Math Problem Statement

The coordinates of the endpoints of A⁢B― and C⁢D― are A(3, 6), B(8, 7), C(3, 3), and D(8, 4). Which statement describes how A⁢B― and C⁢D― are related?

 A. 

A⁢B― || C⁢D―

 B. 

A⁢B― ⊥ C⁢D―, and A⁢B― bisects C⁢D―.

 C. 

A⁢B― ⊥ C⁢D―, but A⁢B― does not bisect C⁢D―.

 D. 

A⁢B― is neither parallel nor perpendicular to C⁢D―.

Solution

To determine how the line segments AB\overline{AB} and CD\overline{CD} are related, we need to calculate their slopes. If the slopes are equal, the lines are parallel. If the slopes are negative reciprocals of each other, the lines are perpendicular. If neither condition holds, they are neither parallel nor perpendicular.

Step 1: Find the slope of AB\overline{AB}

The formula for the slope between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is:

slope of AB=y2y1x2x1\text{slope of } \overline{AB} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

For A(3,6)A(3, 6) and B(8,7)B(8, 7):

slope of AB=7683=15\text{slope of } \overline{AB} = \frac{7 - 6}{8 - 3} = \frac{1}{5}

Step 2: Find the slope of CD\overline{CD}

For C(3,3)C(3, 3) and D(8,4)D(8, 4):

slope of CD=4383=15\text{slope of } \overline{CD} = \frac{4 - 3}{8 - 3} = \frac{1}{5}

Step 3: Compare the slopes

Since the slope of AB\overline{AB} is 15\frac{1}{5} and the slope of CD\overline{CD} is also 15\frac{1}{5}, the lines are parallel.

Thus, the correct answer is:

A. ABCD\overline{AB} \parallel \overline{CD}


Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do we determine if two lines are perpendicular using slopes?
  2. What does it mean for one line segment to bisect another?
  3. How can we find the midpoint of a line segment?
  4. Can parallel lines ever intersect, and under what conditions?
  5. What is the equation of a line given a point and a slope?

Tip: When checking for parallelism, remember that equal slopes imply parallel lines.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Coordinate Geometry
Slopes of Lines

Formulas

Slope formula: (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

Parallel lines have equal slopes
Perpendicular lines have slopes that are negative reciprocals

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10