Question

Determine the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the segment with endpoints (–5, 3) and (5, 5).

Answer Options:
Y=1/5x + 4
Y= -5x
Y=-5x + 4
Y= 1/5x

Answer 1

y=-5x+4

Explanation:

First lets find the midpoint of the points (-5,3) and (5,5).

(0,4) is the midpoint by the midpoint formula.

Next we find the slope of the 2 points.

2/10 or 1/5

To find the perpendicular bisector, we need to find the negative reciprocal of the slope, which is -5x. However, we want the line to pass through (0,4), so we make the y-intercept 4.

Therfore, the answer is y=-5x+4