Final answer:
The midpoint of the line segment joining points A(8, -5) and B(6,1) is found using the midpoint formula, resulting in the point (7, -2), which is option A from the given choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the midpoint of the line segment joining points A(8, -5) and B(6,1), use the midpoint formula:
M = ( (x1 + x2)/2 , (y1 + y2)/2 )
By plugging in the coordinates of A and B, we get:
M = ( (8 + 6)/2 , (-5 + 1)/2 )
M = ( 14/2 , -4/2 )
M = ( 7 , -2 )
Therefore, the midpoint of the line segment is (7, -2), which corresponds to option A in the provided choices.