In what ratio is the line joining the points (–5, 1) and (2, 3) divided by the y–axis? Also, find the point of intersection.

Let l:m be the ratio of the line segment joining the points (–5,1) and (2, 3) and let C (x, 0) be the point on x–axis.

Section formula internally:

(x, 0) =

(x, 0) =

Equating the x– coordinates

2l – 5m = 0

2l = 5m

l:m = 5: 2

Point of intersection =

=

=

Therefore, y–axis divides the line segment in the ratio 5: 2 internally and point of intersection is .