Question:medium

Suppose \(P\) and \(Q\) lie on \[ 3x+4y-4=0 \] and \[ 5x-y-4=0 \] respectively. If the midpoint of \(PQ\) is \((1,5)\), then the slope of the line passing through \(P\) and \(Q\) is

Show Hint

When midpoint is given, write the second point in terms of the first point using midpoint formula, then substitute into the given line equations.
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \(\frac{83}{35}\)
  • \(\frac{63}{35}\)
  • \(-\frac34\)
  • \(\frac34\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Set up coordinates for P and Q.
Let $P = (x_1, y_1)$ lie on $3x + 4y - 4 = 0$ and $Q = (x_2, y_2)$ lie on $5x - y - 4 = 0$. Since the midpoint of $PQ$ is $(1, 5)$, we have $x_1 + x_2 = 2$ and $y_1 + y_2 = 10$.
Step 2: Write the line conditions.
$P$ on $3x + 4y = 4$ gives $3x_1 + 4y_1 = 4$. $Q$ on $5x - y = 4$ gives $5x_2 - y_2 = 4$.
Step 3: Substitute midpoint relations.
Using $x_2 = 2 - x_1$ and $y_2 = 10 - y_1$ in the second equation: \[5(2-x_1)-(10-y_1)=4 \implies y_1-5x_1=4 \implies y_1=4+5x_1.\]
Step 4: Solve for $x_1$ and $y_1$.
Substituting into $3x_1+4y_1=4$: $3x_1+4(4+5x_1)=4 \implies 23x_1=-12 \implies x_1=-12/23$ and $y_1=32/23$. So $P=(-12/23,\, 32/23)$.
Step 5: Find coordinates of Q.
$x_2=2+12/23=58/23$ and $y_2=10-32/23=198/23$. So $Q=(58/23,\, 198/23)$.
Step 6: Compute the slope of PQ.
\[\text{slope} = \frac{198/23-32/23}{58/23-(-12/23)} = \frac{166}{70} = \frac{83}{35}.\] \[ \boxed{\dfrac{83}{35}} \]
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