Chapter 1: Problem 19
Find the distance between the two points and the midpoint of the segment joining them. $$(a, b),(b, a)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
Answer: The distance between the points is \(d = \sqrt{2} \cdot |b - a|\) and the midpoint is \(M = \left(\frac{a + b}{2}, \frac{a + b}{2}\right)\).
Step by step solution
01
Use the distance formula
The distance formula is given by:
$$d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}$$
Here, \((x_1, y_1) = (a, b)\) and \((x_2, y_2) = (b, a)\). Plug in these coordinates into the formula and simplify.
02
Calculate the distance
Using the distance formula, we have:
$$d = \sqrt{(b - a)^2 + (a - b)^2}$$
Now, simplify the expression:
$$d = \sqrt{2(b - a)^2}$$
Then, take the square root of 2:
$$d = \sqrt{2} \cdot |b - a|$$
03
Use the midpoint formula
Now, we need to find the midpoint of the line segment. The midpoint formula is given by:
$$M = \left(\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2}\right)$$
Here, \((x_1, y_1) = (a, b)\) and \((x_2, y_2) = (b, a)\). Plug in these coordinates into the formula.
04
Calculate the midpoint
Using the midpoint formula, we have:
$$M = \left(\frac{a + b}{2}, \frac{b + a}{2}\right)$$
Now, simplify the expression:
$$M = \left(\frac{a + b}{2}, \frac{a + b}{2}\right)$$
So, the distance between the two points is \(d = \sqrt{2} \cdot |b - a|\) and the midpoint of the line segment joining them is \(M = \left(\frac{a + b}{2}, \frac{a + b}{2}\right)\).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Midpoint Formula
The midpoint formula is a simple yet essential concept in geometry. It helps us find the exact middle point between two coordinates on a plane. This can be useful in various applications, such as dividing a line segment equally or determining symmetry. The formula is:\[ M = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right) \]
- Coordinates: For two points \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\), the formula takes the average of the x-coordinates and the average of the y-coordinates.
- Symmetry: The midpoint gives us a point that is equidistant from both endpoints of the segment.
- Example: Using the points \((a, b)\) and \((b, a)\), the midpoint is \(M = \left( \frac{a + b}{2}, \frac{a + b}{2} \right)\). This shows the midpoint lies exactly halfway along both axes.
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry, often referred to as analytic geometry, is a method of representing geometric shapes in numerical form. It combines algebra with geometry to explore relationships between points, lines, and curves on the coordinate plane.
- Basic Elements: Points, lines, and shapes are defined using coordinates on an axis, like \((x, y)\).
- Equations: Lines and curves can be represented using algebraic equations, such as linear equations for lines.
- Applications: Coordinate geometry is used in various fields like engineering, architecture, and computer graphics, where precise measurement and calculation are crucial.
Analytic Geometry
Analytic geometry is a fascinating branch of mathematics that focuses on solving geometric problems using algebraic equations and methods. It involves the real number system and a coordinate plane to precisely measure and analyze different shapes.
- Intersection: Analytic geometry helps find where geometric shapes intersect, such as where lines cross or circles touch.
- Distance and Midpoints: With formulas like the distance and midpoint formulas, we can calculate exact measurements between points.
- Equation-solving: Problems that might seem complex geometrically can often be simplified into algebraic equations.