Let the percentage of the total mass divided between these two particles vary from 100% P 1 and 0% P 2 through 50% P 1 and 50% P 2 to 0% P 1 and 100% P 2, then the center of mass R moves along the line from P 1 to P 2. The percentages of mass at each point can be viewed as projective coordinates of the point R on this line, and are termed barycentric coordinates. Another way of interpreting the process here is the mechanical balancing of moments about an arbitrary point. The numerator gives the total moment that is then balanced by an equivalent total force at the center of mass. This can be generalized to three points and four points to define projective coordinates in the plane, and in space, respectively.