Section Formula

111
Introduction
In this chapter, we shall study section formula i.e. we shall find the coordinates of the point
which divides (internally) the line segment joining two given points in a given ratio. We
shall also find the coordinates of the mid-point of a line segment joining two given points
and the coordinates of the centroid of a triangle whose vertices are given.

11.1 Section formula

Let P, Q be two points in a plane (shown in the adjoining
figure) and R be a point on the line segment joining points P
and Q such that PR : RQ = m1 : m2, then we say that the point m2
Q
:
R divides the line segment PQ internally in the ratio m1 : m2.
m1 R
Now, we shall develop a formula known as ‘section
formula’ for finding the coordinates of R when we are given
P
the coordinates of P and Q and the ratio in which R divides
PQ internally.
Find the coordinates of the point which divides Y
(internally) the line segment joining two given points in Q(x2 , y2)
a given ratio. m2
S T
m1 R(x, y)
Let P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) be two given points in the
P (x  , y )
coordinate plane, and R (x, y) be the point which divides 1 1

PQ (internally) in the given ratio m1 : m2

PR m
i.e. = 1 …(i)
RQ m2 O M L N
X′ X
Draw PM, QN and RL perpendiculars on x-axis,
Y′
and through R draw a line parallel to x-axis to meet MP
(produced) at S and NQ at T.
From the figure,
SR = ML = OL – OM = x – x1 …(ii)
RT = LN = ON – OL = x2 – x …(iii)
PS = MS – MP = LR – MP = y – y1 …(iv)
TQ = NQ – NT = NQ – LR = y2 – y …(v)
Now ∆SPR is similar to ∆TQR (AA axiom of similarity)
SR PR
∴ =
RT RQ
 x − x1 m
⇒ = 1 (using (ii), (iii) and (i))
x2 − x m2
⇒ m2 x – m2 x1 = m1 x2 – m1 x ⇒ m1 x + m2 x = m1 x2 + m2 x1
m1x2 + m2 x1
⇒ (m1 + m2) x = m1 x2 + m2 x1 ⇒ x = ·
m1 + m2
Again, as ∆SPR is similar to ∆TQR,
PS PR
∴ =
TQ RQ
y − y1 m
⇒ = 1 (using (iv), (v) and (i))
y2 − y m2
⇒ m2 y – m2 y1 = m1 y2 – m1 y ⇒ m1 y + m2 y = m1 y2 + m2 y1
m1y 2 + m2 y1
⇒ (m1 + m2) y = m1 y2 + m2 y1 ⇒ y = .
m1 + m2
m x +m x m y +m y 
Hence, the coordinates of R are  1 2 2 1
, 1 2 2 1
.
 m1 + m2 m1 + m2 
Rule to write down the coordinates of the point which divides the line segment joining
two given points P (x1 , y1) and Q (x2 , y2) internally in a given ratio m1 : m2 .
(i) Draw the line segment joining the given points P and Q.
(ii) Write down the coordinates of P and Q at extremities.
(iii) Let R (x, y) be the point which divides PQ internally in the ratio m1 : m2 .
(iv) For x-coordinate of R, multiply m1 with x2 and m2 with x1 as shown in the figure given
m1x2 + m2 x1
below by arrows and add the products. Divide the sum by m1 + m2 . Thus x = .
m1 + m2
(v) For y-coordinate of R, proceed as in step (iv).

m1 : m2
• • •
P (x1, y1) R (x, y) Q (x2, y2)

11.1.1 Mid-point Formula

Let P (x1, y1) and Q (x2, y2) be the two given points and R (x, y) be the mid-point of the line
segment PQ, then
PR = RQ, therefore, the ratio is 1 : 1.
1 . x1 + 1 . x2 1 . y1 + 1 . y 2
∴ x = and y =
1+1 1+1
x1 + x2 y +y
⇒ x = and y = 1 2 .
2 2
x +x y +y
Hence, the coordinates of the mid-point of PQ are  1 2 , 1 2  .
 2 2 
Remark
In problems where it is required to find the ratio when a given point divides the line segment
joining two given points, it is convenient to take the ratio as k : 1, for, in this way two unknowns
(m1 and m2) are reduced to one unknown and the section formula becomes
kx2 + x1 ky + y
x= and y = 2 1 .
k+1 k+1
Then equate the abscissa or the ordinate of the point so obtained with that of the given
point, and find the value of unknown k.

