment joining two given points
nd the coordinates of the centroid of a triangle whose vertices are given.
ana

11.1 SECTION FORMULA

Let P, Q be two points in a plane (shown in the adjoining
figure) and R be a point on the line segment joining points P
and Q such that PR : RQ = m, : m2, then we say that the point

Rdivides the line segment PQ internally in the ratio m : m

R

Now, we shall develop a formula known as 'section

formula' for finding the coordinates of R when we are given
P
the coordinates of P and Q and the ratio in which R divides
PQ internally.
Find the coordinates of the point which divides
(internally) the line segment joining two given points in Q2y2
a given ratio. S RV
Let P (x, y) and Q (r, y2) be two given points in the
and R (x, y) be the point which divides
P
cOordinate plane,
PQ (internally) in the given ratio m : m2
ie.Rm .)
RQ m2 OM L N

Draw PM, QN and RL perpendiculars on x-axis, and

rough R draw parallel

a line to x-axis to meet MP
(produced) at S and NQ at T.
From the figure,
SR = ML = OL - OM = * - X1

RT = LN = ON - OL = X2 - *

PS =
MS -

MP = LR -
MP =
y
=-
(iv)
TQ = NQ - NT = NQ - LR = V2 - y

Now ASPR is similar (AA axiom of similarity)

to ATQK
. SR RQ
PR
RT

Section Formula 211

 (using (i), (ii) and (j))
X2 1112
t
1112- 111,X =
11,X2- 11,X M,X+ m2¥ M,¥2
=
m2X
112 +m2X1
11l2 + 1l2X *
=

11 +112) X =

+ m2
Again, as ASPR is similar to ATQR,

PS PR
TQ RQ
(using (iv), (o) and ()
V2- 12
+ m21
12- 11241
=
11,2
-

11,y 11y + m,y =

m,y2

771+m2) y
=
m1Y2 + m,y, y =
" 2 T121.
m+m2
Hence, the coordinates of R are ' 2 t M21, 1y2 +m2y1|
1m1 +m12 m + m2

Rule to write down the coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining
trwo given points P(xz, y,) and Qr2, y2) internally in a given ratio m,: m.
(i) Draw the line segment joining the given points P and Q.

(ii) Write down the coordinates of P andQ at extremities.

(iil) Let R (x, y) be the point which divides PQ internally in the ratio m,: mn,.
(io) For x-coordinate of R, multiply m, with x, and m, with xq as shown in the igure given
below by arrows and add the products. Divide the sum by m, + m,. Thus x = 2 T 2 1 ,
m +m2
(o) For y-coordinate of R, proceed as in step (io).

12
P V) R,y QY
11.1.1 Mid-point Formula
Let Px ) and Qt y) be the two given points and R(a, y) be the mid-point of the line
segment PQ, then
PR = RQ, therefore, the ratio is 1: 1.

X 1 2 and y = :1*Ly2
1+1 1+1

x= 2 and y = 1ty2
2
Hence, the coordinates of the mid-point of PQ are t
Remark
In problems where it is required to find the ratio when a given point divides the ne
segment joining two given points, it is convenient to take the ratio as k: 1, for, in this
way two unknowns (m, and n,) are reduced to one unknown and the section formuld
becomes
k2 +X1 and y = 2 T.
k+1
Then equate the abscissa or the ordinate of the point so obtained with that of the giVe
point, and find the value of unknown k.

212 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

 Centroid of a
triangle A(xY1)
1.1.2
11. ohere the nmedians of a triangle meet is called the
The p o i n t v h e r e

triangle.
oid of the
c e n t

median of the
AD is a triangle ABC and G is its
AG
centroid, then cD

To find the centroid of o triangle whose vertices are

STVeN,

A(t v), B(T2 y) and C Y3) be the given

Let B(x Y2) D Cxy Y
vertices of a triangle ABC. Let D be the mid-point

af BC, then the coordinates of D are | * 2 ,2 *a|. Let G be the centroid of AABC,
2 2
thenG divides the median AD in the ratio 2:1. Therefore, coordinates of G are

1.x1+2. 1.1+2,2*3
1+2 12ie , h*a*.
Remark
To prove that a quadrilateral is a
Parallelogram: show that diagonals bisect each othertwo
(i) Rhombus: show that diagonals bisect each other
and adjacent sides are equal.
(iit) Rectangle: show that diagonals bisect each other and are equal.

