Question:

The vectors $2\vec{a}+6\vec{b}$ and $3\vec{a}-7\vec{b}$ are position vectors of the points A and B respectively. A point P divides the line segment AB internally in the ratio 3:5. Then $\vec{PB}=$

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Math Tip: Be careful with the order! "Ratio $m:n$ divides segment $AB$" means $m$ is the multiplier for vector $B$, and $n$ is the multiplier for vector $A$. The vector $\vec{PB}$ is always "destination minus origin", meaning $\vec{OB} - \vec{OP}$.
Updated On: Apr 24, 2026
  • $\frac{5\vec{a}-65\vec{b}}{8}$
  • $\frac{5\vec{a}-55\vec{b}}{8}$
  • $\frac{5\vec{a}-45\vec{b}}{8}$
  • $\frac{5\vec{a}-60\vec{b}}{8}$
  • $\frac{5\vec{a}+65\vec{b}}{8}$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Vectors - Section Formula.
If point $P$ divides line segment $AB$ internally in the ratio $m:n$, its position vector is $\vec{p} = \frac{m\vec{b} + n\vec{a}}{m + n}$, where $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ are position vectors of $A$ and $B$.
Step 1: Identify the position vectors and the ratio.
Let origin be $O$. The position vectors are:
  • $\vec{OA} = 2\vec{a} + 6\vec{b}$
  • $\vec{OB} = 3\vec{a} - 7\vec{b}$
The ratio $m:n$ is $3:5$.
Step 2: Apply the section formula to find $\vec{OP}$.
$$ \vec{OP} = \frac{m\vec{OB} + n\vec{OA}}{m + n} $$ $$ \vec{OP} = \frac{3(3\vec{a} - 7\vec{b}) + 5(2\vec{a} + 6\vec{b})}{3 + 5} $$
Step 3: Simplify the position vector of P.
Expand the terms in the numerator: $$ \vec{OP} = \frac{9\vec{a} - 21\vec{b} + 10\vec{a} + 30\vec{b}}{8} $$ Group the $\vec{a}$ and $\vec{b}$ terms together: $$ \vec{OP} = \frac{19\vec{a} + 9\vec{b}}{8} $$
Step 4: Calculate the required vector $\vec{PB}$.
The vector from point $P$ to point $B$ is found by $\vec{PB} = \vec{OB} - \vec{OP}$. $$ \vec{PB} = (3\vec{a} - 7\vec{b}) - \left( \frac{19\vec{a} + 9\vec{b}}{8} \right) $$
Step 5: Find a common denominator and solve.
Multiply the first term by $\frac{8}{8}$ to combine fractions: $$ \vec{PB} = \frac{8(3\vec{a} - 7\vec{b}) - (19\vec{a} + 9\vec{b})}{8} $$ $$ \vec{PB} = \frac{24\vec{a} - 56\vec{b} - 19\vec{a} - 9\vec{b}}{8} $$ Combine like terms: $$ \vec{PB} = \frac{5\vec{a} - 65\vec{b}}{8} $$
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