2136 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

11.1.2 Centroid of a triangle A (x1, y1)

 he point where the medians of a triangle meet is called the

T
centroid of the triangle.
If AD is a median of the triangle ABC and G is its
Ag 2
centroid, then = .

2
gd 1
To find the centroid of a triangle whose vertices are G

1:
given.
Let A (x1, y1), B (x2, y2) and C (x3, y3) be the given B (x2, y2) D C (x3, y3)
vertices of a triangle ABC. Let D be the mid-point
x2 + x3 y 2 + y 3 
of BC, then the coordinates of D are  ,  . Let G be the centroid of ∆ ABC,
 2 2 
then G divides the median AD in the ratio 2 : 1. Therefore, coordinates of G are
 x + x3 y + y3 
1 . x1 + 2 . 2 1 . y1 + 2 . 2

 2 , 2  i.e.  x1 + x2 + x3 , y1 + y 2 + y 3  .
  
 1 + 2 1 + 2  3 3
 

Remark
To prove that a quadrilateral is a
(i) Parallelogram: show that diagonals bisect each other.
(ii) Rhombus: show that diagonals bisect each other and two adjacent sides are equal.
(iii) Rectangle: show that diagonals bisect each other and are equal.
(iv) Square: show that diagonals bisect each other and two adjacent sides are equal and
diagonals are also equal.

Illustrative Examples
Example 1. Calculate the coordinates of the point P which divides the line segment joining
A (– 3, 3) and B (2, – 7) internally in the ratio 2 : 3.
Solution. Let (x , y) be the coordinates of the point P which divides the line segment
joining A (– 3, 3) and B (2, – 7) internally in the ratio 2 : 3, then

2 : 3
• •
A (– 3, 3) P (x, y) B (2, – 7)

2 × 2 + 3 × (− 3) 4 − 9 5
x = = =− = – 1 and
2+3 5 5
2 × (− 7) + 3 × 3 − 14 + 9 5
y = = = − = – 1.
2+3 5 5
∴ The coordinates of P are (– 1, – 1).
Example 2. Find the coordinates of the points of trisection of the line segment joining the
points A (– 4, 3) and B (2, – 1).
Solution. Let P and Q be the points of trisection of the line segment AB, then

1 : 2

A(– 4, 3) P Q B(2, – 1)

Section Formula 2137

 AP = PQ = QB ⇒ 2AP = PB

AP 1
⇒ =   ⇒ P divides AB in the ratio 1 : 2.
PB 2
1 × 2 + 2 × (− 4) 1 × (− 1) + 2 × 3   2 − 8 −1 + 6
∴ Coordinates of P are   5

,  i.e.  3 , 3  i.e.  − 2,  .
1+ 2 1+ 2 3
Now PQ = QB
⇒ Q is the mid-point of PB.

}
1 : 1
• 
A (– 4, 3)
•
P
•
Q
• 
B (2, – 1)
5
− 2, 
 3 

 5   2
+ (−1)
−2+ 2 3    1
∴ Coordinates of Q are  ,  i.e. 3
 0, 2  i.e.  0, .
 2 2    3
   
Remark
Since AP = PQ = QB, AQ = 2QB ⇒ Q divides AB in the ratio 2 : 1.

