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Midpoint (1, 2) (7, 4)

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Midpoint · Geometry

Step by step

The question

Question: find the midpoint of (1, 2) and (7, 4).

(1, 2) and (7, 4)

1 Plot the points

Draw the grid.

Put both points on the grid: (1, 2)

and (7, 4).

Join them with a straight line.

We want its middle.

2 Middle of the x's

The midpoint is halfway across.

Halfway between two numbers: add them, then divide by 2.

x = 1 + 72

1 plus 7 is 8.

x = 82

8 divided by 2 is 4.

So x = 4.

x = 4

3 Middle of the y's

Now the y's: the same.

Add them, then divide by 2.

y = 2 + 42

2 plus 4 is 6.

y = 62

6 divided by 2 is 3.

So y = 3.

y = 3

4 The midpoint

So the midpoint is M = (4, 3).

M = (4, 3)

Put M on the grid.

It sits on the line, right in the middle.

5 Check

Let's check on the grid.

From (1, 2) to M:

we go right 3, up 1.

(1, 2) → M: right 3, up 1

From M to the other point:

we go right 3, up 1.

The same moves.

So M is exactly in the middle!

M → (7, 4): right 3, up 1

Let's look back.

First: plot the points.

Then: middle of the x's.

Then: middle of the y's.

Then: the midpoint.

Last: check.

Answer
M = (4, 3)

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Find the midpoint of (4, 1) and (6, 5)
Show the answer
M = (5, 3)

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