(io) Square: show that diagonals bisect each other and two adjacent
sides are equal
and diagonals are also equal.
k

Illustrative Examples
which divides the line segment joining
Example 1. Calculate the coordinates of the pointP
A(-3, 3) and B(2, -7) internally in the ratio 2 3.
be the coordinates of the point P
which divides the line segment joining
Solution. Let (x, y) then
A-3, 3) and B(2, -7) internally in the ratio 2: 3,

P(x,y B(2,-7)
A-3,3)

2x2+3x(-3) 4-9 = -1 andd

2+3

2x-7)+3x3 -14+9=-2 _
= -1.
2+3
The coordinates of P are (-1, -1)
B(x, y) such that
is point on the line segment A(3, -6) and
xample 2. If P(1, -2) a
(2017)
coordinates of B.
A:PB is equal to 2: 3, find the
2 3
olution. As P(1, -2) divides the line segment
the point A(3, -6) and B(x, y)
in the A(3, -6) P(1,-2) B(x, y
Joining
ratio2 3 internally, so

Section Formula 213

 2xx+3x3= 1and 2xy+3x(-6)= -2
2+3

5 1 and 2-18 -2
2.x +9 = 5 and 2y 18 -10

2xr= -4 and 2y 8 x= -2 and y = 4.

Hence, the coordinates of B are (-2, 4)

Example 3. If the point C(-1, 2) divides internally the line segment joining the joining the points
A(2, 5) and B(x y) in the ratio 3: 4, find the value of +y
Solution. As C(-1, 2) divides the line segment joining the points A(2, 5) and B(x, inn
n the
ratio 3: 4 internally, so
3XX+4x2 1 and 3Xy+4XS = 2 3 4
3+4 3+4
3x +8 = -7 and 3y + 20 14 A C
(2,5) -1,2)
3 x - 1 5 and 3y = -6 * =-5 and y = -2. ,y)
+ = (-5)2 + (-2)? = 25 + 4 = 29

Example 4. Find the coordinates of the points of trisection of the line segment joining the
points A(-4, 3) and B2,-1)
Solution. Let P and Q be the points of trisection of the line segment AB, then

A(-4,3) P Q B(2,-1)
AP PQ = QB » 2AP = PB

PB2
AP1 P divides AB in the ratio 1: 2.

Coordinates of P are +2*C4) 1x(-1)+2x3) ie.(2-8-1+6 ie. -2

1+2 1+2
Now PQ = QB

Q is the mid-point of PB.

A(-4,3) Q
B(2,-1)

2
Coordinates of Q are2+2
2

Remark
Since AP = PQ = QB, AQ = 2QB Q divides AB in the ratio 2:1.

A-4,3) P
B(2-1)

214 Understanding 1CSE Mathematics - X

 Coordinates of Q are

(2x2+1x-4) 2x(E1)+1x3)
2+1
2+1

Example 5. Find the coordinates of the points which divide the line segmer joining the
-2, 2) and B (2, 8) into four equal parts.
points A
Solution.
Let P, Q and Rbe the points which divide the segment AB into four equal parts,
then Q is mid-point ot AB, P 1s mid-point of AQ and R is mid-point of QB.

i e(0,5
P2023 ie.-1 and A P Q B

(-2,2) (2,8)

ie (1)
Hence, the coordinates
of the points of division are

-1.0,5, (14.
6. If the line segment joining the points A(4, -5) and B(4, 5) is divided by the
Example
P (2007)
point P such that f i n d the coordinates of P
AB

Solution. Given 5AP 2AB = 2(AP + PB)

2 B
3AP 2PB AP
PB
A
(4-5) (4,5)

AP PB = 2:3.
and B (4, 5) in
Thus, the point P divides the line segment joining the points A(4, -5)
theratio 2:3 internally.
The coordinates of P are (2x4+3x4
+3 2x5+3
2+3XES| i.e. (4, -1).
Point B on reflection in x-axis is
Example A(4, -1) is reflected as A' in y-axis.
7. Point
mapped as B(-2, 5)
i) Write the coordinates of A' and B.
the line segment A'B.
11) Write the coordinates of the middle point of
Solution.
point A(4, -1) in the y-axis, the
the point A' is the reflection of
the
i) Since
coordinates of A' are (-4,-1).
is the reflection of the point B in the x-axis, the
Also, as the point B'(-2, 5)
coordinates of B are (-2, -5).
-4 +0
(i) The coordinates of the mid-point of A'B are , i e . (-3, -3).