2 : 1
A (– 4, 3) P Q B (2, – 1)

∴ Coordinates of Q are

 2 × 2 + 1 × (− 4) 2 × (− 1) + 1 × 3   1
 ,  i.e.  0,  .
2+1 2+1 3

Example 3. Find the coordinates of the points which divide the line segment joining the points
A (– 2, 2) and B (2, 8) into four equal parts.
Solution. Let P, Q and R be the points which divide the segment AB into four equal
parts, then Q is mid-point of AB, P is mid-point of AQ and R is mid-point of QB.
− 2 + 2 2 + 8
∴ Q  ,  i.e. (0, 5),
 2 2 
− 2 + 0 2 + 5
P   7
,  i.e.  −1,  and
 2 2  2 A P Q R B
(– 2, 2) (2, 8)
0 + 2 5 + 8  13 
R  ,  i.e.  1, 
 2 2  2
Hence, the coordinates of the points of division are
7 13
 −1,  , (0, 5),  1,  .
 2  2

Example 4. If the line segment joining the points A(4, – 5) and B(4, 5) is divided by the point
AP 2
P such that = , find the coordinates of P. (2007)
AB 5
AP 2
Solution. Given = ⇒ 5AP = 2AB = 2 (AP + PB)
AB 5
AP 2 2  :   3
⇒ 3AP = 2PB ⇒ = • • •
PB 3 A P B
(4, – 5) (4, 5)
⇒ AP : PB = 2 : 3.

2138 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 Thus, the point P divides the line segment joining the points A (4, – 5) and B (4, 5) in
the ratio 2 : 3 internally.
2 × 4 + 3 × 4 2 × 5 + 3 × (− 5) 
∴ The coordinates of P are  ,  i.e. (4, – 1).
 2+3 2+3

Example 5. Point A (4, – 1) is reflected as A′ in y-axis. Point B on reflection in x-axis is

mapped as B′ (– 2, 5).
 (i) Write the coordinates of A′ and B.
(ii) Write the coordinates of the middle point of the line segment A′B.
Solution.
(i) Since the point A′ is the reflection of the point A(4, – 1) in the y-axis, the
coordinates of A′ are (– 4, – 1).
Also, as the point B′(– 2, 5) is the reflection of the point B in the x-axis, the
coordinates of B are (– 2, – 5).
− 4 + (− 2) − 1 + (− 5) 
(ii) The coordinates of the mid-point of A′B are  ,   i.e. (– 3, – 3).
 2 2

Example 6. Find a point which is equidistant from the points A (– 5, 4) and B (– 1, 6). How
many such points are there?
Solution. Let M be the mid-point of the segment
AB, then point M is equidistant from points A and B.
− 5 + (−1) 4 + 6 
The point M is  ,  i.e. (– 3, 5).
 2 2 
Note that every point on the right bisector of the
segment AB is equidistant from the points A and B. M
A (– 5, 4) B (– 1, 6)
Hence, the point (– 3, 5) is equidistant from the
given points A and B, and there are infinitely many
points which are equidistant from points A and B.

Example 7. The mid-point of the line segment joining (2a, 4) and (– 2, 2b) is (1, 2a + 1). Find
the values of a and b. (2007)
Solution. Let A, B be the points (2a, 4), (– 2, 2b) respectively.
The coordinates of the mid-points of AB are
 2 a + (− 2) 4 + 2b 
 ,  i.e. (a – 1, 2 + b).
2 2 
But the mid-point of AB is (1, 2a + 1),
∴ a – 1 = 1, 2 + b = 2a + 1
⇒ a = 2,  2 + b = 2  ×  2 + 1 ⇒ a = 2, b = 3.
Hence, a = 2 and b = 3.
Example 8. The line segment joining the points A (2, 1) and B (5, – 8) is trisected at the points
P and Q such that P is nearer to A. If P lies on the line 2x – y + k = 0, find the value of k.
Solution. As AB is trisected at P and Q, and P is nearer to A, so AP : PB = 1 : 2.
1 × 5 + 2 × 2 1 × (− 8) + 2 × 1
∴  P  ,  i.e. P (3, – 2)
 1+ 2 1+ 2 1 : 2

Since P (3, – 2) lies on 2x – y + k = 0, A (2, 1) P Q B (5, – 8)

2 × 3 – (– 2) + k = 0
⇒  8 + k = 0  ⇒  k = – 8.

