Question

Triangle ABC has vertices of A(–6, 7), B(4, –1), and C(–2, –9). Find the length of the median from angle B in triangle ABC

Answer 1

8

Explanation:

The median is the segment from vertex B to the midpoint of AC. That midpoint (D) is ...

D = (A + C)/2 = ((-6, 7) +(-2, -9))/2 = (-8, -2)/2

D = (-4, -1)

The length of the midpoint is the length of the segment DB between (-4, -1) and (4, -1). These points both have the same y-coordinate, so the length is the difference of x-coordinates: 4 -(-4) = 8.