DXample 8. Find a point which is equidistant from the points A(-5, 4) and B(-1, 6). How
many such points are there?
Oution. Let M be the mid-point of the segment AB, then point M is equidistant from
points A and B.

Section Formula 215

 The point M is , ° | ie. (-3, 5).
2
Note that every point on the right bisector of the
segment AB is equidistant from the points A and B.
Hence, the point (-3, 5) is equidistant from the given A-5,4) B-1,6)
points A and B, and there are infinitely many points
which are equidistant from points A and B.

Example 9. The mid-point of the line segment joining (24, 4) and (-2, 26) is (1, 24 + 1)
Find the values of a and b. (2007)
Solution. Let A, B be the points (2a, 4), (-2, 26) respectively.
The coordinates of the mid-points of AB are

2 +-2)4+2ie.
2
(a-1, 2 + b).
But the mid-point of AB is (1, 24 + 1),
a -1 1, 2+b 2a + 1
a = 2, 2 + b 2 x 2+1 a = 2, b =3.
Hence, a = 2 and b = 3.
Example 10. If (a, b) is the mid-point of the line segment joining the points A(10, -6) and
B(k 4) anda-2b 18, find the value of k and the distance AB.
Solution. The mid-point of the line segment joining the points A(10, -6) and B(k, 4) is

ie.| -1.
But the mid-point of the segment AB is (a, b)
10 + and b = -
1
2
Also a -2b 18 (given) ..)
Substituting the values of a and b in (i), we get
10+
2
-2 x (-1) 18 2 = 16
10 +k =32 k = 22.
So, the point B is (22, 4)

Distance AB =y(22-102 +(4+6) =v144+100= 224 =2 61 units.

Example 11. The line segment joining the points A (2, 1) and B (5, -8) is trisected at the points
P and Q such that P is nearer to A. If P lies on the line 2x y +k= 0, find the value
offk.
Solution. As AB is trisected at P and Q, and P is nearer to A, so AP : PB = 1:2.

P1xS+2*2,
. P13 1XEB*2*
1+2
ie. P(3, -2)
2
Since P (3, -2) lies on 2x y +k =0,
2 x 3 (-2) + k = 0 A(2, 1) P B(5,-8)

8 + k =0 k=-8.

216 Understanding ICSE Mathematics -X

 m l e 12. In what ratio does the
A(-3, 5) and B(4, -9)?
point P(2, -5) divide the 1ine segment joining the points
ian,
Solutio. Let P(2, -5)
divide the line
B4,-9) in the segment
ratio k: 1 i.e. AP
PB k: 1, =
joining the points A(-3, 5) and
Coordinates of P are

k1
(kx4+1.-3) kx(-9)+1x 5 A
k+1 +1 B
-3,5) 5) (4-9)

But Pis (2, -5) 2,9R +5= _-5.

k+1
2
k+1 4k -3 =2k +2 2k 5 k =
Similarly 9k+5
k+1
=-5 k=
The required ratio is 2
1 i.e. 5:2 (internally).
Remark
If we get different values of k from the two equations, it
AB, and the question of finding the ratio will not arise. point
the line means that P does not liee
on

Example 13. Calculate the ratio in which the line joining A(-4, 2) and B(3, 6) is divided
by point P%, 3). Also find () x (i) Length of AP (2014)
Solution. Let P(x, 3) divide the line segment joining A(-4, 2) and B(3, 6) in the ratio
k:1 ie. AP : PB =k: 1.

