EX: Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the points (2, 5) and (8, 3).
So, to recap...
1. Find the MIDPOINT, (x, y), of the two given points using the midpoint formula.
(Later, in Step 3, you will plug these 2 values into y = mx + b for x & y.)
2a. Find the SLOPE, m, of the two given points using the slope formula.
2b. Take the OPPOSITE RECIPROCAL of that slope to find the PERPENDICULAR SLOPE.
(In Step 3, you will plug this value into y = mx + b for m.)
3a. Find the Y-INTERCEPT, b, by plugging in x, y, & m into y = mx + b.
Plug in the y (from the midpoint.)
Plug in the m (from the perpendicular slope.)
Plug in the x (from the midpoint.)
Solve the equation for b.
3b. Plug in the PERPENDICULAR SLOPE, m, & the Y-INTERCEPT, b, back into y = mx + b.
1. Find the MIDPOINT, (x, y), of the two given points using the midpoint formula.
(Later, in Step 3, you will plug these 2 values into y = mx + b for x & y.)
2a. Find the SLOPE, m, of the two given points using the slope formula.
2b. Take the OPPOSITE RECIPROCAL of that slope to find the PERPENDICULAR SLOPE.
(In Step 3, you will plug this value into y = mx + b for m.)
3a. Find the Y-INTERCEPT, b, by plugging in x, y, & m into y = mx + b.
Plug in the y (from the midpoint.)
Plug in the m (from the perpendicular slope.)
Plug in the x (from the midpoint.)
Solve the equation for b.
3b. Plug in the PERPENDICULAR SLOPE, m, & the Y-INTERCEPT, b, back into y = mx + b.