Let the point on x-axis be P(x, 0) since the y-coordinate is always zero on x-axis.

Given points are A(-7, 8) and B(-3, -5)

Let P divided the line segment joining the points (-7, 8) and (-3, -5) in the ratio m : 1

Now, the coordinate of P = [{-3*m + (-7)}/(m + 1), {-5*m + 8}/(m + 1)]

=> (x, 0) =  [{-3m - 7}/(m + 1), {-5m + 8}/(m + 1)]

On comparing both side, we get

{-5m + 8}/(m + 1) = 0

=> -5m + 8 = 0

=> 5m = 8

=> m = 8/5

Now, m : 1 = 8/5 : 1 = 8 : 5

Therefore, P divides the line segment joining two points in the ratio 8 : 5