Problema Solution

A(1, 1) and B(2, -3) are two points and D is a point on AB produced such that AD = 3AB. Find the co - ordinates of D.

Answer provided by our tutors

AD = 3AB means that D divides the segment AB externally since AD > AB we have the following 2 cases:

Case1: B is between A and D: AD : DB = 3AB : (AD - AB) = 3AB : (3AB - AB) = 3 : 2

Case2: A is between D and B: AD : DB = 3AB : (AD + AB) = 3AB : (3AB + AB) = 3 : 4

We will use the following formula:

Let R divide PQ externally in the ratio m1:m2 where P(x1, y1) and Q(x2, y2) The coordinates of R (x,y) can be found using the formula:

x = (m1x2 - m2x1)/(m1 - m2)

y = (m1y2 - m2y1)/(m1 - m2)

Case1: AD : DB = 3:2 => m1 = 3, m2 = 2, x1=1, y1=1, x2=2, y2=-3

x = (3*2 - 2*1)/(3 - 2) = 4

y = (3*(-3) - 2*1)/(3 - 2) = -11

The coordinates are D(4, -11).

Case2: AD : DB = 3:4 => m1 = 3, m2 = 4, x1=1, y1=1, x2=2, y2=-3

x = (3*2 - 4*1)/(3 - 4) = -2

y = (3*(-3) - 4*1)/(3 - 4) = 13

The coordinates are D(-2, 13).