In triangle PQR, M is the midpoint of ¯QR. Find PM.
PQ = 5, PR = 8, QR = 11
First, let's use the Law of Cosines. It states that cosPMQ=−cosPMR
Thus, we can write the equations
PQ2=QM2+PM2−2(QM∗PM)∗(−cosPMR)PR2=RM2+PM2−2(RM∗PM)∗(cosPMR)
Plugging in the values we already know from the problem, we get
52=5.52+PM2+2(5.5∗PM)cos(PMR)82=5.52+PM2−2(5,5∗PM)cos(PMR)
Now, add these two equations. We get
52+82=2∗5.52+2PM289=60.5+2PM228.5/2=PM214.25=PM2
Thus, we have √14.25=PM≈3.77
The answer is 3.77.
Thanks! :)