Question

find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining the points (3,8) and (-5,6).​

Answer 1

he perpendicular bisector is positioned at the midpoint of AB at right angles.

We require to find the midpoint and slope m of AB

Calculate m using the slope formula

m = (y₂ - y₁ ) / (x₂ - x₁ )

with (x₁, y₁ ) = A(3, 8) and (x₂, y₂ ) = B(- 5, 6)

m = = =

Given a line with slope m then the slope of a line perpendicular to it is

= - = - = - 4

mid point = [0.5(x₁ + x₂ ), 0.5(y₁ + y₂ ) ]

Using the coordinates of A and B, then

midpoint AB = [0.5(3 - 5), 0.5(8 + 6) ] = (- 1, 7 )

Equation of perpendicular in slope- intercept form

y = mx + c ( m is the slope and c the y- intercept )

with m = - 4

y = - 4x + c ← is the partial equation

To find c substitute (- 1, 7) into the partial equation

Using (- 1, 7), then

7 = 4 + c ⇒ c = 7 - 4 = 3

y = - 4x + 3 ← equation of perpendicular bisector

Answer 2

y = - 4x + 3

Explanation:

The perpendicular bisector is positioned at the midpoint of AB at right angles.

We require to find the midpoint and slope m of AB

Calculate m using the slope formula

m = (y₂ - y₁ ) / (x₂ - x₁ )

with (x₁, y₁ ) = A(3, 8) and (x₂, y₂ ) = B(- 5, 6)

m =
`(6-8)/(-5-3)` =
`(-2)/(-8)` =
`(1)/(4)`

Given a line with slope m then the slope of a line perpendicular to it is

`m_(perpendicular)` = -
`(1)/(m)` = -
`(1)/((1)/(4) )` = - 4

mid point = [0.5(x₁ + x₂ ), 0.5(y₁ + y₂ ) ]

Using the coordinates of A and B, then

midpoint AB = [0.5(3 - 5), 0.5(8 + 6) ] = (- 1, 7 )

Equation of perpendicular in slope- intercept form

y = mx + c ( m is the slope and c the y- intercept )

with m = - 4

y = - 4x + c ← is the partial equation

To find c substitute (- 1, 7) into the partial equation

Using (- 1, 7), then

7 = 4 + c ⇒ c = 7 - 4 = 3

y = - 4x + 3 ← equation of perpendicular bisector