Math questions from any Manhattan Prep GMAT Computer Adaptive Test.
rjcesaro
Course Students
 
Posts: 3
Joined: Mon Dec 07, 2009 11:30 am
 

Coordinates Question

by rjcesaro Sun May 09, 2010 3:51 pm

The coordinates of points A and C are (0, -3) and (3, 3), respectively. If point B lies on line AC between points A and C, and if AB = 2BC, which of the following represents the coordinates of point B?

This comes from the geometry math bin questions. I don't understand the explanation as it relates to the 2/3 portion. Thanks.
debmalya.dutta
Students
 
Posts: 47
Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:51 am
 

Re: Coordinates Question

by debmalya.dutta Sun May 09, 2010 9:37 pm

its given AB = 2BC
AB + BC = AC
AB + AB/2 = AC
3/2 AB = AC
So , point B which lies on the line joining A and C divides the line in such a way that the following ratio holds good

AB/AC = 2/3


The coordinates of a point on a line when the line is divided in the ratio m:n.and given that the end points of the line are with coordinates (x1,y1)and(x2,y2), then the coordinates of this point would be;
x = (nx1 + mx2)/(m+n)
y = (ny1 + my2)/(m+n)
tim
Course Students
 
Posts: 5665
Joined: Tue Sep 11, 2007 9:08 am
Location: Southwest Airlines, seat 21C
 

Re: Coordinates Question

by tim Mon May 24, 2010 1:40 pm

Thanks debmalya. Yeah you can set up some algebraic equations to verify the fraction, or you can just think of it this way: if one part of something is twice the other part, it is 2/3 of the whole thing (and the smaller part is 1/3)..
Tim Sanders
Manhattan GMAT Instructor

Follow this link for some important tips to get the most out of your forum experience:
https://www.manhattanprep.com/gmat/forums/a-few-tips-t31405.html