the endpoints of AB are -4 and 4 . Find the coordinate of the point p that partitions the segment in the ratio 3 : 1 .

Question

i need the answer , it dosnt make since

Answer 1

Sometimes a picture helps:

 

       A                                                                           p                         B     

      -4          -3          -2          -1          0           1           2           3            4

   ---|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----

 

The segment Ap is 6 (that is, 3 groups of 2) and the segment pB is 2 (that is, 1 group of 2).  This makes the ratio 3:1.

 

When there is a proportion, like 3:1, there is a value x (the number of values in a group) that may be used to calculate the sum.

      3x + 1x = 8             (the total distance is 4 - (-4) = 8)

         4x = 8

           x = 2

   There are groups of 2.

 

The point p is at +2.