The
The point
point PP is
is 3k-4 6k+2
T'k+1) A(-4,2)
k1
P(x,3) B(3, 6)
But P is (x, 3) 6k+2
k+1
3
6k +2 3k +3 3k =1 * k =

The required ratio is 1 i.e. 1: 3 (internally).

) As P is «, 3) x = putting k = w e get

Hence, x =

(i) Length of AP = -(-4)+(3-2)* units = +1 units= 6 units.

Example 14. Determine the ratio in which the line 2x +y-4 0 divides the line segment
Joining the points A(2, -2) and B(3, 7)
Solution. Given line is 2x + y - 4 = 0. ..()
Let the given line () divide the line segment joining the points A(2, -2) and B(3, 7) in
1.
e ratio k 1 at the point P i.e. AP PB =k:
Coordinates of P 3k+2 7k2
are+1k+1)
Section Formula 217
 As the point P lies on the line (i), we have

2 x 3k+2 7k-2 4 =0
k+1 k+1
2(3k +2) + (7k - 2) 4(k-
+ 1) =0
6k +4+ 7k - 2 4k - 4 0 BO.7
A(2,-2)
9k = 2 k =

1 i.c. 2: 9.
'The required ratio is 9
Example 15. In what ratio does the x-axis divide the line segment joining the
-4, 6) and (-1, 7)? Also find the coordinates of the point of division. points
Solution. Let the line segment joining the points B-1,7
A(-4, -6) and B(-1, 7) be divided by the x-axis in the
ratio k: 1 at the point P ie. AP: PB = k: 1, then the
P
point P is 7k-6
k+1 k+1)
But P lies on the x-axis, therefore, y-coordinate of P = 0 A(-4,-6)
7k-6 = 0 7k -6 = 0 >k= 6
k+1

The required ratiois: 1ie. 6 : 7.

34
The coordinates of the point of division P are
0ie.30
Example 16. If P(9a - 2, -b) divides the line segment joining A(3a + 1, -3) and B(84, 5)

in the ratio 3: 1, find the values of a and b.

Solution. Given the point P divides the line segment joining points A (3a + 1, -3) and
B (8a, 5) in the ratio 3 1 i.e. AP : PB = 3: 1, therefore, the point P is
(3 x8a +1x (3a +1) 3x5+1x(-3)
3+1 3+1
But the point P is (9a - 2, -b) 3

9a-2 and -b =3 A(3a +1,-3) P B8a,5)

4
36a -
8 =
27a + 1 and b =
-3 a 1 and b
= =
-3.
Hence, a = 1 andb = -3.
Y.
Example 17. In the figure given alongside, the line segment
AB meets X-axis at A and Y-axis at B. The
on AB divides it in the ratio 2:3. Find the
point P(-3, 4)
coordinates of A
and B.
(2013) /3,4
Solution. Let the coordinates of the
points A, B be
(0, b) respectively. (a, 0),
A
Given point P(-3, 4) divides the
i.e. AP: PB =2:3.
segment AB in the ratio 2 3
Coordinates of P are
2x0+3xa 2xb+3x0)
2+3 2+3
3a
But Pis(-3, 4) -3, =4
a = - 5 , b = 10.

. The coordinates of A and B are (-5, 0) and (0, 10)

respectively.
218 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X
Exam
nple 18.Find the reflection of the point
P(-3, 7) in the point M(5, -1).
,
Solution. Let P(x y) be the reflection of the point P(-3, 7) in the point M(5, - 1), then M
of the segment PP'
is the mid-point

-3+ 5, - -1
2
M(5,-1)
-3 +X = 10, 7 + y = -2

x = 13, y = -9. P(-3,7)

The reflection of the point P in the point M is the point (13, -9).
vample 19. Find the length of the median through the vertex B of the triangle ABC with
vertices A , -2), B(-3, 7) and CE1, 10).
calution. Let E be the mid-point of AC, then BE is the median through B. A(9,-2)
As E is mid-point of AC, coordinates of E are

(9(-)-2+10 ie. (4,

(4, 4).
4).
e.
2 2
Length of median BE = y4--3)) +(4 -7?
B(-3,7) C-1,10)

V7 +(-3)2 V49+9
= =
/58
units.
Example 20. The centre of a circle is C(-1, 6) and one end of a diameter is A(5, 9). Find
the coordinates of the other end.
Solution. Let the other end of the diameter of the circle be B(x, y) whose one end is thee
point A (5, 9).

