Answer:
The value of k is equal to ab
Step-by-step explanation:
Use the midpoint formula between two points:
[tex]\displaystyle (x_m,y_m)=\left(\frac{x_1+x_2}{2},\frac{y_1+y_2}{2}\right)[/tex]
Therefore, the midpoint between (a+b, a-b) and (-a, b) is
[tex]\displaystyle \left(\frac{a+b-a}{2},\frac{a-b+b}{2}\right)=\left(\frac{b}{2},\frac{a}{2}\right)[/tex]
Next, we will use a fact:
- If a point (p, q) lies on a line ax+by = c, then plugging (p, q) = (x, y) to the equation will give us a true equation.
Because the midpoint (b/2, a/2) lies on ax+by = k, plugging (b/2, a/2) = (x, y) to ax+by = k shall give us a true equation. Plug in (b/2, a/2) = (x, y):
[tex]\displaystyle ax+by=a\left(\frac{b}{2}\right)+b\left(\frac{a}{2}\right)=\frac{2ab}{2}=ab=k[/tex]
So the value of k is equivalent to ab.