To find the coordinates of the midpoint of a line segment given its endpoints, you can use the midpoint formula:
\[ M = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right) \]
where \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\) are the coordinates of the endpoints.
1) For endpoints A(5, 8) and B(-1, -4):
- \(x_1 = 5\), \(y_1 = 8\) (for point A)
- \(x_2 = -1\), \(y_2 = -4\) (for point B)
Using the midpoint formula:
\[ M = \left( \frac{5 + (-1)}{2}, \frac{8 + (-4)}{2} \right) = \left( \frac{4}{2}, \frac{4}{2} \right) = (2, 2) \]
So, the midpoint of segment AB is \(M(2, 2)\).
2) For endpoints M(-5, 9) and N(-2, 7):
- \(x_1 = -5\), \(y_1 = 9\) (for point M)
- \(x_2 = -2\), \(y_2 = 7\) (for point N)
Using the midpoint formula:
\[ M = \left( \frac{-5 + (-2)}{2}, \frac{9 + 7}{2} \right) = \left( \frac{-7}{2}, \frac{16}{2} \right) = \left( -\frac{7}{2}, 8 \right) \]
So, the midpoint of segment MN is \(M\left(-\frac{7}{2}, 8\right)\).
Summary of Midpoints:
- Midpoint of segment AB is \(M(2, 2)\).
- Midpoint of segment MN is \(M\left(-\frac{7}{2}, 8\right)\).