Question

The equation of a line passing through (4, 3) and the sum of  whose intercepts is – 1 is........

(a) (x/2) + (y/3) = 1, (x/2) + (y/1)] = 1

(b) (x/2) + (y/3) = – 1, [x/(– 2)] + (y/1) = 1

(c) (x/2) + (y/3) = – 1, {x/(– 2)} + (y/1) = – 1

(d) (x/2) – (y/3) = 1, {x/(– 2)} + (y/1) = 1

Answer 1

The correct option (d) (x/2) – (y/3) = 1, {x/(– 2)} + (y/1) = 1   

Explanation:

Let equation of line is (x/a) + (y/b) = 1

given is a + b = – 1 hence a = – 1 – b

∴ eqⁿ is [(– x) / (b + 1)] + (y/b) = 1

also line passes through (4, 3)

∴ [(– 4)/(b + 1)] + (3/b) = 1

∴ b = 1 and b = – 3

when b = 1, then a = – 2 and when b = – 3, then a = 2

∴ lines are (x/2) – (y/3) = 1 and [x / (– 2)] + (y/1) = 1