Question:

Let \[ A(1,2,1),\qquad B\left(\frac95,\frac85,\frac95\right),\qquad C(\alpha,\beta,\gamma) \] and \[ D(-3,4,-3) \] be four collinear points. If \(B\) divides \(AC\) in the ratio \(m:n\), and \(D\) divides \(AC\) in the ratio \(m:-n\), then \[ \alpha+\beta+\gamma= \]

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When a point divides the same segment internally and another point divides it externally in the same ratio, introduce \[ r=\frac{m}{n} \] to simplify all section-formula calculations.
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
  • \(7\)
  • \(-2\)
  • \(4\)
  • \(\dfrac{26}{5}\) \bigskip
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: If a point divides a line segment internally in the ratio \(m:n\), then \[ P=\left( \frac{mx_2+nx_1}{m+n}, \frac{my_2+ny_1}{m+n}, \frac{mz_2+nz_1}{m+n} \right). \] If it divides externally in the ratio \(m:n\), then \[ P=\left( \frac{mx_2-nx_1}{m-n}, \frac{my_2-ny_1}{m-n}, \frac{mz_2-nz_1}{m-n} \right). \]

Step 1:
Let \(r=\dfrac{m}{n}\). Since \(B\) divides \(AC\) internally in the ratio \(m:n\), \[ B= \frac{mC+nA}{m+n} = \frac{rC+A}{r+1}. \] Using the \(x\)-coordinate, \[ \frac95 = \frac{r\alpha+1}{r+1}. \] \[ 9r+9=5r\alpha+5. \] \[ 5r\alpha=4r+4. \] \[ \alpha=\frac{4(r+1)}{5r}. \] \[ \cdots (1) \] Using the \(y\)-coordinate, \[ \frac85 = \frac{r\beta+2}{r+1}. \] \[ 8r+8=5r\beta+10. \] \[ 5r\beta=8r-2. \] \[ \beta=\frac{8r-2}{5r}. \] \[ \cdots (2) \] Using the \(z\)-coordinate, \[ \frac95 = \frac{r\gamma+1}{r+1}. \] Hence, \[ \gamma=\frac{4(r+1)}{5r}. \] \[ \cdots (3) \]

Step 2:
Use the external division point \(D\). Since \(D\) divides \(AC\) in the ratio \(m:-n\), \[ D= \frac{mC-nA}{m-n} = \frac{rC-A}{r-1}. \] Using the \(x\)-coordinate, \[ -3 = \frac{r\alpha-1}{r-1}. \] Substituting (1), \[ -3 = \frac{\frac{4(r+1)}5-1}{r-1}. \] \[ -3 = \frac{4r-1}{5(r-1)}. \] \[ -15(r-1)=4r-1. \] \[ -15r+15=4r-1. \] \[ 19r=16. \] \[ r=\frac{16}{19}. \]

Step 3:
Find \(\alpha,\beta,\gamma\). From (1), \[ \alpha = \frac{4\left(\frac{16}{19}+1\right)} {5\left(\frac{16}{19}\right)} = \frac74. \] Similarly, \[ \gamma=\frac74. \] From (2), \[ \beta = \frac{8\left(\frac{16}{19}\right)-2} {5\left(\frac{16}{19}\right)} = \frac72. \] Thus, \[ C = \left( \frac74,\frac72,\frac74 \right). \]

Step 4:
Compute \(\alpha+\beta+\gamma\). \[ \alpha+\beta+\gamma = \frac74+\frac72+\frac74. \] \[ = \frac74+\frac74+\frac{14}{4}. \] \[ = \frac{28}{4}. \] \[ =7. \]

Step 5:
Write the final answer. \[ \boxed{7} \]
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