Section Formula 2139

 Example 9. In what ratio does the point P(2, – 5) divide the line segment joining the points
A(– 3, 5) and B(4, – 9)?
Solution. Let P(2, – 5) divide the line segment joining the points A(– 3, 5) and
B(4, – 9) in the ratio k : 1 i.e. AP : PB = k : 1.
∴ Coordinates of P are
k   :   1
 k × 4 + 1 . (− 3) k × (− 9) + 1 × 5  • • •
 ,
 A P B
 k+1 k+1 (– 3, 5) (2, – 5) (4, – 9)
4k − 3 − 9k + 5
But P is (2, – 5) ⇒ = 2, = – 5.
k+1 k+1
4k − 3 5
= 2 ⇒ 4k – 3 = 2k + 2 ⇒ 2k = 5 ⇒ k = .
k+1 2
− 9k + 5   5
Similarly = –5 ⇒ k = .
k+1 2
5
∴ The required ratio is : 1 i.e. 5 : 2 (internally).
2
Remark
If we get different values of k from the two equations, it means that point P does not
lie on the line AB, and the question of finding the ratio will not arise.

Example 10. Calculate the ratio in which the line joining A (– 4, 2) and B (3, 6) is divided by
point P (x, 3). Also find (i) x (ii) Length of AP. (2014)
Solution. Let P ( x, 3) divide the line segment joining A (– 4, 2) and B (3, 6) in the ratio
k : 1 i.e. AP : PB = k : 1.

3k − 4 6k + 2 
The point P is  , .
 k+1 k+1 
k   :   1
6k + 2 • • •
But P is (x, 3) ⇒ =3 A (– 4, 2) P (x, 3) B (3, 6)
k+1
1
⇒ 6k + 2 = 3k + 3 ⇒ 3k = 1 ⇒ k = .
3
1
∴ The required ratio is : 1 i.e. 1 : 3 (internally).
3
3k − 4 1
(i) As P is (x, 3) ⇒ x = , putting k = , we get
k+1 3

1
3. −4
3 −3 9 9
x= = = − . Hence, x = − .
1 4 4 4
+1
3 3
2 2
 9   7 65
(ii) Length of AP =  − − (− 4) + (3 − 2) units =   + 1 units = units.
2
4 4 4

Example 11. Determine the ratio in which the line 2x + y – 4 = 0 divides the line segment
joining the points A (2, – 2) and B (3, 7).
Solution. Given line is 2x + y – 4 = 0. …(i)
Let the given line (i) divide the line segment joining the points A (2, – 2) and B (3, 7) in
the ratio k : 1 at the point P i.e. AP : PB = k : 1.
 3k + 2 7 k − 2

∴ Coordinates of P are  , .
 k + 1 k + 1 
As the point P lies on the line (i), we have

2140 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 3k + 2 7 k − 2
2 × + –4=0
k+1 k+1
⇒ 2(3k + 2) + (7k – 2) – 4(k + 1) = 0 k  :
1
B (3, 7)
P
⇒ 6k + 4 + 7k – 2 – 4k – 4 = 0 A (2, – 2)
2
⇒ 9k = 2 ⇒ k =
9
2
∴ The required ratio is : 1 i.e. 2 : 9.
9

