Question

The given line segment has a midpoint at (3, 1).

On a coordinate plane, a line goes through (2, 4), (3, 1), and (4, negative 2).

What is the equation, in slope-intercept form, of the perpendicular bisector of the given line segment?

y = One-thirdx
y = One-thirdx – 2
y = 3x
y = 3x − 8

Answer 1

The slope of the segment through (2,4) and (4,-2) is (-2−4)/(4−2) = -3, so the perpendicular slope is 1/3. Through the midpoint (3,1): 1 = (1/3)(3) + b → b = 0.

Answer: y = One-third x.