SOLUTION: in what ratio does the x-axis divide the segment joining (-5,4) and (4,-8)?

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Question 821753: in what ratio does the x-axis divide the segment joining (-5,4) and (4,-8)?
Answer by josgarithmetic(39621) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(1) Determine the equation for the line;
(2) Let y = 0 and calculate x using the equation;
(3) Use Distance Formula to find the distance between (x,0) and each of the given points.

y=%28%28-8-4%29%2F%284-%28-5%29%29%29x%2Bb
b=y-%28%28-8-4%29%2F%284-%28-5%29%29%29x
Substitute either given point, example, using (-5,4),
b=4-%28%28-8-4%29%2F%284-%28-5%29%29%29%28-5%29
.
.