Example 12. In what ratio does the x-axis divide the line segment joining the points (– 4, – 6)
and (– 1, 7)? Also find the coordinates of the point of division.
Solution. Let the line segment joining the points B (– 1, 7)
A (– 4, – 6) and B (– 1, 7) be divided by the x-axis in the ratio
1
k : 1 at the point P i.e. AP : PB = k : 1, then the point P : P x-axis
k
− k − 4 7k − 6
is  , .
 k + 1 k + 1 
A (– 4, – 6)
But P lies on the x-axis, therefore, y-coordinate of P = 0
7k − 6 6
⇒ = 0 ⇒ 7k – 6 = 0 ⇒ k = .
k+1 7
6
∴ The required ratio is : 1 i.e. 6 : 7.
7
 6 
− −4
 7  34
The coordinates of the point of division P are  , 0 i.e.  − , 0 .
6  13 
 +1 
 7 
Example 13. The line joining P (– 4, 5) and Q (3, 2) intersects the y-axis at R. PM and QN
are perpendiculars from P and Q on the x-axis. Find :
  (i) the ratio PR : RQ.
 (ii) the coordinates of R.
(iii) the area of the quadrilateral PMNQ. (2004)
Y
Solution. (i) Let the line segment joining the points
P (– 4, 5) and Q (3, 2) be divided by the y-axis in the ratio
k : 1 at R. By section formula, the coordinates of the point R are P (– 4, 5)
•
k
 3 k − 4 2k + 5  :
 ,  . As the point R lies on the y-axis, x-coordinate  1
 k+1 k+1  R

of R = 0 • Q (3, 2)
3k − 4
⇒ = 0 ⇒ 3k – 4 = 0 M O N
k+1 X

4
⇒ k= .
3
4
∴ The required ratio is : 1 i.e. 4 : 3.
3
 4 
2× + 5
 3   23 
 (ii) The coordinates of the point R are  0,  i.e.  0, 7  .
4
 +1 
 3 

(iii) The quadrilateral PMNQ is a trapezium.

1
∴ The area of quad. PMNQ = (MP + NQ) × MN
2
1
= (5 + 2) × 7 sq. units = 24·5 sq. units.
2

Section Formula 2141

 Example 14. If P (9a – 2, – b) divides the line segment joining A (3a + 1, – 3) and B (8a, 5) in
the ratio 3 : 1, find the values of a and b.
Solution. Given the point P divides the line segment joining points A (9a – 2, – 3) and
B (8a , 5) in the ratio 3 : 1 i.e. AP : PB = 3 : 1, therefore, the point P is
 3 × 8 a + 1 × (3 a + 1) 3 × 5 + 1 × (− 3)   27 a + 1 
,  i.e.  , 3 .
 3+1 3+1  4 
3 : 1
But the point P is (9a – 2, – b)
A (3a + 1, – 3) P B (8a, 5)
27 a + 1
⇒ 9a – 2 = and – b = 3
4
⇒ 36a – 8 = 27a + 1 and b = – 3 ⇒ a = 1 and b = – 3.
Hence, a = 1 and b = – 3.

Example 15. In the figure given below, the line segment AB meets X-axis at A and Y-axis at
B. The point P (–3, 4) on AB divides it in the ratio 2 : 3. Find the coordinates of A and B. (2013)
Solution. Let the coordinates of the points A, B be
(a, 0), (0, b) respectively. Y

Given point P (–3, 4) divides the segment AB in the

B
ratio 2 : 3
i.e. AP : PB = 2 : 3.
∴ Coordinates of P are P
•(–3, 4)
 2 × 0 + 3 × a 2 × b + 3 × 0  3 a 2b 
 ,  i.e.  , .
2+3 2+3 5 5 A O X

3a 2b
But P is (– 3, 4) ⇒ = – 3, =4
5 5
⇒ a = – 5, b = 10.
∴ The coordinates of A and B are (– 5, 0) and (0, 10) respectively.
Example 16. Find the reflection of the point P (– 3, 7) in the point M (5, – 1).
Solution. Let P′ (x, y) be the reflection of the point P (– 3, 7) in the point M (5, – 1), then
M is the mid-point of the segment PP′
•
P′ (x, y)
−3 + x 7+y
⇒ = 5, = −1
2 2 •M (5, – 1)
⇒ – 3 + x = 10, 7 + y = – 2
•
P (– 3, 7)
⇒ x = 13, y = – 9.
∴ The reflection of the point P in the point M is the point (13, – 9).
Example 17. Find the length of the median through the vertex B of the triangle ABC with
vertices A (9, – 2), B (– 3, 7) and C (– 1, 10).
Solution. Let E be the mid-point of AC, then BE is the median through B. A (9, – 2)

