Question

A, B are the points (-4, -3) and (2, 5). If the interval AB is now divided into 4

equal parts, find the coordinates of these three points.

Answer 1

D(-2,5;1); C(-1,1); E(0.5,3).

Explanation:

Imagine that there is a line AB, it is divided into 4 equal parts. If there are 4 parts, There are 4+1=5 points. That's obvious that if parts are equal , the third point is on the middle of the line AB, suppose it is the point C

xc= (xa+xb)/2

xc=( -4+2)/2= -1

yc= (-3+5)/2=1

(-1,1)

There are to unknown points D (between A and C), and E (between C and B). D is on the middle of AC .

Xd= (-4-1)/2=-2.5

yd= (-3+1)/2=-1

(-2,5;1)

E is on the middle of CB

xe= (-1+2)/2= 0.5

ye=(1+5)/2=3

(0.5, 3)