To find the midpoint of a line segment defined by two endpoints in a coordinate plane, you can use the midpoint formula, which is quite simple and effective. The formula for the midpoint M of a segment with endpoints (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) is given by:
M = ( (x1 + x2) / 2 , (y1 + y2) / 2 )
In this case, we have the endpoints: (3, 10) and (7, 8).
Let’s assign the values:
- x1 = 3
- y1 = 10
- x2 = 7
- y2 = 8
Now, we plug these values into the midpoint formula:
M = ( (3 + 7) / 2 , (10 + 8) / 2 )
Calculating the x-coordinate:
x = (3 + 7) / 2 = 10 / 2 = 5
Now, calculating the y-coordinate:
y = (10 + 8) / 2 = 18 / 2 = 9
Therefore, the midpoint M of the line segment with endpoints (3, 10) and (7, 8) is:
M = (5, 9)
In conclusion, finding the midpoint is quite straightforward. Just remember to take the average of the x-coordinates and the average of the y-coordinates, and you’ll have your midpoint in no time!