Q.Find the position vector of a point R which divides the line joining two points P and Q whose position vectors are (2a+b) and (a−3b) externally in the ratio 1:2. Also, show that P is the mid point of the line segment RQ.
🔒You're viewing a preview — the full solution, concept, methods & PYQ mapping are locked.
🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Section Formula
Section Formula (Vector Form)
Given two points, where is the point that divides the segment joining them in a chosen ratio? The section formula answers this with position vectors, generalising the midpoint to any ratio.
Setup
Let P and Q have position vectors a and b (measured from the origin O). We want the position vector r of the point R that divides PQ in the ratio m:n, i.e. PR:RQ=m:n.
Internal division
When R lies between P and Q:
r=m+nmb+na
Notice the cross-pairing: the far endpoint Q (position b) is weighted by m, and the near endpoint P (position a) by n. The result is a weighted average of the endpoints, so R sits closer to whichever endpoint carries the larger opposite weight.
Midpoint as a special case
Put m=n (ratio 1:1):
r=2a+b,
the familiar midpoint formula. So the section formula is just a generalised midpoint.
External division
When R lies on the line PQ but outside the segment (say beyond Q), the denominator changes sign:
r=m−nmb−na
For external division the denominator is m−n. If m=n it becomes zero — there is no finite point dividing a segment externally in an equal ratio (the point runs off to infinity).
Why it matters …
Concept: Section Formula (External Division)
For two points with position vectors p and q, the point dividing the segment externally in the ratio m:n is given by:
r=m−nmq−np
Step 1 – Identify the vectors and ratio
Here p=2a+b, q=a−3b, and m:n=1:2 (external).
Step 2 – Apply the external division formula
r=1−21(a−3b)−2(2a+b)=−1a−3b−4a−2b=−1−3a−5b
Step 3 – Simplify
r=3a+5b …
Using the external section formula, the position vector of R is found to be 3a+5b. Substituting into the midpoint condition confirms that P is exactly the midpoint of RQ.
Concept and Intuition
The section formula is the backbone of this problem. When a point divides a line segment in a given ratio, we have two distinct cases:
- Internal division: The point lies between the two endpoints.
- External division: The point lies beyond one of the endpoints, on the line extended.
For external division, the formula looks almost like the internal one — but with a crucial sign change in the denominator. Why? Because when a point divides a segment externally, the distances are measured in opposite directions along the line, so one ratio component effectively becomes negative.
If point R divides the line joining P (position vector p) and Q (position vector q) externally in the ratio m:n, then:
r=m−nmq−np
Notice the minus signs — this is the external section formula.
The second part of the problem asks us to show that P is the midpoint of RQ. This is a verification: once we have r, we check whether p=2r+q.
Step-by-Step Solution
1. Identify the given vectors and ratio
We have:
- Position vector of P: p=2a+b
- Position vector of Q: q=a−3b
- Ratio: 1:2 externally, with R dividing PQ. So m=1, n=2.
A common mistake is to swap P and Q in the formula. Read carefully: "divides the line joining P and Q" — so P comes first, Q second. In the external formula, the point corresponding to the first term in the numerator is Q (the second endpoint), not P. Always double-check the order.
2. Apply the external section formula
Using r=m−nmq−np:
r=1−21(a−3b)−2(2a+b)
3. Simplify the numerator
First, expand:
a−3b−4a−2b=(a−4a)+(−3b−2b)=−3a−5b
4. Divide by the denominator
Denominator is 1−2=−1. So:
r=−1−3a−5b=3a+5b …
Method: External Division by the Section Formula
Use this to find the point dividing a segment externally in a given ratio, then verify a midpoint relation if asked.
Steps
Step 1: Write the external section formula
If R divides PQ (position vectors p,q) externally in the ratio m:n, then
r=m−nmq−np.
The minus signs (numerator and denominator) are what distinguish external from internal division.
Step 2: Substitute and simplify …
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using the internal formula (plus signs) by mistake
Why it's wrong: internal division uses m+nmq+np; external needs the minus signs m−nmq−np. Correct approach: read 'externally' and switch to the minus form.
