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Given the coordinates of the endpoints of a line segment, we can easily find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment.
The x-coordinate of the midpoint will be the mean average of the x-coordinates of each endpoint.
The y-coordinate of the midpoint will be the mean average of the y-coordinates of each endpoint.
Example
Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment whose endpoints are at (-4, -3) and (2, 4)
Answer
The average of -4 and 2 is (-4 + 2) ÷ 2 = -2 ÷ 2 = -1
The average of -3 and 4 is (-3 + 4) ÷ 2 = 1 ÷ 2 = 0.5
So the midpoint of the line segment with endpoints at (-4, -3) and (2, 4) is at (-1, 0.5)
This is shown in the diagram below.
The most tricky part of it is making sure that you don't get muddled with your negative numbers.
Want a bit more help with this before you begin? Why not watch this short video?
Question
/ 10Mr Shepherd
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Teacher explanation