Q.

Let A(–1, 1) and B(2, 3) be two points and P be a variable point above the line AB such that the area of PAB is 10. If the locus of P is ax + by = 15, then 5a + 2b is:          [2024]

1 6  
2 4  
3 - 65  
4 - 125  

Ans.

(4)

Let coordinates of P be (h, k).

Area of PAB = 10sq. units

   10 = 12|h-12 k13 111|

   ±20 = h(-2) - k(-3) + 1(-5)

   -2h + 3k = 25

(  P is above the line AB, so we take only +ve value)

   -2 × 35 h + 3 × 35 k = 3 × 255

   -65 h + 95 k = 15

On comparing it with ax + by = 15, we get a = -65 and b = 95

.5a + 2b = - 6 + 185 = -125