As E is mid-point of AC, coordinates of E are

 9 + (− 1) − 2 + 10  E
 ,  i.e. (4, 4).
2 2

∴ Length of median BE = (4 − (− 3))2 + (4 − 7)2 B (– 3, 7) C (– 1, 10)

= (7)2 + (− 3)2 = 49 + 9 = 58 units.

2142 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 Example 18. The centre of a circle is C (– 1, 6) and one end of a diameter is A (5, 9). Find the
coordinates of the other end.
Solution. Let the other end of the diameter of the circle be B(x, y) whose one end is
the point A (5, 9).
B (x, y)
5 + x 9 + y
∴  The mid-point of AB is  , .
 2 2 
•C (– 1, 6)
The centre of the circle is C (– 1, 6).
Since the centre of the circle is the mid-point of AB,
A
5+x 9+y (5, 9)
= – 1 and =6
2 2
⇒ 5 + x = – 2 and 9 + y = 12
⇒ x = – 7 and y = 3.
∴ The coordinates of the other end of the diameter are (– 7, 3).
Example 19. Prove by section formula that the points (10, – 6), (2, – 6), (– 4, – 2) and (4, – 2),
taken in this order, are the vertices of a parallelogram.
D (4, – 2) C (– 4, – 2)
Solution. Let A, B, C and D be the points (10, – 6),
(2, – 6), (– 4, – 2), and (4, – 2) respectively.
We know that a quadrilateral is a parallelogram if and
only if its diagonals bisect each other.
10 + (− 4) (− 6) + (− 2) 
Here, mid-point of diagonal AC is  , 
 2 2  A (10, – 6) B (2, – 6)
2 + 4 (− 6) + (− 2) 
i.e. (3, – 4) and mid-point of diagonal BD is  , 
 2 2
i.e. (3, – 4).
Thus, the diagonals AC and BD have same mid-point, so the diagonals AC and BD
bisect each other. Therefore, ABCD is a parallelogram.

Example 20. Three consecutive vertices of a parallelogram ABCD are A (10, – 6), B (2, – 6) and
C (– 4, – 2), find the fourth vertex D.
Solution. In the parallelogram ABCD, the three consecutive vertices are A (10, – 6),
B (2, – 6) and C (– 4, – 2). Let the fourth vertex D be (x , y). A (10, – 6)
D (x, y)

10 + (− 4) − 6 + (− 2) 
The mid-point of AC is  , 
 2 2 
i.e. (3, – 4) …(i)
B (2, – 6) C (– 4, – 2)
The mid-point of BD is
 2 + x −6 + y
 ,  …(ii)
2 2 
Since the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other, the mid-points of AC and BD
are same.
2+x −6 + y
∴ From (i) and (ii), = 3 and = – 4
2 2
⇒ 2 + x = 6 and – 6 + y = – 8
⇒ x = 4 and y = – 2.
∴  The fourth vertex of the parallelogram ABCD is D (4, – 2).
Example 21. The mid-points D, E and F of the sides AB, BC and CA of a triangle are (3, 4),
(8, 9) and (6, 7) respectively. Find the coordinates of the vertices of the triangle.

