Question

find the midpoint, m, of \overline{ef}.

m = ?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the midpoint formula

For two points \(x_1\) and \(x_2\) on a number line, the midpoint \(M=\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}\). Here \(x_1=-17\) and \(x_2 = 5\).

Step2: Substitute the values into the formula

Substitute \(x_1=-17\) and \(x_2 = 5\) into \(M=\frac{x_1 + x_2}{2}\), we get \(M=\frac{-17 + 5}{2}\).

Step3: Calculate the numerator

First, calculate \(-17+5=-12\). So the formula becomes \(M=\frac{-12}{2}\).

Step4: Calculate the final result

Then, \(\frac{-12}{2}=-6\).

Answer:

$-6$