Why does my child think the midpoint of (1, 2) and (5, 6) is (6, 8)?
Your child adds the coordinates but forgets to halve them to find a midpoint, such as (6, 8) for (1, 2) and (5, 6).
Why children do it
Adding the coordinates is the first step to the midpoint, and children often stop there. The midpoint is the average: add, then halve. (1 + 5)/2 = 3 and (2 + 6)/2 = 4, so the midpoint is (3, 4).
How to help at home
Ask: is the midpoint between the two points? A midpoint is the average of the coordinates.
The right way
Find the midpoint of (3, 4) and (9, 10).
- (3 + 9)/2 = 6Average the x's.
- (4 + 10)/2 = 7Average the y's.
- (6, 7)The midpoint.
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