SOLUTION: Write an equation for the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting A(-1, 4) and B(3, 5). The perpendicular bisector of a line segment AB is the line that is perpendicu

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Write an equation for the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting A(-1, 4) and B(3, 5). The perpendicular bisector of a line segment AB is the line that is perpendicu      Log On


   

Question 220888: Write an equation for the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting A(-1, 4) and B(3, 5). The perpendicular bisector of a line segment AB is the line that is perpendicular to AB and cuts AB into two equal pieces
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
an equation for the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting A(-1, 4) and B(3, 5).
The perpendicular bisector of a line segment AB is the line that is
perpendicular to AB and cuts AB into two equal pieces
:
Find the slope (m1) of the given line segment
x1 = -1; y1 = 4
x2 = 3; y2 = 5
:
m1 = %285-4%29%2F%283-%28-1%29%29 = 1%2F%283%2B1%29 = 1%2F4
:
Find the midpoint of the line:
m.p. = %28-1%2B3%29%2F2, %284%2B5%29%2F2
m.p. = %282%29%2F2, %289%29%2F2
m.p. = x=1, y=4.5; is the mid-point
:
Find the slope of the perpendicular line
1%2F4*m2 = -1
m2 = 4(-1)
m2 = -4
:
Find equation of the bisecting line using this slope and the midpoint
y - 4.5 = -4(x - 1)
y - 4.5 = -4x + 4
y = -4x + 4 + 4.5
y = -4x + 8.5; is the bisecting perpendicular line