THE CORRECT ANSWER IS (C). THE SEGMENT CONNECTING POINTS (–1,1) AN...

16. The correct answer is (C). The segment connecting points (–1,1) and (3,5) has a slope

of m

5

5

2 ~1!

3

2 ~21!

5

4

4

5

1. Hence, the slope of the segment’s perpendicular bisector must

be the negative reciprocal of 1, which is

21. Thus, the bisector’s equation must be

y

5 2x

1

b. Since the line bisects the segment, it must pass through its midpoint. Find

this midpoint by averaging the coordinates of the endpoints:

²¹

₂

¹

³

^,

¹

¹

₂

⁵

, or (1,3).

To determine the value of b, substitute (1,3) for (x,y) in the line’s equation: 3

5 21

1

b;

b

5

4. Hence, the line’s equation is y

5 2x

1

4.

590

PART VI: Five Practice Tests

. . . .

...