Midpoint (1, 3) (5, 7)

Step by step

The question

Question: find the midpoint of (1, 3) and (5, 7).

1 Plot the points

Draw the grid.

Put both points on the grid: (1, 3)

and (5, 7).

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.

1 plus 5 is 6.

6 divided by 2 is 3.

So x = 3.

3 Middle of the y's

Now the y's: the same.

Add them, then divide by 2.

3 plus 7 is 10.

10 divided by 2 is 5.

So y = 5.

4 The midpoint

So the midpoint is M = (3, 5).

Put M on the grid.

It sits on the line, right in the middle.

5 Check

Let's check on the grid.

From (1, 3) to M:

we go right 2, up 2.

From M to the other point:

we go right 2, up 2.

The same moves.

So M is exactly in the middle!

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.