Question

If the parallel sides of a trapezoid are contained by the lines and , find the equation of the line that contains the midsegment. Show equations and all work that leads to your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

Equation of midsegment line: y = (-1/4)x + 2.

Step-by-step explanation:

If the parallel sides of a trapezoid are contained by the lines:-

y = (-1/4)x +5 and y = (-1/4)x - 1

Midsegment of any trapezoid is the line segment

1. that is parallel to pair of parallel side of trapezoid and

2. that passes through the middle of the trapezoid and cuts the other two sides into equal-half.

It means the midsegment would have same slope as the parallel lines and y-intercept would be in the middle of intercepts of parallel lines.

So y = mx + b

where m = -1/4 and b = (5 - 1)/2 = 4/2 = 2.

Hence, the equation of midsegment would be y = (-1/4)x + 2.