Program: Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics

Course Code: Math 106

Subject: Calculus 1 with Analytic Geometry

Learning Module No. 3

Name Rating
Date of Submission Session

Topic: The Midpoint Formula

Learning Outcomes: a. Exhibit competence in mathematical concepts and procedures.
b. Exhibit proficiency in relating mathematics to other curricular areas.
c. Manifest meaningful and comprehensive pedagogical content
knowledge (PCK) of mathematics.
d. Demonstrate competence in designing, constructing and utilizing
different forms of assessment in mathematics.
e. Demonstrate proficiency in problem-solving by solving and creating
routine and non-routine problems with different levels of complexity.
f. Use effectively appropriate approaches, method, and techniques in
teaching mathematics including technological tools.
g. Appreciate mathematics as an opportunity for creative work,
moments of enlightenment, discovery and gaining insights of the world.
References: Leithold, Louis. The Calculus 7. Addison-Wesley Longman, Inc. 1996.
Purcell, E., Rigdon, S., and Varberg, D. Calculus. 9th ed. Prentice Hall, 2007.
Stewart, James. Calculus: Early Transcendentals. 6th ed.
Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2008.

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 Discussion Proper:

2.1 The Midpoint Formula

We may obtain the midpoint of a segment that is in the coordinate plane if the coordinates of the endpoints
of the segment are given.
Consider A, B, and C, which are the three points on the number line, where B is the midpoint of the
segment AC.
If the coordinates of A, B, and C 2, x, and 8, then 2 < x < 8. Since B is the midpoint, we know that
AB = BC. Getting the distances between the points, we have

AB = |x − 2| = x − 2 and BC = |8 − x| = 8 − x

By substitution, we have
x−2=8−x
Solving for x, we have
2x = 10x = 5
We can also get the midpoint by getting the average of the coordinates of A and C. Thus, 2+8 2
= 10
2
= 5.
In the coordinate plane, we can also determine the midpoint of a segment. For example, P1 P2 is a
segment in the coordinate plane where the endpoints have the coordinates (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) respectively.
Let M , the midpoint, have the coordinates (x, y).
In Figure 1, perpendiculars are drawn from the points to the x-axis. Since M is the midpoint of P1 P2 ,
M C bisects AB. Similarly, in Figure 2, perpendiculars are drawn from the points to the y-axis. M F
bisects DE.
We can get the following formulas for the values of x and y.
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
x= y=
2 2
The Midpoint Formula

In a coordinate plane, the midpoint of the segment P1 P2 having endpoints (x1 , y1 ) and (x2 , y2 ) is
given by  
x1 + x2 y1 + y2
P = ,
2 2

Example 1

The endpoints of XY are (9, 5), (−15, 7). Find the coordinates of the midpoint of XY .

Solution
Using the midpoint formula, we have
2 y1 +y2
P = x1 +x


2
, 2 
P = 9+(−15)2
, 5+7
2
P = −6 12


2
, 2
P = (3, 6)

Example 2

The midpoint of ST is 4, 8. If the coordinates of one endpoint is (0, 14), find the coordinates of the
other endpoint.

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Solution
Let (x, y) be the endpoints of the other segment.
Using the midpoint formula, we have
2 y1 +y2
P = x1 +x


2
, 2
(4, 8) = 0+x , 14+y


2 2

Thus,
x 14 + y
4= and 8 =
2 2
Solving for x and y,
x=8
and
14 + y = 16
y=2
The coordinates of the other endpoint is (8, 2).

Example 3

∆XY Z has the coordinates X(4, 5), Y (10, 1), and Z(2, 1). Find the length of the median from X.

Solution
The median from X has as its endpoints the coordinates of X and the midpoint of Y Z. First, we
have to find the coordinates of the midpoint of Y Z.
Using the midpoint formula and the coordinates for Y and Z, we have
2 y1 +y2
P = x1 +x


2
, 2

= 10+2 , 1+1
2
2
12 2
= 2,2
= (6, 1)

The midpoint of Y Z has the coordinates (6, 1). To get the length of the median from X, we will
use the distance formula and the coordinates of X(4, 5) and the midpoint of Y Z(6, 1).
p
Length of Midpoint from X = p(6 − 4)2 + (1 − 5)2
= √ 22 + (−4)2
= √4 + 16
= √20
=2 5
√
The length of the midpoint from X is 2 5.

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EXERCISE SET 3
Provide neat and complete solutions on a long bond paper or yellow pad. Use the same format given
in previous exercises.

1. Find the coordinates of the midpoint of the following:

(a) (8, 17), (−4, 3)

(b) (7, −5), (−3, 9)
(c) (15, 7), (3, 5)
(d) (2, −7), (10, 1)
(e) (5, 2), (12, 2)

2. AB is a segment in the coordinate plane, with midpoint C. Given the coordinates of A and C,
find the coordinates of B.

(a) A(9, 4), C(4, 3)

(b) A(3, −2), C(6, 29 )
(c) A(−5, −2), C(−3, −5)
(d) A(−10, 3), C(−6, 5)
(e) A(2, 1), C(3, 3)

3. Prove that quadrilateral FAIR is a parallelogram by showing that its diagonals bisect each
other. The coordinates are F (−6, −1), A(−2, −3), I(5, 1), R(1, 3). (Hint: Graph the points,
identify the diagonals, and then show that the midpoints of the two diagonals are the same.)

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