Find an equation for the perpendicular bisector of the line segment whose endpoints are (–8, 7) and (4, 3).

Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
7th Edition
ISBN:9781337614085
Author:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
ChapterP: Preliminary Concepts
SectionP.CT: Test
Problem 1CT
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**Objective: Find an equation for the perpendicular bisector of the line segment whose endpoints are \((-8, 7)\) and \((4, 3)\).**

When you're given two points and want to find the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting them, follow these steps:

1. **Find the Midpoint:**
   - Midpoint formula: \(\left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)\)
   - Calculation: \(\left( \frac{-8 + 4}{2}, \frac{7 + 3}{2} \right) = \left( \frac{-4}{2}, \frac{10}{2} \right) = (-2, 5)\)

2. **Find the Slope of the Line Segment:**
   - Slope formula: \(m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}\)
   - Calculation: \(m = \frac{3 - 7}{4 + 8} = \frac{-4}{12} = -\frac{1}{3}\)

3. **Find the Slope of the Perpendicular Bisector:**
   - Perpendicular slope: If the slope of the original line is \(m\), then the slope of the perpendicular bisector will be \(-\frac{1}{m}\).
   - Calculation: Perpendicular slope \(= -\frac{1}{-\frac{1}{3}} = 3\)

4. **Use the Point-Slope Form to Write the Equation:**
   - Point-slope form: \(y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)\)
   - Using midpoint \((-2, 5)\) and slope \(3\):
   - Equation: \(y - 5 = 3(x + 2)\)
   - Solve for \(y\): \(y = 3x + 6 + 5 = 3x + 11\)

Therefore, the equation of the perpendicular bisector is \(y = 3x + 11\).

This process and the calculations will help you find the perpendicular bisector for any given segment.
Transcribed Image Text:**Watch help video** --- **Objective: Find an equation for the perpendicular bisector of the line segment whose endpoints are \((-8, 7)\) and \((4, 3)\).** When you're given two points and want to find the perpendicular bisector of the line segment connecting them, follow these steps: 1. **Find the Midpoint:** - Midpoint formula: \(\left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)\) - Calculation: \(\left( \frac{-8 + 4}{2}, \frac{7 + 3}{2} \right) = \left( \frac{-4}{2}, \frac{10}{2} \right) = (-2, 5)\) 2. **Find the Slope of the Line Segment:** - Slope formula: \(m = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}\) - Calculation: \(m = \frac{3 - 7}{4 + 8} = \frac{-4}{12} = -\frac{1}{3}\) 3. **Find the Slope of the Perpendicular Bisector:** - Perpendicular slope: If the slope of the original line is \(m\), then the slope of the perpendicular bisector will be \(-\frac{1}{m}\). - Calculation: Perpendicular slope \(= -\frac{1}{-\frac{1}{3}} = 3\) 4. **Use the Point-Slope Form to Write the Equation:** - Point-slope form: \(y - y_1 = m(x - x_1)\) - Using midpoint \((-2, 5)\) and slope \(3\): - Equation: \(y - 5 = 3(x + 2)\) - Solve for \(y\): \(y = 3x + 6 + 5 = 3x + 11\) Therefore, the equation of the perpendicular bisector is \(y = 3x + 11\). This process and the calculations will help you find the perpendicular bisector for any given segment.
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