Point A (4, 2) divides segment BC in the ratio 2 : 5. Coordinates of B and C are (2, 6), (9, y) respectively. Find the value of y.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → -8
Using the section formula (internal division):
Point A(x, y) dividing $B(x_1, y_1)$ and $C(x_2, y_2)$ in the ratio $m:n$ is given by
$A\left(\frac{mx_2 + nx_1}{m+n}, \frac{my_2 + ny_1}{m+n}\right)$
Given:
- A(4, 2)
- B(2, 6)
- C(9, y)
- Ratio = 2:5
Check x-coordinate:
$4 = \frac{2(9) + 5(2)}{7} = \frac{18 + 10}{7} = \frac{28}{7} = 4$
Use y-coordinate:
$2 = \frac{2(y) + 5(6)}{7}$
$2 = \frac{2y + 30}{7}$
$2y + 30 = 14$
$2y=−16$
$y = -8$