Question

Point M divides line segment AB, in the direction from A to B, in a ratio of 5 to 3. What value on the number line would indicate the location of point M? A = --6, B = 3

Answer 1

The coordinates of point M is -0.375.

Explanation:

Given that point A = -6 and point B = 3

Point M divides line segment AB in the direction from A to B in the ratio of 5 to 3 we have;

Length from A to M = 5/(5 + 3) × Length of segment AB

Given that length of segment AB = 3 - (-6) = 3 + 6 = 9, we have;

Length from A to M = 5/8 × 9 = 45/8 =
`5(5)/(8)` = 5.625

Therefore, the coordinates of M = -6 + 5.625 = -0.375 = -3/8

The coordinates of point M = -0.375.