Chapter 10: Problem 94
Find the midpoint of the line segment whose endpoints are given. See Example 7 $$ (-4.6,2.1),(-6.7,1.9) $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The midpoint of the line segment is (-5.65, 2.0).
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Midpoint Formula
The midpoint of a line segment with endpoints \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is calculated using the formula: \[\left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)\] This formula finds the average of the x-coordinates and the average of the y-coordinates to determine the midpoint.
02
Identify the Coordinates
Identify the coordinates of the given endpoints: For endpoint \((x_1, y_1)\), we have \((-4.6, 2.1)\).For endpoint \((x_2, y_2)\), we have \((-6.7, 1.9)\).
03
Substitute the Values
Substitute the identified coordinates into the midpoint formula:\[\left( \frac{-4.6 + (-6.7)}{2}, \frac{2.1 + 1.9}{2} \right)\] This will give the coordinates for the midpoint.
04
Calculate the Average of the X-Coordinates
Calculate the average of the x-coordinates: \[\frac{-4.6 + (-6.7)}{2} = \frac{-11.3}{2} = -5.65\]Thus, the x-coordinate of the midpoint is \(-5.65\).
05
Calculate the Average of the Y-Coordinates
Calculate the average of the y-coordinates: \[\frac{2.1 + 1.9}{2} = \frac{4.0}{2} = 2.0\]Thus, the y-coordinate of the midpoint is \(2.0\).
06
Write the Midpoint Coordinates
Combine the x and y midpoint values to write the full midpoint coordinates: The midpoint is \((-5.65, 2.0)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate Geometry is a branch of mathematics that deals with geometric figures like points, lines, and shapes on a coordinate plane. It acts like a bridge between algebra and geometry, allowing us to use algebraic methods to solve geometric problems.
By positioning figures on a numerical grid, known as the Cartesian coordinate plane, we can find exact locations of points and calculate distances and midpoints, just like in our original exercise.
By positioning figures on a numerical grid, known as the Cartesian coordinate plane, we can find exact locations of points and calculate distances and midpoints, just like in our original exercise.
- The plane is divided into four quadrants by the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical).
- Each point is represented by coordinates \( (x, y) \), where \( x \) is the horizontal distance from the origin and \( y \) is the vertical distance.
Line Segment
A line segment is a part of a line that is bounded by two distinct end points. Unlike a line that extends infinitely in both directions, a line segment has a fixed length. In the context of coordinate geometry, line segments are identified by their endpoints, such as the ones given in the exercise.
To analyze a line segment:
To analyze a line segment:
- Determine the endpoints, for example, \((-4.6, 2.1)\) and \((-6.7, 1.9)\) in our exercise.
- Use these points to calculate properties like midpoints, lengths, and slopes.
Averaging
Averaging is a mathematical concept that involves finding the central value or a typical value of a set of numbers. In the calculation of a midpoint, averaging plays a crucial role.
Remember, the Midpoint Formula:\[ \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right) \] involves finding the average of the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of the endpoints.
Remember, the Midpoint Formula:\[ \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right) \] involves finding the average of the x-coordinates and y-coordinates of the endpoints.
- For x-coordinates, add them together and divide by 2 to find the average \( \frac{-4.6 + (-6.7)}{2} \).
- For y-coordinates, do the same \( \frac{2.1 + 1.9}{2} \).