Find the coordinates of the points which divide the line segment joining $A(-4, 0)$ and $B(4, 8)$ into four equal parts.
Step 1: Geometric Strategy Using Midpoints
Let the points dividing $AB$ into 4 equal segments be $P_1, P_2$, and $P_3$.
- $P_2$ is the midpoint of $AB$.
- $P_1$ is the midpoint of $AP_2$.
- $P_3$ is the midpoint of $P_2B$.
Step 2: Compute Midpoint $P_2$
$$P_2 = \left(\frac{-4 + 4}{2}, \; \frac{0 + 8}{2}\right) = (0, 4)$$
Step 3: Compute Midpoint $P_1$ (Between $A(-4, 0)$ and $P_2(0, 4)$)
$$P_1 = \left(\frac{-4 + 0}{2}, \; \frac{0 + 4}{2}\right) = (-2, 2)$$
Step 4: Compute Midpoint $P_3$ (Between $P_2(0, 4)$ and $B(4, 8)$)
$$P_3 = \left(\frac{0 + 4}{2}, \; \frac{4 + 8}{2}\right) = (2, 6)$$
The coordinates of the three division points are $(-2, 2)$, $(0, 4)$, and $(2, 6)$.