Concept:
First, convert the hyperbola into standard form \( \frac{x^2}{a^2} - \frac{y^2}{b^2} = 1 \).
The coordinates of the ends of the latus rectum are \( (\pm ae, \pm \frac{b^2}{a}) \). For the third quadrant, both coordinates must be negative: \( (-ae, -\frac{b^2}{a}) \).
The equation of a normal to a hyperbola at a specific point \( (x_1, y_1) \) is:
\[
\frac{a^2x}{x_1} + \frac{b^2y}{y_1} = a^2 + b^2
\]
Step 1: Converting to standard form and finding parameters.
Divide \( 9x^2 - 16y^2 = 144 \) by 144:
\[
\frac{x^2}{16} - \frac{y^2}{9} = 1 \implies a^2 = 16, \quad b^2 = 9
\]
Calculating focal parameters:
\[
ae = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} = \sqrt{16 + 9} = \sqrt{25} = 5
\]
The third-quadrant end of the latus rectum is:
\[
x_1 = -ae = -5, \quad y_1 = -\frac{b^2}{a} = -\frac{9}{4}
\]
Step 2: Writing the equation of the normal line.
Substitute \( x_1 = -5 \) and \( y_1 = -\frac{9}{4} \) into the normal line formula:
\[
\frac{16x}{-5} + \frac{9y}{-\frac{9}{4}} = 16 + 9
\]
\[
-\frac{16}{5}x - 4y = 25
\]
Multiply the entire equation by -5 to clean up the coefficients:
\[
16x + 20y + 125 = 0
\]
Comparing this with \( ax + by + c = 0 \), we find \( a = 16 \), \( b = 20 \), and \( c = 125 \).
Step 3: Calculating the final value.
\[
\frac{b + c}{a} = \frac{20 + 125}{16} = \frac{145}{16}
\]
This matches Option (D) perfectly.