Chapter 1: Problem 42
Find the coordinates of the midpoint of a segment having the given endpoints. $$L(-1.4,3.2), M(2.6,-5.4)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The midpoint coordinates are (0.6, -1.1).
Step by step solution
01
Identify the coordinates of endpoints
We begin by identifying the given endpoints of the segment: - Endpoint \( L = (-1.4, 3.2) \) - Endpoint \( M = (2.6, -5.4) \).
02
Apply the midpoint formula
The midpoint \( (x_m, y_m) \) of a segment with endpoints \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) is calculated using the formula: \[(x_m, y_m) = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right) \]
03
Substitute the endpoint values into the formula
Substitute the coordinates of endpoints \(L\) and \(M\) into the midpoint formula: \[(x_m, y_m) = \left( \frac{-1.4 + 2.6}{2}, \frac{3.2 + (-5.4)}{2} \right)\]
04
Perform the calculations
Calculate the values for the midpoint coordinates: \[x_m = \frac{-1.4 + 2.6}{2} = \frac{1.2}{2} = 0.6 \]\[y_m = \frac{3.2 - 5.4}{2} = \frac{-2.2}{2} = -1.1 \]
05
Write the final coordinates of the midpoint
The coordinates of the midpoint of the segment are \((0.6, -1.1)\).
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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 uses numbers to represent points, lines, and shapes on a plane. This powerful field allows you to analyze geometric shapes numerically and understand the relationships between different geometric entities.
- Points are expressed using pairs of numbers, typically written as \( (x, y) \). These numbers, known as coordinates, represent a specific location on the plane.
- The plane itself is divided by a horizontal axis (x-axis) and a vertical axis (y-axis), which helps in locating the points accurately.
- Lines are described algebraically using equations, and the slope is often used to determine their steepness and direction.
Endpoints
Endpoints refer to the two points that mark the boundary of a line segment. These points are crucial since they define the exact length and position of the line on the coordinate plane.
- The given problem provides us with two endpoints: \(L = (-1.4, 3.2) \) and \(M = (2.6, -5.4) \).
- Endpoints are denoted as \( (x_1, y_1) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) \), which are used in various formulas like the midpoint formula.
- Line segments are finite and differ from lines since they can't extend infinitely; they are specifically defined by their endpoints.
Calculating Midpoints
Calculating the midpoint of a line segment involves finding the point that is equidistant from both endpoints. This midpoint divides the segment into two equal parts.
The formula to find the midpoint \( (x_m, y_m) \) of a segment with endpoints \( (x_1, y_1) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) \) is:\[(x_m, y_m) = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)\]In our exercise, the endpoints are \(L = (-1.4, 3.2) \) and \(M = (2.6, -5.4) \). Here's how you calculate it:
The formula to find the midpoint \( (x_m, y_m) \) of a segment with endpoints \( (x_1, y_1) \) and \( (x_2, y_2) \) is:\[(x_m, y_m) = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)\]In our exercise, the endpoints are \(L = (-1.4, 3.2) \) and \(M = (2.6, -5.4) \). Here's how you calculate it:
- Substitute the x-coordinates: \( x_m = \frac{-1.4 + 2.6}{2} = 0.6 \)
- Substitute the y-coordinates: \( y_m = \frac{3.2 - 5.4}{2} = -1.1 \)