Section Formula 2143

 Solution. Let the vertices A, B and C of the triangle A (x1, y1)
ABC be (x1, y1), (x2, y2) and (x3, y3) respectively.
Since points D and F are mid-points of the sides AB
and AC respectively, by Mid-point Theorem, DF || BC and D
(3, 4) F (6, 7)
1
DF = BC but E is mid-point of BC, so DF || BE and
2
DF = BE.
Therefore, DBEF is a parallelogram.
B E C
Similarly, DECF and DEFA are parallelograms. (x2, y2) (8, 9) (x3, y3)
Since the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other,
mid-points of diagonals BF and DE are same.
x2 + 6 3 + 8 y +7 4+9
∴ = and 2 =
2 2 2 2
⇒ x2 + 6 = 11 and y2 + 7 = 13 ⇒ x2 = 5 and y2 = 6.
Therefore, the point B is (5, 6).
As DECF is a parallelogram, mid-points of CD and EF are same.
x3 + 3 8 + 6 y +4 9+7
∴ = and 3 =
2 2 2 2
⇒ x3 + 3 = 14 and y3 + 4 = 16.
⇒ x3 = 11 and y3 = 12.
Therefore, the point C is (11, 12).
Also DEFA is a parallelogram, mid-points of AE and DF are same.
x1 + 8 3 + 6 y +9 4+7
∴ = and 1 =
2 2 2 2
⇒ x1 + 8 = 9 and y1 + 9 = 11
⇒ x1 = 1 and y1 = 2.
Therefore, the point A is (1, 2).
Hence, the vertices of the triangle are A (1, 2), B (5, 6) and C (11, 12).
Alternative method
Let A (x1, y1), B (x2, y2) and C (x3, y3) be the vertices of the triangle ABC such that D (3, 4),
E (8, 9) and F (6, 7) are mid-points of the sides AB, BC and CA respectively.
Since D(3, 4) is the mid-point of AB,
x1 + x2 y +y
∴ = 3 and 1 2 = 4
2 2
⇒ x1 + x2 = 6 …(i) and y1 + y2 = 8 …(ii)
As E (8, 9) is the mid-point of BC,
x2 + x3 y +y
∴ = 8 and 2 3 = 9
2 2
⇒ x2 + x3 = 16 …(iii) and y2 + y3 = 18 …(iv)
Also F (6, 7) is the mid-point of AC,
x3 + x1 y +y
∴ = 6 and 3 1 = 7
2 2
⇒ x3 + x1 = 12 …(v) and y3 + y1 = 14 …(vi)
Adding (i), (iii) and (v), we get
2(x1 + x2 + x3) = 34 ⇒ x1 + x2 + x3 = 17 …(vii)
Subtracting (i), (iii) and (v) from (vii) in turn, we get

2144 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 x3 = 11, x1 = 1 and x2 = 5.
Adding (ii), (iv) and (vi), we get
2(y1 + y2 + y3) = 40 ⇒ y1 + y2 + y3 = 20 …(viii)
Subtracting (ii), (iv) and (vi) from (viii) in turn, we get
y3 = 12, y1 = 2 and y2 = 6.
Hence, the vertices of the triangle are A (1, 2), B (5, 6) and C (11, 12).
Example 22. Two vertices of a triangle are (– 1, 4) and (5, 2). If the centroid is (0, – 3), find
the third vertex.
Solution. Two vertices of a triangle are (– 1, 4) and (5, 2). Let the third vertex be (x, y),
then the centroid of the triangle is
−1 + 5 + x 4 + 2 +  x1 + x2 + x3 y1 + y 2 + y 3 

y

,   , 
3 3  3 3 
x + 4 y +6
i.e.  , .
 3 3 
But the centroid of the triangle is (0, – 3)
x+4 y+6
⇒ = 0 and = – 3
3 3
⇒ x + 4 = 0 and y + 6 = – 9
⇒ x = – 4 and y = – 15.
∴ The third vertex of the triangle is (– 4, – 15).

Example 23. If x – 2y + k = 0 is a median of the triangle whose vertices are A(– 1, 3),
B(0, 4) and C(– 5, 2), then find the value of k.
Solution. The coordinates of the centroid, say G, of the triangle ABC is
(− 1) + 0 + (− 5) 3 + 4 + 2 
 ,  i.e. (– 2, 3).
 3 3
Since centroid G (– 2, 3) lies on the median x – 2y + k = 0, we have
– 2 – 2 × 3 + k = 0 ⇒ k = 8.
Hence, the value of k is 8.

