Chapter 1: Problem 36
Verify the Midpoint Formula by showing the distance between \(P\left(x_{1}, y_{1}\right)\) and \(M\) and the distance between \(M\) and \(Q\left(x_{2}, y_{2}\right)\) are both half of the distance between \(P\) and \(Q\).
Short Answer
Expert verified
The midpoint formula is verified; distances from P to M and M to Q are both half of the distance from P to Q.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Midpoint Formula
The midpoint of a line segment with endpoints \(P(x_1, y_1)\) and \(Q(x_2, y_2)\) is given by the formula: \[ M = \left(\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2}\right) \] This formula calculates the average of the x-coordinates and the y-coordinates of the endpoints.
02
Calculate the Distance from P to Q
Use the distance formula to find the distance between the points \(P(x_1, y_1)\) and \(Q(x_2, y_2)\). The distance formula is: \[ d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \]
03
Calculate the Distance from P to M
Substitute the midpoint \(M\) into the distance formula to find the distance from \(P(x_1, y_1)\) to \(M\): \[ d_{PM} = \sqrt{\left(\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2} - x_1\right)^2 + \left(\frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} - y_1\right)^2} \] Simplify the expression to find \[ d_{PM} = \frac{1}{2} \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \] This shows that the distance from \(P\) to \(M\) is half of the distance from \(P\) to \(Q\).
04
Calculate the Distance from M to Q
Similarly, use the midpoint \(M\) in the distance formula to find the distance from \(M\) to \(Q(x_2, y_2)\): \[ d_{MQ} = \sqrt{\left(\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2} - x_2\right)^2 + \left(\frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} - y_2\right)^2} \] Simplify to get \[ d_{MQ} = \frac{1}{2} \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \] This shows that the distance from \(M\) to \(Q\) is also half of the distance from \(P\) to \(Q\).
05
Conclusion on the Midpoint Formula Verification
Since both \(d_{PM}\) and \(d_{MQ}\) are equal to \(\frac{1}{2}\) of the distance between \(P\) and \(Q\), we have verified that the midpoint formula divides the segment into two equal halves.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Distance Formula
The distance formula is a vital tool in coordinate geometry used to find the length of a line segment connecting two points in a plane. If you have two points, \( P(x_1, y_1) \) and \( Q(x_2, y_2) \), the distance \( d \) is calculated using their coordinates:
- First, find the difference between the \( x \)-coordinates: \( x_2 - x_1 \).
- Then, find the difference between the \( y \)-coordinates: \( y_2 - y_1 \).
- Apply the formula: \[ d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \]
Line Segment
A line segment in geometry is part of a line that has two distinct endpoints. Unlike a full line, it does not extend infinitely in either direction. When you have a line segment defined by two points, such as \( P \) and \( Q \), it is often denoted as segment \( PQ \). Key characteristics include:
- It has a fixed length, which can be computed using the distance formula.
- It is the simplest form of geometry defined by points, connecting them directly without deviation.
- In exercises like the Midpoint Formula verification, a line segment is crucial for determining how points are situated relative to each other.
Coordinate Geometry
Coordinate geometry, also known as analytic geometry, bridges algebra and geometry. It utilizes a coordinate system to define geometric shapes like points, lines, and curves. The importance of coordinate geometry for solving geometric problems includes:
- Facilitating the computation of distances and midpoints using algebraic methods.
- Allowing for precise descriptions of geometric figures based on their positions.
- Enabling deeper exploration into relationships and proofs of geometric properties using equations.
Mathematical Proofs
Mathematical proofs form the backbone of verifying formulas and theorems in geometry. When you prove a formula like the midpoint formula, you confirm its universality and correctness. Here's how mathematical proofs help:
- They ensure that mathematical statements are logically sound and reliable across all cases.
- Proofs provide a step-by-step reasoning to establish why a formula is true, such as demonstrating equal distances in the Midpoint Formula exercise.
- They deepen understanding by showing where a formula originates from and how different mathematical concepts interconnect.