Question

Write the equation of the line passing through the point (1,-2) and cutting off equal intercepts from the axes.

Answer 1

Let the equation of the required line be

$\frac{x}{a}+\frac{y}{a}=1$

[$\because$ the line has equal intercepts]

Now, it is passing through (1,-2)

$\therefore \frac{1}{a}-\frac{2}{a}=1$

$\Rightarrow a=-1$

Hence,the required equation is given by

$\frac{x}{-1}+\frac{y}{-1}=1$

$\Rightarrow x+y+1=0$