Mistake 2: Swapping which point gets weight m versus n …
Showing the 12 most recent of 62 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-24-AN1 markMCQQ.R divides the line joining two points P and Q whose position vectors are i^+2j^−k^ and −i^+j^+k^ respectively in the ratio 2:1 externally. S divides PQ internally in the ratio 2:1. Then the position vector of the midpoint of the line joining R and S is ________ (A) 3−5i^−32j^−35k^ (B) 3−5i^+32j^+35k^ (C) 35i^−32j^−35k^ (D) 35i^+32j^+35k^
›Reveal solutionSolution
Applying the external and internal section formulas to find R and S, then averaging them, gives −35i^+32j^+35k^.
Concept and Intuition
The section formula for a point dividing PQ in ratio m:n is m+nmQ+nP internally and m−nmQ−nP externally. Applying both with P=i^+2j^−k^, Q=−i^+j^+k^ gives the two required points.
Step-by-Step Solution
- External division 2:1: R=2−12Q−P=2Q−P.
- 2Q=−2i^+2j^+2k^; R=(−2−1)i^+(2−2)j^+(2+1)k^=−3i^+0j^+3k^.
- Internal division 2:1: S=32Q+P.
- 2Q+P=(−2+1)i^+(2+2)j^+(2−1)k^=−i^+4j^+k^, so S=−31i^+34j^+31k^.
- Midpoint of R and S: M=2R+S. …
- AP EAPCET 2025Set eng-2025-05-26-FN1 markMCQQ.Let iˉ−2jˉ+kˉ, iˉ+jˉ−2kˉ, 2iˉ−jˉ−kˉ and iˉ+jˉ+kˉ be the position vectors of four points A, B, C and D respectively. If a point P divides AB in the ratio 2:1 internally and a point Q divides CD in the ratio 1:2 externally, then the ratio in which the point with position vector 5iˉ−6jˉ−5kˉ divides PQ is (A) 2:1 (B) −2:1 (C) 2:3 (D) −2:3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Compute P (internal section of AB) and Q (external section of CD) explicitly, then find in what ratio the given point divides PQ. Answer: −2:1.
Concept and Intuition
Section-formula problems are pure coordinate bookkeeping: internal division uses m+nnA+mB for ratio m:n; external division flips a sign, m−nmB−nA (equivalently substitute n→−n in the internal formula). Once P,Q are known points, finding the ratio a third point divides PQ in is a linear solve.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=(1,−2,1), B=(1,1,−2), C=(2,−1,−1), D=(1,1,1).
- P divides AB in ratio 2:1 internally: P=2+11⋅A+2⋅B=3(1,−2,1)+(2,2,−4)=3(3,0,−3)=(1,0,−1).
- Q divides CD in ratio 1:2 externally: using the external form Q=m−nmD−nC with m=1,n=2: Q=−1D−2C=2C−D=(4,−2,−2)−(1,1,1)=(3,−3,−3).
- Let the point R=(5,−6,−5) divide PQ in ratio m:n (i.e. R=m+nnP+mQ). Using the y-coordinate (since Py=0): −6=m+n−3m⇒−6(m+n)=−3m⇒−6n=3m⇒m=−2n. …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-05-FN1 markMCQQ.If P divides the line segment joining the points A (1,2,−1) and B (−1,0,1) externally in the ratio 1:2 and Q =(1,3,−1) then PQ = (A) 10 (B) 3 (C) 1 (D) 13
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the external-division section formula in 3D coordinate geometry; the answer is PQ=3.
Concept and Intuition
Internal division of AB in ratio m:n gives P=m+nmB+nA. External division uses the same idea but with a subtraction instead of addition (as if n were negative): P=m−nmB−nA. Geometrically, the external point lies on the line AB extended, outside the segment.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Here A(1,2,−1), B(−1,0,1), ratio m:n=1:2.
- P=1−21⋅B−2⋅A=−1B−2A=2A−B.
