Midpoint of a Line Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

What is the midpoint of a line segment?

The point exactly halfway between the two endpoints.

What is the formula for the midpoint of the line segment joining $(x_1, y_1)$ and $(x_2, y_2)$?

$\left(\dfrac{x_1+x_2}{2},\ \dfrac{y_1+y_2}{2}\right)$

What are the steps to find the midpoint from the coordinates of the two endpoints?

e.g. $A(2, 1)$ and $B(6, 7)$

1. Add the $x$-coordinates and halve: $(2+6)\div 2 = 4$.
2. Add the $y$-coordinates and halve: $(1+7)\div 2 = 4$.
3. Midpoint $= (4, 4)$.

True or false? The coordinates of a midpoint are always whole numbers.

False.

They can be decimals or fractions, e.g. the midpoint of $(-3, -2)$ and $(2, 4)$ is $(-0.5, 1)$.

True or false? The midpoint of $AB$ is the same point as the midpoint of $BA$.

True.

You can add the endpoint coordinates in either order before halving.