How do you find the midpoint of a line segment?

Study for the Common Core Geometry Test. Engage with interactive quizzes and flashcards, complete with detailed explanations and hints. Prepare for success!

To find the midpoint of a line segment defined by two endpoints with coordinates (x1, y1) and (x2, y2), you need to take the average of the x-coordinates and the y-coordinates of those two points. The formula for the midpoint is derived from this principle; it is expressed as:

Midpoint = ((x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2)

This formula indicates that you add the x-coordinates together and divide the sum by 2 to find the x-coordinate of the midpoint, and do the same for the y-coordinates. This results in a new point that is exactly halfway between the two endpoints.

The other choices do not correctly represent how to find the midpoint. Some simply add the coordinates without averaging, while others use subtraction instead of addition, which does not yield the correct location for the midpoint of the segment. Thus, the correct understanding and application of this formula is essential for accurately determining the midpoint of a line segment.

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