X has coordinates (a , 3a), and Y has coordinates (-5a, 0) Find the coordinates of the midpoint of (XY).
Ok, so I know how to set up the equation so that it's
(a + -5a) /2 , (3a + 0)/2
How do I find out what a is? Do I just set them equal to each other or something because when I did that a ended up equaling zero. (probably did something wrong)
Could someone show me how you work it out?
Thanks
2007-09-08 10:37:10 · 5 answers · asked by Lilaznboi2011 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
You're halfway there.
(a - 5a)/2 = -2a
(3a + 0)/2 = (3/2)a
Now, if you're not given the value of 'a', you can go no further and must leave it there.
2007-09-08 10:43:21 · answer #1 · answered by PMP 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the coordinates of the midpoint are (-2a, 3a/2)
a is a parameter. Just leave it as it is.
2007-09-08 17:49:49 · answer #2 · answered by Christine P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The midpoint is (-2a, 3a/2). That's all you can do.
If someone tells you that , for example, a = 4, then the two points are (4, 12) and (-20,0). Their midpoint will be (-8,6).
2007-09-08 17:53:20 · answer #3 · answered by ironduke8159 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is ok that co-ordinates of the mid point are
={(a-5a)/2,(3a+0)/2}=(-4a/2,3a/2)
=(-2a,3a/2)-------there is no equation,it is just a point or else your question is incomplete.
2007-09-08 17:50:52 · answer #4 · answered by MAHAANIM07 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
(x,y) = (-2a, 1.5a) is still the function of a.
2007-09-08 17:43:42 · answer #5 · answered by sahsjing 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