Find the coordinates of the points which divide the line segment joining the points (-4, 0) and (0, 6) in four equal parts.
Let given coordinates be A(-4, 0) and B (0, 6).
We need to divide AB into 4 equal parts, ie first we need to find midpoint of AB, which will be D and then find out midpoints of AD and DB respectively.
Let required points be C(x1 , y1 ), D(xm , ym ) and E(x , y2 )
By midpoint formula.
x = , y =
For midpoint D of AB,
xm = , ym =
∴ xm = -2 and ym = 3
∴ D(xm , ym ) ≡ (-2 , 3)
Now, for midpoint C of AD,
X1 = , y2 =
x1 = -3 and y1 = 1.5
∴C(x1 , y1) ≡ (-3, 1.5)
For midpoint E of DB,
X2 = , y2 =
∴ x2 = -1 and y2 = 4.5
∴ D(x2 , y2 ) ≡ (-1 , 4.5)
Hence the co-ordinates of the points are (-3, 1.5), (-2 , 3) and (-1 , 4.5)