Question

In the standard (x,y) coordinate plane, what is the midpoint of the line segment that has endpoint a (3,8) and (1,-4)?

The answer is (2, 2) but how do I solve?

Answer 1

`M = (2,2)`

Explanation:

Given

`(3,8)` and
`(1,-4)`

Required

Determine the coordinate of the midpoint (M)

This is calculated as thus:

`M = (1)/(2)(x_1 + x_2, y_1 + y_2)`

Where

`(3,8)` --
`(x_1,y_1)`

`(1,-4)` --
`(x_2,y_2)`

So, we have:

`M = (1)/(2)(3 + 1, 8 - 4)`

`M = (1)/(2)(4, 4)`

`M = ((1)/(2)*4, (1)/(2)*4)`

`M = (2,2)`

Hence, the coordinates of the midpoint is (2,2)