Final answer:
To find the midpoint of a line segment, we use the midpoint formula, which states that the coordinates of the midpoint are the averages of the x and y coordinates of the two endpoints. Applying this formula to the given points P and Q, we find that the midpoint is (-5, -2).
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the midpoint M of the line segment joining the points P = (-3, 2) and Q = (-7, -6), we can use the midpoint formula. The midpoint formula states that the coordinates of the midpoint (M) are the averages of the x-coordinates and the y-coordinates of the two endpoints.
So, the x-coordinate of the midpoint is [(x1 + x2) / 2] and the y-coordinate of the midpoint is [(y1 + y2) / 2].
Plugging in the coordinates for P and Q, we have:
x-coordinate of M = [(-3 + -7) / 2] = -5
y-coordinate of M = [(2 + -6) / 2] = -2
Therefore, the midpoint M of the line segment joining P and Q is (-5, -2).