Let P and Q be the points of trisection of AB
i.e., AP = PQ = QB
Given A(3,-3) and B(6,9)
x1 = 3, y1 = -3, x2 = 6, y2 = 9
P(x, y) divides AB internally in the ratio 1 : 2.
m:n = 1:2
By applying the section formula, the coordinates of P are as follows.
By Section formula x = (mx2+nx1)/(m+n)
x = (1×6+2×3)/(1+2)
x = (6+6)/3
x = 12/3
x = 4
By Section formula y = (my2+ny1)/(m+n)
y = (1×9+2×-3)/(2+1)
y = (9-6)/3
y = 3/3
y = 1
Hence the co-ordinate of point P are (4,1).
Now, Q also divides AB internally in the ratio 2 : 1.
m:n = 2:1
By applying the section formula, the coordinates of P are as follows.
By Section formula x = (mx2+nx1)/(m+n)
x = (2×6+1×3)/(1+2)
x = (12+3)/3
x = 15/3
x = 5
By Section formula y = (my2+ny1)/(m+n)
y = (2×9+1×-3)/(2+1)
y = (18-3)/3
y = 15/3
y = 5
Hence the co-ordinate of point Q are (5,5).
(ii) Let P(p,-2) and Q(5/3, q) be the points of trisection of AB
i.e., AP = PQ = QB
Given A(3,-4) and B(1,2)
x1 = 3, y1 = -4, x2 = 1, y2 = 2
P(p, -2) divides AB internally in the ratio 1 : 2.
By Section formula x = (mx2+nx1)/(m+n)
p = (1×1+2×3)/(1+2)
p = (1+6)/3
p = 7/3
Now, Q also divides AB internally in the ratio 2 : 1.
m:n = 2:1
Q(5/3, q) divides AB internally in the ratio 2 : 1.
By Section formula y = (my2+ny1)/(m+n)
q = (2×2+1×-4)/(2+1)
q = (4-4)/3
q = 0/3
q = 0
Hence the value of p and q are 7/3 and 0 respectively.