Math Problem Statement

If A(5, -1), B(-3, -2), and C(-1, 8) are the vertices of triangle ABC, find the length of the median from vertex A.

Solution

The problem is in Gujarati and can be translated to:

"If A(5, -1), B(-3, -2), and C(-1, 8) are the vertices of triangle ABC, find the length of the median from vertex A."

To solve this, we need to determine the length of the median from vertex A to the opposite side BC. The median from vertex A is the line segment joining A to the midpoint of the line segment BC. Let’s calculate this step by step:

Step 1: Find the midpoint of BC

The coordinates of the midpoint MM of segment BCBC can be found using the midpoint formula:

M=(x1+x22,y1+y22)M = \left( \frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}, \frac{y_1 + y_2}{2} \right)

where (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) are the coordinates of points B and C.

For points B(-3, -2) and C(-1, 8): M=(3+(1)2,2+82)M = \left( \frac{-3 + (-1)}{2}, \frac{-2 + 8}{2} \right) M=(42,62)M = \left( \frac{-4}{2}, \frac{6}{2} \right) M=(2,3)M = (-2, 3)

Step 2: Find the length of the median AM

The length of the median from point A to the midpoint M is given by the distance formula:

d=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

where (x1,y1)=(5,1)(x_1, y_1) = (5, -1) (coordinates of A) and (x2,y2)=(2,3)(x_2, y_2) = (-2, 3) (coordinates of M).

d=(25)2+(3(1))2d = \sqrt{(-2 - 5)^2 + (3 - (-1))^2} d=(7)2+(4)2d = \sqrt{(-7)^2 + (4)^2} d=49+16d = \sqrt{49 + 16} d=65d = \sqrt{65}

Thus, the length of the median from vertex A is 65\sqrt{65}.

Would you like more details on this solution, or do you have any other questions?

Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do you calculate the centroid of a triangle given its vertices?
  2. What is the formula for calculating the distance between two points?
  3. How would you determine if a given triangle is isosceles using its vertices?
  4. How do you find the equation of a median in a triangle?
  5. What are the properties of medians in different types of triangles?

Tip: Remember, the midpoint formula and distance formula are fundamental tools in coordinate geometry, useful for analyzing shapes and distances in the plane.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Coordinate Geometry
Triangle
Median

Formulas

Midpoint formula: M = [(x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2]
Distance formula: d = √[(x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2]

Theorems

Properties of Medians

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 9-12