How to Use the Midpoint Formula to Find Coordinates

Mashup Math

This educational math video provides a comprehensive tutorial on understanding and applying the Midpoint Formula in geometry and algebra. It begins with a relatable real-world analogy involving a submarine sandwich to conceptually explain what a midpoint is—a point that divides a segment into two equal halves. The video then transitions to the coordinate plane, introducing the formal mathematical formula used to find the midpoint between two points defined by (x,y) coordinates. The content covers two distinct types of problems that students frequently encounter. First, it demonstrates a direct application of the formula where students are given two endpoints and must calculate the midpoint. Second, it tackles a more advanced "working backwards" problem where students are given one endpoint and the midpoint, requiring them to use algebra to solve for the missing endpoint. The video uses clear color-coding and step-by-step algebraic substitution to make these procedures easy to follow. For educators, this video is an excellent resource for visual learners due to its clean graphics and distinct use of color to track variables. It effectively bridges the gap between the geometric concept of "middle" and the algebraic concept of "averaging," making it a powerful tool for introducing coordinate geometry. The inclusion of a visual check method using slope at the end provides a secondary strategy for students to verify their work.