- 2A=(2,4,−2). So P=(2−(−1), 4−0, −2−1)=(3,4,−3). …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-10-05-FN1 markMCQQ.If 2a+3b−5c=0, then the ratio in which c divides AB is (A) 3 : 2 internally (B) 3 : 2 externally (C) 2 : 3 internally (D) 2 : 3 externally
›Reveal solutionSolution
Rearranging the given vector equation into the section-formula shape shows C divides AB internally in the ratio 3:2.
Concept and Intuition
The section formula says the point dividing AB internally in ratio m:n (from A to B) has position vector m+nna+mb. So whenever a vector equation can be rearranged into that exact shape, the ratio can be read off directly from the coefficients.
Step-by-Step Solution
- 2a+3b−5c=0⇒5c=2a+3b⇒c=52a+3b.
- Compare with the section formula for a point dividing AB internally in ratio m:n: m+nna+mb.
- Here n=2 (coefficient of a) and m=3 (coefficient of b), with m+n=5 matching the denominator. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-AN1 markMCQQ.Let OA=iˉ+2jˉ−4kˉ and OB=3iˉ−4jˉ−2kˉ be the position vectors of two points A and B. If a point C divides the line segment AB in the ratio 1:3 externally, then the position vector of a point which divides OC in the ratio 4:1 internally is (A) 5(iˉ−jˉ) (B) iˉ−4jˉ+2kˉ (C) 4iˉ−2jˉ+kˉ (D) 4(jˉ−kˉ)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Apply the external section formula to locate C on line AB, then apply the internal section formula on segment OC. Answer: 4(jˉ−kˉ).
Concept and Intuition
For points with position vectors A,B, the point dividing AB internally in ratio m:n is m+nmB+nA, while the point dividing it externally in ratio m:n is m−nmB−nA — the external version effectively places the dividing point beyond one of the endpoints. Once C is found this way, dividing OC internally is just the ordinary internal-section formula applied to the segment from the origin to C.
Step-by-Step Solution
- A=OA=(1,2,−4), B=OB=(3,−4,−2).
- C divides AB externally in ratio 1:3 (m=1,n=3): C=m−nmB−nA=1−31⋅B−3⋅A=−2B−3A=23A−B.
- Compute 3A=(3,6,−12), then 3A−B=(3−3,6−(−4),−12−(−2))=(0,10,−10).
- So C=2(0,10,−10)=(0,5,−5). …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-AN1 markMCQQ.If A=(1,2,3), B=(3,4,7) and C=(−3,−2,−5) are three points then the ratio in which the point C divides AB externally is (A) 2:3 (B) 3:2 (C) 4:3 (D) 3:4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tests external division of a segment in 3D using the section formula; the ratio is 2:3.
Concept and Intuition
If C divides AB externally in ratio m:n, then C=m−nmB−nA. Since C, A, B are given, we can find m:n from any one coordinate and confirm with the rest — a genuine external division must satisfy ALL three coordinates simultaneously.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let C=m−nmB−nA. Using x-coordinates: m−n3m−n=−3⇒3m−n=−3m+3n⇒6m=4n⇒nm=32.
- Check with y: m=2,n=3⇒2−34(2)−2(3)=−18−6=−2 ✓ (matches Cy=−2). …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-22-FN1 markMCQQ.In △PQR, (4i+3j+6k),(2i+2j+3k) and (3i+j+3k) are the position vectors of the vertices P, Q and R respectively. Then the position vector of the point of intersection of the angle bisector of P with QR is (A) 6i+5j+9k (B) 2i−j+3k (C) (5i+3j−2k) (D) 25i+23j+3k
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests the angle-bisector-divides-opposite-side-in-ratio-of-adjacent-sides theorem in 3D vector form. Answer: 25i+23j+3k.
Concept and Intuition
The internal bisector of angle P in △PQR meets side QR at a point dividing it in the ratio PQ:PR. Computing these two side lengths first tells us immediately whether the dividing point is the midpoint (when PQ=PR) or some other section point.
Step-by-Step Solution
- P=(4,3,6), Q=(2,2,3), R=(3,1,3).
- PQ=Q−P=(−2,−1,−3), so PQ=4+1+9=14.
- PR=R−P=(−1,−2,−3), so PR=1+4+9=14.
