Question

Find the midpoint of the segment between the points (3,17) and (−14,−8)

Answer 1

the midpoint is (-5.5 , 4.5).

Explanation:

To find the midpoint, think of finding the average.

The average of two numbers is the sum of those numbers divided by the number of numbers you are adding.

So the average of u and v will give you (u+v)/2.

(u+v)/2 actually outputs the number that is halfway between u and v.

So if we compute the average of your x's, and the the average of your y's, we can find your midpoint.

The average of your x's is (3+-14)/2 =(-11)/2=-5.5 .

The average of your y's is (17+-8)/2 =(9)/2 = 4.5 .

So the midpoint is (-5.5 , 4.5).

Answer 2

`\large\boxed{\left(-(11)/(2),\ (9)/(2)\right)}`

Explanation:

The formula of a midpoint between two points A(x₁, y₁) and B(x₂, y₂):

`M_(AB)\left((x_1+x_2)/(2),\ (y_1+y_2)/(2)\right)`

We have the points (3, 17) and (-14, -8).

Substitute:

`M(x,\ y)\\\\x=(3+(-14))/(2)=(-11)/(2)\\\\y=(17+(-8))/(2)=(9)/(2)`