Sometimes you need to find the point that is exactly the same distance from two other points. For example, you may want to determine the halfway point of a road trip. It is easy if you are able to just fold the map in half. But what happens if you cannot do that? What if the map is digital, or if it’s just too big to fold? The midpoint formula helps you determine the exact center between any two points in the coordinate plane. Luckily, maps use the coordinate plane to indicate locations of cities and other points of interest.

Essential Questions

• How can you use the midpoint formula to determine the coordinates of the midpoint of a segment?
• How can you use the midpoint formula to determine the other end point when one end point and the midpoint?

 

Warm-Up

The midpoint of a segment is the point that divides it into two congruent segments. In this topic, you will learn how to find the midpoint of a segment on the coordinate plane. In this non-graded interactivity, practice finding the midpoint of a segment on the number line. Click the player button to get started.