Precalculus (10th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32197-907-9
ISBN 13: 978-0-32197-907-0

Chapter 1 - Graphs - 1.1 The Distance and Midpoint Formulas - 1.1 Assess Your Understanding - Page 7: 55

Answer

$L_A= \sqrt {29}$ $L_B= 2\sqrt {5}$ $L_C= \sqrt {17}$

Work Step by Step

Step $1$. Recall that the midpoint $M$ of the points $A=(x_1,y_1)$ and $B=(x_2,y_2)$ is $$M=\left(\frac{x_1+x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1+y_2}{2}\right)$$ Use the Midpoint Formula above to find the midpoint of each side. The midpoint of $BC$ is $\left(\frac{6+4}{2},\frac{0+4}{2}\right)=(5,2)$. The midpoint of $AC$ is $\left(\frac{0+4}{2},\frac{0+4}{2}\right)=(2,2)$. The midpoint of $AB$ is $\left(\frac{0+6}{2},\frac{0+0}{2}\right)=(3,0)$. Step $2$. Recall that the distance $d$ between the points $A=(x_1,y_1)$ and $B=(x_2,y_2)$ is given by the formula $$d=\sqrt{(x_1-x_2)^2+(y_1-y_2)^2}$$ Use the formula above to find the length of each median: The length of the median from vertex $A$ (let us name it as $L_A$) is equal to the distance between $(5,2)$ and $(0,0)$: $L_A=\sqrt {(5-0)^2+(2-0)^2}=\sqrt{25+4}=\sqrt {29}$ The length of the median from vertex $B$ (let us name it as $L_B$) is equal to the distance between $(2,2)$ and $(6,0)$: $L_B=\sqrt {(2-6)^2+(2-0)^2}=\sqrt{16+4}=\sqrt{20}=\sqrt{4(5)}=2\sqrt {5}$ The length of the median from vertex $C$ (let us name it as $L_C$) is equal to the distance between $(3,0)$ and $(4,4)$: $L_C=\sqrt {(3-4)^2+(0-4)^2}=\sqrt{1+16}=\sqrt {17}$
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.