Question:medium

A line cuts off on the coordinate axes positive intercepts whose sum is 4. If it passes through \((9/2,-5)\), its equation is

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Use intercept form when intercept sum is given.
Updated On: Apr 18, 2026
  • \(10x+6y=15\)
  • \(2x-y=14\)
  • \(4x+y=13\)
  • None of these
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The intercept form of a line is \( x/a + y/b = 1 \). We are given that the sum of intercepts \( a+b = 4 \).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let the intercepts be \( a \) and \( b \). Given \( a + b = 4 \implies b = 4 - a \). Equation of line: \( \frac{x}{a} + \frac{y}{4-a} = 1 \). The line passes through \( (9/2, -5) \): \[ \frac{9}{2a} + \frac{-5}{4-a} = 1 \] \[ \frac{9(4-a) - 10a}{2a(4-a)} = 1 \] \[ 36 - 9a - 10a = 8a - 2a^2 \] \[ 2a^2 - 27a + 36 = 0 \] Factoring the quadratic: \[ (2a - 3)(a - 12) = 0 \] This gives \( a = 3/2 \) or \( a = 12 \). Since the intercepts must be positive and their sum is 4, \( a = 12 \) is impossible because then \( b = 4 - 12 = -8 \). Thus, \( a = 3/2 = 1.5 \). Then \( b = 4 - 1.5 = 2.5 = 5/2 \). Substituting into the equation: \[ \frac{x}{3/2} + \frac{y}{5/2} = 1 \implies \frac{2x}{3} + \frac{2y}{5} = 1 \] Multiply by 15: \[ 10x + 6y = 15 \].
Step 3: Final Answer:
The equation is \( 10x + 6y = 15 \).
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