The mid-point of AB is

The centre of the circle is C(-1, 6). c-1,)

Since the centre of the circle is the mid-point of AB,

2 -1 and 2
=6 (5,9)

5+x = -2 and 9+ y = 12
-7 and y =3.
T h e coordinates of the other end of the diameter are (-7, 3).

Example 21. Prove by section formua that the points (10, -6), (2, -6), (-4, -2) and
4,-2), taken in this order, are the vertices of a parallelogram.
Solution. Let A, B, C and D be the points (10, -6), D4-2) C(-4,-2)
(2,-6), (-4, -2), and (4, -2) respectively.
We know that a quadrilateral is a parallelogram if ancd
only if its diagonals bisect each other.

rlere, mid-point of diagonal AC is 0) 2

A(10, -6) B(2,-6)
Le. (3,-4) and mid-point of diagonal BD is

24 E9+Eie. (3,-4)
Thus, the diagonals AC and BD have same mid-point, so the diagonals AC and BD bisect
each other. Therefore, ABCD is a
parallelogram.

Section Formula 219

 Example 22. Three consecutive vertices of a parallelogram ABCD are A(10, -6), B(2,-6)
and C(-4, -2), find the fourth vertexD.
Solution. In the parallelogram ABCD, the three consecutive vertices are A(10, -6),
B(2,-6) and C(-4, -2). Let the fourth vertex D be (x, y).
(10,-
The mid-point of AC is+4),-6*-2))| D, y)
i.e. (3, - 4) )
The mid-point of BD is

.ii)
B(2,-6) C(-4,-2)
Since the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other, the mid-points of AC and BD
are same

From () and (i), 2 =3 and =-4

2+x = 6 and -6 + y = -8
x = 4 and y = -2.
The fourth vertex of the parallelogram ABCD is D(4,-2).
Example 23. The mid-points D, E and F of the sides AB, BC and CA of a triangle are
(3, 4), (8, 9) and (6, 7) respectively. Find the coordinates of the vertices of the
triangle.
Solution. Let the vertices A, B and C of the triangle ABC be (x Y), (T y2) and (7, Y)
respectively.
Since points D and F are mid-points of the sides AB and
A()
AC respectively, by Mid-point Theorem, DF II BC and DF =

BC but E is mid-point of BC, so DF I BE and DF = BE. D

F(6,7)
(3,4)
Therefore, DBEF is a parallelogram.
Similarly, DECF and DEFA are parallelograms.
Since the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other,
mid-points of diagonals BF and DE are same. B E
(8,9)
2 -3*8 and 2 - 1
+6 11 and y + 7 =13 xz = 5 and y2 = 6.
Therefore, the point B is (5, 6).
As DECF is a parallelogram, mid-points of CD and EF are same.
1+38+6 and 2
=7t
Xg t3 14 and ys + 4 =16
=

r 11 and y,
= 12. =

Therefore, the point C is (11, 12).

Also DEFA is a parallelogram, mid-points of AE and DF are same.
+8 3+6 and =
2 2

X+8 =
9 and y +9 = 11
1 and y,
= 2. =
r
Therefore, the point A is (1, 2).
Hence, the vertices of the triangle are A(1, 2), B(5, 6) and C(11, 12).

220 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

 Alternative method

A( V), B(x2 V2) and C Y3) be the vertices of the triangle ABC such that D(3, 4),
Let.

E(8,9)and F6, 7) are

mid--points
of the sides AB, BC and
4) is the mid-point of AB,
CA
respectively.
Since D(3,
2 =3 and 2=4
2 2

+2 6 and 1 +y2 8 ...(i1)

As E(8, 9)
is the mid-point of BC,
2 3 = 8 and 2J3 = 9
2 2
2 +N3 16 (ii) and Y2+V3 18 ...io)
Also F(6, 7) is the mid-point of AC,

= 6 and 2
=7
3 + = 12 .() and 3 + Y1 = 14
..(vi)
Adding ) , (1i) and (o), we get
21 +2 t+ x)=34 * 1 +*2 + X = 17 ..(vii)
Subtracting (), (ii) and (v) from (oii) in turn, we get
x =11, x 1 and =
5. =

