The line segment joining A(-7, 2) and B(3, -8) is divided by the x-axis in the ratio :

Given,

AB is divided by the x-axis, thus y-coordinate = 0 at point of division.

A(-7, 2) and B(3, -8)

Let ratio be m : n.

By section-formula,

y = $\frac{my_2 + ny_1}{m + n}$

Substituting values we get :

⇒ 0 = $\frac{m \times (-8) + n \times (2)}{m + n}$

⇒ 0 = -8m + 2n

⇒ 8m = 2n

⇒ $\frac{m}{n} = \frac{2}{8}$

⇒ $\frac{m}{n} = \frac{1}{4}$

⇒ m : n = 1 : 4.

Hence, option 1 is the correct option.