Coordinate Geometry - Straight Line

Find the equation of the straight line which passes through the point $\left(2, -3\right)$ and cuts off intercepts on the axes equal in magnitude and of the same sign.


Let

intercept made by the required line on the $X$ axis $= a$

intercept made by the required line on the $Y$ axis $= b$

the equation of the required line be of the form: $\;$ $\dfrac{x}{a} + \dfrac{y}{b} = 1$

Given: $\;$ $a = b$

$\therefore \;$ The equation of the required line becomes $\;$ $\dfrac{x}{a} + \dfrac{y}{a} = 1$

i.e. $\;$ $x + y = a$ $\;\;\; \cdots \; (1)$

The required equation passes through the point $\left(2, -3\right)$.

Substituting the point in equation $(1)$ gives

$2 - 3 = a$ $\implies$ $a = -1$

Substituting the value of $a$ in equation $(1)$ gives

$x + y = -1$

$\therefore \;$ The equation of the required line is $\;$ $x + y + 1 = 0$