Adding (i), (iv) and (vi), we get

201 + 2 +3)= 40 = Y1 +Y2 + 3 = 20 ..(viii)
Subtracting (i), (io) and (vi) from (vii) in turn, we get
3 12, y 2 and y2 6.
= =

Hence, the vertices of the triangle are A(1, 2), B (5, 6) and C(11, 12).
Example 24. Two vertices of a triangle are (-1, 4) and (5, 2), If the centroid is (0, -3),
find the third vertex.
Solution. Two vertices of a triangle are (-1, 4) and (5, 2). Let the third vertex be (x, y), then
the centroid of the triangle is

ie4
But the centroid of the triangle is (0, -3)

= 0 and = -3
X+4 = 0 and y + 6 = -9
x = -4 and y = -15.
The third vertex of the triangle is (-4, -15).
Example 25. If x - 2y + k = 0 is a median of the triangle whose vertices are A(-1, 3),
B0, 4) and C-5, 2), then find the value of k.
Solution. The coor
ordinates of the centroid, say G, of the triangle ABC is

(-1)+0+5) 3+4+2 ie. (-2, 3).

C e centroid G(-2, 3) lies on the median x - 2y + k = 0, we have

-2 2 x 3 +k = 0 k = 8.
lence, the value of k is 8.

Section Formula 221

 Exercise 11
1. Find the coordinates of the mid-points of the line segments joining the following pairs
ofpoints
) (2, -3), (-6, 7) (ii) (5, -11), (4, 3) (ii) (a + 3, 56), (2a 1, 3b + 4).
2. P divides the distance between A(-2, 1) and B(1, 4) in the ratio 2:1. Calculate the
coordinates of the point P.
3. () Find the coordinates of the points of trisection of the line segment joining the
points (3, -3) and (6, 9).
(i) The line segment joining the points (3, -4) and (1, 2) is trisected at the points P

and Q. If the coordinates of P and Q are (p, -2) and respectively, find the
values of p and q.
4. The line segment joining the points A(3, 2) and B5, 1) is divided at the point P in the

ratio 1: 2 and it lies on the line 3x 18y + k = 0. Find the value of k.

5. Find the coordinates of the point which is three-fourth of the way from A (3, 1) to B (-2,5).

Hint
Let P be the required point,then AP AB.
6. The line segment joining A(-3, 1) and B (5, - 4) is a diameter of a circle whose centre
is C. Find the coordinates of the point C.
7. The mid-point of the line segment joining the points (3m, 6) and (-4, 3n) is (1, 2m - 1).

Find the values of m and n.

8. The coordinates of the mid-point of the line segment PQ are (1, -2). The coordinates of
P are (-3, 2). Find the coordinates of Q.
9. AB is a diameter of a circle with centre C(-2, 5). If point A is (3, -7), find

() the length of radius AC. (ti) the coordinates of B. (2013)

10. Find the reflection (image) of the point (5,-3) in the point (-1, 3).

11. The line segment joining A-1,and B(a, 5) is divided in the ratio 1:3 at P, the

where the line segment AB intersects y-axis. Calculate:

point
(i) the value of a. i) the coordinates of P.
12. The point P(-4, 1) divides the line segment joining the points A(2, -2) and B in the
ratio 3:5. Find the point B.
Hint
Let B be (a, B). As the point P(- 4, 1) divides the line segment joining the points
A(2, 2 ) and B(a, B) in the ratio 3: 5, we have

30t5X2-4 and 38+5x(-2)=1

3+5 3+5
3 a+ 10=-32 and 38 - 10 8 a 14 and B = 6.

13. ) In what ratio does the point (5, 4) divide the line segment joining the points
(2, 1) and (7, 6) ?
(i) In what ratio does the point (-4, b) divide the line segment joining the points
P(2,-2), Q-14, 6)? Hence, find the value of b.

