Line Prove

**symmetry** · January 16th 2007, 01:48 PM

Show that the line containing the point (a, b) and (b, a) is perpendicular to the line y = x.

Also show that the midpoint of (a, b) and (b, a) lies on the line y = x.

**Soroban** · January 16th 2007, 02:02 PM

Hello, symmetry!

I must assume that you are familiar with the basic concepts needed:
. . slopes, perpendicular slopes, midpoints.

If you are not, learn or re-learn the formulas and concepts.

Show that the line containing the points $(a, b)$ and $(b, a)$
is perpendicular to the line: $y = x$

The slope of the line through $(a,b)$ and $(b,a)$ is: . $m_1 \:=\:\frac{a-b}{b - a} \:=\:-1$

The slope of the line $y\:=\:x$ is: . $m_2 = 1$

Since $m_1\!\cdot\!m_2 \:=\:(-1)(1) \:=\:-1,\;\;m_1 \perp m_2$

Show that the midpoint of $(a, b)$ and $(b, a)$ lies on the line $y \:= \:x$

The midpoint is: . $\left(\frac{a+b}{2},\,\frac{a+b}{2}\right)$

The two coordinates of the midpoint are equal.
. . Therefore, they satisfy the equation $y \:=\:x$

**symmetry** · January 16th 2007, 05:22 PM

I greatly appreciate your replies and detail explanation.

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