Question

let P(x, y)be any point on the line joining the points A(0, b). Show that x/a + y/b =1

Answer 1

I am assuming that another point B = (0,b) and solving question.

Using area of triangle formula ,

1/2 {x1 (y2 - y3) + x2 ( y3 - y1) + x3 ( y1 - y2)}

1/2 { a ( y - b ) + x ( b - 0 ) + 0 ( 0 - y ) }

1/2 { ay - ab + xb }

Since all the points are in a straight line i.e. collinear they cannot form a triangle .

1/2 { ay - ab + xb } = 0

ay - ab + xb = 0

- ab + bx = - ay

- b ( a - x ) = -ay

a - x = - ay / - b

a - x / a = - y/-b

a/a - x/a = -y/-b

1 - x/a = -y / -b

1 = x/a + y/b

(or)

x/a + y/b = 1

Proved

hope this helps you