222 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

 The line segment joining A(Z, 3) and B(6, -5) is intersected by x-axis at a point K. Write
AT the ordinate of the pointK. Hence, find the ratio in which K divides AB.
Also,
dowr

of the point K.
find the coordinates (2006)
If A (-4, 3)
= and B (8, -6), =

15.
find the length of AB.
()
(i) in what ratio is the line segment joining AB, divided by the x-axis? (2008)
T n what ratio does the line x - y - 2 = 0 divide the line segment joining the points

- 1 ) and (8, 9)? Also find the coordinates of the point of division.
17, Given a line segment AB joining the points A(-4, 6) and B(8, -3). Find:
)the ratio in which AB is divided by the y-axis.

Gi) the coordinates of the point of intersection.

the length of AB. (2012)
(ii)
18, Calculate the length of the median through the vertex A of the triangle ABC with vertices
A(7,-3), B(5, 3) and C(3, -1).
19. Three consecutive vertices of a parallelogram ABCD are A(1, 2), B(1, 0) and
C(4, 0). Find the fourth vertex D.
find
20. If the points A-2, -1), B(1, 0), C(p, 3) and D(1, 9) form a parallelogram ABCD,
the values of p and q.
21. If two vertices of a parallelogram are (3, 2), (-1, 0) and its diagonals meet at (2, -5),
find the other two vertices of the parallelogram.
Hint
The mid-point of the line segment joini the
points (3, 2) and (-1, 0) is (1, 1) which is not the
same as (2,-5), therefore, the given points cannot
are
be the opposite vertices. Hence, these vertices (2,-5)
Cbe (a, B), then
adjoining as shown in the figure. Let
3+0
2
2 and 2+-5
2
A
(3, 2)
B
(-1, 0)
a =1 and ß =-12 Cis (1,-12)
Similarly, find coordinates of D.
its two vertices are (-1, 4) and (5, 2) and
22. Find the third vertex of a triangle if
mid-point of one side is (0, 3).
Hint
and C(a, B) be the third
Let A, B be the given vertices (-1, 4), (5, 2) respectively
is not the mid-point of AB, therefore, it is the
vertex of a triangle. Note that (0, 3)
mid-point of either AC or BC.
the middle points of whose sides
23. Find the coordinates of the vertices of the triangle,

are ( 0 ) a n d (5.0)
and (8, 8) collinear.
points (3, -2), (5, 2)
are
44. Show by section formula that the
2 the points(-5, 1), (1, p)
Find the value of p for which
and (4,-2) are collinear.
shown in the
46. The mid-point of the line segment AB
coordinates
Write down the
adjoining diagram is (4, -3). (4,-3)
of A and B.

Section Formula 223

 27. Find the coordinates of the centroid of a triangle whose vertices are
A(-1, 3), B(1,-1) and C(5, 1).
(2006)
28. Two vertices of a triangle are (3, -5) and (-7, 4). Find the third vertex, given that the
centroid is (2, -1).
29. The vertices of a triangle are A(-5, 3), B(p, -1) and C(6, g). Find the values of p and
if the centroid of the triangle ABC is the poínt (1, -1).

Multiple Choice Questions

Choose the correct answer from the given four options (1 to 10) :
1. The points A(9, 0), B(9, 6), C(-9, 6) and D-9, 0) are the vertices of a
(a) rectangle (6) square (c) rhombus (d) trapezium
2. If P 4 is the mid-point of the line segment joining the points Q-6, 5) and
R(-2, 3), then the value of a is
(a)-4 ()-6 () 12 (a) -12
3. If the end points of a diameter of a circle are A(-2, 3) and B(4,-5), then the coordinates
of its centre are
(a) (2, -2) 6) (1, -1) C)-1,1) ()(-2,2))
4. If one end of a diameter of a circle is (2, 3) and the centre is (-2, 5), then the other end
IS

(a) (-6, 7) (6) (6, -7) )(0,8) (d) (0, 4)

5. If the mid-point of the line segment joining the points P(a, b - 2) and Q(-2, 4) is
R(2,-3), then the values of a and b are
a)a = 4, b= -5 (b) a = 6, b = 8 c)a = 6, b=-8 (d) a = -6, b =8
6.
The point whichlies on the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining the points
A-2,-5) and B(2, 5) is
(a) (0, 0) (b) , 2) () (2, 0) d) (-2, 0)
7. The coordinates of the point which is equidistant from
the three vertices of AAOB (shown in the
adjoining A0,2y)
figure) are
a) y )
(b) y, x)