- Since PQ=PR, the bisector from P divides QR in ratio 1:1 — i.e., it meets QR at its midpoint.
- Midpoint =(22+3,22+1,23+3)=(25,23,3). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.If iˉ+2jˉ+kˉ, αiˉ+3jˉ+2kˉ, −iˉ+4jˉ+βkˉ are the position vectors of three points A, B, C, then the position vector of a point which divides BC in the ratio α+1:β is (A) (4−1,413,49) (B) (3−1,313,39) (C) (25,27,26) (D) (37,32,31)
›Reveal solutionSolution
With A, B, C collinear, matching direction vectors pins down α and β, after which the section-formula point on BC is computed directly. The answer is (A).
Concept and Intuition
For a division ratio expressed using unknown parameters α,β to yield one specific numeric point (as the answer choices demand), those parameters must be fixed by a geometric condition on A, B, C — here, that they are collinear (a standard setup for this style of vector problem). Once α,β are pinned down, the section formula m+nnB+mC for the point dividing BC in ratio m:n finishes the problem.
Step-by-Step Solution
- AB=B−A=(α−1)iˉ+(3−2)jˉ+(2−1)kˉ=(α−1)iˉ+jˉ+kˉ.
- AC=C−A=(−1−1)iˉ+(4−2)jˉ+(β−1)kˉ=−2iˉ+2jˉ+(β−1)kˉ.
- Collinearity requires AB=tAC for some scalar t. Matching the jˉ components: 1=2t⇒t=21.
- Matching iˉ: α−1=−2t=−1⇒α=0.
- Matching kˉ: 1=(β−1)t=2β−1⇒β−1=2⇒β=3.
- So the required ratio is α+1:β=1:3.
- With α=0: B=(0,3,2); with β=3: C=(−1,4,3). …
- AP EAPCET 2024Set eng-2024-05-21-AN1 markMCQQ.If aˉ,bˉ,cˉ,dˉ are position vectors of 4 points such that 2aˉ+3bˉ+5cˉ−10dˉ=0ˉ, then the ratio in which the line joining cˉ and dˉ divides the line segment joining aˉ and bˉ is (A) 2:3 (B) −1:2 (C) 2:1 (D) 3:2
›Reveal solutionSolution
The given vector equation can be rearranged into a form that expresses one point as a weighted combination of the others, revealing the ratio in which the line joining cˉ and dˉ divides the segment joining aˉ and bˉ. The ratio is 3:2, so the correct option is (D).
We start with the vector equation:
2aˉ+3bˉ+5cˉ−10dˉ=0ˉ
Concept and Intuition
The Section Formula in vectors says: If a point P divides the line segment joining A and B in the ratio m:n (internally or externally), then its position vector is m+nmbˉ+naˉ (if P is between A and B, both m,n>0; if external, one is negative).
Here, we want the ratio in which the line joining cˉ and dˉ divides the segment joining aˉ and bˉ. That means: there is some point P on line AB that also lies on line CD. We need to find the ratio AP:PB (or AP:PB with sign).
The trick: Rearrange the given equation so that aˉ and bˉ appear on one side, and cˉ and dˉ on the other, then compare with the section formula.
Step-by-step solution
- Rearrange the equation to isolate terms involving aˉ and bˉ on one side:
2aˉ+3bˉ=10dˉ−5cˉ
- Factor the right-hand side to express it as a combination of cˉ and dˉ:
2aˉ+3bˉ=5(2dˉ−cˉ)
But we want a form like m+nmbˉ+naˉ for the left side, and something like p+qpdˉ+qcˉ for the right side, because the point where the lines intersect must satisfy both.
