Points A and B have coordinates (–2, 1) and (3, 4) respectively. Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of AB and show that it may be written as 5x +3 y = 10.

Formula for a straight line y-y1=m(x-x1), where m is the gradient substituting in the values given to find the gradient we get 4-1=m(3+2), therefore m= 3/5the midpoint of the two points is ((x1 + x2)/2 , y1 + y2)/2)so the midpoint of AB is (0.5, 2.5)gradient of perpendicular bisector is the negative reciprocal of m which is -5/3using the equation of a line from above we get y-2.5=-5/3(x-0.5) Multiply both sides of the equation by 3 and we get 3y-7.5=-5(x-0.5)=-5x+2.5x Rearrange to get in the form stated in the question by adding 5x and adding 7.5 then we get 3y+5x = 10

PM
Answered by Paige M. Maths tutor

7826 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

How can I derive an equation to find the sum of an arithmetic sequence?


Use logarithms to solve the equation 2^5x = 3^2x+1 , giving the answer correct to 3 significant figures.


simplify (3x^2 - x - 2) / (x^2 - 1)


How many ways are there to arrange n distinct objects in a CIRCLE?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning