Question 13 Marks
Given that $, P (5,4,-2), Q (7,6,-4)$ and $R (11,10,-8)$ are collinear points. Find the ratio in which Q divides PR.
Answer
View full question & answer→Let Q divides PR in the ratio $k : 1$
Thus coordinates of Q are $\left[\frac{11 k+5}{k+1}, \frac{10 k+4}{k+1}, \frac{-8 k-2}{k+1}\right]$
It is given that coordinates of Q are (7, 6, -4).$
\therefore \frac{11 k+5}{k+1}=7, \frac{10 k+4}{k+1}=6, \frac{-8 k-2}{k+1}=-4
$
Now solving these we get $k=\frac{1}{2}$
Thus Q divides PR in the ratio $\frac{1}{2}: 1$ or $1: 2$
Thus coordinates of Q are $\left[\frac{11 k+5}{k+1}, \frac{10 k+4}{k+1}, \frac{-8 k-2}{k+1}\right]$
It is given that coordinates of Q are (7, 6, -4).$
\therefore \frac{11 k+5}{k+1}=7, \frac{10 k+4}{k+1}=6, \frac{-8 k-2}{k+1}=-4
$
Now solving these we get $k=\frac{1}{2}$
Thus Q divides PR in the ratio $\frac{1}{2}: 1$ or $1: 2$



