A point M on a segment with endpoints X (1, -2) and Y (10, 3) partitions the segment in a 4:1 ratio. Find M.

Question

anonymous · Answer

@AccessDenied

accessdenied · Answer

So, I am doing a bit of research here because I think we did a similar problem with ratios that didn't go well..
Have you had a chance to try any particular method out so far?

anonymous · Answer

don't we have to use the midpoint formula?

accessdenied · Answer

the midpoint formula works when the ratio is 1:1
but this is a bit different.

or have you used a formula that involves weighted averages (you have a multiplier for each value)?

anonymous · Answer

no i don't think so.

accessdenied · Answer

I'll draw a quick sketch of this problem and what is going on:
We have a 4:1 ratio, so if we broke this segment up into 4+1 = 5 pieces, XM makes 4/5 segments and then MY makes 1/5 segments.
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