If a and b are both positive numbers, what are the coordinates of the midpoint of the line segment CD in the xy-plane?
(1) The coordinates of C are (a, 1-b).
(2) The coordinates of D are (1-a, b).
GMAT Prep: Geometry
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For obtaining midpoint coordinates of a line segment, you need to take average of x & y coordinates of the endpoints respectively.
Using any one piece of information, you can't solve (because the other end is unknown); however, if you use both the pieces together, the answer is:
x-coordinate = (a + (1-a))/2 = 1/2 [i.e. average of x coordinates of both ends]
y-coordinate = (b + (1-b))/2 = 1/2 [i.e. average of y coordinates of both ends]
=> Midpoint is (1/2, 1/2)
Using any one piece of information, you can't solve (because the other end is unknown); however, if you use both the pieces together, the answer is:
x-coordinate = (a + (1-a))/2 = 1/2 [i.e. average of x coordinates of both ends]
y-coordinate = (b + (1-b))/2 = 1/2 [i.e. average of y coordinates of both ends]
=> Midpoint is (1/2, 1/2)