Point C is located at (1, 2) and point D is located at (−4, −2). Find the y value of the point that is 1 over 4 the distance from point C to point D.

Question

mathmale · Answer

Have you sketched this situation?  Not essential that you do so, but a sketch would help you to visualize points C and D and the approx. location of the point that is 1/4 of the way from C to D.

anonymous · Answer

okay, I really need an answer right now though, I'm timed and only have 1:30 secs left

mathmale · Answer

Although there are more sophisticated ways of solving this problem, using the midpoint formula twice in succession would do the trick.  Given points (a,b) and (c,d), the midpoint of the line segment connecting the two points is
$$(\frac{ a+c }{ 2 },\frac{ b+d }{ 2 })$$

mathmale · Answer

HN:  Sorry, I didn't know you were being timed.

mathmale · Answer

It may help you to work through this problem whether or not you'd get full credit for it.  I assume you'll be tested on this material later on, so you may as well learn it now.  Do you want to proceed?