Chapter 10: Problem 22
Find the coordinates of the midpoint of each segment. \(\overline{A B}\), with endpoints \(A(-2,6)\) and \(B(8,3)\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
Midpoint of segment \( \overline{AB} \) is \( (3, 4.5) \).
Step by step solution
01
Identify Endpoint Coordinates
The problem asks for the midpoint of segment \( \overline{AB} \). The given endpoints are \( A(-2,6) \) and \( B(8,3) \). Note these coordinates: \( x_1 = -2 \), \( y_1 = 6 \), \( x_2 = 8 \), and \( y_2 = 3 \).
02
Use the Midpoint Formula
The midpoint formula is given by \( \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right) \). Use the coordinates of points \( A \) and \( B \) in this formula to find the midpoint.
03
Calculate Midpoint for x-coordinate
Substitute \( x_1 \) and \( x_2 \) into the midpoint formula: \( \frac{-2 + 8}{2} \). Compute to find the x-coordinate of the midpoint. \( \frac{6}{2} = 3 \).
04
Calculate Midpoint for y-coordinate
Substitute \( y_1 \) and \( y_2 \) into the midpoint formula: \( \frac{6 + 3}{2} \). Compute to find the y-coordinate of the midpoint. \( \frac{9}{2} = 4.5 \).
05
Combine Calculations into Midpoint Coordinates
The calculations give you the coordinates of the midpoint of \( \overline{AB} \), which are \( (3, 4.5) \). Therefore, the midpoint is \( (3, 4.5) \).
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Coordinates
Coordinates are numerical values used to define the position of a point on a plane. In the realm of geometry, particularly in the Cartesian coordinate system, a coordinate pair is used to represent any point. This system divides the plane with a horizontal axis (x-axis) and a vertical axis (y-axis).
For example, let's consider point A(-2, 6) on a plane:
For example, let's consider point A(-2, 6) on a plane:
- -2 is the x-coordinate, specifying its horizontal position.
- 6 is the y-coordinate, indicating its vertical position.
- 8 as the x-coordinate.
- 3 as the y-coordinate.
Segment
A segment specifically refers to the part of a line that is bounded by two distinct endpoints. Think of it like a piece of string cut from a longer line. Unlike a line that stretches infinitely, a segment only covers the finite distance between its endpoints.
In our case, segment \( \overline{AB} \) is the finite line segment joining points A(-2, 6) and B(8, 3). Here's what you need to know about segments:
In our case, segment \( \overline{AB} \) is the finite line segment joining points A(-2, 6) and B(8, 3). Here's what you need to know about segments:
- They have a definite length, which can be calculated using the distance formula.
- They serve as a basis for finding a midpoint, which is a point exactly halfway along the segment.
Endpoint Calculation
The endpoint calculation is a key part of finding the midpoint of a segment. By calculating the midpoint, you find the point that's equidistant from both endpoints—essentially the 'average' position between them on the plane.
The Midpoint Formula we use is:\[\left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)\]For \( \overline{AB} \), the calculation steps are as follows:
The Midpoint Formula we use is:\[\left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)\]For \( \overline{AB} \), the calculation steps are as follows:
- Substitute the x-coordinates: \( x_1 = -2 \) and \( x_2 = 8 \) into the formula to get the x-coordinate of the midpoint: \( \frac{-2 + 8}{2} = 3 \).
- Substitute the y-coordinates: \( y_1 = 6 \) and \( y_2 = 3 \) into the formula to find the y-coordinate: \( \frac{6 + 3}{2} = 4.5 \).