Question

Find the coordinates of the circumcenter of the triangle with the given vertices. R(-2,5), S(-6,5), T(-2,-1).

Answer 1

the circumcenter of triangle RST is (-4, 3).

Explanation:

To find the circumcenter of a triangle, we need to find the intersection of the perpendicular bisectors of its sides.

Let's first find the midpoints of the sides RS, ST, and RT.

Midpoint of RS:

x-coordinate = (-2 + (-6))/2 = -4

y-coordinate = (5 + 5)/2 = 5

Midpoint of RS is (-4, 5).

Midpoint of ST:

x-coordinate = (-6 + (-2))/2 = -4

y-coordinate = (5 + (-1))/2 = 2

Midpoint of ST is (-4, 2).

Midpoint of RT:

x-coordinate = (-2 + (-2))/2 = -2

y-coordinate = (5 + (-1))/2 = 2

Midpoint of RT is (-2, 2).

Now, let's find the equations of the perpendicular bisectors of RS and ST, and then find their point of intersection.

Perpendicular bisector of RS:

The slope of RS is (5 - 5)/(-6 - (-2)) = 0.

The midpoint of RS is (-4, 5).

So, the equation of the perpendicular bisector of RS is x = -4.

Perpendicular bisector of ST:

The slope of ST is (5 - (-1))/(-6 - (-2)) = -3/2.

The midpoint of ST is (-4, 2).

So, the equation of the perpendicular bisector of ST is y = (-3/2)(x + 4) + 2, which simplifies to y = (-3/2)x - 1.

Now, let's find the point of intersection of these two lines.

x = -4 for the perpendicular bisector of RS, so we substitute that into the equation of the perpendicular bisector of ST:

y = (-3/2)(-4) - 1 = 4 - 1 = 3.

Therefore, the circumcenter of triangle RST is (-4, 3).