B(2x, 0)
YV
8. The fourth vertex D of a
parallelogram ABCD whose three vertices
B(6, 7) and C(8, 3) is
are A(-2, 3)
(a) (0, 1) (b) (0, -1)
9.
(c)-1,0) d) (1, 0)
The point which divides the line segment joining the points (7, -6) and (3, 4) in the
ratio 1: 2 internally lies in the
(a) Ist quadrant (b) Ind quadrant (c) llrd quadrant (d) IVth quadrant
10. The centroid of the triangle whose vertices are (3, -7), (-8,
6) and (5, 10) is
(a) (0, 9) 6) (0, 3) (c) (1, 3) d) (3, 3)

224 Understanding ICSE Mathematics X

 Summary
Section formula
The coordinates of the point which divides (internally) the line segment joining the

points P Y1) and Qlr2 Y2) in the ratio m, : m, are 2 t n a 1 my2t may1
+m2 m +m2
T h e coordinates of the mid-point of the line segment joining the points P(x Y) and

QtV) are , ty
2
o The centroid of the triangle whose vertices are A(x, y,), B(x,, y) and C(x Y3) is

, ta*ys.
3

Chapter Test
1, The base BC of an equilateral triangle ABC lies on y-axis. The coordinates of the point
Care (0,-3). If origin is the mid-point of the base BC, find the coordinates of the points
A and B.
2. Find the coordinates of the point that divides the line segment joining the points
P5,-2) and Q(9, 6) internally in the ratio 3:1
3. Find the coordinates of the point P which is three-fourth of the way from A(3, 1) to
B-2, 5.
Hint
AP AB 4AP 3 (AP+PB) AP 3PB AP:PB3:1
4. P and Q are the points on the line segment joining the points A(3, -1) and
B(-6,5) such that AP PQ = QB. Find the coordinates of P and Q.
5. The centre of a circle is (oa +2, a - 5). Find the value of a, given that the circle passes
through the points (2, -2) and (8, -2).
6. The mid-point of the line segment joining A(2, p) and B(q, 4) is (3, 5). Calculate the
values of p and q.
7. The ends of a diameter of a circle have the coordinates (3, 0) and (-5, 6). PQ is another
diameter where Q has the coordinates (-1,-2). Find the coordinates of P and the radius
of the circle.
8 In what ratio does the point (-4, 6) divide the line segment joining the points

A(-6, 10) and B(3, -8)?

. Find the ratio in which the point P-3, p) divides the line segment joining the points
-5,-4) and (-2, 3). Hence, find the value of p.
10. In what ratio is the line joining the points (4, 2) and (3, -5) divided by the x-axis? Also
division.
find the coordinates of the point of
1. If the abscissa of a point P is 2, find the ratio in which it divides the line segment joining
coordinates of P.
the points (-4, 3) and (6, 3). Hence, find the
2. Determine the ratio in which the line 2x + y -4 =0 divide the line segment joining the
find the coordinates of the point of division.
13.
A(2, -2) and B(3, 7). Also
points
ABCD is a parallelogram. If the coordinates of A, B and D are (10, -6), (2, -6) and

4-2) respectively, find the coordinates of C.

Section Formula 4 2
14. ABCD is a parallelogram whose vertices A and B have coordinates (2, -3) and
1,-1) respectively. If the diagonals of the parallelogram meet at the point M(1, -4),
find the coordinates of C and D. Hence, find the perimeter of the parallelogram.

15. Given O(0, 0), P(1, 2), S(-3, 0). P divides 0Q

in the ratio 2 3 and OPRS is a parallelogram.
Find:
(i) the coordinates of Q. 7P(1,2)
(i) the coordinates of R.
(i) the ratio in which RQ is divided by the S(-3,0)
y-axis.

16. If A(5, -1), B(-3, -2) and C(-1, 8) are the vertices of a triangle ABC, find the length of
the median through A and the coordinates of the centroid of triangle ABC.

Understanding ICSE Mathematics - X

226