Question

Indicate the equation of the line, in standard form, that is the perpendicular bisector of the segment with endpoints (4, 1) and (2, -5).

Answer 1

9514 1404 393

Answer:

  x +3y = -3

Step-by-step explanation:

The midpoint of the segment with the given end points is ...

  M = ((4, 1) +(2, -5))/2 = (6, -4)/2 = (3, -2)

The difference between coordinates of the given points is ...

  (∆x, ∆y) = (4, 1) -(2, -5) = (2, 6)

__

The equation of the perpendicular bisector can be written as ...

  ∆x(x -h) +∆y(y -k) = 0 . . . . line through (h, k) ⊥ to one with slope ∆y/∆x

  2(x -3) +6(y -(-2)) = 0

  2x +6y +6 = 0 . . . . . simplify to a general-form equation

To put this in standard form, we need the constant on the right, and all numbers mutually prime. We can subtract 6 and divide by 2 to get there.

  2x +6y = -6

  x + 3y = -3