The proof you have presented demonstrates that point M is the midpoint of line segment AB, given that AB equals 28. Here’s the proof formatted more clearly and logically:
Given:
AB = 28
M lies on the line segment AB
Proof:
-
M lies on AB.
Statement: M is a point on the line segment AB. (This is given.) -
AM + MB = AB
Reason: By the definition of a line segment, the length of AB is equal to the sum of the segments AM and MB, i.e., AM + MB = AB. -
Let AM = 2x + 2 and MB = 4x - 10.
Statement: Assign expressions for AM and MB in terms of x (which will be solved later). -
Substituting these into the equation:
We have AM + MB = AB → (2x + 2) + (4x - 10) = 28. -
Simplifying the equation:
2x + 2 + 4x - 10 = 28
Combine like terms: 6x - 8 = 28. -
Adding 8 to both sides:
6x = 36. -
Dividing by 6:
x = 6. -
Finding AM and MB:
Now substituting x back into the expressions for AM and MB:
AM = 2(6) + 2 = 12 + 2 = 14.
MB = 4(6) - 10 = 24 - 10 = 14. -
Conclusion:
Since AM = 14 and MB = 14, we can conclude that AM = MB.
Therefore, M is the midpoint of line segment AB, as it divides AB into two equal parts.
Thus, we have proven that M is a midpoint of segment AB.