Example 24. ABC is a triangle and G (4, 3) is the centroid of the triangle. If A, B and C are
the points (1, 3), (4, b) and C (a, 1) respectively, find the values of a and b. Also find the length of
side BC.
A (1, 3)
Solution. Since G (4, 3) is the centroid of ∆ABC, we have
1+ 4 + a 3+b+1
= 4 and =3
3 3
⇒ 5 + a = 12 and 4 + b = 9 •
G (4, 3)
⇒ a = 7 and b = 5.
Hence, the values of a and b are a = 7, b = 5. B (4, b) C (a, 1)

The coordinates of the point B and C are (4, 5) and (7, 1)

respectively.
Length of side BC = (7 − 4)2 + (1 − 5)2 units
= 9 + 16 units = 5 units.

Section Formula 2145

 Exercise 11
1. Find the coordinates of the mid-points of the line segments joining the following pairs
of points :
(i) (2, – 3), (– 6, 7) (ii) (5, – 11), (4, 3) (iii) (a + 3, 5b), (2a – 1, 3b + 4).
2. The coordinates of two points A and B are (– 3, 3) and (12, – 7) respectively. P is a
point on the line segment AB such that AP : PB = 2 : 3. Find the coordinates of P.
3. P divides the distance between A (– 2, 1) and B (1, 4) in the ratio 2 : 1. Calculate the
coordinates of the point P.
4. (i) Find the coordinates of the points of trisection of the line segment joining the
points (3, – 3) and (6, 9).
(ii) The line segment joining the points (3, – 4) and (1, 2) is trisected at the points
5
P and Q. If the coordinates of P and Q are (p, – 2) and  , q  respectively, find
3 
the values of p and q.
5. (i) The line segment joining the points A (3, 2) and B (5, 1) is divided at the point
P in the ratio 1 : 2 and it lies on the line 3x – 18y + k = 0. Find the value of k.
(ii) A point P divides the line segment joining the points A (3, – 5) and B (– 4, 8) such
AP k
that = . If P lies on the line x + y = 0, then find the value of k.
PB 1
6. Find the coordinates of the point which is three-fourth of the way from A (3, 1) to B (– 2, 5).
Hint.
3
Let P be the required point, then AP = AB.
4
7. Point P (3, – 5) is reflected to P′ in the x-axis. Also P on reflection in the y-axis is
mapped as P′′.
(i) Find the coordinates of P′ and P′′.
(ii) Compute the distance P′P′′.
(iii) Find the middle point of the line segment P′P′′.
(iv) On which coordinate axis does the middle point of the line segment PP′′ lie ?
8. Use graph paper for this question. Take 1 cm = 1 unit on both axes. Plot the points
A (3, 0) and B (0, 4).
(i) Write down the coordinates of A1, the reflection of A in the y-axis.
(ii) Write down the coordinates of B1, the reflection of B in the x-axis.
(iii) Assign the special name to quadrilateral ABA1B1.
(iv) If C is the mid-point of AB, write down the coordinates of C1, the reflection of
C in the origin.
(v) Assign the special name to quadrilateral ABC1B1.
9. The line segment joining A (– 3, 1) and B (5, – 4) is a diameter of a circle whose centre
is C. Find the coordinates of the point C.
10. The mid-point of the line segment joining the points (3m, 6) and (– 4, 3n) is (1, 2m – 1).
Find the values of m and n.
11. The coordinates of the mid-point of the line segment PQ are (1, – 2). The coordinates
of P are (– 3, 2). Find the coordinates of Q.
12. AB is a diameter of a circle with centre C (– 2, 5). If point A is (3, – 7), find
(i) the length of radius AC.
(ii) the coordinates of B. (2013)

2146 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x