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The solution by @mananth is INCORRECT, unfortunately.
So I came to provide a correct solution.
I copied and pasted the solution by @mananth, and then fixed/edited it, where required.
D is the mid of BC
D(x1,y1)
x1= (-3-5)/2 =-4
y1= (8+4)/2 =6
slope of BC = (8-4)/(-3+5)= 2
Slope of AD = -1/2 ( it is perpendicular to BC) <<<---=== it is first place, where I edit the solution by @mananth.
Surely, it implies changes in all lines that follow . . .
Equation of AD is (y-y1) = m(x-x1)
(y-6) = -1/2 * (x+4)
2y - 12 = -x - 4
2y = -x + 8
y= -1/2*x + 4
compare with y = mx + b
m = -1/2 and b = 4
m+b = -1/2 + 4 = = 3.5. ANSWER
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If you really want to learn on how to solve such problems on your own, in this site there are lessons that cover this subject.
The lessons are
- Find the slope of a straight line in a coordinate plane passing through two given points
- Equation for a straight line having a given slope and passing through a given point
- Solving problems related to the slope of a straight line
- Equation for a straight line in a coordinate plane passing through two given points
- Equation for a straight line parallel to a given line and passing through a given point
- Equation for a straight line perpendicular to a given line and passing through a given point (*)
- Advanced problems on finding equations for straight lines
- OVERVIEW of lessons related to the slope of a straight line
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