Please Help.

Question

Write an equation of the line that is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment having endpoints of (-3,3) and (1,13)?

Answer 1

The slope of the line segment with endpoints (-3,3) and (1,13) is           (13-3)/(1-(-3)) = 10/4 = 5/2.

 

So, the slope of the perpendicular bisector is -2/5.  Also, the perpendicular bisector must pass through the midpoint, M, of the line segment.  M = ( (-3+1)/2, (3+13)/2 ) = (-1, 8).

 

So an equation of the perpendicular bisector is:  y - 8 = (2/5)(x - (-1))

 

                                                                   y - 8 = (2/5)x + 2/5

 

                                                                        y = (2/5)x + 42/5