Find the ratio in which the y-axis divides the line segment joining the points (5, -6) and (-1, -4).
Answer: B
Let the y-axis divide the line segment in the ratio k:1. Any point on the y-axis has its x-coordinate as 0.
Using the section formula for the x-coordinate:
x = \(\frac{kx_2 + 1x_1}{k+1}\)
0 = \(\frac{k(-1) + 1(5)}{k+1}\)
0 = -k + 5
k = 5.
The ratio is k:1, which is 5:1.