Find the length of PQ. - Show Work

Question

M is the midpoint of PQ.PM = 6x + 7 and MQ = 9x-8, find the length of PQ. 

 

 

Answer 1

Since M is the midpoint, that means the two lengths are going to be equal to one another:

6x + 7 = 9x - 8

Now to isolate x. Start by subtracting 6x from both sides:

6x + 7 - 6x = 9x - 8 - 6x

7 = 3x - 8

Add 8 to both sides:

7 + 8 = 3x - 8 + 8

15 = 3x

Divide by 3:

15 / 3 = 3x / 3

5 = x

 

check:

6 * 5 + 7 = 9 * 5 - 8

30 + 7 = 45 - 8

37 = 37

 

Now, since the asked you what the TOTAL length of the line, just add 37 and 37 together, and you'll have your final answer.