Please help. Find the length of the midsegment XY. AB = 3, AC = 6, BC = 5

Question

anonymous · Answer

|dw:1387764973856:dw|

anonymous · Answer

is it supposed to be a right triangle? that would help a lot... if it is, it would be an impossible right triangle....

anonymous · Answer

There were no indications that it was a right triangle. This is all the information that was given.

nikato · Answer

Is XY parallel to AB?

anonymous · Answer

I would assume so if you follow the definition of midsegment.

anonymous · Answer

It's no wonder high schoolers can't figure this out.  I can't even reason this one through.

nikato · Answer

Have u ever heard of the midline theorem?

anonymous · Answer

yes...doesn't it state that the midline is 1/2 the length of the base

anonymous · Answer

I thought the midline would be 1.5 based upon that, but I couldn't back it up with the sides being 5 and 6

nikato · Answer

I don't think u have to use those 2 sides. U can back it up with the midline theorem and with the definition of midsegment

anonymous · Answer

OK. Thanks a lot.

nikato · Answer

No problem. And good luck in geometry!

anonymous · Answer

I'm retired...just trying to help someone out. Usually, I tutor on this site. But thanks...

nikato · Answer

Oh, my bad. I'm learning geometry now and still struggling. But I guess becuz it's honors. But once u understand its actually pretty cool how logical everything is in geometry

anonymous · Answer

I think so, too. Algebra is a lot more fun for me.