- Divide both sides by the sum of coefficients on the left (which is 2+3=5):
52aˉ+3bˉ=510dˉ−5cˉ
Simplify the right side:
52aˉ+3bˉ=2dˉ−cˉ
- Interpret the left side using the section formula: 52aˉ+3bˉ is the position vector of a point P that divides AB in the ratio 3:2 (since the coefficient of bˉ is 3 and of aˉ is 2, and the denominator is the sum). Specifically, P=3+23bˉ+2aˉ, so AP:PB=3:2 (with A at aˉ, B at bˉ). …
- AP EAPCET 2021Set eng-2021-08-25-AN1 markMCQQ.The position vectors of A and B are (i^+j^+k^) and (31j^+31k^). If 'B' divides the line AC in the ratio 2:1, then position vector of 'C' is (A) (21,0,0) (B) (0,31,0) (C) (2−1,2−1,0) (D) (2−1,0,0)
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the section formula with B dividing AC in ratio 2:1, we solve for C and get (−21,0,0).
Concept and Intuition
"B divides AC in ratio 2:1" means AB:BC=2:1, so B is closer to C. The section formula for a point dividing a segment in ratio m:n (from the first point to the second) is P=m+nn⋅(first)+m⋅(second). Here we invert this to solve for the unknown endpoint C.
Step-by-Step Solution
- B divides AC in ratio 2:1 (AB:BC=2:1), so B=2+11⋅A+2⋅C=3A+2C.
- Rearranged: 3B=A+2C⇒C=23B−A. …
- AP EAPCET 2023Set eng-2023-05-17-AN1 markMCQQ.Let 'O' be the origin, A and B be two points with position vectors −3iˉ−3jˉ+4kˉ and 4iˉ−4jˉ−3kˉ respectively. Let P be a point such that the line drawn through P parallel to OB meets OA in L and another line through P parallel to OA meets OB in M. If L divides OA in the ratio 2:3 and M divides OB in the ratio 3:2, then the distance from O to P is (A) 519 (B) 5389 (C) 5341 (D) 521
›Reveal solutionSolution
The construction describes a parallelogram OLPM, so OP is simply the vector sum of OL and OM. Answer: 19/5.
Concept and Intuition
When a line through P parallel to OB meets OA at L, and another line through P parallel to OA meets OB at M, the quadrilateral OLPM has OL∥MP and OM∥LP — exactly the definition of a parallelogram. So OP=OL+OM (parallelogram law), and we just need the position of L on OA and M on OB.
Step-by-Step Solution
- L divides OA in ratio 2:3 (from O), so OL=52OA=52(−3,−3,4)=(−56,−56,58).
- M divides OB in ratio 3:2 (from O), so OM=53OB=53(4,−4,−3)=(512,−512,−59). …
- AP EAPCET 2022Set eng-2022-07-07-FN1 markMCQQ.PQRS is a quadrilateral and PQ=aˉ, QR=bˉ, SP=aˉ−bˉ, M is the midpoint of QR and X is a point on SM such that SX=54SM. If SM=m(4aˉ−bˉ) and SX=n(4aˉ−bˉ), then m+n= (A) 9/10 (B) 10/9 (C) 11/9 (D) 4/3
›Reveal solutionSolution
This tests position-vector manipulation in a quadrilateral; working everything out from a chosen
origin gives m=1/2, n=2/5, so m+n=9/10.
Concept and Intuition
When only relative vectors between points are given (like PQ,QR,SP), the cleanest approach is to fix one point as the origin and express every other
point's position vector in terms of the given vectors aˉ,bˉ. Midpoints and points dividing
a segment in a given ratio then follow from simple averaging/ratio formulas.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Choose P as the origin, so P=0ˉ.
- PQ=aˉ⇒Q=aˉ.
- QR=bˉ⇒R=Q+bˉ=aˉ+bˉ.
- SP=aˉ−bˉ⇒P−S=aˉ−bˉ⇒S=P−(aˉ−bˉ)=bˉ−aˉ.
- M = midpoint of QR: M=2Q+R=2aˉ+(aˉ+bˉ)=aˉ+2bˉ.
- SM=M−S=(aˉ+2bˉ)−(bˉ−aˉ)=2aˉ−2bˉ=21(4aˉ−bˉ). Comparing with SM=m(4aˉ−bˉ): m=21. …
🎓Unlock everything free for 14 days
- ✓Full step-by-step solutions
- ✓Concept-first explanations
- ✓Methods, shortcuts & mistakes
- ✓PYQ mapping + timed mock tests
Full access for 14 days. No credit card required.